Sacred Heart (Fairfield, CT) 63
University at Albany 61
Recreation and Convocation Center (RACC), Albany, NY, November 21, 2005
The Danes' last game was 11 days ago v. Florida and the rust showed as the Danes struggled throughout the evening to find any continuity on either side of the court in their home opening loss to Sacred Heart-- a team they smashed by 18 a year ago.
Nice crowd on hand-- I think the Times Useless reported 2,500, and a lively student section which I sat in-- despite my age and my blood alcohol level-- helped the Danes get back into the game after a falling behind as much as 11 points in the second half.
However, too many errant passes from the guards tonight, missed free throws and 5-23 three-point shooting ulitmately proved to be the Danes' downfall tonight. Oh, that and #54 on Sacred Heart, Kibwe Trim, who scored 29 points and hit every free throw that he took-- at least that I recall. Trim was a beast inside, abusing Kirsten Zollner for the first half, and making clutch free throws down the stretch. Hats off to Mr. Trim on a stellar and unflappable performance that would have given Mr. Coppenrath all that he could handle tonight.
Despite Kirtsen's first half woes, he played terrific defense on Trim and the rest of Sacred Heart's big men in the second half. Zo was rejuvenated in the second half, swatting shots, grabbing rebounds and hustling to the floor for loose balls. Zo provided the spark the team needed, as the Danes' emotional leader, Levi Levine, was tagged with three fouls before I had a chance to sit down in my seat.
It was also good to see Brian Lillis back in action tonight. He appeared to move well. The other half of the Danes' Iowa connection, Brett Wilson, played steady ball, adding 11. John Iati knocked down 20, but had a tough time connecting from behind the arc early in the game. Once Iati gets going, though, his stroke is a thing of beauty-- those in the crowd caught glimpses of that tonight.
The Danes had a chance to tie the game, as they held the ball for the final possession, but ultimately failed to get a shot off. To paraphrase Coach Brown, the game wasn't won or lost with that possession. It was just a fitting evening to a frustrating night for the Danes.
Off to the west coast for two-- San Diego State and UCLA. A split would be huge. Nice to see the program stretching its wings a bit. Best of luck and Happy Thanksgiving to Coach Brown and to the team.
I love this team. However, they must learn to play with poise and must learn to win close games if they are are going to win the America East championship. Its a long season, and I suspect they will learn to win the close ones sooner than later-- this team is just way too talented. And Will Brown is too good a coach.
University at Albany 61
Recreation and Convocation Center (RACC), Albany, NY, November 21, 2005
The Danes' last game was 11 days ago v. Florida and the rust showed as the Danes struggled throughout the evening to find any continuity on either side of the court in their home opening loss to Sacred Heart-- a team they smashed by 18 a year ago.
Nice crowd on hand-- I think the Times Useless reported 2,500, and a lively student section which I sat in-- despite my age and my blood alcohol level-- helped the Danes get back into the game after a falling behind as much as 11 points in the second half.
However, too many errant passes from the guards tonight, missed free throws and 5-23 three-point shooting ulitmately proved to be the Danes' downfall tonight. Oh, that and #54 on Sacred Heart, Kibwe Trim, who scored 29 points and hit every free throw that he took-- at least that I recall. Trim was a beast inside, abusing Kirsten Zollner for the first half, and making clutch free throws down the stretch. Hats off to Mr. Trim on a stellar and unflappable performance that would have given Mr. Coppenrath all that he could handle tonight.
Despite Kirtsen's first half woes, he played terrific defense on Trim and the rest of Sacred Heart's big men in the second half. Zo was rejuvenated in the second half, swatting shots, grabbing rebounds and hustling to the floor for loose balls. Zo provided the spark the team needed, as the Danes' emotional leader, Levi Levine, was tagged with three fouls before I had a chance to sit down in my seat.
It was also good to see Brian Lillis back in action tonight. He appeared to move well. The other half of the Danes' Iowa connection, Brett Wilson, played steady ball, adding 11. John Iati knocked down 20, but had a tough time connecting from behind the arc early in the game. Once Iati gets going, though, his stroke is a thing of beauty-- those in the crowd caught glimpses of that tonight.
The Danes had a chance to tie the game, as they held the ball for the final possession, but ultimately failed to get a shot off. To paraphrase Coach Brown, the game wasn't won or lost with that possession. It was just a fitting evening to a frustrating night for the Danes.
Off to the west coast for two-- San Diego State and UCLA. A split would be huge. Nice to see the program stretching its wings a bit. Best of luck and Happy Thanksgiving to Coach Brown and to the team.
I love this team. However, they must learn to play with poise and must learn to win close games if they are are going to win the America East championship. Its a long season, and I suspect they will learn to win the close ones sooner than later-- this team is just way too talented. And Will Brown is too good a coach.
posted by L3K at 6:43 AM
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