Bears vrs Mckendree University

by **Kip Dynamite** » October 27th, 2013, 6:52 pm

Bears won 104-71 with freshman Austin Ruder throwing down 16 points in his debut as a Bear.

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by **glm38** » October 27th, 2013, 6:56 pm

101-66 final. Bears played well after a rough first few minutes.

I was particularly impressed with 2 of our freshmen. Tyler our 6 10 center and Ruder our 2 guard. Tyler started and really did everything pretty well. Blocked 6 shots. Ruder is a fearless shooter and was lights out tonight.

I thought all the new guys played pretty well although Addo and Ron were cold from the outside. Kirk didn't start but played well. He looks stronger. Marcus played well.

I think other Valley schools will be most impressed with our depth. 2 starters from last year seem to be way down on the depth chart - Scheer and Thurman. But Thurman played really well in limited minutes not sure he stays down there.

Last year we were outsized just about every game but that won't be the case this year. Tyler is huge. And Addo, Ron, and Kirk all make for some pretty good size.

Just a D2 opponent but I was impressed.

by **AndShock** » October 27th, 2013, 7:39 pm

Always nice to see a Valley team putting up a 100 even if it is an exhibition against a D2 opponent. IMO, the more teams in the Valley that play that style, the better.

by **BEARZ77** » October 28th, 2013, 5:11 pm

Some really interesting developments coming out of early practices and the first exhibition. Veteran Scheer and soph Thurman aren't currently in the top 10 rotation, along with soph shooter Simpson and soph post Marshall. Both Simpson and Thurman played well yesterday, just have other guys ahead of them. Simpson hit 2 out of 3 deep treys and the 3rd rimmed out. Thurman scored 10 points on 4/4 shooting and had 7 rbs in 8 minutes. Ahead of him are 6'8 Addo and Kirk and 6'10 frosh McCullough along the front line. Kirk also might not start primarily because he is comfortable coming off the bench and he and McCullough compete for space down low while Addo can extend beyond the trey line. The Bears also like to go smaller at times with a rotation of Mvouika/Gulley/ and or Pickens paired with one post player. McCullough in his debut had 9pts,7rbs, 6blks, 2 assists. Addo went for 10pts,9rbs, Kirk 11pts,7rbs.

Austin Ruder will probably not redshirt, is definitely in running for solid minutes perhaps even starting at the sg. Just keeps making shots. Definitely have some guys needing crash courses on D-1 defense including Mvouika and both frosh guards, but they can make plays offensively. Ruder 16 pts on 4/7 treys, Thomas 10pts, 4 assists, Mvouika 5pts,7rbs,3 assists. Very interesting battles for probably one starting spot and the 9-11 spots in the rotation.

by **2livewu** » October 28th, 2013, 9:22 pm

Sounds like the Bears are borderline unstoppable. Here's to a great non-conference season for MSU!

by **glm38** » October 28th, 2013, 9:29 pm

2livewu wrote:Sounds like the Bears are borderline unstoppable. Here's to a great non-conference season for MSU!

I guarantee it's better than last year. Of course that's not saying much. Things do look really good though.

by **agrinut** » October 28th, 2013, 9:55 pm

2livewu wrote:Sounds like the Bears are borderline unstoppable. Here's to a great non-conference season for MSU!

Shocker fans will like the pace, the bears are not going to try and limit possessions this season.

by **Shockerfan13** » October 28th, 2013, 10:00 pm

agrinut wrote:
2livewu wrote:Sounds like the Bears are borderline unstoppable. Here's to a great non-conference season for MSU!

Shocker fans will like the pace, the bears are not going to try and limit possessions this season.

Good deal! Looking forward to a couple exciting games!

by **2livewu** » October 29th, 2013, 8:20 am

Uptempo games are always more enjoyable than the grind it out, grab and hold more typical pace of many of the Valley brethren.

I see mucho confidence from the Bear camp...should we have a redo on the fan poll?

by **agrinut** » October 29th, 2013, 8:54 am

2livewu wrote:Uptempo games are always more enjoyable than the grind it out, grab and hold more typical pace of many of the Valley brethren.

I see mucho confidence from the Bear camp...should we have a redo on the fan poll?

I think given our performance last year the spot we are picked is fair. One thing that has boosted this team immediately is a health Jarmar Gulley and the growth of his skill set that now includes a very proficient stroke from outside. There are gonna be trials obviously but one thing that is helping on my opinion is this up tempo offense. We aren't going to be VMU, but we will play fast rarely letting the shot clock go below 20 on the offensive side of the ball. Last year the Bears couldn't do anything in the post and were very limited because of their size. This year the Bears have 4 player on the roster listed at 6'8 or bigger, last year they had 1. Not saying we are world beaters but we are definitely better.