Dons Notes: Previewing Nicholls State
Nov 24, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Joseph Young (3) defends as San Francisco Dons guard Tim Derksen (32) dribbles the ball in the first half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco gets back to the hardwood Saturday night as they host the Nicholls State Colonels from Louisiana. The Dons should be well rested after a two week break primarily made for the completion of finals. The two week break could not have come at a better time for the Dons, especially after a surprising loss to a since impressive Illinois State Redbirds team. With news about former point guard Cody Doolin still swirling in the Bay Area news, the Dons are desperate to re-brand their team.
The way the Green & Gold played during their final match of the Golden Gate Challenge left Dons fans worried that USF may once again get caught-up as a mediocre team in a quickly improving West Coast Conference. With the inability to blow out weaker opponents and the difficulty to put away tougher challenges late in the non-conference schedule, the Dons seem to be forced to change their game plan and try a different approach on the court.
Never the less, it seems that Rex Walters and the Dons still have their eyes on the WCC Championship prize. However, with limited playing time before WCC play begins, it is going to be difficult to change the dynamic of a post-Doolin-centric team. Matt Glover is stepping up and taking most of the PG time over Corey Hilliard. Unfortunately, Glover has limited time at PG with his experience dating back to the Don’s first game without Doolin. Secondly, USF has had a difficult time on the defensive side of the ball. So far, the Dons have allowed an average of 80.2 points per game defensively. USF has averaged 85.2 points per game. However, it seems that USF has improved his season in the rebounding department. They currently average more rebounds than their opponents with a average of 36. rebounds per game.
Nicholls State has had a one week break of their own and have rebounded well with a two game winning streak after opening the season with four straight loses. The Colonels are going to try to keep their momentum against the Dons by staying hot with their shooting. During their last win over Loyola-LA, the Colonels shot 50% from the field. Additionally, Nicholls is a very disciplined squad who rank 9th in the nation in fewest turnovers.
Another special side note before USF and Nicholls’ first ever match up is the looming milestone for Colonels head Coach J.P. Piper. Piper is one win away from recording his 100th career win as a head coach. Another two wins will give Piper sole possession of third place on the Nicholls State all-time list.
Nicholls State will play three games in the next six days. The final two games of their road trip are scheduled to be played in Indiana. They are going to try to get off to a good start against the Dons. Even though USF has been an aggressive team on the offensive side of the ball, expect their game play to slow down and shot selection to improve. This style of play could be reminiscent to the 2010-2011 Dons with lower scoring totals. If Nicholls State play compliments USF’s slower tempo, the Dons may yet again be in trouble late in the game.
With time running out before conference play and limited non-conference games remaining, the Dons will need to regroup quickly.
One for The Road
For anyone interested in Colonel Pride…