something to build on

[LA_Mustang]

That was the best all-around game SMU has played in quite sometime. It was Baylor, and they are bad, but to beat anyone from the Big XII that soundly after our last few games is encouraging. Hop finally played the type of game we all expect from him and for the first time in a long time, everyone showed up and contributed. Hopefully, we can get a similar performance on Monday against Ark Pine Bluff (a team Baylor beat) and carry some confidence into conference play.

The WAC is going to be wide open. Fresno and Hawaii are both undefeated, but they haven’t played anyone (all cupcakes). Besides us, Nevada is the only WAC school who has played a ranked team (Kansas). Rice is off to a slow start. They lost to La Lafayette and struggled against Middle Tenn St and Lamar. We’ll find out a lot more about Rice over the next few days as they play at #13 UConn (Sat) and at #8 Syracuse (Tues). UTEP is playing so-so at 6-2. Their losses are at home to TTech and Southern Illinois.

If our guys can ever put it together and play to their potential, this conference is winnable. Last night was a good start.

[Hoop Fan]

I agree, something to build on. I like the tone on the sidelines last night. Tubbs and the assistants are very positive with these guys. I'm sure Tubbs gets after them too, but he also knows how to pat them on the back at the right time. Its a long season and that will pay off down the road.

Baylor was bad, but Bush made them alot better than they must have been before. But nevermind Baylor, SMU was crisp and motivated and looked like a basketball team out there. Its still early. Hopkins will not stay in a slump all year. There is a difference between being in a slump where everything just is a little short or a little long, and not being able to shoot. Hopkins can shoot. He will be fine, but will never be able to take over a game physically I dont think. Roberts was real aggressive last night, very impressive for a freshman. He took the ball into the lane and made things happen. I still worry about our big guys, but they are rebounding better so far. Sounds like its been a focus in practice with the bubble hoop.

[DallasDiehard]

"Something to build on" is the best way to describe last night's game. Encouraging, but not where we need to be.

Most encouraging to me:

• Hop's decisions with the ball (one turnover, a bunch of assists, not forcing a lot of crazy shots).

• As well as he played, Hop getting pulled from the game by Coach Tubbs after he flipped up a quick 3 rather than running the offense.

• A 34-point win, despite marginal performances from Simpson and Isham. When they play better, which they will, this team will be OK.

• Poise from Roberts and Killen. They just don't look like freshmen.