A much anticipated game, not for a competitive reason, but for the Rebels fans to have an up close look at the states #1 team which is also ranked nationally. The Royals starting five are all D1 players. The Rebels come out and match the Royals intensity early which was very important for them. The Rebels keep it close for the first twelve or so minutes as all of the starters are scoring. The Royals get a couple of breakouts and runs and lead at the half 53-32.
The Rebels continue to play with the Royals and actually go on a couple of runs which make it interesting for flashes of the second half. Both teams empty their benches with about 4 minutes left and let their JV players mop this one up. I didn't see it but I heard the JV team beat Hopkins earlier in the day.
Hopkins is a very solid team up front and their best overall player looks to be Raymond Cowles. He is a SOLID player and I think he is the ONE that makes it all work for them. Lockett was fun to watch as Sundufu showed his DEEP shooting range.
The Box:
Zimmermann 15
Theisen 13
Duberry 12
Williamson 10
Walker 4
Of Note ...
- The Rebels take a couple of heavy weight runs from the Royals and try to answer back.
- Zimmermann continues to play bigger than his size.
- All five starters score in double digits.
- Theisen with 8 rebounds.