GW Hoops / GW versus Florida thread

**Posted by xAC** 11/26/2021 9:06 pm

Next up tomorrow at 7:00 PM in the San Juan Shootout: Florida, the 3rd of 4 Power 5 teams that GW will face in the regular season. Florida advanced their record to 5-2 in the first round of the San Juan Shootout this evening with a 69-54 win over St. Louis. St Louis tried to run with Florida in the first half, and was blown out by 19 points, which effectively was the ball game. In the second half, with a slightly slower tempo, St. Louis won the half by a few points.

Florida is a tall and athletic team that likes to run and throw up a lot of shots. They have three players averaging double figures, led by Jordyn Merritt at 12+ ppg, but seem to be deep with a number of capable players.

In order to win, we have to control the tempo, especially defensively, and make Florida work for their shots. Take care of the ball and limit the number of easy baskets for Florida. Box out and gang rebound-- they like to crash the offensive boards. If the game becomes a run and gun affair, it will be a long night.

Last edited by xAC (11/27/2021 10:01 am)

**Posted by Tennessee Colonial** 11/27/2021 7:37 pm

Does Frames play for Florida? She has way too many turnovers.

**Posted by Tennessee Colonial** 11/27/2021 7:44 pm

11 turnovers in first half won't win any game. Way too sloppy and careless.

**Posted by gwstudent2024** **Online!** 11/27/2021 8:15 pm

Anyone know why Laureano hasn't played? Did she get hurt in the game yesterday?

**Posted by BC** 11/27/2021 9:04 pm

GW loses 61-50.

**Posted by xAC** 11/27/2021 9:08 pm

GW on the losing end 50-61. This was an ugly game for GW as our starting point guards had 13 TOs between them. GW had 23 TOs in the game, but Florida had 22. A lot due to the pace UF tried to play at. Ultimately, the tempo hurt us and UF had more easy shots than we did. A lot of our TOs were the very bad kind, leading to easy buckets for UF.

Florida shot 49% for the game, but we only gave them 49 shots. Against St. Louis yesterday, they threw up 73 shots. By contrast, we took 53 shots and hit 38%. Otherwise, the statistics were basically a push and Florida won because they made 4 shots more than we did. If you counted the number of missed layups and drives to basket we missed, you could surmise that this game was winnable. I'm not sure what it is, but we don't seem know what to do with the ball when we drive (many times inadvisably) other than to slam it off the backboard or throw up a 1 ft shot from 3 ft away. If we could fix this issue, we could find more success this season.

On the bright side, despite giving up 49% FGs, the defense was pretty good, holding them down to a low number of shots. UF has a lot of good shooters (and good jump shooters), so holding them down was critical. Also, I'm always surprised at the different rotations Coach McCombs uses, but it's good that a lot of players are getting some experience. I'm not sure why Laureano didn't play, but we really do have a balanced squad talent wise. If we only had some height....

So the winning streak ends. Time to start a new one.

Last edited by xAC (11/30/2021 9:46 am)