Hoopsters finally picked up a win against Ball State at home (67-57) last night in front of about 1,700 at Anderson Arena. Ball State is clearly not a great team, but every single MAC win is good for our team, so I'm glad to have it. We're 2-6 now.
With about 3 minutes left in the second half, we were up three. We then went on an 8-0 run down the homestretch and went to the locker room up 11. The second half, in contrast to recent games, was a nice piece of basketball, as BSU never got closer than 5, and generally were down in the 8-9 range the entire way.
Martin Samarco continues to play well. He played all 40 minutes with 21 points and 6-15 from the field.
The difference was Brian Moten. I have to confess that I have a thing about Brian Moten. Dude was recruited to play in the ACC, there has to be something there. Yet, he has really only contributed once this season. I just think that for this year's team, one more guard who can score would really make a difference, and next year, we're going to need a scorer. Well, last night, he had 16 points, 5-8 from the field and 31 minutes. Apparently, he was the source of some "leadership" from his teammates....quoting Coach Dakich...
"Earlier today Moten was hitting everything in practice, but there is a difference between a three o'clock hitter and a seven o'clock hitter. Sims, Moten, and Bland were hitting everything earlier today and I asked them if they where going to show up at seven o'clock. In practice on Monday Nate Miller got all over Moten and said `your not going to make it, you're not going to make it.' Then it clicked and Moten hit one, and in yesterday and today's practice he was making everything. I got in Nate's face and told him to guard Moten. In the locker room, even Samarco was chiming in and taking credit for Moten's success."
Ryne Hamblet had a good game too, with eight assists. BSU was even fronting him to keep him from getting the ball, and that's a nice testament for someone who isn't scoring.
Ball State shot 34% and scored less than 60 points. Its not shocking, but we are 30-something and 3 when we hold the team under 60.
Nate got 15 points and 9 boards. Dude is a real player. Can't wait to see him get some chemistry with Erik Marschall.
Falcons committed 23 fouls, which is typical if high. Just as importantly, we only turned the ball over 9 times. That would make a difference right there in bringing the season in for a softer landing than it was looking like a couple days ago.
We held Mills and Stovall in single digits scoring. Those are two very good players, and, however, it happened, when they don't get hot it is hard for BSU to win.
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