DePaul University Athletics
Koshwal Ready for Rutgers Rematch
2/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO - If he could, Mac Koshwal would end this nine-game losing streak all by himself.
"We all want to get that win very badly," Koshwal said. "I want it more than anyone.
"I wish you could get inside of my body to see how I'm feeling. Man, I'll do anything for a win."
The 6-foot, 10-inch DePaul junior has been on a tear of late with four consecutive double-doubles.
And beginning with the Feb. 16 loss to Rutgers, Koshwal has averaged 23 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.3 steals over the last three games.
The 68-64 loss to Rutgers was perhaps his greatest all-around performance as a Blue Demon. Koshwal's 24 points, 12 rebounds and career-high eight steals were the primary reason DePaul led by 17 points in the first half and by 13 early in the second half.
No doubt Rutgers coach Fred Hill has impressed that upon his Scarlet Knights in preparation for the 3 p.m. BIG EAST Conference game Saturday in Piscataway, N.J. that will be televised by ESPNU.
"I want a win for the team because we work so hard," Koshwal said. "We're right there at the end, but haven't been able to finish it.
"We had that big lead against Rutgers and gave it away."
DePaul interim coach Tracy Webster is hoping for another fast start on Saturday.
"We need the same kind of effort as in the first game," Webster said. "We came out with a ton of energy, and Mac was all over the place making those steals.
"We had seven stops in a row on defense, and the way everyone was helping out defensively was a good sight to see."
Speaking of defense, Rutgers (14-14, 4-11 in the BIG EAST) will likely have all kinds of double-team combinations ready for Koshwal.
"Mac has been facing double-teams since all the way back in high school," Webster said. "I know that Loren Jackson (Boys To Men Academy coach) worked with him a lot on that. Mac has a good feel for it.
"He is not afraid to make a good pass out of the double-team. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not.
"Mac likes to pass to a spot on the floor and expects his teammate to be there. But there are times I have to remind him that some guys may not flash to that spot as hard as you do."
Koshwal said he is trying to inspire his teammates to attack this losing streak with a Mac-like fervor and passion.
"I tell all the guys how I feel and how badly we need a win," Koshwal said. "Everybody is different, but this is the only way I know how to play.
"We have to put that first Rutgers game in the past and play even harder and better this time."
DePaul (8-19, 1-14) will encounter a Scarlet Knight freshman playing at the top of his game.
After scoring 16 points in a 76-70 loss to Seton Hall last Tuesday, 6-7 forward Dane Miller was named BIG EAST Rookie of the Week for the third-straight time.
The last freshman to accomplish that was Carmelo Anthony at Syracuse in 2003.
Rutgers also features guard Mike Rosario (16.2 points per game), 6-7 Jonathan Mitchell (11.6 points) and 7-0 Hamady Ndiaye who is averaging 10.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and nearly four blocks a game in the BIG EAST.
Webster has been stressing rebounding after his team was hammered on the boards 43-25 by Rutgers and 47-31 by Cincinnati last Wednesday.
"We can't expect Mac to get all the rebounds," Webster said. "There were times at Cincinnati when only one of their guys lined up for a free throw and Cincinnati still got the rebound. That's the frustrating part.
"We've got to get our guards and everyone else in there to help."
Will Walker got going offensively against Cincinnati with 24 points after scoring just six in a loss to Louisville last Saturday.
"I gave him some rest, about three minutes, and maybe that made a difference," said Webster as Walker had played all 40 minutes for five-straight games and went 39 minutes against Louisville. "We still need to get his field-goal percentage going."
The more Koshwal dominates inside, Walker could increasingly be getting more open looks.
"Mac is very confident in himself and works hard at trying to get the ball," Webster said. "The guys understand he is one of the players we want to have touches, and they are looking for him.
"Michael Bizoukas always seems to be looking for Mac and has given him some really good passes."
The sweetest pass of all would be Mike-to-Mac for the game-winning basket on Saturday.
