Ego NCAA Friday (with team notes)

Ego74 · Dec 17, 2004

ytd 26-16

Top Play
UAB -1.....UAB's only loss this yr.was at Okla St., a very rough environment. I'm not one to look too much into comparative scores, but it does stick out that UAB pounded VCU by 24, while Richmond lost to them by 8. UAB will get back to their full court defensive ways, against a squad that have 2 new guards who are just now eligible to play. This could be a recipe for disaster here. UAB is also by far the better shooting team in this one as well. Richmond wil have to slow the pace and avoid turnovers to survive in this one.

here's some game notes below......

Ego74 · Dec 17, 2004

Ego74 · Dec 17, 2004

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UAB Visits Richmond In Hopes Of Continuing Hot Shooting

Blazers take on Spiders in Friday night CSS telecast

Dec. 16, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB's men's basketball team certainly would like to duplicate quite a bit from Wednesday night's 107-76 win over Belmont when the Blazers take on the Richmond Spiders Friday night in the Robins Center in Richmond, Va. UAB set season highs in points (107), field goal percentage (57.8%), field goals (37), three-point field goal percentage (48.1%) and three-point field goals (13) on Wednesday. The 107 points, in fact, was the second highest output by a Mike Anderson-coached Blazer team.

The Richmond game will air live on Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast at 7 p.m. (ET)/6 p.m. (CT). Matt Stewart and Sonny Smith have the call for the network.

Against Belmont, Mike Anderson's club had its best shooting night to rebound from its first loss of the season, an 86-73 setback at No. 4 Oklahoma State last Friday night. The Bruins (2-4) posed little threat for UAB, which led by 21 at halftime and forced 21 turnovers. 
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"We shot the ball extremely well," Anderson admitted. "It was good to see us respond from Oklahoma State that way. Now we have to continue to build on that by playing a very talented Richmond team on the road. It will be another test for us to play a good team in an intense atmosphere."

Richmond is trying to rebound from a 58-50 loss at cross-town rival, and previous UAB foe, Virginia Commonwealth. UAB beat VCU, 79-55, on Nov. 27 in Bartow Arena. The Blazers also beat Richmond there last year, 83-75. The Spiders, however, won the previous two meetings between the schools.

Donell Taylor, who along with Marvett McDonald scored 19 points in Wednesday night's win, continues to lead UAB in scoring with a 16.7 points per game average. Demario Eddins averages 12 per contest while four Blazers (Ronell Taylor, McDonald, Marques Lewis and Richard Jones) all score between 8.2 and 9.8 per game.

Richmond (3-3) is paced by Kevin Steenberge's 14.4 points and 5.7 boards.

The contest can also be heard on the Blazer Radio Network which airs locally in Birmingham on WYDE, 101.1 FM. Gary Sanders, Matt Coulter and Jon Gentile hit the airwaves with the pregame show 30-minutes prior to tip-off.

Anderson's club returns to Birmingham Saturday only to depart Sunday morning for Honolulu, Hawaii, where they will compete in the 2004 Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, Dec. 21-23. UAB faces Clemson at 5 p.m. (HT)/9 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday evening. They will play either Southern Cal or Indiana State on Wednesday in either the winner's or loser's brackets and will play Thursday before returning home for a brief holiday break.

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Ego74 · Dec 17, 2004

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>Richmond Times-Dispatch
</TD><TD align=right>Dec 14, 2004
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BACK IN THE FLOW: Guard Andres Sandoval made his first appearance for the University of Richmond in Saturday's 58-50 loss to Virginia Commonwealth, and the redshirt freshman didn't appear to have much rust hanging off him.

In 26 minutes, Sandoval collected 7 rebounds, handed out 5 assists and scored 2 points (1 of 4 from the floor). He also had one steal and two turnovers.

The 6-3 native of Milford, Mass., sat out last season because of a leg injury and missed the Spiders' first five games this year due to a coach Jerry Wainwright-imposed suspension related to academics. Sandoval didn't begin practicing with the team until about a week before the VCU game.

"Not bad," Wainwright said of Sandoval's effort. "The kid hadn't played in a year and a half. I looked at the line [in final box score] and it was kind of like looking at Tony [Dobbins, who graduated]. Seven rebounds, five assists. What he obviously gives us is size and he's got good speed. He's nursing a leg injury, too. He'll get in a groove and he'll be a big help to us."

<SCRIPT language=JavaScript type=text/javascript>// </SCRIPT><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=left><TBODY><TR><TD><SCRIPT language=JavaScript type=text/javascript>// </SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript1.1 src="http://ads.mgnetwork.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/timesdispatch.com/sports/colleges/1031779665255.htm/1185642902@Top,Top1,Top2,Top3,Middle,Middle1,Middle2,Middle3,Left,Left1,Left2,Left3,Right,Right1,Right2,Right3%21Left3"></SCRIPT>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The Spiders (3-3) are expected to have another guard in the lineup on Friday night when Alabama-Birmingham (4-1) visits the Robins Center. T.J. Paterick, a transfer from Washington State, becomes eligible at the end of the first semester.

"The young man we pick up [this week] will be a big help," Wainwright said. "He's a really good shooter and he gives us another strong guard."

Paterick, who hails from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., played in nine games for WSU, starting three, as a recruited walk-on before transferring at mid-semester last season. He averaged 2.3 points for the Cougars.

READY TO RETURN? Wainwright is hoping to have forward Jermaine Bucknor back for UAB after the 6-6 junior missed the VCU game with a left thigh contusion suffered in practice on Friday.

"I'm not really sure," Wainwright said. "We're in finals [exams], so we won't practice for three days. We play a racehorse team in UAB and it would be good to have him. We'll take it day-by-day. He's a tough kid. If he's able to play, he'll play."

Bucknor is UR's third-leading scorer (11.2 ppg) and leading rebounder (7.4), and his presence around the basket was sorely missed against VCU.

OUT OF THREES: When the Spiders went 0 for 6 from 3-point range vs. the Rams, it marked the first time UR had not connected from behind the arc since Jan. 27, 1997, a streak of 232 games with at least one 3-pointer.

Ironically, Richmond won that game against James Madison 75-65 at the Robins Center, despite going 0 for 9 from bonusland.

OFF THE MARK: After hitting 56 percent from the floor in their first two games, the Spiders have cooled off considerably, managing only 40.5 percent in the past four.

"That's [shaky shooting] been happening to us for a while lately," guard Jamaal Scott said. "But our guys have been working on that. We know what we need to do: just keep working hard. We're getting good shots, and guys are right at the basket. We just need to continue to go strong and put it in the hole."

While others have struggled, Scott has improved his numbers over the last two games, going 10 for 18 (55.6 percent) and averaging 12 points. In the first four, the senior was only 5 of 15 from the field (33 percent), averaging 3.0 points.

"In the past four games, I'd say our offense has affected our defense," Wainwright said. "But I can say that [Saturday] it did not, and that's a big step forward for these guys. They found out that not shooting well, they can still be in a position to win. Hopefully, that's something they can take from this game."

- John Packett

Ego74 · Dec 17, 2004

also....

Eastern Iliinois -3 1/2...Eastern Ill is a smallish team, but that should be no problem here against Iadho State. Eastern's best player, Josh Gomes was injured early in the last game vs. Northern Illinois, but they still hung close before collaping in the 2nd half. Idaho St also gets one of their top guns back in the lineup, Arzelle Lewis. He suffered a concussion and has just now been cleared to play. They will definately need him. He is their best defender on a team that yields 80 pts a game. Add in the fact that Idaho St doesn't shoot the ball well, Eastern has a big advantage. Eastern's squad is all 6'6 and under, but Idaho's tallest players aren't that big of a factor on either end of the court.

notes below....

Ego74 · Dec 17, 2004

Bengals off to Reno in search of rebound

By Connor Doyle - Assistant Sports Editor

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline>Arzelle Lewis</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></TD></TR><TR><TD align=right> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=right> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>POCATELLO - Yes, senior guard Arzelle Lewis usually has a bounce in his step and a toothy smile draped across his mug. But the sight of both was cause for relief after Wednesday's practice for the Idaho State men's basketball team, because there was some doubt as to how much longer his teammates - and Bengals fans - would have to wait to see them again.

"Man, I feel a lot better," said Lewis, who missed Saturday's game with post-concussion syndrome, and was only recently cleared to play in Friday's Dodge Holiday Classic Tournament opener against Eastern Illinois in Reno, Nev. "I've never experienced any type of head injury before. I'm excited about getting back out there again."

So is Lewis' coach, Doug Oliver, who had to watch Southern Utah's Jason Baker - the player Lewis likely would have checked down the stretch Saturday - nail the coffin shut for the Bengals in overtime with his outside shooting.

But even with his best on-the-ball defender back in the fold this week, Oliver knows his squad will have to play better team defense if it wants to scratch its way back to .500 tonight.

"We're going to have to do whatever it takes to win ballgames," Oliver said. "We need a win to get back on track."

In an effort to shorten the learning curve for newer players - and help some veterans get out of a funk - the coaching staff stripped down ISU's hefty playbook and went back to the basics in practice this week.

"I think we've made things a little more simplified, and as a team we're beginning to understand more of the aspects we have to know individually," said senior guard Doug D'Amore. "Our lack of offense has led to, at times, a lack of effort on defense, and at times we're not understanding what we need to do on the floor."

This week's practices have been of the intense variety, to be expected after a loss as ulcer-inducing as the one to Southern Utah.

"I think it's been good for us to have a few days to come in and get things accomplished," said senior guard Jeff Gardner, after confirming that "intense" was the proper adjective for this week. "We're trying to get more consistent on doing the little things to help us win."

The biggest source of Oliver's disquiet Saturday night was his team's post play, which struggled on the offensive side - senior center Jesse Smith was virtually shut out, with only two points on 1-of-5 shooting - the defensive side - junior forward Slim Millien hardly played down the stretch because Oliver was infuriated with his effort - and in just about every other category. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=photo-right></TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

"We wanted to establish that we'd be relentless in the post against SUU, and the posts collectively did not establish themselves as threats, time and time again," Oliver said. "As a group, they did not do a good job of opening up opportunities."

ISU's big men can count on Eastern Illinois to provide plenty of opportunities for them, as the Panthers feature a starting lineup devoid of a player taller than 6-foot-5. But having that kind of size advantage doesn't guarantee much, as the Bengals have proven this season.

"Eastern Illinois has some similarities to teams we've played this past week," Oliver said. "They're a halfcourt team, a lot like Idaho and even Portland. They don't start a lot of size, but their guards are very good." <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=photo-right></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Ego74 · Dec 17, 2004

Oliver: 'I can't get consistent play'

By Mason Kelley - Journal Sports Writer

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline>Idaho State guard Arzelle Lewis may not play this week after suffering a concussion last Wednesday against Idaho. Journal photo by Joshua Duplechian.</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></TD></TR><TR><TD align=right> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=right> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>POCATELLO - The Idaho State men's basketball team is alternating wins and losses at a point when, before the season, coach Doug Oliver said he thought his team would have some continuity.

It hasn't helped that the Bengals are without David Schroeder, thanks to a season-ending knee injury, and Arzelle Lewis missed his last game due to a concussion.

Oliver said he was impressed with the team's effort in the second half against Portland and in the Idaho game, but added that he "was not happy with individual performances," against Southern Utah, Saturday.

The remedy? Lineup shuffling.

"We're going to be taking a close look at shaking some things up and getting some guys' attention," Oliver said. "What I'm searching for is a lineup and a rotation that is functional. I'm sort of bouncing around, because I can't get consistent play from people game-in and game-out. When other people go in and play well, then I probably need to give them more of a look."

The Bengals travel to Reno, Nev., Friday and Saturday to compete in the University of Nevada's Dodge Holiday Classic, where they will take on Eastern Illinois and either Nevada or Florida Atlantic.

"I might use this tournament to get some people's attention, if you know what I mean," Oliver said.

Lewis, who missed the Southern Utah contest, might miss the tournament as well.

"I'm concerned with his health a little bit," Oliver said. "We'll make the decision, as this week goes on, whether he plays in this tournament. It could leave us short-handed in terms of number of bodies. That's just an update, really. He's going to meet with doctors again today to see where he is."

With Lewis out against the Thunderbirds, Logan Kinghorn filled in and scored 17 points. Oliver said Kinghorn's toughness will continue to be counted on all year. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=photo-right></TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

"He's making some big plays for us," Oliver said. "Against Idaho and the second half against Portland, he really was physical. He sort of set the tone for us to step up and be more competitive, and we're going to need that as the season goes on."

The Bengals are 3-0 in games following a loss, and the Bengals are just two overtime losses to Southern Utah from being 5-2. Not bad, considering the rash of injuries ISU has suffered. But Oliver offers no excuses for the team's 3-4 record, saying it's time for his team to achieve consistency.

"I just need to evaluate some kids," he said. "I'm comfortable with all nine guys wanting to do the right thing, and that's a plus."

Southpaw · Dec 17, 2004

thanks for the info ego. I was already on E.Ill -$160, might press it now. they have some tough games coming soon so i'm hoping getting to the finals of this tourney is a goal for this team(would likely be receiving a huge gift against overrated NV Reno in finals too)

Southpaw · Dec 18, 2004

thanks again for the info ego. not too proud too let a fellow capper share info here, yo

Ego74 · Dec 18, 2004

thanks. wish e ill woulda got the cover, instead a push. UAB, yeesch, Richmond shot almost 67 % in the 2nd half. thought the Blazers D was better than that.