Aggies to take Spectrum court against Global Sports
The Utah State men’s basketball team has been struggling lately – with keeping its focus mentally.
After a 106-97 victory over EA Sports on Nov. 2 in the Spectrum, the Aggies had nearly two weeks of practice before their final exhibition game of the season. They will take on the Global Sports All-stars on Friday at 7 p.m. at home.
Some might think the extra practice would give the team more time to work on the little things. Unfortunately, this has not been true for Utah State, which struggled in a closed scrimmage Saturday.
“We didn’t scrimmage well at all,” said USU assistant coach Randy Rahe. “Actually, we took a step backwards from every aspect of the game. A lot of guys didn’t come ready to play.”
Although Rahe said there are no excuses for playing poorly, he saw that the guys were tired – really tired.
He said that after a solid week of practice, the team came to Saturday’s scrimmage, and some of the players couldn’t fight through the fatigue.
“That’s what we’re talking about with our kids,” Rahe said of fighting through the hard times. “Our mental toughness isn’t very good. We’re not very tough as a team. We’re a little bit soft right now.”
Aggie guard Ronnie Ross said besides building up mental stability, the team also needs to work on its defense.
Ross pointed out how against EA Sports, Utah State gave up 97 points, compared to its average of about 60 last season.
“Defense is a major thing,” Ross said. “Defense wins ball games. The offense, you know, will score. We’ve just got to focus on defense.”
Rahe said the team has made baby steps in that area.
Most of the guys are starting to figure out where they should be during certain plays, Rahe said, and the effort the players are putting in has increased. Technique, however, is still lacking.
“I think they’ve got an understanding of our system, we’ve still got to work hard on the technique stuff,” he said.
Utah State will have more of an opportunity to work on the technical aspect of its game against Global Sports than it did against EA Sports, Rahe said. He said the team has received game film, allowing the players no reason for mental mistakes in the game.
Another difference between this exhibition game and the last is the fact Global Sports will defend better and play more organized ball, Rahe said.
One Aggie who hasn’t played much over the last couple of weeks is Desmond Penigar. Rahe said Penigar sat out because of tightness in his knee.
“It’s nothing serious,” Rahe said. “It’s something he is going to have to maintain. He’ll be fine.”
Rahe said Penigar would be ready for Friday’s game.
-juag@cc.usu.edu