We were soundly beaten in S.C. for several reasons. Most of all, 18 3 pointers, a number of which came
because they just couldn't miss (51% from 3) and also because we allowed them to be open. In one case, or two, with enough time to write and send a text, before shooting. Nor did or does our Charmin soft schedule, even with secret scrimmages, do us any favors. And we are very thin with post talent, hard to obtain these days.
Having said that, CC appears to have done a great job recruiting players who can develop and stick around in transfers, Garrett and Darren, Benny who shows some flashes and plays inside, and Stretch on the defensive end. Max, a CC Rookie of the Year recruit, and All-Conference James may have off games, but Max still rebounds and James can actually will us back in games sometimes.
The best takeaway from the S.C. game looks like a real positive. Based on that game against an SEC opponent and what we have seen in earlier games, our freshmen recruits can hang in prime time. Both Trey and Jacoi were indeed bright spots in a pretty dismal loss.
That, if it pans out in the A-10 season now and in future years, really takes some of the sting out of the game.