Game 6, 2011-12: Utah (Atlantis Game 2)

CrooksisRhyming · Post by **CrooksisRhyming** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 3:35 pm

After Dayton, if you had told me that we'd be 5-1, without the DDM, scoring 85 points per game, and boasting a 36-point asskicking of Boston College, I'd have looked you right in the eye and told you to apologize for lying to my face.

No matter what, there will always be things to complain about with UMass, but for right now the team looks better than whatever last year was. Sure they're shooting a lot of threes, but at least they're shooting in an attacking effort. Last year was a 30 second passing drill that inevitably resulted in Gurley doing a blindfolded ninja backflip to get off a shot in time.

For the first time we're seeing what DK wants, and for the most part it's working. Now, I am in no way saying that we've arrived, but at least for the moment it appears that the horrible dark cloud that hung over UMass hoops for a majority of last year is breaking up a little. If it takes a couple of extra trees, then by all means send them flying.

Butter · Post by **Butter** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 3:43 pm

Take what the defense gives you. The post players on this team aren't refined enough to get position against better defensive teams, especially those who are also packing it in. Look what happened to Lalanne every time he got into the post against FSU. They are shooting a ton of 3's because that's what gives them the best shot at winning. Even Chaz gets blocked more often then not when he goes to the rim. It's be nice to not have to rely on outside shooting, but that is really all this team has right now based on how teams are playing them. No sense forcing something that most certainly will not work.

Rory · Post by **Rory** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 4:17 pm

UMassNation has a 4 minute YouTube highlight video for those that missed or want a quick rewatch.... http://www.umassnation.com/2011/11/26/h ... ntis-game/

rayers · Post by **rayers** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 5:14 pm

Can you imagine if we had one or two talented post guys?!? That's the next piece of the puzzle.

UMassFan99 · Post by **UMassFan99** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 6:11 pm

Chaz really had an off game, but I absolutely love how this team plays. Looking at those highlights the thing that stands out to me the most - other than all the three's - is how they consistently use the extra pass. Last year we had a bunch of guys who stood around. This team is so much more mature. I think they will be a beast once the A-10 play starts.

The obvious unfortunate things is that it appears we will certainly live and die by the three this year, so hopefully we don't go on too many cold streaks - ala FL State.

DEM · Post by **DEM** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 6:20 pm

^
If we start hitting 3's with some regular consistency then we won't have to live and die by the 3. Opposing teams will have to play us on the perimeter and it will open things up for the slashers and guys like Vinson with some post moves.