FanPost

The View From Section 3 - Monmouth

Let me start by saying that I never really thought we were going to lose this one. Monmouth was hanging around all game, but the vibe in Section 3 was never really one where we thought we were going to lose the game. That being said, there is a glaring problem with this team on offense - finishing. Once again this group is settling on the jump shot rather than driving to the basket. With all the athleticism on this team, the jump shot should be the second option, not the first. Time and time again a brilliant defensive play turned into a missed jumper or errant pass. Fast breaks ending at the top of the key rather than at the basket. Another consequence of that is the inability to draw fouls. By not driving to the basket, the Johnnies are not getting the contact that puts the opposition in foul trouble. There was no better example than the Bucknell game where the Bisons had six fouls to give at the 1:04 mark in the second half. At this point, only Greene, D'Angello and Jakaar should have the green light for jumpers. I am not sure what Hooper's deal is but he is certainly not lighting it up by any means from beyond the arc. His shots look bad when they leave his hand. Part of the reason the game was closer throughout was for the second game in a row Harrison was hit with two fouls with more than 13 minutes left in the first half. That sent him to the bench again for long stretches. Now some of the calls on the Johnnies were horrible, but they are going to have to work that out somehow. The team's blocking ability is sensational. They are really doing an outstanding job, and its not just Obekpa. They need to go to the hoop in transition. If they do that, this game is won by 20 instead of 10. Look, now is the time to play close games and learn to get through them. But they also need to learn how to put their foot on the opponent's neck at some point and not let up. Hopefully Longwood will help with that.

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