Ore-gone (21-7 against non 1-2 seeds)

[tower912]

1.  M*A*S*H* unit out there.  Long year, lots of minutes, lots of guys gutting it out.   Some moron said this team had no heart.   
2.  Cain has so much potential.   A couple of glaring holes in his game at the moment.  Hands.  Passing.
3.  Officiating did affect the outcome.    In this game, MU literally could not play defense without getting called for fouling.    Very frustrating.  The record will show that MU gave up 92 points.    MU played much better than that when it still mattered. 
4.  The first half was a clinic.  Thank you, Oregon, for pressing.   
5.  The extra practices are paying off for the freshmen.    All had really good moments today.   
6.  Is it possible that Marquette is actually a pretty good team, just not strong enough, with all of the young guys, to physically compete in the Big East.   Just want to toss that out there. 
7.   Beat Penn State!

[1SE]

Fun to see the offense clicking while it worked.

I like our freshman a lot. Especially John. He's going to be a phenomenal 4-year player.

I don't understand how you can be 5'11", a D1 player, and not have the handle of Globetrotter.

[GGGG]

First three quarters were a blast. Lost aggression late but it wasn’t ever in doubt.

Great crowd really got them going early. Should be fun with the students back this week.

[1SE]

First three quarters were a blast. Lost aggression late but it wasn’t ever in doubt.

Great crowd really got them going early. Should be fun with the students back this week.

If MUBB Brass really cared about winning (instead of $$) we'd play every home game in the Al.

[GGGG]

If MUBB Brass really cared about winning (instead of $$) we'd play every home game in the Al.

That’s just silly.

[GoldenZebra]

If MUBB Brass really cared about winning (instead of $$) we'd play every home game in the Al.

You cannot be serious.

[1SE]

That’s just silly.

Of course it's silly, bu what's Nova's record at the Pav over the past 15 years? Like 204-3? Al would be a nightmarish place to play.

[GGGG]

Of course it's silly, bu what's Nova's record at the Pav over the past 15 years? Like 204-3? Al would be a nightmarish place to play.

And arena probably more than twice the size of the Al.

[nyg]

Of course it's silly, bu what's Nova's record at the Pav over the past 15 years? Like 204-3? Al would be a nightmarish place to play.

and MU would be broke....Move on from this hypothesis, crazy talk. 

[DUNKS45]

1.  M*A*S*H* unit out there.  Long year, lots of minutes, lots of guys gutting it out.   Some moron said this team had no heart.   
2.  Cain has so much potential.   A couple of glaring holes in his game at the moment.  Hands.  Passing.
3.  Officiating did affect the outcome.    In this game, MU literally could not play defense without getting called for fouling.    Very frustrating.  The record will show that MU gave up 92 points.    MU played much better than that when it still mattered. 
4.  The first half was a clinic.  Thank you, Oregon, for pressing.   
5.  The extra practices are paying off for the freshmen.    All had really good moments today.   
6.  Is it possible that Marquette is actually a pretty good team, just not strong enough, with all of the young guys, to physically compete in the Big East.   Just want to toss that out there. 
7.   Beat Penn State!

Great assessment Tower, thanks

[chapman]

Of course it's silly, bu what's Nova's record at the Pav over the past 15 years? Like 204-3? Al would be a nightmarish place to play.

The Pavillion is nearly twice as big as the Al.  Even Carnesecca Arena is 50% larger. 

Villanova managed to only lose one home game all year while playing at the Wells Fargo Center all year, since they're just good at basketball.

[1SE]

And arena probably more than twice the size of the Al.

It's only like 6,500. And about 2,000 of those seats have obstructed views.

A close second would be to reserve the first three rows all around the court of the FoxConn Sports Viewing Palace for students. Who needs Cameron Crazies when we could have Wojo Wackies?

[tower912]

I pointed out Mike Jakubowski to my son.   I told him that I had a bunch of classes with Mike and worked at WMUR with him.   My 11 year old says "Wow, he looks a lot older than you, dad."     The boy will be getting a bonus in this week's allowance. 

[connie]

If MUBB Brass really cared about winning (instead of $$) we'd play every home game in the Al.

Somebody's St. Pat's Day celebration is in extra innings.

[chapman]

Thought we'd be out of fumes heading into this one.  Awesome to see we had 30 minutes of great ball in us.  Hope there's enough in the tank with the 48 hour turnaround.  Sam's a tough dude; we still need him even at...I'll call it 30%.  Let's avoid the whistle happy refs in the next one.

[tower912]

If MUBB Brass really cared about winning (instead of $$) we'd play every home game in the Al.

So, MU should get a higher rate of return on amount spent on the men's basketball program.    One possible solution you offer is to severely curtail said revenue.      Ok. 

[mileskishnish72]

Agree with your points, as usual, especially with the comments on Jamal and the refs (there was one foul on Theo that they called almost before the Oregon player had caught the ball - and at least 2 on Matt were totally bogus).

Have to add a comment on Rowsey. He is just totally a pisser - LOVED the smile after the fake/360 and buried 3. Good games for Matt, Theo, and Sacar, as well as Greg. Sam is clearly not right and sucking it up. If we didn't have him, I don't know what the press would have done.

Does Harry playing indicate a future for him in MKE?

Wanted a chance to whack the Domers, but investigating chances to get to NYC widweek.

[jsglow]

I just want to give a shout out to Sammy and Greg.  Be the are about 60% and played with tremendous heart today. No doubt this team wants everything they can get this March.

[mu_hilltopper]

Sir Larry gave me his row 4 seats as he wasn't in town .. besides watching the Western Michigan NIT game, I don't think I've ever had better seats, 30 feet from the hoop.

First observation - The Al is loud.  Not sure about the rafters, but down low, it's as loud as any 19,000 Bradley Center game.  How players can even communicate is amazing.

Second - It amazed me to see all the hacking, pushing, shoving, whacking that goes uncalled by the refs.  That they "only" called 49 fouls is amazing -- and utterly stupid.    In the same vein that they could call 100 fouls, they could also call 20 and just let the kids play, it looked that random.

Great win, great venue.  Tuesday is my birthday, MU is getting me a W.

[nyg]

The refs were sort of poor today, but one of MU's fault's all year is foul trouble every game.  Today, when Markus got number 5, it forced Sam back on the court to help with the press.  That didn't work out too good because the kid can hardly run.  The extra bench time with a 20 point lead would have helped.

Today was the day I realized the potential of Jamal Cain.  He went up for two rebounds and I believe his head was near the rim.  He has a nice shooting stroke.  Of course he needs to put on some weight, but if he can cure his hands of stone, stop getting bit nervous when he gets a pass (moves those feet) and works on dribbling/passing skills, he will see substantial time next year.  Those are things a player can actually work on and improve. 

[WarriorFan]

it almost hurts to watch Hauser as he guts it out.  Kudos to him.  Can he make it 3 more games?

I do suggest that the team practice running and dribbling at the same time between now and the next game.  if anyone would just press us from start to finish it would be 75-0.

[GGGG]

it almost hurts to watch Hauser as he guts it out.  Kudos to him.  Can he make it 3 more games?

I do suggest that the team practice running and dribbling at the same time between now and the next game.  if anyone would just press us from start to finish it would be 75-0.

I think we struggled more because we didn't attack it.  When we did in the first half, we went right through it.

If someone wants to press us all game, I'd be fine with that.

[brewcity77]

First observation - The Al is loud.  Not sure about the rafters, but down low, it's as loud as any 19,000 Bradley Center game.  How players can even communicate is amazing.

My buddy ran a little late so we ended up one row off the roof. It was still really loud. I don't remember the BC being that loud since Jake Thomas' and-one three against Syracuse.

I know we won't play home games at the Al, but I think it's worth considering a 10,000 seat venue on campus. We'd have 7 years to raise funds and erect it. Build it to last so MU can keep all the revenue and only use the Silk for big games and weekends.

[GGGG]

My buddy ran a little late so we ended up one row off the roof. It was still really loud. I don't remember the BC being that loud since Jake Thomas' and-one three against Syracuse.

I know we won't play home games at the Al, but I think it's worth considering a 10,000 seat venue on campus. We'd have 7 years to raise funds and erect it. Build it to last so MU can keep all the revenue and only use the Silk for big games and weekends.

Yeah the entire equation may have changed if the new Bucks owners are going to turn the screws rent-wise.

[D'Lo Brown]

The refs were sort of poor today, but one of MU's fault's all year is foul trouble every game.  Today, when Markus got number 5, it forced Sam back on the court to help with the press.  That didn't work out too good because the kid can hardly run.  The extra bench time with a 20 point lead would have helped.

Today was the day I realized the potential of Jamal Cain.  He went up for two rebounds and I believe his head was near the rim.  He has a nice shooting stroke.  Of course he needs to put on some weight, but if he can cure his hands of stone, stop getting bit nervous when he gets a pass (moves those feet) and works on dribbling/passing skills, he will see substantial time next year.  Those are things a player can actually work on and improve.

He has a very wiry frame, he is actually pretty muscle-y already when you look at him. I think he will put on some weight for sure but he's always going to be a wiry guy (sorry IDK how else to put it). I think normal seasoning will do just fine with him, he just needs to keep working hard, play within the system, and pick up on the nuances. He exceeded my expectations this season, for sure.

GE is the one that really needs to hit the weights, in my mind.

[GGGG]

He has a very wiry frame, he is actually pretty muscle-y already when you look at him. I think he will put on some weight for sure but he's always going to be a wiry guy (sorry IDK how else to put it). I think normal seasoning will do just fine with him, he just needs to keep working hard, play within the system, and pick up on the nuances.

GE is the one that really needs to hit the weights, in my mind.

Neither Greg nor Jamal have the frame that Sacar does. 

[Floorslapper]

My buddy ran a little late so we ended up one row off the roof. It was still really loud. I don't remember the BC being that loud since Jake Thomas' and-one three against Syracuse.

I know we won't play home games at the Al, but I think it's worth considering a 10,000 seat venue on campus. We'd have 7 years to raise funds and erect it. Build it to last so MU can keep all the revenue and only use the Silk for big games and weekends.

Almost makes one wish we could have held out for more funds to make the Al McGuire center a legitimate on campus arena when built.  Believe it was $32M to build.  I've only been in Al one time, but as I understand it there are two levels/basketball courts?  Any chance to re-engineer it to just one basketball court, add seats, get capacity up near 6-8K, and roll with your above plan?  Perhaps ticket prices for games at Al could be higher (as the experience would be much better/more intimate?)

From what I read surrounding MU's negotiations to play at the new arena in MKE, it sounded as though the relationship between MU and Bucks brass was luke warm at best.

[MU82]

I know we won't play home games at the Al, but I think it's worth considering a 10,000 seat venue on campus. We'd have 7 years to raise funds and erect it. Build it to last so MU can keep all the revenue and only use the Silk for big games and weekends.

This.

It's a shame we couldn't have built a legit on-campus arena to hold 8000-10000. You can always play a few of the big games at the NBA arena, just as other teams with on-campus arenas do.

Might never happen, but a boy can dream ...

[SaveOD238]

Today was the day I realized the potential of Jamal Cain.  He went up for two rebounds and I believe his head was near the rim.  He has a nice shooting stroke.  Of course he needs to put on some weight, but if he can cure his hands of stone, stop getting bit nervous when he gets a pass (moves those feet) and works on dribbling/passing skills, he will see substantial time next year.  Those are things a player can actually work on and improve.

I've been seeing this all season.  Jamal's ceiling is Jimmy Butler, but he may be more athletic than ever Jimmy was.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

If MUBB Brass really cared about winning (instead of $$) we'd play every home game in the Al.

Holy sh*t....

[mu03eng]

This.

It's a shame we couldn't have built a legit on-campus arena to hold 8000-10000. You can always play a few of the big games at the NBA arena, just as other teams with on-campus arenas do.

Might never happen, but a boy can dream ...

STH group is 10,000 is not more. MU would have to choose to give up revenue for an on campus arena.

[warriorstrack]

1.  M*A*S*H* unit out there.  Long year, lots of minutes, lots of guys gutting it out.   Some moron said this team had no heart.   
2.  Cain has so much potential.   A couple of glaring holes in his game at the moment.  Hands.  Passing.
3.  Officiating did affect the outcome.    In this game, MU literally could not play defense without getting called for fouling.    Very frustrating.  The record will show that MU gave up 92 points.    MU played much better than that when it still mattered. 
4.  The first half was a clinic.  Thank you, Oregon, for pressing.   
5.  The extra practices are paying off for the freshmen.    All had really good moments today.   
6.  Is it possible that Marquette is actually a pretty good team, just not strong enough, with all of the young guys, to physically compete in the Big East.   Just want to toss that out there. 
7.   Beat Penn State!

Apology accepted

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

STH group is 10,000 is not more. MU would have to choose to give up revenue for an on campus arena.

That number is going to shrink in future years, just the way live sports is going. I think a 10,000 seat on campus arena while still playing a few games a year in Silk Exotic Center would be a very good situation if we could find the money. This is dependent on the Mecca being shutdown of course.

[GoldenWarrior11]

1.  M*A*S*H* unit out there.  Long year, lots of minutes, lots of guys gutting it out.   Some moron said this team had no heart.   
2.  Cain has so much potential.   A couple of glaring holes in his game at the moment.  Hands.  Passing.
3.  Officiating did affect the outcome.    In this game, MU literally could not play defense without getting called for fouling.    Very frustrating.  The record will show that MU gave up 92 points.    MU played much better than that when it still mattered. 
4.  The first half was a clinic.  Thank you, Oregon, for pressing.   
5.  The extra practices are paying off for the freshmen.    All had really good moments today.   
6.  Is it possible that Marquette is actually a pretty good team, just not strong enough, with all of the young guys, to physically compete in the Big East.   Just want to toss that out there. 
7.   Beat Penn State!

8.  The Marquette Men's Lacrosse team need to attend every future home game.

[Marcus92]

The environment at the Al was amped up far beyond the Harvard game (which was still pretty good IMHO). Marquette fans took full advantage of the metal bleachers, stomping their approval after big plays so that the place literally shook. One of the loudest, most fun games I've attended in a while.

Rowsey led the way, but great contributions on both ends from the entire roster.  Matt, Theo and Harry had their hands full with McIntosh. I thought their combined defense against him was better than his stats might indicate. (18 free throws? Seriously?) And they managed to put up a collective 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Not bad for the three-headed monster.

Markus delivered a relatively quiet 18 points. Sacar had one of his strongest games, looking both aggressive and in control. Oregon looked completely frustrated after giving up 84 points through 3 quarters. A noble effort at the end, but nowhere near enough.

Bring on Penn State.

[1SE]

Sometimes things can be teal even when they're not in teal.

But the less teal side was predicated on my misconception that the Al held more like 5,000 instead of 3,500. Yes of course that's still unfeasible, but much closer to places like the Pav.

The bigger point (going back to the home-game thread) is that the BC hasn't at all been an intimidating place to play under Wojo. Our home record has been atrocious. Can't help but wonder if we don't pick up a few more Ws this year (and the past few) if we played them all at the Al. That's the difference between 3 NCAAs and 1 NCAA in 5 years.

A 10,000 seater on campus seems like it should be a very viable option. I doubt revenues would fall that much for most game - supply is restricted so you raise prices a bit. Again, if you have a sure-fire 18,000 seat sell out pay the blood money for the big house. Gotta be some big-time donors out there who either want to be the name of MUBB (or want to stay anonymous and give it some MU-honorific).

[Silkk the Shaka]

Sometimes things can be teal even when they're not in teal.

But the less teal side was predicated on my misconception that the Al held more like 5,000 instead of 3,500. Yes of course that's still unfeasible, but much closer to places like the Pav.

The bigger point (going back to the home-game thread) is that the BC hasn't at all been an intimidating place to play under Wojo. Our home record has been atrocious. Can't help but wonder if we don't pick up a few more Ws this year (and the past few) if we played them all at the Al. That's the difference between 3 NCAAs and 1 NCAA in 5 years.

A 10,000 seater on campus seems like it should be a very viable option. I doubt revenues would fall that much for most game - supply is restricted so you raise prices a bit. Again, if you have a sure-fire 18,000 seat sell out pay the blood money for the big house. Gotta be some big-time donors out there who either want to be the name of MUBB (or want to stay anonymous and give it some MU-honorific).

Can't sell beer if the stadium is on campus, gotta factor that in too

[connie]

Its nice to dream, but the economics would seem to be against it. 

[jesmu84]

Can't sell beer if the stadium is on campus, gotta factor that in too

I thought that was true. But Butler now sells beer.

[brewcity77]

Can't sell beer if the stadium is on campus, gotta factor that in too

Not true. The NCAA did away with that rule years ago, Marquette just chooses not to at the Al.

As far as lost revenue, I actually think they would end up making more or at least breaking even once the new venue was paid off. Sure, it's 10,000 seats instead of 17,000 but there's no rent to worry about. You keep all the ticket money, concession money, everything. And if you build it right, an old school building without many of the bells and whistles that will stand for a century, you keep on keeping the revenue long after the BC, the Silk, the Biff Tannen Memorial Sports Complex, and the Spaceley Sprockets Megadome have all been reduced to rubble.

And honestly, I think actual in the seats attendance would go up. That atmosphere yesterday was electric. It is very hard to match that at the BC. A shorter walk may also help student attendance.

I feel like it's pie in the sky, but I don't think it's as impossible as some might think.

[Jay Bee]

Can't sell beer if the stadium is on campus, gotta factor that in too

#FakeNews
#Lies
#AntiBirras

[Its DJOver]

Getting back to the game I would just like to point out the incredible improvement that Theo has has from the start of the year.

Remember this was a kid who could barely log double digit minutes because he would foul out in 10.  His fouls per 40 min was off the charts.  He threw the ball in the general direction of the hoop a couple times, which were technically shots, and he was about a 40% free throw shooter through the non-conference.

Yesterday, he played 17 very valuable minutes, only logged 3 fouls, when it seemed like everybody had either 4 or 5, was very calm and composed when facing a shot clock running down, and nailed both his free throws.  Most improved during the year hands down.  I still expect that Matt will start next year, because he's still a better defender, but Theo will likely be logging the most minutes at center, and the way we'll be able to space the floor, he will be able to take his time and get the 5 foot baby hook whenever he wants.  This is exactly why you take whatever postseason you can get.  Huge experience for the almost sophomore. 

[Marcus92]

Great post, DJOver. Between the potential for matchup adjustments, foul trouble or injuries, greater depth in the front court should be a real strength next season. Theo will have a big part to play.

[Newsdreams]

If MUBB Brass really cared about winning (instead of $$) we'd play every home game in the Al.

Scoop Takes worthy.

[MU82]

Getting back to the game I would just like to point out the incredible improvement that Theo has has from the start of the year.

Remember this was a kid who could barely log double digit minutes because he would foul out in 10.  His fouls per 40 min was off the charts.  He threw the ball in the general direction of the hoop a couple times, which were technically shots, and he was about a 40% free throw shooter through the non-conference.

Yesterday, he played 17 very valuable minutes, only logged 3 fouls, when it seemed like everybody had either 4 or 5, was very calm and composed when facing a shot clock running down, and nailed both his free throws.  Most improved during the year hands down.  I still expect that Matt will start next year, because he's still a better defender, but Theo will likely be logging the most minutes at center, and the way we'll be able to space the floor, he will be able to take his time and get the 5 foot baby hook whenever he wants.  This is exactly why you take whatever postseason you can get.  Huge experience for the almost sophomore.

Ridiculous. Saying such a thing would be suggesting that Wojo and his assistants ever do more than de-motivate their players. Shame on you.