2008 Woodie Awards
Offensively Challenged?
After Two Consecutive Losses, the Mules are Searching for Answers on Offense.
Nate Taylor: Muleskinner
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: Sports
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What has been even more confusing for both the 10-5 Mules and their fans has been recent poor shooting from the team. As Central Missouri's 31-home game winning streak came to an end Saturday, the Mules shot a meager 34 percent against Emporia State.
The Mules looked good early on, making the first seven-of-11 shots from the floor to give the team an 18-4 lead, but from that point on, the Mules went an ice-cold 16-of-56.
"We came out and blitzed them early, but they bounced back and played more physically than us," said senior forward Kevin Wollbrinck.
Whether the Mules were beat physically against the Hornets or not, Central Missouri has shot poorly in each of its five losses this season. In those losses, the Mules have averaged only 37 percent from the floor.
For coach Kim Anderson, it's been a troubling issue his coaching staff has had to deal with all season.
"We've struggled all year offensively," Anderson said. "I think we've got to change some things, and maybe even make changes in playing time."
In its recent loss to the Hornets, shot selection became the issue for the Mules. Even though the Mules trailed for most of the second half, the team continually attempted three-pointers instead of taking the ball to the basket.
In total, the Mules shot 34 three-pointers while only connecting on 10, which left the home crowd, and Anderson, shaking their heads.
"I was unhappy with a lot of the shot selection in the game," Anderson said. "This team has been a difficult team to define ever since the beginning. We just haven't gotten the consistency that we've needed."
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