Care to know what Russell Robinson and Mario Chalmers had for dinner Thursday night?
Ask the University of New Orleans guards. They should know. Robinson and Chalmers were in their faces all night Thursday in Kansas University’s 73-56 victory over the Privateers.
The pressure defense applied by Robinson and Chalmers played a big part in forcing 21 turnovers and was the biggest factor in a 17-0 stretch at the end of the first half and beginning of the second.
The chemistry between the guards brought the team’s intensity up.
“We both feed off of each other,” Robinson said. “We’re both aggressive guards. We both like to gamble a little bit. We like to get steals, get up in passing lanes and things like that. He covers for me, and I cover for him, and I think we do a great job of that.”
Said Chalmers of Robinson: “That’s my ace man. I think if the shot clock’s running down, I can get him the ball, he can create and get us a shot. Every time I try to look for Russ. Defensively, we feed off each other’s energy. The team sees us feeding off each other’s energy, and they feed off our energy.”
Both players said they were happy to see the team run more.
“It brings energy to the game, and it keeps everybody into it,” Robinson said. “We have a lot of guys who can get out and run and finish and make plays in the open court, and I think that’s one of the strengths of our team.”
Said Chalmers (five assists, one turnover): “Coach has been saying all week in practice we need to be a running team, get the ball out and push it, push it, push it. I think it helps my game a lot. When it’s faster, I’m able to see the defense more and pick out the players.”
Robinson noted how pushing the pace could have a positive impact on team harmony.
“For everybody to play the minutes they want to play, we need to get out and run so we get tired and get subs to get some fresh bodies in there,” Robinson said. “Also, our strength is when we run, we get easy shots when we run. I think that’s why coach stresses it.”
Chalmers and Robinson sparked KU defensively, and Stephen Vinson and Jeremy Case gave the Jayhawks a boost offensively.
“Stephen’s been playing great,” Robinson said. “He’s been shooting it well. He’s been confident, coming in, changing the games offensively. I think he was our offensive spark today.”
Hear Bill: New Orleans postgame comments
Photo Gallery: KU vs. New Orleans
6Sports video: Privateers visit the Fieldhouse
Get the stats: KU vs. New Orleans box score