Slow start dooms WSU against Southern Cal
by Grady. on Feb 19, 2009 10:56 PM PST
in Cougar Basketball
8 comments
Finally, WSU got the second half burst they desired.
Too bad it was too little, too late.
Despite a 17-4 run capped with under ten minutes to play, WSU was unable to overcome an eight point halftime deficit against USC. The Cougars (13-13, 5-9 Pac-10) fell to the Trojans (16-9, 7-6), and fell to a .500 overall record for the first time this season.
Taylor Rochestie led the way for the Cougars with 16 points, and Caleb Forrest chipped in 12. Wazzu leading scorer Klay Thompson had a difficult game in his return home to Southern California, making only 2 of 13 baskets, including 1 of 6 from three-point range.
The Cougars as a team struggled mightily from behind the arc, connecting on only 2 of 18 attempts. USC made 2 of 3, and was led by Dwight Lewis' game-high 17 points.
USC opened up the game with a 21-8 run. WSU closed to within eight at halftime, and followed up with their 17-4 run to bring the game back within one point, at 45-44. But a missed Taylor Rochestie shot and a quick bucket by Dwight Lewis gave the Trojans a three point lead, and they never looked back. USC closed the game on a 16-7 run.
WSU lost any hope of achieving a winning record in Pac-10 regular season play, losing their ninth conference contest. The Cougars must now face four remaining games against teams currently residing in the top half of the conference standings.
Player of the Game: Reluctantly, I give it to Rochestie. 16 points (6/13, 1/6), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 turnover. I hesitate to give him the award, only because when the Cougars had a chance to take the lead, Rochestie threw up a horrible shot early in the shot clock. USC was able to quickly set up their offense and score on the other end, and the Cougars never really got back in it. A dark spot in an otherwise decent night for the Cougar point guard.
Play of the Game: Due to the quality of the streaming feed (and not finding a feed in the first half), I missed quite a few plays. But the best of what I saw was a Rochestie-to-Koprivica transition lay-up that ignited the bench and cut USC's lead to 41-37.
Unsung hero: DeAngelo Casto, for providing sparks of offense (7 points), and notching some key boards and blocks. Casto will have a legitimate shot at breaking the all-time WSU freshman record for blocks in a season.
It was over when... Klay Thompson missed a long range three-pointer with the Cougs down 57-51 and 2:25 remaining.
Stat of the Game: USC outrebounded the Cougars 35-24, including a 10-5 advantage on the offensive glass.
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Rochestie, per the Spokesman
"I’m mad at myself about that shot, I definitely am," Rochestie said, "because, looking back, it was kind of a key moment. They came down and scored right after that.
"I’m frustrated with myself that I missed the shot. I guess I’m not too mad I took it, but I’ve got to make those shots."
How about not taking that shot in the first place? The fact it was missed doesn’t negate the fact it was awful shot selection.
[Venting over. You still rock, Taylor.]
by Grady. on Feb 19, 2009 11:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I was also dissappointed with Taylor's last second shot (can you really call it a shot?) at the end of the first half.
That play was totally predictable. Why won’t Taylor dish the ball to somebody else for a last second shot instead of getting stuffed or throwing up a prayer?
by cfred on Feb 20, 2009 12:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Harmeling
Totally useless. A horrid 0-4 from three (and from the field overall) and only 1 rebound worth of positive stats production in a long 18 minutes of playing time. Gosh, perhaps he SHOULD NOT have bulked up over this offseason… He can no longer shoot and without that, he is nothing!
by cfred on Feb 20, 2009 12:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
usc game
Grady: I don’t understand having trouble with the “streaming feed.” The game was on live on Ch. 413, FCS Atlantic on Comcast sports entertainment package, for $5.99/mo if you have a digital package. Anyway, this game was more evidence of how our lack of athleticism kills us. USC out-rebounded us, kept knocking balls loose we should have had because we are so slow. Korivica continues to make me crazy with his sloppy play and lazy passes. Harmeling gives us nothing. Baynes is so slow with his hands. Rochestie continues to throw up bad shots—-he has started to flip the ball up when he shoots instead taking the shot properly and following through. I have basically given up on this team. I see 0-4 the rest of the way. At least Casto gave us a bit of energy.
by bpcoug53 on Feb 20, 2009 5:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
That OR% is disgusting
When Baynes was out, USC seemed to just be tipping it up to themselves off the glass. Casto had a great offensive game, but on the defensive end he was actively seeking the “big block” a little too often, leaving him out of rebounding position.
by Dancing Football on Feb 20, 2009 7:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
casto and blocks
yes he is looking for the big block often. He has natural ability. What to do about it? It leaves him out of pos, but he also gets quit a few big blocks. Tony has a difficult task to feed off Casto’s natural ability and contain it so he can make the right decision. Go for the block, or stay on his man.
One play last night, Casto got the block but left Taj. SC got the ball, passed to Taj for a layin. personally I can live with Casto getting the block. I will take my chances that it will lead to a freebie. What drives me crazy is when he leaves his man and gives up the open layin. He gets into no mans land because he is setting up the block, but not really double teaming.
He also looked great on O when he took his time and worked his defender. Is it just me or does he look out of control when he goes fast to the hoop? His last shot – a miss, appeared that way.
Love the potential and the energy and we have seen a lot of improvement on O. He will be a force by his JR year. Hopefully next year.
the witchesofeastman directed me here, so you can blame bigwood for my appearance.
by woolybugger on Feb 20, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The more the merrier!
Good points on Casto. The problem with the big blocks he gets is that they go out of bounds or have a good chance of returning to the other team. I love the big block from an intimidation standpoint, it can be demoralizing to an opponent and keep them from attacking the rim throughout the game. Casto will learn a better balance. you’re right, he will be scary by his junior year. He has made great strides on offense this year already. Some of those post moves last night looked fantastic.
by Dancing Football on Feb 20, 2009 10:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah.
A block is actually not as great as a rebound. You don’t necessarily get the ball after a block, but a rebound means you obtained the ball. Granted a rebound only happens after a missed shot however, and a block guarantees that the shot has just been missed.
Which is better to go for? That depends on the situation. It would be awesome if we had Casto to block the shot and Baynes to get the rebound on every single play… but that’s probably asking for too much.
by cfred on Feb 20, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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