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Diary Entry #6: 2/29/00
Thursday's game versus Washington State was not the bestdisplay of our team defense. In fact there was no excuse for our lack ofdefense and our rebounding was not where it needs to be in order to besuccessful. When you scout a team you learn what they like to do onoffense and the duty of defense is to stop that which they do well and putyour will on them. We did not do this. However, it was a good team winand it was essential that we won in order to have any hopes for playingdown the road post Pac-10.The game versus Washington was a better display of defense and we stillneed to work on our rebounding. It was a great team win- the point spreadand there lack of points really shows how we played better defense, tookcare of the ball and executed on offense. Again, it was a must win for ourteam and we came out and played fairly well.
Looking from their perspective (UCLA - the next opponent) - I can imagine how much firewould be burning inside of me and the entire team after such losses. Whenyou face dissapointments you either get disappointed and discouraged oryou get motivated and focused. We are aware of what that can do for andagainst a team- but even more important is how we feel right now and howwe are going to approach them game- with a given mentality. Martin andHubbard are solid players- they are fun to get ready to play against- ourposts are really focused this week and motivated to come out and play ourgame.
(on USC's win at Oregon) I am not surprised by any win because the team that winsobviously does so for a reason- the question is what tactics did they useto execute and how did the other team not compete in order to win. USC isthe type of team that climbs all over and denies - this can produceproblems for teams that can't attack pressure - but we are working onthat all week and throughout this year. It is a matter of preparation andexcution both mentally and physically.
The actual result of hosting the first two rounds of thetournament is nice - but what is most enticing and motivating is to knowwhat can be achieved that allows us to get to that point - that is to winour conference and really finish strong - that is more rewarding thananything else. Also, hosting a tournament at home is a great start to postPac-10 play.
Milena (Flores), who just recorded her 600th career assist, is a huge part of this team. As a point guard a teamrelies on that person for leadership and direction - Milena has done awonderful job of this throughout the season. What she brings to the courtis great vision, speed, competitiveness and leadership. She is amazing tohave in order to break a press - penetration and a wonderful passer- as theabove stat would illustrate.