Tobacco Road Report

by David

You could rename this game, "Dude? Where's my defense?" I don't care what Dick Enberg said ( I know, who does?), there was basically no effective defense played by either team in this game. Once I say the tempo of the game at the start of the 2nd half, I was sure BC would win.

Sean Marshall (21 points, 7 rebounds) and Tyrese Rice (26 points, 4 assists) came up huge for BC in this game while Jared Dudley (19 points, 7 rebounds) was of limited effectiveness in the first half saddled with three fouls. The entire BC team was much more aggressive on offense in this game, really looking for their shots.

Dudley's comments in the press room afterwards were spot on when he said this might have been the best BC ran the flex all season. We at TRR agree, but the defense needs some life support and fast. To say that it was a matador defense is an insult to bull fighters. I'm not asking for you to stand in front of a truck all the time, but don't give up the lane in transition.

BC had 9 blocked shots, most of them against Red Raider layup attempts. Great job on the block, but how about, oh, I don't know, KEEPING THEM OUT OF THE LANE!!!

We at TRR are putting the future star watch right now for Martin Zeno (21 points, 3 rebounds) for the Red Raiders. He was a dynamo on the court and logged a full 40 minutes. Jarrius Jackson (10 points, 4-14 FG) has to be disappointed with his final game. He ended up being a non-factor even down the stretch. I kept waiting for him to take over the game for his team and it never happened.

Next up for BC is a familiar foe from their Big (L)east days, Georgetown. Personally I give the Eagles a slim chance to win this one, at best. Then again, that is why they play the games. The offensive execution seems to be there now, if they can pick it up on the defensive end, who knows, anything is possible. Not really, but one can always hope.

Note: You thought my ACC Tournament picks were bad. Let me tell you, the hotel I was at during the tourney gave me a room with a TV that had a broken remote. I went to a bar and ordered a steak sandwich. Two minutes later the waitress comes back and tells me they're out of steak. Same bar and I order a Bass ale, like my first one of these in 5 years, and two minutes later she tells me no Bass. So I got my Bass out of the bar. At a different place later that night I ordered some mint ice cream concoction. No mint. Thank goodness I wasn't picking medical procedures last week. I am still alive in my office pool though. Now you know why I hate my picks. And it did kill me to pick Florida to win it all.