Thursday, November 25, 2004

Falcons Play Well Against Cold Flames

BG played well last night and defeated a good UIC team that came within one shot of beating #3 Georgia Tech earlier in the week. No doubt, it had to be tough for them. You play that big game, and then you pile in a bus for five hours, haul your way across Indiana, to play in a gym with about 1,500 people in it and the promise of a bus ride back in a snowstorm, all on the night before a holiday.

Still, we played very good team defense, and UIC shot 28% for the game, and 20% in the first half, when we led by 18 (thank god it wasn't 20). They were 0-15 for threes for the whole game, and their all-star Cedrick Banks only got six points.

On our side, we played well. Our new additions are making a difference right away, and I think this team feels like it is much better than the team was last year. First, we have a true PG---maybe two. John Floyd really handles the ball, and seems in command. Dribbles out of pressure. 7 assists.

Perrick looks sharp to me, although he didn't play well last night, with 4 to's in 7 minutes. If Floyd continues to look this good, it gives him time to mature without starting right away.

Josh is playing great, especially on the inside. He had a big game with 17 points and 5 boards.

Steven Wright is a real #2, and was really not at home at point. He had 13 on 4-9 shooting, and played good D.

Scott Vandermeer is going to be an exciting player. he had seven boards and three blocks in 16 minutes. Dude has the longest arms in the MAC. Dakich said that he will end up in the NBA, which I hope is true. I hope he's MAC POY more. Right now, he adds a lot.

Soler adds some intensity and maturity for the 11 minutes he played.

We shot 51%, including 58% in the first half, and we nailed five threes.

The only downsides were 20 TOs, 27 fouls, and only hitting 56% of Fts, very unusual for us and something I think we will get back on track next time.

Overall, a great home opener for the guys, and I think a showing to fans that the team is going to play harder and as a team, and that there is enough talent for us to compete in the MAC, which is the next step back. I'm feeling good about my 17-10 call (we're actually +1 on that now).

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