Thursday Games

[GrandGreen]

My observations of Thursday's games;

Women

Totally awful game. NT played like they never saw a zone defense and were beat by a road wary much less talented team on their home court. Denver's 6' post completely dominated NT's quartet of 6'2 + players. NT went back to their no offense high turnover game. I hope this is just an off night and not an indication that this team is overrated based on the easy oc schedule.

If nothing else, this game proves the value of comparitive scores in predicting winners. In the last week, ULALA beats Denver by about 25 and NT dominated ULALA by about the same amount; so it is obvious that Denver should win on NT's home court.

Men

NT had a relatively easy game against an outmatched but gritty opponent. The first half was very entertaining run and gun basketball by the Green. With the exception of Quincy Williams all the regulars had good games. Hines was outstanding, by far his best game of the year. Davis and Sturns sparkled on the offensive end. Despite foul trouble, Simmons had a good game. Barnett contributed and Watson had two monster dunks.

JJ put the stall game in about mid-second half to protect a big lead. Does this ever work? IMO NT would have been better off continuing to run their normal offense. Embarrassing coaching decision to put in the third team in with a 15 point lead with about 2:30 remaining, had to reinsert the starters a minute later after Denver got within 9 points.

Good crowd for game based on NT's recent history.

Big games Monday, both teams could climb to 3-1 and be in the thick of the race.

Based on Belt's results so far, it appears that there are no truely dominate teams and the race is wide open. Last I looked both Denver and FIU women were at the top of the standings, so these should be great games.