Originally posted by IUPalum
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IUPAlum / Golden89:
In keeping this topic going (specifically to Gannon) ... Did you notice the number of times last night Gannon's players could drive the lane but then almost froze up, stopped, and kicked it back out? It's almost like they are afraid to shoot the ball. Granted, you run in to some real big boys under the IUP basket, but they did this all night -- in particular off the press.
Fernando Salsamendi gives GU a legit outside presence. But, after watching him closely last night, he's kind of an odd fit in the GU team. He's deadly as a straight-up 'set' shooter. But, he's by no means a 'Reilly' defender. He was hot early last night and oddly the ball quit coming his way. I think IUP adjusted on to him pretty quickly but I'd have still kept getting him shots. When he came out of the game at about the 8-minute mark of the first half, the Gannon offense took a nose-dive. IUP had to pay him just enough attention that it was opening other lanes, etc. Once he was off the floor GU's only offense was put-backs.
IUP's press was very effective. That's the longest Joe's ever ran it in one game. While it did create a handful of turnovers, it did a tremendous job of eating the shot clock and forcing Gannon in to sets it seemed very uncomfortable running. I think it also slowly took the 'pep' out of Gannon a little bit on the defensive end. They started the game full of Red Bull on defense. I'd say IUP then pressed the final 75 percent of the game and it wore them down just enough. Chucky is a beast in the middle of the press. He's quick, long and fast. I thought they could have called Gannon with at least two time violations for not crossing in time.
It's my opinion GU could still make a nice little run in West play. But, somebody has to emerge as the go-to scorer. I'm not saying they need to light up the scoreboards ... but if they can score 67-70 they'll win a lot of games down the stretch. With 9 losses already their NCAA hopes are long gone but they can still be a tough out and play spoiler. There's no doubt they play full speed.
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