X/Creighton

[tower912]

Creighton, without Watson, blows a big lead on the road to a ranked team.    Why this feeling of deja vu?    X had every chance to win at the end, but blew 3 point blank shots and an open 3 in one possession.    So Creighton gave up 4 tries in a tight game.   This tune sounds so familiar.   Can't quite place it.   Creighton may be beatable without Watson.    Luke is going to have to show up and at least slow down their big.   It will require MU to play 40 minutes, which is problematic. 

[brewcity77]

I have far more hope with Watson out. Reminiscent of how Marquette struggled when James went down in 2009. That said, Patton is an absolute monster and will be a huge problem.

[wadesworld]

We did just see Creighton win at Xavier in the game where Watson went down early, right? Not sure what people are seeing that would lead them to believe that we'll fare any better on the road after which Creighton has had time to game plan for life without Watson for a bit, if he's going to be out.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

We did just see Creighton win at Xavier in the game where Watson went down early, right? Not sure what people are seeing that would lead them to believe that we'll fare any better on the road after which Creighton has had time to game plan for life without Watson for a bit, if he's going to be out.

I'm not saying we'll win but I'd rather face them without Watson than with him. Of course not wishing any injury upon the kid. I hope he's OK

[MU82]

X had every chance to win at the end, but blew 3 point blank shots and an open 3 in one possession.

No. 35 should be cut for missing those layups, and Mack should be fired.

[fjm]

No. 35 should be cut for missing those layups, and Mack should be fired.

Hehe. I see what you did there.

[muguru]

After watching Xavier a few times now, I don't get the love. They aren't all that impressive to me. They are one team that doesn't have a big that will eat MU alive inside. I think they are very beatable at home and away.

[fjm]

Bill Murray is a fan of there's. Automatic top 25.

[GoldenZebra]

After seeing what happened today, I dont know what to think. Its hard to even attempt to predict what will happen.

[Lennys Tap]

No. 35 should be cut for missing those layups, and Mack should be fired.

That's because with 6 NCAAs in 7 seasons (and 3 Sweet 16s), Mack and Wojo's records are on a par. Upon further review, since no-one said Wojo should be fired, it's because he's been much more successful.

[MU82]

That's because with 6 NCAAs in 7 seasons (and 3 Sweet 16s), Mack and Wojo's records are on a par. Upon further review, since no-one said Wojo should be fired, it's because he's been by far much more successful.

Oh Lenny ... you keep spoiling all my fun!

[fjm]

That's because with 6 NCAAs in 7 seasons (and 3 Sweet 16s), Mack and Wojo's records are on a par. Upon further review, since no-one said Wojo should be fired, it's because he's been much more successful.

I read what MU82 as saying had we lost a game like that there would be threads like that here.

[MU82]

I read what MU82 as saying had we lost a game like that there would be threads like that here.

You read that correctly, fjm.

Lenny simply has grown tired of my Wojo-related sarcasm. Sometimes, us old couples just get bored with each other!

[Lennys Tap]

You read that correctly, fjm.

Lenny simply has grown tired of my Wojo-related sarcasm. Sometimes, us old couples just get bored with each other!

LOL - I'm guilty of beating dead horses, too, Mike. We need better topics, damn it! Maybe a discussion of literature, architecture or the death penalty can add some missing zest to the relationship. Better yet, where's Crash when we need him - resurrect the haiku!

[MU82]

Maybe a discussion of literature, architecture or the death penalty can add some missing zest to the relationship.

Loved World According To Garp ... jeesh, I need to start reading books written in this millennium!

Mike Brady sure could design the hell out of a house!

I'm not in favor of the death penalty. But I've never had a loved one murdered, and I fully allow that such an event might affect my viewpoint.

You're right, Lenny ... that made me feel better!

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

resurrect the haiku!

another tough loss
Where are all the warriors
Will Wojo make it

[Lennys Tap]

Loved World According To Garp ... jeesh, I need to start reading books written in this millennium!

Loved Garp. The (at the time) young woman who recommended it to me asked how it was going - I said I loved it so far. She asked if I'd gotten to "the part" yet. I said "What part?" She said "If you had, you'd know!"

According to Garp
Was every man's nightmare
Fantasy gone wrong

[MU82]

Loved Garp. The (at the time) young woman who recommended it to me asked how it was going - I said I loved it so far. She asked if I'd gotten to "the part" yet. I said "What part?" She said "If you had, you'd know!"

If "the part" was what I think a cleverly titillating young woman might be referring to, it happened pretty darn early in the book.

If it was the car-in-driveway scene, which is what I think I'd label "the part," it happened much later.

[Lennys Tap]

If "the part" was what I think a cleverly titillating young woman might be referring to, it happened pretty darn early in the book.

If it was the car-in-driveway scene, which is what I think I'd label "the part," it happened much later.

The latter - but in her defense I don't believe she was trying to be cleverly titillating.

[skianth16]

If it was the car-in-driveway scene, which is what I think I'd label "the part," it happened much later.

That's one of the most scarring pieces of literature I've come across. Easily top 5. Gives blood lust a whole new meaning.

[CreightonWarrior]

Torn ACL, college career over.

Absolutely devastating for Creighton. We had never made the Sweet 16. This was supposed to be the year. Most likely not anymore.

[MarquetteDano]

Torn ACL, college career over.

Absolutely devastating for Creighton. We had never made the Sweet 16. This was supposed to be the year. Most likely not anymore.

Wow.  That sucks for Watson, Creighton, and the conference as a whole.

[manny31]

That sucks, I feel bad for the kid and the program.

[Windyplayer]

Torn ACL, college career over.

Absolutely devastating for Creighton. We had never made the Sweet 16. This was supposed to be the year. Most likely not anymore.

That is horrible news...especially for Creighton. They were having a program defining season and then this. Just brutal.

[Windyplayer]

I have far more hope with Watson out. Reminiscent of how Marquette struggled when James went down in 2009. That said, Patton is an absolute monster and will be a huge problem.

Oh yeah, he might go for 20/20.

[MarquetteBallin]

It's not hyperbole that he was one of the three best point guards in the country. Certainly one of the most valuable to his team. Creighton played an impossible style and was a legitimate Final Four contender with Watson. Now, the Sweet 16 looks like an absolute best case scenario.

This really sucks for Creighton, the Big East, and college basketball.

[GB Warrior]

It's not hyperbole that he was one of the three best point guards in the country. Certainly one of the most valuable to his team. Creighton played an impossible style and was a legitimate Final Four contender with Watson. Now, the Sweet 16 looks like an absolute best case scenario.

This really sucks for Creighton, the Big East, and college basketball.

Absolutely devastating and sad for Creighton and basketball. Reminds me of DJ going down on a team destined to go deep in the tourney. Mo is a much more meaningful player to that squad. Feel for him

[frozena pizza]

I feel terrible for him and their team.  But yes, our chances of winning that game went up significantly (from zero to slightly more than zero).

[brewcity77]

Absolutely devastating and sad for Creighton and basketball. Reminds me of DJ going down on a team destined to go deep in the tourney. Mo is a much more meaningful player to that squad. Feel for him

I'm not sure about that. Acker had 2 DNPs, 9 games with 10 or fewer minutes, and only 3 games with 11+ minutes in conference play before James went down. Cooby, as I recall, played even less. I'm not sure what Creighton will do, my guess is probably try to split minutes at the point between Zierden and Thomas, but while they're certainly not as good a team without him, I'm not sure they are more reliant on Watson than that 2009 team was on James, who was the linchpin to the offense and by far the best man defender.

[Windyplayer]

I feel terrible for him and their team.  But yes, our chances of winning that game went up significantly (from zero to slightly more than zero).

From a bball standpoint, I would imagine Creighton will be a little out of sorts against us considering it will be their first game without their floor leader.

[Windyplayer]

I'm not sure about that. Acker had 2 DNPs, 9 games with 10 or fewer minutes, and only 3 games with 11+ minutes in conference play before James went down. Cooby, as I recall, played even less. I'm not sure what Creighton will do, my guess is probably try to split minutes at the point between Zierden and Thomas, but while they're certainly not as good a team without him, I'm not sure they are more reliant on Watson than that 2009 team was on James, who was the linchpin to the offense and by far the best man defender.

For the love of lord, we need to press the sh*$ out of them to exploit the inexperience and because our half-court defense blows chunks. 

[chapman]

Freakin' sucks about Watson.  Could have meant a Final Four appearance for their program and our conference, possibly costs one of the middling BE teams (maybe even us) an NCAA bid, might even stop McDermott from earning a deserved conference CoY award and national CoY contention.

[HoopsterBC]

Freakin' sucks about Watson.  Could have meant a Final Four appearance for their program and our conference, possibly costs one of the middling BE teams (maybe even us) an NCAA bid, might even stop McDermott from earning a deserved conference CoY award and national CoY contention.

One of the best backcourts in America, one of the fastest points in America and a team that really could get up and down the court.  Different team now, really good,
but not having Watson really hurts, reminds me DJ getting hurt, kills ya.  Can not replace a player like that.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Torn ACL, college career over.

Absolutely devastating for Creighton. We had never made the Sweet 16. This was supposed to be the year. Most likely not anymore.

Wow that blows man.  Sorry to hear it.  Crazy Creighton has never made the Sweet 16.  Still a very, very good team.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

It's not hyperbole that he was one of the three best point guards in the country. Certainly one of the most valuable to his team. Creighton played an impossible style and was a legitimate Final Four contender with Watson. Now, the Sweet 16 looks like an absolute best case scenario.

This really sucks for Creighton, the Big East, and college basketball.

Super hard to say that.  I certainly liked their chances better with Watson, but the tourney is such a crapshoot. 

[Galway Eagle]

Super hard to say that.  I certainly liked their chances better with Watson, but the tourney is such a crapshoot.

I'd never put a team like creighton advancing in my bracket. Couldn't do it with Mcdermott couldn't do it with Korver wouldn't have my hopes up for Watson.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Horrible news for Creighton. Hate to see someone's college career end like that ;especially when they would have advanced far in the tourney.

[muguru]

Absolutely sucks for Creighton, but that being said, you'd be a fool to not think this helps MU's chances of beating them(twice) immensely now. I want in the tourney so bad this year..I will take any breaks we can get for MU.

[brewcity77]

I'd never put a team like creighton advancing in my bracket. Couldn't do it with Mcdermott couldn't do it with Korver wouldn't have my hopes up for Watson.

Fair, but how many people had 'Nova going out early last year because they hadn't done it in years past? Watson makes them go, but Patton and Foster have been just as instrumental in their success. They're not a one-man team by any stretch. Hegner, Huff, Zierden, and Thomas all have added quality depth as well. They also weren't just beating people, 15 of their 18 wins are by double-digits (including Wisconsin and Butler). Obviously it depends on how the bracket falls, but I think they had just enough defense to be a viable Final Four contender.

[Herman Cain]

Sorry to see a hard working solid young man like Watson go down. I really enjoyed watching him play and believe he was going to lead Creighton deep into the tournament. Hopefully he has a complete recovery.

[Galway Eagle]

Fair, but how many people had 'Nova going out early last year because they hadn't done it in years past? Watson makes them go, but Patton and Foster have been just as instrumental in their success. They're not a one-man team by any stretch. Hegner, Huff, Zierden, and Thomas all have added quality depth as well. They also weren't just beating people, 15 of their 18 wins are by double-digits (including Wisconsin and Butler). Obviously it depends on how the bracket falls, but I think they had just enough defense to be a viable Final Four contender.

Fair point about nova but they had been there before, there was always a chance Jay got them back to his old tournament ways. Coach McDermott hasn't shown me any tournament grit to believe in, I'd put him in with Stallings as a coach that'll never go anywhere in the tournament even when there's amazing talent.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I popped over to Creighton's board to get an idea of how they thought that the team would replace Watson at the point. Most of them seem dead on convinced that true freshman Davion Mintz...who has averaged 5.8 minutes per game...was ranked #340 in the nation per 247....and has an A/T ratio of 1....is ready to step in and start with little drawback. They think the only reason he hasn't played to this point is because Mo is so good and Zierden is a senior so he has to get some playing time. Must be nice to have a winning team. They even think the scrubs are great.

They could be right. I have never watched Davion Mintz. But I would expect Zierden to get the lion's share of the minutes. I would have expected Kyhri Thomas to try his hand at the point before Mintz getting a run.

[keefe]

LOL - I'm guilty of beating dead horses, too, Mike. We need better topics, damn it! Maybe a discussion of literature, architecture or the death penalty can add some missing zest to the relationship. Better yet, where's Crash when we need him - resurrect the haiku!

an intriguing read
a finely crafted abode
more joy than from hoops

[bilsu]

I thought Creighton had a chance to win the NCAA tournament this year. That would of been absolutely huge for the Big East. Winning it two years in a row with different schools. That would be more valuable than Villanova winning it back to back.

[MarquetteDano]

I thought Creighton had a chance to win the NCAA tournament this year. That would of been absolutely huge for the Big East. Winning it two years in a row with different schools. That would be more valuable than Villanova winning it back to back.

Anything is possible but I don't think their defense even with Watson was good enough to win it all.  A major tournament run was in the offing though.  Now it is going to be difficult.

[Silkk the Shaka]

I'm not sure about that. Acker had 2 DNPs, 9 games with 10 or fewer minutes, and only 3 games with 11+ minutes in conference play before James went down. Cooby, as I recall, played even less. I'm not sure what Creighton will do, my guess is probably try to split minutes at the point between Zierden and Thomas, but while they're certainly not as good a team without him, I'm not sure they are more reliant on Watson than that 2009 team was on James, who was the linchpin to the offense and by far the best man defender.

Ha pretty sure he meant Mo Watson was more meaningful to Creighton than DJ was to the '09 MU squad, not Mo Acker was more meaningful to the '09 squad than DJ. Way to break down the obvious though 

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

I'd never put a team like creighton advancing in my bracket. Couldn't do it with Mcdermott couldn't do it with Korver wouldn't have my hopes up for Watson.

Interesting logic.

[brewcity77]

Ha pretty sure he meant Mo Watson was more meaningful to Creighton than DJ was to the '09 MU squad, not Mo Acker was more meaningful to the '09 squad than DJ. Way to break down the obvious though 

Ha pretty sure you completely missed the point. DJ was important because his backup barely played. As the best defender and initiator of the offense, DJ was our most important player in 2009. Way to miss the obvious though

[Golden Avalanche]

Terrible news. Poor timing for MU. Think this elicits the same response for the Jays as Nova's loss to Butler did.

[BM1090]

Terrible news. Poor timing for MU. Think this elicits the same response for the Jays as Nova's loss to Butler did.

I mean, we're still probably gonna lose but I don't see how this could possibly be true. They might be on an emotional high, but they lost their best player. Interested to see what the spread is going to be.

[Warrior Code]

Ha pretty sure you completely missed the point. DJ was important because his backup barely played. As the best defender and initiator of the offense, DJ was our most important player in 2009. Way to miss the obvious though

Allow me to add a ha in here as well.

[Galway Eagle]

Interesting logic.

Certain teams you can just count on to choke. Look at Creighton's basketball history 8/11 times they don't make it past the first round of the NIT (10 out of 11 they haven't won more than the opening game), 19/19 NCAA appearances they don't win more than one NCAA tournament game. Sure it's always possible they eventually catch fire and win two but I happen to believe certain schools are chokers.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Terrible news. Poor timing for MU. Think this elicits the same response for the Jays as Nova's loss to Butler did.

Quite the opposite, IMO.  We had virtually no chance to win on Saturday.  Now, we have slightly better than no chance.  Still a likely loss, but they're either going to have some super inexperienced PG running the show, or a guy who isn't really a PG.  I think we have a chance to press them and get a bunch of turnovers and run outs.  The boys know we need a big time road win. IMO, this becomes a decent chance at one.

I think the poor timing has moreso to do with the fact that Creighton may fall back to the pack a bit now.  Maybe go 6-6 the rest of the way and end up 11-7.  While that win may look like the marquee win we badly need on Saturday, it may just look like a very, very good win come selection sunday.  In any event, the win would be huge.   

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Certain teams you can just count on to choke. Look at Creighton's basketball history 8/11 times they don't make it past the first round of the NIT (10 out of 11 they haven't won more than the opening game), 19/19 NCAA appearances they don't win more than one NCAA tournament game. Sure it's always possible they eventually catch fire and win two but I happen to believe certain schools are chokers.

I don't know.  Programs change.  Creighton is a completely different program than it was a couple years ago.  They are recruiting a very different level due to the conference change.  Attracting some of the best transfers around.  Past tournament results don't mean much to me, especially for a program that is in a completely different spot than it was for all but 1 of its NCAA appearances, and even that was in Creighton's first year in the league.

I think the Watson loss is a huge blow.  For me, they go from a legit Final 4 contender to just a very interesting team.  But the tourney remains largely a crap shoot, and I wouldn't be at all shocked to see them win a few games in March. 

[tower912]

I don't know if Watson's absence is enough for MU to win in Omaha on Saturday.   I am pretty sure it isn't.    What it does do is seriously weaken one of the Big East teams that had a realistic chance to make a deep run in the tourney.    And that hurts the entire Big East.    Good luck, young man.   

[MerrittsMustache]

Certain teams you can just count on to choke. Look at Creighton's basketball history 8/11 times they don't make it past the first round of the NIT (10 out of 11 they haven't won more than the opening game), 19/19 NCAA appearances they don't win more than one NCAA tournament game. Sure it's always possible they eventually catch fire and win two but I happen to believe certain schools are chokers.

Like Nova under Jay Wright or like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Cubs. Some teams will just never get it done in big moments.

[Golden Avalanche]

I mean, we're still probably gonna lose but I don't see how this could possibly be true. They might be on an emotional high, but they lost their best player. Interested to see what the spread is going to be.

Watson is the best PG in the country and when he went down his teammates, on the road, maintained their level of play and beat what is considered a surefire NCAA team. The shock of losing him will have worn off by tip on Saturday. Their new reality will have been adjusted to in practice. Their fanbase provides one of the greatest atmospheres in the country.

To discount Creighton, a fantastically well rounded basketball team, rallying around this moment and coming out with a determined purpose as "not possible" is shortsighted.

[Galway Eagle]

Like Nova under Jay Wright or like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Cubs. Some teams will just never get it done in big moments.

See you point to those times you were right and say "see you're wrong" however, I'm sitting here happy after years and years of being right about certain teams choking and I'll laugh at occasionally being wrong.

Going back to 2000 the only first time Final Four teams were Maryland, VCU, Butler and George Mason. There's just not many teams that'll make their school's first final four anymore. If you want to be the guy that says Creighton's going to be the 5th first timer of (after this year) 68 schools that have made the Final Four since the turn of the century then go ahead but I wouldn't bet those odds. 

[Silkk the Shaka]

Ha pretty sure you completely missed the point. DJ was important because his backup barely played. As the best defender and initiator of the offense, DJ was our most important player in 2009. Way to miss the obvious though

Ha, misread scanning too fast at work. Upon further evaluation, agree with your point. Ruling on the field overturned 

[wadesworld]

Terrible news. Poor timing for MU. Think this elicits the same response for the Jays as Nova's loss to Butler did.

What losses motivated Nova to pound Xavier the game after they played us?  Or Seton Hall on Saturday?

Fact of the matter is, Nova is one of the top 3 teams in the country.  Marquette, Xavier, and Seton Hall aren't.

[MerrittsMustache]

See you point to those times you were right and say "see you're wrong" however, I'm sitting here happy after years and years of being right about certain teams choking and I'll laugh at occasionally being wrong.

Going back to 2000 the only first time Final Four teams were Maryland, VCU, Butler and George Mason. There's just not many teams that'll make their school's first final four anymore. If you want to be the guy that says Creighton's going to be the 5th first timer of (after this year) 68 schools that have made the Final Four since the turn of the century then go ahead but I wouldn't bet those odds.

See, that's different than "Certain teams you can just count on to choke." Your argument has changed to "I'm betting against any team without a Final Four appearance in their history." That's logical since most schools with strong basketball programs have had a Final Four.

In Creighton's last 13 NCAA appearances (with the current seeding model), Creighton has been a 10-seed or higher 8 times (avg seed 9). They've technically been upset in the 1st Round twice - once as a 6 vs 11 and once as an 8 vs 9. As a result of this, you're going to label a program that spent nearly 40 years in the Missouri Valley Conference as "chokers." I think you need to change your definition of that term.

[T-Bone]

Oh yeah, he might go for 20/20.

Patton might be the most fun player to watch in the BE, or all of college basketball. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

The Watson injury turns the second most unwinnable game on the schedule into a winnable one. I'm not expecting a win on Saturday but we have a better shot than I think we are giving ourselves.

Watson will be replaced by either Zierden or untested true freshman Damion Mintz. Running with IZ will force them to completely alter their play style. Zierden doesn't have the speed, quickness, or passing to play the high octane offence that Creighton has run this year. They will have to play a slower grind it out style. That will be a big adjustment. Maybe a big enough one that Marquette can steal one on the road.

Losing a pg mid-season is like losing a qb in football. Sometimes Dak Prescott comes in and saves the day. More often, Matt McGloin blows up your once promising season. We'll see what Creighton is able to do.

[Galway Eagle]

See, that's different than "Certain teams you can just count on to choke." Your argument has changed to "I'm betting against any team without a Final Four appearance in their history." That's logical since most schools with strong basketball programs have had a Final Four.

In Creighton's last 13 NCAA appearances (with the current seeding model), Creighton has been a 10-seed or higher 8 times (avg seed 9). They've technically been upset in the 1st Round twice - once as a 6 vs 11 and once as an 8 vs 9. As a result of this, you're going to label a program that spent nearly 40 years in the Missouri Valley Conference as "chokers." I think you need to change your definition of that term.

ok how's this for my actual point "I'd never bet on Creighton to go anywhere in the tournament" Coach hasn't gone anywhere in 6 NCAA appearances and neither has the program. I'm sure it'll happen some day and when it does I'll be happy for the conference. Until that day I'll love that I've been right filling out my bracket for years. 

I don't know what you're trying to claim about 40 years in the MVC as in that time span SIU has a couple sweet 16s, Wichita State has a FF, E8, and a couple sweet 16s, Northern Iowa has made the sweet 16, Bradley made a sweet 16 and Indiana State made the title game. My point being that saying "40 years in the Missouri Valley Conference" isn't exactly a good excuse when half the conference managed to make it out of the first weekend with less chances.

[BM1090]

The Watson injury turns the second most unwinnable game on the schedule into a winnable one. I'm not expecting a win on Saturday but we have a better shot than I think we are giving ourselves.

Watson will be replaced by either Zierden or untested true freshman Damion Mintz. Running with IZ will force them to completely alter their play style. Zierden doesn't have the speed, quickness, or passing to play the high octane offence that Creighton has run this year. They will have to play a slower grind it out style. That will be a big adjustment. Maybe a big enough one that Marquette can steal one on the road.

Losing a pg mid-season is like losing a qb in football. Sometimes Dak Prescott comes in and saves the day. More often, Matt McGloin blows up your once promising season. We'll see what Creighton is able to do.

Can Marcus Foster not play PG? I assumed that'd be the transition, but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere.

[Nukem2]

Can Marcus Foster not play PG? I assumed that'd be the transition, but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere.

His career A/TO ratio is about 1:1.       I doubt it.

[bilsu]

ok how's this for my actual point "I'd never bet on Creighton to go anywhere in the tournament" Coach hasn't gone anywhere in 6 NCAA appearances and neither has the program. I'm sure it'll happen some day and when it does I'll be happy for the conference. Until that day I'll love that I've been right filling out my bracket for years. 

I don't know what you're trying to claim about 40 years in the MVC as in that time span SIU has a couple sweet 16s, Wichita State has a FF, E8, and a couple sweet 16s, Northern Iowa has made the sweet 16, Bradley made a sweet 16 and Indiana State made the title game. My point being that saying "40 years in the Missouri Valley Conference" isn't exactly a good excuse when half the conference managed to make it out of the first weekend with less chances.

This year was easily their best team. Maybe they did not go far enough before, because they just were not good enough. Besides that I am not sure there is a team that you can say is a heavy favorite to win it all. I have heard commentators say North Carolina is the most complete team, but I have not watched them play. However, is there any team you want to rush to Vegas and put a big bet down on them winning it? That is why I thought Creighton had a chance. They were very good and there is no team that I perceive as being head and shoulders above everyone else.  Now by chance I would have put it at 10 to 1 and Villanova I would of put at 8 to 1.

[MarquetteBallin]

There are only a handful of teams in the country that can go win at Xavier, even with a full deck. Creighton managed to do it after watching their All-American PG go down in a heap and scrapping the entire game plan on the fly. That speaks to how good the rest of that roster is. MU will have its hands full on Saturday.

Also, when CU had Doug they made three straight NCAA Tournaments and won three straight first round games. Their second round opponents were Duke, Carolina in Greensboro, and Baylor in Texas. Hard to say that's choking rather than just running into really good teams.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Can Marcus Foster not play PG? I assumed that'd be the transition, but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere.

I would put Thomas there before Foster. Foster is so good off the ball, I don't think you compromise that by making him the primary ball handler. Plus, he is a scorer pure and simple. He hardly ever looks to pass. You can be a score first PG but you have to know when to give it up to your teammates.

[barfolomew]

Watson will be replaced by either Zierden or untested true freshman Damion Mintz. Running with IZ will force them to completely alter their play style. Zierden doesn't have the speed, quickness, or passing to play the high octane offence that Creighton has run this year. They will have to play a slower grind it out style. That will be a big adjustment. Maybe a big enough one that Marquette can steal one on the road.

Why are we even worried about this guy running the point?
A) Sharknado sucked.
B) He's got to be at least 50.