I had to watch my kids play basketball today, so I missed the game entirely (Chico -- if you've still got my address, I sure would appreciate it ;D). Obviously, I'm thrilled to learn that we won, and I've been able to gather some information about the game, but would like a bit more. A few specific questions: did Pitt play zone or man? If zone, what type and how did we look against it? Who was breaking the zone? Any spectacular plays? How did Barro look on Gray? I see Fitz had four 3's -- were they contested or open?
Really, anything anyone wants to add that isn't showing up in the official AP report would be great.
Thanks.
From what I remember at least 3 of Fitz's 4 three's came from the same spot on the left wing. There was good ball movement to him and they came within the flow of the offense for the most part. From what I saw today, he seems to be really coming around. He didn't show any hesitancy to shoot. From what I remember at least two of his 3's were open looks. Gray had a great opening 5 minutes, then he cooled off, and didn't get the ball much in the second half, especially down the stretch. Not sure if he was ailing today or what.
A few more things...
Pitt tried a 2-3 zone for about 4 or 5 minutes. James nailed 3 - 3pt shots and drove to the hoop once and they never tried it again.
Barro looked over matched against Gray at the beginning of the game. However, the game plan was clearly to use MU's athleticism at the 5 spot to run the floor and wear Gray down. This eventually forced him to rest on the bench, and then Gray never came back to be as effective as in those first few minutes.
At one point with Gray out, Burke received the ball flashing in from the wing and slammed it home with authority. I know that play had me jumping out of my seat. Good things to come from Burke.
Fitz played a heck of a game as usual, but his shots were falling today - great to see. He kept Pitt's defense off balance.
Really, great play by all the guys. Cubillan needs to be more aggressive in taking shots (he's got the Fitz syndrome going now), but he helps MU out tremendously with ball handling and defense. I don't get nervous with DJ out and Cube in.
They game had a TON of fouls called. Several players with 4 fouls by the end of the game, with 5 guys total fouling out. The refs were still letting them play physical, but calling a lot of reaches. Nonetheless, it seemed to break up the game and keep Marquette from too much of its transition
Ok, that's all I got. Look for a bittorrent of the game in the near future, I'm sure it will be there ;)
Thanks, guys.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on January 21, 2007, 11:49:30 PM
At one point with Gray out, Burke received the ball flashing in from the wing and slammed it home with authority. I know that play had me jumping out of my seat. Good things to come from Burke.
Needed to correct my mistake. Watched the game again last night after posting this, and Gray was in the game for the Burke slam. Even better ;)