One could almost go so far as to say the men’s basketball team likes wires.
They ride atop the Great West Conference, with a very impressive 8-1 conference record, and an equally impressive 17-9 record overall. Sounds like one heck of a basketball team. The number two team, Houston Baptist, is 8-2 in the Great West, and 9-19 overall, which probably says a lot more about their opponents than the quality of the squad.
But take a look at how they win. It’s less domination and more a matter of being just better than the other team. A one point victory over Texas-Pan Am, which showed the glory of teamwork against all odds. A neck and neck three point defeat handed to Utah Valley. An equally intense four point win over Chicago State.
This past weekend, the team had a double digit lead throughout the second half. Then, with 3:18 to go, poof, it was a five point lead. A few key plays by the Highlanders and it would have been one sweet comeback for a team that rests happily (or not so happily) just outside the podium spots in the Great West.
Then, once the wire was properly established, it was time to do what the Coyotes seem to be doing best this season—shoot free throws. Whatever it is about free throws, the male ‘Yotes seem to like them best when the game comes down to the bloody end, and they promptly regained the lead and had a suitable 10 point win.
Obviously, it works. If all anyone really wants is that W, it works splendidly. If the fans who sit idly by in the student section want a good show they get one each and every time the Coyotes play.
In my opinion, they don’t want a good show, because while the Coyotes fend off last minute comebacks with gritty play and free throws, they sit there like they are attending a golf tournament where stern looking guards wave SHHHH signs at them. But that’s a debate for another day.
The Great West conference championships are coming up, and while it may be fun to have those wire victories and seize the bit at the last possible second, to play like the team which is behind, to drive and have that fire throughout the game, not just the end, is what really matters.
0 Responses to “Enough of the Wire Coyotes”