What a great win yesterday!

And WHY did they win?... they shot 48% in the 2nd half, made 83% of their free throws, and took better care of the ball than FIU (17 TO's to FIU's 21). Because of the height miss-match, they were out-rebounded 33-44 but caused so much havoc for FIU's perimeter shooters (FIU shot 8% from 3FT, for the game) and held them to 28% overall shooting for the game. We saw clear indication that the "push the ball" game is where this team is more comfortable - because when they came out after half time and hit a few transition shots (plus got some of the FIU players in foul trouble - trying to defend the transition), they were able to takeover and control the game.

What I also saw that helped them win. They didn't quit. We have seen many times over this season, this team get hit with a "run" or come out of the locker room in a deficit only to succumb to the "L". Yesterday - they continued to battle. I believe it was the support of the crowd (you had to see the look of confidence after made baskets), that pushed them through and was a great lift for the team to feel the love from the fans.

In saying that - I am hoping today (for MT), the masses will show up to support the team. MT rolls deep and they are a fanatical bunch (for their womens team) - which usually draws a bigger attendance then the men.

The MT game will be a track meet. MT plays the same style as SS, but they bring to the table 1. Experience (they start 4 Srs, 1 Jr), 2. Experience (they've beat us up pretty bad in the last few meetings) and 3. Experience (they've been here before). They also have a strong following and a sense of entitlement (who the hell is UNT, anyway?).

What will need to happen for the team to be successful?
1. Chemistry
2. Composure
3. Confidence

In any order would be fine. These things are important because MT is experienced. I have seen MT get rattled, but the experience is what gets them through it.

It is also imperative that "fear" be set aside. The last meeting there was absolutely no leadership on the court to keep the younger players composed. We know that MT is going to press the entire game, understanding that and how they handle that is dependent on those 3 "C's".

They will also need to pound the post and attack the basket to get MT in foul trouble. They must be relentless in doing this because in the match-up of underclassmen, I believe we have the advantage since our underclassmen have critical game-time minutes under their belt.

And finally Fan Support. Like I mentioned... MT Rolls deep. They had about 50 fans at our game yesterday. Can you imagine when they bus the students in and the others arrive? It's going to a big confidence boost for our ladies to have a big showing of fans and so important that our fans don't get silenced by the continued onslaught of points MT is capable of scoring. UNT has proven they can score too - so the battle of the fans will be just as important.