Richmond 75 South Alabama 57 - Your Choice! What'd You Like the Most?

[mojo-spider]

it's getting more and more fun to go to the Robins Center for each game...even I have a hard time remembering the last season we opened 8-1 and looked so impressive doing it...

check out the movement and passing in the video clips...

take your pick today about what you liked the most:

shut down defense that held the Jags to 34%FG for the game and just 32% 3FG...

the third game in a row in which apparent half time adjustments led to a Richmond dominated second half...

22 assists on 30 buckets led to 51.7% FG for the game...and 8-8 3FG to open the 2nd half and blow the game open

winning the defensive boards 31-23 by fighting for rebounds and attempting to block out..

dominating another team we were favored to defeat and being 6-0 at the Robins Center...

quality depth again today with effective performances again by Gustavson, Grace and Koureissi...

I sure I left out some other impressive things but you get the point...everything is coming up good for the Spiders right now...

tougher competition lays ahead in the A-10...I'm really looking forward to seeing how we handle it...until then just keep winning!

Go Spiders!

 

[BillyWayne]

Really great ball movement today...sometimes one pass too many...but they went in. Only thing I'd add is Jacob's 6 steals. What an all around game he had!

 

[spider fan]

Gustavson's alley oop dunk set up by Gilyard was nice!

 

[fatherspider]

Gustavson's alley oop dunk set up by Gilyard was nice!

The Goose might be one of the key elements to a magical season this year.

 

[SpiderRick]

I'm in Louisiana so didn't see the game. Just looking at the stats it seems like Golden and Cato played a lot more minutes than I thought they should have. I'm wondering how they looked and move, and whether you guys think they should have played less.

 

[Spider B]

Cayo played 19 mins and Grant 25. They moved fine. Cayo had trouble holding onto the ball, maybe a side effect of the ankle injury. I didn’t think they played excessive minutes. I thought Mooney did a good job getting both in and out of the game.

 

[VT4700]

I'm in Louisiana so didn't see the game. Just looking at the stats it seems like Golden and Cato played a lot more minutes than I thought they should have. I'm wondering how they looked and move, and whether you guys think they should have played less.

They looked great, and no, they should not have played less.

 

[UR2005]

They looked great, and no, they should not have played less.

I agree that Golden looked great but Cayo was not his usual self. He recorded 5 turnovers and got stuffed a couple of times. Most of his points were gifted to him by a great pass. Im not trying to be down on him but this was not his best game and I hope he bounces back against Charleston.

 

[RichmondNative]

Golden had one play in the second half where it looked like his ankle gave him some trouble. I really thought that CM was just going to get Nathan and Grant some limited minutes to get them back into game shape, but he continued to leave them in the game in the second half when the Spiders were up 20. I suppose not having Burton available was part of the reason that they got more minutes.

Gilyard seemed to break the USA will to play - he was stealing the ball left and right. They looked like they were worn out, mistakenly tried zone D and the Spiders rained threes. Loved the energy from Andre. Drove in for the dunk ad the got rewarded later with the Alley-oop play from Jacob. He looked like he was having fun, so hopefully that means more of him taking it to the hoop strong. The Goose is on the loose!

 

[SpiderAlways]

Goose was awesome today and you nailed. Out there having fun.

 

[Section 204and5]

Andre's game/role on the team is reminding me a bit of Kevin Smith. Very athletic, good defender, not a great outside shooter and is at his best taking it to the rim.

 

[97spiderfan]

I'm in Louisiana so didn't see the game. Just looking at the stats it seems like Golden and Cato played a lot more minutes than I thought they should have. I'm wondering how they looked and move, and whether you guys think they should have played less.

Rick: Actually think Mooney managed them both really well. He got them both ample rest throughout the game. He got them both out of the game once the outcome was decided. Cayo looked fine but didn't play a good game. Unsure if that was ankle related or just a poor game.

 

[97spiderfan]

The Goose might be one of the key elements to a magical season this year.

Completely agree. Goose is a great 6th man for us. He brings something completely different off the bench, with his athletcism and his hounding defense. He is really active on both ends of the court and can guard both guards and forwards.

After the past few years of cringing whenever we had to bring someone off of our bench. I am finding myself really liking what happens when Goose is in the game. Dude makes plays.

 

[SpiderK]

I like that Grant and Cayo are not taking 3 point shots. If we can get Wojcik and Goose to stop shooting 3’s we will lead the nation.

 

[spider fan]

The very reserved and quiet Gustavson showed a smile after the dunk and the alley oop. Great to see! Definitely plays all out..............

 

[gospidersgo]

I liked the unselfish play the most. There were several times yesterday when it looked like one pass too many. But if it's Andre passing up a wide open 3 to give Blake a wide open 3 instead, that's the right move every time.

22 assists on 30 baskets shows me this is a team of guys that isn't worried about only getting their own buckets. It was a pleasure to watch.

 

[64Spider]

Touch pass from Gilly to Sherod was my favorite.

 

[97spiderfan]

Touch pass from Gilly to Sherod was my favorite.

That was sweet. Gilly had the inbounds pass stolen immediately after that play but thankfully for USA, their coach had called a timeout.

 

[CarolinaSpider]

The Goose might be one of the key elements to a magical season this year.

6th man of the year

 

[CarolinaSpider]

I like that Grant and Cayo are not taking 3 point shots. If we can get Wojcik and Goose to stop shooting 3’s we will lead the nation.

But K if they don’t gain some confidence hitting some, the defenders will start keying off them and
focus on the other 3. Woj is just in a rut. I actually wish Gus would drive more to basket vs passing off.

 

[spiderman]

But K if they don’t gain some confidence hitting some, the defenders will start keying off them and
focus on the other 3.

I guarantee teams have been more worried about the other 3 already.

I love how Jacob is tracking the ball running it down on the defensive boards. our bigs aren't monster rebounders. guards need to help out and despite his size Jacob gets to a bunch. he's using his quickness to average 4.0 rpg.

and game after game our man defense is better than I expected it would be. I thought we didn't have the foot speed at a couple spots to play it this well. they really understand the rotations. we're able to contest pretty much everything.

 

[spider fan]

Really pulling for Wojik to get untracked - hit one or two threes - and go from there.................can get in a "groove making threes" instead of the rut of being hesitant that he is in now...............has the talent and ability...........

 

[urmite]

Really pulling for Wojik to get untracked - hit one or two threes - and go from there.................can get in a "groove making threes" instead of the rut of being hesitant that he is in now...............has the talent and ability...........

Yes, Last year making 36.3% this year 16.7%.
Last year shot 38% more/minute but made 3 times as many per minute.

So certainly capable. Just has grown hesitant...

 

[97spiderfan]

But K if they don’t gain some confidence hitting some, the defenders will start keying off them and
focus on the other 3. Woj is just in a rut. I actually wish Gus would drive more to basket vs passing off.

We have 3 guys shooting in the Top 60 in 3 point percentage this year and Gilyard is number 6, which is insane, given I would rate his 3 point shooting his perhaps 3rd best attribute as a player.

We are 10th in the nation in 3 point shooting percentage. I think this is because we have the right players taking and shooting them. Grant and Cayo make their money inside. They should only shoot 3 in shot clock situations, otherwise we almost always have a better shot to get than that.

 

[spiderman]

of note, our non Gilyard/Francis/Sherod 3 point shooters are hitting only 21%.
and it would be 16% without Tomas' 3-3.

 

[urmite]

of note, our non Gilyard/Francis/Sherod 3 point shooters are hitting only 21%.
and it would be 16% without Tomas' 3-3.

Goose/Woj/Burton combining for 4-35 is surprising.
And why I would like to see Goose/Woj return to last year's 34%/36%...
It would be good to have one more option sometimes.

 

[urmite]

Oh, and who is taking the chicken soup to Burton?

 

[spiderman]

Oh, and who is taking the chicken soup to Burton?

 

[kneepadmckinney]

I guarantee teams have been more worried about the other 3 already.

I love how Jacob is tracking the ball running it down on the defensive boards. our bigs aren't monster rebounders. guards need to help out and despite his size Jacob gets to a bunch. he's using his quickness to average 4.0 rpg.

and game after game our man defense is better than I expected it would be. I thought we didn't have the foot speed at a couple spots to play it this well. they really understand the rotations. we're able to contest pretty much everything.

Small thing, but I liked the slight variation of man-to-man that we employed yesterday on their three man weave/dribble drive action. We clearly were prepared for it, switched off on those like our old matchup-zone, and then once the final guy had the ball ready to drive, we then stuck to straight man after that. I don't think they were successful even once on that play, and they ran it a bunch.

 

[SpiderRick]

I think that Gustafson mechanically has a nice outside stroke, I'd like to see him taking MORE 3-pt shots. It's probably more about getting comfortable shooting them in game, without the fear of Mooney yanking him if he misses. And if other teams have to guard him on the outside, then watch for more dunking!

 

[Spider B]

Gus needs more arch on his shot. His shot is way too flat to go in consistently. Very correctable though.

 

[spiderman]

I think that Gustafson mechanically has a nice outside stroke, I'd like to see him taking MORE 3-pt shots.

yeah, that's a no for me. just like Grant and Nathan have accepted their strengths, Goose should drive unless wide open.

 

[nathanw19]

Gus needs more arch on his shot. His shot is way too flat to go in consistently. Very correctable though.

I thought one of the comments from the announcers yesterday was pretty accurate; he’s aiming his shot too much instead of shooting naturally. To me, that just means he needs practice and to get comfortable. That’ll come with time, and until then, I’m enjoying the other aspects of his game.

 

[SpiderK]

Goose/Woj/Burton combining for 4-35 is surprising.
And why I would like to see Goose/Woj return to last year's 34%/36%...
It would be good to have one more option sometimes.

If these three miss, they know they are coming out of the game.

 

[localspider]

If these three miss, they know they are coming out of the game.

I recall Brothers taking and hitting a three point shot late in a game as a freshman. CM pulled him immediately, heard CM said “that would be a great shot next year”, deferring to better shooting teammates. Apparently CM is green lighting those struggling from range to be comfortable and confidence.

 

[bullfrog91]

#flu shot!!!!

 

[LongTimeSpiderFan]

I think that Gustafson mechanically has a nice outside stroke, I'd like to see him taking MORE 3-pt shots. It's probably more about getting comfortable shooting them in game, without the fear of Mooney yanking him if he misses. And if other teams have to guard him on the outside, then watch for more dunking!

It seemed i was directly behind Gus on a couple of shots it wasnt going in this split second it left his hand. His form is off.

 

[spiderman]

If these three miss, they know they are coming out of the game.

I don't feel this. they're bench players. they're coming in for pretty quick shifts to get the starters a break. they're coming out whether those shots go in or not. I remember Burton throwing up an air ball from the corner one game and not being subbed out right away.

 

[MrTbone]

I don't feel this. they're bench players. they're coming in for pretty quick shifts to get the starters a break. they're coming out whether those shots go in or not. I remember Burton throwing up an air ball from the corner one game and not being subbed out right away.

I'd agree, the quick hook has mostly left CMs aresenal. He's way more patient than in the past, particularly with Blake who takes some truly horrendous shots at times.

I suspect they all still get an earful when they do come out though, no matter who it is.

 

[GKiller]

I'd agree, the quick hook has mostly left CMs aresenal. He's way more patient than in the past, particularly with Blake who takes some truly horrendous shots at times.

I suspect they all still get an earful when they do come out though, no matter who it is.

Is Mooney bringing back the mouth cupping to call the players a p*ssy?

That's when I'll know we're completely back. Then it will be MORTAL LOCK ncaa time.