Obviously, i like what we did offensively - understanding the opponent was short esp. inside but quick outside. Shooting overall, from 3 and FTs (78%) all good. The score was fun but it was a product of the kids getting to run and play fast - up and down.
i'm looking forward to hearing Cronin's post game comments because he won't be happy with the defense. PV 47% from the field against us and 48% from outside the arc. In part a function simply of the pace of the game - when you're running up and down and scoring 111 points, the opponent is going to get a whole lot more possessions than if the game is being played in the 50s and 60s. But they found lots of openings also.
When you get 'way up and the game turns into a track meet, i worry about bad habits emerging. But then again in this particular game, that didn't matter and it gives the coaching staff lots of chances to develop teaching points with the individual players and the team.
It was great to see Harris finally get a few minutes and make a couple shots (he was 2-4 (1-1). If he will relax, as traprh has said, he will be a help as the season goes along - especially against teams that try to zone us. Mara is looking better and better. We'll see how he does against actual opposition. IMO he's still going to be necessary. Yes, Cronin sends help for him inside when he's in at the 5 but your opponent starts a game against you knowing - again, when Bilo is playing the 5 - if he feeds the ball in there, he will be playing his other 4 guys against 3 of yours in the half court. Feed in and plan to kick the ball out because you are going to have someone open every time. It's just numbers. And Bilodeau, tough and game as he is, is no match for a real 6'11" or taller and strong true center one-on-one.
The one comfort, as i've thought and shared before, is that Cronin has a record of finding ways to do well even when on paper his team seems badly overmatched inside. Our team that made the run from play-in game to final four during the pandemic year lost our one rim-protector post before the tournament and gave up lots of size inside - the game against Michigan stands out. So we'll see.
But anyway, the scoring was fun to see - same 111 points as Maryland tonight - really didn't expect that - and thankfully the cupcake diet is officially over. From now on it's going to be challenging most of the time. Looking forward to it!