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Message: [QUOTE="Cheriehoop, post: 1614841, member: 127"] Sorry in advance for the length of this but thanks to CTO I had the special opportunity to view the game up close and thought I'd share some random things I noticed. I don't think I've ever seen an SU team struggle to get a decent shot off within the shot clock like they did last night. The hesitancy to shoot, make a play was shocking. We seemed oblivious to a basic requirement – knowing the amount of time time left in possessions. The offense was so stagnant, lacking purpose. Anyone remember the old kid's game "the wonder ball"? “The wonder ball goes round and round to pass it quickly you are bound, if you're the one to hold it last then the game is past and you are out". Sorry but that was my impression of our offense particularly in the first half. It was a frustrating game of hot potato. The mental aspect of the game is too crucial. They can't allow a fear of failure, lack of confidence to take hold with a team that has little room for error. They have to regain a comfort level and just play, enjoy the game they love. They sure battle but it has to be more focused and consistent. Perhaps it’s my vivid imagination but it seems to me that the level of physicality ACC refs allow our opponents is different than what we are allowed. I know I’m an admitted homer but I do hope I earnestly try to be fair when evaluating fouls. We definitely foul - usually the result of mistakes – not moving one’s feet, reaching, slowness in reacting etc. Our opponents seem to be allowed a level of aggressiveness and physical play in their basic strategy that we aren’t. Seems sometimes we’re being penalized twice for our own lack of physical play. We play basically a “containment” defense while ACC refs seem to be rewarding the more aggressive defense. That said, despite defensive lapses, we’re still ranked 47th for points allowed (defense) despite 2 OT games and our obvious deficiencies inside; however we are a dismal 240th in scoring out of 346 D1 teams. Generating consistent offense is the real killer. We constantly missed matchup advantages on Clemson’s switches. It drove me crazy seeing 6’8” Lydon being guarded by #12 a physical 6’2” guard (who loved grabbing) but watching him never take advantage. Both he and Malachi had opportunities to post up much smaller players but never did. Our players just don’t seem to recognize and look for matchup opportunities. A bonafide point guard would certainly help but if players with mismatches don’t recognize the situation to cut/ post up, we will continue to struggle. Wish our guards Cooney, Mike G and Malachi could create for others and had better passing skills. Hoping Frank Howard will help when healthy. Malachi is starting to become a force on the court (loved his work on weak side rebounding last night) and Roberson’s consistency the past few games has been encouraging. Looking forward to continued development since it will be crucial to our success while Cooney, Lydon, Mike G, DC continue to find a consistent groove. Unfortunately KJ has been TOO consistent. Enjoy the ride, try to fight the frustration, it’s all a process and not a straight line one either. Go SU! [/QUOTE]

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