The finals of the Paradise Jam ended up being more of Nevada's jam as the Wolf Pack rolled easily over the Falcons to win the event. They opened the game at 18-6 and the lead was over 10 continuously over the last 30 minutes of the game. BG didn't fold...they battled the lead back to the low teens a couple of times, but just didn't have anything in the tank.
Justin Turner did not dress and then Dylan Frye only played 20 minutes. Todd Walker seemed to think it was exhaustion-related as there did not appear to be a physical injury. So, you have a team that played two pitched battles and the late game the night before as compared to an earlier game for Nevada. The Wolf Pack had two easy wins in their earlier games and BG was without their two best players. It didn't work out.
BG made only 9 of 23 from 2FG and 0 of 12 from beyond the arc in the first half, when the game was decided. Meanwhile, NV made 41% of their 3FGS in the first half and ended up shooting 48% for the game on 3FGs.
Daeqwon Plowden had 13 points and 6 rebounds, both leading the team. FR Chandler Turner had 12 on 5 of 8 shooting and Caleb Fields had 10 on 4 of 11 shooting. Dylan Swingle had 9 points in 10 minutes and had a couple nice moves to get baskets, according to Walker's call.
It was still a great weekend in the VI. BG picked up two big wins as they hit an easier part of the schedule.
A couple thoughts. First, getting to the NCAA tournament requires winning three games in three days. Hopefully, we learned a little about that and with everyone healthy we can win on that third day (especially with the adrenaline of a MAC final). It's just one reason why it is so hard to win a tournament.
Second--and related--relates to Justin Turner. I have no idea about his injury. However, the only must-win games on the schedule are the last four or last three, depending on how you finish the regular season. Hamstring injuries can be nagging and BG needs Turner to be healthy when we get to the MAC tournament and whatever that requires now should be done.
Dartmouth in on Saturday...the Big Green beat Buffalo earlier this year but also lost big to Jacksonville. Let's get a nice crowd at the Stroh for the game....
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