We Need More of These!

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It's called basketball.  You've got to make baskets.  At least that's the theory.  Sunday at Charlotte the Billkens struggled to make baskets and ultimately fell to the 49ers 63-61 in overtime.

The effort and the energy was there.  You could see it in the defensive numbers posted by SLU.  The boys hold Charlotte, by a dozen points under their season average and that includes the extra five minutes.  At the end of regulation the Niners were at 52 points...23 points under their average.  SLU kept Charlotte off the offensive glass for the most part and forced 17 turnovers.  Certainly coaches will demand more from the defense on a specific play-to-play basis and with some individuals but, as a team, SLU guards as well as anybody.

Another very enjoyable developement with this group is the emergence of forward Jon Smith.  Undersized at the '4'... perimeter offense slightly challenge at the '3'... Jon is giving new life and purpose to all tweeners out there.   His effort and energy make up for being undersized inside and his length and diligence at working on his midrange jumper are making him very effective guarding the athletic '3'.  This has been a defensive bugaboo for SLU for...well, ever.  With a few exceptions the Billikens have always had real trouble guarding the small forward who was very athletic.  Smith gives Rick Majerus an option when the opposition does not play a three guard offense. 

In his last five games, Smith is shooting 64% from the field and averaging seven points and 5.4 rebounds.  And keep in mind that he only played 100 minutes in those five games.  He has clearly given Majerus good matchup options.

The game at Charlotte would have been a great game to win though it's not a crusher to lose...except on the emotional side.  Can the Bills bounce back and play well against a down and out Fordham team?  More than just a victory you'd like to see St. Louis U. continue to grow and eliminate some of the problems that have cost them close games.

Win? Yes.  Play well...even better. 

Free throws anyone?