Final: American 69 VMI 64
Wrap-up
The first half started rocky for the home team Eagles. They fell behind early by 9 but, as any coach would what, they stuck to their stuff. Sa’eed Nelson led the first half comeback charge scoring 13 in the first 20 minutes. As the ball moved better, the Eagles were able to be more aggressive and was in the double bonus with 5:39 left in the half.
VMI was led by Tyler Creammer’s 6 in the half. The Keydets won the rebounding war in the first (16-14). But American was able to attempt 9 free throws compared to 3 for VMI and they were more effective from the three point line than the Keydets making 5 threes compared to just 2 for VMI.
In the second half, things tightened up as VMI closed the lead to two on multiple occasions but Nelson (21 points) and Larry Motuzis (26 points) had huge second halves. In typical fashion, Nelson got into the lane at will and despite foul trouble, still had the trust of his coach to play the majority on the second half. Motuzis scored in every way imaginable, half court, on the break, three point line etc. you name it he did it.
The Good
Nelson and Motuzis. When the Eagles needed to stem VMI’s runs, both players performed. Nelson got into the lane time and time again and Motuzis’ versatility wasn’t a constant pain to the Keydets.
The Bad
Free throws – The Eagles were just 16-24 from the charity stripe. The struggle was real especially near the end of the game. As aggressive as the Eagles were in the second half, made free throws could’ve put the game away.
Rebounding – VMI was +11 in rebounds with 12 offensive rebounds leading to 13 second chance points. Most of the damage was done by one player, Tyler Creammer (6).
Full View
Coming into the game at 1-3, the most important thing was to walk out of the first game with a win and they did just that. After a slow start, the Eagles responded without getting out of character. But, just like the New Hampshire game, they needlessly made it interesting.
Catch all of your DMV sports news on Twitter at @CapDomeSports & @mtcwithmook
