Cornell Hoops wins opener

[scoop85]

The Big Red held off Lehigh, 87-83.  As happened last season on many occasions, Cornell almost blew a double-digit lead in the closing minutes, as Lehigh drove to the basket at will. Clutch foul shooting by Louis Dale helped Cornell take the game.

The good news:  this is the most balanced and explosive Cornell offense since, well, maybe forever.  Great guard play, good contribution from Tyler and Hartford up front.  Andre Wilkins brings great energy and athleticism.

The bad news:  matador defense for the most part, poor rebounding, and an inability to beat the press at the end of the game.  Donahue has to work on these issues, or we will lose a crucial game or two down the line.

[Al DeFlorio]

Donahue has yet to prove himself as a game coach.

[ugarte]

On the positive side, Lehigh beat us by 19 last year.

[Trotsky]

[quote Al DeFlorio]Donahue has yet to prove himself as a game coach.[/quote]Hasn't hurt up until now... we haven't had any big games.  ;-)

[RichH]

Another positive: no key players sustained any major injuries.  We're ahead of last season already.

[CornellFan]

Another positive-- Cornell will be getting Jeff Foote, the 7'0" big man on December 19.  Foote's addition to the roster will help our frontcourt defense.

Can't complain about an offense that rings up 85+ points.

[Jim Hyla]

[quote Trotsky][quote Al DeFlorio]Donahue has yet to prove himself as a game coach.[/quote]Hasn't hurt up until now... we haven't had any big games.  ;-)[/quote]

All Ivy games are the big ones.:-)