The Owensboro Thoroughbreds are looking to bring some hardware home, as the postseason starts with a three-game series against the Indy Express.
The first of three games will take place in Owensboro, as they take on the Express on today at 7 p.m.
The Thoroughbreds are coming off of a 100-92 loss to the Kokomo Bobkats to end the season, but had found collective success for a stretch of games prior to. Head Coach Mark Anderson said he feels as though his players are locked in after banding together as the season progressed.
“I like the mindset of our players right now,” Anderson said. “After we had a four-game losing streak they decided to start playing with enthusiasm again. It was the mental aspect of sports. Once they collectively decided to have fun playing we took off on an eight-game winning streak.”
With a short turnaround, the Thoroughbreds haven’t taken Monday off and are getting focused up with a day of practice to prepare to take on the Express. The two are familiar foes as they’ve faced off a number of times this season.
“Since they are in the Midwest Division we played them four times and went 1-3,” Anderson said. “As a result we know a lot about each other. They have very good perimeter shooters and our inside game is strong. We have to take care of the basketball and value each possession.”
While Indy might have the upper hand having won the majority of their games, Anderson says their game plan won’t change.
[It] really has been the same each game,” Anderson said. “Don’t let their guards get hot, control the boards, talk defensively and rotate to the open player.”
Anderson said that they key to coming away victorious against Indy they will focus on limiting turnovers and being efficient offensively.
“How well did we rebound (and keep them off the offensive glass therefore limiting 2nd chance points) and did we keep our turnovers in the 14-17 range [are big factors],” Anderson said. “Another factor is when we get 22-plus assists we typically win.”
The Thoroughbreds are poised for a postseason run as the three-seed, hoping to come away victorious as an underdog.
Anderson said that in order for them to come away with a championship when the postseason comes to a close, they’ll have to start off each series taking advantage of series-opening games at home.
“It will take winning the opening game at home each series as we will be the lower all the way through and winning one road game,” Anderson said. “We’ve played the top two teams tough in all eight games and it usually comes down to four possessions each game. Whether it’s a turnover, a missed shot, or giving them the second chance points, the games have been anywhere from three-12 points difference.”
The Thoroughbreds will take on the Express at 7 p.m. and the first 100 fans to arrive at the stadium will receive a free Owensboro Thoroughbreds cowbell.
