What is the opinion of the group, does MU have more pressure on it in the tourney now that is won the regular season championship? Or does it have less?
I'm a little divided, but I think it takes some pressure off now that they've locked up at least one tangible accomplishment for the season. Also a little pressure off the NCAA tourney as well, both of which I see as good things. Guys will (hopefully) play more relaxed to start games than in the past.
Still, I can see the argument for the reverse. Pressure is kicked up because they've got to live up to the "new" expectations.
Very little pressure on MU. Maybe even none.
Already got Big East title. And have you seen a single "expert" predict they'll win this tourney?
They're totally playing with house money. Pressure will only be what they put on themselves if a game is close at the end, because competitors want to win.
Quote from: MU82 on March 11, 2013, 05:05:52 PM
Very little pressure on MU. Maybe even none.
Already got Big East title. And have you seen a single "expert" predict they'll win this tourney?
They're totally playing with house money. Pressure will only be what they put on themselves if a game is close at the end, because competitors want to win.
I agree. I'm expecting MU will play pretty loose now, and I think it should play to our advantage for this MU squad.
If we can hang with these teams for the first half on neutral courts, I really like our chances. With teams playing multiple games in short timeframes, it's a huge boost to a team with Marquette's makeup... deep and well-balanced. Hopefully someone will step up down the stretch like they have.
Disagree. Lots of pressure to win a game or be viewed as illegitimate posers.
Probably not much pressure to beat Louisville though.
Agree with the sentiment that now since MU won they need to uphold that championship image. Even with MU winning a share of the regular season this year, I feel with upperclassmen leadership + experience in the BET, we will come out relaxed. Hopefully not too relaxed though, see Rutgers, St. Johns.
Also, for those who say "why didn't MU pull away in the second half vs Rutgers and St Johns then?", I strongly believe it's because they were road games... not neutral games.
Even though they may not look like it to us as fans, neutral games are much different than roadies, and I expect to see MU's bench strength to step up this post-season.
In road games, only one team has to travel in, deal with mostly-unfamiliar surroundings, a hotel stay, and a possible hostile environment (big or small). This all occurs while the other team gets to play on familiar rims, no travel, and has people cheering for them.
Neutral games levels the playing field... or at the very least, softens the blow.
I sound like Captain Obvious, but I think a lot of people seem to forget this. I don't feel MU played well in Maui, and actually feel like MU handled some pretty tough situations well on the road... ie nearly blowing it at Pitt and St Johns... three senior nights.
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on March 11, 2013, 05:17:26 PM
Disagree. Lots of pressure to win a game or be viewed as illegitimate posers.
Probably not much pressure to beat Louisville though.
In my opinion, they already dealt with that mid-season when the pundits like Pat Forde said MU was only doing well because of the schedule.
No pressure on MU.
They haven't been stellar in this format before and no reason to think they will be now. Hoyas, Ville, Pitt and even Cuse are felt to have a better chance to win so it would be a mild surprise if MU were to win it all much less even be there on Saturday night.
Winning that Championship on Saturday makes me feel nothing this week. Without a doubt I want to see them win it but a flameout like last year wouldn't bother me in the least.
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on March 11, 2013, 05:17:26 PM
Disagree. Lots of pressure to win a game or be viewed as illegitimate posers.
Probably not much pressure to beat Louisville though.
I'm with you. Just look at the press about the BE regular season championship. Listen to the national press and it is a coronation for GU and Louisville. With MU it is almost an afterthought. We are seen as imposters. We need to take this opportunity to cement the fact that we are for real and that we belong.
Quote from: keefe on March 11, 2013, 06:13:45 PM
I'm with you. Just look at the press about the BE regular season championship. Listen to the national press and it is a coronation for GU and Louisville. With MU it is almost an afterthought. We are seen as imposters. We need to take this opportunity to cement the fact that we are for real and that we belong.
Completely agree, but I don't that means MU is playing under pressure... it just means they are playing with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. Over the years, Buzz' squads have fared best like this.
Call me crazy, but I would have rather won the BE tourney than a share of the title (or even the title outright). Thankfully, we got a shot at both (I'm scared of Lville though).
Pressure is there to at least beat Notre Dame and I think people are expecting us to lose to Lville.
Pressure all depends on Buzz and his team goals for the tournament. Personally, they have no pressure because they're guaranteed to be one of 64 in the Big Dance.
I'm hoping we play Louisville in the BE Tourney. We need the practice against the press.