The team is obviously better with Akoh, probably much better. The team is still very good.
The team is evolving without Akoh. See more below.
It would have been a different game last night with Akoh. However, watching the game, and seeing the same things that most of you did and some posted in the game thread, the team lost for various other important reasons too. See what DeCuire and Rorie said. Especially Rorie in Missoulian.
Didn’t play hard enough. NC wanted it more. Too complacent at times. Same things as the 2 prior conference losses. Seeing these quotes actually made me feel better. NC is good and played well, but UM is better, in my view.
As many have pointed out, and the NC coach told his team before the game, fatigue was a factor. The team was only it’s normal recent self early and late.
Without Akoh, UM is spreading things out. Is opening up the lane for drives and scores, inside dishes, and dishes for the open 3. This isn’t easy to defend, especially when it is a new and evolving offense.
Pridgett is now playing in the low paint more,
and he is too quick and athletic to be guarded without being doubled. Needs to reduce turnovers, and I think he will. He is now a force. Scoring and rebounding.
Rorie is stepping up his game. Everyone is rebounding including on offense. Everyone can play defense, and shoot. Dorsey is more in game shape.
Just like the prior 2 losses, the NC game may be the needed reminder that they need to play harder and better, and want it more, at all times in all games.
The tourney will be tough. The top half teams are all capable of beating each other, and a bad game by a top team can result in a loss to anyone. I still think the Griz are the team to beat, but that will require maximum effort in all games, and the margin is now smaller without Akoh.
It’s a fun team to watch. DeCuire has got them going and bought in.
I think the dance team got their money raised too.
The team is evolving without Akoh. See more below.
It would have been a different game last night with Akoh. However, watching the game, and seeing the same things that most of you did and some posted in the game thread, the team lost for various other important reasons too. See what DeCuire and Rorie said. Especially Rorie in Missoulian.
Didn’t play hard enough. NC wanted it more. Too complacent at times. Same things as the 2 prior conference losses. Seeing these quotes actually made me feel better. NC is good and played well, but UM is better, in my view.
As many have pointed out, and the NC coach told his team before the game, fatigue was a factor. The team was only it’s normal recent self early and late.
Without Akoh, UM is spreading things out. Is opening up the lane for drives and scores, inside dishes, and dishes for the open 3. This isn’t easy to defend, especially when it is a new and evolving offense.
Pridgett is now playing in the low paint more,
and he is too quick and athletic to be guarded without being doubled. Needs to reduce turnovers, and I think he will. He is now a force. Scoring and rebounding.
Rorie is stepping up his game. Everyone is rebounding including on offense. Everyone can play defense, and shoot. Dorsey is more in game shape.
Just like the prior 2 losses, the NC game may be the needed reminder that they need to play harder and better, and want it more, at all times in all games.
The tourney will be tough. The top half teams are all capable of beating each other, and a bad game by a top team can result in a loss to anyone. I still think the Griz are the team to beat, but that will require maximum effort in all games, and the margin is now smaller without Akoh.
It’s a fun team to watch. DeCuire has got them going and bought in.
I think the dance team got their money raised too.
