Well, this is a relief. We had a rough patch to start the season, but the Lady 'Saders came out guns ablazin' tonight! This is a great win for the program. According to a poster "ITK" ("in the know"), Houston was supposed to be the second coming of David Robinson. Her 18 pts and 9 boards was nice, but not nearly enough for this talented VU squad. Maybe a meal of crow is in order? :lol:
Our three point and free throw shooting still needs work, but tonight was very encouraging. If the LS can put up wins against Lehigh and IPFW, I think it will safe to say we have turned things around and we may even put the suits down at corporate (read: NCAA goons/selection committee) on notice about this team!
WTGLS!
Well, I wasn't going to respond...but Notre Dame is getting blows out by Gonzaga, so I'm bored...
Houston had 18 and 9, basically on the court by herself, considering the rest of her team. I said she would be the best player on the court when she wanted to be, and WHEN SHE WANTED TO BE, she was...no questions asked. That said, IUN doesn't exactly have any pieces around her. As I said, I've been watching IUN quite a bit over the last week, and will continue to do so...it seems that you have no idea who I am (that sounds a bit self-important...), but I can assure you that the other posters who read these threads do know who I am and what my history is...I'm not exactly an outsider to the world of women's basketball or Valpo women's basketball. Again...Houston was the best player on the court when she wanted to be...she just doesn't want to be very often, and I'm pretty sure that's what I said would happen. So, eat crow, no thanks...I'll stick to my usual routine.
On another note, hopefully, this is the first of many...when all of the pieces of this team finally get put together, I think they have a chance to be a decent team.
Quote from: ValpoHoops on November 30, 2011, 11:02:43 PM
Well, I wasn't going to respond...but Notre Dame is getting blows out by Gonzaga, so I'm bored...
Houston had 18 and 9, basically on the court by herself, considering the rest of her team. I said she would be the best player on the court when she wanted to be, and WHEN SHE WANTED TO BE, she was...no questions asked. That said, IUN doesn't exactly have any pieces around her. As I said, I've been watching IUN quite a bit over the last week, and will continue to do so...it seems that you have no idea who I am (that sounds a bit self-important...), but I can assure you that the other posters who read these threads do know who I am and what my history is...I'm not exactly an outsider to the world of women's basketball or Valpo women's basketball. Again...Houston was the best player on the court when she wanted to be...she just doesn't want to be very often, and I'm pretty sure that's what I said would happen. So, eat crow, no thanks...I'll stick to my usual routine.
On another note, hopefully, this is the first of many...when all of the pieces of this team finally get put together, I think they have a chance to be a decent team.
Oh brother...
Random thoughts about last night's game:
Certainly a nice win for the team. I thought they did a lot of good things last night. This should help them in the confidence department, and a nice start to a 3 game home stretch. It was good to see Horton getting some extended minutes and I though the guard play did a nice job of getting her involved often. Actually, I felt our guard play was the best they've been all season. They did a nice job of steping into the passing lanes and disrupting the flow on D. I still believe we are a much better team defensively when we are playing "in your face" ball out on the point. Our guards are agressive and physical enough, and have enough speed to keep up the preasure without over committing. Richards appears to be over her ailment, and it was nice to see her getting the blows she needs periodically. I though Carr did a nice job coming in and running the floor, and distributing the ball. All of our ladies did a nice job of recovering on transition defense and not allow any easy baskets. As a team, our defensive effort was about as good as we've played yet. Our bigs seemed to force some akward shots inside at times, and missed some opportunities to kick the ball back out and reset when in trouble. Getting Horton in for extended minutes probably played a bigger role in the teams success then you would think. from an attitude standpoint, just having another player in the rotation contributing is huge. I can't wait to see what we are capable of when we get more players playing, and we all get on the same page.
Nice win ladies. Keep it rolling.
Quote from: jack on December 01, 2011, 09:21:49 AM
Random thoughts about last night's game:
Certainly a nice win for the team. I thought they did a lot of good things last night. This should help them in the confidence department, and a nice start to a 3 game home stretch. It was good to see Horton getting some extended minutes and I though the guard play did a nice job of getting her involved often. Actually, I felt our guard play was the best they've been all season. They did a nice job of steping into the passing lanes and disrupting the flow on D. I still believe we are a much better team defensively when we are playing "in your face" ball out on the point. Our guards are agressive and physical enough, and have enough speed to keep up the preasure without over committing. Richards appears to be over her ailment, and it was nice to see her getting the blows she needs periodically. I though Carr did a nice job coming in and running the floor, and distributing the ball. All of our ladies did a nice job of recovering on transition defense and not allow any easy baskets. As a team, our defensive effort was about as good as we've played yet. Our bigs seemed to force some akward shots inside at times, and missed some opportunities to kick the ball back out and reset when in trouble. Getting Horton in for extended minutes probably played a bigger role in the teams success then you would think. from an attitude standpoint, just having another player in the rotation contributing is huge. I can't wait to see what we are capable of when we get more players playing, and we all get on the same page.
Nice win ladies. Keep it rolling.
Great point re: Horton...I had the same thought cross my mind last night. This game could be a springboard for her to, at the very least, get some minutes in the rotation and make us deeper. Definitely on the same wavelength on this one.
Quote from: Crusader03 on November 30, 2011, 10:37:30 PM
This is a great win for the program.
It is an expected blowout win over IUN. It is not a great win for the program.
The only thing it could have been would be an embarrassing loss.
And let me just chime in to say the phrase you use as a nickname for the team is unbelievably ridiculous.
Quote from: Valpo89 on December 01, 2011, 11:00:29 AM
Quote from: Crusader03 on November 30, 2011, 10:37:30 PM
This is a great win for the program.
It is an expected blowout win over IUN. It is not a great win for the program.
The only thing it could have been would be an embarrassing loss.
And let me just chime in to say the phrase you use as a nickname for the team is unbelievably ridiculous.
It's a great win in the sense that we beat a local team and looked good in doing so. Also, as Valpohoops told us, they have a great player on their team. We showed that we can stop a talented player, overcome the pressure of a local rivalry game and that we had the moxie to bounce back from a tough losing streak to win a game.
Do you guys remember Steve Urkel's catchphrase? Of course you do...it was "Did I do thaaaaaat?!?" At first we all found it annoying and grating, but eventually we all started using it and it became a normal part of conversation. Next thing you know, people were wearing Urkel shirts and doing the Urkel dance. Long story short, I have a feeling "Lady 'Saders" will catch on and I'll be the one cashing in on all the gear!!! :lol:
Keep dreaming, '03.
This is NOT a rivalry game. IUN is NAIA Division II. Who cares?
The only reason it is a sort-of big deal is because the girls needed a win, and Keith needed a win for his sanity.
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 01, 2011, 11:11:13 AM
Do you guys remember Steve Urkel's catchphrase? Of course you do...it was "Did I do thaaaaaat?!?" At first we all found it annoying and grating, but eventually we all started using it and it became a normal part of conversation.
Speak for yourself.
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 01, 2011, 11:11:13 AM
Quote from: Valpo89 on December 01, 2011, 11:00:29 AM
Quote from: Crusader03 on November 30, 2011, 10:37:30 PM
This is a great win for the program.
It is an expected blowout win over IUN. It is not a great win for the program.
The only thing it could have been would be an embarrassing loss.
And let me just chime in to say the phrase you use as a nickname for the team is unbelievably ridiculous.
It's a great win in the sense that we beat a local team and looked good in doing so. Also, as Valpohoops told us, they have a great player on their team. We showed that we can stop a talented player, overcome the pressure of a local rivalry game and that we had the moxie to bounce back from a tough losing streak to win a game.
Do you guys remember Steve Urkel's catchphrase? Of course you do...it was "Did I do thaaaaaat?!?" At first we all found it annoying and grating, but eventually we all started using it and it became a normal part of conversation. Next thing you know, people were wearing Urkel shirts and doing the Urkel dance. Long story short, I have a feeling "Lady 'Saders" will catch on and I'll be the one cashing in on all the gear!!! :lol:
What is that sound? Oh, it is Crusader03's reputation going down...
While I support all of VU sports, I don't think this team will be doing anything this year. Maybe in a few years. They have not won a game against a Division I opponent. I really only expect a few wins, maybe 4 or 5, against Division I opponents this year.
I like 03's enthusiasm, but get realistic. :crazy:
According to Sagarin's and Massey, the VU Women's team is last in the ratings for Horizon. Hopefully, they can turn things around.
http://www.rpiratings.com/womrate.php (http://www.rpiratings.com/womrate.php)
http://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?s=179269&t=3339 (http://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?s=179269&t=3339)
Seriously, why are we focusing on Sagarin and Massey ratings? I honestly don't give a darn what ratings say, because all they do is give a name to some flawed rating system that only plays well to the Major conferences anyway.
Our women's team won a game last night that they should have won. I'll be more excited if they beat Lehigh on Saturday. A win over IU-N is like the men beating IU-Kokomo or Holy Cross (IN). It's just a game meant to give our team some confidence and minutes to some of the bench, not be a statement game for our programs.
I agree with everyone else on this board, KNOCK IT OFF WITH THE "LADY 'SADERS" GARBAGE. It looks stupid in print, and even dumber when it keeps getting used. I hope it only winds up being a very short lived phase, and will die a much-needed death.
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 01, 2011, 11:11:13 AMLong story short, I have a feeling "Lady 'Saders" will catch on and I'll be the one cashing in on all the gear!!! :lol:
I pray you are wrong....this is ridiculous and in no way reflects the wishes of most fans
Quote from: Valpo89 on December 01, 2011, 11:00:29 AM
Quote from: Crusader03 on November 30, 2011, 10:37:30 PM
This is a great win for the program.
It is an expected blowout win over IUN. It is not a great win for the program.
The only thing it could have been would be an embarrassing loss.
And let me just chime in to say the phrase you use as a nickname for the team is unbelievably ridiculous.
I will agree, it should be an expected WIN. I'm not sure an expected blowout given the fact that our team isn't even running at 50% yet. It's a good win for many reasons: 1st win under our belt, quality minutes to players that haven't seen a lot yet, and we didn't get blown out by a stronger team while we're trying to get healthy. I can't stress enough how the lack of a healthy rotation affects every aspect of what you're trying to do, and there have been many times when we've had 3 freshmen on the floor at once who are all trying to get used to playing at the next level. Physicality aside, the mental aspects of this game take a beating as well with all they've been dealing with. We have players now having to play major minutes that are still not healthy. I think last night's game spoke volumes to the grit and will of a team that is striving to get better and overcome the physical challenges they're dealing with, and probably went a long way to helping with the mental aspect of things as well. When they can get healthy, and get into a normal flow and rotation, they have the ability to compete in this league with just about anyone. They have a lot of young talent, and other talent we haven't been able to see yet this season. Will they be healthy enough this season to get on a roll? who knows, but I hope so. Even with their issues, I see improvement each game, especially with the younger players. Don't give up on them so fast. Not sure of your exposure or involvement in sports, but in reading your comments you strike me as someone that hasn't play the game long enough, or at all, to recognize the value of a win like last night to a team that's been struggling with many issues in this young season. Give them a chance. You may be suprised.
Quote from: jack on December 01, 2011, 02:16:08 PM
Quote from: Valpo89 on December 01, 2011, 11:00:29 AM
Quote from: Crusader03 on November 30, 2011, 10:37:30 PM
This is a great win for the program.
It is an expected blowout win over IUN. It is not a great win for the program.
The only thing it could have been would be an embarrassing loss.
And let me just chime in to say the phrase you use as a nickname for the team is unbelievably ridiculous.
Not sure of your exposure or involvement in sports, but in reading your comments you strike me as someone that hasn't play the game long enough, or at all, to recognize the value of a win like last night to a team that's been struggling with many issues in this young season. Give them a chance. You may be suprised.
:o Jack, taking no prisoners! I like it...great enthusiasm and knowledge!
I have little to zero interest in the women's team, but I am quite entertained by the banter in this thread!
'sader03 keep to coaching and leave the nicknames for somebody (anybody) else! Ha
Quote from: sectionee on December 01, 2011, 03:34:27 PM
I have little to zero interest in the women's team, but I am quite entertained by the banter in this thread!
'sader03 keep to coaching and leave the nicknames for somebody (anybody) else! Ha
;) You got it
lets please not get back to the talk of post season tournaments after this win
for all practical purposes this was an exhibition-
Quote from: jimdandy on December 01, 2011, 06:55:24 PM
lets please not get back to the talk of post season tournaments after this win
for all practical purposes this was an exhibition-
Actually, you get two exhibitions and this one counted....I know, I didn't know either bro! It actually counts and considering how good of a player Houston is supposed to be, I think the NCAA goonsquad won't see this as an "exhibition"
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 01, 2011, 09:37:45 PM
Quote from: jimdandy on December 01, 2011, 06:55:24 PM
lets please not get back to the talk of post season tournaments after this win
for all practical purposes this was an exhibition-
Actually, you get two exhibitions and this one counted....I know, I didn't know either bro! It actually counts and considering how good of a player Houston is supposed to be, I think the NCAA goonsquad won't see this as an "exhibition"
Please tell me that you are a 12 year old because your posts are embarrassing if not.....The original post you quoted was suggesting you not bring up this win leading to "post" season possibilities which you amazingly started this thread with.
To help you understand....this win counts on our record but is not factored in to any post season or RPI rankings. As far as our potential post season (which everyone but you already know is not going to happen) this game is meaningless win or lose.
To further help you, neither the NCAA goon squad or the NCAA suits is involved in picking tourney teams that is made up of a committee from D1 schools usually AD's.
I really hope the "Lady Jewish Meals" do win a few more games this season and good win against IUN. Keep up the momentum.
Quote from: bbtds on December 02, 2011, 12:29:31 AM
I really hope the "Lady Jewish Meals" do win a few more games this season and good win against IUN. Keep up the momentum.
Ever since I started calling them the Lady 'Saders, it seems like they have turned things around. They battled Western Illannoying, Colorado and Monty State tooth and nail and they finally put it all together in smashing IUN. Let's goooooooooooo!!!!!!!
Quote from: IndyValpo on December 01, 2011, 10:53:18 PM
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 01, 2011, 09:37:45 PM
Quote from: jimdandy on December 01, 2011, 06:55:24 PM
lets please not get back to the talk of post season tournaments after this win
for all practical purposes this was an exhibition-
Actually, you get two exhibitions and this one counted....I know, I didn't know either bro! It actually counts and considering how good of a player Houston is supposed to be, I think the NCAA goonsquad won't see this as an "exhibition"
Please tell me that you are a 12 year old because your posts are embarrassing if not.....The original post you quoted was suggesting you not bring up this win leading to "post" season possibilities which you amazingly started this thread with.
To help you understand....this win counts on our record but is not factored in to any post season or RPI rankings. As far as our potential post season (which everyone but you already know is not going to happen) this game is meaningless win or lose.
To further help you, neither the NCAA goon squad or the NCAA suits is involved in picking tourney teams that is made up of a committee from D1 schools usually AD's.
You quote these as if they are actual organizations and not just NN for the selection committee.
But thanks for breaking this down for me!!!
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 02, 2011, 08:11:13 AM
Quote from: bbtds on December 02, 2011, 12:29:31 AM
I really hope the "Lady Jewish Meals" do win a few more games this season and good win against IUN. Keep up the momentum.
Ever since I started calling them the Lady 'Saders, it seems like they have turned things around. They battled Western Illannoying, Colorado and Monty State tooth and nail and they finally put it all together in smashing IUN. Let's goooooooooooo!!!!!!!
Congrats, 03. You're the first person I found to consider the 2nd half collapse against WIU and the lack of a battle against Colorado as "tooth and nail" efforts and positive turnaround games... wait, what? :crazy:
You know, it's way too easy to point out flaws in stuff like this. Here's my new policy, saving the effort and ignoring these kinds of posts until they consistently make proper sense... Later 03
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 01, 2011, 09:37:45 PM"I know, I didn't know"
That phrase sums up a lot about our distinguished Crusader03. ;D
Quote from: historyman on December 02, 2011, 05:51:35 PM
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 01, 2011, 09:37:45 PM"I know, I didn't know"
That phrase sums up a lot about our distinguished Crusader03. ;D
Wow, I made your signature! Mission accomplished I guess!
I'll bet not too many followers of the women's team saw this coming. Wow!
Ladd Leaves Valpo Hoops Program
Valparaiso University head women's basketball coach Keith Freeman has announced that freshman forward Mallory Ladd (Evansville, Ind./Memorial H.S.) has been granted a release from her scholarship for the purpose of transferring and is no longer a member of the Crusader basketball program.
"It became clear over the course of the semester that Mallory was struggling with being away from home," Freeman stated. "Mallory and her family feel that it is in her best interest to return home to Evansville. We appreciate the contributions that she has made to the team this season and wish her the best in her future endeavors."
Ladd was averaging 10.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while averaging 25.2 minutes per game.
"I did my best for the last six months to try to take this next step in life," Ladd said. "I have really loved it here at Valpo playing basketball. The coach and the team members here are great. I'm just really struggling with the homesickness. I wish nothing but the best for this team."
Valparaiso hosts Lehigh on Saturday afternoon beginning at 12:05 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
-Valpo Women's Basketball-
I didn't see that coming. I do wish her the best, hope that maybe she can catch on with a school closer to home. I was just getting enjoy watching play, and was to Pgmado that I thought she was a bit like Jeanette Gray, while he compared her to Amber Schober, only a little more athletic than Amber. Good luck to the Lady Crusaders against Lehigh, and I hope that some members of the infirmary start to heal soon. The bench is getting a bit lonelier these days.
This is a huge blow, both this season and in the future.
Quote from: rlh on December 01, 2011, 02:00:35 PM
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 01, 2011, 11:11:13 AMLong story short, I have a feeling "Lady 'Saders" will catch on and I'll be the one cashing in on all the gear!!! :lol:
I pray you are wrong....this is ridiculous and in no way reflects the wishes of most fans
Completely on board with you on this one.
Ladd had homesickness? She only lives 4-5 hours away!
Big loss for the women's program
4-5 hours from home, when you might be close to family, or have some lingering detail we don't know about back there, it makes a person long for going back home as soon as possible. I hate to see her go, but whatever the situation is, hopefully she finds a basketball program to play for. She was a strong player with a big future with our team to not be effective and useful.
Quote from: valporun on December 03, 2011, 04:18:52 PM
4-5 hours from home, when you might be close to family, or have some lingering detail we don't know about back there, it makes a person long for going back home as soon as possible. I hate to see her go, but whatever the situation is, hopefully she finds a basketball program to play for. She was a strong player with a big future with our team to not be effective and useful.
Losing Ladd is a big loss for the program. I wish her well with the next chapter in her young life. I hear she'll be lacing them up at Evansville. I'm sure this came as a surprise to some, but not all. Leaving home, for anywhere, is more of a challenge to some then most. Some kids can't wait to get some independence, and others aren't quite ready.
Good luck Mallory.
As far as the Leheigh game, I thought we played exceptionally well on D. Probably our best effort yet. It's obvious we need to find more ways to score. So many of of our shots are forced, with players not seeming to be ready to receive, square up, and shoot. I felt we could have gotten some better looks at times, instead chosing to force one up. When we're in the paint, and going up, we're making it too easy for the defenders to block by not using our bodies to shield. I know it's a tough task to regroup after lossing a key player abruptly, but some of this is not playing sound, fundamental basketball. At times, we do a great job of moving the ball quickly, and slicing the lanes, and at other times we seem to be headless chickens. We ajusted nicely to the 2/3 finding holes and getting the ball in to them, but then got away from it. Again, you hate to keep harping on it, but we need more players in the rotation. I felt the turning point was the bad call on, I believe Geradot, followed by a terrible T call on Carr. On replay it appeared the player traveled before forcing the contact. It also appeared that Carr was mearly slaping the low ball to the floor to get it up to grab it. I could be wrong, but this is what it appeared like to me. None the less, when your short handed, you have to be careful with your actions. We need all hands on deck right now, and having Carr sitting for an extended period cost us defensively.
You hate to be too critical of anything right now given the circumstances of all that this team is dealing with, and I felt, given that, we put up a very strong defensive front yesterday. The results could have been different had we shot a better percentage. I'd like to see our 1,2, and 3 possitions look more to score outside and create a little space inside for our bigs.
We've got a tough challenge coming in a couple of days. The same defensive preasure, with some better shot selection, and percentage, should keep us in this one and give us a chance for a "W".
Quote from: jack on December 04, 2011, 10:06:56 AM
Quote from: valporun on December 03, 2011, 04:18:52 PM
4-5 hours from home, when you might be close to family, or have some lingering detail we don't know about back there, it makes a person long for going back home as soon as possible. I hate to see her go, but whatever the situation is, hopefully she finds a basketball program to play for. She was a strong player with a big future with our team to not be effective and useful.
Losing Ladd is a big loss for the program. I wish her well with the next chapter in her young life. I hear she'll be lacing them up at Evansville. I'm sure this came as a surprise to some, but not all. Leaving home, for anywhere, is more of a challenge to some then most. Some kids can't wait to get some independence, and others aren't quite ready.
Good luck Mallory.
As far as the Leheigh game, I thought we played exceptionally well on D. Probably our best effort yet. It's obvious we need to find more ways to score. So many of of our shots are forced, with players not seeming to be ready to receive, square up, and shoot. I felt we could have gotten some better looks at times, instead chosing to force one up. When we're in the paint, and going up, we're making it too easy for the defenders to block by not using our bodies to shield. I know it's a tough task to regroup after lossing a key player abruptly, but some of this is not playing sound, fundamental basketball. At times, we do a great job of moving the ball quickly, and slicing the lanes, and at other times we seem to be headless chickens. We ajusted nicely to the 2/3 finding holes and getting the ball in to them, but then got away from it. Again, you hate to keep harping on it, but we need more players in the rotation. I felt the turning point was the bad call on, I believe Geradot, followed by a terrible T call on Carr. On replay it appeared the player traveled before forcing the contact. It also appeared that Carr was mearly slaping the low ball to the floor to get it up to grab it. I could be wrong, but this is what it appeared like to me. None the less, when your short handed, you have to be careful with your actions. We need all hands on deck right now, and having Carr sitting for an extended period cost us defensively.
You hate to be too critical of anything right now given the circumstances of all that this team is dealing with, and I felt, given that, we put up a very strong defensive front yesterday. The results could have been different had we shot a better percentage. I'd like to see our 1,2, and 3 possitions look more to score outside and create a little space inside for our bigs.
We've got a tough challenge coming in a couple of days. The same defensive preasure, with some better shot selection, and percentage, should keep us in this one and give us a chance for a "W".
Lets be honest here, no matter what our rotation is we should not lose 3 home games to Rice, Western Illinois and Lehigh who short of playing us are a combined 7-15 with wins over the likes of Chicago State and Houston Baptist. We were strong defensively in part due to a weak opponent. Like last year you simply can not play Richards 35 minutes a game. She has made 4 shots ALL SEASON and three of those were layups in about a 5 minutes stretch against WIU. The other 200 minutes she has made 1 basket. It is hard to complain about the rotation being short when during a game where we shoot 28% (6% from 3) and Horton plays 3 minutes.
Losing Ladd certainly hurts, particularly her. Perhaps UE will let her live at home play only home games. It is unfortunate she was unable to make it work. Being away from home might have been a good thing for her in the long run.
Quote from: IndyValpo on December 04, 2011, 11:27:01 AM
Quote from: jack on December 04, 2011, 10:06:56 AM
Quote from: valporun on December 03, 2011, 04:18:52 PM
4-5 hours from home, when you might be close to family, or have some lingering detail we don't know about back there, it makes a person long for going back home as soon as possible. I hate to see her go, but whatever the situation is, hopefully she finds a basketball program to play for. She was a strong player with a big future with our team to not be effective and useful.
Losing Ladd is a big loss for the program. I wish her well with the next chapter in her young life. I hear she'll be lacing them up at Evansville. I'm sure this came as a surprise to some, but not all. Leaving home, for anywhere, is more of a challenge to some then most. Some kids can't wait to get some independence, and others aren't quite ready.
Good luck Mallory.
As far as the Leheigh game, I thought we played exceptionally well on D. Probably our best effort yet. It's obvious we need to find more ways to score. So many of of our shots are forced, with players not seeming to be ready to receive, square up, and shoot. I felt we could have gotten some better looks at times, instead chosing to force one up. When we're in the paint, and going up, we're making it too easy for the defenders to block by not using our bodies to shield. I know it's a tough task to regroup after lossing a key player abruptly, but some of this is not playing sound, fundamental basketball. At times, we do a great job of moving the ball quickly, and slicing the lanes, and at other times we seem to be headless chickens. We ajusted nicely to the 2/3 finding holes and getting the ball in to them, but then got away from it. Again, you hate to keep harping on it, but we need more players in the rotation. I felt the turning point was the bad call on, I believe Geradot, followed by a terrible T call on Carr. On replay it appeared the player traveled before forcing the contact. It also appeared that Carr was mearly slaping the low ball to the floor to get it up to grab it. I could be wrong, but this is what it appeared like to me. None the less, when your short handed, you have to be careful with your actions. We need all hands on deck right now, and having Carr sitting for an extended period cost us defensively.
You hate to be too critical of anything right now given the circumstances of all that this team is dealing with, and I felt, given that, we put up a very strong defensive front yesterday. The results could have been different had we shot a better percentage. I'd like to see our 1,2, and 3 possitions look more to score outside and create a little space inside for our bigs.
We've got a tough challenge coming in a couple of days. The same defensive preasure, with some better shot selection, and percentage, should keep us in this one and give us a chance for a "W".
Lets be honest here, no matter what our rotation is we should not lose 3 home games to Rice, Western Illinois and Lehigh who short of playing us are a combined 7-15 with wins over the likes of Chicago State and Houston Baptist. We were strong defensively in part due to a weak opponent. Like last year you simply can not play Richards 35 minutes a game. She has made 4 shots ALL SEASON and three of those were layups in about a 5 minutes stretch against WIU. The other 200 minutes she has made 1 basket. It is hard to complain about the rotation being short when during a game where we shoot 28% (6% from 3) and Horton plays 3 minutes.
Losing Ladd certainly hurts, particularly her. Perhaps UE will let her live at home play only home games. It is unfortunate she was unable to make it work. Being away from home might have been a good thing for her in the long run.
You're making my point. Richards is playing too many minutes because we have noone to spot her. You can't play the kind of minutes many of our players are being asked to play and hope to have some steam, and quality shooting down the stretch. I totally agree, we need a better shooting effort from everyone. At the end of the day though, we still need more players in the rotation to compete at this level, period. It's going to be a long, hard season for this team if they don't get some more players healthy. As for Horton, I don't understand the playing time issue. She came in and gave some quality minutes the previous game. Not sure if it's an injury, or lack of effort in practice that's holding her back. I'm sure there's a reason, especially with Ladd gone.
jack and ???
the women play the same # in rotation as the men-so this is not an excuse for losing to bad teams
most teams play only 7-8 in a rotation anyway-
we need to look at otr factors for losing -not the lack of depth-which really does not matter unless you only have 5 or 6 in rotation
Quote from: jimdandy on December 04, 2011, 03:36:32 PM
jack and ???
the women play the same # in rotation as the men-so this is not an excuse for losing to bad teams
most teams play only 7-8 in a rotation anyway-
we need to look at otr factors for losing -not the lack of depth-which really does not matter unless you only have 5 or 6 in rotation
What factors do you think we should be looking at? IMWTK!
Quote from: jimdandy on December 04, 2011, 03:36:32 PM
jack and ???
the women play the same # in rotation as the men-so this is not an excuse for losing to bad teams
most teams play only 7-8 in a rotation anyway-
we need to look at otr factors for losing -not the lack of depth-which really does not matter unless you only have 5 or 6 in rotation
And we are barely getting 7 in rotation, with 2 being hurt. From a coaches standpoint, it's next to impossible to get a game plan together with the lack of bodies we have. And, for the record, the women generally play more in rotation then the men do. We don't even have subs to help out when a player needs a blow. I still think there are things the coaching staff should do a bit differently, but they have far fewer tools to work with then they should, and with Ladd leaving, an even bigger challenge awaits.
Evansville must be the garden spot of the US (or even midwest). What's in the water there that no one wants to leave? Bouchie now Ladd?
The rotation and the lack of anyone on the bench not already in the main rotation is significant in games, yes. Let's not forget this also affects practice greatly.
How many other teams don't have enough people to go 5 v 5 against each other? Sure, there's a male scout team that can practice against the team at home, but there are also times where that team isn't available, whether it be at home or on the road. The only people left that are healthy and eligible are coaches! That's less true reps, less quality reps, and less real opportunities to get prepared for games (no offense to our coaches' practice ability). Factor in players limited by injuries, and it gets even worse.
Gameplay is one thing. Practices that can get you ready for games are so important, and this is a big effect in the current slide, too.