Game 17: 2022-23 URI (1/14)

[vanmeter]

Pleased to get the win and DD get 31 minutes. The problem with the Mullins Center is that it is cavernous. Even with 5000 people (I think that we always exaggerate the attendance) it is hard to get the noise level up.
In any event it was an enjoyable game to watch.

[stevemaz]

I commented during the game that we lead the nation in missed layups & bunnies. Need to fix that with learning how to finish, especially guys like Gapare and Cross.

Good win. The A10 is going to be a logjam and maybe we catch VCU at the right time (in between upsed win at Dayton and contest vs cross town rival, Richmond. Dont forget game is Tuesday this week..

[Juice Stand]

Just getting back from both games, and while I know there's a women's hoop forum let me just say that was a great comeback win. What a 4th quarter for the ladies.

For the men, this was a gritty win without Noah and RJ, two of your most important offensive players, and guys that have also defended well on the perimeter. I've been a critic of Brandon's minutes, but he played well today. They sagged off him and he made a few shots, he grabbed tough boards, and was really active defensively. I think the whole squad played extremely well defensively; Wildens with the blocks, Diggens with the steals, Dyondre flying all over the damn place, and Cross just absolutely going full junkyard dog out there.

Very enjoyable rivalry game, I'm thrilled we won, and I thought that we had a nice crowd. Just wish there was more energy from the 5,000ish in attendance. Frank said as much in his postgame, something along the lines of "we ask fans for 3 things: money, time, and energy. Today they gave us their money and time, but we need them to give more energy".

On to VCU. A real tough road test. Hopefully Noah and RJ are back and we can maintain this intensity.

[go_gou]

Pleased to get the win and DD get 31 minutes. The problem with the Mullins Center is that it is cavernous. Even with 5000 people (I think that we always exaggerate the attendance) it is hard to get the noise level up.
In any event it was an enjoyable game to watch.

I disagree. I think the Mullins Center is one of the louder arenas I’ve been in. I work all the home games and the arena was louder earlier this season with 2000 people than it was tonight. Frank was spot on, the fans have to bring more energy!

[tom mclaughlin]

Was a good day for UMass hoops. Went to the NIL get together and there were about 50 to 60 diehard fans in attendance fans who really care about UMass Athletics and some who for years have been loyal fans. Nice to see how excited they are about UMass athletics.
Saw the end of the woman's game and the women beat a very well coached St.Joe’s team. It was a quality win vs a very good team. Great to see the women play so hard and the crowd was good and really into it especially in the last 6 minutes.
The men's game was a tough hard fought win vs a URI team that played hard. UMass was just bigger and tougher. The crowd size was good and as the game went on the crowd got into it. I understand what Coach Martin says how the crowd. Needs to bring energy. My take is the Mullins Center is rather quiet and sterile and I noticed when the UMass team goes thru warmups it is rather quiet and no talking and encouragement of each other by the players no chatter no outward emotion to get the fans involved. I think the fans need to be energized and by being intense and vocal in warmups and showing the fans we are UMass and no one will come into our building and beat us. Set the tempo and atmosphere from the second the team walks on the floor 20 minutes before tipoff. Act like it’s your house and no one comes here and doesn’t have a fight on there hands. The team played well together and the fans are seeing visible progress, Hang in there with these kids and and better days are ahead.
Last thing is I spoke with Father John Smegal who is a close friend he told me the kids that are on the team are all good kids - nice to hear that and it gives us all a reason to support them. This is a process that’s going to take time and things are getting better slowly but surely. UMass hoops is on an upward swing add a few pieces and the next few years should be fun. Team's in the A 10 that are at the top have at least 3 or 4 studs and a bunch of good athletes. It is not easy to get there but UMass has kids that play hard which is a step in the right direction. Just win and the fans will come!

[Worcester_To_Amherst]

Very nice win, just about everyone contributed! Any word on Noah and RJ?

[go_gou]

Very nice win, just about everyone contributed! Any word on Noah and RJ?

Noah’s ankle is bothering him and I believe RJ is something with his wrist. Sounds like Noah should be available for VCU. Unsure about RJ.

[Juice Stand]

Where did you hear that Noah should be ready for VCU? I didn't see any notes about it in Grabowski's column in the Gazette or the Collegian writeup.

[go_gou]

Sorry, should say that the hope is Noah will be ready for VCU from what I’ve heard from people close to the team.

[Juice Stand]

gotcha, thanks.

[stevemaz]

gotcha, thanks.

Noah looked like he was walking gingerly so i doubt he plays Tuesday, but hopefully is back Saturday.

[vanmeter]

I heard a rumor that Frank called ‘The great Max’ and implored him to pick URI.

[stevemaz]

he did.. and i told him to play DD more..he listened..

[69MG]

Been very busy and haven't had a chance to comment although I'm sure every topic has been covered. I'll just give out a few game balls:
1. Cross and DD - no explanation needed
2. Diggins and Keon - they held their own against a guard oriented team. 16 points, 9 boards, 7 assists and 2 turnovers
3. Rebounding - 6 players with 5 or more boards
4. Hustle awards to Cross, DD, Wildens and Brandon. Everyone played hard but those 4 left it all out there. There were probably more, but those are the ones I remember.

If we ever start making some of those missed layups we'll score 80 a game.