I wasn't able to see this game, just caught a score late in the first half that we had a good lead and Uthoff was scoring a buttload and the final score. I expected us to lose but cover the spread on this game. The start I didn't expect. Without reading any other comments, here are a couple of guesses:
1) ISU got some questionable (home court calls) down the stretch
2) Someone, I'm guessing MG, missed some costly FTs
Further, Uthoff seemed to be having a stud game in the first half. ISU must have figured out a way to guard him in the second half and no one picked up the slack. Going forward, Jok has got to fill that role. Woody, MG, and Sapp are nice complimentary players but they are seldom going to carry the team. How we finish the season will, in part, depend on how Jok grows into a Robin role to Uthoff's Batman.
Looking ahead to next year, I think the complexion of this game will change. Both teams graduate a lot of seniors. With Cook and Kriener coming in and Wagner and Hutton gaining a year, the tables may turn as to who is more physical in this matchup next year. But ISU will have the senior PG.
1) ISU got some questionable (home court calls) down the stretch
2) Someone, I'm guessing MG, missed some costly FTs
Further, Uthoff seemed to be having a stud game in the first half. ISU must have figured out a way to guard him in the second half and no one picked up the slack. Going forward, Jok has got to fill that role. Woody, MG, and Sapp are nice complimentary players but they are seldom going to carry the team. How we finish the season will, in part, depend on how Jok grows into a Robin role to Uthoff's Batman.
Looking ahead to next year, I think the complexion of this game will change. Both teams graduate a lot of seniors. With Cook and Kriener coming in and Wagner and Hutton gaining a year, the tables may turn as to who is more physical in this matchup next year. But ISU will have the senior PG.