I won't lie, I doubted Central tonight. The Blue Devils were 1-2 against other 3 teams in the NEC's top four and the one win was nearly an historic defeat.
The Blue Devils had lost six in a row at Robert Morris and hadn't gone 2-0 on the Pennsylvania trip since 2002. To boot, Robert Morris was trying to work its way back to the top of that pack of teams in the middle of the NEC standings in order to stay in the hunt for a home game in the NEC Tournament.
All the signs pointed to a RMU win. Ken Horton and company turned the signs around. I'll have to do some research to make sure I'm not crazy, but I think the Player of the Year debate is pretty much over, barring a late-season slide from No. 30. But he was far from alone. Robby Ptacek made shots when he had to, and Shemik Thompson had one fewer steal than RMU's whole team. A wonderful performance tonight by the men in blue.
The key now is to find some consistency. Central has had a few slip ups against teams it shouldn't have this year, but the Bryant games can't be such nights. Two routs should have the Devils feeling confident heading into, if they win the next two, the biggest four-game stretch for this team in about four years.
Six to go, 4 wins should wrap up 2nd place in the NEC.
Let's play man-to-man.
Joe Efese: Two quick fouls derailed his night. Maybe I spoke too soon about him starting to get hot.
Ken Horton: In 35 minutes he had 31 points, 10 rebounds, went 9-for-13 from the floor and 11-of-12 at the line, had two assists, a block and only one turnover. He did not have a steal. Slacker.
Shemik Thompson: Yes he had a few turnovers, but he was active as all get out. 16 points, seven boards and five assists to go with five steals. When he gets to the line, you know it's going to be a good night for him.
Devan Bailey: RMU shot 33 pct. from the floor and was 5-of-22 from three. Those are the numbers that matter for Bailey.
Robby Ptacek: Good players put aside rough nights and come through when it matters. His four-point play changed the momentum in the second half and got Central rolling. Five boards as well, which is always helpful.
Vince Rosario: Two fouls in four minutes. Yikes.
De'Angelo Speech: Very good at getting to the line and scoring once he gets there. I think he'll be back in stride by the time Quinnipiac comes to town.
Chris Baskerville: CCSU needs more than one rebound out of him. But he made his free throws, too.
Terrell Allen: He's emerging as a solid bench player. 4 boards a block and no turnovers in 17 minutes. Central can use all the depth it can get.
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