Lack of defense raises red flag in Idaho’s opening exhibition game
The final score in Idaho’s opening exhibition game Friday in Memorial Gym was one more likely to be seen in an NBA game than in a college basketball game.
Stephan Wiebe
The Vandals’ 139-115 victory over Simon Fraser offered a glimpse of what could be an exciting offense this season, but allowing 115 points to a NCAA Division II opponent raises questions.
Idaho allowed 74.6 points per game last season — the third worst in the WAC. With only two starters returning from last season and a tougher conference in the Big Sky, Idaho needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball. Allowing 74.6 points per game against teams like Chicago State, Grand Canyon and Missouri-Kansas City would translate into more points against more competetive Big Sky teams like Montana, Weber State and Eastern Washington.
Outscoring opponents in shootouts every time isn’t an ideal strategy either, as players will have inevitable off nights.
Simon Fraser beat Idaho in almost every defensive category, with only 22 takeaways to Idaho’s 13, four blocks to Idaho’s three and 14 steals to Idaho’s six. If the Vandals hadn’t vastly outrebounded the Clan, they would have probably lost the game.
Still, there were positives Idaho can take away from the game. Senior guard Connor Hill is still a force behind the 3-point line. He made 9-of-12 beyond the arc to shoot 75 percent from 3-point land.
Sophomore guard Sekou Wiggs is ready for a breakout year, as he scored 23 points and freshman Chad Sherwood surprised with 22 points off the bench. Junior college transfer Nahshon George led Idaho with 13 rebounds and senior guard Mike Scott added a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists.
Exhibition games are a chance to let the younger guys play and shake off the rust. Redshirting players are allowed to play in exhibition games, so it also allows Idaho coach Don Verlin to wait to set his regular season lineup. They shouldn’t be taken as seriously as regular season games.
Idaho has one more exhibition game to straighten out their defensive play before the regular season. Holding Lewis-Clark State College to half of what Simon Fraser scored on Friday would be ideal for the Vandals before heading into the season debut Nov. 14 against Eastern Oregon.
Stephan Wiebe can be reached at [email protected]