Tough loss. I thought the guys competed well and played hard, especially on D, but just didn't get it done. SS was much better than I expected. Our guys were out-manned in the paint, especially when Kyrslovic was in foul trouble, which was much of the last 10 or 12 minutes. Their paint guys were big and strong. 3 had a great game, and was super in the second half. We didn't hit our free throws, especially down the stretch, but SS was worse. SS didn't make a 3. GFeller got a pretty good look at the end, which would have been for the win.
Too many turnovers by the Griz, especially in the first half. To SS's credit, they had quick hands, deflected alot of passes and hit it out of our hands. Rorie just wasn't himself. Too bad Moorehead didn't get his nice look from the corner, which is when Krylovic fouled out with the reach over the back. I was fine with that call. Could have not been called tho, but often is.
Griz were up 7 when Travis got his T. The ref had missed a horrible palming by SS right in front of him. Travis jumped up, presumably yelled, and moved up the sidelines a bit. The ref whirled and gave him the T. Later, the ref tried to point to mid-court or further up the court, seeming to indicate that Travis was way too far up court. He was over the line, but not near mid-court. Horrible calls by that ref, which gave SS a 4 point turnaround, which could have been 5.
2 of the 3 refs, the dark-skinned guy who gave Travis the T and the taller white guy make some very bad calls. The other guy was fine or even good. This was the worst that I've seen the crowd get on the refs and boo, but I missed the Weber game, which apparently had horrible reffing.
The guys hustled, defended pretty well, and played hard. They made a lot of nice plays. While the loss is disappointing, I'm not down on the guys for this one. They were close. Just needed a couple more plays. More free throws. A stop or two.
The cheer squad put on incredible aerial show at halftime. Very impressive.
A bunch of Wright's family was there. From Connecticut. They paper said they had never seen him play. One young kid from what I assume was their group got to compete in one of the timeout events with Monte and a few other kids. He was cute. When he walked by us, he looked a bit like Walter. After the game, the kid dribbled with both hands and shot layups. He looked very young and was small, but that kid is going to be another Walter. I like Walter Wright, altho I don't know him. Glad he's a Griz. Seems like a class guy, and great player.
I hope the Griz catch fire. I think they have the potential. They have talent. They have depth. They play very hard. They are unselfish. They deserve to catch fire.
Over 4,000 at the game. Pretty good crowd. Refs were catching grief from all 4 sides of the gym.