Why now? What changed? 14 losses aren't flukes. We played a lot of good teams to get those 14 losses. And we played bad basketball at times.
Defensive rotations: have tightened. Buzz says that the team is playing to the scouting reports. Whatever, we haven't given up nearly the number of easy baskets, both from 3pt land and underneath.
Rebounding: We have gotten the big ones we need, instead of giving up 3-4 offensive rebounds before the other team inevitable scores.
Leadership: Especially against Cuse. JFB, DJO, and the two JC's sought the ball, wanted to shoot, and did not hide from the moment. Playing without fear.
Scheme: Having JFB guard Tu and then Jardine down the stretch was inspired. The fact that he was successfully able to do it speaks volumes about JFB.
North Carolina is tough. No getting around it. If the recent trend continues, Buzz is going to come up with match ups that give MU a chance. If the players execute, it can be done.
Quote from: tower912 on March 21, 2011, 10:57:28 AM
Buzz says that the team is playing to the scouting reports.
This is exactly what I think is happening. They are focusing all their defensive effort into doing what the other team thinks is their key. From stopping Tu Holloway's drives, to doubling Jackson when he gets the ball. He is forcing offenses to use their second and third options.
I think one of the players was asked a similar question during the post Syracuse presser. I think the answer was, "we made a lot of mistakes. we learned from our mistakes."
I think the players have steadily improved throughout the year, particularly Cadougan and Otule. Also, after Crowder showed up on the other teams' scouting reports he had more difficulty and became more vulnerable to foul trouble. Because of Crowder's foul trouble, playing Ewill 6-8 minutes makes a big difference too. I think these adjustments/improvements were enough to tilt close losses to close victories. My 2 cents.
Quote from: downtown85 on March 21, 2011, 11:34:15 AM
I think one of the players was asked a similar question during the post Syracuse presser. I think the answer was, "we made a lot of mistakes. we learned from our mistakes."
I think the players have steadily improved throughout the year, particularly Cadougan and Otule. Also, after Crowder showed up on the other teams' scouting reports he had more difficulty and became more vulnerable to foul trouble. Because of Crowder's foul trouble, playing Ewill 6-8 minutes makes a big difference too. I think these adjustments/improvements were enough to tilt close losses to close victories. My 2 cents.
Agree. And, catch a few breaks here and there. Sometimes it takes a little bit of luck to win games...especially in the tourney.