Marquette opens +5.5 vs. UCLA

[BM1090]

via PointsBet.

Not all that different from the +3 opening line @KSU.

[PGsHeroes32]

Only 5.5 is pretty wild to me.

Would love to find a way to pull this off. But this screams blowout to me

Then again, so did Illinois and we know what happened there

[BM1090]

Only 5.5 is pretty wild to me.

Would love to find a way to pull this off. But this screams blowout to me

Then again, so did Illinois and we know what happened there

I mentioned this in another thread but I don't see a path to victory in this one other than a huge shooting variance game. UCLA is too good on both sides of the ball.

Maybe if Campbell regresses to his pre-2021 shooting percentages all at once.

We do get to the line at a much-higher rate than them. Maybe some home cooking?

[jficke13]

Seems very generous to me. If we lost by 5 I would not be upset. Would love to steal a W, but this will take an Oceans 11 level heist.

[mubb3434]

Only 5.5 is pretty wild to me.

Would love to find a way to pull this off. But this screams blowout to me

Then again, so did Illinois and we know what happened there

It actually screams trap game for Vegas bettors. The average fan will think UCLA -5.5 is juicy. Vegas usually knows better than the fans. I expect a tight one.

[jfp61]

UCLA's shot quality this season as been poor. 5 is about right, plus shaka is now hitting at nearly 63% ATS as an Underdog since joining Texas. The market is adjusting/betting it up a bit.

[BM1090]

UCLA's shot quality this season as been poor. 5 is about right, plus shaka is now hitting at nearly 63% ATS as an Underdog since joining Texas. The market is adjusting/betting it up a bit.

Their shot quality was poor during their FF run last year too. But the guys they have can make those shots consistently.

[jfp61]

Their shot quality was poor during their FF run last year too. But the guys they have can make those shots consistently.

They lost 9 games last year before making the tourney as one of the last four in. They were 64th in SQ in 2020, and are currently 41st in SQ in 2021. They got pumped by Gonzaga, and beat Nova in OT at home.

My point more so is they arn't the best team in the country, nor are they the 4th best. Probably in the 15-30 range come the end of the year.

[BrewCity83]

Overrated?

We'll find out tomorrow.

[BM1090]

They lost 9 games last year before making the tourney as one of the last four in. They were 64th in SQ in 2020, and are currently 41st in SQ in 2021. They got pumped by Gonzaga, and beat Nova in OT at home.

My point more so is they arn't the best team in the country, nor are they the 4th best. Probably in the 15-30 range come the end of the year.

Agree with most of this but think they likely settle in the 10-15 range

[MU82]

In most games UCLA plays, including this one, they arguably will have the best 2 players on the floor. And Campbell, Bernard and Riley (when healthy) are darn good, too.

The 2020-21 regular season means nothing when talking about (or ranking) this year's UCLA team.

I totally understand this betting line. 5.5 is a pretty good amount of points on the road against an 8-2 team that has some good wins. I'd have been surprised if it was much more than that. UCLA is a top-5 team with a nice win against the best team in Marquette's league; I'd have been surprised if it was much less than 5.5.

I hope we're hitting our shots, hitting the defensive boards and taking care of the basketball. If so, we can hang with them and maybe shock 'em. Wouldn't be any more shocking than the 2017 win vs Nova. If we're not doing those things, it could get ugly. We have very little margin for error in a game like this.

[panda]

They lost 9 games last year before making the tourney as one of the last four in. They were 64th in SQ in 2020, and are currently 41st in SQ in 2021. They got pumped by Gonzaga, and beat Nova in OT at home.

My point more so is they arn't the best team in the country, nor are they the 4th best. Probably in the 15-30 range come the end of the year.

That narrative has been floated around here a bit and it’s misguided. They were without both Chris Smith and Jalen Hill for the second half of last season. They had some tough non con losses early to good teams and then played really well in conference. Cronin is a great coach and there was/is a lot of talent on the roster. Top 5 this year? Probably not, but 10-15 is the real deal.

[Daniel]

Well, we have to do the three things we have not done consistently all year, and have to do them all in one game.  Offensive rebounding, limit turnovers, hit our shots.   Big challenge, but possible as this team is developing.   Go Marquette!

[Goose]

That is crazy line IMO. Would never bet against MU, but this would be an opportunity to do so.

[79Warrior]

They lost 9 games last year before making the tourney as one of the last four in. They were 64th in SQ in 2020, and are currently 41st in SQ in 2021. They got pumped by Gonzaga, and beat Nova in OT at home.

My point more so is they arn't the best team in the country, nor are they the 4th best. Probably in the 15-30 range come the end of the year.

So what? They are a very good team. I am happy we have the matchup. It's great for MU.

[Jockey]

Only 5.5 is pretty wild to me.

Would love to find a way to pull this off. But this screams blowout to me

Then again, so did Illinois and we know what happened there

Totally agree. It should be in the 12-14 range. I understand they don't want a road team giving up that many points, but these are not comparable teams in any way. I will be jumping up and down for joy if they only lose by 5.

[BM1090]

Totally agree. It should be in the 12-14 range. I understand they don't want a road team giving up that many points, but these are not comparable teams in any way. I will be jumping up and down for joy if they only lose by 5.

You’re going too far in the other direction. Rutgers was only +13.5 vs Purdue and didn’t have their best player.

I thought it would open around 7.5

[Its DJOver]

That narrative has been floated around here a bit and it’s misguided. They were without both Chris Smith and Jalen Hill for the second half of last season. They had some tough non con losses early to good teams and then played really well in conference. Cronin is a great coach and there was/is a lot of talent on the roster. Top 5 this year? Probably not, but 10-15 is the real deal.

This may be, but he's also a POS. The Yancy Gates experience tells me everything I need to know about Mick Cronin. Part of the reason I think there are fewer big rivalries for us right now in conference.  No one as hated as a Cronin, Slick Rick, Boeheim, or Huggy Bear.

[panda]

This may be, but he's also a POS. The Yancy Gates experience tells me everything I need to know about Mick Cronin. Part of the reason I think there are fewer big rivalries for us right now in conference.  No one as hated as a Cronin, Slick Rick, Boeheim, or Huggy Bear.

Go back and watch his post game presser. He came out looking about as good as he could given the situation. Frankly, whomever the Xavier coach at the time should be heavily criticized for letting his players sit at the podium and answer questions following the brew haha.

Great quotes and hilarious video, but if you’re criticizing anyone, it should be the x coach.

[MU82]

I will be jumping up and down for joy if they only lose by 5.

As a realist, I would understand a loss to UCLA. And unless we give it away, I won’t be overly disappointed. But I won’t celebrate a close loss to anyone.

And I don’t think you will either.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

This may be, but he's also a POS. The Yancy Gates experience tells me everything I need to know about Mick Cronin. Part of the reason I think there are fewer big rivalries for us right now in conference.  No one as hated as a Cronin, Slick Rick, Boeheim, or Huggy Bear.

I dunno man, Kevin Willard certainly tops Huggy Bear and Pitino for me.

[Its DJOver]

I dunno man, Kevin Willard certainly tops Huggy Bear and Pitino for me.

Not even close for me.  Willard has had some punks, but overall is not nearly as bad either of them.

Go back and watch his post game presser. He came out looking about as good as he could given the situation. Frankly, whomever the Xavier coach at the time should be heavily criticized for letting his players sit at the podium and answer questions following the brew haha.

Great quotes and hilarious video, but if you’re criticizing anyone, it should be the x coach.

Actions speak louder than words.  I don't care what you say in a press conference, only a 6 game suspension for Gates was ridiculous.  He should have been immediately kicked off the team.

[Jockey]

As a realist, I would understand a loss to UCLA. And unless we give it away, I won’t be overly disappointed. But I won’t celebrate a close loss to anyone.

And I don’t think you will either.

I thought we were a 10-12 win team at the start of the season. I am very happy where we are right now - even the 2 losses don't bother me so much.

I am starting to believe we could be better than that - with the outside possibility of getting in the tournament. So, yeah, it was hyperbole, but I won't be unhappy if we play well enough to lose a close game to a top 5 team.

[Boston Warrior]

I think with Covid people are underestimating  home court advantage… there has been a year or so where there have been minimal crowds. We need fiserv to rock and hopefully we steal a victory

[panda]

Not even close for me.  Willard has had some punks, but overall is not nearly as bad either of them.

Actions speak louder than words.  I don't care what you say in a press conference, only a 6 game suspension for Gates was ridiculous.  He should have been immediately kicked off the team.

Lol Cronin didn’t throw the punches. Get off your high horse.

[Its DJOver]

Lol Cronin didn’t throw the punches. Get off your high horse.

Cronin didn't throw any punches, but he was the one that decided that it is okay to throw punches and still be a player in his program.  The buck stops with the head coach, if you can't control your players that's on you.

[panda]

Cronin didn't throw any punches, but he was the one that decided that it is okay to throw punches and still be a player in his program.  The buck stops with the head coach, if you can't control your players that's on you.

And Mack went very soft on his suspensions. Where’s the outrage there pal?

Cronin has zero ncaa infractions and is by all accounts highly respected in the biz.

Mack on the other hand…..

[Its DJOver]

And Mack went very soft on his suspensions. Where’s the outrage there pal?

Cronin has zero ncaa infractions and is by all accounts highly respected in the biz.

Mack on the other hand…..

Are we playing Mack’s team tomorrow? Where you gonna move the goalposts next?

[DegenerateDish]

When I checked mid week what the projected line was with the power ratings I like, MU was +6.5 (before KSU game).

I’m now going to duck and run for cover.

[Shooter McGavin]

As a realist, I would understand a loss to UCLA. And unless we give it away, I won’t be overly disappointed. But I won’t celebrate a close loss to anyone.

And I don’t think you will either.

That’s correct.  A close loss would be more painful.  If it’s within 5 points after 38 minutes I’m going get greedy and want the win. 

[JakeBarnes]

That’s correct.  A close loss would be more painful.  If it’s within 5 points after 38 minutes I’m going get greedy and want the win.

Then I guess the team should get greedy and get the win.

[Shooter McGavin]

Then I guess the team should get greedy and get the win.

Amen to that!

[panda]

Are we playing Mack’s team tomorrow? Where you gonna move the goalposts next?

Lol - you brought up the fight. I’m still talking about the fight. You’re realizing you went Kellerman with your take and now you’re dodging. Nice try.

[Its DJOver]

Lol - you brought up the fight. I’m still talking about the fight. You’re realizing you went Kellerman with your take and now you’re dodging. Nice try.

Nope, I provided evidence for why Cronin is a POS.  You have then been deflecting with whataboutism trying to shift the blame onto Mack.  Keep shifting the goalposts and defending the POS all you want.

[rocket surgeon]

from what i've seen so far, we are scrappy as balls.  we have a bunch of 3 and 4 star gym rats including the coach.  what a perfect time to (over) achieve, aka rutgers and put ourselves on the early ncaa radar.  shaka is preaching W's even if he is prepping for the lakers.  there is no quit in this team

    i'd rather be playing a team like ucla early in the season than later.  t kolek hits a few of those open 3's changes a whole bunch of things.  the inner homer in me is goin for the gold...only one team gets the trophy here and might as well be the warriors

[panda]

Nope, I provided evidence for why Cronin is a POS.  You have then been deflecting with whataboutism trying to shift the blame onto Mack.  Keep shifting the goalposts and defending the POS all you want.

And the reason you said he’s a POS was the fight bozo

[Its DJOver]

And the reason you said he’s a POS was the fight bozo

No, the reason that he's a POS is his response (or lackthereof) to the fight, not the actual fight, and the fact that you're resorting to name-calling kinda tells me that you know I'm right.  Enjoy the game today, I'm done with you on this thread.

[panda]

No, the reason that he's a POS is his response (or lackthereof) to the fight, not the actual fight, and the fact that you're resorting to name-calling kinda tells me that you know I'm right.  Enjoy the game today, I'm done with you on this thread.

And i told you about the other coaches poor response to the fight… Bozo city population you.

[brewcity77]

In a discussion about UCLA and its coach on the day we play UCLA, trying to pivot to another coach not involved in either program nor today's game seems like an odd choice. Might as well bring Pitino and Sean Miller into it, since Cronin and Mack served as assistants to them. Is this the place for Louisville and Arizona sanctions (or lack thereof) too?

Obviously this is facetious, but if we're talking about Cronin, there's no need for whataboutism to someone not related to today's game.

[JakeBarnes]

ESPN has line at UCLA -7 now

[panda]

In a discussion about UCLA and its coach on the day we play UCLA, trying to pivot to another coach not involved in either program nor today's game seems like an odd choice. Might as well bring Pitino and Sean Miller into it, since Cronin and Mack served as assistants to them. Is this the place for Louisville and Arizona sanctions (or lack thereof) too?

Obviously this is facetious, but if we're talking about Cronin, there's no need for whataboutism to someone not related to today's game.

Except it’s not what about ism because he talked about how one coach is a POS because he went soft on suspensions. It’s off limits to then bring up the coach on the other side of the fight and how he handled the situation worse ? Looks like it’s population of 2 in bozo land.

[goldeneagle91114]

Has Cody Riley’s status for todays game been announced?

[willie warrior]

I dunno man, Kevin Willard certainly tops Huggy Bear and Pitino for me.

Mah. Pitino has to be on MU fans all time prick coach, just for his general all around sleaziness.

[Uncle Rico]

Mah. Pitino has to be on MU fans all time prick coach, just for his general all around sleaziness.

Marquette should have hired him last spring.  Titles are forever

[brewcity77]

It’s off limits to then bring up the coach on the other side of the fight and how he handled the situation worse ? Looks like it’s population of 2 in bozo land.

No, it's irrelevant to the discussion of UCLA. And you're still alone there.

[79Warrior]

Has Cody Riley’s status for todays game been announced?

Not yet.

[panda]

No, it's irrelevant to the discussion of UCLA. And you're still alone there.

It’s actually very relevant when bozo number one brings up why he’s a pos and I respond with relevant information on why he shouldn’t be viewed in that light. Bury your head in the sand even more next time.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Didn't realize Mick Cronin has a family member posting here. 

[NickelDimer]

Let’s get to the real matter and whether we approve of Cronin’s (or Mack’s) game day attire

[bilsu]

Marquette got beat easily by the two fundamentally sound teams we played. Is UCLA just going to try to out talent us or are they a fundamentally sound team?

[brewcity77]

Marquette got beat easily by the two fundamentally sound teams we played. Is UCLA just going to try to out talent us or are they a fundamentally sound team?

What St Bonaventure and UW-Madison have in common, at least what jumps out to me, is not just their turnover rate (#19 & #8, respectively) but WHY they don't turn it over. It's not so much the steal rate
(#112 & #31) but the non-steal turnover rate (#9 & #7). So when it comes to the charges, throwing it out of bounds, stepping on the line, these aren't teams that beat themselves.

Similarly, New Hampshire was the cupcake that gave us the most trouble. They rank 5th in turnover rate with a Steal/NSTO split of #32/#5. I think the reason we have trouble with these teams is because our Violence defense and focus on deflections leads teams to making those NSTO mistakes rather than us actually stealing the ball.

So where does UCLA fit? They are #11 in turnover rate, but it's #13 in steal rate and #41 in NSTO%. WVU is #37 in NSTO% (though not as good in steals as UCLA) so we have beaten a team similar in that regard already.

UCLA is still really good. They are typically a great three point shooting team and tough on the glass. But if we can get them playing at our tempo, making some mistakes, and they have a cold shooting night after a tough trip from LA, we might have a shot.

[chicagowarrior]

+7 @ Caesars

[willie warrior]

Marquette should have hired him last spring.  Titles are forever

yes MU should have hired him if for no other reason than his ability to clean off the dinner table at Porcinis. That sure was a resume enhancer for slick Rick.

[MU82]

UCLA is still really good. They are typically a great three point shooting team and tough on the glass. But if we can get them playing at our tempo, making some mistakes, and they have a cold shooting night after a tough trip from LA, we might have a shot.

I approve of this message!

[Uncle Rico]

yes MU should have hired him if for no other reason than his ability to clean off the dinner table at Porcinis. That sure was a resume enhancer for slick Rick.

Who cares?  Titles are forever

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Riley is warming up at the Fiserv but is still "questionable" for tonight

[Fred Garvin]

Should have been MU plus 55

[Daniel]

Should have been MU plus 55

I think it was. Decimal was a mistake.