Here are the game grades:
Kirk Penney: A
Penney's terrific shooting almost single-handedly made up the 14 point first half deficit. His offensive game is developing in leaps and bounds. Last year he was basically a spot up jump shooter, while this year he has vastly improved his ability to shoot on the move, to put the ball on the floor, and finally, with regards to his ball fakes. Throw in 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and zero turnovers, and you have quite a performance.
Andy Kowske: B
Andy was not a factor offensively, but he was strong on the boards with 7 and did make his only two shots. What was most impressive however is that he took away just about all of Dusty Rychart's offensive game in the low post. Rychart hit a few face up jumpers, but Kowske's defensive effort eliminated any hope Minnesota had for a consistent low post option.
Charlie Wills: C
Limited time due to Minnesota's small lineup. Made a nice cut on a bucket underneath, though did force his other shot a bit. Played some in the high post against the zone and had some trouble generating ball movement.
Roy Boone: C-
Was a little non-chalant early in the game against Burleson, allowing him to shoot (and hit) at will in the first five minutes of the game, earning Roy an early look on the bench. Upon returning, he did a better job of closing out on the perimeter. Offensively, his outside shot wasn't falling despite some really good looks and he had a few careless passes that led to 4 turnovers.
Mike Kelley: A
I don't know what more he could do on a bad wheel. He handled Simmons well (though Simmons got his points) and took away any penetration, making Simmons shoot off the screens at the top of the key. Offensively, Kelley was a steadying force with 3 assist without a turnover. He also hit a 3 and despite the fact that he didn't/couldn't attack the basket, scored 7 points. Finally, he had a career high 8 defensive rebounds, often off of loose balls that Kelley just outhustled everyone to.
Mark Vershaw: D
Once again, it was a total inability to finish inside that doomed Vershaw. He was aggressive taking the ball to the hoop, but just couldn't find rhythm on his shot. He was also a little sloppy with the ball, though he only had 2 turnovers officially which surprised me a bit.
Maurice Linton: A-
Another solid game from Linton, as he consistently hit the medium range jumper from about 10-15 feet out, an element that Wisconsin all too often lacks. He also passed the ball well from the high post (3 assists), had 4 rebounds, and a couple blocks in less than 20 minutes. Defensively, he did a respectable job, though it helped to have him playing primarily the 4 spot. He did lose Bennett once with his back turned which was converted into a layup.
Travon Davis: C-
Davis once again did a nice job with his consistency with the ball (0 turnvoers). Yet, Minnesota basically let him alone to his own thoghts for the most part, so I would hope he would be steady. He really had trouble with Simmons defensively. He was posted up and generally allowed Simmons to shoot right over the top of him.
Freddie Owens: F
Forced his only shot, was very very shaky with the ball, and didn't exactly lock his man up on the defensive end. This has been the first time this year that Owens appeared lost.
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