HOT COUGAR ACTION: Recapping WSU's 60-53 Win Against USC
by Mark Sandritter on Feb 3, 2012 6:00 AM PST
in 2011-2012 WSU Basketball News
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PrintSB Nation network issues prevented Craig from posting a full recap of last night's basketball game. Instead he took to Twitter to sum up the game in 140 characters or less.
Short recap: Brock Motum! AWWWW MY EYES IT BURNS. Brock Motum! AWWWW MY EYES IT BURNS. Brock Motum! Cougs Win.
— Craig Powers (@TheCraigPowers) February 2, 2012
While that about sums it up perfectly, there are also official stats and videos below.
MBB: Cougs top USC! 2/2 (via WSUCougarAthletics)
Ken Bone Post Game Press Conference 2/2 (via WSUCougarAthletics)
Post Game Press Conference 2/2 (via WSUCougarAthletics)
Men's Basketball
Motum's big night ignites Cougars - Spokesman.com - Feb. 2, 2012
PULLMAN – A quick start wasn’t surprising, considering Washington State’s opponent on Thursday night. But after lowly USC charged back from a seven-point deficit to take an early lead, WSU coach Ken Bone turned to his bench and did something he hadn’t been able to since early January.
The game that was: WSU 60, USC 53 - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Feb. 2, 2012
FROM PULLMAN — Washington State stayed perfect at Beasley this season with a 60-53 win over USC. Here's our overview.
WSU Downs USC, 60-53 - Washington State University Cougars
The Cougars returned to Beasley Coliseum this evening to host the USC Trojans. This evening started off much better than last weekend's, as the Cougs opened the game on a 10-3 run in which the Trojans were forced to call two timeouts to slow WSU's momentum.
POSTGAME NOTES - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Brock Motum led WSU with 26 points...he reached the 20-point plateau for the sixth time this season...has done it in back-to-back games and scored in double figures in 20 of the team's 22 games this season.
Go-to guy Motum leads WSU past USC " Kitsap Sun
PULLMAN — After high-scoring guard Faisal Aden suffered a season-ending knee injury last week, Washington State coach Ken Bone said the Cougars would rely on more production from a variety of players to make up for Aden's loss.
Blanchette: Motum deserves huge shout-out - Spokesman.com - Feb. 2, 2012
PULLMAN – A defender overcommitted high above the key and suddenly a lane to the hoop as wide as the Brisbane River opened up for Brock Motum. Almost as spectacular as the soaring, left-handed jam that ensued was the scream that punctuated it – almost unnerving coming from a relative basketball stoic.
Women's Basketball
WSU's Comeback Held Off By USC - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
LOS ANGELES - Washington State University cut USC's lead to two in the final minute before the Women of Troy knocked down a three with 13 seconds left to hand the Cougars a 67-62 defeat in Pac-12 Conference play in Los Angeles Thursday evening.
Football
Cougars | Jack Thompson chats about WSU, Mike Leach and Super Bowl | Seattle Times Newspaper
Jack Thompson, the record-setting former quarterback at Washington State, talked about new Cougars coach Mike Leach, his own NFL career and the Super Bowl coming up Sunday in a live chat with readers Thursday.
Rahmel Dockery Joins Mike Leach's Inaugural Class of Signees - University Place, WA Patch
PULLMAN, WA-Rahmel Dockery is officially part of the inaugural class of signees under new Washington State University Coach Mike Leach.
PULLMAN – The Washington State Cougars released their 2012 football recruiting class in alphabetical order Wednesday, but that’s not the only reason Jeremiah Allison belonged at the top of the list.
Women's Soccer
Cougar Soccer Signs Two - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
PULLMAN, Wash. - Kourtney Guetlein and Susie White have each signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in soccer at Washington State University, Cougar Head Coach Keidane McAlpine announced, Wednesday.
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So here's a question for basketball fans.......................
If someone before the season were to tell you that Brock Motum would be this good, would you expect the team, as a whole, to be where they are at now (or in my opinion "this bad’)?
Around these parts, a man could get hurt for wearing purple.
Yes
We lost our leading scorer and leading rebounder. I dont think many people thought we were gonna be any good this season. I’m just hoping that we continue to win at home to give a big middle finger to the rest of the conference.
If Brock keeps it up for the rest of the season I think we’ll have a lot to be excited about next year. Royce, Que and Peters added to the lineup. Motum and Reggie as seniors and hopefully Lacy continues to step it up. Losing Capers SUCKS though.
by WinOrLoseCougsBooze on Feb 3, 2012 10:24 AM PST up reply actions
Seems you'll miss Capers much more than I will
But Motum and his ability to contribute and score from the post was a big question mark. I would have though that if he would have had this type of season that some of the players, especailly Reggie Moore could give us more than they have.
Around these parts, a man could get hurt for wearing purple.
by PullManiac on Feb 3, 2012 10:35 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Capers hate?
Maybe his jumper sucks but he plays lockdown D and is a good physical presence in the post. He’s also the most consistent leader on the team and always gets that big dunk at the right time to fire up the crowd.
by WinOrLoseCougsBooze on Feb 3, 2012 12:15 PM PST up reply actions
I think the distinction is that he can and has, but he doesn't for reasons that have been beaten into the ground here.
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
I'd actually say Abe is the most consistent leader on the team.
But that’s neither her nor there. Capers is so ineffective offensively that we’re basically playing 4 on 5. Also, his ability to lock down the other team’s best defender is vastly overstated. I used to think he was an amazing defender, too, so I see where you’re coming from though.
I will say this: if the best thing you can say about him is he “always gets that big dunk at the right time to fire up the crowd”, he’s probably not very good.
by Kyle Rancourt on Feb 3, 2012 12:29 PM PST up reply actions
It's funny you said that about Lodwick, I was actually noticing the same thing last night.
He’s always out there calling screens and putting everyone where they are supposed to be. As far as Capers, I see the value in his roster spot but I guess it’s hard for me to hate on him too much. He hustles when he’s out there, and trys to get the crowd involved. I guess just the fact that he isn’t out there lolligagging around putting up terrible shots makes it difficult for me to be too critical (I’d say the same thing about Enquist or even DiIorio for that matter). And really, if there was zero value to that then he wouldn’t be getting nearly the number of minutes that he does. But bottom line, yes we would would be better served with someone more well rounded.
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
Yeah it wasn't meant to be a "Capers doesn't even try" comment
And I agree with most of what you said. I just think someone being truly upset we’re losing a guy who is most famous for calling Jeff Collier an idiot on twitter is not really a big loss.
by Kyle Rancourt on Feb 3, 2012 12:41 PM PST up reply actions
Well he wasn't exactly wrong about Collier.
I mean, the guy spills Mtn Dew on the internet and breaks on a weekly basis.
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
by Coug999 on Feb 3, 2012 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
it's not hate
his shortcomings have now outnumbered what he brings to the table, though.
watch how far his man gets to play off him and how many double-teams our post players get specifically because he is on the floor.
I don’t wish him any ill-will. I’m just ready to start over with a freshman that can hit a 15 footer.
Losing Capers sucks?
Is today opposite day?
by Kyle Rancourt on Feb 3, 2012 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I expected them to drop off pretty significantly
But I also didn’t expect the Pac-12 to be this bad. Had you told me the rest of the conference would be this terrible, I would have said I expected WSU to be better than this.
+1!
After looking at the teams after completion of the non-Pac 12 season, I figured ASU, USC and Utah were sweeps (5-0), Or St., Stanford, UO and UCLA (we would be at least 4-4 in those games), and then we would take a game or two from CAL, UW and AZ. So I thought 10 or 11 wins were possible. Then the Utah game happened and pretty much blew that up. Even the sweep of Stan and CAL gave very little hope that we would get to 10 or 11 wins because the Oregon game showed many warts and then the Utah game essentially sealed the belief that this team is simply not a cohesive unit
by ptowncoug3012 on Feb 3, 2012 12:58 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah I know. I was just so disappointed with last yr's finish of
6th in the Pac and missing the NCAAs that year just stings a little bit more having to watch this team.
The hope is that Motum’s confidence is soaring and when you get into pac-12 tournament play, if we can figure out a unit of guys that can play solid enough defense, Motum could carry us. I am almost convinced that a team cannot match up with Motum because of his versatility and range.
by ptowncoug3012 on Feb 3, 2012 1:41 PM PST up reply actions
If you believe BN they're the worst players ever.
I’m going to assume they probably are better than that. I don’t know if it’s possible to stop Josh Smith. Hopefully UCLA mails this game in.
"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep in."
I've watched UCLA a couple times this year.
I think the Wear twins probably under achieve. But they are skilled, athletic and 6’10". Josh Smith is just the laziest basketball player I’ve ever seen. that being said he’ll probably actually try against us and go for 20 and 10.
He'll grab every offensive rebound in the 16 minutes he is on the floor.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
I believe the Wear twins have vastly improved
And is why UCLA’s offense is the best in the conference.
I agree with you.
I think some people look at them and think they’re so skilled and athletic for their size that they should be doing more. I think thy’re both above average college big men, and they will only get better.
That's why I said "almost". It will be interesting because
UCLA is the only team capable of bringing numerous big guys against him, and who bring different abilities to the table. I would love to see Shelton get the start and see if we can run at least Smith out of the gym.
by ptowncoug3012 on Feb 3, 2012 4:18 PM PST up reply actions
new nickname
BEAST MOTE!!! Time to go buy a couple packs of skittles for Saturday’s game
#TeamVoldeMotum
#CougHarmonyOnTwitter #teamnopants
by TiltingRight on Feb 3, 2012 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Was anyone else curious about the limited use of the bench?
I remember thinking it was weird that Shelton hadn’t gone in yet but both Diorio and DKD had gotten some minutes. I though Bone might use him to give Brock a rest later in the game, but then he never went in. I was also surprised to see how few minutes DKD got, especially with Aden out. It was nice to see Ladd out there again and I thought he had a decent game, so maybe DKD’s minutes were given to Ladd?
I think DKD's minutes went to Ladd, yes.
But I don’t know about shelton. The weirdest part was that he didn’t play even though he was dressed.
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
by Coug999 on Feb 3, 2012 11:08 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
I've seen in some places that people thought they were saving him for UCLA
But I would be more worried about Brock getting tired so I thought they should have played more reserves to keep Brock fresh for Saturday, but that’s just how I would have played it.
Ya I don't really get this.
Plus, in a game where we were against not so great competition, seems to me that would be the exact game you would want Shelton in (one where you can get away with some mistakes). I think he’s got some potential, and he isn’t going to improve from the bench.
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
Bone said something about a smaller lineup
Some were questioning that, but Enquist saw all of three minutes, so I think it is accurate. And if anybody can identify a point of the game Shelton should have been on the floor, I am all ears.
Around these parts, a man could get hurt for wearing purple.
Haha Matchups, Jeff. It's all about matchups.
Around these parts, a man could get hurt for wearing purple.
I hadn't even realized until now that Shelton didn't even get into the game.
I think that Shelton must certainly should have been in the game in place of Enquist’s 3 minutes. Enquist did nothing for us on offense or defense in the short time he was out there. I also agree with Nuss in that Shelton has more to offer than Dilorio.
I'm guessing this is as good a place as any for this....
Wondering if there’s any way someone can talk to one/a couple of the players about the transition between coaches and what changes have come in the S&C training? Any way to video record it and put it on youtube/vimeo?
#CougHarmonyOnTwitter #teamnopants
For some reason, I thought Brock was a senior.
Finding out he’s a junior made my day.
So, out of curiosity, what’s the starting five look like for next year? Reggie, Lacy, and Brock are all pretty much locks to start, I’d assume. Shelton? Some incoming freshman? By god, Simon??
At this point I'd guess Ladd and Shelton would finish of the starting five.
Although the impact of freshman such as Que is a real unknown.
Motum being back for another year is awesome.
We should also finally have something close to the guard depth that Bone wants and needs to play a little more up tempo. Starters for me would be Reggie, Lacy, Ladd, Motum, Shelton.
I would expect Woolridge, Que and to probably also get some starts in the guard rotation.
Reggie, Woolridge, Lacy, VoldeMotum, Shelton
Ladd first off the bench.
#CougHarmonyOnTwitter #teamnopants
I'm legitamately concerned with Reggie's ability to finish at the rim.
I feel he is getting into too much of a pass first mentality. He drives to the rim with the intention of (*hopefully) dishing it off to someone else. The problem with that mentality is that defenders are starting to notice and they are defending the dump off pass much stronger and basically daring Reggie to shoot it. For the most part, Reggie’s drives against USC did not end pretty. There were multiple occasions where the pass was not there and Reggie either tried to force the ball – resulting in a turnover – or he threw up a very week and ill-advised shot which at times did not even hit the rim.
There was a point in the latter part of Taylor Rochestie’s career where I thought they same type of issue was occurring. It seemed that by the end of Taylor’s senior year, defenders were more concerned with Taylor passing the ball and were willing to concede a shot, well knowing that Taylor himself never really intended on making the shot in the first place.
I feel as though this is where Aden 2.0 will be missed the most. During his last two games he attacked the rim with a purpose and had the ability to finish with a high quality shot. I think the key to driving to the basket is to always have the shot as your foremost intention, but to have the dump-off pass consistently in the corner of your mind and the peripherals of your vision.
How much time will Woolridge have after this year?
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
I think he has 2 years.
Hopefully he can be a big boost to the PG spot next year. I’ve heard that he has at time looked better than Reggie in practice. Having another option at PG, either as a backup or to allow Reggie to play off guard provides some much needed flexibility that we don’t have this year.
I wish Bone would put our best possible lineup on the court at all times
Instead of choosing the lineup to match up with the other team. Match ups are key, but Bone seems to always change the lineups to match up with the other team instead of forcing them to matchup with the Cougs. I remember Mike Leach talking about different defensive strategies in football and he said some teams play defense to absorb the other team and I think that fits pretty well with how Bone has been choosing the lineups.
I think it depends on what you have
Do we have a lineup we can put together that another team has to respect enough to match up against it? Honestly, I doubt it.
It’s a lose lose for a coach. He admits he tweaks things to try and give us the best possible matchup, meaning at times we see unexpected lineups, and people will wonder why we don’t see consistency. But if we had the same results and it was a consistent 7 or 8 man rotation with no real shifts, we would wonder why some of the guys aren’t getting off the bench when clearly our rotation isn’t working.
When he has players that can force the other team to deal with what we do, he plays them. His first two years showed that with Klay, DeAngelo, Rochestie and Baynes.
I'm less concerned about the consistency of personnel
And much more concerned with the consistency of philosophy. I believe the constant shifting of strategies at the college level creates serious execution problems. These guys aren’t pros.
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