that was a GREAT basketball game until 6 minutes left. I think the last 6 minutes have been pretty well covered already. but a couple more thoughts:
1) that was the game to start Roche. against a zone team it was no suprise that starting lineup fell behind quickly. end of the day I guess it didn't matter as he still got Roche in for 30, but we needed shooting. and I hated attacking that zone with Burton at the foul line too. he's one of our only shooters in that starting lineup. Bigelow would be good there. heck, I'd rather Goose be in the high post than Burton.
2) hate to give credit to a d-bag heckler, but sure seemed like the guy yelling at Burton all game got in his head. that or just a coincidence Tyler struggled offensively late. we got what some here wanted with the tighter rotation, but Tyler needed to sit, catch his breath, and get some motivational speaking from Boyden. 45 minutes is too much. he rebounded like a beast, btw.
3) I don't understand the criticism of Nelson on the board today. he was really good. I thought he'd struggle against that zone. he was impressive and one of the best players on the floor. the end game stuff ... we weren't moving as well as we had been. maybe that was an effect of the tighter rotation too. there was some confusion on who should flash. sometimes nobody did. you could see guys getting frustrated. but I don't think he chose to hold the ball, and I don't think Mooney told him to either.
4) that's a tough zone. yet despite all the criticism of how we attacked it ... we were pretty successful turnovers aside (which have been an issue all year). I don't know why they call it a 2-3 zone. guess you have to call it something. never looks like a 2-3. looks almost like a 4-1. they're long and athletic as always.
5) I actually thought the refs were good, or at least consistent. they felt like NBA refs as they let a lot of physical play go, but we played physical too. Burton and Quinn really hit the boards. balls must not have bouced Bigelow's way because we know he's a rebounder.
6) Quinn was pretty good but I really want him to figure out a way to quickly get the ball on the rim from inside 5 feet against size rather than look to pass out of there.
end of the day, all of these frustrations on the endgame would disappear if Burton hit FTs, but maybe that is partly on Mooney for not getting him a blow. I didn't see a replay but that last possession of regulation looked like a really bad pass from Isaiah. nothing Quinn could do there.