The Minutemen have won back to back games, beating a quality Northeastern team. The Minutemen had 5 players in double figures tonight, and 3 in double figures on Saturday against UMass Boston.
Balanced Offense
The balanced scoring attack has lifted to Minutemen’s offense to another level, making it harder for defenses to prepare for them. “(UMass is a) Hard team to defend when the ball doesn’t stop and you don’t know where the shot is coming from” stated Frank Martin. Martin emphasized that he likes when the offense spreads the ball, and that is the most efficient way to score the basketball. Martin believes teams are easier to game plan for when you know where the shot is coming from, or who will have the ball the majority of the time.
“That’s how I like the game being played”. When UMass was on their losing streak earlier in the year, they did not have a balanced scoring attack and the offense look stagnant too often. Frank likes where the offense is at, and the difference maker for this team is to make free throws and lay ups, Martin believes this will propel the team into an elite offense. Minutemen are only scoring one point per game less than last year, while shooting 62.8% from the free throw line, and 25.4% going into the Northeastern contest. This offense is showing signs that they could be an above average offense if they keep coming together.
Front court
Both Malek Abdelgowad and Daniel Rivera have recorded back to back double doubles. When asking Jaylen Curry and Marqui Worthy how important those two have been to the team’s success, they stated that the offense and defense of Frank’s teams start with the big men. Abdelgowad’s recent three point performance has helped the spacing for the Minutemen offense, and will create driving lanes for Rivera.
Finally, Frank Martin stated that the team needs to get Rahsool going again. “Rahsool is in a good (head) space right now,… we need to get him more involved.” Frank believes that Rahsool has found his mojo again, and while the scoring totals may not reflect it, his positive attitude is showing day in and day out.
