A little surprised by this so far.

 

A little? I'm shocked.

I’m kind of impressed by this Pikeville team. They are playing some pretty good basketball. Pretty fundamental.

 

Agreed...they seem to have a better handle on what their focus is, and are patiently executing. We'll see if JH can adjust in the 2nd half, but Pikeville extending the lead to 7 in what has basically been a close affair so far is huge. I've been wrong before but my hunch says that Pikeville comes out in the 3rd and keeps on extending the lead but in a slow and steady wins the race pace.

Not shocked at all. Wyatt Battaile (D1) is a very good player and extremely good athlete who is helping Pikeville dictate their pace. Mix that will a bunch of ball handlers who hit a few shots and you get what we have at the half. In basketball it is easier to slow a game down than speed one up and on a big floor like RUPP Pikeville has more room to spread out the press.

 

The real question is whether Pikeville can continue to score in critical situations. Having seen them a bunch this season, if they manage to have the lead and ball with around 4 minutes left, they will be really tough to beat. Hit FT's well and can put a line up on the floor where everyone can dribble and pass well.

A little? I'm shocked.

 

No just a little I knew Pikeville was pretty good. I also did not think that the 5th was all that strong but thought John Hardin was pretty strong.

My first time seeing them. They’re doing all the right things! Really impressed and I like their style. Very fundamental. And the Battaile kid is solid. Nice player.

StatBroadcast Live Stat Feed

Pikeville

 

32-27

Pikeville 32-28

Pikeville 32-29

Pikeville 34-29

No just a little I knew Pikeville was pretty good. I also did not think that the 5th was all that strong but thought John Hardin was pretty strong.

 

The 5th Region has had middling results at the SW16 in recent times, going 7-8 in first round games over the last 15 trips. They haven't had a team get to the SFs since a great three-year run that saw North Hardin get to the SFs in 2001-02 and E'town win it all in 2000.

Pikeville 34 John Hardin 29 5:32 left in the 3rd qt.

Pikeville 34-31

Pikeville 34-33

 

TO 4:26

34-33 with 4:29 in the 3rd. John Hardin playing a little better.