OMG! I think I have figured out the issues that have plagued my Vipers blog.
Things you should know:
>> The Vipers are 3-0 and tonight’s game is the last of a four-game home stand to open the season.
>> The Energy is 1-2 and is looking to avenge Wednesday’s 134-108 loss to the Vipers.
>> I have never written “OMG” before.
I will try my best to give you timely updates here.
First Quarter
5:58 – Vipers lead 15-11 heading into the first media timeout. Charles Okwandu has two blocks. Looks like that could be a big battle between him at Jarrid Famous, who burned the Vipers for 33 points and 15 rebounds on Wednesday. Okwandu is part of the Vipers’ “second line.” “First liner” Sam Coleman looks like he might have matchup problems against Famous.
2:43 – Vipers leads 21-15. Vipers doing all the things they love to do – Play uptempo and shoot plenty of open shots. Interesting observation during the recent run of play: Josh Tarver brought up the ball and three Vipers were spotted up at the arc ready to get the ball and shoot.
00:0 – Vipers lead 28-23 after one quarter. The Energy tied the game at 23 with 1:13 left, but Stanley Asumnu scores the quarter’s final five points for the Vipers. Terrel Harris blocked a 3-point shot by Moses Ehambe with less than a minute left.
Second Quarter
5;52 – Vipers lead 42-39. Jarrid Famous started to heat up. He has nine points and six rebounds. I’ll give the Vipers’ 5-10 (generously listed) guard Jay-R Stowbridge credit for driving against Famous, who stands 6-11. He didn’t make the shot, but I give him credit for not getting it blocked.
2:10 – The Energy has taken the lead, 51-47 after a 12-5 run since the last timeout. Moses Ehambe has six points. Apparently, he can score when Terrel Harris isn’t guarding him. The Vipers have taken 24 threes and have made five. They aren’t afraid to fire away.
0:00 Iowa leads 60-51 at halfime. The Energy outscored the Vipers, 23-9 over the last 6:53 and 37-23 in the second quarter. Moses Ehambe has 15 points to lead the Energy. Jarrid Famous has 11 points and eight rebounds. The Vipers are led by Tyren Johnson and Stanley Assumnu, who each ave 11 points. One reason the Vipers are in the hole is their cold shooting from the arc. They have made just 5 of 26 threes.
Third Quarter
5:49 – The Energy has opened a 83-65 lead. Moses Ehambe has scored 10 of the Energy’s 23 points so far. He has a game-high 25. The Vipers have made both of their 3-point attempts after going 5 of 26 in the first half.
2:53 – The Energy leads 88-72. The Vipers have played loose defense for most of the this quarter, but they seem to have shored that up in the last couple of minutes or so. Are they too deep in a hole?
0:00 – Iowa takes 98-80 lead into the final quarter. The Vipers were outscored 98-80 in the third quarter. Vipers’ coach Nick Nurse has gone away from the “hockey line” subbing. The Vipers are shooting the three a little better, but at the moment, they can’t stop the Energy so it really doesn’t matter how many threes they make until they start playing some D.
Fourth Quarter
10:38 – The Vipers are playing some D. They have outscored the Energy 7-0 to begin the fourth quarter. All of those in transition.
Random thought: Ref. C.J. Washington loves to call ticky-tack fouls.
2:52 – The Energy leads 122-115. The Vipers closed the gap to as close as four points, but a three by Brandon Ewing and a layup by Jarrid Famous in the last minute have given the Energy a somewhat comfortable cushion. The Vipers need stops. Tyren Johnson has come alive in the second half for the Vipers. He now has 32 points, a game-high so far.
Final: Energy 130. Vipers 117.
