Butler didn't do it ThoughtZ™

[RichZ]

1. Good to see Alex back.
2. Looking good on offense early -- defense, not so much.
3. As soon as I typed that, our D started picking up.
4. Weird scoring anomaly -- at 9:41 time out, all six Butler players who had been in the game had exactly two points each.
5. Tristen with the great block just before the half, then left his man open for a three on the ensuing inbound with 2 seconds.
6. At the half, 33 of our 35 points had come from Spencer, Clingan and Diarra. The three were 11 of 14. Tristen, Castle, Stewart and Johnson were scoreless. Alex got the other two points.
7. First half shooting percentages: 58, 27, 75 for the good guys, to 32, 22, 100 for them other guys.
8. Pretty awful start to the 2nd half.
9. Seems like we just can't get the separation we need. Every time we increase the lead, Butler answers.
10. Our motion offense, weaving around the perimeter seemed off. We looked indecisive on almost every pass.
11. Castle finally woke up with 10 minutes left and scored 5 quick points.
12. Despite coach Hurley's protestations, the offensive foul call on Spencer at mid-court was a good call. He'd actually been doing it all game, but that one was particularly egregious and there was no one else close to them so it really stood out.
13. Picked up our rebounding in the 2nd half. We had a 7 board disadvantage in the first half, and outrebounded Butler by 6 in the 2nd half.
14. 12 pts from our bench, only 4 from Butler's.
15. Shooting percentages for the game were 47, 37, 79 to 37, 22, 93.
16. Game was ugly, and the score was closer than it should have been. But at this point, a win is a win.

 

[prankster]

Diarra accounted for 9 of those bench points, himself.

Normalize for that and it was 3 bench points for us and 4 for them.

The stat you cited was totally correct (obviously). But still, interesting if you discount Diarras effort.

 

[Huskybass]

Love Spencer but point # 12 is spot on. Fantastic player, arguably our MVP, but that was clearly an offensive foul.

...and Diarra, he has been so good off the bench. Brings toughness and veteran leadership and has learned how to put up some points as well. Not many teams have a bench player who impacts the game this much.

 

[prankster]

I got a bit worried when Newton went down.

9 Diarra points later, I was not so concerned.

 

[AllHusky]

Diarra accounted for 9 of those bench points, himself.

Normalize for that and it was 3 bench points for us and 4 for them.

The stat you cited was totally correct (obviously). But still, interesting if you discount Diarras effort.

Our bench is decidedly inexperrienced compared to last years:

23 24
Calcaterra Diarra
Alleyne Johnson
Diarra Ball
Clingan Stewart

Which bench would you prefer?

 

[prankster]

Difficult comparison.

Just look at last year's C position.

Sanogo as our starter, with Clingan off the bench. Two very capable players but each with significantly different strengths and weaknesses.

This year Clingan with Johnson off the bench.

Watching last night, on D, for instance, Johnson is much more active, gets more steals, etc.

On O, Johnson much more mobile, more alley-oop slams, etc.

I DK which one, last year or this, that the opposition wants to see get the fewest minutes.

Both years, two difficult matchups.

 

[Padutch5]

Love Spencer but point # 12 is spot on. Fantastic player, arguably our MVP, but that was clearly an offensive foul.

...and Diarra, he has been so good off the bench. Brings toughness and veteran leadership and has learned how to put up some points as well. Not many teams have a bench player who impacts the game this much.

Only problem with that observation is—why was it called at this point when it was going on by both teams all night. The inconsistency is disturbing.

 

[RichZ]

Only problem with that observation is—why was it called at this point when it was going on by both teams all night. The inconsistency is disturbing.

Because it was done in the open court, no other bodies around to interfere with sight-line, etc., directly in front of the ref. It was definitely more egregious than most of the others. And the defender sold it, by bouncing backwards and almost losing his balance.

 

[jibsey]

Difficult comparison.

Just look at last year's C position.

Sanogo as our starter, with Clingan off the bench. Two very capable players but each with significantly different strengths and weaknesses.

This year Clingan with Johnson off the bench.

Watching last night, on D, for instance, Johnson is much more active, gets more steals, etc.

On O, Johnson much more mobile, more alley-oop slams, etc.

I DK which one, last year or this, that the opposition wants to see get the fewest minutes.

Both years, two difficult matchups.

No. Last night Samson Johnson played 10 minutes. He had 3 points, 3 fouls, and 0 rebounds. He had 2 steals. How is he a difficult matchup compared to what we had with Sanogo and Clingan year?
We have to use him, we have no one else. Now we have great other weapons this year and could be just as good overall but at this point I'm still not sure but I wish he could rebound and his offense is basically an alley oop. Of course I root for the kid like crazy but hoped he would be better.
Hurley has gone small with good success, our bench is talented and I think we see more of it.

 

[uconnfan68]

Our bench is decidedly inexperrienced compared to last years:

23 24
Calcaterra Diarra
Alleyne Johnson
Diarra Ball
Clingan Stewart

Which bench would you prefer?

The one with Diarra.