mizzoucoug wrote:
It is really strange as both teams have almost the same rosters as they had in last year's first round matchup.
We did in double overtime last year. Hmm should be a very good game.
A couple things are different however. We replaced 2 huge defensive liabilities (JT and Haws) with 2 awesome defenders and rebounders (Abouo and KC). That as much as anything else is why we are advancing.
We had a little used guard that provided quite a spark late last season quit the team. Someone should interview Jr. and see what he thinks about his choices - but then he had other problems that may or may not have gotten him suspended eventually anyway. But this is not the same BYU team by any stretch. Haws could usually be counted on to make open shots and Lloyd JUNIOR was an element of surprise.
We do play better defensively this year. Jimmer is not the same Jimmer - he went from great last year to phenominal this year. We will miss Davies. Collinsworth is replacing the rebounding most of the time. He needs to play in control on offense and is inconsistent making shots and free throws. BUt he is a spark and cannot be ignored.
Bottom line - It all comes down to Emery and Hartsock and BIGS foul trouble. If Jackson and Noah are shooting well - everything else seems to click and then Abouo, Rogers, and others seem to step up.
James Anderson was listed on CBS Sports line daily leader board yesterday for blocked shots. They all need to contribute. BYU had 1 or 2 players in the top 5 of every category - except rebounds.