That was the wrong way to start off the season for Detroit Mercy. Abysmal is the word I can best describe it. My girlfriend, who has never watched Detroit Titan Basketball, asked me at half time, “Why do you watch every game? They clearly suck.” Someone commented on the Detroit Titan Message board the other day, “Sometimes it feels like you have to be a masochist to be a Titan Fan.”
That sums up this opening outing for the Titans. They shot a ton of threes that did not go in. They had no match for anyone who wanted to go inside for Wyoming. For what feels like the 100th time in the Mike Davis era, they came out flat, shot poorly and lost a winnable game where despite being at a size disadvantage, Noah Waterman missing most of the game and Prince Oduro rebounding poorly for someone of his size playing in the post, they were only out-rebounded 37-32.
The negatives for the Titans were abundant. First, Antoine Davis’ shooting line from behind the arc (1-7) simply won’t do if the Titans are going to compete for a spot in the big dance. The second thing is Waterman missed most of the contest with what I would assume is concussion protocol after taking a hard hit to the head and upper neck. Normally a player at most misses a few games no big deal.
For Waterman, however, this could be a bigger deal as he already had a concussion this fall at the start of camp/end of individual workouts. The Titans were relying on Noah to be the second scoring option next to Antoine Davis could be a problem if he misses an extend period of time.
DJ Harvey was a non-factor in 26 minutes of play outside of his four rebounds. If he’s going to be of any help to the Titans he needs to be more effective shooting. Oduro was hyped up as this “chiseled Greek god” and someone who would be a sold post presence, but he sat a majority of the first half after getting two quick fouls. Five points, two rebounds and four fouls are not numbers Detroit Mercy can accept from there most skilled post player.
And due to injury and eligibility, Willy Isiani was forced to play in the post defensively longer than he is comfortable with. Isiani being thrust into action due to injuries gave him the green light to jack threes. Yes, he normally connects on his long shots. But after the first one did not fall, they should have given him the red light, because his poor three point shooting led to four empty possessions three off forced turnovers.
The Coiwboys had 44 points in the paint and 15 second chance points. I get the Titans were missing personnel, but if you allow teams to beat you like that you won’t win games.
Other notes
Buay Koka, Mohamed Sylla and Jordan Philips did not make the trip. Phillips is waiting on NCAA clearance I was told the team was hopeful this would be resolved any day now. I don’t know why Koka and Sylla did not travel.
Next up is Toledo Saturday at 7pm. Game is on ESPN+, I will be there live be sure to follow me @karic_jones and the HoriZone Roundtable on twitter (@HorizoneRT) for in game updates on the Titans.
