BrianLester posted on February 02, 2012 00:40
By BRIAN LESTER
STAFF WRITER
Temptation to take a 3-pointer is hard to resist.
Of course, when the shot goes down, it often provides a dose of momentum. When teams continue to launch long-distance shots even when they find iron instead of net, it can be a problem.
Striking a balance of when to shoot the trey and when to hold back is something teams have dealt with in the 25 years the shot has been a part of the college game.
The University of Findlay men's basketball team appears to have found that balance as it prepares to open a two-game road swing today in the Upper Peninsula with a 7:30 p.m. Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against Michigan Tech at the SDC Gymnasium. UF plays at Northern Michigan on Saturday.
"You can't fall in love with the three, especially on the road," Findlay head coach Charlie Ernst said. "While we have good shooters on this team and have made improvements, sometimes you have to find different ways to win on the road. Having a good inside game and creating points off of turnovers are ways to do that."
Still, Findlay (15-4, 9-3 GLIAC) is a viable threat from beyond the arc. In their last three games, the Oilers have drilled 27 treys, shooting over 50 percent from 3-point range twice.
Sean Samsel (29), Aaron Robinson (27), Kyle Caiola (24) and Geg Kahlig (21) have led the assault. The Oilers are shooting 41.8 percent from beyond the arc and 49.3 percent overall.
Junior guard Aaron Robinson said extra time in the gym has paid off.
"Guys are in the gym before or after practice getting shots up," Robinson said. "We all know it's important for us to keep getting extra shots up because we have a lot of guys on this team who can shoot the rock. The extra time in the gym is helping our shooting become more consistent. We're building good habits."
Execution of the offense will be key against Michigan Tech (10-9, 8-4), which is a tough, well-coached team despite the fact that it has lost three of its last five games, falling 91-69 to South Division leader Hillsdale last Saturday.
Tech is averaging 70 points per game and giving up 66.3. Junior forward Ali Haidar has been the focal point of the offense (17.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg); senior forward Mike Hojnacki (11.8 ppg) has made 29 treys; sophomore guard Austin Armga (10.3 ppg) is the only other player in double figures. The Huskies have five players who average seven or more points per outing.
"Playing Michigan Tech is always a challenge. They have had some ups and downs but coach (Kevin Luke) always has his guys ready to play," Ernst said. "They won't beat themselves. You have to be able to execute and play hard to be successful."
The game against Tech will be the first of four consecutive road games for UF and the have just one league win away from home.
But after playing consistent in three consecutive wins at home, the Oilers appear ready for the rigors of life on the road.
"We have a ton of confidence and we want to keep it going," junior forward Jack Smith said. "February is a big month and as long as we play hard, especially on defense, we'll have a chance to collect big road wins."
Women out to end streak
The Oilers head North to face Michigan Tech at 5:30 p.m. today. Findlay (12-7, 6-6) will try to end a two-game slide against the 2011 NCAA Division II national runner-up.
The Huskies (13-5, 8-4) are coming off of an 82-77 road loss to Hillsdale but are led by junior guard Sam Hoyt (15 ppg), who has knocked down 44 3-pointers; senior center Lynn Giesler (12.8 ppg); and senior forward Lyndsey Lindstrom (10.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg).
Tech is averaging 65 points giving up 56.6, while shooting 41.8 percent from the floor and holding opponents to 37.8 percent.
The Oilers were beaten 71-55 by No. 9 Ashland on Saturday and are tied for fourth in the South Division. UF is averaging 67.4 points and giving up 61.6. Kayla Brown (12.8 ppg) and Clare Aubry (11.3 ppg) lead the Oilers.
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