Huskies Show Points of Strength in Knocking Off Terriers
BOSTON – It’s not often that your arch-rival is a team to get well against. In any rivalry, records get thrown out the window when the teams meet, no matter how up one team and down the other team may be. The latter team can very easily come out on top in such a matchup because each team gets up for the game even more. In this case, the arch-rival is hardly down; in fact, they are projected by most to win their conference this season.
But for two years in a row, Northeastern has won its first game of the season against cross-town rival Boston University. The latest was a 65-58 victory on Monday night, one where the Huskies’ inside advantage made all the difference. The win gives them four straight wins over the Terriers, dating back to a sweep during their final season in the America East Conference.
A look at the stat sheet will show what anyone watching the game surely noticed: the Huskies’ inside players had a clear edge in this game. They out-rebounded the Terriers 42-35, grabbing 18 offensive rebounds. The duo of sophomores Manny Adako (17 points, four rebounds) and Nkem Ojougboh (11 points, 11 rebounds) had their way on the glass all night long, often grabbing key rebounds. Five of Ojougboh’s rebounds came at the offensive end. His athleticism and length were problems for Boston University all night long.
“They’re tougher right now than we are physically and mentally,” said Boston University head coach Dennis Wolff. “You’re not going to win many games when you’re giving up as many offensive rebounds as we gave up.”
There was something else noteworthy about Monday night’s game besides the fact that it was first win of the season and fourth straight against the Terriers. The game also showed that one strength of the Huskies will be their inside play and overall presence on the glass. Head coach Bill Coen believes this can be a good rebounding team, as they have good size all over the lineup. On Monday, the smallest players they started were guards Chaisson Allen and Matt Janning, both of whom stand 6’4″. They have a positive rebounding margin through three games, albeit a slight one, but they held their own against Illinois and Maryland in their first two games.
Perhaps most of all, Adako’s improvement and Ojougboh’s length and athleticism are very noticeable. On Monday night, both could be seen easily throughout the game, and if they continue, the Huskies will be tough inside. Adako was in his share of foul trouble last season, but is much improved defensively and is doing things offensively he never would have done a year ago. He’s more athletic and clearly more confident after a season in the program and spending the off-season in Boston.
“I believe my confidence has gone up,” Adako reflected. “I believe some things I have a right to do because I’ve been here and have been working on it.”
In their first two games, the Huskies not only held their own on the glass, but the defended well enough to stay in the game had they shot the ball better. They shot just 33 percent in the first two games, and on Monday shot just under 38 percent. Despite the struggles, they are 1-2 and had a chance to be 2-1 with the close overtime loss at Maryland last Thursday.
“Those are the staples,” said Coen. “If you rebound and play defense, you’re going to have a chance to win ballgames.”
Adding to their size on Monday was the play of Allen, who quietly led the way with a game-high 20 points and had five rebounds, three assists (with no turnovers) and three steals. He didn’t shoot exceedingly well, but was very active, aggressive and competed like a seasoned veteran. Despite his 4-14 struggles from the field, he had enough confidence to bury a dagger in the final minutes, a three-pointer from the wing with 1:50 left that gave the Huskies their biggest lead at 57-46.
Adako was quick to give credit to Allen for Monday’s win. Allen’s leadership wasn’t lost on him, as well as how he made his own game better.
“Chaisse really opens things up, because he sees everything and has great court vision,” said Adako. “I credit him, really, for why I was 8-11 – easy shots because of him.”
Added Coen: “He’s blessed with great size and length and quickness. Along with that, he’s got a big heart and great instincts.”
As was the case with last season’s team, the Huskies look well-coached and play a disciplined game. They are a young group, with Mark Washington being the only senior, but they have plenty going for them. With a good win against their cross-town rival, they can add a little more confidence to that.
