Sorry to say that Buchanan's performance in this game was so bad and uninspired as to lead me to question whether he is indeed who I (and we) thought he was, i.e., probably our only guy who is a legitimate, competitive top tier A-10 player.   He seemed completely intimidated and neutralized by the K-State bigs, whose obvious game plan was to neutralize him completely - which they easily did.   I hope I'm wrong and that he'll bounce back and prove to be what I (we) thought he was.   Otherwise, the boys played a spirited second half once they got past their initial shock and awe at playing a markedly more talented squad than they had heretofore encountered.

A few footnotes to LSF’s comments:

In the first half, we were simply overwhelmed by their size, speed and quickness. Hadn’t seen anything like that in our previous games. However, seems we adjusted well in the second half and were more comfortable. Credit to the guys who came out with a lot more energy and confidence after half time.

Jun played with energy and aggressiveness but just couldn’t bully their big guys like he does with smaller and less skilled opponents. Unless he shoots better, teams will pack the paint.

A coming out party for Jones, maybe. Mostly played with confidence and did some good things. Has potential to be a lock down defender.

Hansen just couldn’t match their size and athleticism. Looked lost.

I continue to be concerned about all of our switching on defense. Often puts us in bad matchups size and quickness wise. My observation is that the good defense teams fight over screens and don’t switch as often as we do, to avoid problematic matchups.

LSF and I said hello to the new AD. Nice guy - is here with his family. He said we will play a tournament next year in the Caymans. May charter a plane for fans.

Liberty looked very good - shot layups, dunks and 3s, and made most of them. Loved their guards.

Looking to go 2-1 here.

Helluva battle against a much superior team

Making strides as a program

It's time to do so year 3 for CC

Wisconsin Colonial and I were able to watch the Liberty/Louisana game.    I will repeat that Liberty is very good and very deep.   They outrebounded Louisiana 33-18 and their backcourt was excellent, with WIsconsin Colonial comparing their point guard to Scott Skiles.  Louisiana came out against Liberty much like we came out against K State.   I accurately predicted we would not have 10 points in the first ten minutes (we had 9) and the same was true for Louisiana.  For much of the first half, they were so physically outmatched at every position that they were just firing up some wild 3s and at times looked like they were just throwing the ball at the basket.   Louisiana did seem well coached, but the talent disparity was so great that they really didn't have a chance.  They were ultimately able to get their shooting percentages up to a respectable 44.6 (33.3 from the 3), but most of their makes came during extended garbage time.   Louisiana looks beatable,    Buchanan and Castro should look more like they did during the firts 4 games, as they are not big, but they are quick and if one or two of their players goes off on us, they can beat us, especially if Jacoi is either slowed by injury or even out.  (He was hobbling quite badly the second half of the game last night).   Personally, I would like to see more Autry and Jones and less Moss and Drumgoole, but we are not quite there yet.  Although both may be valuble off the bench, I don't think we are that good when they both start...at least so far.  Likewise, I would like to see us continue to work Bevins in, but it was clear from K State he was not ready for that level of competition.    Same with Dayan.  (Thanks for the update, Poog).  CC continues to more and more have Castro and Hansen on the court together, but I am not sure if that helps us or hurts us.   Our offense is in need of more versatility, and having both on the Court at the same time really seems to tie our hands.