BG MBB Romps over TXST

 Hey now.

That was a very interesting performance by the BG MBB last night.

This was a D1 game against a team that is ranked roughly where we are.  Yes, at home.  But a game viewed as relatively even.  

And we finally saw a team fly around.

We're had the motto for a couple years, but either didn't have the personnel or didn't have the health to "fly around."

Last night, especially in the second half, we saw a team flying around.  On offense, we saw a high-energy attack, sometimes getting transition baskets off made baskets, even the defense was back.  The offense made shots from all ranges.  BG finished at 1.18 points per possession.

And the defense?  BG executed a stifling defense, just claustrophobic.  We haven't seen defensive energy like that in years.  For the game, TXST had .62 points per possession. 

In the second half, it was .54 points per possession. They were 8 of 20 on 2FG and 0 of 9 on 3FG.  8 turnovers.  (BG had 0). They rebounded only 4 of their 20 missed shots. And shot 5 FTs.

Immediately, things seem to be looking up.  Long way to go and all that...but if this was an example of the brand of basketball Coach Simon has been talking about, it is going to be fun to watch.

For the game.  BG shot 58% and 46% for the game. TXST was 48% and 18%.  Obviously, you win by 35, you are going win the statistical categories.

Individually:

Javonte Campbell had 15 on 5 of 10 and 1 of 3 shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 1 turnover.  If that is the kind of thing that works for you.

Leader scorer though?  Mayar Wol, off the bench.  Guy we got late after Khayat went pro. Comes off the bench, scores 19 on perfect shooting, 2 of 2 from 2FG and all 4 of his 3FGs.  In 28 minutes.

Troy Glover II looked to be a force.  First, he had 12 of 5 of 7 shooting.  Added 4 rebounds.  But blocked 2 shots and impacted way more.  Huge advantage to an aggressive defense to have a shot blocker.

Ruffin had 13 on 2-2 and 2-4 shooting in 19 minutes. Shackelford had 10 on 2-3 and 2-8 shooting and 5 rebounds.

BG played 15 total, including Alijah Adem and Christian Dedivanaj making their debuts.  BG had 8 players play more than 10 minutes, and Kimbrough played 9.

The Falcons never trailed.

Fantastic start. A peek into what could be.  BG's next test is at Davidson on 11/15, picked #12 in the A-10.