|
|
Post by chaseinmanhattan on Dec 24, 2016 1:26:02 GMT -5
Comically bad 3 point defense for the first 38 minutes.
Way too much hero ball on offense.
Officiating was horrid. Even Lieberman's last shot came off of a blatant push off in front of everyone.
Well ....
we are undefeated for nonconference!
|
|
|
|
Post by TrojanMindSC on Dec 24, 2016 1:45:01 GMT -5
That was a tough matchup for USC. Wyoming's starting lineup was too big for Aaron at the PF and when they went smaller, they were just as long with Dalton.
A lot of their open looks were because we had to scramble on defense or there was a horrible mismatch somewhere. I really, really hate our zone defense when we go big. In fact, I just hated going zone in that game because Dalton is the perfect player in the high post.
The great part of that game is we didn't crumble when the refs called everything against us. We didn't crumble when we got down or when they sent the game to OT. This team is competitive and will only get better.
The biggest risk with this team is hero ball. Aaron and Metu (and Boatwright) have a tendency to go make bad decisions if they don't get a shot/ score for long stretches.
|
|
|
|
Post by mbtrojan on Dec 24, 2016 2:26:29 GMT -5
It was a fun entertaining game to watch and I'm thrilled with the win. The coaches deserve a lot of credit for how much this team has improved since the start of the season. We are really lucky to have this coaching staff and the future is bright. Fight On Trojans!
|
|
|
|
Post by chaseinmanhattan on Dec 24, 2016 4:51:34 GMT -5
The biggest risk with this team is hero ball. Aaron and Metu (and Boatwright) have a tendency to go make bad decisions if they don't get a shot/ score for long stretches. Totally agreed. If we move the ball, our shooting efficiency is off the charts. |
|
|
|
Post by TVofTroy on Dec 24, 2016 9:13:59 GMT -5
Too many positives to be too focused on negatives now.
Better defensively than we were last year.
For the first time that I can remember, didn't lose any games to inferior teams.
Three freshman who are all solid contributors and two who can be spectacular.
Marked improvement from Metu and a true leader in McLaughlin.
Wins against good teams on the road and at neutral sites.
Time to enjoy this group. Get a split next week, come home and get two and see what happens.
|
|
|
|
Post by usc5rfi on Dec 24, 2016 10:13:49 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Marty46r1 on Dec 24, 2016 10:16:33 GMT -5
I thought it was a terrific win especially since Aaron was God awful and Metu and Stewart did not have good games. The freshman stepped up big and that was the big difference in the game.
TrojanMind,you are so right about "hero" ball. I think you can throw Stewart in there also at times.Enfield has got to preach team ball and patience. He should show them film of how the Warriors play again. BTW,Aaron's body language is awful and when you play as poorly as he did yesterday,sulking is not the answer. He was a 5 star recruit? So much for stars and ratings.
|
|
|
|
Post by cabrillojaguar on Dec 24, 2016 12:43:53 GMT -5
As much has Elijah has improved thus far this season & I love the fact that he does so many little things other than score, he took some terrible shots down the stretch which almost cost them the victory. I think there was one possession very late in the game where he settled for a 3 with a lot of time left in the game and you can see Coach Jason Hart throw his hands up in disgust. Regardless of being undefeated, the team still has plenty of room to grow which should be a major concern for the rest of the Pac12 because of the youth, athleticism & talent that the USC program has. Also want to give a round of applause to J-Mac who has been remarkable since Bennie got injured and played well over 40 minutes and committed ZERO turnovers. Fight on & happy Holidays!
|
|
|
|
Post by Jlt4usc on Dec 25, 2016 13:22:03 GMT -5
LOVE MATTHEWS. Loved the defensive spark that Matthews brought when he was in the game. Since he scored 26, the offensive spark too!
Aaron forcing up shots and missing badly today really took away the momentum early. He needs to learn to drive or pass if his shot isn't falling. The team played better when not settling too quickly for outside shots. Also, Aaron looks good when he drives the lane.
Also...1 and 1's matter and they almost lost because of not hitting a one at the end of ref. Same thing happened in the NCAA tourney defeat last year after leading a winnable game. Quick shots that didn't fall and not hitting a 1and 1 let that team back into the game too. Little things matter.
Overall, LOVE this team. Most balanced team I've seen at USC with a lot of raw talent. I've been cheering every game and my loyalty is deep.
|
|
|
|
Post by tjmac on Dec 25, 2016 21:42:06 GMT -5
"Aaron forcing up shots and missing badly today really took away the momentum early. He needs to learn to drive or pass if his shot isn't falling."
or get a rebound, or hustle for a loose ball, or set a screen, or play defense. Anything other than stand there and sulk. Matthews, Stewart and especially Melton all do other things when their shots aren't falling. There is no excuse for standing around contributing nothing. SC was up by 8 when Aaron started shooting. The lead was gone in 4 possessions.
|
|
|
|
Post by bignat1 on Dec 26, 2016 1:13:51 GMT -5
Thought it was a great game. Tournament type game that will prepare this team down the road. When you play a tough veteran team that can shoot, pass and are fundamentally sound. Not gonna make alot of mistakes. Even with that we did what we had to do to win the game. Were their mistakes made? Without a doubt but we need this type of game. Our athleticism won't win every game. Neither will 3 point shooting. We have to learn to stay mentally tough play strong half court basketball when we need to. And that's what we did. Defense, rebounding and half court set's. It's easy for this team to get up and down the court and fast break but championship basketball will come down to defense, rebounding and halfcourt set's. I love our team. This is what a program should look like. Fight On to coach Enfield and staff for starting the constructing of a sustainable program here in the Galen.
|
|
