Bowling Green needs post players to start playing big

1/26/2010

BOWLING GREEN - Bowling Green State University received credit for two offensive rebounds the last time out in a Mid-American Conference contest.

Overall, Miami outrebounded BG 32-24 on its way to a 64-52 victory.

Furthermore, the Falcons attempted only 11 free throws compared to the RedHawks' 28.

It was the latest instance of perhaps the Falcons (9-8, 2-3 MAC) failing to play big enough around the basket.

"We had two offensive rebounds for the game, and the only way we should have two offensive rebounds is if all we missed for the whole game is two shots," BG coach Louis Orr said. "To me, that speaks to the physicality part of the game. How did we compete physically?

"We shot the ball well from the free-throw line - nine out of 11 - but in my mind we need to get to the free-throw line more. I think that's a part of it, too. You've got to match their physicality."

BG's 6-foot-9 post Otis Polk entered the season expecting to make his presence felt near the basket. However, Polk, who shed more than 20 pounds since last season, has been inconsistent.

He struggled for six points and three rebounds while picking up four fouls in 26 minutes against Miami. He's averaging 9.5 points and a team-leading 7.6 rebounds for the season, but his numbers have dipped in MAC play where he is averaging 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds heading into tomorrow night's road game at Eastern Michigan.

"It's not about him scoring 20 points a game and it's not really about him grabbing 20 rebounds, but it's about playing big on both ends," Orr said.

Yet, the Falcons coach is not laying the blame for BG's inconsistency in executing their "inside-outside" game plan solely on Polk's shoulders. All of BG's frontcourt players are being asked to deliver more.

"I always expect great things out of every player," Orr said. "I use the expression, you've got to do your job.

"What's a 6-9, 275-pound, 278-pound center's job to do for us? You've got to play big on defense. He [Polk] anchors our zone actually. He's in the middle of our zone. He's got to be a presence on the defensive end. He's got to get in people's way, contest shots, and he's got to rebound the ball. Can he improve in that? Yeah, but we can all improve.

"On the offensive end, when you've got a chance to score around the basket or get fouled that's what I want you to do. That's Otis and Marc Larson, the guys that play in the middle of our zone."

Larson, a 6-9 senior, who splits time with Polk in the post position, averages 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds.

As a team, the Falcons have not played up to the level of some expectations coming off a season in which they were regular season conference champs. Whether it's playing with a bull's-eye on their jerseys every night against MAC opponents with revenge on their minds, or simply not playing up to potential, the Falcons are still a work in progress with 11 conference games remaining on the regular season schedule.

"Our whole team needs to continue to improve," Orr said. "We haven't arrived, but we've got to get better every day."

Contact Donald Emmons at:

demmons@theblade.com

or 419-724-6302.

The Owens Community College women's basketball team defeated Glen Oaks C.C. 94-54 with a balanced attack.

Sarah Clark, Nasumbi Beard, and Kaila Corrothers scored 15 points apiece for Owens (19-2). Demi Moschetti added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

OWENS 86,

CONCORDIA JV 57

St. John's graduate Jonathan Dunn poured in 33 points and pulled down nine rebounds to lead Owens over visiting Concordia University's junior varsity team.

Cal Edwards netted 14 points, while Dylan Jablonski chipped in 10 for Owens.