MUScoop

MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 12:36:33 PM

Title: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 12:36:33 PM
UCONN a 4 point favorite at the open.

Yet another opportunity for Marquette to turn some heads.

Playing with house money in a sense.  Lose and it shouldn't hurt them in anyones eyes.  Win and bolster the resume. 

Sidenote: I hope Sean Jones is available as he was a key piece to their 1st win over the Huskies.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: mugrad_89 on February 06, 2023, 12:38:24 PM
With Georgetown on Saturday, would this be considered a trap game?  👀
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Daniel on February 06, 2023, 12:38:49 PM
We can win this….. have to hit threes in this match up.   Goo Marquette!
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 12:39:37 PM
With Georgetown on Saturday, would this be considered a trap game?  👀

Maybe for UCONN who is at Creighton over the weekend!
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: HowardsWorld on February 06, 2023, 12:41:44 PM
Marquette is due for a hot shooting night. Both wins this past week were average shooting at best.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 12:44:46 PM
Marquette is due for a hot shooting night. Both wins this past week were average shooting at best.

How about a Baylor repeat but on the road?
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: StillWarriors on February 06, 2023, 12:51:07 PM
Marquette is due for a hot shooting night. Both wins this past week were average shooting at best.

Seems like hot shooting is going to be key going forward because teams have seen some success sagging and trying to cut down on our scoring at the bucket at a very high percentage. That was fine when jumping out to the 16-3 lead v. Butler, but not so much when they stop falling. As long as we are smart about it and move the ball, we should be able to get open looks.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: StillWarriors on February 06, 2023, 12:53:42 PM
Clingan was an absolute menace to MU in the first match-up. They did us a favor when they went back to Sanogo. It's been interesting to see Clingan go back to about 11 minutes with moderate impact in most of their other games. Curious to see how it plays out this time. Sanogo had a rough game. I expect him to be fired up for this one.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on February 06, 2023, 01:00:30 PM
Sounds about right.  The boys are going to need to play a whole lot better than they did against Nova and Butler to win this one.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: YaBlueIt on February 06, 2023, 01:10:34 PM
"F**k 'em."
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: PointWarrior on February 06, 2023, 01:12:18 PM
these thoughts are valid only if the board is focusing on one game at a time...
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 06, 2023, 01:18:18 PM
Seems like hot shooting is going to be key going forward because teams have seen some success sagging and trying to cut down on our scoring at the bucket at a very high percentage. That was fine when jumping out to the 16-3 lead v. Butler, but not so much when they stop falling. As long as we are smart about it and move the ball, we should be able to get open looks.

I think everyone was just a bit tired on Saturday.  First couple days where the rotation was different without Sean causing everyone to have to play a little bit more than they are used to.

They've handled it well so far.  Hopefully Sean is back ASAP.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: mugrad_89 on February 06, 2023, 01:35:57 PM
I think everyone was just a bit tired on Saturday.  First couple days where the rotation was different without Sean causing everyone to have to play a little bit more than they are used to.

They've handled it well so far.  Hopefully Sean is back ASAP.

Shaka mentioned in the post game presser that the team felt a little pressure from it being National Marquette Day.  I’m expecting a better performance tomorrow nite.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Shooter McGavin on February 06, 2023, 01:56:50 PM
Any word on Sean?  He has been a big part of changing momentum in several games this year.  Shaka didn’t seem too optimistic in the post game pressers this past week.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: muwarrior69 on February 06, 2023, 02:21:09 PM
Talk about roll reversal: UCONN was ranked 6 when we played them last now they are 21 and we're 10. It is going to be electric tomorrow.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: wisblue on February 06, 2023, 04:43:19 PM
Shaka mentioned in the post game presser that the team felt a little pressure from it being National Marquette Day.  I’m expecting a better performance tomorrow nite.

He should talk to Dodds. When MU plays a team with a special event, like Senior Day, it becomes excuse #1 if MU loses.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: PointWarrior on February 06, 2023, 09:11:07 PM
He should talk to Dodds. When MU plays a team with a special event, like Senior Day, it becomes excuse #1 if MU loses.


you have it backwards, Dodd's think playing against teams on their Senior day is like a 15 point disadvantage.  Dodd's would have thought marquette should have been jacked up on National MU day
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: BallBoy on February 06, 2023, 09:24:43 PM
He should talk to Dodds. When MU plays a team with a special event, like Senior Day, it becomes excuse #1 if MU loses.

Excuse #1 is tired legs
Excuse #2 is worn down
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Tyler COLEk on February 07, 2023, 01:20:29 AM
Long shot, but any chance someone in NYC is making the drive up to Hartford tomorrow? Would be happy to split gas. Would love to see this game, but the trip isn’t quite realistic by train.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: wisblue on February 07, 2023, 05:42:37 AM

you have it backwards, Dodd's think playing against teams on their Senior day is like a 15 point disadvantage.  Dodd's would have thought marquette should have been jacked up on National MU day

I should have made it clearer that I was referring to Dodds feeling about MU playing away games against teams having their Senior Day or other special events. As you say, when MU faces one of those situations he uses it as an excuse for MU.

But, I have heard many coaches and former coaches say things similar to what Smart said on Saturday. That kind of emotion can lead to a team being too excited,  and that can cause problems, especially as that initial boost wears off.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: tower912 on February 07, 2023, 05:50:54 AM
MU doesn't have to worry about senior day this year.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Herman Cain on February 07, 2023, 06:24:56 AM
MU doesn't have to worry about senior day this year.
Michael Kennedy says Hi
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on February 07, 2023, 06:28:42 AM
MU doesn't have to worry about senior day this year.

Unless Wrightsil is coming back,  I would think they do something but maybe not
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: tower912 on February 07, 2023, 06:42:18 AM
Forgot about Wrightsil.   Doh
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: tower912 on February 07, 2023, 07:06:48 AM
I am not going to lie.   I have a strong COLE vibe for this one.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: MU82 on February 07, 2023, 07:10:30 AM
I think everyone was just a bit tired on Saturday.
I re-watched the game, and one thing I specifically looked for was a sign of fatigue. I saw none.

These are great athletes, time-outs are long and plentiful, and the game was not especially fast-paced. The team had 2 home games, so no travel was required all week. No starter played more than 32 minutes, each playing almost exactly at his season average (Mitchell a little less, only 20). We got 16+ minutes off the bench from each of the 3 subs, with Gold playing a season-high 19.

I'd have been a little disappointed if Shaka had used "tired legs" as an excuse. Glad he didn't.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Scoop Snoop on February 07, 2023, 07:46:11 AM
I re-watched the game, and one thing I specifically looked for was a sign of fatigue. I saw none.

These are great athletes, time-outs are long and plentiful, and the game was not especially fast-paced. The team had 2 home games, so no travel was required all week. No starter played more than 32 minutes, each playing almost exactly at his season average (Mitchell a little less, only 20). We got 16+ minutes off the bench from each of the 3 subs, with Gold playing a season-high 19.

I'd have been a little disappointed if Shaka had used "tired legs" as an excuse. Glad he didn't.

Or "we're young team".
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Dr. Blackheart on February 07, 2023, 07:51:07 AM
I re-watched the game, and one thing I specifically looked for was a sign of fatigue. I saw none.

These are great athletes, time-outs are long and plentiful, and the game was not especially fast-paced. The team had 2 home games, so no travel was required all week. No starter played more than 32 minutes, each playing almost exactly at his season average (Mitchell a little less, only 20). We got 16+ minutes off the bench from each of the 3 subs, with Gold playing a season-high 19.

I'd have been a little disappointed if Shaka had used "tired legs" as an excuse. Glad he didn't.

I didn't see any excuses offered but MU is banged up. Provided more minutes for Gold and Chase to step up.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Uncle Rico on February 07, 2023, 07:55:25 AM
I am not going to lie.   I have a strong COLE vibe for this one.

UConn and the points
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Clam Crowder on February 07, 2023, 07:57:09 AM
There's going to be a stinker sometime this year...This game 100% feels like the game. I have been bearish all year but tonight I genuinely would be shocked if this is a close game. Uconn sadly by double digits. Hopefully wakes the boys up a bit for GTOWN (they didnt have Murray last time) and then we have to take care of business at home.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: pbiflyer on February 07, 2023, 08:07:14 AM
I am at a company wide event tonight during the game.  >:( Plus most people I know here know I’m a huge Marquette fan. Would be nice to celebrate a big victory but I’m not hopeful.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: JakeBarnes on February 07, 2023, 08:08:02 AM
Marquette by 100
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: MU82 on February 07, 2023, 08:09:03 AM
Maybe the last 2 games were the stinkers?

Look, UConn is at home and is favored (as it should be). A little over a month ago, many were calling them the best team in the country. I'm an optimist and I think we are a tough matchup for them (and they are a tough matchup for us). But obviously Marquette could lose this game.

Marquette is a top-10 team and deservedly so. I mean, we're real good. And for all the concern about us not playing all that well lately ... UConn has?

Not sure why they're due but we aren't.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on February 07, 2023, 08:12:18 AM
Long shot, but any chance someone in NYC is making the drive up to Hartford tomorrow? Would be happy to split gas. Would love to see this game, but the trip isn’t quite realistic by train.

You'd have to take the 2:57pm to New Haven then transfer to the CTRail Springfield line.
https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Grand-Central-42nd-Street-Station/Hartford-Union-Station#r/Train
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: PointWarrior on February 07, 2023, 08:12:33 AM
An on the road victory at UConn would offset the Wisconsin loss at home.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: mugrad_89 on February 07, 2023, 08:21:14 AM
Maybe they should just forfeit the game?  👀
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: nyg on February 07, 2023, 08:23:55 AM
There's going to be a stinker sometime this year...This game 100% feels like the game. I have been bearish all year but tonight I genuinely would be shocked if this is a close game. Uconn sadly by double digits. Hopefully wakes the boys up a bit for GTOWN (they didnt have Murray last time) and then we have to take care of business at home.

I hope not.  A loss at UCONN at home would not be devastating.  A loss to Georgetown, which I don't see happening, would be devastating.  First time around Georgetown also did not have Heath or Mozone, along with Murray not playing. With all of them back, it might be more competitive than first game.

MU must take advantage of Freemantle not playing for X at a home game for MU. 

Hope it's a close game tonight with no foul trouble for Oso.  If that happens, MU in big trouble.   

Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: JakeBarnes on February 07, 2023, 08:24:14 AM
Maybe they should just forfeit the game?  👀

Not going to lie, there is a lot of chicken little here and on the twitter. It's kind of weird. You'd think we were 4-7 in last 11, not 10-1. Great opportunity tonight for a strong road win. Think our guys scrap one out.

Trust the process and system.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Goose on February 07, 2023, 08:28:31 AM
I would not bet on MU to win tonight, but I think they have legit chance of getting the win. Tough place to play and need to take the crowd out of the game. Like every game, they need to make the open shots to get the win. I think we will have a good idea how the game will go in the first 5-7 minutes. That said, MU has surprised to the upside when they have fell behind. Fingers crossed!!!
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: PGsHeroes32 on February 07, 2023, 08:30:29 AM
Maybe the last 2 games were the stinkers?

Look, UConn is at home and is favored (as it should be). A little over a month ago, many were calling them the best team in the country. I'm an optimist and I think we are a tough matchup for them (and they are a tough matchup for us). But obviously Marquette could lose this game.

Marquette is a top-10 team and deservedly so. I mean, we're real good. And for all the concern about us not playing all that well lately ... UConn has?

Not sure why they're due but we aren't.

Its almost a running gag at this point.

If its not a trap game. The other team needs it more. If they dont need it more they are simply more due.

If its none of that our team that plays 9 guys is tired.

The great thing about college basketball is all games are big for teams. Do we need this game to make the tourney? No. But its a big game for seeding and winning a damn conference title.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: 🏀 on February 07, 2023, 08:36:37 AM
UConn doesn't have the guard play, exploit that and MU could win.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: rocket surgeon on February 07, 2023, 08:44:31 AM
Marquette is due for a hot shooting night. Both wins this past week were average shooting at best.

  YES!  took the same thoughts right outta my head howie-

      we ALL get hot, pressure defense, everyone is clicking...WINNING!!

   we're due for a nice game beginning to end and not a better time for that to happen
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: tower912 on February 07, 2023, 08:46:59 AM
Not going to lie, there is a lot of chicken little here and on the twitter. It's kind of weird. You'd think we were 4-7 in last 11, not 10-1. Great opportunity tonight for a strong road win. Think our guys scrap one out.

Trust the process and system.

MU has played wonderfully.    Enjoying it immensely.    Having said that, a road game against a ranked conference opponent on our second trip through the league.    MU could play really well and still lose.   No shame.    Life among the big boys.   
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: MU82 on February 07, 2023, 08:51:04 AM
Its almost a running gag at this point.

If its not a trap game. The other team needs it more. If they dont need it more they are simply more due.

If its none of that our team that plays 9 guys is tired.

The great thing about college basketball is all games are big for teams. Do we need this game to make the tourney? No. But its a big game for seeding and winning a damn conference title.

Yessir to all of that, especially "all games are big for teams." I mean, why does UConn "want" this more than Marquette does? That makes no sense.

Fans of hundreds of teams wish their team were as good as our team is, but some Scoopers are too busy fearing ghosts from the past to truly enjoy what we've got.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 07, 2023, 08:53:12 AM
I re-watched the game, and one thing I specifically looked for was a sign of fatigue. I saw none.

These are great athletes, time-outs are long and plentiful, and the game was not especially fast-paced. The team had 2 home games, so no travel was required all week. No starter played more than 32 minutes, each playing almost exactly at his season average (Mitchell a little less, only 20). We got 16+ minutes off the bench from each of the 3 subs, with Gold playing a season-high 19.

I'd have been a little disappointed if Shaka had used "tired legs" as an excuse. Glad he didn't.

OMax and Oso each called out multiple times and OMax could hardly make it up and down the court at one point in the 2nd half. That was very noticeable in the arena.

A win is a win is a win, but they were absolutely gassed.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Frenns Liquor Depot on February 07, 2023, 08:56:19 AM
OMax and Oso each called out multiple times and OMax could hardly make it up and down the court at one point in the 2nd half. That was very noticeable in the arena.

A win is a win is a win, but they were absolutely gassed.

I heard he was missing a hip
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: tower912 on February 07, 2023, 09:01:28 AM
Yessir to all of that, especially "all games are big for teams." I mean, why does UConn "want" this more than Marquette does? That makes no sense.

Fans of hundreds of teams wish their team were as good as our team is, but some Scoopers are too busy fearing ghosts from the past to truly enjoy what we've got.
Both/and.   I realize what this team has accomplished and think it is very good and worthy of its ranking.  I think MU loses tonight.  The two are not mutually exclusive, contradictory concepts.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: MU82 on February 07, 2023, 09:03:07 AM
Both/and.   I realize what this team has accomplished and think it is very good and worthy of its ranking.  I think MU loses tonight.  The two are not mutually exclusive, contradictory concepts.

Of course, tower.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Dr. Blackheart on February 07, 2023, 09:04:14 AM
I heard he was missing a hip

They used one of his for Kam. Spare parts are backed up due to supply chain issues.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Frenns Liquor Depot on February 07, 2023, 09:07:47 AM
They used one of his for Kam. Spare parts are backed up due to supply chain issues.

Wonder who is using Sean’s wrist?
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: tower912 on February 07, 2023, 09:08:03 AM
Sean's new wrist is on back order.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Scoop Snoop on February 07, 2023, 09:12:23 AM
Both/and.   I realize what this team has accomplished and think it is very good and worthy of its ranking.  I think MU loses tonight.  The two are not mutually exclusive, contradictory concepts.

Well said.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Dr. Blackheart on February 07, 2023, 09:16:48 AM
Sean's new wrist is on back order.

To add to this, the Bioengineering School is growing him a new one. In line behind the dodo and the Velociraptor, though.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Frenns Liquor Depot on February 07, 2023, 09:22:06 AM
To add to this, the Bioengineering School is growing him a new one. In line behind the dodo and the Velociraptor, though.

Guess we shouldn’t have priorities the wooly mammoth. Our players need limbs stat.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 07, 2023, 09:23:46 AM
Wonder who is using Sean’s wrist?

Sean is still using his wrist for floor slaps on the bench.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Skip Intro on February 07, 2023, 09:24:38 AM
MU has played wonderfully.    Enjoying it immensely.    Having said that, a road game against a ranked conference opponent on our second trip through the league.    MU could play really well and still lose.   No shame.    Life among the big boys.

Case in point:  Purdue loses a road game to a good in-state rival and remains #1. 

No need for overreactions based on the outcome of this game.  Honestly, the fact that we feel confident that they CAN win these types of games should tell us all we need to know about the trajectory of this program. 
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Scoop Snoop on February 07, 2023, 09:24:58 AM
Guess we shouldn’t have priorities the wooly mammoth. Our players need limbs stat.

Damn! You beat me by only one minute. I had to abandon my original post.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Tha Hound on February 07, 2023, 09:27:21 AM
Bunch of scared babies in this thread shaking in their boots over this UCONN team. Couldn’t be me. We win tonight.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Uncle Rico on February 07, 2023, 09:32:42 AM
Sean's new wrist is on back order.

Billy Packer was right
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: wisblue on February 07, 2023, 09:35:07 AM
Bunch of scared babies in this thread shaking in their boots over this UCONN team. Couldn’t be me. We win tonight.

Someone apparently doesn't accept the "not mutually exclusive, contradictory concepts" point of view.

Either you say that MU absolutely, positively, will win tonight or you're a "scared baby" who is "shaking in your boots" over UConn and this game.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: MU82 on February 07, 2023, 10:04:45 AM
Someone apparently doesn't accept the "not mutually exclusive, contradictory concepts" point of view.

Either you say that MU absolutely, positively, will win tonight or you're a "scared baby" who is "shaking in your boots" over UConn and this game.

I can't speak for others, but that's not what I'm saying.

There's a difference between saying we're tired (but opponents aren't), the opponent desperately wants it (but we don't), they are due (but we aren't), we haven't played great lately (but they have), fear the February Fade because it's happened in the past, etc etc etc ... and simply saying of course there's a chance we lose this game on the road to a good team.

I mean, face it, we have some here who have been working OT to find reasons to fear every game lately -- Butler, Nova, DePaul, upcoming games against GT and Butler, and on and on. As if this is the 2017-18 team or the 2013-14 team or the 2005-06 team.

It's well known that for some athletes (and most coaches), fear of failure is a more prevalent emotion than joy of success. For them, wins bring relief, not elation, and losses bring depression. The same seems true for lots of fans. Personally, I'm trying hard to enjoy the great journey that this season has been without fearing every boogeyman lurking around the corner. Obviously, others are free to do the opposite and start worrying about Georgetown on Saturday before we even play UConn tonight.

We Are Marquette!
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on February 07, 2023, 10:07:41 AM
Yeah I mean sometimes you just lose basketball games because its a bunch of fallible human beings playing a game. It happens.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: JakeBarnes on February 07, 2023, 10:10:26 AM
Both/and.   I realize what this team has accomplished and think it is very good and worthy of its ranking.  I think MU loses tonight.  The two are not mutually exclusive, contradictory concepts.

I agree on the not being contradictory comments. My comment above was based more on chicken little things I saw on twitter about how the offense is stagnant and we are slumping. As someone pointed out (brew?) the defense has been really picking up lately. I also think we are due for a good 3 pt shooting game. Hopefully we are a bit better on closing out 3 pt shooters tonight than we have in the past few.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Uncle Rico on February 07, 2023, 10:11:51 AM
Yeah I mean sometimes you just lose basketball games because its a bunch of fallible human beings playing a game. It happens.

Al McGuire never lost
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on February 07, 2023, 10:14:30 AM

https://www.nhregister.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/article/uconn-men-ready-top-25-showdown-vs-marquette-17767403.php?utm_campaign=nhregister_breakingnews_20230207&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

UConn men's basketball team ready for Top 25 showdown vs. Marquette: 'Can't come soon enough'
by David Borges
Feb. 6, 2023
Updated: Feb. 7, 2023 8:37 a.m.

HARTFORD — Don't blame Donovan Clingan if he's staring at the clock or at his Apple watch over the next several hours.

"6:30 (p.m.) can't come soon enough," the 7-foot-2 UConn men's basketball team's freshman center said after practice on Monday.

That's when the No. 21 Huskies host 10th-ranked Marquette in a Top 25 battle at XL Center (FS1). It is one of two Top 25 battles this week for UConn (18-6, 7-6 Big East), which travels to No. 23 Creighton on Saturday.

UConn lost at Marquette 82-76 on Jan. 11. The Huskies beat Creighton at home on Jan. 7, but also have lost at No. 20 Providence and at Seton Hall.

After Creighton, UConn plays Seton Hall and Providence at home on Feb. 18 and 22, respectively.

"It's a good get-back week," freshman Alex Karaban said. "We've lost so much, with some bad losses, and some close losses on the road, as well. It's definitely a big week for us in trying to get a little bit of it back."

But first things first. Marquette (19-5, 11-2 Big East) has won five straight and is the highest-ranked team in the league. In the Jan. 11 loss, Karaban and Clingan, the two freshmen, were the Huskies' best players. That's not exactly a winning formula against an excellent team like the Golden Eagles.

"We weren't at our best," Clingan said. "We were going through a little bit of a tough stretch. But we're ready to go. We want revenge on these teams. I know everyone in that locker room is ready to play (Tuesday)."

Perhaps no one more so than Jordan Hawkins and Adama Sanogo, who each played subpar games in the first meeting at Marquette.

"They're excited about this one," Karaban said. "They love playing against teams they didn't play well against. I know they had this one circled right after that game immediately. I think good things will happen for them (Tuesday)."

Karaban added that the Huskies are running on "a little bit of a revenge factor, payback in a sense. They beat us at their homecourt, now we've got to beat them at our homecourt. Protect homecourt, which we've been doing a pretty good job of so far."

UConn is 11-2 at home this season, 5-1 at XL Center. The Huskies got a rare chance to practice at the building on Monday afternoon.

"Class schedules sometimes get in the way," Hurley said. "For the most part, though, it's just not having access to the building, because of the hockey or whatever different shows go on here. Weekends, we would come here all the time, if we could, if it was permitting. Either you just can't do it because of class schedules, or we just can't get in here or don't have a lot of access."

UConn doesn't always play its best inside the cavernous XL Center, but the Huskies are embracing the setting for Tuesday.

"We're real excited to play this one in Hartford," Hurley continued. "We're going to get a great crowd. It's going to be a high-level game. Those are much more exciting than those games where you're a huge, huge favorite, and losing the game could really wreck you. These are not the ones that you're anxious about or nervous about, even though the quality of the opponent is high. You're just excited to be playing a big game."

Rim rattlings
• Karaban, a Massachusetts product, is tight with Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek, a Rhode Island native who is second in the nation in assists per game and one of the frontrunners for Big East Player of the YEar.

The two played against each other in AAU ball, and when Karaban was at New Hampton School and Kolek at St. George's. They played a lot of pick-up against each other this past summer, and Kolek helped Karaban prepare for the rigors of Big East play.

"He's been helping me out with the Big East a little bit, letting me know in the summer about it," Karaban reported. "He's just a great kid."

• Karaban is growing a beard, but it's not the same as assistant coach Tom Moore, who doesn't appear to be in a hurry to shave until the Huskies lose a game.

"He's not the same as Tom," Hurley said. "Those are two separate things. I just think it makes him look like an even better player. It's just a great look for Alex. I like the beard. Tom's a different deal."

david.borges@hearstmediact.com @DaveBorges

Written By David Borges
UConn men's basketball beat writer

Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Daniel on February 07, 2023, 10:17:33 AM
Tonight will be a tough game.   UConn is still good, and it will be a battle.   We could lose.  We could win.   But we are in the game at this part of the season, worrying and wondering about what seed we will be in the NCAA tourney, not if we will get a slot.   All that is good.

Hoping we win tonight, because we can.  I think if we hit threes we will win, because they won’t be able to pack the paint on us.   And I see shots by Stevie early so that we can get him going, because if we for, then UConn has one more worr6.   So watch for a Stevie to take very early threes. 
Goo Marquette. . . . We can win this one
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Dr. Blackheart on February 07, 2023, 10:32:21 AM
MOPES!!!
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Scoop Snoop on February 07, 2023, 10:33:33 AM
M HOPES!!!

FIFY
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: MU82 on February 07, 2023, 10:40:05 AM
OMax and Oso each called out multiple times and OMax could hardly make it up and down the court at one point in the 2nd half. That was very noticeable in the arena.

A win is a win is a win, but they were absolutely gassed.

Respectfully disagree.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoFastAndWin on February 07, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
The article refers to the “cavernous” XL Center.
Dodds says our shooters are doomed.
 ;)
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on February 07, 2023, 11:00:56 AM
Respectfully disagree.

Yeah, I didn't see what GE is talking about either.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: JakeBarnes on February 07, 2023, 11:02:22 AM
The article refers to the “cavernous” XL Center.
Dodds says our shooters are doomed.
 ;)

Just gives Kam room to bomb moon shots.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Scoop Snoop on February 07, 2023, 11:02:46 AM
The article refers to the “cavernous” XL Center.
Dodds says our shooters are doomed.
 ;)

Also, terrible shooting background. Kam is screwed.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on February 07, 2023, 11:19:48 AM
Honestly, probably a good thing the game is at XL instead of Gample.

That’s a 30 mile drive from Storrs.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Jay Bee on February 07, 2023, 11:24:33 AM
Just hope we lose by a lot. #NoMoreCloseLosses

Win the turnover battle, hit a couple more treys than we should, no problem.

#pray
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: wisblue on February 07, 2023, 12:19:21 PM
I can't speak for others, but that's not what I'm saying.

There's a difference between saying we're tired (but opponents aren't), the opponent desperately wants it (but we don't), they are due (but we aren't), we haven't played great lately (but they have), fear the February Fade because it's happened in the past, etc etc etc ... and simply saying of course there's a chance we lose this game on the road to a good team.

I mean, face it, we have some here who have been working OT to find reasons to fear every game lately -- Butler, Nova, DePaul, upcoming games against GT and Butler, and on and on. As if this is the 2017-18 team or the 2013-14 team or the 2005-06 team.

It's well known that for some athletes (and most coaches), fear of failure is a more prevalent emotion than joy of success. For them, wins bring relief, not elation, and losses bring depression. The same seems true for lots of fans. Personally, I'm trying hard to enjoy the great journey that this season has been without fearing every boogeyman lurking around the corner. Obviously, others are free to do the opposite and start worrying about Georgetown on Saturday before we even play UConn tonight.

We Are Marquette!

My comment was directed at a specific post  (the one quoted). Not sure why that set you off.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Jay Bee on February 07, 2023, 12:24:59 PM
My comment was directed at a specific post  (the one quoted). Not sure why that set you off.

Doesn’t take much to set them off aina
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 07, 2023, 01:23:48 PM
Respectfully disagree.

For the record...I'm not saying it is bad that they were tired, or anything to be concerned about.  I'm just pointing out what I saw in the arena on Saturday.  OMax and Oso each called out and OMax could hardly get up the court at one point in the 2nd half.

I'm not trying to make excuses for them or saying Shaka should either.  I don't care about margin of victory at this time of year, especially with a team that is 19-5.  This team is arguably in a better spot than any other in the conference and a win is a win and I'll celebrate each one the same!
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Goose on February 07, 2023, 01:28:03 PM
I am not buying the team is tired, maybe a little banged up, but not tired. There is plenty of time to be tired in mid April.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 07, 2023, 01:33:32 PM
I am not buying the team is tired, maybe a little banged up, but not tired. There is plenty of time to be tired in mid April.

I don't think they are tired either, but relative to Saturday and Saturday only there were a few.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: mugrad_89 on February 07, 2023, 01:53:47 PM
I can’t believe no one has mentioned one of the more important aspects of tonite’s game, that it’s on Fox Sports 1 and not the CBS Network.  👀
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Uncle Rico on February 07, 2023, 01:57:52 PM
I am not buying the team is tired, maybe a little banged up, but not tired. There is plenty of time to be tired in mid April.

No more tired than any other team, anyway
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Goose on February 07, 2023, 01:59:39 PM
Rico

Agreed.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: DegenerateDish on February 07, 2023, 02:41:15 PM
Kolek over 5.5 assists -135 on DK. It’s at 6 everywhere else.

I’m looking at Rutgers +4.5 in a likely letdown situation for IU. A two team teaser of MU and Rutgers looks interesting as well.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: NCMUFan on February 07, 2023, 02:46:31 PM
Marquette had no answer for Clingan in the previous game.
Will be interesting to see if Clingan has his way again.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 07, 2023, 02:51:10 PM
Kolek over 5.5 assists -135 on DK. It’s at 6 everywhere else.

I’m looking at Rutgers +4.5 in a likely letdown situation for IU. A two team teaser of MU and Rutgers looks interesting as well.

I got all over that as fast as possible on Prize Picks.  Has had 6 or more assists in 22 of 24 games this year. I don't understand that line at all.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Tha Hound on February 07, 2023, 02:54:17 PM
Someone apparently doesn't accept the "not mutually exclusive, contradictory concepts" point of view.

Either you say that MU absolutely, positively, will win tonight or you're a "scared baby" who is "shaking in your boots" over UConn and this game.

Wah wah wahhhh

I'm just messing around man. I do think we win, though
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: CountryRoads on February 07, 2023, 02:59:46 PM
Marquette had no answer for Clingan in the previous game.
Will be interesting to see if Clingan has his way again.

That may have been a feature instead of a bug. MU did a nice job of guarding the perimeter that game I thought.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: pbiflyer on February 07, 2023, 03:03:49 PM
I am not buying the team is tired, maybe a little banged up, but not tired. There is plenty of time to be tired in mid April.

Not relevant, but we saw Tyler after the game, before he headed to the locker room. Guy had red marks all over from where he’d been hit. Physical game, long season. Tough kid.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on February 07, 2023, 03:25:37 PM
Kolek over 5.5 assists -135 on DK. It’s at 6 everywhere else.

I’m looking at Rutgers +4.5 in a likely letdown situation for IU. A two team teaser of MU and Rutgers looks interesting as well.

Didn't you see the injury news for Rutgers?
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: DegenerateDish on February 07, 2023, 03:38:00 PM
Didn't you see the injury news for Rutgers?

Yes, I know Mag is out. It’s more the let down spot for IU that has my attention, but Mag did bully IU in the first meeting. Rutgers first half ML might be a better play the more I think about it.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: CTWarrior on February 07, 2023, 04:11:31 PM
Ever since the first game, I've thought this is the one game in the regular season where we'll get spanked.  The way we played the last couple games doesn't give me an improved outlook.  I will say UConn is the one Big East team that is not likely to deviate how they play defense against us.

Just think they match our quickness and have size we can't counter tonight.  We've got a chance, but we can't keep switching and ending up with Jones trying to stop Clingan inside.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: DoctorV on February 07, 2023, 04:39:42 PM
Something tells me it won’t be Clingan we struggle with tonight, Sanogo will probably feast.

Let him though, and win despite of it
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Goose on February 07, 2023, 04:53:58 PM
I am more concerned with Sanogo than Clingan. MU made him look like at AA in the first game and think that will change tonight.

It will come down to turnovers and shooting well. If that happens, MU wins.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Elonsmusk on February 07, 2023, 05:01:46 PM
We'll miss Sean Jones contributions tonight.  He really changed the UCONN game in MKE.  I'm going to go out on a limb and project Ben Gold to contribute more tonight than we would expect.

Gonna be a tough one, and we are the hunted now.  Win this game and we are in pole position to win the Big East.  I think this game is a harder game to win than @ Creighton.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Uncle Rico on February 07, 2023, 05:07:05 PM
We'll miss Sean Jones contributions tonight.  He really changed the UCONN game in MKE.  I'm going to go out on a limb and project Ben Gold to contribute more tonight than we would expect.

Gonna be a tough one, and we are the hunted now.  Win this game and we are in pole position to win the Big East.  I think this game is a harder game to win than @ Creighton.

Sadly, McDermott owns Shaka
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: JakeBarnes on February 07, 2023, 05:09:46 PM
We'll miss Sean Jones contributions tonight.  He really changed the UCONN game in MKE.  I'm going to go out on a limb and project Ben Gold to contribute more tonight than we would expect.

Gonna be a tough one, and we are the hunted now.  Win this game and we are in pole position to win the Big East.  I think this game is a harder game to win than @ Creighton.

Sean Jones is playing
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: fjm on February 07, 2023, 05:14:12 PM
We'll miss Sean Jones contributions tonight.  He really changed the UCONN game in MKE.  I'm going to go out on a limb and project Ben Gold to contribute more tonight than we would expect.

Gonna be a tough one, and we are the hunted now.  Win this game and we are in pole position to win the Big East.  I think this game is a harder game to win than @ Creighton.

No we won’t. He’s playing.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: GoldenEagles03 on February 07, 2023, 05:18:21 PM
We'll miss Sean Jones contributions tonight.  He really changed the UCONN game in MKE.  I'm going to go out on a limb and project Ben Gold to contribute more tonight than we would expect.

Gonna be a tough one, and we are the hunted now.  Win this game and we are in pole position to win the Big East.  I think this game is a harder game to win than @ Creighton.

Good news for us is that Sean's back!
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Elonsmusk on February 07, 2023, 05:20:40 PM
Sean Jones is playing

This is great news!
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: PointWarrior on February 07, 2023, 06:12:31 PM
might as well been UConn -40....
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: NCMUFan on February 07, 2023, 07:12:46 PM
People wanted a repeat of the Baylor game and got it.
Unfortunately, Marquette got their role mixed up.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: Farley36 on February 07, 2023, 08:01:05 PM
It was close but I believe UConn covered.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: brewcity77 on February 08, 2023, 08:24:07 AM
What was most impressive to me was they set TK's assists at 5.5 and he went under. First time in 12 games he went under 5.5 and only the third time all year. Seemed like free money, but it wasn't.
Title: Re: UCONN -4
Post by: DegenerateDish on February 08, 2023, 12:50:26 PM
What was most impressive to me was they set TK's assists at 5.5 and he went under. First time in 12 games he went under 5.5 and only the third time all year. Seemed like free money, but it wasn't.

Worst part was there were a couple Oso missed bunnies that would have gotten Kolek over. Such is gambling life.