Let me point out some stats from today... we won in spite of 3 point shooting.

drt7891

Redshirt
Dec 6, 2010
6,727
0
0
We took their game and shoved it right back in their face. We locked out the paint on defense and forced them to shoot over us... an area they have struggled in all year. Let's look at some key stats:<div>
</div><div>Green- 14 points, one trip to the free throw line, went 2-2, and a measly 4 rebounds (He averages double that). </div><div>Mitchell- 8 points (averages 15 per game) did not go to the free throw line and 9 rebounds</div><div>Releford- 7 points. He averages 13 a game. Huge key to their offensive production due to his ability to cut into the lane and create shots and we severely limited that ability today.</div><div>We kept their bigs in check all day.</div><div>
</div><div>Let's look at some more key stats- </div><div>1. We outrebound Alabama 35-30. They average 36 a game.</div><div>2. We also had 12 opportunities from the charity stripe to their 5. They average 13 a game.</div><div>3. Alabama never reached the Bonus in either half. </div><div>4. Even though we went 3-17 from 3 point land, Alabama went a measly 1-9. </div><div>5. We outscored Alabama in the paint 32-30.</div><div>
</div><div>The biggest stats that stand out to me... because this is how Alabama wins games:</div><div>1. We outrebound Alabama at the Offensive end 11-5.</div><div>2. Second Chance points- MSU with 13, Alabama with only 4.</div><div>3. We had 9 turnovers on the game... mostly due to violations (traveling, etc.) limiting their ability in transition</div><div>4. Alabama averages 68 points a game... they end up with 52.</div><div>
</div><div>I personally thought we put out one of our best efforts of the season, despite poor shooting. I say that because we took away the elements of Alabama's game that are the difference maker in most games... transition opportunities, second chance points, and points in the paint. This team thrived on those and in both categories, we severely limited them, forcing them into half court sets with generally one opportunity to score. This was not because of a so-so performance, this is because we busted our *** taking care of the basketball, limiting turnovers, being in position to rebound, and playing defense in the paint. We also were able to take away their ability to penetrate into the paint, therefore taking away their ability to dish and score. </div><div>
</div><div>I was proud of our effort today. They didn't have an answer for Moultrie, Sid gave us great minutes defensively and on the glass, and Dee hit some clutch shots. We were able to win in spite of bad 3 point shooting, an area where the past couple of years has cost us SEVERAL wins. We made mistakes and we hit our normal second half slump, but as far as a team effort and executing a gameplan, today has been our best effort so far. </div><div>
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BoDawg.sixpack

All-Conference
Feb 5, 2010
5,134
2,500
113
Maybe we hit the bottom so hard we bounced back up, or maybe our AD had a frank chat with Stans, who in turn made some coordinated efforts with his assistants to refocus the team, but whatever the reason we're getting positive media reviews and we're winning more of these close games. That win against WVU is looking better and today's win against Bama was maybe the biggest win of the season. The SEC schedule is still young but I like the way we've put the past behind us and improved our team chemistry and the focus of our players. There is a lot to be said for that IMO.</p>
 

drt7891

Redshirt
Dec 6, 2010
6,727
0
0
Sidney has come to the realization that he has not been the "difference" he claimed to be, but I look back on the season so far and see nothing but improvement from him (baby steps). Improvement in effort and attitude.. and that will go a long way down the road. Many said initially that he was the X-factor this season, and that has held true. If he can work harder for position on the offensive floor instead of taking jump shots, along with working hard on the defensive end, we will be even deeper, and with he and Moultrie on the floor at the same time and both demanding double teams, we can be unstoppable down low. He just has to continue getting better. <div>
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ckDOG

All-Conference
Dec 11, 2007
9,585
4,997
113
Other than our zone offense, we play great today. As much hell as I give Stans, it never fails where there is 1 or 2 games a year where I watch and say "why the hell can't we be this prepared every game?". He sucks me in from time to time, then loses it for a stretch only to piss me off again. If we play like we did today for the rest of the season, the shots will begin to fall and we'll put ourselves in a position to finish well. Don't blow it, Stans.