Dein erstes Forum » the one that most fans understand what his job is, a

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Western Michigan coach Steve Hawkins watched his team slice a double-digit lead to three points against defending national champion Villanova. Then the third-ranked Wildcats showed once more theyre built to handle tough games.They did what they do, Hawkins said.Villanova used a 13-4 run down the stretch for a 76-65 win over the Broncos (1-2) on Thursday to start the Charleston Classic. Western Michigan had cut a 14-point second-half lead to 59-56 to draw within striking distances of the Wildcats.Thats when Eric Paschall, Kris Jenkins and Josh Hart all hit 3-pointers to keep Villanova undefeated and off to its fourth straight 3-0 start.Paschall finished with 17 points, and Jalen Brunson and Hart had 14 each. Jenkins, whos shot at the end gave the Wildcats their national title last April, had 11.It was a good, tough game, Wildcats coach Jay Wright said. It wasnt pretty, though and weve still got to get a lot better.Villanova improved to 12-0 in early season tournaments over the years. The Wildcats are chasing their third consecutive crown after winning the Legends Classic in 2014 and NIT season tipoff last year.Jalen Brunson said the Wildcats, who toughed out a 79-76 win at No. 15 Purdue on Monday night, didnt panic at Western Michigans charge. Weve got veterans and its a situation weve seen before, he said.The Wildcats will face Wake Forest, a 103-81 winner over UTEP, on Friday for a spot in Sundays championship.The Broncos (1-2) fell to 0-4 at the eight-team Charleston tournament. They lost all three games when they last visited in the 2008-09 season. Thomas Wilder led Western Michigan with 19 points.BIG PICTUREWestern Michigan lost its second straight after falling to Oakland on Monday. The Broncos forced too many long shots, finishing 3 of 15 from behind the arc. They were much more effective driving deep into Villanovas defense. Wilders five baskets came from around the rim.Villanova came off a 79-76 win at No. 15 Purdue, and its sluggish performance made this much closer than it should have been. Jenkins picked up two early fouls and played only 21 minutes in his return to South Carolina, having spent part of his childhood in Columbia.DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENTWright said his team must pick up its defensive pressure if it hopes to succeed this year. The Wildcats lost two big defenders in forward Daniel Ochefu and guard Ryan Arcidiacono. Wright said Arcidiacono called out defensive changes, a job thats fallen to Brunson this season. We have the ability, Brunson said. We just have to get better.WESTERN SWAGHawkins said his team will consider its strong showing against Villanova whenever theyre facing adversity this season. He said the players came here to win, but also understand they made improvements that will help them later. Its something well have in our holster, he said.STANDING STRONGPaschall, Villanovas 6-foot-7 sophomore, is guarding taller players this season because of the Wildcats lack of size in their rotation. Of the eight players with 15 or more minutes, only 6-9 senior Darryl Reynolds was taller than Paschall. The sophomore says it is a difficult challenge that hes becoming more accustomed to each time out. Ive just got to keep my mind clear and concentrate on what I have to do, he said.UP NEXTWestern Michigan: Plays UTEP on Friday.Villanova: Plays Wake Forest on Friday.---More AP college basketball: www.collegebasketball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 Cheap Adidas NMD 2019 .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. Adidas NMD Womens Clearance . It was the second consecutive win for the Pacers (2-5), who lost their first five preseason games. Jeff Teague led the Hawks (1-5) with 17 points and eight assists and Al Horford had 12 points and seven rebounds. Mike Scott scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half. http://www.cheapnmdonline.com/wholesale-pharrell-adidas-nmd-hu-china.html . Rinne played two periods in his first game since left hip surgery in early May. Gabriel Bourque scored 3:07 into the second period and Austin Watson tallied 5:15 later for Nashville. Adidas NMD Human Race China .com) - The red-hot Los Angeles Kings will try to extend their winning streak to a season-high seven games when they visit the Edmonton Oilers for Sundays clash at Rexall Place. Adidas NMD Clearance . -- Bryant McKinnie came out of his stance and lowered his shoulder into a practice squad player, causing a crisp thud to reverberate in the Miami Dolphins practice bubble. CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- A surprise was awaiting Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya after practice Thursday. He got tapped into the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest accolade one can receive from the school.Finally, there was something for the Hurricanes to celebrate.Iron Arrow looks for individuals with five qualities -- a love of Miami, character, leadership, scholarship and humility. It didnt take long for first-year coach Mark Richt to see that Kaaya had all that, and their understanding of one another has been one of the few bright spots in this topsy-turvy Hurricanes season.I truly believe he cares about winning, he cares about his teammates, he cares about trying to do his part to help the team win, Richt said. I think thats his focus. I dont know what he thinks about in his off moments and things of that nature. but right now, he shows up every day and hes businesslike.Its not as easy as it sounds, especially now.October was one to forget for Kaaya and the Hurricanes, who have lost four straight games to freefall from being as high as No. 10 in the AP Top 25 to unranked and out of contention in the Atlantic Coast Conferences Coastal Division race. Still needing two wins in the final four ACC games just to become bowl-eligible, Miami (4-4, 1-3) will host Pittsburgh (5-3, 2-2) on Saturday.Miami hasnt lost five straight in the same season since 1977.Its been a series of unfortunate events the last couple years, Kaaya said. One turn of events leads to another, and it always seems like its around October-time. I dont know if thats a cursed month for us. Im not really into good luck or bad luck, but its been a tough couple Octobers for us. We just cant dwell on that, honestly.He and Richt share a philosophy there, and really, that might be one of the reasons why theres still some hope in the Miami locker room.Theyve been together for 11 months now, and its evident during games that Richt and Kaaya interact like no other coach-player combination on the team. After each series, whether its a three-and-out or a score or anything in betweeen, Kaaya immediately heads to the sideline, connects with Jon Richt -- Mark Richts son and Miamis quarterbacks coach -- via headset to talk about every play.ddddddddddddHe then does a similar rundown with the head coach.Both have been wildly celebrated at Miami, Kaaya for his climb up the schools record books in every passing category, Richt for being the alum who came home to fix things. Of late, though, theyve both faced plenty of scrutiny, especially in the social-media world, which is understandable given that Miami is on a four-game skid.Richt said he started telling Kaaya right away that the attention -- good and bad -- would be part of the job.Its usually head coach, quarterback. Those two positions get the most attention, the most feedback, good or bad, said Richt, who played quarterback at Miami from 1978-82. Theyre positions of leadership and the quarterback position is the one that most fans understand what his job is, at least a little bit. Theres anonymity in other positions. For that one, theres just not.Kaaya has played through some issues this season, and a lot of hits of late especially. He got a molar busted in the Florida State game; thats since been bonded. He keeps flexing his shoulder during games as well, indicating some issues there -- though if its really hurting, hes not saying.No matter the system, his numbers have stayed remarkably consistent. His completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating are virtually identical to what he posted a year ago in a system that was less technical than what Richt is using.While hes being consistent; Miamis offense, not so much. And if the Hurricanes are going to salvage this season, Kaaya knows that must change.Theres times where we look great, times where we look the exact opposite, Kaaya said. So just getting consistency in this offense, its something that needs to be done.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '