College Article Feature: The Stars Second-Half Win

Written by Emilee Gittins | Utah Valley University

The Salt Lake Stars took on the Texas Legends in the second game of the doubleheader on March 10th. The Legends came out hot shooting 64.6% from the field which left the Stars down 81-59 going into halftime.

The phrase “second half team” was more than applicable within this game. Right as the third quarter started it felt as though a new team had stepped onto the court. Movements were smoother and more connected. The Stars got tighter on defense and quicker on offense.

With 6:20 left in the third #3 Max Abmas got a steal and ran down the court for a fast break. Abmas passed to #2 Blake Hinson to complete a powerful dunk bringing the Stars only four points behind their competitors (86-82).

This story of the Stars getting a steal, to a fast-break, to a made field goal continued to happen throughout the second half. The repeated quick but smart play assisted this team to become a real competition.

Hinson’s dominant shots also became a recognizable force to assist the team’s success.

In a postgame interview the noteworthy shooter said, “My job is to shoot…” and he did just that. Hinson showcased within this game why he is an exceptional choice for a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz.

This skilled player ended the game with 36 points.

The team’s atmosphere was supportive and allowed for each player that entered the game within the second half to score.

Throughout the first half it was evident that when the Legends were given opportunities to shoot that they would, more often than not, execute it flawlessly. In postgame coach Rick Higgins was asked about how they changed their defensive approach in the second half primarily regarding defense against high scorer Miles Kelly. Coach Higgins' explanation of their performance plan was that they needed to “take away his space”.

The Stars’ 9-man rotation on defense became stronger. Motivation was coursing through the players on the home team as they played smarter and tighter defense which eliminated space for the away team on offense. Shooting for the Legends became tougher and their point streak began to diminish.

Halftime was a pivotal moment for the Stars to regain momentum. They understood that they needed to implement a compact defense, especially on the ball handler, and that there needed to be more action on offense.

By executing both of these tasks the Stars carried out a 134-125 win.

For the next five games the Stars will be playing away. They will take their high-powered energy into their upcoming game on March 13 versus the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.