The men’s basketball team regained their rhythm with a 68-49 win against Navy on Wed. Feb. 25. After losing four of their last five games, the Eagles came out strong and demolished a Navy team that had beaten AU earlier in the season by ten points. Here are some observations from AU’s victory that was essentially a must-win to keep their title hopes alive.
1. The “Return” of Elcano
After missing the past nine games due to a foot injury, center Zach Elcano returned to the floor. Elcano only played two minutes and didn’t record any stats, but his return is a promising sign moving forward. While AU played well overall, one area of concern remains its lack of size. The Eagles gave up 16 offensive rebounds including 11 in the first half resulting in 12 second chance points for the Mids. Rebounds have been an issue for the Eagles all season, partially due to the recurring injuries to every big man in the rotation. Brennan said the Eagles are “taking it slow” with Elcano’s injury. But with only one game left before the Patriot League Tournament, Elcano needs to be prepared to be an active contributor. If the Eagles are forced to play small ball the entire game, they will have an incredibly challenging time fulfilling their goals of being back-to-back champions of the Patriot League.
2. Overaggressive sailors
Navy is an incredibly athletic team with players like Will Kelly, who recorded four blocks against the Eagles. However, Navy overplayed the Eagles on certain occasions which helped the Eagles get easy buckets. Navy attempted to intercept AU’s passing lanes and go for steals. The Eagles countered Navy’s plays with crisp passing and smart decision-making, only committing nine turnovers the entire game. Consequently, the Eagles were able to shoot 15-of-25 from two-point range, many of which were easy layups and backdoor cuts as a result of Navy overplaying on defense trying to go for steals they simply couldn't get. The Eagles should not expect the same type of defense Saturday against a well-coached and highly-disciplined Bucknell team.
3. A tale of two Marko's
It was an interesting night for junior forward Marko Vasic. With all of the injuries to the front line, Vasic was forced to guard Navy’s biggest player, 6-foot-9 Will Kelly. While limiting Navy’s center to just eight points, he did let up three offensive rebounds. In addition, Kelly “posterized” Vasic with an emphatic “and-1” dunk. Brennan frequently berated Vasic during timeouts, notably after a failed dunk attempt. Statistically speaking however, Vasic played arguably his best game as an Eagle. Vasic tied a career high with 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting and added eight points and eight rebounds. Vasic is being put in an incredibly tough spot being forced to guard players that are much bigger and stronger than he is. His effort is commendable and shows the type of determination and heart the Eagles have played with all season. It will still be a tough road to win the Patriot League as the Eagles will have to win three games away from Bender where they have struggled all season.
sports@theeagleonline.com
