Game 29, 2016-17: LaSalle (2/26)

[inthescoop]

I am completely for playing zone defense for the rest of the season. We are a long team, and I think going zone benefits us. More importantly, it helps us rebound better.

And stay out of foul trouble. Is this the first game this season where the opposing team didn't reach the bonus in the first half?

Exactly. That came into my mind as well at the end of the first half. Zone defense has increased our rebounding efficiency and also decreased the amount of useless fouls we get called for every single game.

I'm liking what I'm seeing but it's too little too late unless we spark the run of a lifetime in the A-10 tournament and pledge to ourselves we will never stink it up in Pittsburgh again, using that Duquesne game as fuel.

[UMassHoops]

Another very solid first half from our squad, but now, it's 0-0, and we have to show up in the second half which has been our biggest question mark all season.

Zach Lewis, can't say enough about this kid, he can straight up play. Our best shooter no doubt. Love seeing how aggressive Jarreau is being as well.

DJ sure looks good when he gets in the paint, has a knack for getting the ball up softly for favorable shooter's bounce. Seems to have learned to protect a little better going up and not get rejected. His last drive can't believe he didn't get the call for a 3 point play, he was hit on the body by two guys going up. A little more strength and if he can get consistent from 3 point range he will be a really tough guy to guard.

[UMass87]

... Our best shooter no doubt. ...l.

That's a very, very low bar.

[Happy Hazel '96]

Anyone know what happened to Gresham's minutes? All things considered, I thought he was doing well (enough) earlier in the season.

[inthescoop]

Anyone know what happened to Gresham's minutes? All things considered, I thought he was doing well (enough) earlier in the season.

Nothing really. He became a rotation guy. I don't think he's ready to be a full time starter.

[78]

This is the best game I have seen them play all year. love all the changes. Now for the negative: why did it take our head coach 28 games to figure out that maybe a 4-guard lineup isn't the right way to go? And why did it take 28 games to try a zone defense? Glad he finally got it, but wish it happened 10 games ago.

[Happy Hazel '96]

Anyone know what happened to Gresham's minutes? All things considered, I thought he was doing well (enough) earlier in the season.

Nothing really. He became a rotation guy. I don't think he's ready to be a full time starter.

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly about him not being ready to be a starter, but damn, Kellogg cut back his minutes substantially -- Well, maybe in part to see what others had, etc. -- He does look like he will be a very solid player though... somewhere on down the line. Anyone else think that Flowers reminds them of a young Putney?

[Roadtrip]

.....and back to 4 guards...
Congrats on the win guys.

[78]

Solid win. Great games by Lewis and Jarreau. I prefer to see Baldwin, Hines and Gresham getting more time than Holloway in the final games. We know what Holloway can do.

[Old Cage]

A nickname is born in twitterdom: D333ky

[UMassHoops]

This is the best game I have seen them play all year. love all the changes. Now for the negative: why did it take our head coach 28 games to figure out that maybe a 4-guard lineup isn't the right way to go? And why did it take 28 games to try a zone defense? Glad he finally got it, but wish it happened 10 games ago.

Same feeling. Really enjoyed this game, the movement on offense was really good, guys weren't standing around and surprise it led to lot's of good looks and much better chances on the offensive glass. (all good things come from movement). And the zone defense was EXCEPTIONAL with our length.

If this was a typical game for us there never would have been a fire DK thread.

I'll just enjoy seeing a great game finally and hope they carry it over for the next couple and into the A10 Tournament.

[umassfan.com]

Nice win, shooting, rebounding, and turnovers made a huge difference here. Glad to see Derek finally use our size and some zone. Too bad he didn't do it at the beginning of the year he might still have a job...

[JoleonLescottsHair]

Nice to finally get a win. Matching last season's win total and staying out of the league basement is nice.

I think this is the part where someone less inclined to be critical of our head coach comes in and says "the coach sure looks good when players make shots, huh?"

[MajBugman]

Happy for the players that they got a win. 2 wins in the last 10 games is tough.

[inthescoop]

I'll give credit when it's due: DK coached a hell of a game today.

But, more importantly, congrats to our players - what an unbelievable effort! I'm all for a coaching change but I seriously don't want anyone leaving from this freshman class.