Post by orangeandblack on Mar 7, 2016 23:45:01 GMT -5
It was an entertaining game, and the final score was right where the majority expected it to be. Even the Vegas spread was UTC -5. Some of my takeaways from the game:
It took ETSU 9 minutes and 30 seconds of game clock to make their first 2 point basket. They will complain about the uneven foul calls, but if you don't drive the basket you're not likely to be fouled. This is how ETSU has played all year so UTC was comfortable. What kept ETSU in the game was one thing they've done well all year -- minimal turnovers (only 6 for the entire game versus UTC's 12). UTC's defense was rock solid for the first 24 minutes. Near the 16:00 mark of the 2nd I finally noticed a lazy UTC defensive sequence. I saw this many more times throughout the remainder of the game, most likely due to fatigue.
Of course the double technical situation is the highlight of the game. Yes, Cromer should have been given 3 free throws. However, the ref had no other option than to call the 2 tech's after the on court actions. It was a tough way to finish to a very close game. UTC would not be seriously challenged after that.
Looking ahead to next year it's crystal clear that UTC is the preseason #1.
It took ETSU 9 minutes and 30 seconds of game clock to make their first 2 point basket. They will complain about the uneven foul calls, but if you don't drive the basket you're not likely to be fouled. This is how ETSU has played all year so UTC was comfortable. What kept ETSU in the game was one thing they've done well all year -- minimal turnovers (only 6 for the entire game versus UTC's 12). UTC's defense was rock solid for the first 24 minutes. Near the 16:00 mark of the 2nd I finally noticed a lazy UTC defensive sequence. I saw this many more times throughout the remainder of the game, most likely due to fatigue.
Of course the double technical situation is the highlight of the game. Yes, Cromer should have been given 3 free throws. However, the ref had no other option than to call the 2 tech's after the on court actions. It was a tough way to finish to a very close game. UTC would not be seriously challenged after that.
Looking ahead to next year it's crystal clear that UTC is the preseason #1.