Holy War 2009: Quick Recap

Posted by Jamie on December 10, 2009
Out-Of-Conference Play
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Villanova 97

Safety School 89

SEND IT IN SOUTHPAW!

SEND IT IN SOUTHPAW!

Given the importance and excitement of tonight’s game, I’m going to have a more in-depth look at this season’s edition of the “Holy War” first thing in the morning. Until then, I’m going to hand it off to the greatest color man in the business, Bill Raftery.

“King is not just a pretty face out there! Shootin’ that deep one! That is a gorgeous delivery to Pena. Send it in big fella!! … Or lay it in… “


– Raft referring to a sweet Taylor King pass to Pena in the 2nd Half


I mean what else can be said about the kid? 20 points and 9 rebounds ain’t half bad, right? Its obvious that we at IBBW have had a man crush on TKing for awhile now and he just continues to mature and grow as a player on a nightly basis. Now, obviously he’s not without his faults as we witnessed on that failed dunk attempt in the 2nd half. However, as I’ll get into more tomorrow, King, Pena and Scottie have a nice thing working at the moment with the offense and it’ll be interesting to see which way the team moves as tougher contests lay ahead.

“How ’bout that?? With a little blessing from above!” – Raft on the circus runner in the lane by Scottie Reynolds to start the 2nd Half


I know Chris has pointed it out, but man how lucky are we that Scottie is still around as a Senior? Tonight was a typical game by the Senior from Virginia as Reynolds held the team together throughout his 22 point performance at the Palestra. At around the 6 minute mark in the 2nd Half, I said to myself that Scottie needed to take over this game if we were to hold on and come out victorious. Glad to see he did just that. Oh and of course there was the “OMFG SCOTTIE DON’T SHOOT THAT….I MEAN THAT’S A GREAT SHOT SCOTTIE!” moment just to put a bow on his career against my Safety School.

“Well thats transition D at its best… Don’t give up anything easy. You think they got an easy one…… GET OUT OF TOWN!!!” – Raft on the Pena block around the 8 minute mark in the 1st Half


Pena continues to shine as he has all season long. He’s certainly made a believer out of this fan and I think that his valuable experience (albeit somewhat limited last year) will come into play greatly as we take the turn on a tougher schedule as the calendar hits 2010 in a few weeks.

Some more stats to hold you over until the full recap in the morning:

  • Villanova had 8 less FTs than the Dead Hawks in the 1st Half
  • Followed by 31 FTs in the second half, converting all but 1 (30)
  • Villanova won the rebound battle 39 to 23
  • Isaiah Armwood continues to prove quality over quantity (shooting 60% from the field on the season…..on 10 shots)
  • VILLANOVA chants echoed throughout the Palestra loudly as the game came to a close

A shout out to the students who made the trip down to Philly for the game as they were very loud and made 100 or so fans sound more like 800 throughout the game.

One more Raftery quote on Taylor King to hold us over until tomorrow. . . .

“A little pick and pop…. oh is that honey?!?! AND MONEY!!!!!”


..ook fine 1 more…

“He’s becoming the answer! Anything deep is in his range!!” – The Raft

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7 Comments to Holy War 2009: Quick Recap

login77
December 10, 2009

I think there was a point in the game where Scottie looked and was playing like he was possessed. He was unbelievable for us!

Also Cheek and King have the longest arms of anybody!

SeanDon
December 10, 2009

My all-time favorite line from the Raft:

“I refuse to comment about Villanova and traveling.”

Chris
December 10, 2009

login — I remember that moment. He was f*cking fired up. High-fiving his teammates (violently) and just had that look in his eye that made you realize he was in the zone.

SeanDon – When he came out at Hoops Mania in 2005 with the blinder glasses and a cane and proceeded to make fun of himself, I truly began to appreciate the man.

J92
December 10, 2009

I don’t mean to be a donwer here – all in all a great game. However, there is a lot of room for improvement:

1. As good as Socttie has been and is, his turnover to assist ratio is really not good(6 turnovers, one off the foot). I think you still have to question some of his decision making. On that lucky shot if he simply dished to the open man in the lane, you hae an easy basket. We can get away with this vs St. Joe’s but not against the better teams.

2. Team Defense — St. Joe’s kept running the same pick to the left wing successfully again and again. Looks like guys aren’t sure where to match up. In particular, Sutton looks a little lost out there. Redding should help, and hopefully they improve throughout the year.

3. Stokes tends to disappear. He has flashes of brilliance but as a Junior I was hoping for more consistency.

On the positive notes – you do have to love King – his long range shot is going to stretch out defenses and he brings great intensity. Pena has been a rock, and I continue to be impressed with the maturity of Wayns – which is great because you can give Fisher or Reynolds a rest and not put yourself in a hole.

It’ll be interesting to see how Redding fits in to the mix…

Chris
December 10, 2009

All good points J92 (I mention Reynolds turnovers in my recap that is coming up shortly). But that is Scottie. Makes a lot of things happen (4 steals, 5 assists) but also will turn it over. It is what it is.

I’m a little disappointed in our D the last two games. Redding coming back in 10 days really comes at a good time.

Agree on Pena. Looking like he could be a lock for BIG EAST Most Improved. Averaging a double-double is more than anyone hoped for from him.

nova fan in texas
December 10, 2009

all good points fun game to watch. st joes is always going to give us their best effort. Raftery is the best in the business… Taylor King is amazing for a transfer to have such passion for a program. I remember last year at the final four sitting behind him at the game and he was pumped. I didn’t know if this was for show or what but this kid is the real deal, genuine and loves this team and his teammates and sure I cringe as he dives on the floor for the 6th time this season but I love it… color me impressed

I Bleed Blue and White » Blog Archive » The Hawk Is Still Dead
December 10, 2009

[...] as evidenced by his 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals effort. Plus 12-14 from the line. As login77 noted in the Jamie’s recap, there was a point in the 2nd half where he looked possessed, [...]

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