Game 3: NM State (at Springfield)

wmmmfan · Post by **wmmmfan** » Sat Nov 20, 2010 11:11 pm

I just got back from the game, it was a solid win except for the turnovers in the second half.

City was upset he didn't get back in the game. I thought he played ok, but the other forwards were playing better today.

DK was going to put Putney in with a little over a minute to go but changed his mind then sat next to Putney, put his arm around him and had a quick conversation.

Guys are going to have to understand some games the minutes just aren't going to be there. They need to be ready to go when the opportunity comes and practice hard.

Steve81 · Post by **Steve81** » Sat Nov 20, 2010 11:33 pm

Spent the day at the MassMutual Center, but did step out to the Poor Prince for lunch near half time of the LMU Dowling game. Spent the time visiting with a couple from LMU and wished them luck against Rider.

Really enjoyed the game!!!

Go UMass!!!

p.s. The Bradley fans were only noticeable in the last 6 minutes. UMass fans were very vocal (cheering almost every defensive and offensive play) the entire first half.

uz2b-len · Post by **uz2b-len** » Sat Nov 20, 2010 11:42 pm

I'm not surprised about Putney's 0 minutes. I meant to post this when I heard that Farrell was back--where are the minutes gonna come from? To me, it seemed that they would have to come from Putney, he's the guy who has been subbing in at SF, Farrell's position. He'll play Wednesday.

LS71 · Post by **LS71** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 12:55 am

The first half was Calipari-esque in terms the defensive intensity.

You can see that DK maturing as a coach. I liked that he seemed to be giving very specific instructions to guys before they went in. TV comes to mind, late in the 2nd half.

As the clock ran down in the 2nd half, DT was sitting on the bench with a towel over his head. DK walked over and yankd the towel off as if to say, this game isn't over yet...pay attention.

wmmmfan's point about the way he "sat next to Putney, put his arm around him and had a quick conversation" when he decided not to put him in is another example.

I also noticed Chatman and Walburg communicating and performing specific tasks positioning players and coaching indiviaual players.

During a time out in the first half, after DT was a little out of control on the floor, Walburg pulled him aside to talk/teach him.

The coaches appear to be on the same page. DK runs the show and the assistants know what they're supposed to do...and do just that.

DK and the staff again wore polos, but unlike previous games, the assistants all wore the same striped shirt but DK wore a darker one. I don't know if it was coincidence or if it was a way of differentiating the head coach from his staff.

Farrell's performance in the 2nd half kept the the game from getting away from UMass as NM St. picked up their defensive effort to try to get back in the game. Javorn also got a couple of nifty assists in the first half driving and hitting cutters with beautiful bounce passes. Helluva a first game back.

I'm encouraged.

TheTuchMan · Post by **TheTuchMan** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 1:37 am

A few notes on the game:

1) UMass did a HORRIBLE job marketing these games to the students. Being a current student, I can say I was one of maybe 5 current students at the game. There was no advertising on campus for the game, nor did the students get any type of discount on the tickets. I had to pay $20 to see the game, and while I am a big enough fan to take the hit (even though thats a lot for a college student), the price would turn everyone away.

2) All of DK's defensive intensity talk really showed today and I was impressed. After seeing this game today I have no doubt that we will cause havoc for other teams on defense as long as we don't come out flat like we seem prone to do.

3) Anthony Gurley has turned into that complete all around player. He doesn't drive to the hoop with his head down anymore and has become more of a distributor of the ball.

4) DT can play. His defensive abilities are incredible and he is getting better at understanding the college game. As the season goes on, he will get more used to playing college basketball and will be very important to us down the road.

5) Sean Carter showed some life tonight and I was imporessed. However, someone get him some Stick-um for his hands because he cannot catch the ball at all.

Blutrane93 · Post by **Blutrane93** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 1:39 am

Very excited to see the team play "up" to, and past in this case, their level of competition. This has to put any "intensity" questions that people had after the Sacred Heart game to bed. From here on out it looks like we have a young, talented team on the upswing who we can start to trust.

What I mean by that is that it appears very clear that they like each other, play hard together, are improving, and therefore we as fans can really start to enjoy the DK era, and stop worrying about the direction of the program so much, and stop worrying that our time devoted to the team will be for naught- which is probably the real reason otherwise dedicated fans bring a cynical point of view. What a great time to be a fan- we get to watch as a team begins a 2-3 year coming of age process. There's nothing better than watching a team begin to emerge, knowing there will be ups and downs, but having that "feeling" that things are getting much better. Very excited!

Blutrane93 · Post by **Blutrane93** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 1:51 am

http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ss ... arrel.html

New Mexico St. coach had some interesting comments about Javorn Farrell... and UMass fans.

Robertorell · Post by **Robertorell** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 2:29 am

Turning point.

Roadtrip · Post by **Roadtrip** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 6:47 am

Such a great game having just 3 stars won't do.
Javorn Farrell, what a return!!!
Anthony Gurley, good headsup play.
Terrell Vinson, slump? What slump?
Daryl "Trainwreck" Traynham, mindboggling, psychosis inducing defense.
Derek Kellogg/entire team, two well played, well coached, intense halfs.
Thank you all

UMrefuse2lose · Post by **UMrefuse2lose** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 7:23 am

I wasn't able to see this game, but when I got home last night and checked the score I couldn't believe it! From what you guys are saying it sounds like we dominated them and really played up to our ability. Great to hear. It's nice to have a win like this so early in the season to set the tone. Love having the Junkyard Dog back, the kid is the heart and soul of what I think UMass basketball should be.

One word of caution though. I try not to get too down during the losses or too high during the wins, which can be hard to do since the last two years have been so bipolar. Although this appeared to be a great effort, it's still a long season. We're not going to the Dance just yet. One game at a time. Hopefully we can build off this and bring it again against TCU. That said, I'm gonna enjoy this win while I can. Feels good to be undefeated, huh? See you all Monday, can't wait!

Uminuteman · Post by **Uminuteman** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 7:31 am

I think we need to nix the "Trainwreck" monicker. A nickname that can cut both ways is never good.

Roadtrip · Post by **Roadtrip** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:13 am

^^^ I see your point regarding Traynham, but he sure did derail Laroche and company last night. When he reached in under that big guy for the jumpball was priceless. He sure is fearless.

MaxPower · Post by **MaxPower** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:14 am

What a nice victory. Congratulations to DK and his staff, and of course the players.
Listened to the last two games on the radio and what a big difference. I never had the urge to puke like I did listening to the Sacred Heart game.
Very encouraging. I think defensive intensity is the key. Love having Javon back.
Looking forward to Monday night.

Go Umass!

Used to be VOR · Post by **Used to be VOR** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:16 am

Game showed improvement in almost all areas. As fans that is what we should be looking for, no matter what the negative voices say.

bottom line · Post by **bottom line** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:25 am

Regarding attendance, I was really enthused at the prospects of watching a basketball marathon when the tournament was first announced. Then the dates were switched, and it was revealed that it wasn't a tournament where winners played winners. I, like many others, was turned off by the outrageous ticket prices, especially after paying nearly $500 for two season tickets at Mullins.