Shooting close to 60 percent from the field and over 50 percent from beyond the arc, the Dillard Blue Devils proved to be a team on a hot streak last Thursday night, defeating the Wolfpack 89-70.
The strong perimeter showing allowed Dillard to gain a 48-35 halftime lead. Despite out-rebounding its opponent and converting numerous chances at the free throw line, the ‘Pack (8-9, 1-4 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) replicated its first half production of 35 points. Junior guard James Bunn, management junior, led the team with 15 points.
Coach Michael Giorlando said the team’s inability to adjust to Dillard’s hot hands and control the tempo of the game resulted in the early deficit. The Blue Devils’ high screens and penetrating guards allowed for open looks, causing problems for the ‘Pack’s man-to-man defense.
He said that the focus on defense has not been on blocking shots but on “trying to make it difficult for the opponent to score and impossible for them to rebound.”
The team will continue to stress a ball control offense, allowing them to better manage rhythm and create more open looks for shooters, Giorlando said.
He said the work of forward Zack Tyson, management senior, has been impressive. Tyson, the Wolfpack’s top scorer, provided a strong inside presence and proved to be a weapon from the 3-point and free throw lines against Dillard. “He has really stepped up his game since conference play,” said Giorlando.
Tyson scored a season-high 25 points Jan. 6 in a 69-63 loss to Southern University of New Orleans.
Daniel Schmidt and Luke Zumo combined with Tyson to lead the ‘Pack to a 74-64 victory over the Spring Hill Badgers on Jan. 8.
Mobile’s tough defense Jan. 10 resulted in a 70-48 defeat for Loyola. Mobile was ranked 18th in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics poll at the time.
The 60-58 loss to Belhaven was a battle for the duration of the Saturday night game.
Giorlando said that it was the ‘Pack’s defense that almost earned the men a win, and that it was an accomplishment to hold the Blazers to 60 points and only 22 at the half, when the team was averaging 80 points a game.
Giorlando added that center James Olivard, marketing junior, who recently became eligible for play after filming the movie Glory Road last semester, has given the team a spark. Olivard led bench scorers with 12 points against Dillard.
Giorlando said he was pleased by the size and fervor of the Wolfpack crowd in attendance at the Den last Thursday night. He said he hopes that students will continue to support the 8-9 team.
The ‘Pack was scheduled to face LSU-Shreveport on the road yesterday at 7:30 p.m., and an afternoon game is slated for tomorrow against William Carey in Hattiesburg, Miss. at 1 p.m.
Chris Liuzza can be reached at [email protected].
