football scores today

When I first stepped onto the basketball court as a young player, my coach told me something I’ll never forget: "Basketball isn’t just about scoring—it’s about controlling the game." That lesson has stuck with me through years of playing, coaching, and analyzing the sport. In many ways, basketball mirrors life—full of contrasts, momentum shifts, and moments where fundamentals either save you or break you. That’s why I’ve always been fascinated by what I call the "black and white" of the game: those timeless techniques that separate great players from good ones, regardless of era or style.

Take, for example, the recent matchup between La Salle and UP. Many assumed La Salle, missing key players like Amos and Baclaan, would struggle against a UP squad riding a four-game winning streak. But the green-and-white squad defied expectations. They didn’t rely on flashy plays or individual heroics. Instead, they leaned into the basics—solid defensive positioning, disciplined ball movement, and mental resilience. The game itself was a masterclass in fundamentals, featuring nine deadlocks and nine lead changes. It was a reminder that when talent is evenly matched, it’s the execution of core techniques that decides the outcome.

One of the most underrated skills in basketball—and one I’ve spent countless hours refining—is footwork. It sounds simple, but I’ve seen so many players neglect it in favor of shooting or dribbling drills. Good footwork isn’t just about speed; it’s about balance and positioning. When you watch elite defenders, you’ll notice they rarely reach or gamble. Instead, they slide, pivot, and stay low, using their feet to cut off angles. In that La Salle-UP game, La Salle’s defenders consistently stayed in front of their opponents, forcing difficult shots and disrupting rhythm. That’s not accidental—it’s the result of drilling footwork until it becomes second nature.

Another technique I can’t stress enough is reading the floor. I remember early in my playing days, I’d often get tunnel vision, focusing solely on my defender or the rim. It wasn’t until I started studying game film that I realized how much I was missing. Great players see two or three moves ahead, like chess masters. They recognize defensive schemes, anticipate rotations, and make passes before openings even appear. In the La Salle game, despite being shorthanded, their players demonstrated exceptional court vision. They moved the ball crisply, found cutters, and exploited mismatches—all hallmarks of a team that understands spatial awareness.

Shooting mechanics are, of course, non-negotiable. But here’s where I differ from some coaches: I believe repetition alone isn’t enough. You have to practice with purpose. When I work with players, I emphasize the importance of arc, follow-through, and shot selection. For instance, data from the NCAA shows that mid-range jumpers account for roughly 38% of scoring in closely contested games, yet many players today overlook them in favor of threes or layups. In the La Salle-UP matchup, timely mid-range shots helped break zones and create scoring opportunities during those nine deadlocks. It’s a reminder that a well-rounded offensive game still wins battles.

Then there’s the mental side—something I wish I’d appreciated more as a young athlete. Basketball is as much about psychology as it is about physical skill. Staying composed during runs, managing frustration, and making smart decisions under pressure are skills that take years to hone. I’ve seen talented teams crumble because they couldn’t handle momentum swings. La Salle, in that game, showcased remarkable poise. Each time UP threatened to pull away, they responded—not with panic, but with execution. That kind of mental toughness isn’t innate; it’s built through experience and a focus on controllable factors.

Defensive communication is another area where many teams fall short. I’ve always believed that a loud, connected defense can disrupt even the most potent offenses. Calling out screens, switching assignments, and providing help-side support—these are the subtle details that win games. In my own playing days, I was guilty of being too quiet on defense until a coach pulled me aside and said, "If you’re not talking, you’re not playing." It changed my approach entirely. Watching La Salle, I noticed how vocal they were on defense, especially in critical moments. That communication helped them navigate UP’s offensive sets and force turnovers.

Ball handling, too, deserves a closer look. It’s not just about flashy crossovers; it’s about protecting the ball and making sure every dribble has a purpose. I’ve worked with players who can break ankles in open gym but struggle against pressure defenses. The key is to practice with constraints—like dribbling with two balls or against aggressive defenders—to simulate game intensity. In the La Salle-UP contest, ball security during those nine lead changes was pivotal. Turnovers in crunch time can be devastating, and La Salle’s guards did an excellent job of valuing possession when it mattered most.

Rebounding is another timeless technique that often goes unnoticed. I’ve always believed that rebounding is about desire and positioning, not just size. Boxing out, timing your jump, and anticipating long rebounds are skills anyone can develop. In fact, studies suggest that teams who win the rebounding battle win over 70% of their games. La Salle’s effort on the glass, especially on the offensive end, created second-chance points and extended possessions—a crucial factor in a game with so many ties.

Lastly, let’s talk about conditioning. I know it’s not the most glamorous topic, but I’ve seen far too many players fade in the fourth quarter because they neglected their fitness. Basketball is a game of bursts, and being in peak physical shape allows you to maintain intensity on both ends of the floor. I remember pushing myself through grueling conditioning drills, and while I hated them at the time, they paid off in close games. La Salle’s ability to compete at a high level for the full 40 minutes, despite being undermanned, speaks volumes about their preparation and endurance.

In the end, basketball will always evolve—new strategies, new players, new styles. But the fundamentals remain constant. The La Salle-UP game was a testament to that. It wasn’t about who had the most talent; it was about who executed the basics better. As I reflect on my own journey, I’m reminded that mastery isn’t about complexity—it’s about consistency. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, focusing on these timeless techniques will always give you an edge. And in a game of inches and seconds, that edge can make all the difference.