Offense with a purpose!
Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 8:40 pm
So I had the opportunity to watch the Necks from a front row, black seat, last night. My impression of the first half had everything to do with two IPFW possessions in a row in which the Necks played text book defense only to have a Mastadon hit a three as time was almost up on the shot clock. I mean Jalen Morgan had his long arm up right in front of the Leatherneck bench, and the kid from IPFW hit a three. At that point, it would be easy to think, "whats the use!" But totally contested shots that go in early usually fail to go in late as fatigue sets in.
I think though that we got to see the extremes of the same type of offense. Sometimes the Necks take way toooooo many dribbles and you just want to yell, "move, move!" Down the stretch feeding it to the "big guy" ended up being very effective. IPFW ran the offense like clock work, but at times, their rate was waaaaaaaaay out of whack. And yet as I said earlier, I would to see more calculated movement from the Necks. Both teams constantly set screens, both shot threes, both excelled in the full court game, in fact, their was a point in the 2nd half where we could have moved the game to a hoop in the park. But the Leathernecks had more energy at the end, more defensive energy which eventually resulted in made baskets and a victory. Neither team helped themselves with free throws in the OT, but still, the Necks prevailed.
Got some great minutes from Bruster, Hughes, and Morgan. In fact, Morgan was asked to defend a 3 and did a nice job in my opinion. The Necks needed this win and I hope they enjoyed it last night. I certainly did! jc
I think though that we got to see the extremes of the same type of offense. Sometimes the Necks take way toooooo many dribbles and you just want to yell, "move, move!" Down the stretch feeding it to the "big guy" ended up being very effective. IPFW ran the offense like clock work, but at times, their rate was waaaaaaaaay out of whack. And yet as I said earlier, I would to see more calculated movement from the Necks. Both teams constantly set screens, both shot threes, both excelled in the full court game, in fact, their was a point in the 2nd half where we could have moved the game to a hoop in the park. But the Leathernecks had more energy at the end, more defensive energy which eventually resulted in made baskets and a victory. Neither team helped themselves with free throws in the OT, but still, the Necks prevailed.
Got some great minutes from Bruster, Hughes, and Morgan. In fact, Morgan was asked to defend a 3 and did a nice job in my opinion. The Necks needed this win and I hope they enjoyed it last night. I certainly did! jc