Butler 78
Youngstown State 69
Finally, the Dawgs win a road game in Ohio!
The Bulldogs dominated the first half and went into the locker room with an 18 point lead. During the first half, the Dawgs went inside to Howard, outside to Campbell and Green made free throws (he scored 7 of his 9 first half points at the charity stripe). During the first half the Bulldogs built a 20 point lead.
During the second half things changed. Youngstown State came out and went on a run right away in the second half and reduced the lead to single digits. They forced the Bulldogs to foul and were in the bonus for the last 12 minutes of the second half. Both Streicher and Betko made a three point shot that stopped the bleeding. Later in the half the Bulldogs lead by 8 points, but a 4 treys made by Campbell (2) and Graves (2) rebuilt the lead. Youngstown State chipped away at it for the rest of the game.
Pete Campbell has performed very during the past 3 games. His scoring has given me an indication that he is most likely over his injury. Last Saturday against Milwaukee he scored 15, on Thursday against Cleveland State he scored 15 and tonight he scored 19 points (7-10 from the field including 5-8 for trey). Tonight he also made several key defensive plays. He has 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Based on what I heard on the broadcast tonight, his defensive has improved significantly.
Graves scored 9 points in the game. He was 3-11 from the field including 3-8 from behind the 3 point arc. He also missed both shots from the free throw line. He did have 4 steals in the game. Based on his performance in the last few games, I think Graves is in a slump. If he continues to be in a slump, it could be detrimental to the team if other players do not step up.
One thought I would like your opinion on is the idea that Campbell should be back in the starting lineup. His numbers from the past three games make the case why he should back in the starting lineup. The problem is who should he replace? Howard has played extremely well since being put in the starting lineup. Betko and Streicher are excellent defenders and Green is an all around player. That leaves Graves, who as I mentioned, is in a slump, although he may have gotten out of it tonight. I am interested in reading your opinions about this. I have not fully thought through the pros and cons of the idea.
Next Game: Thursday vs. Loyola at 7:00
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3 comments:
Maybe Graves needs a rest. It just hasn't been the past two games that he's been in a slump. He started struggling in the Ohio State game, really looked bad in the Wright State game, and has not been himself since that first loss.
I'm used to seeing Graves hit off-balance, ridiculous (in ill-advised attempts) shots, but it seems to hurt our offensive stands when he misses those ill-advised attempts so frequently as of late.
Campbell almost always takes a great shot, or passes up his look for a better one. I think that he gels better with the offense than Graves right now, who can't seem to find his shot.
I'd like to see what Green, Howard, Streicher, Betko and Campbell can do on the court as starters. Streicher and Betko are great defenders, and execute the offense very well. But, I'd also really like to see Campbell emerge as the type of leader that Crone was for the team last season.
Actually, I DON'T want to see Graves taken out of the starting role. A few reasons why: 1) he is too much of a defensive asset; 2) he has a basketball know-how that makes him a solid leader on the court, regardless of his current slump; 3) I think taking him out of the starting lineup would do damage to his mentality.
I don't care what anybody says: if you have been a starter your whole athletic career and you hit a slump and are suddenly taken out of the starting role, it plays tricks on your mental game and screws you up worse, especially if it occurs during your Senior season. I know, because I've been through it myself. I don't care how much of a professional AJ might be, that sort of situation DOES get into your head. He still plays well enough to start, and I think the best way for him to break out of his slump is to remain in the starting lineup and come to on his own. It will happen.
Besides that, the coaches themselves have already said that they prefer Pete coming off the bench. I know he has stepped up his D, but I am not thoroughly convinced of it being strong enough to earn him a starting spot.
The way I see it, Pete is an excellent weapon off the bench, but his main role seems to be to sink 3's. But I don't say any of this to put down Pete and excuse AJ's recently weaker playing. I'm just appealing to the mental aspect of this game.
I agree, but the team does not function on one player, obviously. Agreed that Graves has not been himself that past few games, but the team as a whole is still changing and improving this season. I would like to see Graves with double digits each game again, but he isn't doing bad. If we don't look at the team as as individual below par, then maybe things will change. Stress with school and pressure can all be an effect.
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