10 of 26 from 3 tonight. Only 2 bad ones in my view. If we can take 24 good ones and eliminate the bad ones entirely, I like our chances against anyone. Especially if we can get 1 or 2 a night from RJ and Goode. Mayer has been very consistent. I like TSJ getting 5 spot ups a game and making 2 to 3. I like CH taking 3s in wide open spot ups and transitions. Epps got his swagger back from 3 tonight.
The point is, if we don't know our identity with regard to 3 point shooting by this point, the light bulb won't turn on. We have to have shot selection like we had tonight consistently to make the run. I really liked our shot selection the last couple games honestly, so I am hoping this is a trend.
I have no problem with Hawk shooting 3s, but there are qualifiers for me.
1. Set your feet and get the eyes stable vertically.
2. Go straight up.
3. Keep the ball in front slightly so the arc can be consistent.
4. If it feels like the arc has to change to a lower one in order to get it there....don't shoot it.
5. Whatever made him increase his arc tonight...remember that. Never do I desire to see a line drive from 27 ft. unless there are two seconds left to shoot. It will not go in.
6. Having been soooooooooo disappointed in his willingness to shoot from inside 10 ft. for 2.7 seasons, I am really pleased to see him become aggressive at doing just that. The team is much more dangerous when he at least looks to score and draws attention. So do that!! I feel one of the reasons he throws the ball away so often on low % passes is that defenders stay tight on their man as they know he is a pass first guy. Leave that to the guards.
Bottom line is I like what I see this team rounding into...playing to strengths and a lot of guys playing well. Just keep PSU busy playing someone else.
What was surprising tonight is that the Illini kept their turnovers to 8...a season low I believe...and yet Minny (Battle) stayed pretty much in contention rather than letting it get out of reach until very late. The box score made a huge error though by giving Battle only 4-9 from the arc when
every one of us knows for a fact that he was 9 for 9. Duh...stupid statisticians.