Griz 78, PSU 89

[grizgirl317]

This was not a good game for the guys. We were really fired up during warm-ups and the new pre-game ritual looked good but we fell completely flat as soon as the game started. PSU built an early 10 point lead and we never fully recovered. We managed to cut it to 5 at halftime but we had a terrible dry spell to start the second half (like many other games). We just looked flat all around. Shooting was flat, offensive ball movement was flat, defense was flat. It was pretty bad.

PSU is much improved over previous years but they aren't great. We really should have won this game. I think one of the biggest problems was that we spent all day yesterday on the bus. I talked to Brent's mom at halftime and she said the guys got in really late because they kept getting delayed by closures on I-84. I don't think they managed to get a practice in yesterday at all since they left Spokane at about 8am and didn't get to Portland until late. And they usually only have a light practice for about an hour on game days which isn't enough time to really prepare for a game.

 

[Green29]

Bummer. Thanks for the report. I enjoy your posting.

 

[grizgirl317]

Thanks...

We did have some good stretches in the game...so it wasn't all bad. According to the missoulian the guys did manage to get in a practice on Friday when they got to Portland.

One thing I forgot to mention was the refs...they weren't too great. I was actually quite apalled with them at times, especially towards the end of the game. During the last couple of minutes, we were fouling a lot so we could stop the clock. And most of the time it was actually pretty successful because we were able to foul the right guys. But there was one series that was just aweful. We tried to foul in the backcourt and I swear we got their guys numerous times. But the refs wouldn't call it. It took about 10-15 seconds before the refs actually called a foul when Mansell and I think Steve Horne managed to trap Boxley in the corner. Kennedy was pretty livid about so much time coming off before the refs called anything but that wasn't even the most appalling thing about that play. After Mansell was called for fouling Boxley, one of the refs smacked Boxley on the butt and said "way to be a good sport" or something to that effect. I could hear him from my seat but I don't remember exactly what he said. I was really shocked by his behavior. It seemed really out of line.

 

[WILDCAT]

I'm sorry, but if the team has to get up for a 'pregame' ritual to do well, then I would think there are other problems on the team. Just my thoughts.