Just got home; haven't read everyone's comments yet.
We got totally outplayed by a well-coached team. Their athletes aren't nearly as athletic as us, but their ability to run offensive sets, move the ball around, set picks and screens, and shoot, are just much better than we are able to. Ernie Duncan is a really good ball player, and seeing him live makes you appreciate all he can do - not only shoot, but he is strong, passes well, and has great court vision. Their defense did shut us down, but again, as in the past 4-5 games, we failed to move the ball around, set enough screens, drive to the hoop, and get decent shots. We forced so much again.
Cornish clearly had the worst game of his career. He took a giant step backwards today, as he looked like the Cornish of last year. And kudos to Coach Becker; he gave Cornish the 3-ball all night, and Cornish fell for it, hook line and sinker. Also, just totally out of control all night. I legitimately knew 2 minutes into the game that his body language was horrible, and he was going to have one of those games. Elijah had a very poor game as well.
Not because we lost, but I think I have NEVER not enjoyed a basketball game as much as tonight. The incessant foul calling on both sides was just horrendous, and the refs were out of control with their calls. This wasn't a basketball game in my eyes, it was a foul shooting contest. 2 minutes in when the refs spent 5 minutes debating whether Vermont was to get a new shot clock or not, told the whole story with the refs. Just too bad that early foul trouble for our key guys dictated the rest of the game.
Maybe this game is a wake-up call, as we gave home court advantage right back to them. Despite winning 7-in-a-row, we haven't been playing the best basketball, and fighting from behind tonight, finally caught up to us.
Need to detox after this game, and pick it up again next week.