The Road to #3

Well, tonight’s game is the road to #3. Win tonight and I think a #3 seed is pretty much sealed for the tourney. Win tonight and we also would have beaten the Dawgs, well, 3 times this year (and 5 straight overall).

Here’s a very quick set of keys or things to look for:

1) Hold Brockman down a little. He’s the one guy who I think will play well no matter what…We just need to stay in front of him, make him shoot over us, and keep him off of the offensive boards.

2) Attack their guards when we’re on offense. This is the second game in two nights..the more we make those boys work on defense, the more they will tire and their decision making will suffer in the second half. Look for our patience on offense and our ability to set screens AWAY from the basket. That will pull Hawes or Brockman away and put Appleby and Dent. in a positition to defend penetration all night long.

3) Don’t be surprised to see the Dawgs play a zone to save their legs and force the Cougs to shoot a little…I would….the shooting of Low, Harmeling, and Rochestie will be key if the Dawgs go zone for a long stretch.

4) We’re going to be leading this game at the end…will we make our free throws? Stay tuned.

5) This will be a GREAT test for both Baynes and Clark..Can Baynes continue to play well offenseively and stay out of foul trouble? Can Clark build momentum and keep the ball out of Brockman’s hands..

Bottom line: this game will be won by the Cougs tonight…the D will be too tough and the Dawgs will fade down the stretch with weary legs..

Just remember: these games don’t really mean that much for us, so enjoy them: next week is one and done time!