OGT-Florida vs Loyola Maryland 11/6 Stephen C. O'Connell Center 8:00 pm

I wouldn’t focus on points in a high possession game. They shot 46% from the floor, but only 38% in the first half. That’s pretty solid. Effective fg % was around 53 (which isn’t great), but again 45% in first half (which is terrific). We were dominant defensively for the first 9 minutes, then just relatively good the rest of the way playing with a big lead. Lots of breakdowns against a team that isn’t great, but it’s not like we lack good defenders or can’t correct the problems in some of our rotations and ball screen coverages.

 

I am thinking about it

 

our game against Michigan is on Tuesday 12/19 at 7 pm. The second game is the womens game between UNC and Oklahoma. It should be an easier ticket than the Virginia game Friday ( a triple header including Va Tech at USCe)

 

As frustrating as missed FTs are as a fan, they statistically don’t matter that much. In the last 20 years, we’ve had five teams shoot less than 70% from the line. Of those, one won a national title, one was a top overall seed that made the Final 4, and two made the Elite 8. Only one was bad and missed the tourney.

Poor FT shooting can definitely hurt you in a close game down the stretch. But on balance as long as you get to the line at such a high rate, even a historically low season average like 60% is as effective as elite shooting like 60% from the floor and 40 from the arc.

 

Yeah, some of the moves and shots he made last night haven't been seen in Gainesville in a long, long time. If he gets someone in a one-on-one matchup, it's almost comical.

 

I can live with Tyrese being a 60% guy, because he draws so many fouls he gets us to the bonus quite quickly, where we can start capitalizing. And I have to believe that Clayton going 0-3 was a fluke we won't see again. He shot 95% last season as a full-time starter. You don't do that unless you are outstanding. I believe he was 6-6 in the scrimmage against Miami.

 

For the record, I don't expect us to be historically bad, haha. Just don't think being particularly good is essential to our success. But, yes, some of these dudes will be better. Everyone was bad last night, including guards.

 

They hit everything the last 15 minutes

 

CTG wasn't happy with the way we defended the 3 late in each half. He felt that our guys looked a little tired at those times and didn't work through it.

 

Gotta remember, that national championship team couldn't miss at the free throw line in March. They just ratcheted up the concentration level.

 

Free Throws woes probably from first game adrenaline. Guys were sky high.

What impressed me is there seems to be high IQ and toughness, even off the bench. I didn't see anyone, even freshmen, that didn't look skilled and in control for the most part.

Going to be a fun team to watch develop. If Pullin is better at point than Clayton then shut the front door.

It seems we're going to have several players wanting the ball in crunch time.

 

Does anyone know where I can find highlights of the game? and/or a way to watch espn and/or SEC Network while overseas

 

Yes free throws are all about concentration...and trying to relax, not getting too tight

 

I told y’all about Clayton! He was recruited by major schools as a D1 football player. Safety, I think. Definitely an athlete, and he is going to posterize a few unsuspecting bigs this season.

 

Okay, but also proves the point that you don't need to he an elite free throw shooting team to get through the regular season with only five losses and end up as the #1 seed.

Also, for the record, they shout 65% or worse in three of their NCAA tourney games. But then shot the lights out in the other three, haha.

 

Kugel highlights

 

Yeah but his body language...

 

I know this is oft discussed in this thread, but this is nothing new. he had the same type of aloofness last season.

I think it's simply who he is. There are occasions where you can practically see him replaying a miss in his head while on D and that has to be fixed, but he's not going to suddenly become Patric Young out there.

 

Haugh and Condon didn't show any of the silly mistakes you typically get from freshmen. At least from my viewpoint; the coaches will probably disagree.

 

If our bigs can shoot like they did last night every night Kugel will have lots of open lanes to drive to the basket.