Monkey Off UH Back
By Jeff
Well, the road monkey has left the building. last night's 56-48 victory over La tech snapped a 15 game road losing streak going back to 2009. It was less than a perfect win, but after four blow-out losses, its hard to complain.
On a night when UH again turned the ball over 20 times, shot 20% from three, and 55 % from the foul line, it still managed to win thanks to horrible La Tech shooting ( or we can say really good UH defense), and a 2011 breakout performance from Bill Amis who scored 22 points to go along with 12 rebounds.
Vander continued his strong play by contributing 12 rebounds to go along with 9 points. It was not a good night for Zane who fouled out after a 2-10 shooting night. and again no points from Barnes and only 2 from Wiseman.
UH is now out of the cellar. Its one win leaves it tied with San Jose State one game ahead of woeful La Tech. But the road win against the Techsters is a huge one when you look at the goal of making the tournament.
Now Hawaii comes home for three home games. Thurs night Fresno comes to town fresh off a home thumping by Utah State . Then its a huge game against San Jose followed by a return visit by League leading and WAC undefeated Utah State. A home victory or two would be nice and very doable.
By the way, UH's tenth win last night matches its total wins last year. Its all gravy from here ( only kidding), but what you want to see is progress and matching last year's win total and breaking the road losing streak are positive signs moving in the right direction.
Hoops Talk
January 16th, 2011 at 7:02 am
UH Basketball Word of the Day: "Relief"
Warriors played “good” not “great” game last night. Defense was there, but La Tech didn't help themselves by missing gimmies towards the end of the game. Bill's dunk was definitely a game changer. It deflated hopes of La Tech Players (you could see it) and some of the trash talking from La Tech Fans; who quickly changed their attention to the referees and not UH Coaches and Players. I must say, we got calls last night that we DIDN'T get at New Mexico State. Can't blame the officiating, but consistency is all FANS are asking for.
*Here's a quick assessment (Disclaimer - Amateur Analyses)*
PG Hiram Thompson - Played well, smart B-Ball IQ, lots of heart--tough kid! He needs to stop dribbling the ball in front of defenders. He will be missed next year.
PG Bobby Miles - I'm labeling him the "FUTURE." He has good handles, but from what I could see, he needs a little more time in Division I ball to reach his potential. There were a few instances, judging from Coach Gib's angry reaction, where he forgot to properly set the play. Needless to say he turned the ball over and was IMMEDIATELY taken out of the game. Keep your head up Bobby and go to the hole strong like Hiram!
PG Mia O - Tough guy (dual Football/B-Ball Player). Undersized but quick with mad hops. Decent handle and seemed to be a motivator off the bench. Didn't think the ally-opp to Thomas was part of his game, but it was nice to see! Also, the screen off the fast break to free up Hiram for a layup was good. Mia needs to find a way to get his shots. Big difference between playing "scared" than "confident." Like Bobby, Mia is not "scared"...they both need to look at the latter and I think we'll see them play up to their potential.
SG Bo Barnes - Play your game young Sir! Hawaii is missing his production from early in the season. There were multiple moments in the game where he could've shot the ball but elected to pass or penetrate only to get trapped. Do what every great shooter has learned and just SHOOT! Not 100% sure, but I think Coach Gib he even instructed him to shoot when he got the ball (couldn't really see or hear).
SG/F Zane Johnson - Zane has a nice shot! Definitely a leader out there. He did shutdown La Tech’s most productive players. In my opinion, his last shot (before he fouled out) was a blocking foul not a charge. Look at the replays and you'll see it could have gone either way. In hindsight, Zane probably could've pulled up versus drive. Also, it looks as if he was playing hurt. Is he?
PF Bill Amis - Leader! He played a great game last night. Strong in the inside (against La Tech) and nice touch outside. All Hawaii big men need to play like Bill...please. Continued progress (since his return) is a must if Hawaii is going to make a run for post season play.
F Thomas - Athletic forward and the "FUTURE" of the warriors. Needs a consistent outside shot. There were a couple moments in last night's game where he dribbled too much when got the ball in the low post. Nevertheless, I think he can be a big time player with more Division I experience.
F Trevor - Another "FUTURE" player. He's making plays out there. A little sloppy at times, but he's playing "confident."
C Vander - Decent game. Just needs to shoot. Don't think; just shoot your hook shot (nice by the way). Hustles on the floor--can't ask for more.
Coach Gib and Staff - Coach was fired up on occasion -- NICE! His staff seemed really motivated. Please continue and let's move forward.
Finally, if you look above you'll see "FUTURE" mentioned a few times. Future is a relative word. For some, it can be looked at as "maybe next year;" but for others future can be the "NOW" (present tense). Which definition of "FUTURE" will the Bows pick?
Thanks for reading...Aloha!
January 16th, 2011 at 8:24 am
Congratulations to Coach Arnold and his team. Best Wishes for continued success in the WAC.
January 16th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
We suck!
January 16th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Love it, love it, road win when not expected. Keep on men Warrior b-ball team!!!!
January 16th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
UH could have choked when LaTech pulled ahead by 3 points late in the game but instead the 'Bows played tougher, got the lead back and made it stick. Well done UH.
January 17th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
To all the doubters...I was at game and the Bows played good. Give him time...Coach Gib will turn this program around. Aloha!
January 17th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
I pray he (Gib) does turn the program around. The people of Hawaii deserve quality bball in their one and only team. Sorry Div II teams. Div I is as close as this state will get to pro bball.