I was at the game and kept expecting to make NW to make a run at us, but we pretty much kept a solid 6-10 point lead from early in the game until the final drought. Fueled entirely by our defense, which for the longest time was stifling and keeping NW shooting % in the 20's.
Then...we hit the drought. I thought it was fueled by a much improved defensive effort by NW in this last 8 minutes...they were slapping everything (ball, hands, everything) and the refs seemed to swallow their whistles unless it was egregious. I thought our guys panicked a bit...maybe they were tired, maybe NW's improved defense caught them by surprise, maybe they hadn't faced this type of pressure cooker....but was VERY pleased they pulled it out at the end! Learning experience (I hope)...
A bit disappointed with fan turnout. Even student section wasn't full. Other sections seemed even worse. Many of the GT fans who were there seemed to sit on their hands a lot (aside from the students...those who came were great!). Folks around me never jumped up or clapped when we scored or seemed to get "into it". Hopefully this will pick up once people realize football season is over and this team is (again) pretty solid.
IT IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TO ME HOW MUCH PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE UNDER PASTNER AND HIS STAFF IN JUST ONE SEASON AND FIVE GAMES. No way this team pulls this game out under prior coaching regimes.
Clearly this team is built on defense, and I just LOVE that. Defense played like we did tonight will keep us in a lot of games this year.
AD played a much better floor game, even if I still hate his jump shot. They were not guarding him thought, so I (sorta) understand why he shoots.
Looked to me like they were trying to double Ben and take him away form us, especially after his hot start. And they did.
But it was nice to see another solid game from CBG.....without his 3 point shooting, and his overall floor game, this team wouldn't be nearly as dangerous as it appears it might be.
I though Jose got a bit rattled down the stretch but he made a good decision with 4 seconds left, and it won us the game.
And, finally, it was nice to see Tadric win it and go from doghouse to penthouse after his TO on the previous possession. His game still seems a bit rough to me...hopefully still a bit rusty, as up until that last play I wasn't that impressed with his offense night (but he did rebound well).
Overall, an excellent night to be at the ThrillerDome!