Big time comeback from the ladies tonight.  Defense locked down in the 2nd and 3rd Quarters.  Offense looks like it may need some time still to get going.

It's never easy to win on the road, and the team played significantly better in the second half. Loved the fact that we tried to establish the post coming out of halftime, and Maren seemed to be a bit more comfortable within the offense, coming down with rebounds that she wasn't in the first half.

Another positive was that WBB won a game where Nya wasn't unconscious from three. That's a good sign for sure. Madison Buford stood out defensively in the first game, but really just provided great energy on both ends. That was a big difference maker in the game.

I said it last year as well, but Faith needs to get more attempts when in the game. She's a good shooter who doesn't get enough attempts. Two huge threes at critical moments of the game and did some good things defensively. The same is true for Essence, who kind of disappears for stretches of each game. Hope Nya Lok is okay as she seemed to be hobbling towards the end (hoping it was just cramps).

Monica Marsh did a decent job in the second quarter even though the team struggled. Had some good looks on multiple occasions even though the shots didn't fall. I'm curious what GW's offensive numbers look like in the second quarters of games under McCombs. They seem to always struggle just before halftime.

xAC wrote:

Taiwo is trying to adjust to Durant’s presence on the court. Not playing in the middle on offense is a change for her, and in two games, she has yet to score from the field.

I agree with this - I also think this is what is causing her to only receive the ball at the top of the key instead of closer to the basket given the space Maren occupies on the court. Despite that, the fact that Mayowa had to take multiple threes in the game signaled poor offensive execution. The perimeter shooting isn't as good as last year so far, but I think playing Taiwo-Durant together has compromised spacing as well.

I don't want to end on a sour note after a win, but I can't help but feel that McCombs may be a floor raiser (the defense is good for the most part) but not necessarily a ceiling raiser based on how the offense has looked in her tenure. It's only game 2, but I can't see the team find a way to hit 70 points even periodically. Buford and Durant were good additions, but I don't know if it makes up for the lost perimeter production. There are times where the offense is way too predictable (which Manhattan was ready for on several trips) and the 1-on-1 takes to the hoop don't promote team passing. They aren't all bad looks, but it takes away from the opportunity to get better quality shots. I'm just not convinced the team talent (overall) is better than last year, although it's definitely early. It's good to have roster balance with regards to scoring, but unlike last year I'm not seeing a reliable #2 option (although hopefully Buford can take that on). Hoping Asjah is able to make it back soon because the guard depth looks rough.

Regardless, the team won both games and how they were won doesn't matter. On to the next!
 

Great stuff.  Keep the articles coming!!