Well, technically two days after but that allows us to get many more links up after the weekend game.
Following the 84-80 loss to Marshall, BU coach Dennis Wolff cited the Terriers' lack of grittiness as the biggest reason they lost the game. Things like not coming up with loose balls when they had a chance to on the defensive end, not working hard enough to free themselves on offense, not applying enough ball pressure on Marshall's shooters.
If BU played Saturday the way they practiced on Monday, there's little doubt they would not have lost to Marshall. Bodies were flying all over the floor and both the coaching staff and players were as intense as they've been all season (from what we've seen, at least). Still, the fact that the Terriers can play incredibly determined one day (in a practice nonetheless) and seemingly not as hard in a game, or perhaps, not with as much urgency, is a bit confusing. One would think by now, this group would understand the importance of coming prepared to every game, ready to outwork the opponent. Especially when it's at home.
Still, aside from a lack of grit, the Terriers did a lot of good things Saturday. Perhaps the most important of which, aside from the unbelievable 36-point performance by Corey Lowe, was Tyler Morris' first solid shooting game of the season.
Morris said at the press conference he paid more attention to little details and didn't focus as much on shooting. Prior to Morris' could-be-breakout performance (and only his second career double-digit scoring game at Agganis Arena), Wolff had said he wanted Morris to relax. Whether or not focusing on boxing out and guarding his man properly is "relaxing" or not is up for debate, but if Morris can consistently turn in games like he had Saturday, it will be hard to debate which team has the best shooters in the league.
Notes: Check out the gameflow for Saturday's contest. Especially in the second half, it doesn't get much tighter than that. ... Corey Lowe needs 22 more points to reach 1,000 for his career. Last time the Terriers faced Yale (W, 76-67), he set his previous career-high, with 35. If Lowe doesn't achieve the mark Wednesday night, he's almost certain to do so against No. 12/13 Notre Dame on Saturday. ... BU lost its first game of the season when outrebounding its opponent. The Terriers won Saturday's rebounding margin by three, 33-30. ... BU -- as a team and individuals -- ranks first in the conference in only one category: 3-point field goals/game (10.5). Expect that mark to stay close to 10 (maybe slightly lower) for most of the season as the Terriers are truly a team of sharpshooters.
Links:
BC High grad doing fine despite doubters
Defense goes by the wayside as Terriers fall to Marshall
Lowe's career day can't save BU in latest Agganis setback
Pitts leads Herd in win over Boston
Free throws lift Herd past Boston U.
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