STATISTICS: Our shooting percentage was up again, hitting 47 % for the second game in a row. In the 2nd half, we really shot the ball well, especially Kyle Ford who hit for 20 points. Kyle got into one of those “zones” and hit 4 or 5 in a row from all over. Marshall being smaller was unable to compete with us on the boards as we held a 41-24 advantage.
GAME PLAN: Entering the game with Marshall, we didn’t really feel like it was necessary to adjust any of our offenses, or make changes defensively. We did know that Carson, #1 and the coaches son was a good player. I didn’t think he could beat us. We wanted to play solid defense on the � court, rebound the ball and run.
On the half court, I knew if they played zone we would shoot them out of it, and I didn’t think they could hold us inside if they went man to man. We didn’t want to take a step backwards was our focus.
FAVORITE PLAY: Since Marshall’s defense was full of holes, I just enjoyed seeing our players stop and pop their shots penetrate to the basket, basically use their instincts to get open looks.
INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM AT HALF TIME:
I was disappointed we were only up by 8 at the half. However, Marshall shot extremely well in the 1st half and we focused our defense exclusively to #1 and #20. They each hit a shot to start the 2nd half but that was pretty much it. We also wanted to really increase the focus onto transition, press after every basket, run the break make or miss. We knew our depth would wear them down.
THOUGHTS DURING THE GAME: I didn�t think we played very sharp defensively. I noticed us hurrying shots also. It appeared that we were about a half-a-step late on a lot of stuff. We had played well back to back and I think it took us a little while to get going. I thought Brady Parker was playing really well in almost every phase of the game. We need that from him.
SCOUTING REPORT: Nacogdoches will be tough. They have the big boy Clardy at 6′9, their point guard Hall #10 is really quick, and #21 and #20 can both shoot it. They are up and down the floor; everything is a fast break look. Defensively they change up a lot from a 1-2-2 to a 2-3 to a 1-3-1 and also man to man. We will have to play well to win. We will have to force them into a half-court game that requires passing, not penetrating. They do not handle full-court pressure very well so we hope to be able to score enough to be effective with our press. Offensively we’ll have to make shots. It will be a physical, quick pace. We are up to it.