December 2, 2007

Slugs Get One In Redlands Tournament

The UCSC Men Slugs played two of their worst games to date as they lost to the University of Redlands, Bulldogs 84-62 and CSU Eastbay, Pioneers 88-59 before knocking off feisty West Coast Baptist, Eagles 70-62.

Holding a size advantage in every position against the Redlands Bulldogs, the Slugs also held a lack of effort advantage in those same positions.  “We played the worst I’ve seen us play in several years, we played like we didn’t want to be here,” stated Coach Johnson after the game.  And that was evident once you saw the final stats.

“Our post players got destroyed, we were out rebounded, out scored, and out worked throughout the game,” the lone bright spot being a 6’1” Forward Ted Monson.  “Teddy’s numbers were not that great, 8 points, 2 rebounds, but it was his effort, he fought like a tiger against much bigger opponents all night”.

Freshman sensation Ryan Matsuoka, who had been playing great the last few games, couldn’t get it going as he would finish with 0 points and 4 rebounds before fouling out.

The Slugs came out the gate like gang busters taking an 8 point lead before everything just seemed to come unglued.  Redland started attacking the Slugs, repeatedly getting second chance opportunities off of offensive rebounds and turnovers.  The Bulldogs amassed 41 of their total 84 points off of these miscues by the Slugs.  The Slugs would cut the lead to 10 with the chance of cutting it closer, but a missed shot and a couple of turnovers later, the Bulldogs were back up by twenty and the game was all but over.

The next night the Slugs would again get beat on the boards as the CSU Eastbay Pioneers would turn a 37-35 half time lead into a blowout.  The Pioneers exploded for 51 second half points to put the Slugs away.  Again two of the teams leading scorers, Jon Morrison and Ryan Matsuoka would struggle from the field, going a combined 1-13 from the field for 8 points.

The Slugs again got out to a quick lead, leading by as much as 10 behind the shooting of John (Scotty) Buck (13 points), Jacob Moore (10 points) and Niel Brennan (17 points) before the Pioneers would start to dominate the offensive boards (23 total) and pull away from the Slugs.  “We were killed on the boards again and that’s something we have to get fixed in a hurry,” stated Coach Johnson.  That wasn’t the only problem the Slugs would have that night as they again committed numerous turnovers (32 total).

The final night of the tournament the Slugs would face a determined group of Eagles from West Coast Baptist.  In this game the Eagles would jump out to a quick 10 point lead before the Slugs woke up and started playing like they were projected to do.

Jon Morrison started attacking the boards on the defensive end (8 total) and started getting some of his shots to fall (8-11, 20 points) while getting some much needed help from Greg Palmer (8-11, 17 points).  “Greg’s performance was big for us as well as for himself”.  “Greg has really been struggling with himself and it was good to see him step up and play well,” stated Coach Johnson.

Jon and Greg weren’t the only ones to put together good games.  Injured Point Guard, Eric Davis (ankle) would put a solid game together with 9 points and 8 rebounds. As well, Scotty Buck would add 9 points and his energy on both ends of the floor would help the Slugs come from a 31-39 half time deficit and pull one out 70-62.  “What I saw tonight was what we thought this team could do. But we still have some work to do to get to that elite status we are striving for,” Coach Johnson.

The Slugs will be off for two weeks of much needed rest before traveling back to the LA area to take on the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags on December 15th.