The Warriors would like to congratulate former Warrior player, Joe Ingvalson and his longtime girlfriend Ashley on there recent engagement to be married. Not sure when the big date is but the players and staff are thrilled to hear the happy couple are finally going to tie the knot. Way to go Joe!!
In some other news, John Smith, has been cleared to play basketball once again. John who had been rehabbing a quad tear since early October, is living back here in Winona while working out at WSU. John is currently looking to catch on with a professional team and hopes to get a call here in the near future now that he is able to play again. Zach Malvik recently had ankle surgery to clear up a bone chip that occur ed in his ankle. The surgery will keep Zach out of playing ball for up to four months but the great news is once he is cleared to play he will be at full strength with his ankle and looking to continue his professional basketball career. Finally Quincy Henderson is taking in his final days here in America before boarding a plane and heading over the Australia for the upcoming basketball season. Don't be surprised to see Q at a home basketball game before taking off.
If anyone has any other updates on WSU basketball alumni, please feel free to drop a line and let us know. Go Warriors!!!!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Get to Know - Ben Fischer
In this weeks edition of "Get to Know your Warriors" we meet sophomore guard Ben Fischer of Wausau, Wisconsin. Ben is not only a talented basketball player but he is known as a fantasy football guru. If anyone ever needs help on who to start or sit for a fantasy football league, Ben is the man to ask., he has all the answers.
What is your full name? Benjamin Timothy Fischer
What are your parent(s) names? Timm and Mary
Do you have any brothers/sisters? Jordan
Do you have any pets? No
What is your major here at WSU? Accounting, MIS Minor
Why did you select WSU? Cause of the coaching staff/atmosphere
What is your favorite color? Black
What is your favorite food? Grilled Ham n Cheese
What is your favorite TV/Show? 70s Show/Family Guy
What is your favorite movie? Black Sheep/Tommy Boy
What is currently playing in your Ipod/cd player? Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
What is one interesting talent you have that people might not know? Fantasy Football Owner Extraordinaire
What is your dream job? Stat Guy for ESPN
What is your greatest sports achievement? Nat Champ
What is your favorite type of basketball shoe? Huaraches
If you could select 3 people in the world do have dinner with who would they be? Why? MJ, Ashton Kuchter, Peter Griffin
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Home
If you could go to a major sporting event, which one would it be? Bear/Packer Game
Who have you looked up to the most in your life? MJ
Who is your favorite actor/actress? Rachel McAdams
Who is your favorite professional sports team? DA BEARS
Who is your favorite basketball player? MJ
Who is the cleanest person on our team? Welch
Who is the messiest person on our team? Clayton
Who is the best dunker on the team? Welch
Who is the best video game player on the team? Depends on the game
Who on our team would you choose to be the President of the US? Why? Whipple, obviously
Who on our team is most likely to be famous? Why? Welch, America's Most Wanted
What is your full name? Benjamin Timothy Fischer
What are your parent(s) names? Timm and Mary
Do you have any brothers/sisters? Jordan
Do you have any pets? No
What is your major here at WSU? Accounting, MIS Minor
Why did you select WSU? Cause of the coaching staff/atmosphere
What is your favorite color? Black
What is your favorite food? Grilled Ham n Cheese
What is your favorite TV/Show? 70s Show/Family Guy
What is your favorite movie? Black Sheep/Tommy Boy
What is currently playing in your Ipod/cd player? Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
What is one interesting talent you have that people might not know? Fantasy Football Owner Extraordinaire
What is your dream job? Stat Guy for ESPN
What is your greatest sports achievement? Nat Champ
What is your favorite type of basketball shoe? Huaraches
If you could select 3 people in the world do have dinner with who would they be? Why? MJ, Ashton Kuchter, Peter Griffin
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Home
If you could go to a major sporting event, which one would it be? Bear/Packer Game
Who have you looked up to the most in your life? MJ
Who is your favorite actor/actress? Rachel McAdams
Who is your favorite professional sports team? DA BEARS
Who is your favorite basketball player? MJ
Who is the cleanest person on our team? Welch
Who is the messiest person on our team? Clayton
Who is the best dunker on the team? Welch
Who is the best video game player on the team? Depends on the game
Who on our team would you choose to be the President of the US? Why? Whipple, obviously
Who on our team is most likely to be famous? Why? Welch, America's Most Wanted
Monday, January 19, 2009
Steak Ends at 10
Hey Warrior fans, Coach Moore, with a look back on our game from Saturday night with Augustana College in which we fell by a final score of 88-72. The loss ended a ten game winning streak for us and it dropped us out of first place in the NSIC into a second place tie with UM-Duluth.
Once again we started the game out flat and dug ourselves an early 9-2 hole as we allowed Augie a wide open three to start and then some easy buckets in transition. This was not the type of start we were looking for, our energy level was not there and we seemed a step slow on the offensive end but after a timeout we found ourselves a little bit and battled back quickly to take a lead in the game with about 15 minutes to play. We continued to hold a lead, as many as 7 points until the 3 minute mark of the half but then Augie took the lead and went into half leading by six points.
The first half I think we played okay at best but you could see something was just not right with our guys. Our energy level that we had been having on the defense end was not to be seen as we were getting beat off the dibble too much and left shooters wide open too often. Offensively our spacing was terrible, we were a step slow with our decision making and our reads at times made no sense. Overall in the first half we were getting beat down the floor in transition, they were getting second chance points, getting loose balls, they basically were doing all the little things needed to get the win and we were not. While those things didn't show up big on the score board in the first half as the game wore on you could see those things pile up on us as the game continued to get farther away from us. Some bright spots in the first half even though we were not in sync was that we were only down six and if we could get going we would be okay. We were not shooting the ball that great but it wasn't bad either. Actually to have the offensive problems that we had and to only be down six was pretty good I felt considering all things.
The second half though was much of the same as the first half. We made a couple of runs at them as we banged home a couple of 3's in a row but we couldn't get stops on the defensive end for more the two consecutive possessions it seemed and in the end that was the main reason we ended up on the short end. Once again it all comes down to the defensive end of the floor to win ball games. Sure our offense was not the best for most of the night but our defense was the reason for the loss. We put up 72 points which is more then enough to win any basketball game and it was an off night for our offense. But when you give up 88 points to someone you are not going to win too many ball games. Our defense has to get so much better and we have to play so much more aggressively on the defensive end if we want to win ball games. Hopefully this week our guys can turn things around on defensive end and we can get back to playing the type of basketball that got us to the position we are currently in.
That is it for now. Take care everyone. Go Warriors
Once again we started the game out flat and dug ourselves an early 9-2 hole as we allowed Augie a wide open three to start and then some easy buckets in transition. This was not the type of start we were looking for, our energy level was not there and we seemed a step slow on the offensive end but after a timeout we found ourselves a little bit and battled back quickly to take a lead in the game with about 15 minutes to play. We continued to hold a lead, as many as 7 points until the 3 minute mark of the half but then Augie took the lead and went into half leading by six points.
The first half I think we played okay at best but you could see something was just not right with our guys. Our energy level that we had been having on the defense end was not to be seen as we were getting beat off the dibble too much and left shooters wide open too often. Offensively our spacing was terrible, we were a step slow with our decision making and our reads at times made no sense. Overall in the first half we were getting beat down the floor in transition, they were getting second chance points, getting loose balls, they basically were doing all the little things needed to get the win and we were not. While those things didn't show up big on the score board in the first half as the game wore on you could see those things pile up on us as the game continued to get farther away from us. Some bright spots in the first half even though we were not in sync was that we were only down six and if we could get going we would be okay. We were not shooting the ball that great but it wasn't bad either. Actually to have the offensive problems that we had and to only be down six was pretty good I felt considering all things.
The second half though was much of the same as the first half. We made a couple of runs at them as we banged home a couple of 3's in a row but we couldn't get stops on the defensive end for more the two consecutive possessions it seemed and in the end that was the main reason we ended up on the short end. Once again it all comes down to the defensive end of the floor to win ball games. Sure our offense was not the best for most of the night but our defense was the reason for the loss. We put up 72 points which is more then enough to win any basketball game and it was an off night for our offense. But when you give up 88 points to someone you are not going to win too many ball games. Our defense has to get so much better and we have to play so much more aggressively on the defensive end if we want to win ball games. Hopefully this week our guys can turn things around on defensive end and we can get back to playing the type of basketball that got us to the position we are currently in.
That is it for now. Take care everyone. Go Warriors
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Warriors Tame Wildcats
Hi everyone, Coach Moore here with another update. I must first apologize for not post yesterday before our Wayne St game but I was not feeling the best and the Internet connection in Wayne was very low, thus getting on the Internet was difficult.
We play an okay but not great game last night. We were really lacking a spark on both ends of the floor and it seemed at times like we were just going through the motions. But we were able to knock down some big shots when we needed them and we made a couple of key stops going down the stretch to win the game. This win was a huge win for us as it kept us near the top of the standings and any time you can go on the road in our conference and win a game you are doing a great thing.
Overall obviously we are happy with the win but we struggled in many areas of the game. First our rebounding took a step back last night as we struggled to end possessions with a rebound when we were playing defense. Also we didn't crash the boards very well on the offensive end as we had multiple opportunities to follow our own shot and get a rebound but failed to do so. For some reason it is difficult to get players to follow there own shot after they shoot it, don't know why this is but it can make a huge difference in the game when you do follow your shot and get a extra possession. Defensively we were also slow last night on rotations. WSC would get some ball movement and we couldn't recover and rotate quick enough to get out on there shooters, fortunately they didn't make too many of the shots but they had too many open shots. Finally we need to do a better job of taking care of the ball as we had many unforced turnovers and that should never happen.
Moving onto our game today against Augustana. This game will be another battle for us. Augustana like many teams in our league does not have one or two guys to key on and they have many with capabilities to have big nights. We will need to have a total team effort if we want to be in this game in the end.
Keys to this game will be first our ability to rebound the basketball. The Vikings are a good rebounding team and we will need to battle with them on the glass, holding them to one shot every time down the floor. The second key will be making them take a contested shot every time down the floor. The Vikings are a great shooting team and we need to get out on there shooters and make them take a tough shot each time down the floor. Finally we need to get out and run when we can. We are a tough team to stop when we get the ball down the floor and put pressure on the other teams defense. We will need to do this tonight to put pressure on them and make them work on the defensive end. Also pushing the ball should get us some great open looks, which we will hopefully make.
That is all for now. Let hope for another great outcome. Go Warriors!!!!
Moving on to today's game against Augustana.
We play an okay but not great game last night. We were really lacking a spark on both ends of the floor and it seemed at times like we were just going through the motions. But we were able to knock down some big shots when we needed them and we made a couple of key stops going down the stretch to win the game. This win was a huge win for us as it kept us near the top of the standings and any time you can go on the road in our conference and win a game you are doing a great thing.
Overall obviously we are happy with the win but we struggled in many areas of the game. First our rebounding took a step back last night as we struggled to end possessions with a rebound when we were playing defense. Also we didn't crash the boards very well on the offensive end as we had multiple opportunities to follow our own shot and get a rebound but failed to do so. For some reason it is difficult to get players to follow there own shot after they shoot it, don't know why this is but it can make a huge difference in the game when you do follow your shot and get a extra possession. Defensively we were also slow last night on rotations. WSC would get some ball movement and we couldn't recover and rotate quick enough to get out on there shooters, fortunately they didn't make too many of the shots but they had too many open shots. Finally we need to do a better job of taking care of the ball as we had many unforced turnovers and that should never happen.
Moving onto our game today against Augustana. This game will be another battle for us. Augustana like many teams in our league does not have one or two guys to key on and they have many with capabilities to have big nights. We will need to have a total team effort if we want to be in this game in the end.
Keys to this game will be first our ability to rebound the basketball. The Vikings are a good rebounding team and we will need to battle with them on the glass, holding them to one shot every time down the floor. The second key will be making them take a contested shot every time down the floor. The Vikings are a great shooting team and we need to get out on there shooters and make them take a tough shot each time down the floor. Finally we need to get out and run when we can. We are a tough team to stop when we get the ball down the floor and put pressure on the other teams defense. We will need to do this tonight to put pressure on them and make them work on the defensive end. Also pushing the ball should get us some great open looks, which we will hopefully make.
That is all for now. Let hope for another great outcome. Go Warriors!!!!
Moving on to today's game against Augustana.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Get to Know - Curt Robinson
In this weeks feature of "Get to Know Your Warriors" we get to introduce you to Curtrel Robinson. Curt, a fifth year senior for the Warriors, is one of four members of the team to win 2 National Championships while playing for WSU. One item Curt did not put in his interview is how he knows how to DJ and he has his own turntable set, so for your next party or gathering look up C-Rob for some great entertainment.
What is your full name? Curtrel Dion Robinson
What are your parent(s) names? Troy Robinson and Cassandra Stokes
Do you have any brothers/sisters? on my fathers side i have brother who is a few months older than me dontrail 22, lil brothers Malik 11, Tramale 7, mother side i have triplets sibling who are 8 caszmir my only sister , stephon and armond lil brothers their faternal
Do you have any pets? no pets
What is your major here at WSU? Professional studies major with imphasises on urban planning and development
Why did you select WSU?oppurtunity to play great basketball and get an education. campus not too big. distance from home.
What is your favorite color?blue
What is your favorite food? grandmas cookin. soul food Bar-b-que hmm.
What is your favorite TV/Show?106 and park on bet
What is your favorite movie?cadilac records
What is your favorite type of music?hip-hop/R and B there's not a type i dont like whatever sounds good to my ears
What is currently playing in your Ipod/cd player?Jaimie Foxx's new album Intuition (EXCLUSIVE)
What is one interesting talent you have that people might not know? i wouldnt call it a talent but being a good father to my daughter Corrina Troi Robinosn shes 19mnths and she is a huge WSU basketball fan.
What is your dream job?being a celebertiy
What is your greatest sports achievement?2 national titles
What is your favorite type of basketball shoe? nikes
If you could select 3 people in the world do have dinner with who would they be? Why?Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Micheal Jordan because they are the most powerful influencial leaders. and micheal jordan because he's the greatest.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?brazil
If you could go to a major sporting event, which one would it be?NBA all-star weekend...Cracking
Who have you looked up to the most in your life?my father
Who is your favorite actor/actress?actor Martin Lawernce/ actress Sanaa lathan
Who is your favorite singer/artist? lil wayne
Who is your favorite professional sports team? i dont have one
Who is the one person in life you would like to meet?Martin lurther King Jr.
Who is your favorite basketball player?Lebron "The Chosen One" James
Who is the best person you have ever played basketball against? Dupri Fletcher Milwaukee King HS Days
Who is the cleanest person on our team?mikey
Who is the messiest person on our team?Gar
Who is the best dunker on the team?C-Rob oh thats me lol. 360 comin soon promise.
Who is the best video game player on the team?im the greatest right Gar
Who on our team would you choose to be the President of the US? Why?Travis Whipple the man stays busy handling business.
Who on our team is most likely to be famous? Why?mikey tallest professional poker player
If you had one word of advice for people what would it be?"BELIEVE"
What are your parent(s) names? Troy Robinson and Cassandra Stokes
Do you have any brothers/sisters? on my fathers side i have brother who is a few months older than me dontrail 22, lil brothers Malik 11, Tramale 7, mother side i have triplets sibling who are 8 caszmir my only sister , stephon and armond lil brothers their faternal
Do you have any pets? no pets
What is your major here at WSU? Professional studies major with imphasises on urban planning and development
Why did you select WSU?oppurtunity to play great basketball and get an education. campus not too big. distance from home.
What is your favorite color?blue
What is your favorite food? grandmas cookin. soul food Bar-b-que hmm.
What is your favorite TV/Show?106 and park on bet
What is your favorite movie?cadilac records
What is your favorite type of music?hip-hop/R and B there's not a type i dont like whatever sounds good to my ears
What is currently playing in your Ipod/cd player?Jaimie Foxx's new album Intuition (EXCLUSIVE)
What is one interesting talent you have that people might not know? i wouldnt call it a talent but being a good father to my daughter Corrina Troi Robinosn shes 19mnths and she is a huge WSU basketball fan.
What is your dream job?being a celebertiy
What is your greatest sports achievement?2 national titles
What is your favorite type of basketball shoe? nikes
If you could select 3 people in the world do have dinner with who would they be? Why?Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Micheal Jordan because they are the most powerful influencial leaders. and micheal jordan because he's the greatest.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?brazil
If you could go to a major sporting event, which one would it be?NBA all-star weekend...Cracking
Who have you looked up to the most in your life?my father
Who is your favorite actor/actress?actor Martin Lawernce/ actress Sanaa lathan
Who is your favorite singer/artist? lil wayne
Who is your favorite professional sports team? i dont have one
Who is the one person in life you would like to meet?Martin lurther King Jr.
Who is your favorite basketball player?Lebron "The Chosen One" James
Who is the best person you have ever played basketball against? Dupri Fletcher Milwaukee King HS Days
Who is the cleanest person on our team?mikey
Who is the messiest person on our team?Gar
Who is the best dunker on the team?C-Rob oh thats me lol. 360 comin soon promise.
Who is the best video game player on the team?im the greatest right Gar
Who on our team would you choose to be the President of the US? Why?Travis Whipple the man stays busy handling business.
Who on our team is most likely to be famous? Why?mikey tallest professional poker player
If you had one word of advice for people what would it be?"BELIEVE"
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
3 Years Ago Today - 1/13/06
It was three years ago today the Winona State Men's Basketball team (pictured above) went down to Wayne, Neb. and pulled out a 98-91 overtime victory over the Wildcats. At the time the win was just looked at as a nice come from behind victory that kept the Warriors from falling for the second consecutive NSIC game as well as their fourth loss in six games. It also was a game in which the Warriors played without, at that time sophomore Jonte' Flowers, who was away with family obligations. As it turned out this win was the first win of a NCAA Division II record 57 consecutive wins for the Warriors. Since this date in time the Winona State Men's Program has went 110-8 to date, they have won 2 National Championships while playing in three National Championship games. The accomplishments of the men who were a part of these great teams will never be forgotten and may never be duplicated again in the history of Division II basketball.
Here is a look back at each game won over the streak. To access a box score from any of these games just click on the score which will link you to the box score from that game.
2005-06 Season
1/13/06 * at Wayne State WOT 98-91
1/14/06 * at SW Minnesota State W 77-67
1/20/06 * NORTHERN STATE W 92-78
1/21/06 * MSU MOORHEAD W 74-41
1/24/06 NORTH CENTRAL W 120-73
01-28-06 * at Concordia-St. Paul W 80-64
2/4/06 * CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL W 92-77
2/10/06 * at MSU Moorhead W 77-61
02/11/06 * at Northern State W 82-73
2/17/06 * SW MINNESOTA STATE W 77-69
2/18/06 * WAYNE STATE W 90-63
02-25-06 * at Bemidji State W 85-67
2/26/06 * at Minnesota-Crookston W 68-50
3/1/06 MINNESOTA-CROOKSTON W 88-59
3/4/06 SW MINNESOTA STATE W 75-58
3/5/06 NORTHERN STATE W 93-80
3/11/06 SOUTH DAKOTA WOT 81-69
3/12/06 MINNESOTA STATE W 74-71
3/14/06 NORTHERN STATE W 96-86
3/22/06 vs Barton (N.C.) WOT 86-78
3/23/06 vs Stonehill (MA) W 83-73
3/25/06 vs Virginia Union W 73-61
2006-07 Season
11/15/06 BETHANY LUTHERN W 88-79
11/18/06 ST. JOSEPH'S W 90-68
11/24/06 ST. MARY'S (MN) W 98-54
12/1/06 * NORTHERN STATE W 90-62
12/2/06 * UNIVERSITY OF MARY W 77-57
12/5/06 NORTH CENTRAL W 119-38
12/09/06 * at Upper Iowa W 80-62
12/15/06 at Minnesota-Duluth W 84-74
12/19/06 vs Wingate (N.C.) W 91-78
12/20/06 vs Hillsdale (Mich.) W 81-67
12/29/06 WISCONSIN PARKSIDE W 92-76
1/5/07 * at Wayne State W 107-74
1/06/07 * at SW Minnesota State W 76-71
1/12/07 * CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL WOT 86-83
1/13/07 * MSU MOORHEAD W 69-66
1/19/07 * at Bemidji State W 82-37
1/20/07 * at Minnesota, CrookstonW 93-79
1/27/07 * at Northern State W 76-66
1/28/07 * at University of Mary W 80-63
1/31/07 CLARK COLLEGE (IOWA) W 79-52
2/3/07 * UPPER IOWA W 81-70
2/9/07 * SW MINNESOTA STATE W 68-59
2/10/07 * WAYNE STATE W 80-72
2-16-07 * at MSU Moorhead W 89-56
02/17/07 * at Concordia-St. Paul W 87-68
2/23/07 * MINNESOTA, CROOKSTON W 104-66
2/24/07 * BEMIDJI STATE W 76-60
2/28/07 UPPER IOWA W 94-63
3/3/07 CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL W 87-71
3/4/07 SW MINNESOTA STATE W 80-70
3/10/07 ST. CLOUD STATE W 100-73
3/11/07 NEBRASKA-KEARNEY W 81-70
3/13/07 MINNESOTA STATE W 89-76
3/21/07 vs Bentley (Mass.) W 64-51
3/22/07 vs Central Missouri WOT 90-85
Go Warriors!!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Warriors Streak to 9
Hi everybody, Coach Moore with a report on last nights win over Minnesota State Mankato. It was another battle last night for us but our guys responded well once again as we were able to come out on top 100-85.
We started out the game slow as we were down 9-2 right away as we were not moving on the offensive end at all. But then Ben Fischer stepped up and hit two three's back to back to get us going and our offense took off from there. The 3's for Ben were huge as it forced Mankato to really get out on him, which allows him to get to basket much easier then if they would have been playing off of him by a step. This also helps out the rest of our guys as Ben is such a good passer and is capable of finding open guys to knock down the shot as he did again last night. After Ben got us going everyone else seemed to build off of it as we knocked down 7 threes in the half and we shot almost 50% from the floor. Defensively in the first half we struggled to stop them inside and out for most of the half. Their big guy, Nelson had 18 on us in the first half and Morrow had 14 so we were not doing a great job of stopping them as they shot 61% in the half but we were only down one at half and we actually lead most of the half so to be in the position we were in was good. A couple things we were not doing well were we allowed their big guys to get right to the block to get good position and once they were there they are tough to stop. On the outside we were over reacting too much and we were not getting a hand up on some of the shots, thus giving them easy looks. We wanted our big guys to meet their bigs at the elbow and make them work to get position down low, on the outside we just told our guys to contain, not go for fakes and keep a hand up on all shots.
In the second half I think you saw how well our guys did with making sure they were meeting their bigs at the elbow and we contested many of the outside shots they took. Our guys guarding Nelson did a great job of being physical with him and making him work for everything he got. He still had 7 point in the second half but they were all tough points to get as we did an excellent job of keeping him off the block. Then on the outside we did a better job containing for the most part and we contested many shots. On top of that we rebounded the basketball so well in the second half and actually the game. We out rebounded them by 4 which was a huge factor for this game as we didn't give them too many second chances. On offense our spacing was awesome as we had driving lanes to the basket and we knocked down our outside shots. We shot 62% in the second half as we either got an open 3 or a lay up on many possessions. The guys did a great job of being patient and attacking them at the right moment. Then to knock down the outside shots we did were huge as it start to build our lead up as the game went on. Finally we hit our free throws down the stretch as they put us to the line during the final 3 minutes of the game.
Overall this game as a great team win for us. Everyone on our team contributed to this win as everyone was into the game from the start. The guys coming in off the bench gave us solid minutes and the guys who played inside did an excellent job of being physical and not allowing them to get anything easy. This was another huge step forward for our guys but we know we have a long way to go. We have another road trip coming up next weekend so lets hope we can carry over this play with another solid weekend on the road.
On a final note, thanks for all those fans who made the trip over to Mankato for the game. We had a great crew behind us and as a team we cannot thank you enough for your support. It was fun to see so many of you there and we could here you nice and loud during the game. The Warrior fans are the best fans in all of Division II hoops. We thank you for your support!!!!
Go Warriors!!!!
We started out the game slow as we were down 9-2 right away as we were not moving on the offensive end at all. But then Ben Fischer stepped up and hit two three's back to back to get us going and our offense took off from there. The 3's for Ben were huge as it forced Mankato to really get out on him, which allows him to get to basket much easier then if they would have been playing off of him by a step. This also helps out the rest of our guys as Ben is such a good passer and is capable of finding open guys to knock down the shot as he did again last night. After Ben got us going everyone else seemed to build off of it as we knocked down 7 threes in the half and we shot almost 50% from the floor. Defensively in the first half we struggled to stop them inside and out for most of the half. Their big guy, Nelson had 18 on us in the first half and Morrow had 14 so we were not doing a great job of stopping them as they shot 61% in the half but we were only down one at half and we actually lead most of the half so to be in the position we were in was good. A couple things we were not doing well were we allowed their big guys to get right to the block to get good position and once they were there they are tough to stop. On the outside we were over reacting too much and we were not getting a hand up on some of the shots, thus giving them easy looks. We wanted our big guys to meet their bigs at the elbow and make them work to get position down low, on the outside we just told our guys to contain, not go for fakes and keep a hand up on all shots.
In the second half I think you saw how well our guys did with making sure they were meeting their bigs at the elbow and we contested many of the outside shots they took. Our guys guarding Nelson did a great job of being physical with him and making him work for everything he got. He still had 7 point in the second half but they were all tough points to get as we did an excellent job of keeping him off the block. Then on the outside we did a better job containing for the most part and we contested many shots. On top of that we rebounded the basketball so well in the second half and actually the game. We out rebounded them by 4 which was a huge factor for this game as we didn't give them too many second chances. On offense our spacing was awesome as we had driving lanes to the basket and we knocked down our outside shots. We shot 62% in the second half as we either got an open 3 or a lay up on many possessions. The guys did a great job of being patient and attacking them at the right moment. Then to knock down the outside shots we did were huge as it start to build our lead up as the game went on. Finally we hit our free throws down the stretch as they put us to the line during the final 3 minutes of the game.
Overall this game as a great team win for us. Everyone on our team contributed to this win as everyone was into the game from the start. The guys coming in off the bench gave us solid minutes and the guys who played inside did an excellent job of being physical and not allowing them to get anything easy. This was another huge step forward for our guys but we know we have a long way to go. We have another road trip coming up next weekend so lets hope we can carry over this play with another solid weekend on the road.
On a final note, thanks for all those fans who made the trip over to Mankato for the game. We had a great crew behind us and as a team we cannot thank you enough for your support. It was fun to see so many of you there and we could here you nice and loud during the game. The Warrior fans are the best fans in all of Division II hoops. We thank you for your support!!!!
Go Warriors!!!!
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