BURN THE HORSE
Take last night’s 64-57 victory over Denver, a team that runs a Princeton-style offense, plays physical, hacking defense and uses its quickness at both ends to cause problems.
It’s not a matchup that works well for UALR players like Will Neighbour and Michael Javes, who have been very good against other Sun Belt opponents. Javes is tied for team best at +43 in Sun Belt play.
So UALR Coach Steve Shields went small, playing four guards with Courtney Jackson much of the time. He also utilized Marlon Louzeiro a bit in spots while keeping Javes and Neighbour on the bench.
Chuck Guy and Courtney Jackson finished at +4 to lead the starters. Guy didn’t score a point but he played hard on the defensive end and made a plus contribution. But the best performance came off the bench from Ben Dillard, who was a +14. Louzieiro was +9 and Reggie Fondren +6. UALR outscored Denver 39-25 with Dillard on the court.
Louzeiro and Dillard were a combined +24 in two games against Denver this season.
Here’s the starters:
- Courtney Jackson: +4 (53-49)
- Chuck Guy: +4 (43-39)
- D’Andre Williams Even (52-52)
- Will Neighbour: -5 (27-32)
- Michael Javes: -6 (18-24)
