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2025-26 MBB Season

Hornets lose 87-92 to UCSB in a competitive game. Hornets had a hot start until UCSB settled in and nearly ran the Hornets off the court. I thought this would get pretty ugly but the Hornets stormed back to make it a 2 point game at the half. The Gauchos built up a cushion in the 2nd half and the Hornet could never string together a run to overcome the deficit. The door was open for the Hornets to pull an upset late but some late buckets didn't fall.

Overall a very impressive performance by the Hornets. Too many bad turnovers and missed freebies throughout the game and some empty possessions in the closing minutes ultimately cost the Hornets a shot at a win. Mikey Williams (30 pts, 5 ast) is proving to be the real deal as Cherry (20 pts, 7 reb) continued to be a force in the post and Prophet (17 pts, 11 reb) got in stride when needed. Lavrenov (8 pts, 3 reb) showed his versatility from range with the meaningful time he saw on the floor.

The concern I have is that the defense can be down right atrocious. Rotations off the screens were too slow and there were lots of wide open perimeter shots given up when the defense collapsed to the paint. Also when Cherry got into foul trouble and was taken off the court, the offense became discombobulated and Cherry had to be brought back in. I was also disappointed that the Hornets didn't pound it inside more when the UCSB bigs got into foul trouble. That said, this team has some hoopers that should result in some wins. Exciting times for Hornet hoops.
 
While I like the move to the Pavilion those are probably the most uncomfortable seats. Wood bleachers are more forgiving. The seat backs are basically bleacher seats with a straight back. I guess because they had to be roll up stands they could not put in true individual seats. Would also like a few less seats. They are more squeezed in than old Southwest plane. The book store needs to set up a table and sell seat cushions and they will make a mint.
 
First time watching this Hornet team tonight on ESPN+ against the other guys, and a few things said on here previously were evident quickly.

- easily out rebounded unless Cherry and Lavrenov are both on the court

- offensive ability is present, but offensive rhythm/ball movement is lacking

- Gardner is just not good sadly, a quick few minutes on the court in the second half and he quick triggered an unnecessary 3 for an air ball and later dribbled the ball off his foot out of bounds with out much contest

- defensive rotation is porous, beaten numerous times on back doors, no one rotating on hand off ball screens and unless Cherry is down low most shots around the hoop are uncontested

Currently 69-73 but we have let Davis control this game with unforced errors…… like the 50 foot 3 pointer Summers just jacked up for no reason as I typed this.
 
Similar to the UC Santa Barbara game the Hornets started with some good offensive rhythm and defensive intensity but then reverted to one on one play and bad defense. Williams in particular was careless with the ball and can’t stay in front of his man. Fortunately Davis missed lots of open threes. Cherry is a mismatch and Bibby will need to figure out the way best utilize him. Lavrenov might be our best three point shooter. I would like to see more emphasis to get him shots. Play him and Cherry together and if teams double Cherry, Lavrenov might be open on the perimeter. Profit Johnson had a nice game but his hero ball at the end cost the Hornets a shot at the win. This team does not currently have a leader or a dog to will them to win. I think Bibby’s lack of experience was evident late in the game. An experienced coach would have called a few timeouts to set up some plays for both the offense and defense. Should be an easier matchup Sunday at home vs Presbyterian so maybe we can get our first D1 win.
 
Sharif is not a D1 starting PF, tonight he came through big for us. 19 minutes 2 points, 1 rebound, 3 fouls. Any team we play that can drive and score in the paint or has solid play down low with the big men will give us lots of trouble.
 
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Hornets lose the hardwood Causeway 73-77 on Friday night at their place. Hornets led for a considerable amount of this game but faltered down the final stretch. The Hornets had plenty of chances to pull out the win but couldn't get it done. The Hornets needed someone else to step up besides Cherry (22 pts, 9 reb), Prophet (20 pts, 12 reb) and Williams (12 pts, 4 ast).


Coach Bibby gets his first D1 win with the Hornets 64-62 come from behind win at home against Presbyterian earlier this afternoon. It was a tale of two halves as the Hornets followed up an atrocious 1st half with a strong 2nd half to get the win. Both teams shot poorly from behind the arc but the Hornets came through with a gritty win. Cherry (17 pts, 10 reb) and Williams (14 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast) led the Hornets in scoring. Teat (9 pts) had a good showing coming off the bench and O'Neal (7 pts, 6 reb) made some notable plays.

The Hornets have a couple of tough road games at UCLA on Tuesday and at Cal on Friday.
 
IMO, Hornets got really lucky today for a win....both teams shot terrible...PB just a bit more terrible than the Hornets...in the last 9:18, PB shot 2 for 15 from the floor and 1 of the makes was a dunk....they only scored 4 pts in that span, luckily, we scored a few buckets to nudge them out...only guy I saw that played consistent was Cherry....We desperately need more consistent play from the rest of the team....Cross your fingers for the next 2 games....
 
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