Just got back from the game. It was worth the drive over the divide. FINALLY, a Tinkle-lead team put on a show when the fans showed up to watch. The last few years when we get a decent crowd the boys would disappoint, i.e. the Griz/Cat game last year. (That was not an attempt to slam Tinkle, just wanted to show how far this team and this coaching staff have come.) The boys were loving the crowd tonight. I would give the crowd a solid B grade. Could have been more into it at the beginning but the crowd was pretty appreciative and into the game by the last part of the game.
Everyone knows Qvale was a beast tonight and his three dunks were sick! Cherry was also, of course, great. Everyone has covered them. I know some people are concerned about wood and as far as his outside shot, I am too, but I LOVE what he brings to the game as far as his ability to drive. His ball-fake layup was amazing tonight. If he could just dust the rust off his 3-ball this team would be so much more dynamic. I know people were clammoring for better 3-point shooting and I think Jamar may be the guy to look for, he was able to hit the few he put up. Again, I think he is a lot like Vassy was but with an offensive game to go along with the defense and rebounding. Selvig may be lost on his shot this year, but he is valuable when he isn't scoring, he creates havoc on Defense and that is what this team is all about. I love it, Defense comes first and feeds your offense.
It was mentioned before and is worth mentioning again. I didn't realize it until Mick said it in the post-game, but our bench was outscored 45-3. That's insane. But it also speaks to how good our starting five are when they are on the court. They played in control and didn't get into foul trouble with the exception of Selvig. It could be problematic, though, if others start to get into foul trouble in a physical game and either Cherry or Qvale have to sit for long stretches. If we can get contributions from the bench, along with some more reliable perimiter shooting, this team will be almost impossible to stop. They are that good.
If you were sitting close to the bench, you noticed during timeouts that every player whether they were going into the game or riding the pine was very attentive to Tinkle. I think it shows the respect he commands from them and their willingness to play unselfish team basketball. These guys are all about team and it shows during the game and during the breaks.
Playerrep, I know you like to talk-up the kids, that's great, but Art did not play well tonight. His effort isn't questioned, it was there, but when you brick a layup off the backboard that you should have easily made, that's an off night. It showed in his body language, you could see that he was beating himself up about it, too. Maybe that is where the problem is with the team FT shooting woes as a whole. Do they pressure themselves too much to hit the shots and choke because they don't want to let down their teammates/coaches? It's so odd. Besides Qvale/Cherry, no one could hit a FT.
The Beavers are a good team. They could shoot the lights out if given the chance and there were a few 3's from waaaaaaay downtown. #22 was very quick and easily had the dunk of the night. Angus is everything we want from Selvig. Fearless on the Post and able to step out and knock down the 3. His last 3 that he made was with Qvale's huge hand square in his face. Overall, they made a lot of great, contested shots. It wasn't for lack of D, they were just a good team. However, like dancingbear said, WTF were their coaches thinking when they didn't foul with 50 seconds left? (Also, pretty sure they were only down 5 at that point, but could be wrong.) ANYONE who scouts the Griz know they can't hit a FT. They let them dribble around and then Will gets a layup. Insane. I am glad they did it, though. Whatever.
Great game. Worth the trip from Belgrade. Wish I could make more of them. I would be at the Weber game if it were a night game but the powers that be f#@ked that one up nicely. Likely our biggest home game of the year and it's at 2PM. F#$K!
Go Griz!
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