ACES Pre-Game Article

[ACES..ACES]

'Classic' a depth finder for Aces
By STEVE FORD
Courier & Press staff writer 464-7511 or fords@courierpress.com
Saturday, November 4, 2006

Look in the back of the University of Evansville media guide to see how much exhibition games really matter.

They apparently don't - not even tonight's second coming of the Vectren Community Classic between the host Aces and cross-town rival University of Southern Indiana.

If the game really mattered beyond bragging rights, then the first meeting two years ago - UE's 88-75 win in front of a sellout crowd of 12,411 - would be in the book. It's not.

What truly matters is the work on the floor, the opportunity to play another quality opponent. That way each team can prepare for its upcoming season in a game with atmosphere and emotion without a mark in the loss column.

"Everything starts (to-night)," said UE coach Steve Merfeld, now entering his fifth year and looking for his first winning season. "Ever since we lost in the (Missouri Valley) conference tourney last year we've been working toward playing someone else. It starts with USI.

"Before the rule change (creating the system where Division I teams play Division II teams in the preseason), you never knew what you were getting. Now we know we're getting to play a team with discipline and structure."

The Aces are also getting a USI team that finished 27-7

last season on its way to a region final. UE finished strong, but wound up 10-19. Still, all five starters return.

"We'll go with that group," said Merfeld referring to seniors Kyle Anslinger, Bradley Strickland and Matt Webster, with sophomores Shy Ely and Jason Holsinger. "Justin (Petty) and Art (Stalbergs) have fit in real well and we've got four newcomers who will see significant minutes. In an exhibition you won't see the same rotations as during the season. We'll go with a lot of combinations."

How Evansville does tonight against a deep flock of Eagles and how the Aces fare throughout the season could well depend on a bench that didn't offer much help last year.

There were 10 games in which Evansville got nine or fewer points from the bench, including four games in which the contribution was just two points and one where it was none.

"There's no question we have to be better off the bench this year," said senior Justin Petty, who averaged 2.3 points last year. "I feel much more of a responsibility to contribute to this team as a senior.

"You want to set an example that no matter where you come from off the bench or how long you play you have to be ready to go hard and contribute. But I think you're going to see more this year from me personally and this entire team. We have more depth."

Merfeld agrees.

"It starts with our seniors," he said. "With three in the lineup and two more off the bench we have the maturity to deal with the ups and downs you experience in games and over the course of a season. We're putting all the things of the past behind us and looking forward to a great season ahead. We have very good people back and we brought in more guys who will help us. I'm excited."

Said Petty: "A game like this is a difficult situation for us. We have little to gain, but when we won this game as sophomores it gave us momentum for a really good start.

"We just need that again so we can sustain it for the entire year."

:aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces:

[Pocket Aces]

Aces win 77-75 over Southern Indiana. UE was up 10 at the half and was horrible for about 10 minutes of the second half. They were down by six, took a six point lead with about 2 minutes to play, and almost gave it away. USI missed a good look for 3 at the buzzer. Anslinger and Holsinger go 1-10 from three....that won't happen often.

Strickland 18, Webster 17, Ely, Anslinger, Holsinger about 6-9 apiece. Freshmen Couisnard and Granger played about 10-12 minutes each. Both looked pretty good for a first game. Helped our athleticism, and UE actually trapped and pressed some in this game.

USI is good.....they are some kind of quick. They have transfers from Oregon, Arkansas, and a guy who started at Butler two or three years ago. They also have a JC 2nd team All-American from last year, but grades kept him from D1. Our guards were schooled all night by their quickness. USI had several TO's...most in the first half, as their new guys were working together for the first time in a game setting.

When we needed something in the second half, it was all Webster. He fouled out with about two minutes to go.

UE, I don't think, was able to use this as a "typical" exhibition. They just HAVE TO win this game. Wednesday may be a bit different, but still against a good team in Kentucky Wesleyan. Almost always top 20, but have been down a bit the last couple of years.

Bench depth still is worrisome. Petty, Stalbergs, RS Freshman Taylor Morrow, and the two natural Freshmen made our 10 man rotation. Victor Gomez was hurt earlier and may not have been ready to play, and I was somewhat dissapointed that our 6'11" Freshman saw no action. Again, he could have been banged up some.

The biggest concern has to be back up PG. Holsinger got into foul trouble from USI's guards. The 15 minutes or so he was out, we tried Morrow, Cousinard, and Granger at the point. Not pretty. Cousinard and Granger are not natural PG's, and Morrow just isn't at that level. Teams should continue to eat us alive there unless someone steps into that role.

[Ace Dad]

11,597 Fans Make UE Victory Seem Like Anything But An Exhibition


Box Score

This was an exhibition game? It felt more like the NCAA Tournament.

With 11,597 screaming fans in attendance at Roberts Stadium, the University of Evansville held off Division II power University of Southern Indiana 77-75 Saturday night in the second Vectren Community Classic. It was the first exhibition game for both Evansville colleges.

Evansville led by six points with 48 seconds to play, but two missed free throws by the Purple Aces and a three-pointer by USI's Geoff Van Winkle with 20 seconds remaining put the Eagles in position to win the game. They took possession with 13 seconds to play, but Kenny Love's three-pointer hit the back of the rim, and by the time the ensuing scramble for the rebound was over, time had expired.

"We were tested at the four-to-five minute mark, and responded very well," said Evansville coach Steve Merfeld. "Then when we were tested in the final minute, we didn't respond so well. But give a lot of credit to Southern Indiana for that."

Added USI coach Rick Herdes, "Evansville plays hard and smart. They're a good team with a good coach, and they're going to have a very good year. I think we might, also, but 26 turnovers did us in tonight."

Evansville, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, has all five starters back from a 10-19 team while USI, a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, has three of its top five players back from a 27-7 team that reached the Division II Regional last March. Veterans Bradley Strickland and Matt Webster led the Aces with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Eight others scored between three and eight points for the Aces. Three newcomers led the Eagles in scoring. University of Arkansas transfer Rashard Sullivan totaled 15 points and eight rebounds, guard Kenny Page added 14 points and nine assists, and Love came off the bench to add 12.

UE shot 44 percent (27-61) but was just 2-for-15 from 3-point range. USI shot 53 percent (27-51), including 7-for-18 on 3-point attempts, and also had a 40-31 rebounding edge.

"This was a great test early in the year," Merfeld said. "We did a lot of things well, and we have some things to work on. But at least our young guys understand what it's like to play in front of 11,000 noisy fans. It was a great atmosphere."

The Aces host the region's other traditional Division II power, Kentucky Wesleyan College, on Wednesday at 7:05 CST in Evansville's final exhibition game. UE opens the regular season Nov. 13 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.

[E-Ville]

Wow, I listened to the first half when UE was up 45-35. The way that half went, I figured UE would win by about 15-20.

I gotta be honest, I have no faith in Morrow. You said he didn't look like he was ready for this level-and that was D2. He'll be eaten alive by the athletic guards in the valley. Mullins would be able to mug him every posession.

They gotta work hard with Granger. I guess that is not his natural position, but at a skinny 6'1", I can't see him dominating at any other spot. To me, if you look at his body, it seems he would have the quickness edge over anybody else on the team.

Yeah, I was really upset Van Tongeren didn't get in the first half. I figured for sure he would be in the second. The only thing I can think of is that he was a bad speed match up against USI's big men. If UE misses a shot, his man would probably burn him down the floor. Usually, European players have trouble adjusting to the speed of the American game. Remember Fabian Calvez. That being said, if you look at the kid, he looks like he could be a force. His body is more than ready in terms of power.

I sure do miss J.D. Christie at this point.

I know USI is good, but a very disappointing performance by UE. This needs to be their year. USI had 17 turn-overs with a few minutes to play in the first half. UE can't expect teams to do that ever.

Strickland and Webster both seem improved. They'll def. be our team leaders. Strick seemed to have at least 3 assists in the first half. It would be nice to run him to the high post, he would get a lot of assist oppurtunities. Plus, if they slack off him, he can bury that jumper within 15' with proper elevation on his jump shot.

Webster stayed trim this off-season. He's always been strong as a bull, he looks cut now too. He had a couple of steals in the first half.

It'll be sad to see them go, since we have nobody proven down there.

I think nexy year's Cooz and/or Willie Larry combo will be better than Anslinger. Never been a big Anslinger fan, not versatile enough for the valley.

Love to see the final box score if anybody has it tonight.

Here's hoping for a better performance against KWC.

:aces: :aces:

[Ace09]

Tonight's game was fairly disappointing. USI is obviously not a pushover, but the Aces did just not play very well at all, especially in the second half.

A couple of thoughts.

Once again, the five starters are going to log a huge amount of minutes this year (especially Holsinger)

We have a couple of freshman who are going to be good players for the Aces(Granger...Greg Oden's AAU teamate, and Cousinard....PJ's little brother). Granger looked quite quick on the floor, and didn't seem too afraid to pull the trigger (he pulled up from about 13-15 ft on a break and drained a jumper...something you don't see too often anymore). Cousinard looked good as well, very similar body type to Shy Ely, and their games seem similar as well. If I had to guess, I'm bet that Cousinard will develop into our back-up point guard this year (its out of position for him, but it'll probably have to be him or Shy. He looked decently comfortable for a freshman running the point (definitely much more comfortable than Morrow)

I was really dissapointed we didn't see Pieter from the Netherlands play tonight...not really sure what the story was on him (maybe banged up...maybe Merfeld wanted Art and Petty to step up their games, cause we're gonna need them). Any reports of his frailty, and his needing to 'bulk up' before playing D1 ball have been greatly exaggerated...he looked quite solid to me.

Big games from Web and Strick....that's a deadly inside combo if both are on...

Web's conditioning is really good. He put in the work this summer...and it shows. Imagine the Web from last year...subtract about 10-15 lbs of muscle, and add that back in muscle. He's still a beast, and looks a step quicker this year. I could see Web making 2nd team all-Valley, with an outside chance of making 1st team, depending on how the Aces fare... He didn't have a great game tonight...but still managed his ways to 17 pts, a bunch of boards, and various O-fouls on flops, and quite a few flying elbows...which gladly didn't connect solidly with anyone. Web is one of those guys that everyone loves to have on their team....yet is hard to like him if he's on the other team

Petty and Art (the bench bigs) have got to give us something this year. And they definitely didn't give us much tonight. Fans won't realize it, but the walk-on Phifer not coming back for his fourth year hurt us a lot. You could always count on 5-10 minutes of solid defense, good screens, and very few turnovers from Craig a game. I think coach would settle for getting that out of Petty at this point.

One last note...def don't agree w/ E-ville's classification of Anslinger. He had an off night tonight, but he's our best perimeter defender, and always defends the other teams best player (unless he's a big). He's a great shooter (or at least has the reputation of one)....so he can always spread the floor...even if he's not hitting. He fills the lanes well on the break, and can pull up, or finish decently. The only thing you won't see very much is him breaking down someone off the dribble...but that just makes Shy his perfect complement. I would take a tough, physical, strong 2-guard who can guard just about anybody and spreads the floor on offense over quite a few of the starting 2's and 3's in the Valley

We're gonna miss Strick, Web, and Anslinger next year....if the Aces want to win anytime soon...its gotta be this year. I'm not sure about our bench, but I would stack our starting five against any starting five in the Valley. Our bench is the huge questionmark....and it depends a lot upon how much we can get from Cooz, Granger, and Pieter.

Should be an interesting year.

[Phantom]

I'm not sure about our bench, but I would stack our starting five against any starting five in the Valley. Our bench is the huge questionmark....and it depends a lot upon how much we can get from Cooz, Granger, and Pieter.

Should be an interesting year.

This basically brings up the question Ive had for Aces fans after looking at each team: Your starting five is very good no doubt, but what's your outlook beyond that? Theres been some speculation about your depth...how do you guys feel about it?

From what Ive looked it, it somewhat reminds me of my 'Birds 2 years ago. We had a strong year and were 16-6 at one point but then totally ran out of gas at the end of the year, finishing 17-12. Our starters were getting it done but we had no bench. Guidry, Greene, Alexander and Gordon were all playing well over 30 mins per game. Do you guys see something similar happening with your starters' minutes?

Basically, what are your concerns/questions/outlook for your bench and depth ? Im not trying to stir the pot here or take a jab (please dont think of it as such) im just curious as to the Aces' fans' perspective...

[wufan]

I'm not sure about our bench, but I would stack our starting five against any starting five in the Valley.

You will get your chance. Problem is you will have to play most teams top 8.

[E-Ville]

Totally not taken as a jab. Our bench is very dicey, at best.

I was excited at first because I liked the recruiting class very much. I thought it was very under-estimated. I mean, Merfeld can recruit. He's just been to aggressive with the kids he's taken chances on, and has been burned quite a bit.

When, I looked at the recruiting class, I thought he did a nice job filling holes in our bench for this year. I thought our PF recruit, J.D. Christie, was going to be key. Then he quit. Then I find out Willie Larry will miss the entire season. And if you look at him and read his bio, I can almost assure you he is going to be a stud. Very solid athletic build, disciplined background. Something about him, tells me he is intelligent too. And now, our 6'11" frosh., doesn't even get a minute in an exhibition game.

So now that leaves our big guys on the bench at Stahlbergs and Petty. Which I have no problem admitting that they don't stack up to anybody in the league. Which means other teams can go after our only strength, our starting big guys, and get them into foul trouble. Thus, forcing us to get into our bench.

Also Morrow will prob. not be a force in the MVC at back-up point. Freshmen Darin Granger and J Cooz, will have to fill in.

So yeah, I see your point about logging minutes. Merfeld has said that he doesn't want anyone playing more than 30 minutes. But, Web, Strick, and Holsinger will most def. have to.

All in all, I have faith so far in only Granger and Cooz off the bench. I see UE having a good non-conf record based on their big men. But if we're able to do anything in the league, we will need big improvements from our bench players.

:aces: :aces:

[ACES..ACES]

Here's the Box Score from the game....I would have to say that I'm surprised and disappointed that Justin Petty's game hasn't improved more, I thought when I saw him play as a Fosh. he was going to be a pretty good player for the Aces????


U. of Southern Indiana vs Evansville (11/04/06 at Roberts Stadium; Evansville, Indiana)

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Box Score

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Official Basketball Box Score

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Official Basketball Box Score
U. of Southern Indiana vs Evansville
11/04/06 7:05 CST at Roberts Stadium; Evansville, Indiana
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VISITORS: U. of Southern Indiana
TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
20 Van Winkle, Geoff... f 3-5 2-3 0-0 1 4 5 0 8 1 0 0 1 24
22 Wise, Marty......... f 2-3 0-0 3-4 0 2 2 4 7 2 1 2 0 15
34 Sullivan, Rashard... c 6-6 1-1 2-4 3 5 8 4 15 1 7 0 0 20
01 Hall, Melvin........ g 2-8 0-6 0-0 0 3 3 0 4 2 2 0 2 24
03 Page, Kenny......... g 4-8 0-1 6-8 0 2 2 4 14 9 7 0 2 30
12 Love, Kenny......... 4-12 3-5 1-2 1 5 6 1 12 3 4 0 1 27
33 Kalicak, Mike....... 1-2 0-1 2-3 1 1 2 3 4 0 2 0 0 16
42 Christmas, Keith.... 4-4 0-0 0-0 1 5 6 3 8 1 1 0 0 27
44 Brooks, Nick........ 1-3 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 5
51 Cunningham, George.. 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 2 3 2 0 0 2 1 0 12
TEAM................ 3 3
Totals.............. 27-51 7-18 14-21 8 32 40 22 75 19 26 3 6 200

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 14-24 58.3% 2nd Half: 13-27 48.1% Game: 52.9% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-7 28.6% 2nd Half: 5-11 45.5% Game: 38.9% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 5-7 71.4% 2nd Half: 9-14 64.3% Game: 66.7% 0

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HOME TEAM: Evansville
TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
05 Ely, Shy............ f 2-4 0-1 1-2 2 4 6 2 5 0 3 0 1 27
33 Webster, Matt....... f 6-13 0-1 5-6 3 6 9 5 17 1 3 1 4 25
55 Strickland, Bradley. c 8-14 0-0 2-4 1 2 3 1 18 2 1 1 2 32
04 Anslinger, Kyle..... g 2-10 1-7 3-4 0 2 2 0 8 1 0 0 2 34
22 Holsinger, Jason.... g 2-6 0-3 3-4 0 2 2 4 7 6 2 0 4 28
02 Stalbergs, Art...... 0-5 0-2 4-4 0 2 2 1 4 1 1 0 0 10
10 Morrow, Taylor...... 1-1 1-1 0-0 1 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 0 8
15 Couisnard, Jay...... 2-3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 2 4 1 1 0 2 11
21 Granger, Darin...... 3-4 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 0 6 0 0 0 0 10
44 Petty, Justin....... 1-1 0-0 3-4 1 2 3 4 5 3 2 0 0 15
TEAM................ 1 1 1
Totals.............. 27-61 2-15 21-28 8 23 31 20 77 16 14 2 15 200

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 18-36 50.0% 2nd Half: 9-25 36.0% Game: 44.3% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 1-10 10.0% 2nd Half: 1-5 20.0% Game: 13.3% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 8-9 88.9% 2nd Half: 13-19 68.4% Game: 75.0% 1

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Officials: Mike Sanzere, Gene Grimshaw, Brian Nottrott
Technical fouls: U. of Southern Indiana-Sullivan, Rashard. Evansville-None.
Attendance: 11597
Score by Periods 1st 2nd Total
U. of Southern Indiana........ 35 40 - 75
Evansville.................... 45 32 - 77
Vectren Community Classic
First Exhibition Game For Both Teams
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:aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces:

[shockerfan13]

It's just weird seeing another team talk about "Cooz" LOL. Guess I'll have to get used to it :P

[SubGod22]

I'm excited for the other Cooz. I expect him to end up being a pretty solid player for the Aces. Although I think they should have to refer to him as something other than Cooz. Little Cooz. Cooz lite. Something. :grin:

[Ace Dad]

Purple Cooz?

Ace Cooz?

E Cooz?

[C0|db|00ded]

11,500 sounds like a great crowd. Were there any promos?

Mini-Cooz will be impressed when he visits Koch Arena and hears the building erupt with COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooz whenever P.J. makes a play. :lol:


T


...:cool:

[Ace Dad]

Hey Cold, you have the only "mini" anything ;) Our Cooz is to the MAX!

[SubGod22]

I meant to mention the crowd as well. What was the average attendance last year? 11500 is pretty damn impressive. I hope UE can keep it up though. Any little thing that can help the Valley profile is good, and attendance numbers like that would be great.

[UE-BBALL#1]

UE vs USI is huge because they are the cross town D2 powerhouse. This is only the 2nd meeting between the two, the last of which 2 years ago sold out weeks in advance. The crowds will drop after this, although hopefully we draw another good crowd for Kentucky Weslyan on Wednesday night.

[Ace Happy]

If you love basketball, this was a great game from a fan's standpoint. The stadium was filled with fans from both teams being vocal (mostly students!) and it was great to see the Aces students get excited (and attend).

I must admit I am concerned about our bench play. I was disappointed, but not surprised, that Petty & Stalbergs continued to be mediocre. We do not have a ready back-up for Holsinger which will kill us in MVC play. Morrow does not have the ball skills - I see him more as a backup to Anslinger since he has a nice shot. Freshman Granger made a few shots, but clearly he will need time, like many freshman, to build his body to withstand D-I ball. Mini-Cooz has some defensive skills and I was amused at his trash talking after his one basket.

I need to remember this was just one game. Yet, my expectations were higher and I'm wondering whether we can do better this year given our continued challenges with our bench.

[ACES..ACES]

If you love basketball, this was a great game from a fan's standpoint. The stadium was filled with fans from both teams being vocal (mostly students!) and it was great to see the Aces students get excited (and attend).

I must admit I am concerned about our bench play. I was disappointed, but not surprised, that Petty & Stalbergs continued to be mediocre. We do not have a ready back-up for Holsinger which will kill us in MVC play. Morrow does not have the ball skills - I see him more as a backup to Anslinger since he has a nice shot. Freshman Granger made a few shots, but clearly he will need time, like many freshman, to build his body to withstand D-I ball. Mini-Cooz has some defensive skills and I was amused at his trash talking after his one basket.

I need to remember this was just one game. Yet, my expectations were higher and I'm wondering whether we can do better this year given our continued challenges with our bench.

I agree with you about the Aces bench...it's still pretty weak....My biggest gripe with Merfeld is that he doesn't seem to develop his players like Crews or even Walters did. I just don't see that gradual improvement by the players from the time they get at UE to the time they are Sr's.
Just my opinion though

:aces:

[UE-BBALL#1]

I agree with you about the Aces bench...it's still pretty weak....My biggest gripe with Merfeld is that he doesn't seem to develop his players like Crews or even Walters did. I just don't see that gradual improvement by the players from the time they get at UE to the time they are Sr's.
Just my opinion though

:aces:

I think that Webster has developed a ton, and I think that last year Acekid and Andre Burton had developed a lot from when they first played for UE.

[Ace Dad]

Ace Kid arrived at Evansville as a timid player who did not want to shoot or score. He never had to carry the shooting load because he had spent three years dumping the ball into Wayne Simien and backing off. Ace Kid knew how to run offense and was comfortable when someone else had to score.

Coach Merfeld was able to do what his previous college, high school and AAU coaches could not: encourage and develop his ability to shoot and score. He slowly developed and improved his ability to shoot and score during his Jr and Sr years. I may be wrong, but in his senior year I think he was the only Point Guard in the top 7 in the Valley in both scoring and assists.

He is now playing PG in Finland (average Euroball) and leading the Finnish league in 3 pt shooting (50%/30 for 60) and today is ranked the 6th best player in the league based on their effiency coefficient system that takes into account points (17.7 ppg/14th), FG% (56%/17th), assists (3 apg/6th), rebounds (4.3 rpg/38th), steals (1.7 spg/9th), and minutes played
(36 mpg/7th).

Coach Merfeld must have did something right with his development. Again, Jim Crews is an excellent teacher and trainer of basketball skills and concepts. But, his methodology worked with some players and not others, just like Coach Merfeld's works with some players and not others. A coach-player relationship is like a marriage because sometimes we do not know that things will not work out until after the "honeymoon" (recruiting period) and the kids arrive (first season).

Having watched both Crews and Merfeld at practice, scrimmage, and games I am convinced that both are excellent teachers. It is their style that differs. Crews demands; Merfeld encourages. Crews punishes;Merfeld disciplines. Who is to say which style is best?

[wufan]

Glad to see Ace Kid doing so well. Sounds like he will be able to make a living for several years!