MVC Games 11/18-11/24

[BEARZ77]

Bears lose another tough one, this one to Buffalo by 1 point. Bears have lost 4 games by a total of 9 points, none by more than 4. Inconsistent play especially at pg and decision making late in games has been an issue. Bears tend to get down at some point in each game, but seem resilient and claw back into it only to shoot self in foot down the stretch. Ford still tinkering with rotation, is not using his depth as much as anticipated; Ridder still out with shoulder issues, Mosley not seeing the floor much, and Mohammed starting, to give more toughness and rebounding while Prim is worked in. While we are playing good teams close, the reasons we are losing could be year long issues as I anticipate we will be in mostly tight games all year. Not much of a fan of Dixon at the pg; kid plays hard is athletic and can make plays, but is too emotional and gets carried away and makes poor decisions at critical times. Combine that with Cook , who is a big time shot maker but also a turnover machine and our guard play is really inconsistent. With games on the road at LSU and VCU and a couple decent home games against Murray State and Arkansas St, Bears might take a few more lumps while sorting it out.

I think we'll be pretty salty in conference play; but playing the type of schedule now that is unforgiving to inconsistent play and we're paying the price.But if that improves, we are a tough matchup for a lot of Valley teams with Prim inside and our length on the wings. Since returning for last 4 games no team has had an answer for Prim, who while only playing average of 22 minutes is averaging 16.5 ppg, 60% fg, has 5 blks and 5 stls. Has been surprising passing the ball out of double teams which are now coming regularly, had 4 really nice assists against Buffalo and could of had a couple others except for missed shots. He's a beast, but also very crafty and has a soft touch on a variety of old time post shots.

West starting to play better, and DaSilva finding how to play opposite of Prim more effectively. In the zone we are playing now, we often go 6'8,6'8, 6'8, and either 6'7 or 6'5 with the pg [ who when it's Cooper is 6'3] ; we still are working on rotations and have breakdowns too often, but it can be tough to find shots against that length.

I'm not sold on Dixon at pg or whether Ford is more than just a great recruiter and .500 coach, but I think we'll be in the hunt on talent alone. But given the number of close games I anticipate, those two things could be the difference between 1st and 7th.

[Bradleyfan1]

Loy rest picks coming asap