Wow... TOTAL IMPLOSION! The first half, I don't think anyone could have played against the Cats. In the second, I don't think we could have beaten anyone. What happened at half-time? The guys looked like they had absolutely no energy or desire. There is a very definite leadership void. Most importantly, there isn't anyone to go to when Weber goes into a scoring drought. Nobody would step it up and lead. Weber needs to work out some rotations in Saturday's game against Montana Tech. Rahe needs to figure out who plays well together, and who will play consistently. It was painful to watch, and it made it even worse that I was at the Spectrum!
Final Analysis:
1. This team needs a leader. McCoy and Davis are the Seniors and they need to lead. Davis doesn't look like he is having fun. I have never seen him play tentative or scared before. He needs to relax and just play his game. Most importantly, Davis should be on the floor for 30mins a game. Last night, he couldn't get into any sort of rythmn. He was in and out of the game to often. He is by far the most experienced player on the team and one of the most athletic. He needs to be on the floor.
2. The Cats were standing around waiting for somebody else to do the work. I really thought Joe Cravens had taken over the team in the second half, I kept looking at the bench expecting to see Joe doing his dance. One of the biggest problems that I saw, was that there was no movement... Nobody was penetrating, slashing, or making plays. There was absoutely no fluidity in the offense. It was like the crowd got into the game and the team got scared. One thing that I liked, was USU's second half defense. They set their defense beyond the 3pt line, which pushed the Cats back up court. This could have been exposed by slashing and penetrating (granted, Wesley and Wilkinson who both average 4 or 5 fouls each on the road can't I guess foul in the Spectrum) and taking the ball to the hoop.
3. Bench Play: The bench needs to bring more energy to the game. Carson, Lillard, Mahoney, and Morris each need to be able to contribute. Someone needs to light a fire under Morris. He isn't competing!! We all know what he can do if he gets fired up, but he is playing to laid back, and seems like he is just going through the motions. Weber needs Morris... He has the potential to dominate the middle defensively and offensively. Weber needs to be getting 10pts out of him every night. Lillard, he is a true freshman and is learning a new style of play, he looks anxious, tentative, and nervous. He just needs to recognize that he's going to make a lot of mistakes during his college career and take it at people. The best way to overcome fear is to face it head on. He needs to challenge himself and take the ball to the hoop. Carson, he doesn't know how to score. His defense is great and i love his energy, but he needs to score. He is a slasher that needs to be going to the hoop. He is an upper classman, and has DI experience that this team desperately needs. Mahoney....well he plays hard and does his best. I don't think we can ask more than that, but we need him to score, rebound, and push the big men out of the paint. The Big's can't allow the opposing teams Bigs to easily push their way to the basket.
4. Fair and Balanced Refs: I think Weber has been on the wrong side of the officiating in everyone of their games so far. Last night was no exception, but Weber can't use poor officiating as an excuse for lackluster performances. However, last night Weber ended with between 25-30 fouls and USU had 15-17... On the road, hell at home (BSC officials don't like Weber), the players can't stop playing hard because they didn't get a call they were expecting to get. Play till the whistle blows. If you don't get the call keep playing tough.
5. Second Chance Points and Opportunities: USU shot lights out in the 2nd half, but when they did miss Weber didn't crash the boards. Weber gave up way too many second chance points. Three 3pointers were made off of 2nd chance opportunties.
6. Keep composure... Weber lost their composure and didn't execute on offense. They allowed the crowd to get to them.
7. Finish...