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EVANSVILLE — The University of Evansville men’s basketball team is approaching an important stretch on its schedule.
It might feel too early to label it ‘make or break’ for the Purple Aces with two-thirds of the season left. But time is no longer on their side. UE sits at 3-7 with visits to UT Arlington and Ball State this week before Missouri Valley Conference play truly begins on Dec. 29.
One can argue if some issues are cleaned up, there remains positive potential. You can also be exactly what your record states, especially going into conference play. Here are some observations and thoughts on UE following its most recent stretch of games.
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Inconsistent play remains the biggest roadblock
Inconsistent play was the most glaring issue in the first part of the season and the latest outing shows it has yet to be rectified.
UE trailed by 12 at halftime to Chattanooga, with coach David Ragland citing poor defensive communication that allowed the Mocs to hit nine three-pointers. The Aces then led with 10 minutes remaining following a 13-0 run, but they eventually lost by eight. Basketball is a game of runs, so those swings are not the issue. It’s the consistency in which they’re happening.
Evansville’s Tayshawn Comer (12) drives to the net as the Evansville Purple Aces play the Radford Highlanders at Ford Center in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
One good half paired with prolonged poor spurts – see: Radford loss on Nov. 16 – has limited Evansville from taking any true positive momentum into Valley play. Its best win thus far according to KemPom rankings? Campbell at 269.
If the result against Murray State or Western Kentucky had flipped, the outlook is likely rosier. But as it currently stands, the Aces are the lowest-rated team in the MVC by 41 spots. There’s still time to fix the issue. The sooner, the better.
“Our execution across the board can be more clean,” said Ragland….
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Author : The Courier & Press
Publish date : 2024-12-17 09:44:00
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