One of the problems I have with an extremely weak non-conference schedule is that playing bad opponents tends to inspire lackluster performances. Tonight, the guys are playing a winless team in Mississippi Valley State, and the disparity in talent level can't be overstated. That being said, the Lopes are lowering their level of play to that of the competition, and engaging in run-and-gun basketball with infrequent attempts to settle into an offense and run plays. If the Delta Devils could shoot with any accuracy, they'd be winning. Meanwhile, the Lopes are missing layups. Sheer athletic talent will win this game for Canyon, purely through attrition. But the lack of competition is inspiring laziness and poor play.

Oh, and the icing on the cake? Vernon hurt his shoulder pretty badly a few minutes ago. He had to leave for the locker room with a trainer, and seemed to be in a tremendous amount of pain.