Final score: Bradley 78 Indiana State 67

[BUfan14]

our wins have come against teams who have played for a .429 winning percentage (90-120 and only 2 of them have winning records (Akron and SIUE). SIUE is the best record-wise that we've beaten at 14-5 and they are in the OVC, which is not known as a real powerhouse conference and that was a 2 point win that was a second from going to OT.

I am really beginning to think this is the problem. The road woes have gotten the blame, but I think it is the just we have payed much better competition on the road. There haven't been any road easy games yet. A lot of the home games were expected big wins.

I also believe our players are somewhat technically sound, but not overly athletic. It's why, despite having solid scorers and shooters, we have no go to guy in either category. Mast, Leons, Hickman are examples. They score when faced with equal or lesser athletic talent. But as soon as the competition ramps up and that technical proficiency isn't enough, we don't score. Same thing with Hickman or Ville, even Leons as our go to three point shooters.

Even Deen, because of his height not athleticism in his case, of course will have more trouble getting clean looks against more athletic teams. By the nature of his height he needs to get extra separation to get his shots off.

Henry, to me, has always been a guy that just bullies down low to get his shots. He doesn't pass or shoot well, so this is how he scores. However, when he is equaled in athleticism, once again, he doesn't score as much unless on second chance points. Ditto Hannah, except his are more alley-oops than second chance points.

Better teams are able to meet our technical proficiency and a lot of times have better athletes or shooters than can hit shots even when somewhat covered or get open on their own. This is what causes us to lose against better teams so far in my view. I haven't watched Indiana State much, so I don't know if they are overly athletic, but I think that will tell the tale for the game. I don't see how we can get more athletic, so if this view is accurate, then we may be in trouble. Mast is the perfect example, as he is so great technically, but not the best athlete which is what causes his struggles against bigger and more athletic bigs. Montgomery seems to be the one guy that has height and can create his own shot a little, but he still has to grow a lot is his game as well.

I hope I am wrong in this assessment, but I'm starting to think I am not. We need better wing/off-guard shooters and scorers in the future I think. Hopefully, the new recruit for next year is the start of that. I hope we have enough to overcome that weakness this year.

[PattonMD]

Cripes, I think the 8th grade camera operator from SIUE is at this game.

[Tommy]

Cripes, I think the 8th grade camera operator from SIUE is at this game.

ROFL! Good call back! Love it!

[Tommy]

10 fouls in first 6 minutes. Hate this crew already. And some terrible shot selection so far.

[BUfan14]

Gift at the end there with the technical. Lucky to be down only 5. I’m not confident in anything with this team anymore, but one thing I can say for sure….Ville, for all his flaws, is a great free throw shooter.

[Bradley8792]

We’ve given away 12 points of a lot of very avoidable turnovers. We should be winning.

[tecon89]

Lucky to be down 5…..turnovers

[Tommy]

We’ve given away 12 points of a lot of very avoidable turnovers. We should be winning.

Astute point.

[Fetz86]

Part of me expects Kent to have a big second half and hit the game winner after we come back. New career high, which I think would be 21+.

[BradleyBiz]

Zek’s defense (or lack thereof) is absolutely killing us. And Hickman needs to stop shooting.

[Da Coach]

BU up 60-55 with 8:34 left.
Stats- https://gosycamores.com/sidearmstats/mbball/media
Chat- https://us21.chatzy.com/bradleyfans

[BUfan14]

As I mentioned, when the opponent doesn’t out strength or athlete Reink he’s so fundamentally good.

In my earlier assessment of the team in this thread, I mentioned Zek is the one wing we have who can create his own shot. If he could stay more focused on defense…

I also like Zek bringing the ball down more than Hickman. He has had a couple good passes today too.

I kind of like the Leons/Mast two man game. We should do that more.

Boy it sure seems like Hannah has too many games where he is lackadaisical and it hurts the team on defense.

Indiana State is playing sloppy themselves, take advantage! Biggest few minutes of the year here!

[BUfan14]

No Brian, don’t take Zek out here!!!! He’s a young kid, he doesn’t need a rest in a huge game when you have a chance to step on the throat. He’s been the turning force on offense along with Mast.

[Bradley8792]

What was the technical for?

[BUfan14]

What was the technical for?

Granted, I don't know the whole story, but from what it looked like on tv the ref was completely unprofessional. You can't go into the team's huddle like that.