In what head coach Dave Smart labelled “an August game,” the Carleton Ravens men’s basketball team blew out the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Niagara University Purple Eagles 85-55 Sept. 2 at the Ravens’ Nest.
Despite the big win, Smart said it’s too early to say the Ravens are in seasonal form.
Even though they shot well, he said his team got a bit lazy in the second half, resulting in sloppy plays.
“We played hard with every shift and did some good things, but we still have to work on some stuff. It was an August game,” Smart said.
A tense atmosphere dominated the first half, particularly in the opening minutes, as both benches voiced displeasure with the refereeing, and each team’s momentum swung between foul-calls.
Early on, the Ravens were unable to enter the Purple Eagles’ territory without getting bullied as no fouls were called, allowing Niagara to pull the score closer after Carleton started the game with an 11-0 lead.
Smart became especially livid early in the first when no call was made after a Niagara player clearly travelled while bringing the ball up the court.
Momentum then swung into the Carleton’s favour as the Purple Eagles got into foul trouble.
Niagara University head coach Joe Mihalich became vocal himself with the refereeing and was saddled with a technical foul midway through the opening half.
“If you see him fighting for his kids, obviously I can’t sit back, I have to fight for mine. I had no issues with him though,” Smart said, referring to he and Mihalich’s outspokenness during the game.
The Ravens pulled away with a commanding 50-22 lead at halftime.
Despite not being entirely satisfied with his own team’s play, Smart said the physical game the Purple Eagles brought was beneficial.
“It was good for us and helped us prepare better for the season,” Smart said.
Veteran guard Cole Hobin agreed with his coach’s assessment.
“They are very physical which is the norm for the NCAA, and it is good preparation for us.”
Hobin finished the night with seven points, but led his team with eight rebounds and five assists.
“We did everything we wanted to do,” Hobin said. “We were focused and performed our roles on the court.”
Third-year forward Tyson Hinz contributed 15 points of his own, while second-year guard Philip Scrubb led the team in scoring with 19 points, including 13 in the first half after going 3-5 in three-point shooting.
The Ravens (4-4) will wrap-up the NCAA Cross Border Battle when they face the University of California-Santa Barbara Sept. 8 at the Ravens Nest.
Asked on what his team could still improve, Smart had an economical answer.
“It was an August game.”
