Sorry for the delay, had some medical stuff to take care the last couple of days.
Big one tonight, preview is up. Long story short Central has played well in PA over the last couple of years, and if it can play defense it can win again tonight.
But first, let's review an ugly win in which Central got going late, then almost let it get away by playing man to man.
David Simmons: If he takes his shots, he can score well.
Terrell Allen: Part of a trio that can be a good big man for Central.
Kyle Vinales: Struggled with his shooting, but had a couple of steals to make up for the TOs and balance everything else out.
Malcolm McMillan: Played well when he could be out there.
Robby Ptacek: Might have saved the season with his effort. Ya, he had a ton of turnovers, but so does Jeremy Lin and no one seems to mind.
Adonis Burbage: Not much to see here.
Shelton Mickell: Ate up some minutes at least.
De'Angelo Speech: A brilliant defensive game. Great energy.
Joe Efese: If he'd have made some free throws, he'd have had a great night.
Ken Horton: What a gutty effort. He was more banged up than I had thought,but he found a way to contribute. I wouldn't be shocked if he got tonight off, but we'll see.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
QUINNIPIAC II Wrapup
First, the update you're all going to be asking for. I saw Ken Horton on my way out of the building. He was with his family, and it was way too early medically speaking for any substantive answer, but I can report that he was standing fine and in as good of a spirit as you can be in after that loss and that fall.
It wouldn't shock me if he misses a game, but I would doubt that he misses significant time if any at all.
Then again, I'm not a doctor, so I'll let you know if I hear anything different on that. He could wake up in the morning feeling much differently.
Now, about the game. As I said in the story, this was actually an encouraging day. Central played hard and reasonably well. No, the shots weren't falling, but the rebounding was there and the team showed the kind of grit and determination that was sorely lacking for much of the last few weeks. Maybe Wednesday was a wakeup call. If you're rooting for the Blue Devils, you hope it's not too late.
That said, like I mentioned in the story, it was also a crushing loss because you just can't have your offense go that badly. It just can't happen. Your best player can't be 3-for-18 without more than one person picking up the slack and expect to win. Part of it is luck...I think Malcolm McMillan's shot is still on the rim... but 1-for-20 is never good. That's what Central was over the last 10 minutes.
Now, with all that said, I could see this game going one of two ways. First, the Blue Devils could use this as the beginning of a turnaround, go no worse than 2-2 the rest of the way and get a decent seed in the tournament. Or, this could be the gut-wrencher that breaks their spirit, they lose out and don't make it. I think it's option A, but I've been wrong before.
Let's go man-to-man:
David Simmons: Only 4 minutes, so tough to gauge. Others stepped up in his spot.
Ken Horton: I got the sense that before the game he decided he was going to put the team on his back and get them out of this funk. So, since I've been asking him to do that all year, that's an encouraging sign. The execution of that plan was not good, however. I have a feeling he's putting too much pressure on himself these days and pressing. All that said, however, 3-for-18 just isn't good enough from the player of the year.
Kyle Vinales: He showed up and tried to carry the offense. It was an odd role reversal where I thought he should have shot more.
Malcolm McMillan: Not a bad game at all. A good drive, seven rebounds, four assists and no turnovers. He's going to be a good one.
Robby Ptacek: 3-for-11 from the other veteran leader is no good, either. He didn't get to the line, and he didn't much else to make up for his lack of scoring like he often does.
Adonis Burbage: Changed the course of the game late in the first half and stopped Quinnipiac from blowing it open (the six missed FTs from the Bobcats helped, too). I'm not sure he's ever a stat guy, but he'll grow into at least a sixth man.
Shelton Mickell: His time will come.
Joe Efese: I don't think I've been as perplexed by a player in my seven or so years on this beat as I am by Joe Efese. Some nights he seems like he's not even there, and some nights he's fantastic, like he was today. He always fouls too much, but everything else was terrific today. If they could ever bottle "Good Joe", Central would have something.
Terrell Allen: Made CCSU's only shot in the last 10 minutes. Holy cow. Played well the rest of the way as well, especially with Horton on the bench with foul trouble
It wouldn't shock me if he misses a game, but I would doubt that he misses significant time if any at all.
Then again, I'm not a doctor, so I'll let you know if I hear anything different on that. He could wake up in the morning feeling much differently.
Now, about the game. As I said in the story, this was actually an encouraging day. Central played hard and reasonably well. No, the shots weren't falling, but the rebounding was there and the team showed the kind of grit and determination that was sorely lacking for much of the last few weeks. Maybe Wednesday was a wakeup call. If you're rooting for the Blue Devils, you hope it's not too late.
That said, like I mentioned in the story, it was also a crushing loss because you just can't have your offense go that badly. It just can't happen. Your best player can't be 3-for-18 without more than one person picking up the slack and expect to win. Part of it is luck...I think Malcolm McMillan's shot is still on the rim... but 1-for-20 is never good. That's what Central was over the last 10 minutes.
Now, with all that said, I could see this game going one of two ways. First, the Blue Devils could use this as the beginning of a turnaround, go no worse than 2-2 the rest of the way and get a decent seed in the tournament. Or, this could be the gut-wrencher that breaks their spirit, they lose out and don't make it. I think it's option A, but I've been wrong before.
Let's go man-to-man:
David Simmons: Only 4 minutes, so tough to gauge. Others stepped up in his spot.
Ken Horton: I got the sense that before the game he decided he was going to put the team on his back and get them out of this funk. So, since I've been asking him to do that all year, that's an encouraging sign. The execution of that plan was not good, however. I have a feeling he's putting too much pressure on himself these days and pressing. All that said, however, 3-for-18 just isn't good enough from the player of the year.
Kyle Vinales: He showed up and tried to carry the offense. It was an odd role reversal where I thought he should have shot more.
Malcolm McMillan: Not a bad game at all. A good drive, seven rebounds, four assists and no turnovers. He's going to be a good one.
Robby Ptacek: 3-for-11 from the other veteran leader is no good, either. He didn't get to the line, and he didn't much else to make up for his lack of scoring like he often does.
Adonis Burbage: Changed the course of the game late in the first half and stopped Quinnipiac from blowing it open (the six missed FTs from the Bobcats helped, too). I'm not sure he's ever a stat guy, but he'll grow into at least a sixth man.
Shelton Mickell: His time will come.
Joe Efese: I don't think I've been as perplexed by a player in my seven or so years on this beat as I am by Joe Efese. Some nights he seems like he's not even there, and some nights he's fantastic, like he was today. He always fouls too much, but everything else was terrific today. If they could ever bottle "Good Joe", Central would have something.
Terrell Allen: Made CCSU's only shot in the last 10 minutes. Holy cow. Played well the rest of the way as well, especially with Horton on the bench with foul trouble
Thursday, February 9, 2012
CCSU men vs. Quinnipiac wrap up
44 points. Central scored 44 points.
As bad as the offense was, the inability to get stops was most troubling. Every time Central cut into the lead and made it a game (it's hard to imagine that this was a 7-point game in the second half), the Bobcats went on a big run to pull away again.
I wish I could tell you I knew the problem. If I could, I'd be a hell of a basketball coach. The team just seems beat down right now. Perhaps that commenter below is right: CCSU just needs a win to get a little positive energy going. Right now, there's nothing positive.
Quick man-to-man
David Simmons: If he doesn't rebound, he doesn't bring much. Grit only goes so far.
Ken Horton: He's the best player in the league, but Central needs him to play like it.
Kyle Vinales: If he limits turnovers, I can forgive a bad shooting night. But the A/T ratio has to be higher.
Malcolm McMillan: His fatigue level is the biggest symptom of De'Angelo Speech's injury.
Robby Ptacek: Earlier in the year I said he disappears too much. He has shown up lately. He just needs some help.
Adonis Burbage: He was active. No one shot well tonight.
Shelton Mickell: Only 1 turnover.
De'Angelo Speech: Perhaps we'll never know what this team would have been had he been healthy for all of it.
Mark LaPorte: Him hitting a shot would have been some solace.
Joe Efese: Literally all zeros in nine minutes. Staggering.
Terrell Allen: Nice to see him back in the rotation a bit.
As bad as the offense was, the inability to get stops was most troubling. Every time Central cut into the lead and made it a game (it's hard to imagine that this was a 7-point game in the second half), the Bobcats went on a big run to pull away again.
I wish I could tell you I knew the problem. If I could, I'd be a hell of a basketball coach. The team just seems beat down right now. Perhaps that commenter below is right: CCSU just needs a win to get a little positive energy going. Right now, there's nothing positive.
Quick man-to-man
David Simmons: If he doesn't rebound, he doesn't bring much. Grit only goes so far.
Ken Horton: He's the best player in the league, but Central needs him to play like it.
Kyle Vinales: If he limits turnovers, I can forgive a bad shooting night. But the A/T ratio has to be higher.
Malcolm McMillan: His fatigue level is the biggest symptom of De'Angelo Speech's injury.
Robby Ptacek: Earlier in the year I said he disappears too much. He has shown up lately. He just needs some help.
Adonis Burbage: He was active. No one shot well tonight.
Shelton Mickell: Only 1 turnover.
De'Angelo Speech: Perhaps we'll never know what this team would have been had he been healthy for all of it.
Mark LaPorte: Him hitting a shot would have been some solace.
Joe Efese: Literally all zeros in nine minutes. Staggering.
Terrell Allen: Nice to see him back in the rotation a bit.
Monday, February 6, 2012
CCSU LIU quickie
I'll get to a full breakdown as soon as I can, and we'll look at the week ahead soon. For now, however, let me just say this: It's hard to beat anyone when you give up 95 points.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
CCSU MEN vs. SFNY Recap
A much, much better effort, but outside shooting (on both ends) continues to be a problem.
Quick man-to-man as we get set for a huge one later today (by the time you read this) at LIU
David Simmons: Not as good as last week, but the numbers don't usually show how important he is.
Ken Horton: Got after it on the glass, but still isn't shooting enough for my liking.
Kyle Vinales: That will never be a problem for Vinales. Usually he'll make more than that, too.
Malcolm McMillan: At the very least he rarely hurts his team. For a freshman, that's a bigger deal than it sounds.
Robby Ptacek: Played his tail off. Five assist, 50 percent shooting and 1 turnover will work most days. If Horton or Vinales had had a better game, it would have combined with Ptacek's to produce a win.
Adonis Burbage: Seems to have tailed off after a couple of really good games.
Shelton Mickell: No clutch free throws this time.
De'Angelo Speech: As long as those minutes stay up, the rest will come.
Joe Efese: So much better. Got boards and stayed on the floor. Everything he's supposed to be.
Terrell Allen: Two non-nondescript minutes.
Quick man-to-man as we get set for a huge one later today (by the time you read this) at LIU
David Simmons: Not as good as last week, but the numbers don't usually show how important he is.
Ken Horton: Got after it on the glass, but still isn't shooting enough for my liking.
Kyle Vinales: That will never be a problem for Vinales. Usually he'll make more than that, too.
Malcolm McMillan: At the very least he rarely hurts his team. For a freshman, that's a bigger deal than it sounds.
Robby Ptacek: Played his tail off. Five assist, 50 percent shooting and 1 turnover will work most days. If Horton or Vinales had had a better game, it would have combined with Ptacek's to produce a win.
Adonis Burbage: Seems to have tailed off after a couple of really good games.
Shelton Mickell: No clutch free throws this time.
De'Angelo Speech: As long as those minutes stay up, the rest will come.
Joe Efese: So much better. Got boards and stayed on the floor. Everything he's supposed to be.
Terrell Allen: Two non-nondescript minutes.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
CATCHING UP: CCSU vs. FDU roundup
As I work on getting caught up on a million things, let's take a quick look back at the FDU game before getting ready for a huge 72 hours.
Preview is up online.
Back to the FDU game, an ugly win but a win. By the way, how did I do on the radio? Big thanks to Marc Robbins for guiding me along.
Man to man time.
David Simmons: Fantastic effort. Did a bit of everything, and hustled harder than anyone on the floor. He's like the fourth-line winger who brings the energy and physicality.
Ken Horton: Scoring has been down the last couple of games, but had three steals and two blocks.
Kyle Vinales: Really developing some point guard skills to go with the shooting touch. Was mentioned tonight by Dick Vitale as one of the underrated freshmen in the country.
Malcolm McMillan: Starting to look worn down, which is a big reason Vinales playing some point is so helpful.
Robby Ptacek: I used to be able to shoot free throws like he can. On my PS3. If he keeps getting chances, Central is fine.
Adonis Burbage: Not a great day.
Shelton Mickell: Two of the biggest minutes of the year. Coming in ice cold and catching a pass and making two at the line to ice the game is NOT easy. Glad for him to have his moment.
De'Angelo Speech: It's coming.
Joe Efese: Got called for a foul every time he stepped on the floor. Ugly night.
Preview is up online.
Back to the FDU game, an ugly win but a win. By the way, how did I do on the radio? Big thanks to Marc Robbins for guiding me along.
Man to man time.
David Simmons: Fantastic effort. Did a bit of everything, and hustled harder than anyone on the floor. He's like the fourth-line winger who brings the energy and physicality.
Ken Horton: Scoring has been down the last couple of games, but had three steals and two blocks.
Kyle Vinales: Really developing some point guard skills to go with the shooting touch. Was mentioned tonight by Dick Vitale as one of the underrated freshmen in the country.
Malcolm McMillan: Starting to look worn down, which is a big reason Vinales playing some point is so helpful.
Robby Ptacek: I used to be able to shoot free throws like he can. On my PS3. If he keeps getting chances, Central is fine.
Adonis Burbage: Not a great day.
Shelton Mickell: Two of the biggest minutes of the year. Coming in ice cold and catching a pass and making two at the line to ice the game is NOT easy. Glad for him to have his moment.
De'Angelo Speech: It's coming.
Joe Efese: Got called for a foul every time he stepped on the floor. Ugly night.
Friday, January 27, 2012
CCSU men vs. Monmouth wrap up
Wow. Pick a negative word and it applies. Awful. Embarrasing. Terrible. They all work.
Too often this year CCSU has played down to its competition. Usually, the Blue Devils have gotten away with it. Tonight they did not.
A bad, bad, bad, bad loss that could have big repurcussions. Howie Dickenman, who took some shots at himself tonight I will write about for Saturday's paper, needs to find a way to get this team motivated for the not so big games.
I was talking to someone tonight, and I suggested that the two-seed is still possible because I think, having watched this team this year, that CCSU will actually play better when its schedule gets harder.
That said, it's hard not to point out that the Devils should be 7-2 at worst in the league, and probably 8-1.
Let's play a quick game of man-to-man. Note the only encouraging sign from tonight: I'm going to say nice things about the bench guys.
Ken Horton: Raised his game down the stretch, but struggled mightily early. Not sure why he hasn't taken the last shot in either of the last 2 losses. Not saying he'd have hit either one, but if I'm Central, I want the game in the hands of the best player in the league.
Terrell Allen: Got after the offensive glass, but didn't do much else.
Kyle Vinales: Was asked to play some point guard late in the game as CCSU searched for offense. Had a rough night, but his effort was there. He was one of the few who didn't seem half asleep at times.
Malcolm McMillan: Plays defense, made a couple of nice plays on offense. He's a glue guy.
Robby Ptacek: Seemed on the verge of putting it together a couple of times, never quite could.
Adonis Burbage: His numbers don't tell the story of how well he played. A key part of the run that I thought was going to win the game. He's not as good, but he kind of reminds me of Shane Battier.
De'Angelo Speech: I think he needs to play more to shake the rust off.
Joe Efese: I actually thought he did some nice things. He just needs to do more of them.
David Simmons: As long as he's in his comfort zone, the guy doesn't miss. It's almost to the point where they should run stuff for him. Not a lot, but some.
Too often this year CCSU has played down to its competition. Usually, the Blue Devils have gotten away with it. Tonight they did not.
A bad, bad, bad, bad loss that could have big repurcussions. Howie Dickenman, who took some shots at himself tonight I will write about for Saturday's paper, needs to find a way to get this team motivated for the not so big games.
I was talking to someone tonight, and I suggested that the two-seed is still possible because I think, having watched this team this year, that CCSU will actually play better when its schedule gets harder.
That said, it's hard not to point out that the Devils should be 7-2 at worst in the league, and probably 8-1.
Let's play a quick game of man-to-man. Note the only encouraging sign from tonight: I'm going to say nice things about the bench guys.
Ken Horton: Raised his game down the stretch, but struggled mightily early. Not sure why he hasn't taken the last shot in either of the last 2 losses. Not saying he'd have hit either one, but if I'm Central, I want the game in the hands of the best player in the league.
Terrell Allen: Got after the offensive glass, but didn't do much else.
Kyle Vinales: Was asked to play some point guard late in the game as CCSU searched for offense. Had a rough night, but his effort was there. He was one of the few who didn't seem half asleep at times.
Malcolm McMillan: Plays defense, made a couple of nice plays on offense. He's a glue guy.
Robby Ptacek: Seemed on the verge of putting it together a couple of times, never quite could.
Adonis Burbage: His numbers don't tell the story of how well he played. A key part of the run that I thought was going to win the game. He's not as good, but he kind of reminds me of Shane Battier.
De'Angelo Speech: I think he needs to play more to shake the rust off.
Joe Efese: I actually thought he did some nice things. He just needs to do more of them.
David Simmons: As long as he's in his comfort zone, the guy doesn't miss. It's almost to the point where they should run stuff for him. Not a lot, but some.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
CCSU men vs. Sacred Heart wrap up
The season is not lost, but this was a tough one to swallow for the Blue Devils. It was close all the way, but Central had seemed to take control until the last three minutes, when it picked a terrible time for a drought.
Ken Horton had an amazing game, but didn't take over down the stretch.
As for the last play, I always liked calling a timeout once you get to half court, then setting up a quick-hitter shot for the win. I totally understand the argument of avoiding letting the defense set up, but I'd rather be organized on offense.
Central won't win the NEC unless it either gets consistently strong play from its entire big 3 or enough help from other people to make up for a bad night for one of them. Tonight, it got neither, and still nearly won on the road.
Let's look at how it went down by playing man-to-man.
Ken Horton: 25 and 14 is an amazing night, but I'd still love to see him take the game over more often in the final moments. Still, without his efforts, CCSU loses this one by 20.
Terrell Allen: More fouls than rebounds is never good from a big.
Kyle Vinales: Has gone back to being more than just a shooter, dishing the ball well at times. He's a player, no doubt.
Malcolm McMillan: Not a stellar night, but the kid battles and plays the whole game on bad shins. The two blocks were a pleasant surprise.
Robby Ptacek: Tried to shoot his way out of it, but just couldn't get on track. Part of me wishes he'd stop shooting when he's that cold, but Central hasn't had enough other players show they can be offensive threats to make that possible. As for the last shot, he did what he could with it.
Adonis Burbage: Not much statistically, but provided some rest for the starters.
De'Angelo Speech: Still trying to get going again. But being healthy helps.
Joe Efese: Followed up a strong game Thursday with a bit of a stinker Saturday. So goes the enigma that is Joe Efese.
David Simmons: CCSU's centers combined for four points and eight rebounds. Simmons, however, was the best of the bunch tonight.
Ken Horton had an amazing game, but didn't take over down the stretch.
As for the last play, I always liked calling a timeout once you get to half court, then setting up a quick-hitter shot for the win. I totally understand the argument of avoiding letting the defense set up, but I'd rather be organized on offense.
Central won't win the NEC unless it either gets consistently strong play from its entire big 3 or enough help from other people to make up for a bad night for one of them. Tonight, it got neither, and still nearly won on the road.
Let's look at how it went down by playing man-to-man.
Ken Horton: 25 and 14 is an amazing night, but I'd still love to see him take the game over more often in the final moments. Still, without his efforts, CCSU loses this one by 20.
Terrell Allen: More fouls than rebounds is never good from a big.
Kyle Vinales: Has gone back to being more than just a shooter, dishing the ball well at times. He's a player, no doubt.
Malcolm McMillan: Not a stellar night, but the kid battles and plays the whole game on bad shins. The two blocks were a pleasant surprise.
Robby Ptacek: Tried to shoot his way out of it, but just couldn't get on track. Part of me wishes he'd stop shooting when he's that cold, but Central hasn't had enough other players show they can be offensive threats to make that possible. As for the last shot, he did what he could with it.
Adonis Burbage: Not much statistically, but provided some rest for the starters.
De'Angelo Speech: Still trying to get going again. But being healthy helps.
Joe Efese: Followed up a strong game Thursday with a bit of a stinker Saturday. So goes the enigma that is Joe Efese.
David Simmons: CCSU's centers combined for four points and eight rebounds. Simmons, however, was the best of the bunch tonight.
Friday, January 20, 2012
CCSU men vs. BRYANT RECAP
First off, I'll go back and patch up the Wagner post soon for record keeping purposes and to serve as reminders before the rematch next month.
For now, however, let's take a brief look at tonight's win, a game that was over 10 minutes in. Here's a very quick version of man-to-man.
Ken Horton: His streak of 20 misses form three is over. Tonight's thought? My word, how many points would have be putting up if he hadn't gone cold from outside? A double-double and a crazy dunk. Well, more like a crazy catch. The ball was behind him, and he managed to corral it and get it down.
Terrell Allen: A big part of the emerging 3-headed monster in the middle.
Kyle Vinales: Yes, he shoots alot. But he also had seven assists with no turnovers.
Malcolm McMillan: 10 assists, no turnovers.
Robby Ptacek: A quiet night, but he wasn't needed. Bryant just couldn't do anything about it.
Adonis Burbage: Hit a pair of threes, had a pair of blocks, and ate up some minutes. A nice effort.
Shelton Mickell: At least he's healthy.
De'Angelo Speech: Ditto.
Mark Laporte: His miss probably was the only disappointment of the night for CCSU.
Joe Efese; Played really well. Seems to be taking to the bench role. His spurt late in the first half iced the game.
David Simmons: A big hoop and some energy.
For now, however, let's take a brief look at tonight's win, a game that was over 10 minutes in. Here's a very quick version of man-to-man.
Ken Horton: His streak of 20 misses form three is over. Tonight's thought? My word, how many points would have be putting up if he hadn't gone cold from outside? A double-double and a crazy dunk. Well, more like a crazy catch. The ball was behind him, and he managed to corral it and get it down.
Terrell Allen: A big part of the emerging 3-headed monster in the middle.
Kyle Vinales: Yes, he shoots alot. But he also had seven assists with no turnovers.
Malcolm McMillan: 10 assists, no turnovers.
Robby Ptacek: A quiet night, but he wasn't needed. Bryant just couldn't do anything about it.
Adonis Burbage: Hit a pair of threes, had a pair of blocks, and ate up some minutes. A nice effort.
Shelton Mickell: At least he's healthy.
De'Angelo Speech: Ditto.
Mark Laporte: His miss probably was the only disappointment of the night for CCSU.
Joe Efese; Played really well. Seems to be taking to the bench role. His spurt late in the first half iced the game.
David Simmons: A big hoop and some energy.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Checking in
Had an exceptionally long night so I'm not going to to a breakdown of the game until Sunday.
For now I'll just say this: Robby Ptacek was great. Kyle Vinales was due for a night like this and Ken Horton deserves a mulligan every once in a while, especially on this night.
For now I'll just say this: Robby Ptacek was great. Kyle Vinales was due for a night like this and Ken Horton deserves a mulligan every once in a while, especially on this night.
Friday, January 13, 2012
CCSU MEN at THE MOUNT WRAP UP
I haven't decided yet if I want to give Central a ton of credit for pulling out a tough game on the road or rip the Blue Devils for letting what should have been an easy night become a nail-biter.
My sense is that the truth is somewhere in between. Up double-digits in the second half, the game never should have gotten close again. That said, Central did what it had to do and got a big road win, making the Devils 5-0 heading into the Saturday Showdown with Wagner.
Let's look at this win, which has CCSU 5-0 in the league.
Ken Horton: 3 to tie 4 to break the record if my late-night math is right. As for the game itself, it was a typical Horton night. Shoot better than 50 percent, score 23-plus and grab nine boards. Four turnovers are a bit high and he hasn't made a three in about two weeks, but we're really nitpicking here. Saturday, by the way, would be a nice time to get hot from there.
Terrell Allen: Interesting choice to start. Did some nice things as usual, but I think I like him as an energy guy off the bench.
Kyle Vinales: His hot streak at the end of the first half changed the game and paved the way for the big lead in the second half.
Malcolm McMillan: Tough as nails, smart, but Central needs to get him some rest and soon.
Robby Ptacek: A man who never seems to need rest, he didn't shoot well. He got himself good shots though, which is more than half the battle. Those will fall.
Adonis Burbage: A cup of coffee.
Shelton Mickell: One of two men who need to step up and help ease McMillan's burden, he needs to give Howie Dickenman more reasons to play him.
De'Angelo Speech: Here's the other. With three steals in 11 minutes, it's clear he's close to being a contributor again. My sense is he comes off the bench the rest of the year (and starts next to Malcolm next year), but he will play a big part in the next 13 NEC games. Actually, CCSU hopes it's 16 more.
Joe Efese: If only he could stay out of foul trouble. He's showing huge flashes, he just needs to put it together for 2 consecutive halves, and do it without fouling.
David Simmons: He busts his tail, and Central seems to feed off his energy.
My sense is that the truth is somewhere in between. Up double-digits in the second half, the game never should have gotten close again. That said, Central did what it had to do and got a big road win, making the Devils 5-0 heading into the Saturday Showdown with Wagner.
Let's look at this win, which has CCSU 5-0 in the league.
Ken Horton: 3 to tie 4 to break the record if my late-night math is right. As for the game itself, it was a typical Horton night. Shoot better than 50 percent, score 23-plus and grab nine boards. Four turnovers are a bit high and he hasn't made a three in about two weeks, but we're really nitpicking here. Saturday, by the way, would be a nice time to get hot from there.
Terrell Allen: Interesting choice to start. Did some nice things as usual, but I think I like him as an energy guy off the bench.
Kyle Vinales: His hot streak at the end of the first half changed the game and paved the way for the big lead in the second half.
Malcolm McMillan: Tough as nails, smart, but Central needs to get him some rest and soon.
Robby Ptacek: A man who never seems to need rest, he didn't shoot well. He got himself good shots though, which is more than half the battle. Those will fall.
Adonis Burbage: A cup of coffee.
Shelton Mickell: One of two men who need to step up and help ease McMillan's burden, he needs to give Howie Dickenman more reasons to play him.
De'Angelo Speech: Here's the other. With three steals in 11 minutes, it's clear he's close to being a contributor again. My sense is he comes off the bench the rest of the year (and starts next to Malcolm next year), but he will play a big part in the next 13 NEC games. Actually, CCSU hopes it's 16 more.
Joe Efese: If only he could stay out of foul trouble. He's showing huge flashes, he just needs to put it together for 2 consecutive halves, and do it without fouling.
David Simmons: He busts his tail, and Central seems to feed off his energy.
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