Vermont-UB game analysis

 

 Former Niagara University and Utah Jazz coach Frank Layden waves to the crowd at Alumni
 Arena on Sunday evening.   Mark Mulville/Buffalo News

 

Game Analysis: Scoring, a bugaboo for the Bulls last year, might be an issue again in 2009-10. The Bulls made just 17 field goals on 55 attempts as they lost their season opener to Vermont, 58-57

How UB Lost: Has anyone seen UB’s offense? Anyone? The backcourt of Rodney Pierce, John Boyer, Sean Smiley and Zach Filzen were a combined 4 of 31 from the field and 2 of 14 from three-point range. The defense might be able to carry the team on most nights, but someone – anyone – has to emerge as a consistent scorer if the Bulls want to win the MAC.

Turning Point: After a John Boyer to Titus Robinson alley oop, the Bulls trailed 52-46 but it seemed to ignite the team and Alumni Arena as well.

Player of the Game: Marqus Blakely (17 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists) is better than advertised.

Stat of the Game: Seriously, did you see what the Bulls guards shot?

Cool note: Vermont’s Simeon Marsalis is the son of jazz legend and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

He Said It: “I wasn’t happy with them after the game.’’ – UB coach Reggie Witherspoon.

In the House: Former Niagara and Utah Jazz coach Frank Layden was among the 2,996 at Alumni Arena.

Up Next for Bulls: The Bulls hit the road for a non-league game at Navy on Nov. 19.

---Rodney McKissic

(www.twitter.com/rodneyjmckissic)

Comments

[Jerry's Tweed Jacket]

Note to Reggie Witherspoon: class up and stay on the court for the playing of the alma mater after the game. My kid wanted to know why Notre Dame's football coach would stay and listen to the song after a loss but UB's coach doesn't. Alumni and students stick it out - do the same. Ridiculous!

[realNFLfan]

I know that it is just one game, but it seems that offense is yet again an issue for this squad. They have to develop 2-3 consistent scorers for this team to contend in the MAC, and not just a Rodney Pierce. I love Rodney, but this squad is flawed offensively. This could be another wasted season without the NCAAs.

[E]

Agreed- Reggie needs to show that he can take this program to the next level. He needs to take this team to the Big Dance, ASAP, or his regime should come to an end.

[David,Amherst]

This is Reggie's baby. He is the supervisor. The school is moving ahead in its plans, and yes, "big city D-1". Reggie is on the line this year. He may even get that "vote of confidence." But we all know what that means.

[i can't stand niagara...]

the purple eagles will probably blow by UB.

if UB is "big city D-1," then the better MAC schools must be metropolises.

[David,Amherst]

Thanks for Reggie's quote, Rodney. I'd say a nerve was touched. That's life in the 'big city' of D-1. Just win, baby. Or is that the NFL? Tell Reggie there is a way out. Run the table.
0 and 1 and the NCAA 'At-Large' gone for UB now, also.
They did UB no favors by moving the 3-point line back.
Funny when Daemen didn't show up. The letters on the jerseys looked bigger. Should make for a great game when UB takes on Niagara. Talk about "Battle of the Bridges." MAC versus MAAC.