Calhoun called the Hawkeye rally when they were down 9 with about 5 minutes to go.....
He had to defend himself to his fellow announcer, said Watch Out for the Hawks. He remembered what the Hawks did to Maryland in the second half at Carver. Mentioned the transition D and Offense.....
Coach Calhoun had to keep his love for the Hawks slightly under wraps, but couldn't help himself.....
The Hawks have improved enormously on D. The interior D by Ahmad, Tyler and Cordell punished the badgers. Swarming D helping out on every play demoralized the hapless badgers. One play in particular stands out. After Showalter mugged Peter again, we had the ball out of bounds. Jordan threw the ball to Cordell who faked a pass, turned and charged to the basket along the base line, Showalter jumped into his path, Cordell Slammed into him, staggering Showalter who had a dazed look on his mug and was staggering a bit, obvious, to me, that he was in pain.....
Ahmad and Cordell were instrumental in the victory, Wagner with the steal and basket and Cordell with the rebound and immediate pass to Jordan waiting on the wing to Nail that cold hearted three. He knew the ball was Money before he released it.....
Baer is so important on D, constantly swatting the ball out of the opponents hands, or simply taking the ball away. Jordan is improving on D very well, now keeping people in front of him quite nicely.....
The outcome of the game was evident when the teams came out of the locker room onto the court. The Hawks were laughing and excited. The badgers looked grim and fearful. Immense study in contrasts. Hawks were eager and loose, badgers were very uptight.....
The Lads have made enormous strides since game one this season. They have gradually developed a strong team identity and chemistry, believing in themselves and refusing to give up no matter what the circumstances. The Virginia and NW games were aberrations, not the normal course of the way this team would play. Their teamwork is outstanding as is their ability to carry on when faced with overwhelming obstacles, for instance, the MFing referees. Once again the zebras step outside the bounds of decency and attempt to deny the Hawks a hard fought victory. Read elsewhere that the same crew officiated the double OT games at Lincoln and Minneapolis, along with the game at Wisconsin. Not certain if this is true. If so the Big has answers to give concerning their policies.....
I have confidence that the game at Minnesota will be considered by the Dance Committee. Should be seen as an asterisk loss.....
Beat the Nittany Lions and one in the Big Tournament, followed by a close game, win or lose in the next game and we should be in the Dance. I personally think that one win in the Big Tournament will have us dancing.....!
Merely homeristic speculation, nothing else.....
