UWM vs. Detroit -- 1/4

[pnthr97]

While I don't like the rule either, the call was right. Al made absolutely no play on the ball. Hence, the intentional foul call. If he would've merely "tried" to even touch the ball, no intentional foul.

And at the end of games, while everyone in the gym knows what's going to happen, the fouls are always made by making some resemblance of a play on the ball.

The white-haired ref was horrible though. He had no clue what was going on during the game, was concerned with things he shouldn't have been and always looked up at the scoreboard to see highlights or if his call was right or not. Complete garbage.

[JimmyLemke]

While Ryan hitting the shot to send it into regulation was awesome, it wasn't the only good news of the day for Ryan Thornton fans.

Earlier on Thursday, he weighed in at 196 pounds. For those keeping score, that's 21 pounds of muscle since the beginning of school in September.

The weight training program they have him on is set for him to be 235-245 pounds of muscle by JUNIOR year. He will be an immovable wall of a forward, able to stop and pop a three better than most. Sound familiar, like a certain former Brown Deer star? Improving defense is key to his development, so I'll let you guys ponder what he could be in a couple years...

[teddyp00]

To put on that much weight is impressive in such a short period of time. I think if he can get to about 210 or 215 by next year in addition to just his further skill development he could be a very nice contributor to this team next year. His abiltiy to get a shot off from anywhere at anytime on the court is impressive and last night he showed he has no fear to be the guy to take that shot to win or lose a game. I excited about what he can bring to this team for the next 3 1/2 years.

[milwsport]

As am I. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Thorton's role last night was his attitude.

His first try missed horribly. But with two clicks left on the clock he was jumping up and down in the corner. He wanted the ball. Others might have wanted to hide especially after putting up a brick just a few seconds before. Ryan Thorton wanted the game in his hands.

You have to admire that attitude.

[DunneDeal]

Better and better, like it was said earlier in the year, with time this team will come around, and 10 games is def. not out of the question. I do hope that my gosh awful work schedule would work with me so I can stop missing these games.

[mcdadenets50]

Very impressive shot by Thornton considering the fact it is as if he was set up to fail: He hasn't seen the court in two weeks, didn't play a lick in the first half (Al going 2-7 from three is a better option?), and is sent in cold in the final seconds to tie the game. Very impressive.

No I did not expect Thornton to see much time in OT, but throw the guy a bone and put him out for the tip. He's the reason you are still playing.

Good for his confidence? Draining the shot and then banished to the bench again is good for his confidence?

I think Thornton can give us a least a few minutes a game as a better option than what I currently see on the floor.

[mcdadenets50]

nighthawk said:

bbfran said:

Rob has already proved he's a good game coach.

As much as i like Rob, and that's a lot, I beg to differ here. This is his second season as the Head Coach, and sometimes it really shows.

His substitution patternas are horrid right now. Al has a total mental meltdown and commits the worst intentional foul I've ever seen and stays in the game. Instand 5 point lead for Detroit.

Later on, he misses a wide open and uncontested layup. Still stays in the game.

Besides Paige, if anyone on the roster so much as breaks wind on the court, they are immediately pulled.

Case in point: Kevin makes a great effort to run the floor, handles a tough pass and finishes with authority (a dunk, the only one of the night). His reward from Rob? An almost immediate seat on the pine.

"Great job running the floor Kevin, but I told you guys no dunking. Now sit down."

That is NOT being a great, or even good, game coach.

Right on Nighthawk.

Can someone explain Mauldin starting, playing 3 minutes a game, and then rarely if ever seeing the court again? Can Sam explain it?

Charlie needs more than 12 minutes a game. He is a better option than others.

I am 100% behind Rob and will go through his growing pains with him. It's painful to watch at times though.

[Pantherholic]

i was rather frustrated w/ this game. i know we're getting better but the turnovers we had in the first half aren't do to inexperience. traveling, double dribbles, etc. were just plain stupid. i can understand miscommunications, etc. but come on. the worst part was they weren't really questionable b/c they were so blatantly obvious. missed FTs can't be blamed on inexperience b/c it's the same height & distance it was in JUCO and HS. those 5 in a row really hurt us in the 2nd half. also the white ref, was rather generous to Detroit, he gave them practically any foul he could conceivably concoct. the worst was probably when Bell "drew a foul" after the inbounds pass late in regulation (i think). although Bell had called for a timeout multiple times not even 3 feet away from the ref, he decided to call a foul after Bell stopped asking. detroit's not that good and their frontcourt is nothing w/out Coville (aka "poor man's Oden" judging by his beard). props to Bell for acknowledging our "Marquette reject" chant and to whoever that foreign kid is, #21, who looked at us confused one time when we chanted "no student visa" after a missed shot. best moment was Bell's FTs towards the end and Cotton turned to us and gave us a smile indicating Detroit was gonna win and then seeing the look of disappointed on his face when they lost...classic!