"enough of the egg nog..."

Tuesday, Jan.4th...

"enough of the egg nog..."

            'The Boys' didn't fatten themselves on too much fruitcake (who could?) or eggnog over the break, and while not at peak operating efficiency for the entire 40 minutes again proved they focus well on one game at a time. RPI opened with full court pressure intended maybe to counter our size up front. The beginning was a bit choppy, but after a couple of sprays from the WD-40 can, that little bit of rust on the passing game ironed itself out and The Panther Express was steaming along. Trailing 17-18, The Boys exploded with terrific passing, their own pressure 'D', spot up 3's and a pounding of the boards where they repreatedly got as many shots as were needed to make sure there were no empty trips. Finally after being hammered 24-2, RPI called time to stop the bleeding, but the patient was already in the E.R. needing life support. With a chance to stay in the game, RPI made a mini-run to get it to minus12, then couldn't make a stop, and did a poor job managing the clock inside the last minute and we went to the half up 47-29.

            Big shots and big plays from downtown, on the fly and at point blank range keyed the knockout. Blocks by Sharry, Locke and Jamal gutted the RPI 'O'. The unrecorded factor of "alters" (where Andrew's presence down low changes the pass or the shot) was another key. Jake and Nolan were very good and good together. Notable here is that Jake is statrting to penetrate more and has the pull up from 17'. Nolan looks stronger, has worked on his release and is more confident in a spot up role. There's no fall-off when Joey Kizel comes in, as his handling and passing are at the same level. Solid efforts by Ryan Wholey, who's a top receiver and finisher on the fly, and Peter Lynch, whose down low presence only continues to improve. Jensen (Frosh) made a couple of decent plays  in limited time and think he'll be heard from. Luis Alvarez has made a significant upgrade in his play and confidence. And Winslow Hicks continues to provide workmanlike minutes off the bench.

            JeffB. used a lot of different combinations over the last 13 minutes, but RPI never bridged the gap and at 77-60, it was as close as they got. Big road test tonight at Plattsburgh ( #22 nationally). Although The Boys know they're a target, they've also got a game back in the season re-start column, which should offset the advantage of home cooking. If they can pass the test - and I'm thinking it's do-able - we should get through this run of games ready for The Main Event.

            Nice to see that when Tim Edwards (visiting from Germany) came into the room at a post-game gathering that the entire team gave him a round of applause. Whenever I came back they were cheering because they didn't have to pass to me. Be well. Clubbo.