The University of Denver basketball team led almost all game, but failed to score in the final 3:51 of regulation to lose to Iona at Magness Arena. The game winning shot by Randy Dezouvre with four seconds left overtime, gave Iona the 80-78 victory.
Expect the team will take a lot of good lessons on late-game play, especially ball security.
Iona's seniors made plays down the stretch and in OT - DU's seniors did not step up when the game was on the line - Stafford, Lewis and Travis Hallam needed to be better than they were in crunch time.
Disappointing! DU had the game in the bag--Iona definitely picked up their game down the stretch, but DU shot themselves in the foot numerous times. I'm also wondering what happened to Brett Olson in the 2nd half. The kid had like 18 points in the first half, and then finished with just 20 for the game. Not sure why DU didn't stick with the hot hand there.
Olson had plenty of playing time in the second half. Iona adjusted its defensive approach in the second half, going to a smaller, quicker lineup that gave DU fits on three point attempts (DU went 2-6 in the second half), inbounds plays and pressing DU in the backcourt.
I never felt DU had the game "in the bag" at any time, even with the leads they generated. They were playing the most effective offensive team in the country and they haven't really played a tight game this year where the late game jitters often show up.
Disappointing? Yes. But I think the team will learn from it.
I feel like I should actually go see a basketball game this year. Not sure I ever thought that I would say that. The program definitely seems to be on the right course and could be very exciting this year and into the future.
5 comments:
A great game with a rough ending for Pio fans.
Expect the team will take a lot of good lessons on late-game play, especially ball security.
Iona's seniors made plays down the stretch and in OT - DU's seniors did not step up when the game was on the line - Stafford, Lewis and Travis Hallam needed to be better than they were in crunch time.
Disappointing! DU had the game in the bag--Iona definitely picked up their game down the stretch, but DU shot themselves in the foot numerous times. I'm also wondering what happened to Brett Olson in the 2nd half. The kid had like 18 points in the first half, and then finished with just 20 for the game. Not sure why DU didn't stick with the hot hand there.
Olson had plenty of playing time in the second half. Iona adjusted its defensive approach in the second half, going to a smaller, quicker lineup that gave DU fits on three point attempts (DU went 2-6 in the second half), inbounds plays and pressing DU in the backcourt.
I never felt DU had the game "in the bag" at any time, even with the leads they generated. They were playing the most effective offensive team in the country and they haven't really played a tight game this year where the late game jitters often show up.
Disappointing? Yes. But I think the team will learn from it.
I feel like I should actually go see a basketball game this year. Not sure I ever thought that I would say that. The program definitely seems to be on the right course and could be very exciting this year and into the future.
"they haven't really played a tight game this year where the late game jitters often show up."
Certainly what it looked like on tv.
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