12/4/2009
Blazer Bigs Rule
Reprinted with permission from The News Dispatch

Adam Parkhouse
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Class A basketball teams which have an ability to score inside will more often than not have a decided advantage over their opponents.

That's why Marquette coach Jason Hawkins has stressed to senior big men Joey Przybylinski and Mat Johnson just how important they are to this year's team.

If Thursday was any indication of what's to come, Hawkins and the Blazers faithful will be very happy by season's end.

The duo combined to score 38 points and pull down 24 rebounds as Marquette rolled to a decisive, yet imperfect win over Westville, 66-46, at the Scholl Center.

"What encouraged me is the play of (Przybylinski and Johnson)," Hawkins said. "I just challenged both of those guys, just get me four points a quarter (apiece)."

Przybylinski was a monster underneath all game long, collecting 19 points to go with his game-high 16 rebounds. Johnson also had 19 points, making 2-of-3 shots from 3-point territory, while picking up eight boards.

"Well, it was our first home game so we wanted to come out and make a big impression," Przybylinski said.

Przybylinski and Johnson certainly made an impression on Westville.

"Their two big kids really had a hell of a night," Westville coach Bill Berger said. "(Przybylinski) got some inside baskets and then (Johnson) hit the threes, and that really hurt us."

What also hurt Westville was poor second-half shooting, both from the field and the free-throw line.

The Blackhawks (0-3 to start a season for the first time since 2001) shot just 8-of-31 in the second half and made just 6-of-18 free throws for the game.

"We've shot free throws poorly all year," Berger said. "We were 6-of-18 in the second half against LaVille ... we've been shooting horrible."

Early on, it was Marquette's offense which was struggling. The Blazers didn't score until the 3:19 mark of the first quarter, but got hot in the final minutes of the period and carried a 14-8 lead into the second quarter. By halftime, the lead was up to seven.

In the third quarter, despite turning the ball over eight times, Marquette pushed its lead out to 11 as Westville shot 5-of-18 from the floor. For the game, the Blazers committed 23 turnovers.

"We have to be consistent. If we're consistent, we can be good," Hawkins said. "It's the little things. I like the hustle ... but we've just gotta cut the turnovers down."

In the fourth quarter, Marquette pulled away quickly, and threatened to carry the lead to 30 before Hawkins emptied the bench late.

"The score is one thing, but I'm happy with how hard our kids played," Berger said.

Hawkins knows Przybylinski and Johnson continuing to play at a high level will serve his team well as the season continues.

"They have to be big for us," Hawkins said. "When those guys go at it, it gives Tucker (Miller) a break.

"... It's a lot harder to guard three people than one person."