2008 Woodie Awards
'Necks drop two road games
Ken Woods
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Sports
The Leathernecks were unsuccessful in the first two games of a three-game road trip, as they fell to IPFW, 85-62, and lost to Oakland by a final score of 91-82 on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
Redshirt freshman guard James Washington led the offensive attack for Western (12-16, 7-10 Summit League) in the first contest, scoring 19 points off the bench. The 'Necks also had key contributions from senior guard David Jackson, who tallied 17 points in the loss.
IPFW (12-15, 9-7 Summit) took control of the game and maintained the lead from the first half until the end of the contest. The Mastodons had a commanding 42-28 lead at halftime and increased it to as much as 32 in the second period.
The 'Necks were never able to cut the lead to single digits and lost the first of three straight road games. Coach Derek Thomas said they have to move on and improve their game plan for upcoming opponents.
"We have to just put this one behind us and focus ahead," Thomas said. "Our focus will be on getting ourselves right, not worrying about who we have next and trying to build some momentum heading into March."
The story was the same in the next game as Western could not get a win on the road and was defeated at the hands of the Golden Grizzlies (15-12, 10-6 Summit). David DuBois tied a career high with 20 points in the loss.
The 'Necks were able to stay competitive in this contest, with Oakland only leading 41-40 at halftime. Oakland came out of the break and went on a 15-5 run to increase the lead to 56-48.
Western fought to keep the game close, cutting the deficit to single digits several times in the second period. However, the Golden Grizzlies warded off the 'Necks and closed out the game by a final score of 91-82 to hand Western its second straight loss.
"If I'm going to lose a game, I want it to be like this," Thomas said. "We executed well and did all the little things we needed to do to win, but all year we've said you can't be even with a team on the road. You simply have to be better."
The 'Necks were without Jackson after he suffered a concussion during thursday's game. Western needed his presence on the floor.
"There was no question we were missing (Jackson) tonight," Thomas said. "He's one of our top defenders and rebounders, and you could see we were missing him out there."
The 'Necks close out the regular season Saturday when they face IUPUI at 6 p.m.
Redshirt freshman guard James Washington led the offensive attack for Western (12-16, 7-10 Summit League) in the first contest, scoring 19 points off the bench. The 'Necks also had key contributions from senior guard David Jackson, who tallied 17 points in the loss.
IPFW (12-15, 9-7 Summit) took control of the game and maintained the lead from the first half until the end of the contest. The Mastodons had a commanding 42-28 lead at halftime and increased it to as much as 32 in the second period.
The 'Necks were never able to cut the lead to single digits and lost the first of three straight road games. Coach Derek Thomas said they have to move on and improve their game plan for upcoming opponents.
"We have to just put this one behind us and focus ahead," Thomas said. "Our focus will be on getting ourselves right, not worrying about who we have next and trying to build some momentum heading into March."
The story was the same in the next game as Western could not get a win on the road and was defeated at the hands of the Golden Grizzlies (15-12, 10-6 Summit). David DuBois tied a career high with 20 points in the loss.
The 'Necks were able to stay competitive in this contest, with Oakland only leading 41-40 at halftime. Oakland came out of the break and went on a 15-5 run to increase the lead to 56-48.
Western fought to keep the game close, cutting the deficit to single digits several times in the second period. However, the Golden Grizzlies warded off the 'Necks and closed out the game by a final score of 91-82 to hand Western its second straight loss.
"If I'm going to lose a game, I want it to be like this," Thomas said. "We executed well and did all the little things we needed to do to win, but all year we've said you can't be even with a team on the road. You simply have to be better."
The 'Necks were without Jackson after he suffered a concussion during thursday's game. Western needed his presence on the floor.
"There was no question we were missing (Jackson) tonight," Thomas said. "He's one of our top defenders and rebounders, and you could see we were missing him out there."
The 'Necks close out the regular season Saturday when they face IUPUI at 6 p.m.
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