Noticed in the BE stats who is just ahead of last place USF in turnover margin. That's right, GT is the surprising answer. Of course, we are #1 so could bode well. The only other glaring stat that favors GT is defensive FG% where they allow .409 for 2nd and we're at .482, 15th in the BE. Still most other categories are a wash. They have also won 8 in a row and are due for a letdown.
We played so bad the last game and won, I am expecting us to come out and play very well against Georgetown. They are due for a loss.
Quote from: bilsu on February 10, 2011, 08:50:07 PM
We played so bad the last game and won, I am expecting us to come out and play very well against Georgetown. They are due for a loss.
I'm feeling the same thing. Although, I always feel we will pull the upset(always come up short) I really think this is the time we do it. I know we dont lose a heartbreaker here. We are winning on Sunday or duplicating the USF effort and getting pounded.
Georgetown coming off a huge win and we're coming off a "cover it with a brown bag" ugly win...have to think we come out fired up on Sunday.
Quote from: HaywardsHeroes32 on February 10, 2011, 09:37:53 PMI'm feeling the same thing. Although, I always feel we will pull the upset(always come up short) I really think this is the time we do it. I know we dont lose a heartbreaker here. We are winning on Sunday or duplicating the USF effort and getting pounded.
The only reason to think that I suppose is because in the past 2 seasons, Georgetown is the only team to beat us by double figures, though that was while playing our third in three days (same for G'Town) and we were coming off that immense emotional win over Villanova that many thought we may have needed to secure our place in the Big Dance.
But despite that, I still can't really see expecting this team to get pounded. Even when we play like crap, we manage to keep the game close and find ourselves in it at the end. The worst we got beat all season was by Pitt, and that was only by 8. Honestly, I'm not sure there's a team or a venue where I'd really expect us to get beaten badly.
Quote from: brewcity77 on February 10, 2011, 11:25:59 PM
The only reason to think that I suppose is because in the past 2 seasons, Georgetown is the only team to beat us by double figures, though that was while playing our third in three days (same for G'Town) and we were coming off that immense emotional win over Villanova that many thought we may have needed to secure our place in the Big Dance.
But despite that, I still can't really see expecting this team to get pounded. Even when we play like crap, we manage to keep the game close and find ourselves in it at the end. The worst we got beat all season was by Pitt, and that was only by 8. Honestly, I'm not sure there's a team or a venue where I'd really expect us to get beaten badly.
yes that is normally true, but if we play like we started wednesday Gtown would run us out of the gym and possibly division 1 basketball. Fortunately, I dont think that happens because I really do think we somehow pull out that huge win. St. Johns is starting to make their tourney mark so it would only be fitting in this crazy BE season if we follow up with one of our own before playing them.
I think we will see the full court press earlier in the game against Georgetown. We may give up some easy baskets with this defense but we will do the same in the half court defense anyway. Georgetown has an EFG% of 57.2 (4th in the country) and our EFG% defense is 50.8 (237th in the country). If this game is played in the half court, I would expect a long afternoon for MU. As the opening post states, turning them over will be key, thus I think we will are likely to see the "helter skelter" press even if we are not behind in the game.
Quote from: downtown85 on February 11, 2011, 05:33:58 AM
I think we will see the full court press earlier in the game against Georgetown. We may give up some easy baskets with this defense but we will do the same in the half court defense anyway. Georgetown has an EFG% of 57.2 (4th in the country) and our EFG% defense is 50.8 (237th in the country). If this game is played in the half court, I would expect a long afternoon for MU. As the opening post states, turning them over will be key, thus I think we will are likely to see the "helter skelter" press even if we are not behind in the game.
You are correct that we may see some easy baskets when pressing. But, as Cracked Sidewalks said, "compared to what." 30 seconds of D and then a score?
Simple fact is the more possessions we have in a game the better we do. So press and force a TO or a shot earlier in the possession. This gets the ball into our hands sooner and the bet is we will have a higher PPP (points per possession) then G-Town. If so, then the more possessions in the game, the better we do.
Why do you think we never lose by more than 10 points? Because we can score. So our game plan must try and get us as many scoring opportunities as possible.
We really need this game for our resume. The way St. John's is playing, they will beat us out of a dance card.
Kick Georgetown's butt---a real tall order on their home court.
Watch for the continuing "buzz-saw" press at GT. Methinks this will be a good game for none other than Mr. Blue, whose good D will lead to good O.
GT has UCONN right after MU, so the Warriors are a perfect trap game for them.. MU coming off terrible game..GT riding on a high...looking ahead to Uconn.... MU wins by 5 72-67....
Quote from: BigDaddy84 on February 11, 2011, 11:15:06 AM
GT has UCONN right after MU, so the Warriors are a perfect trap game for them.. MU coming off terrible game..GT riding on a high...looking ahead to Uconn.... MU wins by 5 72-67....
When I think of a trap game, I think of a lightly regarded opponent that everyone expects you to beat handily.
Based on how many close games MU and Georgetown have had over the years, the "Jesuit" rivalry, and the fact that we're in contention for an NCAA bid, its hard to imagine they would take us lightly and look ahead to UConn.
Providence was their trap game. I doubt Thompson has let them forget that.
We aren't a trap game, but playing them in between Syracuse and UConn is to our advantage. Wednesday nights victory at the Dome was huge and possibly emotionally draining for them. Take into account our game, and I think we'll be fine on Sunday.
Ugh I absolutely hate this game.
Objectively we should win this game. Perhaps even by double digits.
You give up a very High FG% and we shoot a very High FG%. So I expect us to get into the high 70's at least.
Our defense has improved since our 3 game slide early in the BE season. When we give 100% we're a very good defensive team. We locked down St. John's, Louisville, and Syracuse. But will we give 100% after knocking off our arch rival? Hopefully?
But you guys desperately need a marquee win. So I expect this to be a close game.
I also think we will try to get to the free throw line a lot. GU fouls a fair amount and is not good at getting to the line (at least compared to us). This game may be decided there.
I hope Hightower isn't there. :o