David Ragland Evaluates the First Week

Purple Aces are 1-1

(St. Louis, MO) – Evansville may appear to be in rebuilding mode this season, but coach David Ragland likes what he sees in this year’s team. The first-time Division 1 head coach has guided the Purple Aces to a split of their first two games. He’s encouraged by the fight and toughness in his team.

While playing two road games to open the season, the Aces defeated Miami (OH) and lost at Saint Louis. During the opening week of the season, UE displayed some positive tendencies. Senior Kenny Strawbridge JR, Yacine Toumi and UNLV transfer Marvin Coleman will lead the team, but there are numerous players that play significant roles.

Those three and Gabe Bobe and Sekou Kalle started each game. Strawbridge leads the team in scoring (15.5 ppg), After recording a double-double at Saint Louis, Toumi leads in rebounding (6.5 per game) and Coleman averages a team-leading 3.5 assists.

After a hard fought win at Miami, the Aces got blasted early by the highly talented and deep Billikens. UE trailed 12-2 before they knew what hit them and trailed by double digits most of the first half. Ragland’s team then dug deeper and fought their way back into the game. Almost shockingly the Aces held a lead over the Atlantic Ten team deep into the second half. The Purple Aces ran out of gas and eventually lost 83-65, but this was an important confidence builder for the newly minted Aces.

David Ragland Evaluates

While never happy with a defeat, coach Ragland is satisfied with a one-and-one start and happy with the way his team played. Despite the loss, the former Southern Indiana Screaming Eagle player says he is proud of the way his team fought to get back in the game.

 

 

Evansville is yet to shoot the three-ball very well. They continue to score at a decent rate because of their tenacity on ‘fifty-fifty balls’. The Aces chase down loose balls and battle on the boards. Those extra possessions create more offensive opportunities.

Ragland says those ‘hustle plays’ are important and he has learned that his players are competitors who persist during difficult times.

 

 

Evansville’s home-opener is Wednesday. The Purple Aces entertain Southeast Missouri. Game time at Ford Center is set for 7:00 p.m. After the SEMO contest, UE plays five straight away from home. Three of those contests are part of the Hostilo Classic in Savannah, Georgia.

How David Ragland evaluates his team’s progress prior to its first Missouri Valley Conference game (12/30) will be very interesting.

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