Toss-up Rims Out

As feared, the first conference game and first real road game had issues and challenges.

Shooting. While we made the same number of two point and three point field goals, it took us more shots - three more two point attempts and nine more three point attempts. The Hump's a tough place to shoot for visitors. Considering the points we got off of transition from turnovers, it is obvious that our...

Half court offense was ineffective. We got 10 points out of the post – from Steven Hill amazingly enough – but really little from anyone else other than Modica and Brewer, who managed to be a combined three of 12 from three point range and 16 of 38 from two point range. Townes missed all seven shots and both free throws that he tried, and several opportunities to kick the ball out for wide open three point opportunities.

Defense in the paint was terrible. Apparently the Hogs have gotten so used to Steven Hill’s shot blocking that the notion of cutting off the drive and giving help defense has been lost. As my old coach used to say, the Hogs “got driven like a used car” all night long, including the final score that sealed the deal for Mississippi State. Lay-ups are pretty high percentage shots.

Leadership was inconsistent. Sometimes just frantic. Brewer gave it a good try late in the game, but he’s not good enough yet to take games over. Sorry to all of those that think he’s NBA ready, but that’s the truth.

Give State credit. They had a good game plan and made a lot of tough plays. They shot over 46% from the field, going over 45% from three point land. They got the Hogs to play a lot of half court ball and we shot terribly.

This is the game plan we are going to see every conference game. Get used to it. The Hogs have some growing to do.