Lots to be optimistic about

[Flacusian]

There certainly were some things that could provide fodder for concern but the amount of encouraging things we saw on both an individual basis and team as a whole was substantial. The 2 newcomers demonstrated that they are indeed capable of being impactful as freshmen. Patterson's play was something to be excited about.

Perhaps most encouraging of all was the way the team responded after being down 14 and on the verge of really struggling. The fact that they came back at the end of the 1st half and then subsequent to Jimmy's 1/2 time adjustments were able to come back and win this game while showing a variety of ways for the team to be effective bodes well as we venture into this season which seemingly has so much uncertainty.

I think that overall, as a team, they exceeded my expectations and I think they have the talent to become a very good team.

 

[jordoo]

I agree with all of that! I was completely prepared to see SU take a loss in this one and very happy to see us rally, play well for a long stretch and win.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

I think that overall, as a team, they exceeded my expectations and I think they have the talent to become a very good team.

Wouldn't be the first time that one of JAB's teams overachieved.

 

[Whitey23]

Did Carleton put in subs or play for the win?

 

[cuseguy]

Did Carleton put in subs or play for the win?

They were playing to win. Would be huge for their program.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

Did Carleton put in subs or play for the win?

They were still calling timeouts with 5 seconds to play so I would guess they were trying to win.

 

[njcuse]

I thought Patterson was impressive last year in limited time. I was impressed with the defensive improvements in the second half: much tougher inside. Many other pluses out of this game.

 

[CraigForth]

Defense was better in the second half because Rak sat almost the entire first half with foul trouble. It didn't look to me like they did things differently, they just did them better. Rak has become the monster we hoped he would become. I hope Chino can play defense because they will need him. It seemed clear too me that KJ and CMcC were a little lost at times on defense, which is to be expected from freshman, but they will get better as the season goes on.

Most important KJ stat wasn't that he scored 19, it was that he did it in 26 minutes. Loved watching him play.
IMO MVP of this game was Ron Patterson, huge game, timely 3's and great defense.