Strategy Against Cal? Keep Big Man on the Bench
Looks like we've found the key to the Utes beating Cal this weekend, and -- surprise! -- it has a lot to do with center Luke Nevill.
Turns out, the Golden Bears are a whole lot less intimidating if center DeVon Hardin isn't on the floor, suggesting that Nevill could make a huge contribution if he can get Hardin in foul trouble.
That's what Kansas State did to the 6-foot-11 Hardin last week, and the effect was striking.
The Golden Bears had started 6-0 by not allowing only one opponent to shoot better than 40 percent, holding everybody to fewer than 74 points, and outrebounding opponents by about 10 per game.
But with Hardin limited to 20 minutes against KSU, the Golden Bears gave up 22 offensive rebounds and 21 turnovers, allowed the Wildcats to shoot 46 percent in the second half, and lost 82-75, albeit on the road.
"We were disappointing in our rebounding, and those are numbers that are very concerning," coach Ben Braun said.
The Golden Bears get a chance to fix their problems when they play Delaware State at home tonight. Alas, even if the bowl game gets boring, fans won't be able to watch; the game is not on television.
Turns out, the Golden Bears are a whole lot less intimidating if center DeVon Hardin isn't on the floor, suggesting that Nevill could make a huge contribution if he can get Hardin in foul trouble.
That's what Kansas State did to the 6-foot-11 Hardin last week, and the effect was striking.
The Golden Bears had started 6-0 by not allowing only one opponent to shoot better than 40 percent, holding everybody to fewer than 74 points, and outrebounding opponents by about 10 per game.
But with Hardin limited to 20 minutes against KSU, the Golden Bears gave up 22 offensive rebounds and 21 turnovers, allowed the Wildcats to shoot 46 percent in the second half, and lost 82-75, albeit on the road.
"We were disappointing in our rebounding, and those are numbers that are very concerning," coach Ben Braun said.
The Golden Bears get a chance to fix their problems when they play Delaware State at home tonight. Alas, even if the bowl game gets boring, fans won't be able to watch; the game is not on television.
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 1:03 PM |
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