Chris Collins
They deserved to win. I thought they outplayed us.
Had five-point lead in second half but could never get separation.
We have to play a lot better. There's no ifs ands or buts. Our youth showed in a big way.
Didn't defend well. Don't get stops it's hard to get out and run.
Nance had some nice plays and finishes in the second half.
We're in the process now. We have a young team. Had a tough loss tonight. Very disappointing.
Jensen's 3s in the first half were huge. Hayes dominated the second half with penetration.
What did he tell team after the game: We got what we deserved. One of two choices: lay down or get off the pavement and fight.
Zone: We knew they were gonna play it. They extend it. They defend the 3. Sweet spot is in the middle. Have to get it to the middle and finish. Had 53-48 lead, had a couple turnovers. Two or three possessions.
Energy level: First game is always tough. MC had a game under their belt. Lots of guys in their first college game or meaningful minutes. We had jitters. Zone slowed us up. Didn't get easy ones in transition. Gotta do a better job. I take responsibility for it. I have to help them (young guys) to be better.
Gaines: Needs to get in space. We knew Pete, guys in high post were going to get shots. He's gotta do a better job getting in the flow. Zone took driving lanes away. Two fouls in first half. I've gotta do a better job.
Merrimack were winners in D-II: They've been 20-game winners, tournament team. Showed poise once they got down five. They showed it. They absolutely deserve to win. They outplayed us tonight.
Defense: We were on our heels. This isn't the same team as last year. Don't have Pardon or Law. We're developing our habits. They're not there yet. Maybe what we did defensively won't work with our pieces this year. But I'm going to keep playing our young guys. That's how you get better. Jones played tonight even though MC was playing five guards.
Get this: there's an electrical issue and we have to leave the arena.
They deserved to win. I thought they outplayed us.
Had five-point lead in second half but could never get separation.
We have to play a lot better. There's no ifs ands or buts. Our youth showed in a big way.
Didn't defend well. Don't get stops it's hard to get out and run.
Nance had some nice plays and finishes in the second half.
We're in the process now. We have a young team. Had a tough loss tonight. Very disappointing.
Jensen's 3s in the first half were huge. Hayes dominated the second half with penetration.
What did he tell team after the game: We got what we deserved. One of two choices: lay down or get off the pavement and fight.
Zone: We knew they were gonna play it. They extend it. They defend the 3. Sweet spot is in the middle. Have to get it to the middle and finish. Had 53-48 lead, had a couple turnovers. Two or three possessions.
Energy level: First game is always tough. MC had a game under their belt. Lots of guys in their first college game or meaningful minutes. We had jitters. Zone slowed us up. Didn't get easy ones in transition. Gotta do a better job. I take responsibility for it. I have to help them (young guys) to be better.
Gaines: Needs to get in space. We knew Pete, guys in high post were going to get shots. He's gotta do a better job getting in the flow. Zone took driving lanes away. Two fouls in first half. I've gotta do a better job.
Merrimack were winners in D-II: They've been 20-game winners, tournament team. Showed poise once they got down five. They showed it. They absolutely deserve to win. They outplayed us tonight.
Defense: We were on our heels. This isn't the same team as last year. Don't have Pardon or Law. We're developing our habits. They're not there yet. Maybe what we did defensively won't work with our pieces this year. But I'm going to keep playing our young guys. That's how you get better. Jones played tonight even though MC was playing five guards.
Get this: there's an electrical issue and we have to leave the arena.