OSU 87 – UCLA 84
Despite Coach Rob thinking the 1-3-1 has any effect on any Ben Howland team, this game wasn’t really as close as the score in the second half. Other than trading scores for most of the game, the Beavs slapped a 2-2-1 extended zone on UCLA in the second half for a period then fell back into man. And UCLA just couldn’t handle that wrinkle. The Beavs ran it out to 11 points and kept it around there for the remainder of the game thanks to some timely shooting and a 20-24 foul line performance in the second half. In the end, it was just us trading FT’s with treys that drew UCLA closer.
Two things were apparent at the outset. The Beavs came out with a renewed energy on defense, even though it was the wrong defense to run. And their first offensive set was spaced brilliantly. They obviously worked on both for this game. It was just nice to have my Beavs back on the floor doing what they showed they could do earlier in the season.
OSU 78 – USC 59
It was also nice to see the Beavs finally take what was given to them. USC is not a good team, and our boys treated them accordingly. They ran it out to a 14 point halftime lead, then they just put it in cruise control for the rest of the game. I don’t know if I like that we traded second half intensity for the sure win. USC shot well in that period because they were allowed to do so. And we shot poorly from the line. But it’s hard to find fault in a blow out at the end of an emotional homestand. What could have been a 40 point romp was a measly 19 point stroll in the park.
Oh well.
And now?
It’s Civil War week!
I never think we should start any game against a half-way decent team with the 1-3-1. We give up too many open looks as opponents build confidence and momentum. Coach Rob has indicated himself that it is a “gimmick” defense. I think it’s purely a situational defense, and should never be our base D. I suggest we start with man-2-man or the 2-2-1/2-3 zone, and then surprise teams with the 1-3-1. Watching the UCLA game, I was dumbfounded at how CR kept reverting back to the 1-3-1 even after Howland was prepped and ready.
Compared to last year and earlier this year, I will say that I’ve been more impressed at CR’s rotation. It’s nice to see Joe coming off the bench, and Collier getting more PT. Big game this weekend. What better venue to get our first Pac-12 road win than at the Silver Pimple?
Howland always has an answer for the 1-3-1.
It had to be a comfort thing. Coach Rob might have reverted to it in order to get the team’s defensive energy back up. But it was a huge risk to continue running it late in the second half.