Path to the Hall of Fame (v2)

[randy]

Mar 19, 2001: (12) Delaware St (23-8, 14-2) vs (4) #23 Michigan St (21-10, 13-5)

Scouting Report

1. Primary defense: M2M
2. Offense focus: Inside
3. Key players:
   
   • Sr SG Anthony Collier (15.2, 5.6 rpg, 1.6 spg, #26 class rank)
   • Fr PF Joe Young (9.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, #9 class rank)
4. Strengths:
   
   • Defense: 61.2 opp ppg (#41), 16.7 topg (#24)
   • Ball Handling: 12.7 topg (#26)
5. Weaknesses:
   
   • Offense: 67.8 ppg (#140), 41.9% FG (#302), 33.1% 3PT (#236)
6. How they got here:
   
   • Finished 2nd Big 10; Lost Conference Tournament Semi-Finals
   • Def Robert Morris, 81-74 (Young 14 pts, 10 rebs)

Strategies

1. A complete opposite of our 1st round opponent (Toledo) as Michigan St focuses more on defense. Given their low shooting % from the outside, we'll force them to shoot form the perimeter
2. In their 1st round against Robert Morris, Michigan St only shot 43% FG, but they had more opportunities to score because they force more turn overs and grab offensive rebounds. Michigan St also scored 27 fast break pts in that game. We may have a chance to win, if we limit the running game of Michigan St, and force them to score on their half-court offense

Start of 1st half

PG Michael Price and his backup SG Lewis Lepore have combined for 4-4 3PT. MIST has not had the opportunity to run, and is being forced to shoot from the outside, 20% FG. Up 19-7, 10:34. We committed back-to-back turn overs and MIST able to score 4 fast break pts because of those. They also hit their 2nd 3pt shot of the game. Up 23-16, 7:28. We connected on our 5th 3 pt shot of the game. Michigan St in penalty, and we added at least 3 more pts from the FT line, as part of an 13-2 run. MIST forced to call a timeout. MIST fans are stunned. Up 36-18, 4:17. SG Michael Price (12 pts) and C Brandon Braun (17 pts) scored enough pts late in the 1st half, not allowing MIST to get any closer. Halftime, Up 42-23.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• FG shooting: DELST 50%, MIST 30% (3-12 3PT)
• 2nd chance pts: DELST 11, MIST 2
• FT shooting: DELST 9-12, MIST 0-0

Start of 2nd half

C Brandon Braun scored the only 4 pts we have so far in the 2nd half; our shooters beginning to miss their shots. Up 46-30, 15:26. 2 FTs and another fast break FG for MIST cut down our lead to 12. C Brandon Braun (23 pts) answers back with another inside basket, but MIST able to connect on their 5th 3pt shot of the game, to get even closer at 11 pts. We turn the ball over yet again, and on the ensuing play, MIST connected on a nother 3pt shot; MIST is 3-4 3PT in the 2nd half. I called an early timeout. Up 48-40, 13:33.

After the timeout, C Brandon Braun (25 pts) saves us again with another post-play FG. A couple of plays later, MIST hits 2 FTs. Up 50-42, 11:58. I decided to give Braun a very short rest, and it was a disaster, as we had 4 consecutive missed shots, while MIST drains their 6th and 7th 3pt shots. Up 50-48, 10:13. Finally, we score to give ourselves some breathing room. Up 52-38, 9:42. I brought back C Brandon Braun o the floor. We have been outscored 25-10 in the 2nd half

After a missed 3 by MIST, PG Michael Price scores his 3rd 3 on our end. We go up by 7. Another missed 3 by MIST. C Brandon Braun scores on an offensive rebound putback. A turn over and another missed 3 by MIST. Meanwhile, Price hits another jumper. On a 9-0 run now. Up 59-48, 6:58.

MIST certainly not out of this, as they hit their 3pt shot this time. Lead down to 8. Both teams had 4 unproductive possessions each. And then SF Brad Collins (6 pts) sinks his 2nd 3pt shot of the game. another miss by MIST. On our offensive end, SG Lewis Lepore scores his 3rd triple! Sweet 16 is close now! Up 65-51, 3:36.

MIST scores on 2 FTs. Up 12. SG Lewis Lepore answers back a medium-range jumper. Up 14. A miss by MIST. We'll start slowing down the game. We turn the ball over. Another miss by MIST. I call a timeout. My 5 players on the floor are all tired; just need to hang on a few more minutes. Up 67-53, 1:56.

We were able to run out the clock on our next possessions. On to the Sweet 16!!!


Final Score: Delaware St - 68, Toledo - 57


Box Scores
[INDENT]Braun 28, 12, 0 (*)
Price 17, 3, 2
Lepore 11, 4, 1, 2 blks
Collins 6, 5, 1
Murphy 2, 7, 2
Jefferson 2, 3, 1
Whiting 2, 2, 1
Costa 0, 4, 0
Perry 0, 1, 4
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 44-32%
REB: +9
TO: +4
Pts in paint: +12
2nd chance: +9
Fast break: +2
[/INDENT]
Notes

• Similar t our last game. We get a big lead after the 1st half, MIST able to come close within 2 pts, and again we were able to finish strongly. MIST shot better from the outside in the 2nd half, but the key to this game is we severely limited the inside game of MIST (only 14 pts in the paint)

[randy]

We're the only double-digit seed remaining

Mar 24, 2001: (12) Delaware St (24-8, 14-2) vs (8) UCLA (21-11, 11-7)

Scouting Report

1. Primary defense: M2M
2. Offense focus: Balanced (slow)
3. Key players:
   
   • Jr SG James Davis (12.7 ppg, 41% 3PT)
   • Sr PG Brennen Weaver (9.9 ppg, 42% 3PT)
   • Fr C Troy Jones (6.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 55% FG, #16 class rank)
4. Strengths:
   
   • 3-pt shooting: 40.0% 3PT (#13)
5. Weaknesses:
   
   • Rebounding: 28.5 rpg (#306)
   • Defense: 43.4% FG (#129), 36.3% 3PT (#268)
   • Ball Handling: 14.6 topg (#200)
6. How they got here:
   
   • Finished 6th Pac 12; Lost Conference Tournament Semi-Finals
   • (Round 64) Def Northern Iowa, 72-62 (Davis 19 pts; UCLA 8-19 3PT)
   • (Round 32) Def #5 Syracuse, 88-64 (UCLA 10-20 3PT)

Strategies

1. UCLA may be an inferior team, on paper than the two teams we have beaten so far. But their masterful beating of (1)-seed Syracuse proves they are capable of beating good teams. Aside from their 3 pt shooting, they also shot 26-30 FT during that game against Syracuse. We need to be at our best in defensing their perimeter shooters

Start of 1st half

We're winning the rebounding battle, but we need to cut down on our turn overs (3 already). Tied at 7, 15:44. UCLA already in the penalty. C Brandon Braun 11 pts. Up 15-14, 11:46. Backup SG Lewis Lepore has given us 7 pts off the bench. Up 24-19, 7:29. Both teams now in the penalty. Our continuing problems on turn overs have offset whatever advantage we had in rebounding. Up 34-29, 4:25. UCLA able to get the lead with their 3pt shooting. UCLA went up by 4, but C Brandon Braun (19 pts) putting this team on his back once more, as we tie the game. Halftime, Tied at 39.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• Rebounds: DELST 17, UCLA 8
• 3PT shooting: DELST 1-4, UCLA 5-11
• Turnovers: DELST 8, UCLA 5
• We'll adjust to m2m defense in the 2nd half, doubling on their shooters

Start of 2nd half

We have added 4 more turn overs in the 2nd half; total of 12 in the game. Up 45-44, 14:58. UCLA's SG James Davis has connected on 3 triples in the 2nd hlf, all up against a double a team; he has 5 3pt shots in the game, 17 pts. We have 15 turn overs already, and UCLA has taken control of this game. Down 45-52, 11:38.

We need to dig deeper and others, aside from C Brandon Braun, must step up. And we did momentarily, as we reduced our deficit to 2, while Braun was resting on the bench. UCLA scores the next 3 pts. I bring Braun back after a very short rest, and Braun (27 pts) immediately scores 2 consecutive inside baskets. Down 54-55, 8:05.

We committed a foul and we're in the penalty already. UCLA's next 6 pts were from the FT line, as the fouls continue to mount on us. And then, SF Anthony Jefferson, scored his 1st 5 pts of the game to tie the score. Tied at 61, 6:15.

Another foul called on us. UCLA splits. Down 1. We turn the ball over, and UCLA runs the break and scores. Down 3. Traveling on C Brandon Braun; our 18th turn over of the game. We get a steal and scores on the break. Down 1. UCLA scores on the low post. Down 3. SF Brad Collins scores on a jumper Down 1. UCLA missed. We missed also. UCLA missed again. We turn it over for the 19th time, and UCLA punishes us again on the fast break. Timeout. Down 65-68, 2:36.

We haven't gotten the ball to C Brandon Braun lately, as UCLA has played denial defense on him. This time, Braun gets the pass. Braun shoots, missed, but got fouled. 2 FTs. Braun splits. Down 2. UCLA gets the ball to one of their shooters. Our double team was late, and UCLA scores on their 9th 3pt shot of the game. Timeout. Down 66-71, 1:35.

Another turn over (20th of the game). UCLA running on the break, but we were able to foul to prevent an easy FG. 2 FTs. Split. Timeout. Down 66-72, 1:10.

We may have to go for 3s now. Traveling called; our 21st turn over. We get a steal. On our possession, SG Lewis Lepore converts a 3pt shot. We're still in this. Down 69-72, 0:37.

Foul called. I was furious at the call, but I can't afford to get a technical. 2 FTs for UCLA. Miss the 1st. hits the 2nd. I call my last timeout. Down 69-73, 0:26.

We have to go for 3, and foul immediately. UCLA played good defense, and it took a while before SG Lewis Lepore can launch a 3. Lepore missed, and UCLA able to dribble the clock away.


Final Score: Delaware St - 69, UCLA - 73


Box Scores
[INDENT]Braun 30, 9, 2
Lepore 15, 3, 3
Collins 6, 7, 2
Murphy 6, 6, 0
Price 5, 3, 6, 4 tos, fouled out
Jefferson 5, 1, 0
Whiting 2, 1, 0
Costa 0, 2, 3, 4 tos
Perry 0, 0, 4
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 57-45%
REB: +16 (+6 off)
TO: +12 (22-10)
Pts in paint: +16
2nd chance: +1
Fast break: Even
[/INDENT]
Notes

• Almost, but not quite. The inexperience of our freshman-laden squad showed in this game. We played well in most areas of the game, but our turn overs and fouls, were difficult to offset

[randy]

MEAC Conference Player of the Year

• Fr C Brandon Braun

MEAC Conference Freshman of the Year

• Fr C Brandon Braun

MEAC Conference Defensive Player of the Year

• Fr C Brandon Braun

MEAC 1st Team All-Conference

• Fr C Brandon Braun

MEAC 2nd Team All-Conference

• Fr PG Michael Price

I won MEAC Conference Coach of the Year with a 24-9 record (0.727)

[randy]

#8 LSU narrowly beats UCLA, 57-56, to win the West Regionals.

#8 LSU's good run continues as they beat #4 Georgia in Final Four. In the championship game, #1 Kansas proved why they are the best team in the country by walloping #8 LSU, 70-50.

Kansas wins their 2nd national title.

[randy]

Legend (Conference Rank, National Rank)

Points

1. C Brandon Braun, 25.8 (#1, #4)
2. PG Michael Price, 13.0 (#6)
3. SG Lewis Lepore, 8.2 (#31)
4. SF Brad Collins, 7.7 (#37)
5. C William Murphy, 5.3
6. PG Brandon Costa, 5.1
7. SF Anthony Jefferson, 3.6

Rebounds

1. C Brandon Braun, 10.0 (#1, #4)
2. SF Brad Collins, 5.0 (#16)
3. C William Murphy, 4.2 (#26)
4. PG Michael Price, 2.5
5. SF Anthony Jefferson, 2.3
6. SG Lewis Lepore, 2.3

Assists

1. PG Brandon Costa, 4.9 (#1, #12)
2. PG Michael Price, 3.1 (#8)
3. PG Brandon Perry, 2.4 (#17)
4. SG Lewis Lepore, 2.0 (#32)

Steals

1. PG Michael Price, 1.1 (#6)
2. SG Lewis Lepore, 0.9 (#16)

Blocks

1. C Brandon Braun, 0.6 (#9)

Turn overs

1. PG Brandon Costa, 2.8 (#8)
2. PG Michael Price, 2.4 (#19)

Minutes

1. C Brandon Braun, 28.4 (#5)
2. PG Michael Price, 26.4 (#15)
3. C William Murphy, 26.4 (#16)
4. SF Brad Collins, 25.9 (#26)
5. PG Brandon Costa, 23.4 (#49)
6. SG Lewis Lepore, 18.9
7. SF Anthony Jefferson, 17.1
8. PF Gary Whiting, 14.6
9. PG Brandon Perry, 10.9

3PT Made

1. PG Michael Price, 65 (#8)
2. SG Lewis Lepore, 49 (#15)
3. SF Anthony Jefferson, 21 (#37)
4. SF Brad Collins, 20 (#39)
5. PG Brandon Costa, 15

FG% (min 100 FGAs)

1. C William Murphy, 62.6%
2. C Brandon Braun, 57.3% (#1, #16)
3. PG Michael Price, 47.1%
4. PG Brandon Costa, 45.2
5. SG Lewis Lepore, 41.5%
6. SF Brad Collins, 36.2%

FT% (min 20 FTAs)

1. SG Lewis Lepore, 95.2%
2. PG Brandon Costa, 94.6%
3. PG Brandon Perry, 81.1%
4. SF Brad Collins, 73.9%
5. PG Michael Price, 71.0%
6. C Brandon Braun, 66.0%
7. C William Murphy, 45.5%

[randy]

Legend (Conference Rank, National Rank)

Offense

• Points, 73.2 (#2, #17)
• Assists, 16.9 (#2, #5)
• FG%, 49.3% (#1, #1)
• 3P%, 41.5% (#1, #5)
• FT%, 68.8 (#9, [color="Red"]#300[/color])
• Turn Overs, 14.2 (#6, #155)

Rebounding

• Rebounds, 32.3 (#4, #86)

Defense

• Opp Pts, 67.2 (#8, #188)
• Opp FG%, 43.7% (#9, #139)
• Opp 3P%, 37.1% (#12, [color="Red"]#305[/color])
• Opp TO, 12.6 (#10, [color="Red"]#322[/color])
• Steals, 4.3 (#10, [color="Red"]#323[/color])
• Blocks, 1.5 (#10, #285)

[randy]

(Scholarship players only)

1. So(R) PG Brandon Perry: 3.4 (+1.0)
2. So PG Michael Price: 2.1 (--)
3. So PG Brandon Costa: 3.1 (+0.3)
4. So PG Eddie Collins: 2.7 (transfer from Massachusetts)
5. Jr SG Lewis Lepore: 3.0 (+1.0)
6. Jr Cain Ward: 3.2 (+1.7)
7. Jr SF Anthony Jefferson: 3.0 (+0.4)
8. So SF Brandon Collins: 3.6 (+1.0)
9. So SF Gary Whiting: 3.0 (+1.1)
10. So PF David Andrews: 3.3 (+1.1)
11. Jr(R) C William Murphy: 3.1 (+0.9)
12. So C Brandon Braun: 3.2 (+1.2)
13. So C Terrell Collins: 2.8 (+0.8)

[randy]

Starting Lineup

• 1: So PG Michael Price, 6-1, 2.0/4.0
• 2: Jr SG Cain Ward, 6-6, 4.0/5.0 (*)
• 3: So SF Brad Collins, 6-7, 3.0/4.0
• 4: So C Brandon Braun, 6-8, 4.5/5.0 (*)
• 5: So C Terrell Collins, 6-10, 3.5/4.0

Bench

• 4/5: So PF David Andrews, 6-8, 2.0/3.0
• 1/2: Jr SG Lewis Lepore, 6-0, 2.0/2.5
• 3/4: Jr SF Anthony Jefferson, 6-8, 2.0/3.5
• 4/5: Jr(R) C William Murphy, 6-8, 2.0/2.5
• 1/2: So PG Brandon Costa, 6-2, 1.5/4.0
• 1: So(R) Brandon Perry, 5-8, 1.5/1.5

Walk-ons

• 3/4: Sr PF Chris Armstrong, 6-7, 2.5/2.5
• 1/2: So SG Ceedric Carter, 6-1, 0.5/0.5

Transfers (ineligible to play this season)

• 1/2: So PG Eddie Collins, 6-4, 2.0/3.0

Redshirt (ineligible to play this season)

• 3/4: So SF Gary Whiting, 6-8, 1.5/3.5

(*) Norton candidates

[randy]

@Southern Utah, Won 74-52

• FG: 51-28%; REB: +16; TO: +7
• POG: SG Cain Ward 31 pts, 6 rebs

Charlotte, Won 75-56

• FG: 50-49%; REB: +12; TO: -11
• POG: SG Cain Ward 35 pts

North Carolina Central, Won 95-59

• FG: 61-41%; REB: +19; TO: -4
• POG: C Brandon Braun 23 pts, 10 rebs

Jacksonville, Won 75-69

• FG: 47-40%; REB: +14; TO: +1
• POG: SG Cain Ward 37 pts, 6 rebs

Texas-Arlington, Won 68-55

• FG: 54-42%; REB: +10; TO: -2
• POG: SG Cain Ward 24 pts, 5 rebs

@Wofford, Won 79-61

• FG: 56-38%; REB: +18; TO: +10
• POG: SG Cain Ward 29 pts, 13-18 FG

[randy]

@Bellarmine, Won 72-49

• FG: 48-38%; REB: +7; TO: -5
• POG: C Brandon Braun 28 pts, 7 rebs

Alabama A&M, Won 84-61

• FG: 57-43%; REB: +7; TO: -4
• POG: C Brandon Braun 24 pts, 7 rebs

Texas Christian, Won 83-48

• FG: 54-33%; REB: +14; TO: -3
• POG: C Terrell Collins 24 pts, 7 rebs

Loyola-Maryland, Won 71-66

• FG: 45-48%; REB: +9; TO: +2
• POG: SG Cain Ward 31 pts, 5-10 3PT

@Old Dominion, Won 81-61

• FG: 54-41%; REB: +14; TO: -4
• POG: SG Cain Ward 31 pts, 3 stls

@Toledo, Lost 75-76 OT

• FG: 46-39%; REB: +16; TO: +10