I had a blast at the game today. Great showing by the traveling UC fans. Skillings brought a large group. I got to bump fists with Cane Broome and Terry Nelson too.
The Hofstra crowd was surprisingly subdued for most of the game. Learned afterwards that students were on spring break but aside from one of their first half runs, the crowd was a nonfactor.
Sat next to a longtime Hofstra season ticket holder who knew little about UC but had me scared before tipoff with how he described the incredible team effort to beat Rutgers.
We did a great job to utilize our size and strength advantages to make Hofstra look like an outmatched mid-major.
As for the players:
Really gained an appreciation for Nolley's gamesmanship. Truly carried himself with a swagger and confidence that was unmatched by anyone else on the court. I shudder at the thought of what this season would've looked like without him.
DDJ was phenomenal. He was intent on making plays with the ball in his hands from the very jump. 9 assists and 1 turnover in 33 minutes is outstanding. His leadership will be missed next season.
Ody is very physically impressive in person. His finishing and dominance on the boards - especially in the first half - was outstanding. There is definitely a role for him on next season's team.
Vik played very composed and had some impressive finishes at the rim as well.
MAW had a pretty typical game. Was a stable presence on both ends for the most part.
Skillings had a great defensive showing - especially in the 2nd half. Our halftime adjustments on guarding their two best players was the difference maker of the second half. Skillings played a huge role in that.
|