Happy Weekend, Cougar Nation!
So, after what was thought to be a super, dream season, we now find ourselves squarely on the brink.
Lose tomorrow, and i think that you will watch these kids do a Husky-esque nose dive reminiscent of last year’s Husky Floppers.
Win tomorrow and I think you will see our boys regroup en route to what should be both a very interesting AND very successful season.
Despite what the last two games have demonstrated record wise, I actually think that this team has shown a bit of a rebound–at least defensively. Last night, they generally stayed home, made UCLA play over the top, and battled like only our boys can–HARD. They played Bennett ball but simply were just outclassed by a true title contender.
Our current problem rests in three basic sources: a pretty stagnant offensive scheme, the MASSIVE disappearance of our main man Baynes, and an even bigger loss of confidence. Although I know that the days of 12-0 are a distant memory for most of us, but Baynes early on was a HUGE key to our success and ascension as was our moxy that we WOULD win any close game. Now, it appears as if we are fearful of the end of games.
In spite of scheme troubles (why we didn’t backdoor their overplay Thursday night was unbelievable to me), I think that this group generally seems poised to make a run. The question is, can they get a stinkin win before its too late?
Win against SC, you get back over .500 and put yourself in a position to make a nice little run toward a 11-7 type finish–which would get us a nice 6-7 seed in the tourney.
Lose tomorrow, and you then face a real stinkin’ struggle–with little relief in sight (all of the Oregon schools look like tough games, from this view. Then again, win today, get the confidence back to win close games and we could very easily be 20-5 heading into the Arizona schools).
I am real torn about which way this team is going to go. On one hand, I think that we are about to explode and really take one out on SC tomorrow.
On the other hand, I fear that any close game is not going to go our way.
In the end, I think that tomorrow Weaver slows down Mayo–I think Taylor plays well, and I think Baynes does too against a team that has no real answer for him.
We win this one 68-61 in a game that will be a lot like last year–we won by 7 but were in “total control” the whole time.
The rebound (and can we get some of those too?) starts against SC, folks.
And it better.
It better.
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