Leatherneck Nation

To me, I feel like the guys aren't getting the offense and the defense is a big Achilles heel. Hopefully with a full year under his belt to recruit, coach can finally find guys who can run this system.

South Dakota wins the game 68-58.

Western had an 8-point lead at the half (33-25). But South Dakota State outscored Western by 18 (43-25) in the second half.

ESPN named J.C. Fuller as Western's "Top Performer": 23 Pts, 2 Reb, 4 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk.

HUGE free throw differential. South Dakota shot 29 free throws (made 22). Western only shot 6 free throws (made 2).

43 rebounds for South Dakota. 32 for Western.

Attendance at Western Hall was 1,126.


In the Summit's other game tonight, North Dakota State beat IUPUI 69-61 in overtime. Attendance at IUPUI was 1,224.

Hotel wifi was out so I did not get to see it but did listen. It sounded like good coaching adjustment on their part (pound paint which definitely is our Achilles heel). Yes, I will be disappointed if Billy does not experiment with some other defensive looks but no I will not give up on a young team and 1st year coach.

would definitely like to see some adjustments. find ways to do things differently and better.

only chance at any post season now is 3 wins in march so thats the time to be playing good basketball. got a month or so to figure it out

Here's an observation from a fan's perspective of Thursday night's game:

The Gold-shirt "Event Staff" ushers need to know which sections are "General Admission".

The usher in Section F was directing students to the behind-the-basket bleachers. While those two sections are marked as "Student Section", in reality everything on the south side of Western Hall, with the exception of Section K, is General Admission.

http://www.goleathernecks.com/sports/20 ... 45534.aspx

With the amount of money that Western students are assessed in fees to support athletics, they need to get better treatment and seating at the games.

It is another disappointing year. I saw glimpses of hope, but we just do not have the full package and we do not have a viable post man. If our best play in this years recruitment class is not 6'8" I do not think we will see a run to the playoffs during the Covington era.... He has to have players around him not only from the outside aspect, but also need ones who can rebound and be a presence inside the paint. Chapman is not that and appearantly neither is Reynolds.

Saturday's games:
Nebraska-Omaha beat Denver 80-69. Attendance at Omaha was 1,273.
IUPUI beat South Dakota 65-50. Attendance at IUPUI was 1,320.
IPFW upset North Dakota State 77-71. Attendance at IPFW was 1,839.
South Dakota State beat Oral Roberts 76-72. Attendance at Oral Roberts was 4,509.

After the 2-0 conference start, I admit I am disappointed in how things have gone, but they have had some injuries. Miklusak the latest has really hurt. Even though I was hoping for big things this season, being Billy's first season this year is still a year of adjustment. I haven't given up on the season though.

Yes. I gave up. I am 63 years old and time is running out for me to see a WIU hoops team in the NCAA tourney. I gave up this year after seeing them in person against U of I Circle. Unless we get big guys we have no chance. Even Covington was not good that day, but I know he is. But big guys. Big guys. Big guys. Please.
Meanwhile, Molinari looks good on Nebraska sideline.

Billy Wright and the boys have just gotten started. Why would you give up? Talented big men are tough to come by right out of high school. The good ones go "big time!" Developing one can be a 3 to 4 year process. There are certainly times when I don't agree with shot selection, but it's a lot better to watch then weaving until time runs out. Give the men some time! jc