by purple&orange » November 9th, 2024, 7:29 pm
Evansville's week:
Loss at North Texas Loss 80-63
Tough opener vs a solid North Texas squad. UNT took control mid 1st half to lead by 25, 42-17 at half. Aces better in the 2nd half, MVC Freshman of the Year candidate Gabriel Pozzato led the way with 28 points. The Italian import has been Evansville's best player in the exhibition and the two regular season games and could make a case for All MVC honors before the season is over.
Win vs Brescia (NAIA) 96-49
Aces overpower the Bearcats who were vastly overmatched this afternoon in the home opener. Tayshawn Comer (EKU transfer) led the way with 21 points while returner Tanner Cuff had 14 rebounds and 8 assists. Evansville was able to get out in transition a lot easier in this one for obvious reasons. Curious to see if they can get out and run more this season to use the athleticism and finishing skills of Pozzato, Comer, others around the rim.
Things pick up next week at Middle Tennessee on Wednesday and Radford at home Saturday. Week 1 unfolded much to be expected as North Texas is the 2nd best non-conference opponent (at Ohio State) put it on them early. Offense was pretty stagnant in half 1 in Denton, got better in the 2nd half with more movement off the ball. Today was a glorified exhibition but it was good to see Battle and Hundley knock in 3s off the bench, something they didn't do at North Texas.
Ultimately the top 6 of Evansville: Comer, Cuff, Haffner, Pozzato, Hughes and Turnbull will lead the way, but if the Aces are to continue to improve under Ragland and get into the middle of the league, a couple bench guys like the two above will have to contribute as well.