Falcons Grind Out Win Over Fordham

The Falcons had a pretty long and tough game with the Fordham Rams at AA today, eventually emerging intact with a 65-59 victory. It was not easy, and the game was in doubt into the final minute. I don't mind us playing a tough game today...that's the kind of 40-minute tension we are going to have to be used to once the MAC schedule starts.

We actually trailed at half time, and Fordham was shooting 44% for the first 20 minutes, and I think if there is anything we know about our team is we will have a hard time winning when the other team shoots 44%.

The second half was better, as the Rams shot only 34.6% in the second half (9 Fgs), and that was enough for us to outscore them by 12 and win.

We had some great play off the bench. Nate Miller had 17 points--he remains the only player we have who can consistently finish around the basket. (Miller added 8 boards too). Chris Knight had 14 boards,but (case in point) shot only 2-10 from the field. Brian Moten also had 13 and had a couple key hoops in the second half when Fordham was on the run.

We smoked them on the boards (40-29), and had only 14 turnovers. Both teams shot 21 free throws, but for us to end up one free throw made from our opponent is a good night. We shot only 61% for the night. Watching Nate Miller shoot free throws is painful.

One thing I wonder. The Dusquesne guys were chortling that they started to take advantage of us when we moved out of the 2-3 and into a man to man. I haven't noticed any pattern like that. We seem to be able to play either pretty effectively and consistently which is a pretty good accomplishment. Did we go to the zone in the second half tonight....I seemed to notice more zone, but maybe I was just imagining things.

Well, we didn't cover the spread, but a win is a win. I'm planning to write tomorrow about what we have learned thus far, and what we might really have as the MAC season begins.