Five Takeaways from Milwaukee Lutheran VS. SJNMA

<p>In a very intriguing non-conference matchup, Milwaukee Lutheran got a key win over SJNMA. From wire to wire, this was an entertaining game. SJNMA had control of this bout until Gerald Gittens Jr. fouled out of the game with about eight minutes left to play. This turned out to be a huge turning point. After Gittens was called for his fifth foul, Milwaukee Lutheran took the lead and didn't look back. The Red Knights eventually won 72-64. </p> <p>Here are five takeaways from Friday night's terrific matchup: </p> <p><strong>Milwaukee Lutheran has a phenomenal backcourt</strong></p> <p>Even without Javeon Tolliver, I really liked what I saw from this Milwaukee Lutheran backcourt. The play of Tery Moye and Jourdan Weddle propelled the Red Knights to the big victory. Moye was particularly impressive during a stretch in the first half, where he scored four quick points and displayed his great passing skills. Jourdan Weddle was ML's most reliable scorer in the win. Weddle scored 23 points on nine made field goals, including a transition dunk that wrapped up the Red Knight victory. Weddle was a tough guard all night for ML. He welcomes and even seeks out contact when the ball is in his hand. </p> <p>If Javeon Tolliver is able to return, this backcourt will only get better. </p> <p><strong>Gerald Gittens Jr. has truly become one of Wisconsin's best guards</strong></p> <p>What really jumped out to me on Friday night was Gittens' ability to pass the rock. Milwaukee Lutheran sent multiple defenders his way a couple of times, and Gittens had no problem passing out of the double team to find the open man. He only scored eight points, but he was so impactful for his team. If you need proof of how important Gittens is to SJNMA, then just look at when he fouled out of the game. After Gittens was whistled for number five, the Lancers struggled to get into a rhythm on offense. If the 6-foot point guard is able to play the final eight minutes, then the outcome could have been titled in SJNMA's favor. </p> <p><strong>Brandin Podziemski is so much more than just a shooter</strong></p> <p>On a night where his three-point attempts just were not falling, Podziemski was still able to scrape together 23 points. He was able to get good looks from inside the arc all night. I really liked what I saw from Podziemski as a true scorer. The 6-foot-4 guard earned his points by getting into the paint and finding creative ways to get the ball through the net. </p> <p>If Brandin Podziemski can continue to add new things to his game, then even more colleges will be intrigued by the junior. </p> <p><strong>Brennan Timm is a prospect to keep an eye on</strong></p> <p>This was my first time seeing Timm play, and I really liked what I saw. The 6-foot-5 G/F did a lot of positive things for SJNMA in the loss. He was particularly good around the rim with his left hand. Milwaukee Lutheran had no answer for Timm when he was able to fight his way into the paint. </p> <p>After Gerald Gittens fouled out of the ballgame, Timm kept the Lancers' boat from completely sinking. </p> <p><strong>Both teams have a good chance to make some noise in March</strong></p> <p>Both Milwaukee Lutheran and SJNMA are going to be really hard to beat when March rolls around. When the going gets tough (and it is bound to get tough in March), these teams are not going to back down. </p> <p>Milwaukee Lutheran has a roster that doesn't have too many holes in it. When Jaevon Tolliver is inserted back into the lineup, this team will be seriously dangerous. </p> <p>SJNMA will hope to ride Gittens and Podziemski to a deep March run. The two guards play together really well, and they make their teammates even better. </p> <p>Watch out for Milwaukee Lutheran and SNNMA in March. </p>