every game is key, but given we already have one home loss, this team can't afford to dig itself in a hole

the dilemma now is the team is so exposed for the flaws that are pretty obvious. Big West conference games, teams get scouted a ton and look at the film

it's not unexpected LT is having trouble closing this year, his limitations (no left hand, always posts on the right side, jumper is so-so) are pretty clear by now to Big West coaches. he didn't appear to add any drop-step move to aid him on teh left, or improve his use of his left hand - that all leaves him needing to get position way down low .

thankfully the bright spot last two games was his solid FT shooting, credit to LT for making those .

which means the team has find ways to post AT more on the left IMO and Tsohonis less.

Poly should, operative word is should, be a game somewhat like Fullerton, only better rebounding and they blocked out and took it to Beach in the BWCT on the boards last year. They will try to limit the pace, burn clock out top on possession, and then get some favorable pick n rolls.

Kobe Sanders is solid, I'd expect Jones or AT to be on him a lot. plus Poly will try to get LT and AT with fouls, as getting those two with 2 fouls in the first half makes it an entire different game, with our lack of rebounding block out skills if those two have to sit.


just Beach is in a difficult place, being in January and not having worked out fundamental flaws, vs. where the team should be now making adjustments, not having to teach guys how to play basketball, arggh, when the teaching hasn't worked much anyway until now.

Can we finally start Messiah, and sit Silva to start, or not start both. bring Silva in to be a spot of 3 guy, and move the guy. At least if that was his roll, maybe it would help, who knows.

the two keys to this team are gonna continue to be to
1) Get Messiah integrated, it's the biggest shortfall by far. his role and his performance unfortunately do not reflect anywhere near what he had at prior places. Staff has to find some way to get him comfortable.
2) Tsohonis has to set a better example. I just don't know at this stage of a career if it can be done. Monson has so indulged allowing way to many shit shots, and for some games it's ok I guess cause he goes off, but too many times he's too inconsistent. Team has to get beyond roller coaster basketball. nothing against Tsohonis, but like a broken record the guy has to approach the game like a role player, and the scoring will come. but maybe at this point that mentality is impossible. I can guarantee other Big West coaches watch enough film and don't mind seeing us post Tsohonis and taking their chances, and then will attck him on defense if they watched teh Full & North games.

I think Poly will be a 6-7 pt dog at home, and Riverside a 6-7 pt underdog to us. Neither game, nor any game for this team is a certainty. far from must win time, but losing to either of these two will get closer to that. if Beach has any designs of a top 2 seed then they have to reel off 4 and 5 game win streaks in conference, that's the bottom line, and 2 game losing streaks will relegate this team to lower seeding and forget about the NCAAs if that's the case.

a pre-season top 2 pick, veteran team, and 'experienced' staff, it's time for Monson/team to start acting/playing like it with some consistency and urgency game to game. so far, totally missing unfortunately.

please don't start Silva, sorry, enough already. god forbid this team starts out behind 10 or more again which has happened in waaaay too many games. that's just bad preparation. Poly attackes LT, he gets 2 quick fouls, sits, and then a slugfest with some sloppy turnovers, with this group can see the first 8 minute mark being behind like 21-10 or something like that - that's how CDM rolls apparently. hopefully not, hopefully team comes out and plays like they are behind by 10 to start the games.