Game Notes
Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball coach Todd Lee has had a chance to fully his team's strengths and weaknesses this week after playing three games in five days.
On the positive side on the ledger is the Panthers having made significant improvement taking care of the ball. They're averaging 14 turnovers a contest.
The No. 7 Panthers' defense and rebounding, however, continue to frustrate Lee.
"I've learned we're not very good defensively, that we've got a long way to go," Lee said. "And we're still experimenting with guys in different positions."
Lee expects to settle on a lineup soon. But he doesn't believe that alone will solve the defensive lapses.
"We've got to have more of a focus, and part of it has to do with a lack of depth," Lee said. "When you have someone to sub in because of lack of effort or not following te scouting report, that gets their attention.
Lee KWC teams have usually excelled on the boards, which has added to the coach's frustration.
"At times we've gone smaller, but I thought it would be a better rebounding team, especially with one guy at the top of the league in rebounds," said Lee, noting that
Anthony Young is averaging 8.4 rebounds a contest.
Part of the Panthers' rebounding woes is directly linked to their defensive lapses. With opponents shooting a high percentage, rebounding opportunities are limited.
"The other night we had 13 offensive rebounds, which is good, but 15 defensive rebounds," Lee said, "There's not a lot of rebounds when teams shoot 60 percent."
KWC (9-2, 2-2 Great Lakes Valley Conference) will look to improve in both facets when it hosts Drury (9-3, 2-2) at 3:15 today at the Sportscenter.
But after a trip to Wisconsin-Parkside and Saint Joseph's earlier in the week, then having hosted Missouri S&T on Thursday fatigue becomes a concern.
"It is, especially coming off a long road trip, which is different than having played in Louisville or Evansville, because we got home at 4 a.m. Wednesday morning and then played Thursday," Lee said. "That's really tough, and I don't think it's good for young athletes.
"It also mentally fatigues you, and I worry about injuries, because when you're tired is when you get hurt."
Compounding the issue for KWC is Drury runs a motion offense that presents few chances for defenders to rest.
"You also can't simulate it in practice, with them flying around," Lee said. "They're a tough team, and they're deep."
Drury, which is coming off an 85-75 loss at Bellarmine on Thursday, is led by guard Alex Hall, who averages 21 points per game. Lee said, "he's one of the best shooters in the country."
Center Chris Parks averages 12.3 ppg and 7.7 rebounds.
Young's 20 ppg lead four KWC players averaging in double-figures, including
Cardell McFarland at 17.8 ppg and
Kwan Waller at 13.9 ppg.
