Early on, the score was 15-3 in favor of the Falcons and the Red Wolves looked absolutely terrible: turnovers, bad passes, bricked threes, sloppy beneath the basket. Suddenly, Taryn Todd decided to take matters into his own hands, willing the Red Wolves to a temporary first half lead before heading into the locker room down just three.

The magic vanished and reappeared at intervals for the remaining of the game before disappearing for good during the game’s final minutes. The game was a disaster that turned into a competitive contest. And much was revealed.

There’s lots to be mildly concerned about with Bryan Hodgson’s Red Wolves. The defense can be soft. The turnovers are a problem. Laku Lado is a potential force if he can get that hook shot down, but Izyaih Nelson still has some growing up to do. The slow starts are not ideal. Also, you’re not likely to win when you shoot 44% from the free throw line.

The Red Wolves have trouble with Bigs. Jason Spurgin, a 7’0″ slow moving paint can, was a problem for Arkansas State’s roster of guards. His best move was a butt-check towards the goal, bouncing Red Wolves into the cheerleaders.

Still, there was plenty to like – starting with clawing back into the game not once, but three or four times. The fighting spirit remained until the very end, when with a handful of seconds left on the clock, Avery Felts nailed a three to bring the deficit down to two points. It just wasn’t quite enough.

You also have to love Todd’s production, who whose arrival to Arkansas State was overshadowed by Freddy Hicks and Derrian Ford. Todd was the guy who led the team today, knocking down 31 points – often watching the ball fall through the hoop will lying on the hardwood. He’s not afraid to make the hard points.

Dyondre Dominguez is another low key entry to the team who produced a low key double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds). Hicks and Ford may be the star power, but Todd, Dominguez and Lado are the blue-collar guys who have come to play.

Do we worry that Arkansas State is 0-2 and have yet to break 80 points? Nah. The free throws and three-balls will eventually drop, and the team chemistry will soon begin to bubble. By next month, we’ll all be laughing about that horrible inbounds pass that triggered a nine point second half swing for the Falcons.

Photo Credit: Me