1. Man, I miss Stevie Mitchell. Playing 7 instead of 8, having Shaka calling out bench play during time outs. Foul trouble. No lock down defense.
2. St. Thomas was exactly as advertised.
3. Posting up Sean. Driving at Ben. Fouling Oso rather than giving him a dunk. Their Tauer knows ball, too.
4. Nice birthday dunk, Sean
5. In another thread, Creighton was criticized for continuing to shoot 3s even when they weren't falling. St. Thomas showed why in the second half. They made a couple and it was on. And on. And on.
6. The debut of MU's jumbo package, with Oso, Gold, and Joplin. Some good, some bad.
7. Blue! Blue! Actually meant something tonight.
8. Northwestern had this scenario. They lost.
9. MU survived. Barely.
10. Bring on the Big East.
11. Tommies have really top notch D3 talent.
11. Thanks, Willie for game thread fun
Epitome of a trap game. Win anyway
How many spots do we drop?
1-0 in the New, New Big East
Going to change my boxers....be right back.
Definitely interested to see Shaka's post-game presser.
It may be a very quiet locker room despite the win.
Ugly. Played way too sped up. They're 5 out ability had us over rotating.
Won and didn't get any further injuries.
12/19 is going to be tough.
Need Stevie back bad.
Not only does he obviously help with D and energy.
But having him makes our rotations better. Ross off the bench first for a starter is fun
SJ and Ben? Not fun.
In the Wojo era, we probably lose that game.
Quote from: Biggie Clausen on December 14, 2023, 09:10:55 PM
In the Wojo era, we probably lose that game.
This is actually probably true
Stats guys, what's Jolp's PPP/ORtg/eFG on drives?
Catch and shoot, guy, catch and shoot. If you've dribbled twice it's one too many.
NET score dropped with every crap Tommie 3 made...
Closed out the non-conference with a W at the end of finals week with the holidays looming. Not a pretty performance, but credit St. Thomas who played great and very hard. Nobody's going to remember this one come January.
Was a fun game. Felt like a tournament game with the underdog in it till the end. Good experience for MU, didn't crap the bad.
Our free throws done the stretch were solid and necessary.
Would enjoy playing these guys again next year . Keeps our squad on the alert.
Could this be a blessing in disguise?
Quote from: Herman Cain on December 14, 2023, 09:15:11 PM
Was a fun game. Felt like a tournament game with the underdog in it till the end. Good experience for MU, didn't crap the bad.
Our free throws done the stretch were solid and necessary.
Would enjoy playing these guys again next year . Keeps our squad on the alert.
Happy to finish non con over .500.
Quote from: Tyler COLEk on December 14, 2023, 09:14:13 PM
Closed out the non-conference with a W at the end of finals week with the holidays looming. Not a pretty performance, but credit St. Thomas who played great and very hard. Nobody's going to remember this one come January.
True.
Quote from: Herman Cain on December 14, 2023, 09:15:11 PM
Was a fun game. Felt like a tournament game with the underdog in it till the end. Good experience for MU, didn't crap the bad.
Our free throws done the stretch were solid and necessary.
Would enjoy playing these guys again next year . Keeps our squad on the alert.
Fun for whom?
Quote from: TSmith34, Inc. on December 14, 2023, 09:12:10 PM
Stats guys, what's Jolp's PPP/ORtg/eFG on drives?
Catch and shoot, guy, catch and shoot. If you've dribbled twice it's one too many.
Amen.
Play like that against any BE team, including DePaul and it is a loss.
This was a home game and was close to disaster. Shaka watch tape and defense, oh my......
Ross played great, except missing wide open three.
Sean Jones now 3 for 23 from three. 13%.
Get kinks out and see how BE plays goes.
Boxscore:
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401577604
This St. Thomas team could make the NCAA tournament by winning their conference tournament and then upset a 1 or 2 seed. Reminded me of St. Peter's. Giant killers.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 14, 2023, 09:10:03 PM
Going to change my boxers....be right back.
I went through 2 pairs.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on December 14, 2023, 09:18:15 PM
Boxscore:
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401577604
Before the game, if you would have told me MU was 3 points away from having 7 double figure scorers, I would have been excited to watch the game. After the game I'd punch you for setting me up
Quote from: WarriorDoc on December 14, 2023, 09:16:15 PM
Fun for whom?
All of our St Thomas boosters on this board
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on December 14, 2023, 09:20:29 PM
I went through 2 pairs.
Fancy guy here bragging he has two pairs of underwear
Meh. MU won a game they probably should have lost. Playing their jumbo package for the first time against a small 3 point shooting team. Learn, grow.
So glad that's over. They stuck to a plan that almost worked. We need Stevie locking down the perimeter.
Wojo loses this game, Shaka did not.
F*ck off. We won.
Roughly one year ago MU played Northern Illinois and most scoopers were up in arms after that game. Last year I thought everyone was crazy because I thought a lot of guys got time in that game and a bunch of different lineups which help down the road. Tonight, an experienced team won a game that an inexperienced might have lost, IMO.
I would say that my only disappointment tonight was I wish ST was had been playing UConn and pulled out the win. They played hard and respect their effort. I really hope they have a great season.
Quote from: Not A Serious Person on December 14, 2023, 09:26:16 PM
Wojo loses this game, Shaka did not.
What does Wojo have to do with this. He's been gone for two years.
Most fun is reading the posts.
It was too damn close ... but it also was a win.
Ranked teams lose this kind of game far too frequently. We didn't lose it.
Sure...
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 14, 2023, 09:20:13 PM
This St. Thomas team could make the NCAA tournament by winning their conference tournament and then upset a 1 or 2 seed. Reminded me of St. Peter's. Giant killers.
ST Hitting five pretty much all contested threes in a row and still managing to keep your composure and pull it out is what good/great teams do. Circus shots and hot streaks happen, it's about what you do to respond
Oh and no matta
Quote from: Plaque Lives Matter! on December 14, 2023, 09:32:19 PM
ST Hitting five pretty much all contested threes in a row and still managing to keep your composure and pull it out is what good/great teams do. Circus shots and hot streaks happen, it's about what you do to respond
Many of the close outs were late
Shaka is amazing and has been amazing here
But I'll say it again. The "everyone has a greeen light" in this offense thing does not work in all cases. Sometimes players are bad at certain things and should not do them.
It is objectively bad coaching to keep letting Jop drive this much or Sean shoot 3s this much. Sean should only shoot(and even this is generous) wide open kick out 3s.
Seriously, should Ben Gold play PG? No. So why is Jop driving and Sean shooting 3s?
Thats really my gripe. As a team not worried about bouncing back from today
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on December 14, 2023, 09:34:52 PM
Shaka is amazing and has been amazing here
But I'll say it again. The "everyone has a greeen light" in this offense thing does not work in all cases. Sometimes players are bad at certain things and should not do them.
It is objectively bad coaching to keep letting Jop drive this much or Sean shoot 3s this much. Sean should only shoot(and even this is generous) wide open kick out 3s.
Seriously, should Ben Gold play PG? No. So why is Jop driving and Sean shooting 3s?
Thats really my gripe. As a team not worried about bouncing back from today
PG, all of his three attempts are wide open, he usually comes up short, hitting front rim.
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 14, 2023, 09:20:13 PM
This St. Thomas team could make the NCAA tournament by winning their conference tournament and then upset a 1 or 2 seed. Reminded me of St. Peter's. Giant killers.
They are not eligible for the tournament
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 14, 2023, 09:20:13 PM
This St. Thomas team could make the NCAA tournament by winning their conference tournament and then upset a 1 or 2 seed. Reminded me of St. Peter's. Giant killers.
Actually, they couldn't.
When is the last time Marquette had a game during finals week? I'm used to the Saturday post finals but this is the first I can remember during the week.
Definitely a trap game when you factor finals and team typically taking a couple days off for academics. Did they practice much since Notre Dame? Didn't look like it.
There is only way one reason I would be pissed after the game tonight and that is if I had lost money on it. This game was quite possibly the most meaningless game on the schedule and my interest level was about on par with David Joplin tonight. To be honest, I needed a meaningless game after about 35 straight big games and I am guessing some of the guys felt the same way.
Quote from: nyg on December 14, 2023, 09:38:17 PM
PG, all of his three attempts are wide open, he usually comes up short, hitting front rim.
He took a 3 today off the dribble like 3 seconds after ball was past half court and a guy in his face.
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 14, 2023, 09:20:13 PM
This St. Thomas team could make the NCAA tournament by winning their conference tournament and then upset a 1 or 2 seed. Reminded me of St. Peter's. Giant killers.
Agree. This was perfect prep for our first/second round game in March
Woof, I just watched the 2nd half. Marq outplayed and looked intimidated out there. Don't want to see St Thomas in March.
Definitely a slog, uncharacteristic mental lapses, low energy, but that happens sometimes. Good teams find a way.
Quote from: MUeng on December 14, 2023, 10:13:36 PM
Woof, I just watched the 2nd half. Marq outplayed and looked intimidated out there. Don't want to see St Thomas in March.
You wont
It's a win.
A turd burger, but still a win.
Quote from: Carl on December 14, 2023, 10:31:57 PM
You wont
ah the 5 year transition period, I see. Gotta say, they're a compelling story. New arena, up and coming program.
Agreed. Disappointed with the MU performance but also very impressed with ST's ability to rise to the moment in a big time arena and moment. Wish them well going forward. Completely ridiculous rule that prevents them from a post season. I'll never understand what the intent of that is or what scenario it intends to prevent
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 14, 2023, 09:39:47 PM
Actually, they couldn't.
What happens if they win the Summit League tournament? Wouldn't they get the automatic bid?
The team that lost would get the auto-bid ahead of them. Which is exactly what happened last year and that team then upset #1 seed Purdue, making it an almost unrepeatable and definitive worst loss in CBB history
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 14, 2023, 10:51:46 PM
What happens if they win the Summit League tournament? Wouldn't they get the automatic bid?
the regular season Champs would go, or next highest place team outside of the tommies
Quote from: MUeng on December 14, 2023, 10:57:30 PM
the regular season Champs would go, or next highest place team outside of the tommies
No. It would be the team that lost to them in the conference tourney finals
I'll modify my statement to say St. Thomas is the type of team that could surprise a 1 or 2 seed. If they aren't eligible for the tournament, it probably a good thing.
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 14, 2023, 11:02:02 PM
I'll modify my statement to say St. Thomas is the type of team that could surprise a 1 or 2 seed. If they aren't eligible for the tournament, it probably a good thing.
The one caveat there is that the selection committee would never make us play them as a 15/16. It wouldn't be our misfortune. Let them in!!!!
Tommies HC John Tauer is really a good basketball man. He's been deeply invested in that school/program for a long time. They're lucky to have him.
San Tomas went from 218 to 185 in KenPom tonight. Glad to help a future conference mate.
Not worried about St. Thomas' threes. They are a known three point shooting team and many of them were contested.
I am worried that they shot 76.2% from 2. I know we were trying to run them off the three point line and we were missing our best defender, but you can't let some unathletic dude from Chaska, MN get to the rim at will if you're a Big East level defense. Hell, even the D3 team that the Tommies played a few weeks ago held them to 70.6%
Ben Golds defense is stuff of nightmares.
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 14, 2023, 10:51:46 PM
What happens if they win the Summit League tournament? Wouldn't they get the automatic bid?
All depends on league rules. It could go to the runner up, could go to the regular season champ, or ineligible teams could be left out altogether.
In the case of the Summit, it would go to the regular season champ, or the next highest seed if St Thomas won both the regular season and tournament.
https://tommiesports.com/news/2022/1/27/mens-basketball-summit-league-basketball-championships-set-for-expansion-in-2023.aspx#:~:text=If%20the%20Tommies%20were%20to,bid%20to%20the%20NCAA%20Tournament.
Quote from: Carl on December 14, 2023, 10:57:11 PM
The team that lost would get the auto-bid ahead of them. Which is exactly what happened last year and that team then upset #1 seed Purdue, making it an almost unrepeatable and definitive worst loss in CBB history
I think it was Merrimack that won their tourney but was prevented from going to the NCAA s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmalV6hmOQs
Shaka showed the team a STU > Chicago St > Northwestern > Purdue > MU style flow chart. He also referenced the Northwestern loss with his team.
He is using my stuff.
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on December 15, 2023, 01:24:22 AM
Ben Golds defense is stuff of nightmares.
I don't think MU can switch everything if Ben starts at the 5. Ben on the perimeter against an athletic (or even not so athletic) guard while Sean guards the post is no bueno.
Quote from: Carl on December 14, 2023, 10:50:53 PM
Agreed. Disappointed with the MU performance but also very impressed with ST's ability to rise to the moment in a big time arena and moment. Wish them well going forward. Completely ridiculous rule that prevents them from a post season. I'll never understand what the intent of that is or what scenario it intends to prevent
The intent was to prevent schools from reclassifying based on the immediate success of one of its teams. That may have made some sense back in the day, but now it really doesn't since the resource requirements for D1 means schools don't really reclassify on a whim.
The rule is kept so schools face less competition. You think other Summit League schools want it to change?
Quote from: TSmith34, Inc. on December 15, 2023, 06:39:21 AM
I don't think MU can switch everything if Ben starts at the 5. Ben on the perimeter against an athletic (or even not so athletic) guard while Sean guards the post is no bueno.
I have said this before. As well as, let Ben and Joplin guard the post and Oso rhe forward in some match ups. However, STU was playing mostly 5 out. Everybody had to guard the perimeter. And they were well coached enough to go to mismatches with Sean on a forward.
I give ST a lot of credit. They know who they are and how they have to play, and they stick to it. I think they would beat DePaul and Georgetown. I hope MU plays them again.
Quote from: rgoode57 on December 15, 2023, 07:07:52 AM
I give ST a lot of credit. They know who they are and how they have to play, and they stick to it. I think they would beat DePaul and Georgetown. I hope MU plays them again.
Disagree 100%. Marquette simply isn't good
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on December 15, 2023, 01:24:22 AM
Ben Golds defense is stuff of nightmares.
When Ben is our senior leader knocking down treys at a Novak-like clip let us please call the 2025-2026 team The Ben Golds Five
Quote from: warriorchick on December 14, 2023, 09:27:19 PM
F*ck off. We won.
Wouldn't have been as close if those old alums with good seats would have cheered louder, or the hot chicks sitting close didn't distract the players. (Feel free to pick either reason. ;) ;D )
I do think this game confirmed why Shaka doesn't play Oso and Gold together all that much - and frankly I'm a little surprised he played them together as much as he did in this one.
Gold has offensive skills, and he's OK defending a player who is built like he is. But he simply cannot stay in front of anybody with any quickness at all, and it affects the entire defense. His man beats him, Oso has to step up, and it leaves an opponent open for a layup or a rebound basket.
By far Gold's best role is subbing in for Oso. He gives us a different look because he can hit 3s, and he's decent at defending opposing bigs as long as they aren't Edey huge.
Gold has to rise to the challenge when it comes to simple help defense/rim protection. He got burned helping just as much as one on one on the perimeter. The anticipation has to be better, the focus, the rudimentary understanding if his job, etc, etc. 6'2 guys should not be scoring over him at will 2 feet from the basket. No one is asking him to stop Giannis or Embiid. Move your ass over, be a presence, and figure it out ASAP.
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 15, 2023, 09:51:27 AM
Gold has to rise to the challenge when it comes to simple help defense/rim protection. He got burned helping just as much as one on one on the perimeter. The anticipation has to be better, the focus, the rudimentary understanding if his job, etc, etc. 6'2 guys should not be scoring over him at will 2 feet from the basket. No one is asking him to stop Giannis or Embiid. Move your ass over, be a presence, and figure it out ASAP.
Shaka and his assistants probably have never worked with Gold on help defense, so I wish Shaka would hire you to help Ben defend properly.
Quote from: pbiflyer on December 15, 2023, 07:49:57 AM
Wouldn't have been as close if those old alums with good seats would have cheered louder, or the hot chicks sitting close didn't distract the players. (Feel free to pick either reason. ;) ;D )
(https://media4.giphy.com/media/QqkA9W8xEjKPC/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47w6ub9e2hur6p5wkkzvvdhlbst7iwe2eciky1h6ko&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200.webp&ct=g)
Ben Gold played slightly better on defense in the second half. He was able to stay in front of his man a little better and cut off the angle to the basket. He will improve. His lateral quickness will improve. I'm glad he played a lot of minutes.
On offense he still has a slight fadeaway on his jump shot that prevents him from hitting more threes. Because of it, many are too flat and short. Wish he would stop doing that and go straight up. At 6'11" he doesn't have to worry about a blocked shot.
He will improve and be a difference maker down the stretch.
Very impressed by the Tommies as well. Very well coached. Their alums better pony up more money for that coach. He will be in demand.
I think this was a good test for our team. I also think it indicates how good MU is as a team. The Tommies probably played their best game of the season and could have taken a number of teams down last night. MU had talent all over the floor that answered all those threes and their high percentage of twos made with big buckets that frankly we've become used to them making.
Must have frustrated the hell out of their coach. They could not have played any better. Marquette on the other hand can play a lot better but even on an off night defensively took care of business against a good opponent playing their best.
Definitely positives from this one. There was one poster who said this seemed like a first round NCAA game against a lesser opponent who played really well (eg Holy Cross in 2003). I agree. I think they passed a test. One of many throughout this season.
Shooter
Agree with you across the board. I actually feel last night was a positive for MU, not a bad win. I really hope the Tommies have a great season and the coach makes some dough.
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 15, 2023, 09:51:27 AM
Gold has to rise to the challenge when it comes to simple help defense/rim protection. He got burned helping just as much as one on one on the perimeter. The anticipation has to be better, the focus, the rudimentary understanding if his job, etc, etc. 6'2 guys should not be scoring over him at will 2 feet from the basket. No one is asking him to stop Giannis or Embiid. Move your ass over, be a presence, and figure it out ASAP.
Hopefully he can channel his inner James Bond.... The Man With The Golden Gun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEfwQ-S3sdk
Quote from: Goose on December 15, 2023, 11:29:13 AM
Shooter
Agree with you across the board. I actually feel last night was a positive for MU, not a bad win. I really hope the Tommies have a great season and the coach makes some dough.
There's this narrative other teams playing well or above expectations isn't why Marquette loses or plays bad. Instead it's Marquette is overrated or just not that good. It's never that simple.
St. Thomas played free last night and gained confidence as the game went on. It looked EXACTLY like a 14-3 upset type game we see in March. These game happen for a combination of reasons and it's never just one reason.
I would not be shocked if St. Thomas wins the Summit and I won't be shocked if St. Thomas gets blown out a few times. That's what tends to happen to the 14-seed that pulls the upset. They get blown out because the things that all went right to get that upset, are hard to replicate.
Personally, I've seen Marquette under Crean, under Buzz, under Wojo lose that game. I'm way more bullish about them after that win. Things to fix? Yup. But it feels better fixing them after a win
Quote from: Uncle Rico on December 15, 2023, 11:42:16 AM
There's this narrative other teams playing well or above expectations isn't why Marquette loses or plays bad. Instead it's Marquette is overrated or just not that good. It's never that simple.
St. Thomas played free last night and gained confidence as the game went on. It looked EXACTLY like a 14-3 upset type game we see in March. These game happen for a combination of reasons and it's never just one reason.
I would not be shocked if St. Thomas wins the Summit and I won't be shocked if St. Thomas gets blown out a few times. That's what tends to happen to the 14-seed that pulls the upset. They get blown out because the things that all went right to get that upset, are hard to replicate.
Personally, I've seen Marquette under Crean, under Buzz, under Wojo lose that game. I'm way more bullish about them after that win. Things to fix? Yup. But it feels better fixing them after a win
Agree with you and Goose
Quote from: warriorchick on December 15, 2023, 10:23:26 AM
(https://media4.giphy.com/media/QqkA9W8xEjKPC/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47w6ub9e2hur6p5wkkzvvdhlbst7iwe2eciky1h6ko&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200.webp&ct=g)
Fair point!
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on December 15, 2023, 11:09:02 AM
Ben Gold played slightly better on defense in the second half. He was able to stay in front of his man a little better and cut off the angle to the basket. He will improve. His lateral quickness will improve. I'm glad he played a lot of minutes.
On offense he still has a slight fadeaway on his jump shot that prevents him from hitting more threes. Because of it, many are too flat and short. Wish he would stop doing that and go straight up. At 6'11" he doesn't have to worry about a blocked shot.
He will improve and be a difference maker down the stretch.
I noticed that when he doesn't have time to gather for a shot, it seems smoother. But when he has time to think about it, it seems less natural.
I am totally in agreement with Unk, Goose and Shooter, and have stated similar in this and other threads.
You're not gonna win 'em all big. There's an opponent on the floor, too, and sometimes they play out of their arses the same night you don't play your best. That's the exact recipe for upsets, both in the NCAAT and in some December buy game.
Unlike Purdue last March, unlike Kentucky against the mighty Seawolves, and unlike Northwestern against the Craptastic All-Timers -- but exactly like Marquette v Davidson 2013 and Marquette v Holy Cross 2003 -- Marquette actually won the game.
Quote from: warriorchick on December 15, 2023, 10:23:26 AM
(https://media4.giphy.com/media/QqkA9W8xEjKPC/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47w6ub9e2hur6p5wkkzvvdhlbst7iwe2eciky1h6ko&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200.webp&ct=g)
That river of spilled beer was problematic.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on December 15, 2023, 06:39:40 AM
The intent was to prevent schools from reclassifying based on the immediate success of one of its teams. That may have made some sense back in the day, but now it really doesn't since the resource requirements for D1 means schools don't really reclassify on a whim.
The rule is kept so schools face less competition. You think other Summit League schools want it to change?
We might be saying the same thing, but I was told by a D2 coach that the rule was put in place because the academic eligibility rules were different for D1, D2 and D3 back in the day. The D1 rules were more stringent and they didn't want a D2 school recruiting a bunch of non qualifiers and then elevating their program and competing against teams who could not recruit those kids. The 5 years is so all possible non qualifiers cycle off the team.
The example he gave was College of Charleston when John Krees was coach back in the 90s. They elevated and played in the old TAAC which is now the Atlantic Sun. They were stacked with non qualifiers and dominated the league for 3 years but could never go to the tourney. None of the kids would have been eligible to play D1 but they were eligible to go to CoC.
Quote from: pbiflyer on December 15, 2023, 07:49:57 AM
Wouldn't have been as close if those old alums with good seats would have cheered louder, or the hot chicks sitting close didn't distract the players. (Feel free to pick either reason. ;) ;D )
Maybe they were taking video of the hot chicks.
Quote from: MU90620 on December 15, 2023, 01:39:35 PM
We might be saying the same thing, but I was told by a D2 coach that the rule was put in place because the academic eligibility rules were different for D1, D2 and D3 back in the day. The D1 rules were more stringent and they didn't want a D2 school recruiting a bunch of non qualifiers and then elevating their program and competing against teams who could not recruit those kids. The 5 years is so all possible non qualifiers cycle off the team.
The example he gave was College of Charleston when John Krees was coach back in the 90s. They elevated and played in the old TAAC which is now the Atlantic Sun. They were stacked with non qualifiers and dominated the league for 3 years but could never go to the tourney. None of the kids would have been eligible to play D1 but they were eligible to go to CoC.
This actually makes a ton of sense to me.
Unrelated, but ND caught quite the ricochet shot from Shaka in the AP postgame recap:
Smart said he had warned his players about St. Thomas' potential following Marquette's 78-59 blowout of Notre Dame.
"I told the guys after we got done playing our last game, I said, 'Guys, I know this is a brain bender, but the next opponent is a lot better than the team we just played,'" Smart said. "And that was obvious tonight."
Quote from: Carl on December 15, 2023, 03:01:53 PM
This actually makes a ton of sense to me.
Unrelated, but ND caught quite the ricochet shot from Shaka in the AP postgame recap:
Smart said he had warned his players about St. Thomas' potential following Marquette's 78-59 blowout of Notre Dame.
"I told the guys after we got done playing our last game, I said, 'Guys, I know this is a brain bender, but the next opponent is a lot better than the team we just played,'" Smart said. "And that was obvious tonight."
I think this was obvious the first few minutes of the game last night. I would think the MU players recognized quickly that this wasn't a quad 5 opponent like Notre Dame.
Quote from: MU82 on December 15, 2023, 12:52:24 PM
I am totally in agreement with Unk, Goose and Shooter, and have stated similar in this and other threads.
You're not gonna win 'em all big. There's an opponent on the floor, too, and sometimes they play out of their arses the same night you don't play your best. That's the exact recipe for upsets, both in the NCAAT and in some December buy game.
Unlike Purdue last March, unlike Kentucky against the mighty Seawolves, and unlike Northwestern against the Craptastic All-Timers -- but exactly like Marquette v Davidson 2013 and Marquette v Holy Cross 2003 -- Marquette actually won the game.
That fine, and fair, but we must get back to playing high octane/attacking hoops on both ends of the floor. And we need Stevie back. He's very important to our rotations.
Quote from: MU82 on December 15, 2023, 09:27:55 AM
I do think this game confirmed why Shaka doesn't play Oso and Gold together all that much - and frankly I'm a little surprised he played them together as much as he did in this one.
Gold has offensive skills, and he's OK defending a player who is built like he is. But he simply cannot stay in front of anybody with any quickness at all, and it affects the entire defense. His man beats him, Oso has to step up, and it leaves an opponent open for a layup or a rebound basket.
By far Gold's best role is subbing in for Oso. He gives us a different look because he can hit 3s, and he's decent at defending opposing bigs as long as they aren't Edey huge.
Yep. He's not great defending in space against quicker players.
That said, it's easy to forget that we have gotten used to the best 'guard in space' big in Marquette history.
Oso is a magician. His footwork is incredible, he's quick, he's agile, he's elite.
It's going to be impossible to find someone as good as him at guarding multiple shapes/sizes/and positions of players in space.
Great result going into the first conference game. The team should be worked very hard in practice this week and will be laser focused come pc game.