The Dawgs won another nail biter against another very good mid-major on Tuesday when they took down Oakland 86-82. The Dawgs thus far have proven they are consistently inconsistent. They’ve already scored in the 90s and the 40s this year. While it is worrisome they’ve given up 92 and 82 already, both teams that broke 80 were explosive and at least we scored with them. However, the Dawgs have had their best success the last few years when things get slow and ugly. So does this mean we need to go back to making these games brutal to watch or is this an entirely new program that lights it upmost night? It’s too early to tell but not to speculate. So we’ll do that later on. Up next, Kansas State. They sure want to beat us as we stole a quite ugly affair in Manhattan last year 50-46. When you hear “ugly affair and Manhattan”, you may be thinking Slick Willie is up to something in NYC! But I’m referring to Kansas obviously. But before we talk about beating them, let’s talk Oakland.

Oakland was another quality program with two future NBA prospects on their squad. They combined for 46 points on just 33 shot attempts. Many teams in the NCAA would pay for that type of production. And some probably do. However, the Dawgs had five people in double figures led by JJ Frazier with 23, Yante Maten with 21, and a career high 14 by true freshman Mike Edwards on 7/8 from the floor. Charles Mann and Kenny Gaines poured in 15 and 10 respectively. We had 19 assists and ten turnovers. That’s one of the best ratios we’ve had in the three or four years. At this point in the season, it’s difficult to tell what the Dawgs are. Is this a team that’s going to run and put up 80 points a night or is it a more traditional version of a Mark Fox team that usually plays in the 60s but finds ways to win. I personally think in any sport, the most successful teams have identities. You know what they’re going to do and you still can’t stop it. Right now, I have no idea which direction this team is going. While we looked great offensively Tuesday night, I still remember scoring 49 points on two second half FGs and barely hanging on to beat High Point the night before Thanksgiving. Maybe we have a team that’s just going to find ways to win whether that means scoring 90 or 50. I don’t know but am trying to figure it out. If you do, let me know.

Up next, K State. We took ugly to a new level in that game last year and got a huge road win. They come in a 5-1 with some perplexing scores. In the last three, they’ve thumped Mizzou by 24, they dominated UNC for 36 minutes before getting outscored 21-3 in the final four minutes to lose by ten, and barely beat Savannah State 68-66. So you’ve basically got two big questions marks going against each other tonight. If anyone tells you they know what’s going to happen, they’re running for office. All I know is when we play good defense, hit our FTs and limit the turnovers, we usually win. So my recipe for success tonight is shoot at least 25 FTs and hit over 70%, hold them under their season average in points, and ten or fewer turnovers. If we do that, I like our odds.

The Dawgs are now 3-2 with six out of conference games left. They really need to go 5-1 the rest of the way. I think if we win tonight, we will do that. We’re 25 in the NCAA right now in strength of schedule. So that’s favorable also. If you couple that with eight OOC wins, they’re doing what they need prior to SEC play. However, what we really need tonight is some noise! We need to rattle the barn like it’s an old time Hoedown! So grab your partner, put your dancing shoes on and head on out for some Friday night rocking! You’ll get to see Yante dunk, JJ swish, Kenny jam, and Charles dish. If you’ve got a family, bring them out. If not, bring a friend. If you don’t have a family or a friend, hit the internet. I would think anyone in their right mind on one of the online dating sights would love a hoedown in the Stegasaurus.
[su_spacer size=”20″] Go Dawgs!!