Player of the Game: UMBC

This one is going to be tough.

Mussini ran the point very well, and scored consistently throughout the game.

When UMBC made their run, and cut the lead the 3, the Durand Johnson we've waited for finally up - and he did it when we needed him most.

M'Vouika is really crafty. He isn't fast, or flashy, but he's one of those guys who has a knack for scoring. He knows to move without the ball, and tonight he was rewarded for that, because his teammates found him in the corners for three pointers.

Sima is going to get into foul trouble. We can see that being the opposition's plan of attack when they face us, but the kid plays at a much higher level than I imagined he would. Tonight, he was ready to block shots, but he did it in a way that didn't cause him to completely lose on the play, and give up a wide open layup. He was so active around the basket that it felt like UMBC couldn't get anything going in the paint.

It's going to be fun next year when he faces Obekpa in round one of the NCAA tournament.

Overall, I'm really impressed with the interior defense. The guards will need to actually guard shooters when we start playing real teams, but tonight, I gotta give the game ball to Musssini again. He played beautifully, again. Hope he builds on it, and continues to get better.

I will say Durand just because he stepped  up big time in the second half when UMBC was making this a tight one. All four guys had very solid games, would have probably gone with Mussini but I think Durand had some big buckets when it looked like they make a run in the early second half.

Mussini. He controls the game

I fittingly gave it to the Parisian for his extremely efficient offensive output.

It was clear to me at the Wagner game that Ron Ron is a very vocal senior leader of this infancy young team.  His leadership role would be greatly enhanced by continued strong showings on the hardwood.

We lose by 10 without Mussini.  Nobody else can handle the ball.

We lose by 10 without Mussini.  Nobody else can handle the ball.

Exactly

While I think Mussini was best player in the game, my vote went to Durand Johnson who stepped up in a big way when UMBC cut the deficit to two points. Johnson scored on the next 4 possessions. That run killed any hope that UMBC had.