by Khan4Cats » November 23rd, 2011, 10:38 am
UNI actually didn't score the last 7:20 of the game and gave up the last 15 points of the game-the last 6 being free throws from WCU's starters.
And still won by 20 while holding a team under 40.
Not a pretty game for the run and gun purists, but exactly the type of game that UNI likes to play. UNI looked the best it has all year on defense-switching, helping, doubling, hedging and recovering, etc. and had WCU totally confused as to what to do. Forced probably half-a-dozen last second shot clock shots or shot clock violations. The trademark of Jacobson teams has been the defensive side of the ball and that was showing in this game-they keep playing like that and they will have a chance against most anyone.
Offensively, the two freshman starters had a good game and looked comfortable and in the flow. Deon Mitchell was smooth at point and made some crisp passes to set up players (and a couple that got bobbled on the receiving end and cost him assists) and showed he can get inside when he wants to (more like Anthony James quick penetration than Kwadzo's power moves). Seth Tuttle in the post had a nice game showing god hands and an ability to finish including a couple quick catch and dunks.
Other than that, still waiting for Anthony James to hit his stride this year. Jake Koch had a quiet 9 points, 9 boards, 4 blocks and 3 steals in 24 minutes. Nobody played more than 26 minutes and our #11 and 12 players off the bench got 9 and 8 minutes of playing time respectively.
Have two winnable games coming Friday and Saturday in South Padre against Rice and Providence. Would be nice to pick up a CUSA and Big East scalp before coming back to Iowa for the rest of the non-conference in December.