This win was one of those games where I kept on wondering when we were going to pull ahead and just blow them out already. Then we did, and there was much rejoicing. The way the Aggies were shooting, it really just seemed like a matter of time, but the Bulldogs went through those couple hot streaks from deep that cockblocked USU from pulling away.
Then Kyisean Reed happened...
His six rebounds in the second half alone would have been good enough to lead the team for the game, but his 16 second half points is what took over the game. And it wasn't just the fact that he was scoring at such a high volume, but the way he was doing it. Tonight was the Kyisean Reed that can take this team to a different level, both with his ability to create scoring opportunities in the post and the high-flying aspect that he brings to the table. The kinds of dunks he had tonight are the kind that could potentially shake The Spectrum to the ground during a big game when the crowd is full and rowdy as hell (like, say... Saturday, against New Mexico State, on ESPN2?)
Amazingly enough though, Reed's 20 points didn't lead the team. Preston Medlin was feeling it from all over the floor, shooting 9-of-14 for 22 points. You may or may not have read about my feelings on Medlin at any point, but they are favorable. He's really, REALLY good! And he's still getting better. At one point early in the game Thursday, Pre-Med had the ball with the shot clock winding down, pointed to a teammate as to where to set a screen for him, and used it PERFECTLY to get a good shot off. The end result was a made 3-pointer.
More and more, Medlin seems to have a good feel for how much space he has to get a shot off and how to create that space for himself. He's got a quick enough release that an entire play doesn't need to be run for him to get a good look, just a single screen will often suffice. And even when teams are able to switch on to stopping Medlin, if teammates are on the ball, Pre-Med will find them with a pass. His future is really really exciting.
All in all, tonight was an encouraging win based on the team-effort they put out there. Ideally it would be nice to see more assists than just 13 against a team like LA Tech, but I'm starting to think that any double-digit win at home over other WAC teams during this rebuilding year should be enough to smile about.
Now build on it, because Saturday is a big one, and this team could use a big win to jump start what I'm sure we're all hoping is a good finish to this season.
NOTES
- Ben Clifford is a freaking stud! Seven points, five rebounds and two blocks off the bench is something you have to be stoked on. BUT... It's not just the numbers that excite me. Like I said about Medlin's progression and how he's learning when he has space to work with and how to capitalize on it, Clifford is showing a few of those moments too. He might not even have a chance to start until his junior year, but by then he might be ready for that kind of role. Having a solid guy off the bench until then will be quite nice.
- Jordan Stone is getting there too. Still a long way to go, and I still think that redshirt year would do wonders, but imagine him after a redshirt and two full offseasons with Stew before hitting the court again. I think the kid is gonna be a star. We'll need to be patient, but I feel like there's very noticeable improvement in his game already, and there will be plenty more to come.
- If/when Danny Berger gets his deep ball going (and that may not happen until next year), he's going to be scary offensively. All season he's seemed calm and in control when he drives the lane looking to create, whether he's creating for himself or for teammates. Add a 3-point threat to that, plus more experience (and please God more muscle), he's going to be awesome.
- Why the hell was the student section so empty tonight?!?! The ones who showed up got loud at times, but damn... Get out and go crazy for the Aggies.
Player of the Game: Kyisean Reed
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