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Jan. 31, 2007
Momentum Gains as Gauchos Roll Over UCR and CSF
You know it, they know it, the coaches, the mascot, and maybe even some of the most incompetent referees know that in conference play anything can happen. A successful start can lead to a destructive demise or a misfortunate start can lead to a groundbreaking season. Some of the upsets that come out of conference play are truly amazing. Thanks to a high caliber of play we did not experience one of these upsets while playing our first two conference games. Our success in pre-conference play carried over, mounting victories over the Highlanders of UC Riverside as well as the Titans of Cal State Fullerton. It was a great way to start off a much anticipated conference schedule.
In the week leading up to these two games the intensity level of practice was increased, especially after coming off of the unforeseen loss at USD. It was just what we needed though and quickly proved to get our minds off of our last game. Thatąs one thing that I have noticed about this team, more so than the group from last year or any other team I have played on. When we have a sour taste in our mouths, it doesnąt take long to find the problem, and do everything we can to eliminate it. Of course nobody enjoys losing however some teams place imminent value on the idea of getting back on track. The two wins helped get our team in position to have a successful conference record.
In the days leading up to the games, Coach acknowledged that the season was officially starting and that there would be no easy games. We knew that Riverside hasnąt had the best team lately, however that just placed more incentive on winning. The game was an exciting one, as the Gauchos came out running on all cylinders keeping the Highlanders at bay. Alex Harris contributed considerably adding 32 pts for the Gauchos on 8-17 shots; that spells efficient. Ivan Elliott also rang in a double double with 12pts and 10 boards, dominating the smaller Riverside inside. After the game we looked forward to the upcoming Fullerton Titans and what kind of game Bobby Brown would bring.
As the Titans came into Santa Barbara, they were far from a generation of Gods who established and presided over the ordering of time (for you Greek mythology lovers). They, Bobby Brown included, were not ready for what the Gauchos were about to release. The flesh-eating defense that we unleashed held Bobby Brown, a hopeful NBA draftee, to a mere 10 points. This left all of the limelight to UCSB forward Chris Devine and his 25pt explosion. Leading for most of the game the Gauchos showed that we were not only about offensive firepower. The Titans made a last and final run in the closing minutes however missed threes by Bobby Brown, and free throws by the Gauchos sealed the deal. 8 points decided the difference between the two teams, however if points were awarded for defensive performance, we would have beaten them by twenty.
All in all we could not be more pleased with our performance early in conference. However, like I said before everyone is aware that you canąt predict what will happen come conference play. It is rewarding to know that we have the capability of taking this conference by storm, and plan to do so.
