Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Saturday, January 9
San Antonio, Texas
2:00 PM
Middle Tennessee
at
UTSA
Insell wants to see Blue Raiders build on positives
1/8/2016 5:50:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MT at UTSA Saturday
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Rick Insell has been in the coaching profession long enough to know that even in defeat there can be positives.
The veteran head coach made that point to his team at practice Friday as they began to prepare for Saturday's C-USA game at UTSA. Though the Blue Raiders (7-6, 1-1) suffered a road setback at UTEP Thursday, Insell said he was encouraged by some positives.
"I hate losing, but I do believe there were some positives that came from our game (at UTEP)," Insell said. "I have been saying we have to get tougher in the post, and we did. I was pleased with the play of Rebecca Reuter, Gabby Lyon and Alex Johnson in the second half. Their play helped get us back in the game and gave us a chance to win.
"We have needed to be a more competitive team on the road, and I think we really competed, truly competed, in the second half. These are positives if we allow ourselves to build on those performances and continue to improve."
Following Insell's encouragement the Blue Raiders went through a spirited and focused two-hour workout. If any coach knows how to rally the troops, it is Insell. The Blue Raiders are 4-1 following a loss this season, and 52-22 following a setback in Insell's 10-plus seasons at the helm.
Getting off to a good start would go a long way in helping Middle Tennessee enjoy a road victory at UTSA (5-8, 1-2). Tipoff is 2 p.m. at the Convocation Center.
In road losses at Central Michigan, Ohio and UTEP, the Blue Raiders fell behind by double-digit deficits in the first half before battling back only to fall short.
The Blue Raiders had one of their most balanced attacks in recent years against UTEP with six players in double figures so Insell likes that more people are getting touches and involved in the offense.
Insell believes if Middle Tennessee can build upon the second-half positives it realized against UTEP, then it may be able to get on a good run as the conference race unfolds.
The veteran head coach made that point to his team at practice Friday as they began to prepare for Saturday's C-USA game at UTSA. Though the Blue Raiders (7-6, 1-1) suffered a road setback at UTEP Thursday, Insell said he was encouraged by some positives.
"I hate losing, but I do believe there were some positives that came from our game (at UTEP)," Insell said. "I have been saying we have to get tougher in the post, and we did. I was pleased with the play of Rebecca Reuter, Gabby Lyon and Alex Johnson in the second half. Their play helped get us back in the game and gave us a chance to win.
"We have needed to be a more competitive team on the road, and I think we really competed, truly competed, in the second half. These are positives if we allow ourselves to build on those performances and continue to improve."
Following Insell's encouragement the Blue Raiders went through a spirited and focused two-hour workout. If any coach knows how to rally the troops, it is Insell. The Blue Raiders are 4-1 following a loss this season, and 52-22 following a setback in Insell's 10-plus seasons at the helm.
Getting off to a good start would go a long way in helping Middle Tennessee enjoy a road victory at UTSA (5-8, 1-2). Tipoff is 2 p.m. at the Convocation Center.
In road losses at Central Michigan, Ohio and UTEP, the Blue Raiders fell behind by double-digit deficits in the first half before battling back only to fall short.
The Blue Raiders had one of their most balanced attacks in recent years against UTEP with six players in double figures so Insell likes that more people are getting touches and involved in the offense.
Insell believes if Middle Tennessee can build upon the second-half positives it realized against UTEP, then it may be able to get on a good run as the conference race unfolds.
Players Mentioned
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