Warriors Clinch Home Playoff Game Next Wednesday!!!

Hey gang, Coach Moore here with a look back on our game last night against Upper Iowa and a look at what we know about the NSIC Tournament.

We played a pretty solid game last night down in Fayette, a place that has been a tough on other teams in our conference, as we won 77-61. The first half of the game was pretty tight until the last 4 minutes or so when we went on an 11-0 run to go up by 15 at the half. Our defense in the first half, especially the first 16 minutes, was not good at all. We were getting beat off the dribble, not seeing our man or ball and we gave them too many easy looks at the basket. The one thing I felt we did do well on defense was to double them on ball screens and not allow them to attack us or the basket, this doubling the ball eventually lead to some turnovers and points for us during the half. On the offensive end I felt we were pretty solid in the first half, we moved the ball well, got it inside for easy looks and we shot a good percentage from the field. I felt our bench guys were great in the first half as each guy coming in gave us great energy and shot the ball really well.

In the second half we were much better on the defensive end as we did not allow them to get too many good looks at the basket. Our guys were containing one on one, we were getting in passing lanes and we were rotating well on defense. On the offensive side of the ball we were again knocking down the open looks, getting to the basket when we wanted and had great ball movement. We also were very patient in the second half working for that one great shot instead of taking a decent one.

Overall the energy level and hustle was great from everyone one the team. Our guys came ready to play and they played some great basketball at points during the game. We did an okay job of rebounding the basketball but we still need to work on not giving them second and third opportunities as that will kill us in our up coming games.

Now onto what we know for the NSIC Tournament. We for sure know we will be the Number 2 seed in the tournament. Due to the tie breakers and the break down of records our strength of schedule is not going to be good enough to pass Southwest Minnesota State so even if they lose on Saturday to Northern State. They will still be the #1 seed in the tournament. Now with us being in the #2 slot we have two teams that we have a shot at playing and they are either Northern St. or Concordia St. Paul. Who we play will all depend on a variety of factors but to make it easiest to understand for everyone. If Northern St. wins or Concordia St. Paul loses, Northern St. will be the #7 seed and we will be hosting them on Wednesday March 4th at 8 pm. If Northern St. loses and Concordia St. Paul wins then we have a tie and depending on other outcomes of games Concordia could have a higher strength of schedule so they would become the #7 seed. Other items we know as well, whoever wins between Augustana and UM-Duluth will be hosting a home game, if St. Cloud beats us on Saturday they will be hosting a home game. But other then those scenarios I would have to type an hour to explain everything else. So I hope this answers some questions the fans might have.

I know I said I would have a get to "Get to Know Your Warrior" up today but we will have to wait as I am still working on our next guy.

Go Warriors!!!!!!!!!