By Paul Gotham
First reactions from FGCU’s 71-58 victory over the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits.
Knowing the scouting report
South Dakota State entered play averaging 76.2 points a game. The Jackrabbits were hitting 45.9 percent from the floor and 31.3 percent behind the arc. At halftime, head coach Scott Nagy commented: “We want to play faster than them.” FGCU wasn’t having any of that. SDSU scored two fast break points for the game. The Eagles limited the Jackrabbits to 32 percent from the floor (20-62) including 20 percent from long range (4-20). How? FGCU did not allow any easy baskets. The Jackrabbits rarely had advantage situations. Those opportunities were almost non-existent in the second half when FGCU outscored their opponent, 40-27. When SDSU tried to push the ball in transition, they found at least two Eagles between them and the basket. Jake Bittle and Cody Larson came into the game averaging more than a combined 28 a game. The duo scored 20.
Finding balance
FGCU outscored SDSU in the paint (30-26), second chance points (15-12), fast break points (6-2) and bench points (26-12). The Eagles held an advantage at the free throw line (16-23 to 14-17). FGCU also hit 45.5 percent from long range (5-11). Three Eagles scored in double figures: Brett Comer (14), Julian DeBose (12) and Bernard Thompson (11). Nate Hicks and Jamail Jones added nine apiece. Worth noting this game was played in South Dakota. It was at a neutral site (Sanford Pentagon), but definitely an SDSU crowd.
Play of the game
FGCU grabbed its biggest lead of the game at 15 with 8:53 remaining. The Jackrabbits used a full-court press to trim the deficit to nine with 2:58. On the next possession, with SDSU finding momentum and the crowd showing its approval, Comer responded with a gutty drive as the clock was winding down. The senior guard converted the and-one to push the lead back to double digits. It was as close as the Jackrabbits would get.
Experience matters
Comer and Thompson combined for two points in the first half. The true senior backcourt netted 23 after the break. Entering play the duo has combined for more career points (2,622) and assists (858) than any other guard tandem in the country.
Get off my cloud
With his 11 points, Thompson became the 35th player in Atlantic Sun history to reach the 1,500 point plateau.
Dishing dimes
Comer, top ten in the nation in assists, handed out a game-high four Sunday evening. The Winter Park, Fla. native has 54 helpers on the season and averages 8.3 a game.
More than #DunkCity
Their calling card is the dunk. There is no questioning that. Don’t overlook the Eagles defense. Beside the previously mentioned defensive transition, FGCU frustrated the Jackrabbits with precision work in doubling down on the post. It was text book execution with all five players rotating to take away post-to-post passes and open looks on inside-out passes.
The waiting is the hardest part
Wisconsin transfer, George Marshall (Chicago, Ill/ Chicago Brooks College Prep) will be eligible to play at the end of this month for South Dakota State. The junior point guard will bring an added dimension to SDSU’s offense. The addition of Marshall could get the Jackrabbits over the hump in the for Summit League title.
High praise
Game commentators quoted SDSU’s Nagy as saying that “Tyler Flatten is the best recruit he has had in 20 years.” Keep that in mind. Worth noting when considering SDSU alum Nate Wolters was a 2nd round pick in the 2013 draft and currently holds a roster spot with Milwaukee’s Bucks. Flatten took just four shots in 17 minutes, Sunday. But don’t overlook him. The 6-6 redshirt freshman has a dynamic game. He can score behind the arc, off the dribble and in the post.
Look ahead
SDSU hosts Wayne State, Wednesday night. A 7 p.m. tipoff is scheduled. FGCU hosts Florida Tech also on Wednesday.
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