Wednesday, December 01, 2004

Jackets Crush Michigan 99-68

What is there really to say about the game. It was complete dominance from start to end. Is there really a need to break things down? Well, here are some interesting stats:

1. DEFENSE - Jackets hold Mich to 42% FG% and 29% 3pt. Jackets force 19 turnovers and convert that to 28 points.

2. REBOUNDING - We outboard Mich 39-32, another decent outing. Luke leads with 9, and Isma'il continues his rebounding strength with 8.

3. TURNOVERS - This is really where the Jackets shined. Only 9 turnovers and I think there were only a total of 4 when the freshman started coming in to play at the end. Just a solid outing of controlling the ball.

4. FREE THROWS - slight improvement, going 8-12 from the line. However, Isma'il continues his struggles, going 1-4. I still only want 2 guys on the line at the end of the game - 1-Jack, 2-Luke. Maybe Elder 3rd. But anyone else and I am more worried.

Now lets look at some individual performances

1. Jarrett Jack ends with 16 pts (5-10), 6-6 FT, 5 boards, 11 assists, 3 steals, 0 turnovers. Please tell me you are kidding. That is a serious stat-line.

2. BJ Elder. We know he is a streak shooter, and tonight he lived up to that billing, dropping 27 pts on 10-12 from the field (7-9 3pt). Can't touch this - hammertime.

3. Will Bynum is another streak shooter, and tonight was his night also (of course who DID have an off-night?). Bynum ends with 19 pts (8-13), 3 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, 4 to's.

4. Luke Schenscher. It was nice to see Luke get more touches. He ends with 10 pts, 9 boards (5 off), 1 block, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 to. And you know what - Luke's girlfriend is pretty cute.

5. Theodis Tarver. Tonight was a solid performance from Tarver. He finishes with 5 pts (2-3), 3 boards (2 off), 2 blocks, 1 steal, 0 to's. He just seems to be getting more comfortable on the court. He has improved his defense and is more confident offensively (or so it seems). This will only help. You have to love it.

6. Anthony McHenry. Another typical glue-game for Tony - 5pts, 2 boards, 2 blocks, 7 assists, 1 steal, 0 to's. Can you say Elmers?

7. The Freshman. Anthony Morrow is certainly not shy about firing it up from long range and he hit 2-4 tonight for 6 pts. Ra'Sean Dickey had a shakey start when he got minutes late by traveling in the post then missing a defensive assignment. But it is clear that he has some skills in the low post. And while his footwork in the post looks good, I thought he looked active defensively for the most part, grabbing a couple of steals. Buck Fredrick played about 8 minutes late and looked a little shaky, but had a nice lay-in. He will certainly have to keep improving his defense to win minutes.

Some stories on the game:

WOLVERINES STUNG BY #4 GT

ELDER TIES CAREER HIGH WITH 7 3'S

GAME SUMMARY: GT/MICH

GT 99 MICH 68

GOOD TIME TO RAISE FINAL FOUR BANNER

GT BACKCOURT DEVASTATES MICH