
After speaking to several fans from Cazenovia, it was clear they came to Hilbert expecting an easy win; they were very disappointed. Hilbert derailed them the entire game with 75% free throw shooting, massive rebounding on both ends and expert ball handling. Hilbert showed strong ball movement in their transition game and pounded the inside with inbound passes resulting in frequent trips to the charity line.
Hilbert showed something tonight. With signs of exhaustion late in the game, they dug deep and didn't let go. Cazenovia, with their excellent outside shooting, especially from beyond the arc, kept erasing Hilbert's leads to keep it close. But Hilbert didn't fold. It was clear they felt they could win this contest, and when Cazenovia disagreed, the Hilbert women's basketball team, edition 2012-2013, came through and shut the door.
Learning to win takes time and patience, and I must give credit to the Hilbert coaches tonight for keeping their cool and offering a steady hand to the players. The bench came through with some clutch play and players are getting to know each other on the court. If this team continues to play the low inside game, giving them lots of opportunities at the free throw line, and they hit free throws like they did tonight (>70%), they will win a bunch of games. That, I am sure of.
Hilbert travels to Alfred University (1-2) on Saturday, November 24 @2PM and Keuka College (2-1) on Monday, November 26 @6PM; their next home game is the conference opener against D'Youville College (1-1) November 28 @6PM at Hilbert.
Hilbert (2-1) 65 - Cazenovia (0-4) 63
Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself. — Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant
Hilbert's Women's 2012-2013 Basketball Schedule