Today's Post is written by Assistant Coach Marcus Moeller:
It's an interesting debate as to the importance of winning at home vs. the importance of winning on the road. You often hear people say "you have to win your home games". Then, undoubtedly, someone will follow that with this comment, "yeah, but it's crucial to win on the road." Neither of those statements clearly define which is more important. So, which IS more important, winning at home or winning on the road?
We talk a lot with our team about what it takes to win on the road. Our goal is always to defend extremely well, be physical, and shoot layups and free throws on the offensive end of the floor. When we have established those areas to our advantage, we've had success. When we have been unable to control the game in those areas, we have walked away on the losing end. Road wins are a huge lift to a team's energy and emotion. There is a great feeling walking to the bus to go home, knowing that the whole trip was worth it, because we came away with the win.
Playing at home is exhilarating. We are fortunate to have GREAT fan support from the community of Joplin. We have played several very intense, tight ball games on our home floor. In fact, 3 of our last 4 games in the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center have gone to overtime. We are very proud of our undefeated record in overtime this year. We owe a lot of that to our home crowd and their support!
Yesterday, we took on #20 Emporia State, the defending National Champions, on our home floor. The Lady Hornets were 1 game up in the conference standings and ranked 3 spots ahead of us in the most recent Regional poll heading into yesterday's contest. Needless to say, this was a HUGE game for us. In what turned out to be an extremely intense back and forth game, we were able to come away with a 82-74 victory in overtime. Senior Jasmine Lovejoy's career high 38 points helped lead the way in the biggest win of our season; a win that happened at home.
So, is it bigger to win your road games, or your home games? My answer is this...it depends on what you want. To be considered a GOOD team...you must take care of your home court. To be considered a GREAT team...you must win BOTH on the road AND at home. We are very proud of our 10-2 record at home. We are proud to have won several big road games. BUT, there are 4 games left in our season...2 on the road, and 2 at home. Guess what? We want to be considered GREAT.
Until next time...It's a GREAT day to be a LION!!
Marcus Moeller
Assistant Coach
