The Milwaukee Panthers knew this season's non-con schedule was going to be a challenge, and it has started out exactly according to expectations- maybe a bit worse.
USC's Galen Center was the site of the season-opening loss
Monday night, we had the fortune of playing on USC's home court, and despite a few flashes of potential, we look every bit the outmatched and outhustled team who was thoroughly dismantled in this game.
USC wore down the Panthers with a giant-sized roster; a formidable front line and quick guards that were easily able to slash and shoot at will against our team all night.
6'-11" Trojan freshman Adonis Ratliff led USC with 25 points which included shooting 5-7 from three.
Amare Hereford led all Panther scorers with 14 (but 5 turnovers) while Tre Norman (13) and Isaiah Dorceus (10) also scored in double figures.
We were out-assisted by the Trojans 25-10, which is a sobering statistic that really stands out. USC would go on to win an easy buy game victory over Milwaukee, 95-63.
It wasn't even close for a possession or two... (granted, USC is really, really good)
On Wednesday night, we began the game without scoring a field goal for the first seven minutes. It was excruciating to watch a good-but-not-great Santa Clara Broncos team impose their will with basket after basket- and a barrage of triples later in the game!
Coach Lundy was called for a double-technical foul late in the first half and was ejected from the game. That actually sparked a minor Panther rally to close the half with a 7-0 run.
But the Broncos were relentless. They never trailed in this game. Santa Clara controlled the second half and would go on to win, 95-72, handing Milwaukee its second loss of the season.
The second California game also, wasn't close
It wasn't close. It wasn't very entertaining. But like USC (and TCU and Florida and Oregon State and Vandy ahead) it did bring in some needed money to the program, and it was experience (which is what this teams needs most).
Aaron Womack scored 14 on 4-8 from the perimeter and Tre Norman, despite his five turnovers, did hand out 5 assists. Assists are something this team needs more of. In addition to a defense that doesn't seem to be nearly as fierce as we need it to be, the lack of ball movement and shot setup on the offensive end is, concerning.
Oh and, we were out-assisted by the Broncos: 29-11.
No better time to work toward a win to break this losing streak and get ready to compete in the tough upcoming non-con games ahead. We play Ripon this Sunday at noon at the Klostche Center.
Improving defense, assists/passing and perimeter shooting are probably this team's highest priorities right now.
go panthers.
shock the world. 🌆🏆🏀
Comments