Trip To Fort Myers Ends Badly

 After one promising performance against Milwaukee, BG reverted to form Wednesday, losing to Southern Utah 87-73 in a game that wasn't that close.

The first half was competitive with lead changes etc.  SUU led by 4 at the half.  SUU came out on an 8-2 run to stretch the lead to double digits for the first time about 3 minutes in.  The Thunderbirds got the lead to 10 again about 5 minutes in and it never got inside 10 again.  On the contrary, with 13 minutes left it was 16 points, with 8 left it was 21,  It was still 20 with 3 minutes left...BG hit a couple 3s in garbage time to make it look closer, but this was a 20-point game.

BG's shooting was poor again--the worst since Western Carolina.  They took 45% of their shots from 3FG and made only 20%.  Their 2FG was 50%, but it ended up with 42.7% EFG.  They also had 18% turnovers and 28% offensive rebounding, neither of which helped the cause.  They only salvaged the night by getting to the line 29 times and making 26.  Overall, it was .99 points per possession, which is below average.  Last year, BG was winless at this level of offense.

Having said that, the defense was the bigger issue.  The Falcons gave up 1.18 points per possession.  SUU took 44% of their field goals from 3FG but they made 33% and 59% of their 2FGs.  They had some turnovers but killed it on the offensive boards and got to the line 27 times, making 20.  BG did not win last year at this level of defense and only one time the year before that.

Plowden had 18 points to lead the team.  He shot 5 of 13 overall and 2 of 4 from 3FG.  He also had 6 rebounds.  Fulcher had 11 points on 3 of 3 shooting in 20 minutes of play.  No one else scored in double figures.

Dakich always said you wanted to get a win before a break so you could enjoy the holiday.  On that theory, everyone will have something on their mind this year.  BG has Chicago State on Sunday--they are the 3rd lowest ranked team in D1.