Billikens Shut Falcons Down...

The result is not a terrible surprise, as St. Louis entered the game as 20 point favorites and delivered a 27 point win.  They are a very strong defensive team that defends the shot very well, and they certainly did that on their way to the easy victory in game 2 of the Cancun Challenge.

The game was within reach for most of their first half.  BG went the first five minutes or so without a FG, and then the Falcons stabilized things.  The lead was 3 points with 4:30 left,  but then the Billikens went on a 7-0 to halftime to take a 29-19 lead.  BG made the first basket of the second half, but the Billikens scored the next 8 unanswered to lead by 16 with just inside 17 to play in the game.

The game was never closer than 12 after that, and the lead was never inside 20 for the last 10 minutes of the game.

Again, this is a very tough game for BG to play on the road.  Obviously, the program is far from at its highest point and Chauncey Orr is injured so there is not a lot of depth and St. Louis is really good.

The Billikens are known for defense, which makes the game a struggle for BG as well.  BG got .67 points per possession, their lowest since the MSU game in 10-11. BG shot 33% from the field and 12.5% from 3 (making 1), which nets out to an effective FG% of 34.3%.  If you combine that with 18 turnovers, only 24% on the offensive boards and making 55% of your free throws, despite getting to the line effectively, and you have a dreadful offensive night.

BG's defense allowed 1.06 points per possession, which is below average but not dreadful.  St. Louis shot 47% from the field and from beyond the arc, the second of which is obviously very good.  They made 8 treys.  They took care of the ball OK, but not great, had about an average night on the offensive boards but failed to get to the line.  Looking at the numbers, you'd actually expect a higher efficiency rating, but it is what it is.

NCAA Basketball

Individually, Spencer Parker led the way again for BG with 13 points on 4 of 9 shooting.  No other Falcons scored in double figures, and most shared in the shooting woes.  BG's starting guards shot 6 of 19, Tisdale was 1 of 8, and Cam Black was 1 of 6.  In addition to shooting struggles, Jehvon Clarke had 0 assists and 5 turnovers.  Tisdale had 4 turnovers and Henderson 3.

On the boards, Cam Black had 8 (which is unusual) and Holmes had 6.

BG did do a much better job on fouls, committing only 10 for the game after some struggles with that so far this year.

So, BG is 1-3 and 0-3 in D1 games.  They are heading to Cancun right now, and play Presbyterian at 12:30 on Tuesday.  That's one you need to win and should win, and we will see where things go from there.  I don't think we have see any surprises from this team yet, but these last two games were tough assignments.