Last night was kind of depressing. There was a lot of bad, but there was some good too. Overall, I am far from happy. Let's start with the bad. THOSE REFS. I didn't think it was thaaaaaaat bad for most of the game (that Demps flop was atrocious, though). Those last 3 seconds were seriously inexcusable. First off, there was no foul on Malcolm...the refs had made their mind up to call it before the play even started. Secondly, if there was a foul on Malcolm, I don't see how the basket didn't count. Thirdly, if THAT play was a foul, you absolutely cannot tell me that the last play of the game (with way more contact) was not a foul. In general, I'm good with that last play not being called a foul. Malcolm was somewhat heady on that play I thought. "If that lovetap was a foul, let's see if I can draw even more contact and tie this game up from the line." As unsuccessful as that OOB play was, I like that Malcolm created contact. You can say "it shouldn't have come down to the last play," but there's no excuse for the incompetence that we saw last night. When we cannot catch a break with injuries, it's completely demoralizing to get jobbed by officials like that. I hate ranting about officials like this, because I know how difficult the job is. I am just looking to catch ONE BREAK this season.
The bad. Our freshmen missed so many layups. JCL missed two (one he could've dumped off to Nunn). DJW missed one, and he also missed what would've been an SCTopTen putback. AJ missed one in traffic. Lewis (not a freshman, I know) missed a wide open one. I think Finke missed one as well. If we could've converted one of those easy shots, it's a completely different ballgame. Tre Demps going off was one of the most frustrating things ever.
The good. Even though I just complained about the freshmen, I'm very excited for this group. DJW didn't have a great game last night, but the potential is absolutely there, I'm giddy. JCL looks like he might have his name on a banner by the end of his time here. Finke still might not be 100%, and he might be undersized, and he might be playing out of position, but I love his game. I think he is going to be very productive here going forward. AJ had a rough night, but I still think he will be a solid upperclassman. Honestly, that freshman class is becoming the only reason I want to give Groce another year. It's the only thing he really has to fall back on at this point.
One more positive note...shoutout to Mav!!! He is looking more and more competent every game. Of course there is room for improvement on defense, but I think he's past his "turnstyle" phase. His footwork seems much better, which helps offset his lack of lateral quickness. I still think he needs to make significant strides rebounding the ball, but last night was one of his better efforts in that department as well, against a not too shabby C as well. And his offense has always been alright, but he was borderline automatic last night, and was that his first slam ever?! He has obviously put in some hard work, and it is noticeable!