Did the light just go on? Arizona splits on the road USC 56-50 (L), UCLA 77-63 (W)
by piratedan7 on Jan 2, 2010 9:40 PM PST
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That's the question that has to be asked right now. After the split on the road against the LA schools, it was good to get one chalked up in the win column. Arguably, USC was the league hottest team winning the Diamond Head classic and integrating the transfers into their lineup to give Kevin O'Neill a good group of veterans that allowed the Trojans to play their coaches hard nose D. With USC winning 56-50, the only surprise was that the Cats made it cose.
At UCLA, the Bruins had finally climbed within sight of .500 and dealt the improving Sun Devils a defeat, so imagine the surprise when the Cats came out and seized control of the game and never relented as they exhibited a workmanlike performance en route to a 77-63 victory.
So what was so significant?
Thursday's game - The Defense! The man-to-man showed some bite. Help defenders moved and it appeared that the light went off for the team. The USC defeat was not unexpected. Going down by 17 early in the 1st half (27-10) was ugly to watch. Then in a moment of epiphany, there was a defensive stop and then a board. The tide had changed, the lead was below 15. Then down to 10 and under ten by half time. It wasn't that someone got hot, no one was hot during the SC game. Rather it appeared that the Cats started to implement what had been taught, the lane started to get clogged. Opposing rebounders were getting blocked out, the occasional open shot was made.
Also of note, a couple of offensive items, Derrick Williams has been spending time working on free throws and it shows. Strangely enough, it may develop that Jamelle Horne is our best 3pt shooter. He has faith in the shot and he's shooting it at a better than 40% clip. Solomon Hill appears to be working with Fyle Fogg in doing what is needed, his help defense has improved. Kevin Parrom being inserted into the rotation has been a lift as well.
Saturday's game - the Cats came out inspired and it showed. The defensive presence that had manifested itself too late in the USC game was evident from the beginning of this game. The Cats blocked out, challenged shots, rebounded effectively. By the time of the first TV timeout, the Cats were looking like a team that knew its game plan and were determined to execute it. Kudos to both the Coach and the team. Fewer turnovers, better shot selection and they played aggressively on both ends of the floor for a sustained effort and as a result, got their first road victory. The team looked like they were having fun for the first time this year. Congrats to Kyle Fogg on his career high and helping to be the impetus to drive both the defense and offence. Brandon Lavender even netted his first three since anyone can remember.
as for those noticing the details, MoMo Jones was suspended for the UCLA game (disciplinary) and Alex Jacobson didn't make the trip due to back spasms.
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Good write up piratedan7
I caught the 2nd half of UCLA online. They did a good job of hedging on ball screens—not Ben Howland-style, but enough to cut off penetration.
They got offense from different people at different times. Kyle Fogg is working himself into a pretty decent little player.
The other thing that was very impressive was that these Cats really clean the glass. They have the profile of a good defensive ball club.
Having said all that, we’re going to see peaks and valleys.
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
no arguement there DC
I still expect some fluctuation in the team’s play, but for the most part, we got about 50 minutes of quality effort on the defensive end over the weekend and that is a HUGE improvement. Maybe the key ingredient was Parrom, maybe the light when on? maybe it was Nic’s injury slowing him down and forcing the offense to be run more deliberately. I really think that Nic can be a distribute first PG if he has faith that the other guys are executing the offense. He gets too selfish when they don’t and instead of directing guys out on the floor, he just takes it to the rim himself. Still, with the development of DWill and Fogg and Horne hitting outside shots, he can run the offense and if those guys continue to contribute in that fashion, other things will open up for everyone else.
Here’s to hopin that the regressions aren’t too severe and that the guys can hold court at McKale.
I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused....
no doubt...
I like having Fogg on the floor with Nic because he moves so well without the ball. With Lavendar on the floor, he shoots the ball well, but is a much weaker ball-handler than Fogg. The big beneficiary is DWill. With two penetrators on the floor the defense is moving and he has a chance to seal his man.
Still, you hit the key point. The team had two straight solid-as-hell defensive games. This team could win this league on talent, or at least be right there with Washington, if they defend each night.
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
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