Another frustrating loss for the Cowboys.
At least they made their free throws (27 of 35), but they couldn’t defend. TCU shot 51 percent and made 8 of 17 3s in its 76-68 victory.
It’s the fourth straight game a team has shot better than 50 percent against UW.
True freshman Desmar Jackson again was solid as he matched a career-high with 22 points. Another true freshman, forward Amath M’Baye was good with 14 points and five boards.
Sophomore center Adam Waddell continued to be hampered by knee and ankle injuries. He played only four minutes in the second half. Schroyer said he’s “50 percent” right now at best.
TCU freshman forward Nikola Cerina scored a career-high 21 points. Senior guard Edvinas Ruzgas added10. His two 3-pointers in the second half were killers for UW. Ruzgas has made 10 treys against UW in four games the past two seasons, including six this season.
The boiling pointof a 9-16 season I think hit coach Heath Schroyer after he was asked about the progress of Jackson and M’Baye.
“I know everyone wants to jump off the bridge and slit their wrists, but I’m telling you these kids (meaning the entire team) will have their day,” he said. “This experience they’re getting is invaluable.
“Everyone forgets we went to the first post-season in six years last year. We had three really good seniors and our fourth-leading scorer (sophomore forward Afam Muojeke) goes down with a knee injury. We made a decision to go with all those young guys, I’m glad we did and I’m still glad did. I’ll sit here a month from now and say I’m glad we did. It will pay dividends.
“No one wants to hear that, but that’s the truth.”
Schroyer later went on to say: “I’m frustrated. No one wants to win more than I do. My wife has to shop at Wal-Mart at 10 p.m. at night. Everyone wants to win. These kids will have their day. Everyone gets frustrated, but I’m really proud of our kids.”
See Sunday’s paper for more on this game, including my column where I got a chance to talk with UW athletics director Tom Burman before the game.
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I think we all have to remember that these are kids playing a game. Whether one likes the performance of Coach Schroyer or not, I think it is discusting if people are hassling his wife. My only complaints are that some of the players make too many basic mistakes – such as traveling and while on defense paying attention to the position of players and trusting your teammates who are near the ball to watch the ball. I also feel that Coach played Afam too early after his injury in Denver and perhaps is playing Wadell too soon as well.
I think it is sad that there are so many empty seats at AA. Perhaps UW should consider doing some of the promotions done by the Nuggets and Avalanche – 4 tickets, 4 Pepsis and 4 Hot Dogs for say $40 as well as doing something to get the Students – who have already paid through their activity fees to attend.
Some experts feel that a large vocal crowd can help give the home team an extra 6 point advantage.
Right now the “product” on the court is not Division I and the school should not be charging Division 1 prices.
I agree with your point that when the program is struggling right now with fan support the school must do what it can to cater to fans in terms of ticket specials, etc. Any little bit helps.
Good article Sunday
19 wins but what have we done in the conference, nothing. Reputation for firing under performing coaches, is this a problem? Not enough money, don’t you need to perform to receive a raise? Wait until next season boy we will get em then, heard it before. Call me crazy but I think we can do better.
Hi Jon,
Thanks for the kind words, and I certainly see your point. It’s just like in any job. … if you don’t perform you lose it. That all goes back to ADs, school presidents, etc., too. If a coach isn’t performing or getting the job done a change needs to be made. But when you see a pattern of it that has to be a concern, whether you are a prospective coach looking at Wyoming or administration doing the hiring and firing.
It also poses the question does UW need to do more or offer more to attract coaches here? That also is a topic that could and probably would draw a lot of debate.
RG