vs #12 UCLA

[Obzerver]

Great showing from EWU dropping 74-80 vs #12 UCLA. They were 30.5pt underdogs so hoping this is an indication that they will have a good season.

 

[EagSpectator]

Great showing from EWU dropping 74-80 vs #12 UCLA. They were 30.5pt underdogs so hoping this is an indication that they will have a good season.

I watched the game. To me it looks like this EWU team is better than last year. Better shooters, better ball handlers, better passing, and possibly a deeper bench. Look to be well coached. Still not a top Big Sky team, but one that will compete to be in the top half. If they can build off of this, they have the possibility making some noise in league play. We'll see, next up LMU.

UCLA on the other hand, better learn how to play defense real quick. They will get blown out in that conference if they don't. EWU did a good job of ball movement, but UCLA just had no urgency. That small stretch's where they played with energy messed with EWU. Luckily, those were few and that we were able to play them right after the world series and everyone in LA had a parade hangover. That place was dead! That was a big help for EWU.

 

[Eagle Eyes]

I watched the game. To me it looks like this EWU team is better than last year. Better shooters, better ball handlers, better passing, and possibly a deeper bench. Look to be well coached. Still not a top Big Sky team, but one that will compete to be in the top half. If they can build off of this, they have the possibility making some noise in league play. We'll see, next up LMU.

UCLA on the other hand, better learn how to play defense real quick. They will get blown out in that conference if they don't. EWU did a good job of ball movement, but UCLA just had no urgency. That small stretch's where they played with energy messed with EWU. Luckily, those were few and that we were able to play them right after the world series and everyone in LA had a parade hangover. That place was dead! That was a big help for EWU.

I agree that this team will be better than last year, ball movement was less sticky than it was last year with Williams and Cook, Marquart playing the 4 is better suited for his skill set and size. Huie is a load underneath, not the best hands but he can put the ball in the hoop. Hamilton is a nice portal get and will do well off the bench and has a nose for the ball. Moses is fast, has a bit of a funky shot but it has a soft touch, he will be able to get buckets in the Big Sky. Rogers and Radford are adept ball handlers, both can shoot. Our guards can be pests on defense. Local kid Anderson can shoot it a bit. Looks like they will probably red shirt their two freshman, Scherer and Gballou. Scherer will be a baller, Gballou is a big body project. I think we will finish in the 4-6 portion of league with some upside to be competitive in the Big Sky tourney. It was a good thing UCLA was not interested in putting together a full effort, kept us in the game. I imagine Mick Cronin is still yelling at his players this morning.