The Lobos moved to 11-1 and 1-0 in MW play with a convincing 78-57 win over AFA in the MW opener for both teams. It was an opening night in the MW that saw every single home team take home a win. While there is very little that we can take from a single night of MW play, but here are some of my reactions and thoughts from Wednesday’s action in The PIT and around the MW:

Defense:

One thing that is very evident when you watch the Lobos is how much better they are on defense this year. There are a few reason for this:

• Nike McClure anchors the defense on the backline and allows the guards and wings to take more chances, knowing that they have McClure ready to block a shot or two. The inclusion of McClure also takes defensive pressure off of Jaisa Nunn, who was the only true big in the rotation last season. Watching McClure on defense is a treat to watch and is worth the price of admission.
• The team’s length and athletic ability is something that jumps off the page. The Lobos are able to pressure the opponents at the point of attack with players like Jayla Everett, Aisia Robertson, Ahlise Hurst, and Jaedyn De La Cerda. The Lobos are also very long and athletic at the forward and post players, having players like Antonia Anderson and Shai McGruder who are able to give Nunn and McClure rest and be a force on the defensive side of the ball.
• The Lobos forced 30 AFA turnovers, which included 19 steals (Lobos also had 9 blocked shots). Getting into transition has been a huge part of the Lobos success in getting their offense going. Against AFA, the Lobos had 31 fast break points out of their 78 points. If the Lobos are able to turn teams over 20+ times a game, they are going to be very difficult to beat in MW play.
• With the improvement on defense, the Lobos have a larger margin of error during MW play, not having to rely on scoring a ton of points to win.

Offense:

• The Lobos had an up and down game of offense against AFA. When the Lobos did protect the ball and attacked, they pretty much scored at will against AFA. But they didn’t always take care of the ball, leading to some struggles. One thing to watch as MW play continues is whether the Lobos are able to stick to the offensive game plan for 40 minutes.
• The Lobos struggled with their outside shot tonight (2-15 3FGA). For the most part, shots came from the players you wanted shooting and were good looks, which is something that Coach Bradbury and Co. will accept everyday. One thing that I was excited to see is how the Lobos didn’t get caught trying to shoot too many threes in a game that they were struggling from the outside, instead making a point to attack the basket.
• Jayla Everett has lived up to the billing of a Top 100 recruit. While Everett’s shot has been off and on so far this year, there hasn’t been a sight of becoming complacent and falling too much in love with the 3 ball. Everett has been one of the most aggressive players in driving to the basket. Everett had a complete game scoring 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. There is a very good chance that we have the MW Freshman of the Year playing in The PIT this year.

Odds and Ends:

• Shai McGruder has been one of the pleasant surprises so far on this year’s team. While it was clear from the beginning of the season that it would be difficult for a forward/post player to take too many minutes away from Nunn and McClure, McGruder has brought energy every time on the floor. One thing that we like to say about McGruder is something is going to happen when she’s on the floor. You don’t know if it will be good or bad, but things are going to happen. Against AFA, it was another one of those nights where there was way more good than bad, as McGruder had 9 points (4-4 FG), 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 19 minutes of action. There is going to be a game or two in MW play where McGruder is the difference in the game.
• Aisia Robertson is one of the most exciting and electric players that I have ever seen wear a Lobo uniform. While adjusting to playing the point guard position, there are going to be some questionable decisions, but one thing that is great to see is that the mistakes are coming as she tries to get teammates a great look. AR is going to do incredible things for the Lobos in MW play and could factor into the MW Player of the Year contention with teammate Jaisa Nunn. Tip of advice for those watching: sit back and enjoy the fun play that AR brings to the floor.
• Teams have adjusted to how they try to defend Jaisa Nunn in the post, so one thing that I have to give credit to Bradbury and Co. is that they haven’t been caught up trying to force Nunn the ball when the play isn’t there. There are reasons this is a good thing, namely that you don’t become too reliant on one player and you allow the talent around her to take advantages of any mismatches the defensive adjustments created.
• To me, Jaedyn De La Cerda has been the biggest surprise on this year’s team. There were some questions about how much of an impact De La Cerda would have on this year’s team, but De La Cerda has become the first guard of the bench and is the burst of energy for the Lobos. Against AFA, De La Cerda had another great game, with 11 ponts, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. It is great to see hard work with a huge smile be rewarded.

Player of the Game: 

Jayla Everett

Around The MW:

It was a very straightforward day in the opening night of MW play, as all 5 home teams won. Because of that, there wasn’t anything won or lost in terms of huge road wins or bad home losses.

MW Standings: 

• BSU 1-0
• CSU 1-0
• FSU 1-0
• UNM 1-0
• USU 1-0
• SDSU 0-0
• AFA 0-1
• Nevada 0-1
• SJSU 0-1
• UNLV 0-1
• WYO 0-1

Everyone is +0 in Home Losses (-1)/ Road Wins (+1)

Weekend Games (All Time MST):

UNM at Nevada 3 PM

BSU at SDSU 2 PM

USU at AFA 2PM

FSU at CSU 2 PM

UNLV at WYO 2 PM

Interesting slate of games with the probable top 3 teams all playing on the road for the first time in MW Play.

Zach’s Picks:

Solid start to the season with a 5-0 start.

UNM at Nevada

BSU at SDSU

AFA vs. USU

FSU at CSU

WYO vs. UNLV