I rewatched the game. I don't think this is a tragic loss. I am expecting a few of these due to the team's lack of experience together. I am also confident that Ayers, Easley, & Spears will hit a respectable amount of similarly open shots most nights. Williams, Spears, & Easley created an acceptable number of quality looks.

It certainly didn't help that Hofstra was on fire for about 32 of the 40 minutes. DU's team defense wasn't good but Hofstra also made a large number of difficult shots.

In my opinion, Bkelja's defense on Cooks was of minimal significance during the comeback run. Much ado about nothing. I think he had a better, shorter stretch on Cooks later in that half. Mostly, Cooks cooled down to an almost human shooting percentage. Mike certainly deserves some inspiration points.  Williams & Easley were more impactful defensively in the first 6 minutes of the second half.

I do think Mike looks leaner & stronger than last year. He is also the team's best classic ball mover. If he is going to be on the floor, his teammates need to look for him on skip passes. He was frequently wide open. If he can be counted on to keep teams honest during his time on the floor, very good things will happen. I don't think anyone knows how viable a shooter he is or isn't. 

 I wonder if Gunn continues to be out if Barba will get an opportunity to take Larson's minutes.

I liked Rotroff's mobility. He looked frisky.

I like that Hima is getting some minutes at meaningful times. It seems like he is trying his damnedest to execute the offensive & defensive principles he has been taught. 

I would have liked to see a timeout or 2 early in the first half. The team looked as though they needed a second to regroup, talk through priorities on both ends, & maybe break Hofstra's rhythm.