MBB: Northwest Conference

[LogShow]

Well PLU gave the Loggers all they could handle tonight...PLU is a good team, got to give them credit.  It was close and tense.  But after it is all said and done, it was a great win for the Loggers! 

[UPSoundLogs]

Great game last night in Tacoma!  PLU is much better than I expected.  To look at them their players dont really look like much, but when they started to play it was kind of an eye opener.  I think UPS was caught somewhat offguard.  PLU actually decided to run with the Loggers most of the game, they started to look very tired with about ten minutes to go in the second half.  Their tiredness is what killed them in the end.  They were up by 14 with about 9-10 minutes to go in the second half and it was quickly erased and made into a Logger lead.  However, they continued to make some tough shots and keep it close until Marsh missed a buzzer beater in regulation.  The two overtimes were pretty much back and forth until PLU got completely worn down eventually and UPS took the lead for good.

UPS played pretty bad in the first half, but they showed a lot of grit in pulling out the tough win.  Hat's off to PLU, they will catch alot of people sleeping this year they're a very good team. 

For PLU I was definitely most impressed with their big guy.  I forget his name (Mcdanials ) but he had some great inside moves, made a couple nice 15 footers, and rebounded the ball very well.  PLU was undersized but he played very tough for them. 

For UPS their player of the game had to be Krauel.  Everytime they needed a tough bucket or board he was there to get it.  I haven't checked any stats yet, but he impresses me more and more each time I watch him play!  I think he was the difference at the end of the game with a couple 3's, lots of tough boards, and strong inside play. 

Logshow, any details I left out?

[UPSoundLogs]

I just checked some stats....

For UPS

Krauel - 33/10
Foster - 31/9
Williams - 30pts

For PLU

Mcdanial- 37/10

Holy cow ....those are some serious numbers!!!

[Pio20]

I'm back in Portland and can now get the inside scoop on otherwise unavailable information. Thus, I found out today that Gene Rivera missed the PLU game because he was sick and Josh Kollasch sprained his knee at Pacific. Rivera will be back for this weekend's games and it might take Kollasch a little longer to get back. As evidenced with the PLU game, we need that inside defense and rebounding to win!

[LogShow]

UPSoundLogs,  I think you summed up the game pretty well.  I agree that UPS did not represent well in the first half, but came through in the 2nd.  It seemed like a trend from last year, I was hoping that we were passed that, but I don't know...or maybe we just under-estimated PLU.

The PLU post was quite impressive.  I couldn't figure out why UPS was playing behind him , I can't imagine that's what the coaching staff wanted.  He torched us last year and again last night, I would have thought we had learned our lesson.  I was also a bit concerned how easily PLU got by us in the half court.  It wasn't just landon either, #11 had quite a bit of success too.

That being said...it is still a win no matter what way you slice it, and thats what its all about!  It doesn't get any easier with a confident Linfield team coming in on Friday.

[LogShow]

I'm back in Portland and can now get the inside scoop on otherwise unavailable information. Thus, I found out today that Gene Rivera missed the PLU game because he was sick and Josh Kollasch sprained his knee at Pacific. Rivera will be back for this weekend's games and it might take Kollasch a little longer to get back. As evidenced with the PLU game, we need that inside defense and rebounding to win!

Pio20,  thanks for the insight.  Are you suprised Rivera didn't play because of the flu?  Maybe Gailard wasn't worried about PLU so he thought he could rest Rivera?

[Pio20]

I'm back in Portland and can now get the inside scoop on otherwise unavailable information. Thus, I found out today that Gene Rivera missed the PLU game because he was sick and Josh Kollasch sprained his knee at Pacific. Rivera will be back for this weekend's games and it might take Kollasch a little longer to get back. As evidenced with the PLU game, we need that inside defense and rebounding to win!

Pio20,  thanks for the insight.  Are you suprised Rivera didn't play because of the flu?  Maybe Gailard wasn't worried about PLU so he thought he could rest Rivera?

I am very suprised he didn't play. Usually a player can battle through an illness. I'm not sure how bad it was though. All i know is it showed that without Rivera anyone can beat our small lineup by going inside. He holds us together defensively, as evidenced with his record setting 51 blocks last season. Last season, we only gave up 80 or more points 6 times, with three of those six games being losses. This year we have only given up over 80 points two times, with both of those being losses. Clearly, defense is crucial to our success.

[LogShow]

Clearly, defense is crucial to our success

Very true...that probably applies to most teams in the NWC

[UPSoundLogs]

Logshow,

I really do think that the Loggers underestimated PLU.  The Lutes have been scraping the bottom of the conference for the last few seasons so it was probably hard for the UPS players to mentally get themselves prepared to play a VERY improved team.  I was actually shocked at how much better PLU is now.  That being said, I think they do need to come out with a lot more fire in the first half.  They have been pretty lucky so far in that they are able to dig themselves out of deep holes, but it will catch up to them sooner or later.  In my opinion any of the NWC teams can beat UPS, they need to come out of the gates with more intensity or they could end up losing to an inferior team. 

As for the UPS post defense on Mcdaniels, I think you're right, they were supposed to front him and didnt do a good job.  It seems like a slight problem for the Logs this year will be to play against bigger/stronger post players.  All though UPS is pretty tall and very athletic they dont really have anybody thats really big and strong, Krauel is definitely their most physical player and he does a very good job, but he's still only 200lbs.  They really need to do a better job of fronting and getting help defense in the post.  I'm not sure how many 37/10 games from opposing posts they can withstand and not get a loss.  They'll figure it out though.

I feel like I'm being too negative.  Overall, it was a very exciting game, a win is a win, and I think this Logger team has the potential to be very special!

Bring on Linfield!!!

[LogShow]

I think Linfield will be another challenging game.  They are much improved too, and based on their stats love the 3 pointer.  I am looking forward to the game on Friday!

Haven't heard from Dumpdotes in a while...I was wondering if you still feel the same way, or are singing a different tune now that Linfield is winning some games?

[cawcdad]

Linfield's point guard, a transfer from Western Oregon, is very quick. Leave him a bit of an opening and he is past you driving to the hoop.

[LogShow]

Linfield's point guard, a transfer from Western Oregon, is very quick. Leave him a bit of an opening and he is past you driving to the hoop.

Did you ever see OJ Gulley play?

[Pio20]

Didn't realize that LC's Bob Gaillard was interviewed back on Nov. 18th.
http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives.htm
Link is on the right there. Sounds like he knew PLU was gonna be tough.

[cawcdad]

Linfield's point guard, a transfer from Western Oregon, is very quick. Leave him a bit of an opening and he is past you driving to the hoop.

Did you ever see OJ Gulley play?

Never had the pleasure, but I have heard about him. Sure wish I had.

[LogShow]

Didn't realize that LC's Bob Gaillard was interviewed back on Nov. 18th.
http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives.htm
Link is on the right there. Sounds like he knew PLU was gonna be tough.

PLU is tough...I wouldn't be suprised if they are in the running for the NWC tournament