All the ways to blow a 14 point lead

Isabella at games end - totally distraught

Are you serious!  SU leading by 14 points and poof it's gone by games end.  You have the lead with 35 seconds and get the ball stolen only to let Portland State score with 4.9 seconds, not to mention SU was up by eight with 1:38 to go.  Arghh.

As I noted in the previous blog if you are going to have a good season you have to win the games you should win and pull off a few upsets - this is not the way to start your year on the road season opener.

In some respects I am glad I did not make the trip down to P Town for on the way back I would be kicking and screaming the entire three hour ride.
Instead the dogs and I listened to the Groz and I texted to the faithful who did make the trip,  It sounded like an ugly game and I am miffed that SU could force 25 turnovers and lose!

After reviewing the stats I can see why.  SU shoots 38% from the field, 21% from beyond the arc and 53% from the Free Throw line (didn't we talk about this last year) The Redhawks went 7 for 13

How is it Wallace can make three pointers and go zero from twelve uncontested feet?  The Redhawks were relentless on the offensive boards which is a good thing, but also not a good thing because they were missing shots.

I would be much more happy if the game was close throughout and we lost - but with expectations high for the NIT Tournament and this talented of a team it needs to come together and smell blood early on and stay focused.

The next test in the Key Arena home opener this Saturday is no easy task against a talented University of San Fransisco team.  SU should be 1-0 going in and potentially 2-0 by Saturday's end if USF is one of those maybe wins.  Let's hope I don't have to endure an 0-2 start and I have better news to write about and I don't want to write about Free Throws anymore!

Chieftain Chatter & Redhawk Report