wow, that was ugly

[nola03]

Just checking in, still like Tenn over MU?

Objectively looking at it, how can you not like Tennessee over MU?

Their neutral court success is more impressive then MU's this season; have a much deeper bench then MU; have better outside shooting then MU; and, the kicker, the game is in Nashville. Oh, they also have 4ever's most favoritest and dreamiest coach in the world.

Advantage: Volunteers.

[Marquette84]

Temple got just 7 points from their bench, compared to 27 from Tennesse's bench.   
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=283480218

[Wareagle]

Although this wasn't a game to write home about -- I was pleased that Buzz had the 2nd string in a lot more.  They need the experience of playing in the game situation vs. practicing with no pressure, so that during the conference season when are starters are tired and fouling out we can keep up the intensity with a more experienced bench.  Hopefully with a little more experience the bench can contribute more and be comfortable getting put into the game.  Mo and Cooby do have work cut out for them, I agree.

Overall... definitely a little painful to watch, there was shoddy play going on at times, but like most games, the team did have positives.  Making 50% shot percentage in 1st half, lots of rebounding (for the most part), getting many points from paint.   On the other hand, we have to start making free throws consistently.  It's killing me to watch them brick them time and again.  

Win or lose, I am stoked for the Vols game.  Finally an opponent we can sink our teeth into, or at least sharpen them with.  Here is another case of "experience vs. relatively newbie coach" and I am excited for how Buzz rises to the challenge.

Let's go MU!

I agree, our top 4 players averaged 26 minutes played this game, which means they will be adequately rested heading into the UT game.  There is no reason to play them more when the game is in hand.  I'll take sloppy 19 point wins over subpar competition if it means our starters are getting the rest they need for much bigger games down the road.

[79Warrior]

Other than Lazar, that was painful to watch. Crowd was dead, team was sloppy, bench did nothing at all. Part of it was IPFW being unable to make a shot, the rest was MU going through the motions. We played down to their level.

The bench has been absent alll season.,

[Pakuni]

Understanding that it doesn't necessarily speak to the level of MU's play today, but this same IPFW played Michigan State within 11. I'm not going to get too worried about a 19-point win in which they were up 27 with five minutes to play.
Obviously MU can play better, but I don't feel bad about how they played today.

[bilsu]

Do not forget that this was exam week.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I am bullish on a MU win

We certainly can win and by no means am I saying that's not out of the question.  My guess is that MU will be ranked 22nd, Tennessee about 14 or so, it's in Tennessee, UT will be favored by 4 to 6 points.

That all spells UT slightly ahead of MU.

If Prince doesn't play, that helps MU.

I'd give MU about a 45% chance of winning.  Not sure what Kenpom says, but probably 40 to 45% chance of winning.  Definitely we have a very solid shot, but I do expect Tennessee to win this game.

[cheebs09]

My favorite part of the game today that many probably didn't notice was at the end when Frozena was at the scorer's table, and I believe we scored, but Buzz tried to call a time out and was screaming for one and the ref didn't hear him. And Buzz was very upset and was arguing with the official like a call went against us in a tight game. He then called a time out at the next chance and Frozena got in. It just showed how much Buzz cares about his players, even the walk-on. Going back to the thread about how much interaction is too much, i think that Buzz really cares about these players and that they appreciate that and will fight for him as he will fight for them.