I said before the season that the difference between a mediocre and great season is a few close wins. We've exceeded expectations on that and I can't even count how many nail biters we've won this season. I do know there was no doubt in the players' minds (and little doubt in my mind) that we were going to win the game when we got the ball back with 15 seconds left. Believing you will win makes a big difference in athletics. We may lose a close game before it's over, but our players now "believe" they'll win every close game and relish those situations. I don't think there's any doubt that increases the chances that we will win in those situations.
(02-13-2009 10:33 AM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think there's any doubt that increases the chances that we will win in those situations.
+1
Having confidence of "been there done that" will pay dividends in March.
I'm beginning to believe that this really could be our year...
(02-13-2009 10:33 AM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ]I said before the season that the difference between a mediocre and great season is a few close wins. We've exceeded expectations on that and I can't even count how many nail biters we've won this season. I do know there was no doubt in the players' minds (and little doubt in my mind) that we were going to win the game when we got the ball back with 15 seconds left. Believing you will win makes a big difference in athletics. We may lose a close game before it's over, but our players now "believe" they'll win every close game and relish those situations. I don't think there's any doubt that increases the chances that we will win in those situations.
I didn't exactly have your confidence when we got the ball back. I thought that we'd lost another one at the wire to ASU. I hope all these close wins haven't been luck, because it they have been, we've had way more than our share of luck. Obviously having that ball go off his foot had to be considered a little luck, but could also be considered playing good pressure defense that caused the ball to go off his foot.
One thing we know is, that these guys haven't given up in a game since Jan. 3rd, and they've had several chances to since then, but they haven't quit one time.
(02-13-2009 11:31 AM)LRTrojan Wrote: [ -> ] (02-13-2009 10:33 AM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ]I said before the season that the difference between a mediocre and great season is a few close wins. We've exceeded expectations on that and I can't even count how many nail biters we've won this season. I do know there was no doubt in the players' minds (and little doubt in my mind) that we were going to win the game when we got the ball back with 15 seconds left. Believing you will win makes a big difference in athletics. We may lose a close game before it's over, but our players now "believe" they'll win every close game and relish those situations. I don't think there's any doubt that increases the chances that we will win in those situations.
I didn't exactly have your confidence when we got the ball back. I thought that we'd lost another one at the wire to ASU. I hope all these close wins haven't been luck, because it they have been, we've had way more than our share of luck. Obviously having that ball go off his foot had to be considered a little luck, but could also be considered playing good pressure defense that caused the ball to go off his foot.
One thing we know is, that these guys haven't given up in a game since Jan. 3rd, and they've had several chances to since then, but they haven't quit one time.
Little luck, good defense, and good coaching. Ynocpirt was yelling to foul right away. I felt 20 seconds gave us enough time to play some good defense for 5-10 seconds and try to get a turnover before fouling. We foul right away and they hit their free throws we need a 3 just to tie. Smart playing and good defense and then a clutch shot got us the win. Luck was really just a small part of it- and you make your own "luck".
(02-13-2009 01:12 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ]Luck was really just a small part of it- and you make your own "luck".
+1
He would not have dribbled the ball off his foot if we had just backed off and let him take it down the court. We were
trying to damned determined to force a steal or ASU TO on the inbounds. Our defense bested their offense. That was by design and the ball literally bounced in our favor. That was sheet willpower and grit. That's them practicing what Coach preached.
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