ALEXANDRIA, LA---USW took on the 20th ranked LSU-Alexandria Generals on Monday evening in a RRAC matchup. Despite the highest point total of the season, the 78 points was not enough to defeat the Generals. USW fell 96-78.
"We played our best game of the year but still made too many mistakes to give us a chance to win. To open up the second half and allow them to go on a 28-4 run is unacceptable for a team who is trying to get their first win. Once we clean up the turnovers I think we will be able to put a complete game together. On the bright side, we shot 64.3% in the second half and scored 47 points. Hopefully this gets us on track with our scoring. We need to clean some things up offensively but I think we will get there. I'm proud of these guys because when they went on their run, we didn't quit. We fought back each possession and finished the game strong. That is a sign we are headed in the right direction." said Head Coach
Cory Hitchcock following Monday night's game.
The Mustangs were led by
Thurbil Bile who had a monster game and a career-high in points with 28 points. Bile was 12-20 from the field and 4-4 from the free-throw line. The sophomore also recorded 5 blocks, 4 rebounds and 3 steals in 27 minutes of play.
"This was Thurbil's best offensive game of his career. He had 28 points while shooting 60% from the field. We spoke to him and told him for us to be a good team he has to start being aggressive. 8 shots a game won't get it done. In the first half, he was looking to score periodically but not really being aggressive. In the second half, we really tried to get him touches and he went to work. Once he found his rhythm, he started gaining more confidence. Exploding for 24 points in the second half was a huge spark for us. It was also great to see Derrick be aggressive. If both of those guys can get in double digits each game we will start seeing more success." said Coach Hitchcock of his two leading scorers.
Derrick Hall scored a season-high 11 points on 3-4 shooting including 4-4 from the free-throw line. Hall also recorded 6 assists and 5 rebounds.
The Mustangs entered the half down 39-31, playing arguably their best half of the entire season, which gives Hitchcock confidence moving forward. "The first half was amazing because we showed glimpses of how good we can be. To see them come out with energy and fight against the #20 team in the nation and battle with them was fun to watch. I thought defensively we were in the right position most of the time and we finished our defensive possessions by boxing out so they weren't getting second and third opportunities. Also, since we were working the clock a little bit, we weren't allowing them to have extra possessions which was helpful. I saw a lot of growth from this team today and I think they are starting to see what it will take to compete at a high level. The road doesn't get any easier with #18 Talladega College on Wednesday and Thursday. I love that we are playing a tough schedule because it's forcing us to grow and mature quickly. This is a great group to coach and I am ready to get back in the gym with them today and get to work."
USW will take on #18 Talladega College on Wednesday night on the campus of LSU-Shreveport.
