EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—Here’s a look back at the TicketCity Legends Classic, captured by Vanderbilt in a thriller over Oregon State, with three points in particular worth noting.
Results:
- Consolation: NC State 77, Texas 74
- Championship: Vanderbilt 64, Oregon State 62
1. Resiliency
This word has been used frequently as a number of teams have shown the admirable trait of coming from behind, especially in the face of second-half deficits. In the consolation game, NC State battled back from an 18-point deficit to defeat Texas 77-74. As several Wolfpack players noted, coming off Saturday’s loss to Vanderbilt, it would have been easy to pack it in faced with a long road back in the consolation.
In the final, Oregon State fell behind by nine early in the second half. Vanderbilt seemed to be in control with momentum. Regardless, the Pac-12’s representative never quit and remained in the game down to the final possession.
It is early, so you could say teams are in a better mindset and more willing to battle back. That is part of the story, and there’s also a rationale for crediting comebacks to coaches who are working to establish a good attitude. By instilling that concept, teams will know it’s not time to hit the panic button when staring at a double-digit deficit.
2. Players should not use profanity, especially when you can be heard.
With just more than eight minutes to play in the consolation game, Texas’ J’Covan Brown was whistled for his fourth foul. As coach Rick Barnes was substituting, Brown walked to the bench, remarking that the call was BS. Brown did not use those initials. He was hit with a technical, which spelled a fifth foul and disqualification. Minus their main offensive threat, Texas eventually gave up a 12-point lead and lost to NC State.
Officials are instructed to use game management techniques. For instance, if Brown made that remark so that only he and the official heard it, the official might have just warned Brown to watch his language and that another outburst could hurt his team. Brown made the remark so that it was audible on press row and probably by a few front row patrons. The official, Earl Walton, had no choice but to call a T. Even coach Rick Barnes said it was the right call, adding that Brown “is a veteran and should be more aware that something like that hurts your team.”
3. Tempo free.
Texas posted a 117 offensive efficiency against Oregon State in the semifinals and 111 in the consolation game against NC State. Those figures should get you two wins, but not when you allow a 127 and 113 against your respective opposition. Clearly, there is some defensive work needed for these young Longhorns.
Vanderbilt survived a 32 percent turnover rate in the final against Oregon State. Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings was quick to credit Oregon State’s tough defense but did note his club needed to care for the ball a lot better. Although Vanderbilt committed 22 turnovers, Oregon State had 17 of their own for another high 24 percent turnover rate.
Vanderbilt — and specifically Jeff Taylor — did a nice job holding Oregon State’s Jared Cunningham, a 26 ppg scorer, to nine points. OSU coach Craig Robinson said Cunningham will see a lot of defensive pressure but can impact the game in other ways. The senior guard did just that with seven steals in the championship.
The Manley efficiency formula shows MVP John Jenkins had only a 6 for the championship game against Oregon State. That was not a problem for the Commodores as he scored 14 points and hit a big 3-pointer late in the game.
Former St. Anthony’s High School product Devon Collier led all scorers with 19 in the final. The Oregon State sophomore forward had an outstanding Manley efficiency of 25.
Honors:
MVP: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
All-Tournament:
- C.J. Leslie, NC State
- Sheldon McClellan, Texas
- Jared Cunningham, Oregon State
- Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt
