Game Day: UH vs. Fullerton
UH and Cal State Fullerton open Big West play tonight in the Stan Sheriff Center. Here’s the skinny on the Titans:
>> The Titans are 4-10, but they’ve played the seventh-toughest pre-conference schedule. Their 10 losses have come against teams with a combined 105-40.
“One of the tough parts about going to the NCAA Tournament (last year) having four of five starters back, nobody wants to come play you at your place,” CSUF coach Dedrique Taylor said. “We had to do what we had to do to take advantage of our experience and up the ante a little bit with our schedule.”
The Titans have played only three home games. The Wooden Legacy was on their court — only the Titans were not invited.
>> The Titans are proving everyone in the lottery to the Big Dance. The Titans finished fourth in the 2018 regular season. But they won the Big West tournament and accompanying NCAA bid.
“That’s the beauty of the Big West,” Taylor said, noting recent regular-season champs were “not the team(s) that won the conference tournament. Literally, all nine teams have to feel good going into the season.”
>> The Titans are on threat in system — they like to create advantages on isolations — and on the run (13.2 fast-break points per game). Kyle Allman, who scored 40 in the SSC a year ago, and Khalil Ahmad are each averaging a little more than 18 points per game. Ahmad also can slide to the post when the Titans play small ball. Jackson Rowe is the leading rebounder (7.1 per game), but Johnny Wang and Josh Pitts also can clutter the lane.
Live by the three, die by the three.
I went to my nephew’s basketball game so I missed the UH game. Sad to see only three posts (and one is Savich) on the game night thread. So I think it’s best to ask Cappie for some commentary. He would know the particulars.
I see personal growth in Sheriff Drammeh. The loudest clapping from me came when Drammeh was called for a block and accepted it passively. No histrionics. He just walked away. If he keeps his emotions in control, I think we’ll see more performances like last night. Petras Balocka used to argue with the refs ON EVERY FOUL HE EVER COMMITTED. Balocka took himself out of every game. That is why he sucked. I also liked how Drammeh drove to the basket three times in a row.
Drew Buggs faces a paradox each time he gets close to the basket. He kicks the ball out to the perimeter when the better decision would have been to take the shot and get fouled. But if Buggs does takes the shot and gets fouled, he has a hard time converting the free throw attempts into points.
Hawaii won, of course, because Kyle Allison didn’t go for 40+ points. Like, what the heck? The two best scoring performances against Hawaii are from two different Titans. The other guy is Josh Akognon.
Why did my Honda Civic not move for ten minutes? The attendance was well under five-thousand. I think HPD controlling the traffic flow makes matters worse.
This is the second time Jack Purchase hit a crucial three late in the game. He did not do this last season.
suckabooya: I forgot my Ipad.
Thanks Cappie.
Purchace hit the late three just when I started my car to leave. The crowd sounded loud on the radio.
Wasn’t last night the third time this season Jack has hit a late “daggar” three? Not sure which other games he did it in but that’s what I recollect. Don’t want to bachi the kid but I’m starting to expect it from him.
You guys are all true Warrior fans, but me, I can’t get too excited about basketball. 1. UH Football 2. UH Baseball 3. Wahine Volleyball
When do we get more recruiting news or information on incoming transfers 🙂
Whoops that should be “dagger”.
Men’s basketball has always been first for me. Love the sport, love the program. Then football, then Wahine volleyball, then Wahine basketball, then men’s volleyball.
Baseball and softball are a little slow for me but I’ll watch on TV if not otherwise occupied.
#5
The traffic problem is in the structure. UH personnel do not understand the traffic flows. And where you park is not treated equally. I once emailed the AD about this and received no answer.
I remember the university used to have a traffic engineering course but the parking people must take a mess up traffic course.
If you could take your meds we’d all appreciate it Savitch.
UH hoops bores me now, they play such a weak schedule THEN they play in the boring Big West. Not interested anymore but they used to be my favorite.
As for Rolo, it’s nice he got an extension but he also deserves a raise. He’s gotten UH to bowls in two of the last three years – do you remember what it was like under Chow.
Give that man a raise.
I gotta admit I am not a great basketball fan (except for the Harlem Globetrotters) since I was told as a basketball player, I was a great linebacker. 🙁
I speculate that ST was asked to cover basketball to help develop fan interest more…or just give him something to do until baseball season. 😉 Who did the asking? I dunno, but I think Dave Matlin is a smart man…
I’m with Manoa Mist on this one. as a huge basketball fan I rarely missed a game a season ticket guy since the mid 70’s. But the weak nobody worth watching schedule and lack of talent under Ganot has all but killed my desire to attend games. Have not attended at least half the games this season and am seriously thinking of just watching the games on TV. Men’s volleyball on the other hand showcases an amazing lineup of elite talent that will be able to play against anybody in the country and is an absolute joy to watch. Have been a fan since the days of Allen Allen and Klum Gym. Hot, sweaty and a great time night after night.
with the early signing period in December, the February one seems kinda lame as most recruits signed in December
yet, February could bring one or more surprises — that would be a nice Valentine’s gift!
turfwar – nice to find a fellow MVB fanatic. Have you been attending games? Come introduce yourself next time you’re at a game. I can be found in the front row yelling at the refs, right behind the scorer’s table.
Please also consider joining the Booster Club. Great way to get to know the team and get some inside scoops (sometimes).
Tonight vs. NJIT (EIVA), Fri vs Concordia-Irvine (MSPF) & Sat vs USpoiled Children.
The sole from eastern Illinois was a nice find and if he has immediate eligibility, will go right into the rotation. I’m looking for one more big local boy to transfer home from the defensive side …
A 6’2″ 220 lb running and blocking back with 4.4 -4.5 speed would be good for UH. Got to try. Dream Big !! Nothing to lose.
Hekili Keliiliki. 6-2 225. 100 meter, discus, decathlete. Can block (#5 rated FB nationally 2015) can run too. Served two year mission so rhythm might not be right yet. Should see more reps this spring and summer. Hopefully he can be the heir to the power back (Furuta’s ) role.
Keliiliki. 4.57 40. 11.05 100 meters. 154 ft discus throw. Maybe 10 more pounds so he can “hammah”? Get him ready Coach.
RE: #24
Someone should hook Hekili up with Bryan Clay if the pro football career doesn’t work out.
Sometimes physical ability doesn’t mean a kid will be good at playing football.
Taase Faumui was the most physically talented defensive lineman on his team. Big, strong, fast, yet Maa Tanuvasa was the one who had a long NFL career, cause he could play football.
Corey Paredes was a bit undersized and a bit slow, but he had a nose for the football and was a great college football player.
I think the rest of the recruits have to be High School. My wish list. Tall (50/50 ball hawk) WR/H/TE. (High IQ 230-240 lb) Mike LB. 1 technique pass rushing (swim move specialist) DL. Speed (fast as possible) athlete (used for nickel or slot or special teams specialist). Rugby punter/multi use athlete (similar to Harding if can). Fast as possible OL/DL (use as pulling guard, 3 technique DL or maybe Power back: Jonah Tavai?). And a high motor Sam/DE. Since we’re wishing.
hanapa! another local boy has returned to his roots and will contribute on defense.
must red-shirt or play immediately?
UH and Arizona are “swapping” athletes?
24. One site said Keliiliki ran a 4.75 40
An old article said Ilaoa ran 4.78.
New post: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=48005