OU simply dominated the majority of this game. After an erratic opening few minutes from both sides, Oakland appeared faster, more athletic and deeper than EMU. The Grizzlies seemed to beat the Eagles to every loose ball and rebound. About the only thing Oakland didn’t appear superior in was free throw shooting. The Grizzlies managed to finish the game making only 17 off 33 from the charity stripe. Outside of the less-than-stellar free throw percentage, this game was all OU.
Derick Nelson had another strong game posting 21 points, nine boards and three assists. Jonathon Jones abused his EMU counterparts most of the evening and managed 16 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Brandon Cassise, who continues to start in the absence of Erik Kangas, and Tim Williams each had 11 points while Dan Waterstradt had 10. (Waterstradt was forced out of the game with an ankle injury.)
I managed to attend this game and more than a few things caught my eye. First, I see why so many are on high Tim Williams. In addition to his 11 points, the freshman had five boards and three assists in twenty-two minutes of action. He can definitely score the basketball.
Next, the depth of the froncourt. Between Waterstradt (10 pts, 4 reb, 2 blk), Keith Benson (3 pts, 6 reb, 2 blk), Shane Lawal (6 pts, 9 reb, 1 blk), Will Hudson (6 pts, 5 reb) and Patrick McCloskey (2 pts, 6 reb), the Grizzlies have players that collectively can do a bit of everything.
In addition to Nelson generally dominating the first half offensively, I thought JJ consistently beat EMU down the floor. His decision making got better as the game went on.
The defense was much better than I had hoped for. The Grizzlies’ press worked at times and their level of activity, especially in the first half, limited the number of wide open looks the Eagles had. I was very pleased with the D.
A couple of fashion statements jumped out at me. The most notable being OU’s Nike uniform tops. A quick jump over to the OU message boards reveals that Nike asked if Oakland would volunteer to try out a new design. I can’t tell if the tops are here for one game, one month or one season, but add me to the list of those not enthusiastic about them.
Coach also donned a warm-up jacket. I know Kampe’s not a suit and tie kind of guy, but the pullover windbreaker was an interesting decision.
Oh, lest I forget one other clothing note, I love my free t-shirt. My thanks to the sponsors.
It’s hard to walk away from a game like this an not be excited about the rest of the season. A dominant win over a MAC program without Kangas in the lineup has to be a good sign. However, I do want to keep Saturday’s contest in perspective.
I hope the performance is indicative of what the Grizzlies are capable of. Of course, it could just as easily be a sign of where the Eastern program is right now. We won’t know those answers for months. What we do know is that OU has a series of higher level opposition on the docket.
Duquesne rolls in Tuesday night, then it’s off to Michigan State followed by a trip to Xavier. That’s a rough three game stretch even if Kangas were available. Without Kangas or, at least, without him at 100%, these next three contests look even more daunting. Regardless, the Duquesne, MSU and Xavier affairs will give us a better idea as to how this team is developing.
Looking forward to the Dukes arrival in two days. I’m not sure I’ll be at the O’Rena, but I will be sitting by my radio, if not. Go Grizzlies!
Tags: Brandon Cassise, Dan Waterstradt, Derick Nelson, Duquesne, Eastern Michigan, Erik Kangas, Greg Kampe, Keith Benson, Michigan State, Patrick McCloskey, Shane Lawal, Tim Williams, Will Hudson, Xavier
November 19, 2007 at 1:54 am |
Good recap, and nice blog more generally (I’ve been reading for a while). Watching the OU-EMU game, I was shocked at how much bigger, faster, and more athletic OU was than EMU. It wasn’t just that EMU didn’t play well; the talent level was totally uneven. But as you point out, this was only EMU and the next few games will be at a much higher level. Duquesne has been very hot, and their post players in particular will be hard to stop. And MSU is, well, MSU. So I hope OU keeps up its intensity. As for your blog, keep up the good work.
November 20, 2007 at 2:53 am |
If you didn’t know better, you would have thought Oakland was the MAC school by the way OU dominated. But, one game does not a season make and fans could be a bit depressed after the next three are played.
I’m hopeful that OU’s depth up-front will balance out some of Duquesne’s talented frontcourt. Having Waterstradt back would help that cause. I think the Grizzlies have a chance Tuesday night, but lots of things will have to go well to garner a win.
Thanks for the kind comments on the blog, Germane.