MUScoop

MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: brewcity77 on February 06, 2023, 07:36:06 AM

Title: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: brewcity77 on February 06, 2023, 07:36:06 AM
Marquette has three remaining Quadrant 1 games on their schedule, and all of them come in the next 15 days. Today we look at the 10 teams from the end of the 2-line to the start of the 5-line to see where Marquette stands currently and what it would take to move up, hold firm, or fall. These games will be crucial for seeding and looking at the records and metrics of teams around Marquette makes it easy to see why. We also have a new S-Curve and Bracket after a chaotic weekend in college basketball!

https://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2023/02/marquettes-q1-gauntlet.html
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on February 06, 2023, 07:45:54 AM
I would be thrilled with 3-1...satisfied with 2-2...hoping its not 1-3.

This is going to be a real tough stretch.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: bilsu on February 06, 2023, 08:49:05 AM
UConn's four game stretch is: Marquette, at Creighton, Seton Hall and Providence.
The first game most likely determines who does better in the next four games.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: UWW2MU on February 06, 2023, 09:04:34 AM
Marquette has three remaining Quadrant 1 games on their schedule, and all of them come in the next 15 days. Today we look at the 10 teams from the end of the 2-line to the start of the 5-line to see where Marquette stands currently and what it would take to move up, hold firm, or fall. These games will be crucial for seeding and looking at the records and metrics of teams around Marquette makes it easy to see why. We also have a new S-Curve and Bracket after a chaotic weekend in college basketball!

https://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2023/02/marquettes-q1-gauntlet.html


I don't want to be a member of the COLE, but I'm a little concerned about where the team is mentally right now.  They seem to not quite have that same focus and sharpness.  The February fade debates going on around here lately isn't just a thing for MU, it's common for really good teams.  It's the teams who keep or gain momentum during this time of year that usually go on good runs at the end of the year.  I'm very confident they can break through, but will we take a little hit in the meantime for bracket purposes?  It's up to Shaka and team to figure that out! 


Side note, come on! Are your rules that strict on the mid majors that you couldn't bump Milwaukee over Youngstown?    ;D
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: mugrad_89 on February 06, 2023, 09:12:52 AM
I would gladly trade a seed line to stay out of Arizona’s region.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Shooter McGavin on February 06, 2023, 09:39:15 AM
My concern is somewhat the same.  UConn and Creighton have something to prove and will be more focused down the stretch.  bothe teams have already gone through their swoon.  MU will have to mentally meet their focus and energy to win. 

The good news is we have the team to do it.  Kolek and Oso are seemingly great leaders.  If they shoot/score like they are capable MU should be fine and a Big East title is in sight.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 09:45:58 AM
My concern is somewhat the same.  UConn and Creighton have something to prove and will be more focused down the stretch.  bothe teams have already gone through their swoon.  MU will have to mentally meet their focus and energy to win. 

The good news is we have the team to do it.  Kolek and Oso are seemingly great leaders.  If they shoot/score like they are capable MU should be fine and a Big East title is in sight.

F*** em. Don't make me become the overly optimistic one here.

Some of you guys have said it all year and been right on...go win em all.  UConn has limited scoring options.  Creighton has 0 bench. (Crazy sidenote: Creighton/Nova had 0 total bench points on Saturday night).

Anyways...this team is really good. Whether we are at home or on the road, we are going to give everything we've got even if not at our best.  They'll be ready to go!
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: mugrad_89 on February 06, 2023, 09:50:07 AM
F*** em. Don't make me become the overly optimistic one here.

Some of you guys have said it all year and been right on...go win em all.  UConn has limited scoring options.  Creighton has 0 bench. (Crazy sidenote: Creighton/Nova had 0 total bench points on Saturday night).

Anyways...this team is really good. Whether we are at home or on the road, we are going to give everything we've got even if not at our best.  They'll be ready to go!

The lack of a bench has been McDermott’s biggest failing this year.  They’ve managed to avoid foul trouble most games, but this could bite them in the tournament if they get a tightly called game.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Its DJOver on February 06, 2023, 09:52:14 AM
We have zero road wins against likely tournament teams (0-3).  They've all been close games so I doubt we'll get blown out on the road, but our 5 true road wins on the season are all against bad (ND, StJ, DP), or meh (Nova, SH) teams.  We have two opportunities here to change the narrative, but I would not be at all surprised with a 2-2 stretch, and the home game against X will by no means be easy either.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 09:54:25 AM
We have zero road wins against likely tournament teams (0-3).  They've all been close games so I doubt we'll get blown out on the road, but our 5 true road wins on the season are all against bad (ND, StJ, DP), or meh (Nova, SH) teams.  We have two opportunities here to change the narrative, but I would not be at all surprised with a 2-2 stretch, and the home game against X will by no means be easy either.

Meh.  Maybe so, but Xavier lost at Depaul and we won by 20 in Chicago.  We won by 20 at Seton Hall who has worked their way into the bubble conversation. Tied at Xavier under a minute to go.

This team can play anybody on the road.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MU82 on February 06, 2023, 10:00:06 AM
UConn and Creighton have something to prove and will be more focused down the stretch.

I don't know why either has more to "prove" than Marquette does (or many other teams do).

Each game is a challenge for each team. So far, Marquette's done a pretty darn good job of rising to whatever the challenge is, especially since the loss to Madison -- that's two solid months of rising to challenge after challenge. (Yes, Shaka's guys lost tight games at The Provi and X, but it wasn't because they lacked focus or anything arbitrary like that.) Even when we struggled a little in games against inferior opponents, perhaps playing down to the level of competition sometimes, MU came through down the stretch every time.

We've played several games against opponents who were supposedly "desperate," and we did just fine in those. I like to think Shaka will have his guys feeling like Marquette is the team with something to prove; so far, the body of work gives me every reason to think that will be the case again.

IMHO, we have a better chance of going 4-0 during this stretch than we do of going 1-3.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Its DJOver on February 06, 2023, 10:00:20 AM
Meh.  Maybe so, but Xavier lost at Deapaul and we won by 20 in Chicago.  We won by 20 at Seton Hall who has worked their way into the bubble conversation. Tied at Xavier under a minute to go.

This team can play anybody on the road.

Which I noted.  I think its partly a case of small sample size, we've only played three true road games against tourney teams.  But the fact remains that it's Feb and our best win outside the FF is .?.?.  SH? Bubble team sure, but not in the field if the tourney started today.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on February 06, 2023, 10:07:07 AM

I don't want to be a member of the COLE, but I'm a little concerned about where the team is mentally right now.  They seem to not quite have that same focus and sharpness.  The February fade debates going on around here lately isn't just a thing for MU, it's common for really good teams.  It's the teams who keep or gain momentum during this time of year that usually go on good runs at the end of the year.  I'm very confident they can break through, but will we take a little hit in the meantime for bracket purposes?  It's up to Shaka and team to figure that out! 


Side note, come on! Are your rules that strict on the mid majors that you couldn't bump Milwaukee over Youngstown?    ;D

I don't think mentality is a problem for this team. I think we've played two teams in a row who used the same effective defensive strategy against us and it slowed down our offense. Coaching staff will need to find a way to adjust and prepare for future teams to do the same against us. Meanwhile, we are having our best defensive stretch of the season. Keep the defense up and find a way to work around the switch on everything and pack the paint defense and we will be making a lot of noise.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Eye on February 06, 2023, 10:10:23 AM
I would gladly trade a seed line to stay out of Arizona’s region.

Ditto.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 10:16:12 AM
Which I noted.  I think its partly a case of small sample size, we've only played three true road games against tourney teams.  But the fact remains that it's Feb and our best win outside the FF is .?.?.  SH? Bubble team sure, but not in the field if the tourney started today.

They are 5-3 overall on the road with 1 Q1 road win and 2 Q2 road wins.  That is solid.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on February 06, 2023, 10:21:39 AM
They are 5-3 overall on the road with 1 Q1 road win and 2 Q2 road wins.  That is solid.

Especially when you factor in the way Marquette has blown out teams in several road games.

And all of the losses were down to the wire.  Providence should have been a win and Xavier very easily could have been a win.

This isn't a team that gets blown out on the road by good teams and barely eeks by the bad teams (at Nova being the one exception).
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Its DJOver on February 06, 2023, 10:29:48 AM
They are 5-3 overall on the road with 1 Q1 road win and 2 Q2 road wins.  That is solid.

Solid, yes.  In the field, for sure.  But our resume is largely as good as it is because all of our losses have been close, and we have been largely unbeatable at home.  Our marquee wins (Baylor, Creighton, UConn, Providence) have all been at the FF.

Compare our best road win to teams we're currently competing with to try and get up to the 3-line.

TCU: Blowout win @ Kansas.
Gonzaga: Neutral court wins against X and Bama (X was more of a home/neutral played in Portland, Bama was more of a road/neutral played in Birmingham).
Kansas St: Wins @ Texas and @ Baylor.
Iowa St: Win @TCU.
Baylor: Neutral Court wins over UCLA and Gonzaga.
Virginia: Neutral court wins against Baylor and Illinois.

Even some teams behind us have a better win away from home than us.  Rutgers won @ Purdue, Indiana won @X, Illinois has neutral court wins against UCLA and Texas. 

Road wins are only one part of our total resume, but it's definitely an area we can/need to improve on both in our next 4 game stretch as well as in NY.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MuggsyB on February 06, 2023, 10:30:19 AM
We have zero road wins against likely tournament teams (0-3).  They've all been close games so I doubt we'll get blown out on the road, but our 5 true road wins on the season are all against bad (ND, StJ, DP), or meh (Nova, SH) teams.  We have two opportunities here to change the narrative, but I would not be at all surprised with a 2-2 stretch, and the home game against X will by no means be easy either.

Correct, but it's important to note we were in prime position to win at XU and lost in OT at Providence when they took 1000 FT's.   We've had three opportunities and lost three close games.  This should actually help us moving forward.  Now, our last two performances have been less than stellar.  That said good teams find ways to win when they are not playing near their A level.

 I see 0.0 reasons why UCONN, Creighton, or anyone else should have greater motivation than MU during this stretch run.  And I'll tell you something else:  MU has yet to reach its peak level.  We have seen flashes but are without question capable of amping things up another notch and shooting better from downtown.  This is a very good and highly motivated team DJO. I fully expect us to be focused, ready to play tomorrow night, and over the next several weeks.  A BEast title is our motivation for now and we can usurp it if we play Marquette basketball. 
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: brewcity77 on February 06, 2023, 10:37:03 AM
I don't know why either has more to "prove" than Marquette does (or many other teams do).

Each game is a challenge for each team. So far, Marquette's done a pretty darn good job of rising to whatever the challenge is, especially since the loss to Madison -- that's two solid months of rising to challenge after challenge.

Especially when it comes to UConn. We could totally lose that game and will be underdogs, but UConn has really not delivered since the first X loss. They drop two on the road, then "get right" against Creighton.

Well, maybe not because they lose to Marquette. So they'll get right against St John's. Nope, another loss. Against Seton Hall? Nope, another loss. They finally hammer Butler, but follow that up with a loss in their campus gym where they never lose. And are coming off a real struggle with Georgetown in DC.

Logic would dictate they'll figure it out at some point. Maybe that point is tomorrow. But they've spent six weeks waiting for tomorrow and haven't found it yet, so I'm not willing to write that game off just yet, especially at XL.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Its DJOver on February 06, 2023, 10:39:13 AM
Correct, but it's important to note we were in prime position to win at XU and lost in OT at Providence when they took 1000 FT's.   We've had three opportunities and lost three close games.  This should actually help us moving forward.  Now, our last two performances have been less than stellar.  That said good teams find ways to win when they are not playing near their A level.

 I see 0.0 reasons why UCONN, Creighton, or anyone else should have greater motivation than MU during this stretch run.  And I'll tell you something else:  MU has yet to reach its peak level.  We have seen flashes but are without question capable of amping things up another notch and shooting better from downtown.  This is a very good and highly motivated team DJO. I fully expect us to be focused, ready to play tomorrow night, and over the next several weeks.  A BEast title is our motivation for now and we can usurp it if we play Marquette basketball.

We know that but the committee probably won't have paid attention to ft margin from a game in December.

If I remember correctly, in 2017 we were very bubbly and had similar resume's to other bubble teams, but the general consensus going into selection sunday was that we would get in based on our "best wins" (@eventual 6 seed Creighton, and against the no.1 overall seed Nova) were better than those around us.  Fast forward to 2023 and our "best wins" are inferior to those currently around us.  Still time to change that, but we are starting to run out of opportunities.   
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Shooter McGavin on February 06, 2023, 10:42:34 AM
F*** em. Don't make me become the overly optimistic one here.

Some of you guys have said it all year and been right on...go win em all.  UConn has limited scoring options.  Creighton has 0 bench. (Crazy sidenote: Creighton/Nova had 0 total bench points on Saturday night).

Anyways...this team is really good. Whether we are at home or on the road, we are going to give everything we've got even if not at our best.  They'll be ready to go!

Oh, I agree F’ em!  All I’m saying is the team needs to bring that attitude to the game to get it done.  They have the talent.  Just get er done!!!
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MuggsyB on February 06, 2023, 10:49:28 AM
We know that but the committee probably won't have paid attention to ft margin from a game in December.

If I remember correctly, in 2017 we were very bubbly and had similar resume's to other bubble teams, but the general consensus going into selection sunday was that we would get in based on our "best wins" (@eventual 6 seed Creighton, and against the no.1 overall seed Nova) were better than those around us.  Fast forward to 2023 and our "best wins" are inferior to those currently around us.  Still time to change that, but we are starting to run out of opportunities.

Yes.  Most teams near us in the rankings have had far more opportunities.  You can only play your schedule.  I also wouldn't sell short taking the Hall to the woodshed in Jersey. 
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 11:16:44 AM
Oh, I agree F’ em!  All I’m saying is the team needs to bring that attitude to the game to get it done.  They have the talent.  Just get er done!!!

I just want to get firmly on that 3 line to avoid the 13 seeds.  I've seen multiple brackets with us lining up to play VCU in a 4/13 matchup.

Though it would be fun, I'd rather avoid that Shaka/VCU matchup and get as much of a cupcake as possible in Round 1.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: rgoode57 on February 06, 2023, 11:49:36 AM
The upcoming stretch of games is critical. I hate to say it, but I see no way we go 4-0 in this stretch. Playing at UConn is hard and playing at Creighton is a nightmare. Perhaps UConn has had their problems this season, but they are still a good team, and Creighton is playing extremely well now. X is X and can well beat us in Milwaukee. GT is a bad team with a bad coach, but the way this game is positioned in the schedule scares me. And, GT did give UConn a good game the other day. If we come out of this stretch 3-1, I will breathe a huge sigh of relief.

The last two games, I suspect, indicate what we are going to see defensively from other teams the rest of the year - pack the lane to prevent drives and back cuts; make MU shoot from the perimeter. If teams do that well, our offense looks very different - not in a good way.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: HowardsWorld on February 06, 2023, 12:22:28 PM
The upcoming stretch of games is critical. I hate to say it, but I see no way we go 4-0 in this stretch. Playing at UConn is hard and playing at Creighton is a nightmare. Perhaps UConn has had their problems this season, but they are still a good team, and Creighton is playing extremely well now. X is X and can well beat us in Milwaukee. GT is a bad team with a bad coach, but the way this game is positioned in the schedule scares me. And, GT did give UConn a good game the other day. If we come out of this stretch 3-1, I will breathe a huge sigh of relief.

The last two games, I suspect, indicate what we are going to see defensively from other teams the rest of the year - pack the lane to prevent drives and back cuts; make MU shoot from the perimeter. If teams do that well, our offense looks very different - not in a good way.

This is why I voted that Uconn is the biggest game remaining not from a standpoint that we have the most to gain but rather to stop a downfall before it starts. If Marquette wins at Uconn I could see them going 3-0 heading to Creighton and no reason they cant be them. If they lose to Uconn and play bad at Gtown but win then a tough match up with X they could be looking at 1-2 going to creighton with no momentum at all.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Daniel on February 06, 2023, 12:42:39 PM
We can beat UConn and UConn knows it and so do we.   I think if we hit a flurry of 3s vs them we can win!   Goo Marquette!
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Mu8891 on February 06, 2023, 12:46:17 PM
57 …

You’re correct.  Let’s get real … there’s
no way MU is going 4 - 0 in next 4 games.  3 and 1 would be great / almost outstanding

And … like others … As the calendar has turned to February, I’m a bit concerned.
They won their last 2 , but did not play particularly well.   And the team seems a bit gassed

Hopefully Shaka will get them ready
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: CAGASS24 on February 06, 2023, 12:52:51 PM
My fav thing about the post Butler game presser with Shaka is how they said (4-6) all offseason about last years fade……
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MU82 on February 06, 2023, 12:56:42 PM
We can beat UConn and UConn knows it and so do we.   I think if we hit a flurry of 3s vs them we can win!   Goo Marquette!

Always easier to win when shots go down, but Marquette didn't need a flurry of 3s to beat UConn last time. We made only 6 all game (on 16 attempts) and still scored 82. We just need to play our game.

As the calendar has turned to February, I’m a bit concerned.
They won their last 2 , but did not play particularly well.   And the team seems a bit gassed

I really didn't see signs of our players being "gassed" the last 2 games. I'll try to watch for that specifically tomorrow night, though.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MuggsyB on February 06, 2023, 12:57:31 PM
57 …

You’re correct.  Let’s get real … there’s
no way MU is going 4 - 0 in next 4 games.  3 and 1 would be great / almost outstanding

And … like others … As the calendar has turned to February, I’m a bit concerned.
They won their last 2 , but did not play particularly well.   And the team seems a bit gassed

Hopefully Shaka will get them ready

Why the negativity?  Are we the only team on the face of the earth that didn't play well in a game or two this season?  Was UCONN that impressive at Gtown over the weekend or when St. John's punked their asssss???  Was Xavier impressive at Wintrust????  Let's cut the nonsense. We are absolutely capable of winning all 4 of these games.  Now, will it be difficult?  Yes.  Could we lose 3/4?  Possibly.  But what happened last year or against Butler has literally nothing to do with how we and our opponents will play the next four contests.  Fk all of them and let's get our offense cooking again by draining daggers all over the floor. 
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Goose on February 06, 2023, 01:15:26 PM
Muggsy

There is not going to be a repeat of last year, or previous years, IMO. This team has done everything that has been asked of them for  95% of the season and I have no concern moving forward. They played better against Nova than some on here gave them credit for and their defense continues to improve. Very much looking forward to the game tomorrow and fully am expecting a very good college basketball game.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: BallBoy on February 06, 2023, 01:40:03 PM
I think UConn is a big game for us not because it is the next game but it allows us to split with Creighton and Xavier and still have a chance to win the Big East.  I can see a path for MU to win all those games but in terms of margin of error it helps.  We also haven't stolen a big win on the road so this would be a good steal. 

I have said this for awhile but I don't think MU wins the Big East with more than 2 additional losses.  I think Xavier has the cleanest path to finish the season but also just lost a key player.  They have two games against the Top 5 (Us, Xavier, Providence, Creighton and UConn).  I could see Xavier with only 1 loss (to us) the rest of the way. 

Creighton has three games against the Top 5; however; two are at home.  Of the three they play UConn, Providence and us, I am more confident that MU would be the team to beat them.  I don't trust either UConn or Providence to win that game.  We have a game in hand with Creighton so if MU beats them then we would have the two games to lose and still tie with them.  If we beat UConn then we would have that game in hand potentially going into that game. 

Providence.  Could just be me but I don't see them with the same lens.  I see MU, Xavier and Creighton as a Group, then Providence, then UConn.  We have a game in hand and they have to play both Xavier and Creighton.  We need them to lose 1-2 more.  A loss to UConn would be ideal.

UConn is out of it but they can play spoiler.  Ideally they play spoiler to Creighton and Providence.   

3-1 in this stretch I think gets us the Big East trophy potentially outright so UConn helps set us off right.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Galway Eagle on February 06, 2023, 01:44:15 PM
I think UConn is a big game for us not because it is the next game but it allows us to split with Creighton and Xavier and still have a chance to win the Big East.  I can see a path for MU to win all those games but in terms of margin of error it helps.  We also haven't stolen a big win on the road so this would be a good steal. 

I have said this for awhile but I don't think MU wins the Big East with more than 2 additional losses.  I think Xavier has the cleanest path to finish the season but also just lost a key player.  They have two games against the Top 5 (Us, Xavier, Providence, Creighton and UConn).  I could see Xavier with only 1 loss (to us) the rest of the way. 

Creighton has three games against the Top 5; however; two are at home.  Of the three they play UConn, Providence and us, I am more confident that MU would be the team to beat them.  I don't trust either UConn or Providence to win that game.  We have a game in hand with Creighton so if MU beats them then we would have the two games to lose and still tie with them.  If we beat UConn then we would have that game in hand potentially going into that game. 

Providence.  Could just be me but I don't see them with the same lens.  I see MU, Xavier and Creighton as a Group, then Providence, then UConn.  We have a game in hand and they have to play both Xavier and Creighton.  We need them to lose 1-2 more.  A loss to UConn would be ideal.

UConn is out of it but they can play spoiler.  Ideally they play spoiler to Creighton and Providence.   

3-1 in this stretch I think gets us the Big East trophy potentially outright so UConn helps set us off right.

I hate to break it to you but the top 5 would include seton hall not UConn.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Jay Bee on February 06, 2023, 02:02:20 PM
I hate to break it to you but the top 5 would include seton hall not UConn.

Disagree
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Galway Eagle on February 06, 2023, 02:45:36 PM
Disagree

Do you use some different standings? At this moment UCONN is in 6th...

https://www.bigeast.com/standings.aspx?standings=1029
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: StillWarriors on February 06, 2023, 02:53:06 PM
Marquette has three remaining Quadrant 1 games on their schedule, and all of them come in the next 15 days. Today we look at the 10 teams from the end of the 2-line to the start of the 5-line to see where Marquette stands currently and what it would take to move up, hold firm, or fall. These games will be crucial for seeding and looking at the records and metrics of teams around Marquette makes it easy to see why. We also have a new S-Curve and Bracket after a chaotic weekend in college basketball!

https://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2023/02/marquettes-q1-gauntlet.html

Just want to acknowledge and say thanks for the great work you guys do! Really adds to the hard core MU fan's experience and understanding of where we stand. Thank you.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Jay Bee on February 06, 2023, 02:53:17 PM
Do you use some different standings? At this moment UCONN is in 6th...

https://www.bigeast.com/standings.aspx?standings=1029

No one said “top 5 in current win loss record”.

Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Galway Eagle on February 06, 2023, 02:58:20 PM
No one said “top 5 in current win loss record”.

you're right who would assume that from "top 5" of course I should've defaulted to net or kenpom or the polls rather than the current standings.

Apologies to both you and ballboy
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Mu8891 on February 06, 2023, 03:03:45 PM
Muggs

You really need to relax.  Someone comments on MU , and you disagree and you start w the F that?  Lots of venom and agitation… geez. Relax.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MuggsyB on February 06, 2023, 03:25:34 PM
Muggs

You really need to relax.  Someone comments on MU , and you disagree and you start w the F that?  Lots of venom and agitation… geez. Relax.

No venom, I just prefer positive vibes. 
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MuggsyB on February 06, 2023, 03:28:14 PM
Muggsy

There is not going to be a repeat of last year, or previous years, IMO. This team has done everything that has been asked of them for  95% of the season and I have no concern moving forward. They played better against Nova than some on here gave them credit for and their defense continues to improve. Very much looking forward to the game tomorrow and fully am expecting a very good college basketball game.

I'm optimistic Goose.  There's no doubt we didn't play well Saturday but this team is very capable and some of our guys slept walked. 
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: NCMUFan on February 06, 2023, 03:58:48 PM
We will see if the February Fade is an annual chronic issue or it is a F'em item of the past.
Good luck Boys.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Skatastrophy on February 06, 2023, 04:09:25 PM
We will see if the February Fade is an annual chronic issue or it is a F'em item of the past.
Good luck Boys.

F'em Feb
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: bilsu on February 06, 2023, 04:24:03 PM
I'm optimistic Goose.  There's no doubt we didn't play well Saturday but this team is very capable and some of our guys slept walked.
My concern is I felt Oso has not played well the last two games. He has to play much better, for us to win qt UConn.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MuggsyB on February 06, 2023, 04:33:49 PM
My concern is I felt Oso has not played well the last two games. He has to play much better, for us to win qt UConn.

I agree with you bilsu but I think he'll bounce back.  The turns on Sat. we're clearly problematic. 
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: BallBoy on February 06, 2023, 04:34:14 PM
you're right who would assume that from "top 5" of course I should've defaulted to net or kenpom or the polls rather than the current standings.

Apologies to both you and ballboy

I was referring to the top 5 as the best teams which is why I listed them. No one would include Seton Hall in the Top 5 for anything other than current standings which will likely change soon. Currently, UConn, MU, Providence, X and Creighton are all ranked, all higher in KenPom, Polls, etc. Sorry for stealing your opportunity to be snarky.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: wisblue on February 06, 2023, 04:55:09 PM
I just want to get firmly on that 3 line to avoid the 13 seeds.  I've seen multiple brackets with us lining up to play VCU in a 4/13 matchup.

Though it would be fun, I'd rather avoid that Shaka/VCU matchup and get as much of a cupcake as possible in Round 1.

Like 14 seed Davidson in 2013? Or 14 seed Holy Cross in 2003?

Marquette (like many teams these days) has the kind of team that would have a chance to beat almost any NCAA team but could also be beaten by almost any of them. The first round game isn’t likely to be a cupcake of any flavor.

I’m always wary of teams that are from lesser conferences that are loaded with players who have been playing college basketball for 4 or 5 years. They come in with nothing to lose because nobody expects them to do anything while the higher seed feels the pressure to advance.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: DegenerateDish on February 06, 2023, 05:26:19 PM
Tomorrow is MU’s most impactful seed game remaining. I know I’m in the minority here, but I’d much rather win tomorrow (if I had to pick 1 win to get against X, UConn, Creighton). It’s MU’s last regular season game against a top 10 team tomorrow.

For those talking about Arizona, there’s probably no higher seeded 1 or 2 team (maybe Tennessee) that I’d rather be in the same region with.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 05:26:34 PM
Like 14 seed Davidson in 2013? Or 14 seed Holy Cross in 2003?

Marquette (like many teams these days) has the kind of team that would have a chance to beat almost any NCAA team but could also be beaten by almost any of them. The first round game isn’t likely to be a cupcake of any flavor.

I’m always wary of teams that are from lesser conferences that are loaded with players who have been playing college basketball for 4 or 5 years. They come in with nothing to lose because nobody expects them to do anything while the higher seed feels the pressure to advance.

You think this team could get beat by anybody? I think that's a stretch.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: 1SE on February 06, 2023, 05:28:27 PM
Tomorrow is MU’s most impactful seed game remaining. I know I’m in the minority here, but I’d much rather win tomorrow (if I had to pick 1 win to get against X, UConn, Creighton). It’s MU’s last regular season game against a top 10 team tomorrow.

For those talking about Arizona, there’s probably no higher seeded 1 or 2 team (maybe Tennessee) that I’d rather be in the same region with.

I agree in that I think this game sets our seed ceiling - if we lose I think a 2 seed is out the window but that's my gut, not Brew's analysis. 
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: MU82 on February 06, 2023, 05:32:50 PM
You think this team could get beat by anybody? I think that's a stretch.

Said Virginia fans in 2018.

But seriously, I know what you're saying. Technically, we could get beat by anybody, but the odds are so long that 14 or even 13 would have a chance against us, let alone "anybody."

But fans of any top-4 seed could say the same.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Herman Cain on February 06, 2023, 05:38:11 PM
Great opportunity for MU to build resume tomorrow . This team is built  differently than years past and is going to rise to the challenge .

 Looking forward to The Husky game with great anticipation .
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: lawdog77 on February 06, 2023, 05:43:16 PM
We will see if the February Fade is an annual chronic issue or it is a F'em item of the past.
Good luck Boys.
It's actually more of a March Malaise. Last week of the regular season, Big East tourney, and NCAA.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: BallBoy on February 06, 2023, 06:18:05 PM
We will see if the February Fade is an annual chronic issue or it is a F'em item of the past.
Good luck Boys.

I don’t think the Feb fade is the same as other years. This year we are seeing everyone’s best because we are one of the last opportunities for them to get noticed. We got Nova with Moore’s second game back.

I think you are also seeing what I mentioned a few weeks ago. People know and have seen how to play us. We need to make the next adjustment. Kolek needs to figure out how to penetrate going to his right. Oso needs to figure out how to get people to not play the back door cut. We need to play better defense against the three.

Thad and Butler said it after our game. They knew based on how we played defense they were going to get a lot of open threes after watching the Nova game.

In years past, I think key players were getting worn down and we didn’t have the talent to cover for it or they shutdown an option and we didn’t have the team to adjust. This year we have more options there are 5 guys who could legit go for 28pt+ any given night and a few other who could punch above their weight class.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on February 06, 2023, 06:20:59 PM
Today, I played around with the Teamcast feature on T Rank.  Here were the results.

0 wins
10 seed

1 win
7 seed

2 wins
6 seed

3 wins
5 seed

4 wins
Last 4 seed

5 wins
Last 3 seed

6 wins
3 seed

7 wins
Last 2 seed

I didn't simulate conference tournaments, but this gives a pretty good idea of where on the S-curve Marquette would be at the end of the regular season.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: wisblue on February 06, 2023, 06:38:47 PM
You think this team could get beat by anybody? I think that's a stretch.

Literally what I said was “ALMOST anybody IN THE NCAA FIELD”. Considering that MU is probably looking at a seed in the 3-6 range, depending on what they do the rest of the way, a 14 seed is probably the lowest they will be playing. So, yes, I think they could get beat by any of those teams.

Historically, 13 seeds have won about 20% of their first round games against 4 seeds, and 14 seeds have won about 15% against 3 seeds.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: wisblue on February 06, 2023, 06:46:11 PM
Today, I played around with the Teamcast feature on T Rank.  Here were the results.

0 wins
10 seed

1 win
7 seed

2 wins
6 seed

3 wins
5 seed

4 wins
Last 4 seed

5 wins
Last 3 seed

6 wins
3 seed

7 wins
Last 2 seed

I didn't simulate conference tournaments, but this gives a pretty good idea of where on the S-curve Marquette would be at the end of the regular season.

Considering the low probability that MU will go 7-0, 0-7, or 1-6 the rest of the way, that is consistent with my general expectation that MU will end up with a seed in the 3-6 range, and 3-5 probably accounts for the fattest part of that.

Worse than a 4-3 finish would qualify as a February Fade, and I’d rather not think about how disappointing that would be.
Title: Re: [Cracked Sidewalks] Marquette's Q1 Gauntlet
Post by: brewcity77 on February 07, 2023, 06:47:35 AM
Side note, come on! Are your rules that strict on the mid majors that you couldn't bump Milwaukee over Youngstown?    ;D

Using the NET allows for more consistency of the 12-16 lines. And when it comes to the league tournament, Youngstown will be a heavy home favorite & favored in the neutral court semis and final.

Though after last night, have to imagine this is less of a talking point  :-X