Just like we did Wednesday night, Tech was hot early with great execution.  And then A&M went to into the post and ground us into submission.

I knew going in that A&M was a tough matchup for Tech because they rebound better than us and they don’t turn the ball over.  In the formula for Knight-coached success, you need to win two of three phases (Field Goal %, Rebounds, Turnovers).  Since there really wasn’t a chance Tech would out-rebound the Aggies, they needed to match A&M in the turnover battle and shoot a higher percentage.

For a while in the first half we were doing this – executing really well on the offensive end and shooting over 60% from the field.  But Mark Turgeon uncovered something in the film room…we’re not very good at post defense.  Once he convinced his guards to quit throwing bricks from three and start passing the ball to Loubeau and Davis, A&M got on a roll.  Pat’s first-half post defense strategy was to play behind and not give help, and the Aggies made us pay.  When our guards finally started to close down, the Aggie post players passed out to Sloan and Harris for easy drives to the basket.

It’s hard to judge the second half.  Defense got more physical, execution got sloppy, and the Aggies rode a 32 to 13 Free Throw advantage to the easy victory.  Think what you will of that stat.  Probably the most important stat in this game was turnovers, 13-3 in the Aggies favor.  That’s ten extra possessions, and coupled with the Aggies 14 (TV said 18) offensive rebounds, most of those possessions were converted with field goals or free throws.  It was a frustrating night.

I meant to put this in my individual summary, but I think it needs to be here under team thoughts.  Darko Cohadarevic is disrupting the timing of our motion offense.  Specifically, he’s spending too much time trying to post up, and he’s not giving it up quick enough when he gets the ball and doesn’t have a move to make.  What he’s doing would be fine in a lot of offenses, even the Aggie offense, but in the motion offense, the ball has to move, and players have to move.  Notice how crisp we were in the first five or so minutes of the first half with Lewandowski.  He’s setting big screens, rolling to the basket, and getting the ball rotated.  When Darko stays more than a 2-count trying to post up, the backside screen game slows to a halt, and then we’re all just standing around.

On to the individuals…

John Roberson – Some of his twelve assists made me say OH YES!  Another major reason our motion offense looked so good early was Roberson delivering great passes, really seeing the floor well. That said, he had more turnovers than the whole Aggie squad, but I have to forgive him because he’s playing 38-40 minutes a game.  We’ll have to live with his occasional fumble because he’s just too important making our offense go.

Robert Lewandowski – My big complaint with Lew tonight was his post defense.  At some point you have to start anticipating and take the initiative.  He let Davis and Loubeau dictate the move, every time.

Mike Singletary – Pedestrian night for Singles.  He disappeared in the second half, and continues to struggle from the FT line.  I’m really concerned about that shoulder injury.  I hope he’s okay because this team just wouldn’t be the same without him.

Mike Davis – Best game yet as a Red Raider.  Maybe a little too aggressive on defense, but active and confident on the offensive end.  Solid night.

Darko – I covered him above, but I also think he got a raw deal with the whistles.  Darko needs to quit trying to get his own offense.  As this team has evolved, it’s pretty clear that our scoring in the half-court is going to come from the wings and the guards.

Nick Okorie – Very solid overall game from Okorie.  Didn’t force any shots, great cuts and great finishes.

Brad Reese – Seemed like he was reaching too much and not moving his feet.  Brad never really stood out in this game, outside of the nice steal right before halftime.  I really wish Singletary would have hit that three.

David Tairu – His corner three was working.  Other shots, not so much.  I thought he should have had some free throw attempts, but whatever.

 

Look, this team continues to improve and play better.  Problem is, the Big XII has a lot of talented coaches with better players than we do.  We’ve got a week to rest and get ready for OSU.  It’s another must win, and I’m not thrilled about seeing Anderson and Muonelo again.  Pat needs to keep working on his defense and hope that D’Walyn Roberts gets back to full strength, and that Mike Singletary is okay.

 

Thoughts?