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.
Friday, January 27, 2012
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.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
CCSU vs. RMU WRAP UP
When Central plays defense to match its fantastic offensive potential, watch out.
The best defensive effort of the year gave CCSU a resounding victory over Robert Morris. A great effort by Malcolm McMillan on defense and Robby Ptacek on offense.
Let's play man-to-man.
Joe Efese: 4 rebounds in just 12 minutes of work, but he fits in nicely in the mix of big men Central has.
Ken Horton: 27 to go to the record. I can't remember ever seeing a more efficient scorer. I was talking to Bob Ryan (yeah, I know, I'm sorry, I had to name drop there) about Horton's game and I said, "what's he got, 15?" I looked at the monitor and he had 21 on 11 shots. He gets to the line but steps up when he needs to, and he manages to get it all done while grabbing boards and making sure he doesn't take shots away from Kyle Vinales or Robby Ptacek. He's really fun to watch. My only concern is that they HAVE to find him some rest. Whether it's De'Angelo Speech coming back or Adonis Burbage getting more minutes, Horton has to sit at some point.
Kyle Vinales: He gets out of bed, stands up and he's in scoring range. Underrated stat: Five assists and one turnover.
Malcolm McMillan: The real glue guy. A defensive whiz, a steadying force who had one turnover with five assists himself, he had a fantastic game. He will be a leader someday. The concern is that his shins are bothering him. Something to watch.
Robby Ptacek: He runs hot and cold, and right now he's hot.
Adonis Burbage: Central will need more from him going forward.
Shelton Mickell: Expect his minutes to go up as he continues to look more comfortable.
De'Angelo Speech: You're seeing flashes. Once he gets his legs (or feet more accurately) back under him, this team will look different. You saw some flashes Saturday.
David Simmons: He's all grown up. A more mature person and player. And he's starting to believe he can score.
Terrell Allen: A nice piece to have in the mix, even if he gave nothing but minutes Saturday.
The best defensive effort of the year gave CCSU a resounding victory over Robert Morris. A great effort by Malcolm McMillan on defense and Robby Ptacek on offense.
Let's play man-to-man.
Joe Efese: 4 rebounds in just 12 minutes of work, but he fits in nicely in the mix of big men Central has.
Ken Horton: 27 to go to the record. I can't remember ever seeing a more efficient scorer. I was talking to Bob Ryan (yeah, I know, I'm sorry, I had to name drop there) about Horton's game and I said, "what's he got, 15?" I looked at the monitor and he had 21 on 11 shots. He gets to the line but steps up when he needs to, and he manages to get it all done while grabbing boards and making sure he doesn't take shots away from Kyle Vinales or Robby Ptacek. He's really fun to watch. My only concern is that they HAVE to find him some rest. Whether it's De'Angelo Speech coming back or Adonis Burbage getting more minutes, Horton has to sit at some point.
Kyle Vinales: He gets out of bed, stands up and he's in scoring range. Underrated stat: Five assists and one turnover.
Malcolm McMillan: The real glue guy. A defensive whiz, a steadying force who had one turnover with five assists himself, he had a fantastic game. He will be a leader someday. The concern is that his shins are bothering him. Something to watch.
Robby Ptacek: He runs hot and cold, and right now he's hot.
Adonis Burbage: Central will need more from him going forward.
Shelton Mickell: Expect his minutes to go up as he continues to look more comfortable.
De'Angelo Speech: You're seeing flashes. Once he gets his legs (or feet more accurately) back under him, this team will look different. You saw some flashes Saturday.
David Simmons: He's all grown up. A more mature person and player. And he's starting to believe he can score.
Terrell Allen: A nice piece to have in the mix, even if he gave nothing but minutes Saturday.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
ON TO THE NEXT ONE
A huge opportunity for Central today vs. RMU. Preview is up. In this gym, I give CCSU a chance, but only if they're willing to fight like the Devils were over the last eight minutes Thursday night.
I will tell you this. They look enthused right now watching the women's game. Ken Horton has jumped up and cheered a couple of times, and the guys seem genuinely into the game.
I will tell you this. They look enthused right now watching the women's game. Ken Horton has jumped up and cheered a couple of times, and the guys seem genuinely into the game.
CCSU vs. SFPA RECAP
Between illness and work we'/re behind on this, so let's bang out a man-to-man for record keeping purposes as much as anything.
It was an ugly win, and CCSU will have to be much more consistent today, but a win is a win, and this team needed one. So let's play man-to-man.
Joe Efese: His lack of rebounds and Dave Simmons' fantastic play led to him only getting 10 minutes. But I still think he's improving.
Ken Horton: He put the Superman cape on down the stretch, making up for a subpar effort before that. He was strong on the glass, however. He's 48 from the record.
Kyle Vinales: 27 on the night, and 20 early when Central desperately needed someone to keep the Devils in the game. Sometimes you can have a big first half and have it matter.
Malcolm McMillan: 4 steals and only 2 turnovers. Tough as nails, too. Becoming a quiet leader on a team that needs one.
Robby Ptacek: Coach Dickenman's speech worked wonders. Great second half.
Adonis Burbage: Some filler minutes again.
Shelton Mickell: Looks like he's getting his feet under him after a rough start, then an injury.
De'Angelo Speech: This will be a different team, especially defensively, when he's healthy.
David Simmons: Just a great effort. If Central follows his lead in terms of energy and passion, it will be fine.
Terrell Allen: Same thing. Big minutes before the half that helped keep CCSU alive.
It was an ugly win, and CCSU will have to be much more consistent today, but a win is a win, and this team needed one. So let's play man-to-man.
Joe Efese: His lack of rebounds and Dave Simmons' fantastic play led to him only getting 10 minutes. But I still think he's improving.
Ken Horton: He put the Superman cape on down the stretch, making up for a subpar effort before that. He was strong on the glass, however. He's 48 from the record.
Kyle Vinales: 27 on the night, and 20 early when Central desperately needed someone to keep the Devils in the game. Sometimes you can have a big first half and have it matter.
Malcolm McMillan: 4 steals and only 2 turnovers. Tough as nails, too. Becoming a quiet leader on a team that needs one.
Robby Ptacek: Coach Dickenman's speech worked wonders. Great second half.
Adonis Burbage: Some filler minutes again.
Shelton Mickell: Looks like he's getting his feet under him after a rough start, then an injury.
De'Angelo Speech: This will be a different team, especially defensively, when he's healthy.
David Simmons: Just a great effort. If Central follows his lead in terms of energy and passion, it will be fine.
Terrell Allen: Same thing. Big minutes before the half that helped keep CCSU alive.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
CCSU vs. UMASS wrap
Wow, was I wrong. I went up to UMass because I actually thought CCSU was going to have another good game against a big-name opponent. The Blue Devils are getting healthy and coming off a solid effort against Michigan State and a near upset of Northwestern.
Then came tonight. An uninspired, flat, ugly beating that was more troubling because of the acceptance of that beating in the second half.
The Blue Devils cut into the UMass lead a number of times early, and were a couple of very long jumpers by the Minutemen froml being in the game at halftime.
Then the second half happened. Terrible.
So let's go man-to-man, something the Blue Devils didn't do well.
Joe Efese: Much like this team, he's maddening because he can be so good and then disappear.
Ken Horton: 16 and 12 vs. an A-10 team. He's legit. The problem is, because he missed the La Salle game, he will need two really big games next week to break the record at home.
Kyle Vinales: Couldn't shoot tonight but had two steals to just one turnover. I was surprised, this was his pace.
Malcolm McMillan: Freshmen go back and forth. No need to panic about him. That said, this was not a good night.
Robby Ptacek: Tom O'Brien gave me this great stat that is in my other bag, but it boils down to this: When Robby Ptacek shoots well and takes some pressure off of Horton, CCSU usually wins. When he doesn't, they don't. Tonight was the exception to the rule, but it was still nice to see Ptacek have a big night.
Adonis Burbage: He kept CCSU's 3-pointer streak, which dates back to 1996, alive.
Shelton Mickell: Some solid numbers that perhaps he can build off of as he works on getting back in the groove. The fact that he nicked his shoulder again is a concern, however.
Mark LaPorte: Didn't get a shot up. That could be the upset of the night.
David Simmons: I didn't make a big deal out of it in my story because it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but someone should be in a lot of trouble for Simmons dunking the ball and picking up a technical. for dunking in pregame warmups. Either he didn't know the rule and should have been coached that at some point in the last four-plus years, or he knew the rule and ignored it, or he knew and forgot.
Regardless of how it happened, there's no way CCSU, or any other team in America, should be down 1-0 before the game starts. That's embarrassing.
By the way, I know I come from a family of refs, but I knew that rule. I didn't see the offending dunk, but I knew something was up when I saw the refs conferring, then chatting with the coaches.
Side note: Big thanks to referee Jeff Anderson for coming over at my request and explaining the situation to me. If you look him up online you'll find a story from Rochester about him giving back to kids. Really nice guy.
Terrell Allen: Hardly got in, which I found surprising.
Then came tonight. An uninspired, flat, ugly beating that was more troubling because of the acceptance of that beating in the second half.
The Blue Devils cut into the UMass lead a number of times early, and were a couple of very long jumpers by the Minutemen froml being in the game at halftime.
Then the second half happened. Terrible.
So let's go man-to-man, something the Blue Devils didn't do well.
Joe Efese: Much like this team, he's maddening because he can be so good and then disappear.
Ken Horton: 16 and 12 vs. an A-10 team. He's legit. The problem is, because he missed the La Salle game, he will need two really big games next week to break the record at home.
Kyle Vinales: Couldn't shoot tonight but had two steals to just one turnover. I was surprised, this was his pace.
Malcolm McMillan: Freshmen go back and forth. No need to panic about him. That said, this was not a good night.
Robby Ptacek: Tom O'Brien gave me this great stat that is in my other bag, but it boils down to this: When Robby Ptacek shoots well and takes some pressure off of Horton, CCSU usually wins. When he doesn't, they don't. Tonight was the exception to the rule, but it was still nice to see Ptacek have a big night.
Adonis Burbage: He kept CCSU's 3-pointer streak, which dates back to 1996, alive.
Shelton Mickell: Some solid numbers that perhaps he can build off of as he works on getting back in the groove. The fact that he nicked his shoulder again is a concern, however.
Mark LaPorte: Didn't get a shot up. That could be the upset of the night.
David Simmons: I didn't make a big deal out of it in my story because it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but someone should be in a lot of trouble for Simmons dunking the ball and picking up a technical. for dunking in pregame warmups. Either he didn't know the rule and should have been coached that at some point in the last four-plus years, or he knew the rule and ignored it, or he knew and forgot.
Regardless of how it happened, there's no way CCSU, or any other team in America, should be down 1-0 before the game starts. That's embarrassing.
By the way, I know I come from a family of refs, but I knew that rule. I didn't see the offending dunk, but I knew something was up when I saw the refs conferring, then chatting with the coaches.
Side note: Big thanks to referee Jeff Anderson for coming over at my request and explaining the situation to me. If you look him up online you'll find a story from Rochester about him giving back to kids. Really nice guy.
Terrell Allen: Hardly got in, which I found surprising.
Friday, December 30, 2011
CCSU MEN CALLED FOR T BEFORE GAME STARTS
David Simmons dunked during pregame warmups. That's a 2-shot technical. UMass will start the game by picking who shoots the 2 T's. No time comes off, and it is not a personal foul.
Game starts as normal with jump ball after that.
Not as weird as the UConn start the other night, but pretty darn crazy.
Game starts as normal with jump ball after that.
Not as weird as the UConn start the other night, but pretty darn crazy.
CCSU MEN BACK TO WORK
Hope everyone had a great holiday.
I'm courtside tonight at UMass, so I'll have a more detailed breakdown after the game.
Some news while the players come out to warm up.
Shelton Mickell is expected to play, as is this kid named Ken Horton.
Still no De'Angelo Speech.
I'm courtside tonight at UMass, so I'll have a more detailed breakdown after the game.
Some news while the players come out to warm up.
Shelton Mickell is expected to play, as is this kid named Ken Horton.
Still no De'Angelo Speech.
Friday, December 23, 2011
CCSU Men vs. La Salle Wrap up
Well, that went poorly.
There are better players in the country than Ken Horton, but tonight we learned that there are few who are more valuable.
Before we go any further, Howie Dickenman said he'd be shocked if Horton missed the UMass game. So don't fret CCSU fans.
Still, even without Horton, tonight's game was putrid in the first half. Yes, Central came out with new vigor and showed pride in the second half, but if it had done that early, this might have been a game, even without Horton.
La Salle is very good, but Central looked, as I said in my story, lost. I think it was in part because of how close to the game the Horton injury became official. Still, defense was non-existent, rebounding was lax and the offense seemed disheveled.
Let's break it down by playing man-to-man, then move on to a happy holiday season.
Adonis Burbage: Other than a couple of turnovers, there wasn't much to dislike about his night, especially since he found out he was starting 40 minutes before the game. He's never going to be flashy, but I like the kid for some reason.
Joe Efese: He tried, but was just outsized inside. Still, if he can get 8 rebounds a night, all will be right with the world for Central.
Kyle Vinales: The defense was a little tighter on him without Horton around. Central will have to surround him with offense in the future to ensure he has the space to fire off those jumpers. I do like that he relies more and more on that little teardrop in the lane. Just showing he can drive will free up some outside shots for him because defenders will have to respect it.
Malcolm McMillan: For the second time this season, he showed toughness coming back in the game after taking a shot. Dickenman encouraged him to shoot more tonight, and he did. He didn't make them, but again, showing the willingness to forces the defense to play up a bit.
Robby Ptacek: I think Howie Dickenman was right, Ptacek was trying too hard. That said, there will be times this year where, especially as a senior, he is asked to take over. He didn't do it tonight.
David Simmons: His field goal percentage is skyrocketing. If he can figure out how to combine that with the games where he has big rebounding nights, suddenly he'd become a force. He's like a pitcher who has one pitch going on a given night.
Terrell Allen: Nothing wrong with his effort, just didn't do a ton.
Mark LaPorte: Missed an open jumper that would have given the fans something to cheer about on the way home.
There are better players in the country than Ken Horton, but tonight we learned that there are few who are more valuable.
Before we go any further, Howie Dickenman said he'd be shocked if Horton missed the UMass game. So don't fret CCSU fans.
Still, even without Horton, tonight's game was putrid in the first half. Yes, Central came out with new vigor and showed pride in the second half, but if it had done that early, this might have been a game, even without Horton.
La Salle is very good, but Central looked, as I said in my story, lost. I think it was in part because of how close to the game the Horton injury became official. Still, defense was non-existent, rebounding was lax and the offense seemed disheveled.
Let's break it down by playing man-to-man, then move on to a happy holiday season.
Adonis Burbage: Other than a couple of turnovers, there wasn't much to dislike about his night, especially since he found out he was starting 40 minutes before the game. He's never going to be flashy, but I like the kid for some reason.
Joe Efese: He tried, but was just outsized inside. Still, if he can get 8 rebounds a night, all will be right with the world for Central.
Kyle Vinales: The defense was a little tighter on him without Horton around. Central will have to surround him with offense in the future to ensure he has the space to fire off those jumpers. I do like that he relies more and more on that little teardrop in the lane. Just showing he can drive will free up some outside shots for him because defenders will have to respect it.
Malcolm McMillan: For the second time this season, he showed toughness coming back in the game after taking a shot. Dickenman encouraged him to shoot more tonight, and he did. He didn't make them, but again, showing the willingness to forces the defense to play up a bit.
Robby Ptacek: I think Howie Dickenman was right, Ptacek was trying too hard. That said, there will be times this year where, especially as a senior, he is asked to take over. He didn't do it tonight.
David Simmons: His field goal percentage is skyrocketing. If he can figure out how to combine that with the games where he has big rebounding nights, suddenly he'd become a force. He's like a pitcher who has one pitch going on a given night.
Terrell Allen: Nothing wrong with his effort, just didn't do a ton.
Mark LaPorte: Missed an open jumper that would have given the fans something to cheer about on the way home.
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