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Username Post: Northeastern        (Topic#19593)
HARVARDDADGRAD 
Postdoc
Posts: 2685

Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
12-07-16 10:27 AM - Post#215052    

Really enjoyed watching Amaker's lineups and tinkering start to come through in win against a very strong, athletic and experienced Northeastern squad. Harvard led throughout, usually by double digits before barely holding on once Bryce picked up his 4th foul with almost 12 minutes remaining and a 19 point lead. How does Northeastern have a 6th year forward who played for Duke and Florida and transfers to NE on late September!?!?

Deeper Harvard team prevails as Siyani (13pt, 11 assists), Zena (13rbs/13pts in only 23 minutes), Corey Johnson (21pts, 7-10 3's) and Seth Towns (24 pts) are keys to victory. As Mike Smith has been observing on his twitter feed, Harvard must have some form of Siyani, Bryce, Corey and Seth on the court plus a rim protector (not Henry alone). Absence of Bryce for a long late stretch due to foul trouble and ensuing NE comeback confirmed this tonight. Chris Lewis blocked 4 shots and Zena was a presence as well. Numerous other secondary defender blocks negated by on ball defender fouls.

Although it's been painful, the genius of the coaching staff is starting to bear fruit. Many weapons here to be deployed at opportunistic or necessary (fouls, opponent's lineup) times. Baker with big block and Corbin with gigantic long range 3. Bryce contributes in many ways, but he's got to improve shooting stats or become more selective. Rest of team shoots 13-21 on 3's but he goes 1-6. Great FT shooter (92.9%) but shooting 29.5% from the floor and 23.1% from deep. He's taking 10 shots per game. He's gotta get ball in teammates hands or drive (for fouls) as possession winds down.

Harvard was outrebounded badly (NE too athletic and big for Henry), but did rim protect. Zena lost on a few switches/pick and rolls. Siyani/Bryce/Justin did a great job on NE leading scorer TJ Williams for 2/3 of the game. Held him to 5FG's, although he lived at the line during the comeback.

My pre-season observations about Seth replacing Wes, Chris Lewis contributing earlier than Zena did and the depth of Harvard's outside shooting were evident - at least last night.

On to BC and .500!

Edited by HARVARDDADGRAD on 12-07-16 10:30 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 
HARVARDDADGRAD 
Postdoc
Posts: 2685

Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
12-08-16 11:04 AM - Post#215171    
    In response to HARVARDDADGRAD

And now Chris Lewis goes for 22 against BC! ACC announcers marveled at Harvard's depth.

Do need to point out that Harvard let large leads whither against NE and BC. Didn't score a bucket for over 9 minutes late in game against BC until Bassey jailbreaked the press in the final 30 seconds. Chris Lewis was gassed by then and BC picked up the perimeter pressure. Second consecutive game night also. First time at that for the newbies.

I initially liked Henry's disciplined play (Stanford), but against athletic teams he is being exposed. Should Chris Egi get a shot? If Tommy is looking for some rebounding and back line D while Zena/Lewis rest(s), Egi is more athletic and versatile. He deserves a shot. Henry is not working out well when he's the only big.

Also, if someone like BC's Robinson is going off, is there a chance Chatfield could slow him down? Chatfield also is incredibly adept at leaking out for a break which would work well if his man is focused on scoring.

Bassey's ascent is a pleasant surprise. There was a concern that because of his HS experience he would slow things down and slow ball movement. Now, he's starting to look like a version of Isaac Cohen. A strong and physical guard who defends/passes/rebounds first and can score when the opportunity presents itself.

No Robert Baker against BC. Corbin had more run and his obligatory 3 as soon as he enters.

Bryce shot better, Corey didn't shoot at all.

FT shooting is now a strength: 16 of 18!

 
TheLine 
Professor
Posts: 5597

Age: 60
Reg: 07-07-09
12-08-16 12:14 PM - Post#215191    
    In response to HARVARDDADGRAD

I saw some of last night's game. You have a really good team. Aiken and Towns were impressive.


 
HARVARDDADGRAD 
Postdoc
Posts: 2685

Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
12-08-16 12:18 PM - Post#215193    
    In response to TheLine

Thanks. You must have seen the first half!

 
TheLine 
Professor
Posts: 5597

Age: 60
Reg: 07-07-09
12-08-16 12:30 PM - Post#215195    
    In response to HARVARDDADGRAD

Yes, you are right.


 
mrjames 
Professor
Posts: 6062

Loc: Montclair, NJ
Reg: 11-21-04
12-08-16 04:00 PM - Post#215219    
    In response to TheLine

Harvard is completely lost in rotation right now, which nearly bit them against Boston College. The double whammy is not only do they get lost, but they rebound horribly when forced into help rotation. Any offense built on the extra pass can shred this Harvard defense, as BC did when it clawed back in the second half. If it didn't make several mistakes down the stretch, it would have had a shot at erasing the 18-point deficit entirely.

The good news is that Harvard has time to fix these issues and with the athleticism that the Crimson has, it is a matter of awareness and repetition more than capability. The other good news is that Harvard has better offensive talent than it potentially has ever had, which should sustain it until it can figure out those defensive issues.

 
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