Duke Game Thoughts

[rocky_warrior]

Well, probably not a lot to be said about the game that wasn't seen on TV.  But a few things:

- The Marquette crowd was probably the most *organized* (and sometimes vocal) crowd.  We basically had the entire corner behind the basket.  Duke had more fans, but luckily Marquette kept the game close enough (or kept Duke behind) so that they didn't get terribly vocal.

- Marquette won because of energy.  Even if they were trying to foul at the end, Duke's players were visibly winded.  Meanwhile, Crean was still streaming fresh guys off the bench.  This alone will win a lot of games for us this year.  Marquette has a lot of interchangeable parts.

- Cubillan.  Wow.  Plays very poised, and I wasn't worried at all when DJ went down with cramps (first time this year?) and we had to grab someone to handle the ball.  As far as ball handling ability, no dropoff whatsoever.  I do think we need to get David more shots - the kid can shoot (even if he has the same FT bug that the rest of the team has).

- Students were lining up like they wanted to rush the court at the end.  Glad it didn't happen, we were only a couple spots behind Duke in the polls afterall  8)

- An awesome time in KC the past few days (going 2-0 helps).  Looking forward to seeing the team more this year.

[Mayor McCheese]

we may be only a few spots behind Duke in the polls, but it is Duke, let them rush the court  .... however Im glad we showed class by not rushing the court, and Cubillan seems to be the backup we need, and will need all season, very impressed

[spiral97]

agreed on all accounts.

And there wasn't much security so the mu crowd seemed to keep its cool at the sideline.  very very very cool to see the team walk up and into the crowd though!  crean even came by and shook hands with a HUGE smile on his face (much deserved).

(I got mine shook by him on the way out.. back to the no shower philosophy )

[mu_hilltopper]

DJ didn't have cramps .. his ankle rolled a bit.

I thought it was galactically stupid that Crean allowed him back in for the final 65 seconds.  The game was in hand.  Cubillan was doing a fine job, and Duke was fouling.  Zero reason to risk a star on your team after he'd just been wincing in pain a minute earlier. -- Hell, in some situations, you take him out purposely at the end, so he gets his round of applause.

[RawdogDX]

DJ didn't have cramps .. his ankle rolled a bit.

Are you sure?  On TV they said it was a cramp.

[mu_hilltopper]

They might have thought that because it's DJ's rep to have cramps.

Then they showed the replay.  His leg wobbled a bit, then he grabbed his ankle and went down.

[MU gimp ONE]

They said that the on floor reporter, Doris Somebody, checked with the training staff and it is just cramping.  Atleast that is what they told us on TV and we know we can always  trust the media

[WashDCWarrior]

A couple additional toughts

- We didn't see Blackledge last night.  I'm not sure if that's because he wouldn't have matched up against the bigger, stronger Duke forwards or because Crean doesn't yet have trust in him in a big situation like this.

- I had an inaccurate view of the player Hayward was going to be.  Scouting reports had him tabbed as primarily a good outside shooter, but sort of one-dimensional.  (the next Novak)  That's completely opposite of what we've seen so far.  He looks more comfortable the closer he is to the basket, very athletic, and a good rebounder.  Unfortunately, the accurate outside shooter tag hasn't been seen yet.  His form looks good, but he's been way off target on a number of 3-pt shots.

[Big Papi]

A couple additional toughts

- I had an inaccurate view of the player Hayward was going to be.  Scouting reports had him tabbed as primarily a good outside shooter, but sort of one-dimensional.  (the next Novak)  That's completely opposite of what we've seen so far.  He looks more comfortable the closer he is to the basket, very athletic, and a good rebounder.  Unfortunately, the accurate outside shooter tag hasn't been seen yet.  His form looks good, but he's been way off target on a number of 3-pt shots.

I don't see the "good outside shooter" of Hayward's game.  His one open 3 pointer was rushed and badly off but that is okay because I didn't think he was as good a defender, rebounder and scorer as he is or will be.  There are shooters and than their are scorers.  Hayward has shown that he is a scorer and not a shooter much like James and McNeal and not like Novak.

[Big Papi]

- Marquette won because of energy.  Even if they were trying to foul at the end, Duke's players were visibly winded.  Meanwhile, Crean was still streaming fresh guys off the bench.  This alone will win a lot of games for us this year.  Marquette has a lot of interchangeable parts.

I noticed that McRoberts was especially winded near the end of the first half when he was bent over at the free throw line.  I took that as a good sign and that we needed to keep the score close in order to capitalize on that in the final 10 minutes of the game.

[bheitz]

I thought it was galactically stupid that Crean allowed him back in for the final 65 seconds.  The game was in hand.  Cubillan was doing a fine job, and Duke was fouling.  Zero reason to risk a star on your team after he'd just been wincing in pain a minute earlier. -- Hell, in some situations, you take him out purposely at the end, so he gets his round of applause.

I couldn't agree more.  It appeared DJ was lobbying hard to get back in the game, but there was no reason for him to play.  TC has to keep DJ sitting IMO.

[Mayor McCheese]

was TC just showing the nation that James was fine???? or maybe wanted James to finish what he led, I can see why you want to put him back in, and James being a competitor, he most likely wanted to get back in, its a personal call, I most likely would have left him out

[SoCalwarrior]

As the MVP of the tourney, I'm sure everyone wanted him on the floor at the end of the game.  The question is, if cramps were the culprit, what are the risks of playing through?  You cramp up again?

[mu03eng]

As the MVP of the tourney, I'm sure everyone wanted him on the floor at the end of the game.  The question is, if cramps were the culprit, what are the risks of playing through?  You cramp up again?

I believe all that happens is you are more likely to cramp up again and perhaps worse than before.  At least thats what my PT girlfriend says......what does she know, shes a bucky grad

[bheitz]

Ok, let me clarify my position.  If it's a cramp and he gets it worked out -- sure, send him back in.  I've got no problem with that.  But if it's a rolled ankle, then keep him out.

Is that clear?...... Crystal! 

[LastWarrior]

Just to be clear, the sideline reporter said it came from the MU staff that DJ had cramps.  When they showed him in the tunnel, he was leaning on it and the staff was stretching as if it was a cramp.  I don't think he rolled his ankle in a meaninful way, I don't think that was a cause of the exit.  Also, I seriously doubt that Crean would have taken any chances with MU in control of the game and a more than capable DC on the roster.

[dwaderoy2004]

i watched the game again today on tivo, doing the whole slow-mo thing to see if he twisted it.  i could not see any indication that it was anything more than a cramp.  the way he pulled up just looked like that muscle tightened up on him at the moment, causing him to hobble.  he started to walk it off, and slowly went to the ground, again making me think it was a cramp that just slowly tightened up on him till he finally had to go down.  regardless, he was fine 10 minutes later...

[spiral97]

I'm convinced it was a cramp... I was there watching and kept checking the bench to see how he was doing.. when he was sitting on the bench afterwards he had a cold pack (or heat pack?) on his leg just below the knee.. nowhere near the vicinity of his anke.. amazing way to treat an ankle roll if you ask me 

[Henry Sugar]

Anyone have any thoughts on our potential matchup with Duke in KC?

Or planning on attending this tourney?

[bilsu]

Better this year than next after they add Rivers and maybe Quincy Miller.

[rocky_warrior]

Anyone have any thoughts on our potential matchup with Duke in KC?

Or planning on attending this tourney?

Wow, you dug up an old thread for this one.  No thoughts right now - but I'll be there!

[MUUWUWM]

yep it was a great time in KC 2-3 years ago...how time flys....Don't think I can make it this year but will watch on the tv. I'd love to play Duke again.

[bamamarquettefan]

I am planning to be there, but have not bought tickets yet.  Has anyone purchased yet?  i will be staying with Kansas City friends who are Kansas and are happy to come root with me against K-State!

[rocky_warrior]

I am planning to be there, but have not bought tickets yet.  Has anyone purchased yet?  i will be staying with Kansas City friends who are Kansas and are happy to come root with me against K-State!

Yeah, I picked up tickets when they had the 2-for-1 special going back in ?April?.  I may have two extra, though I know you like sitting on the floor for this event

[SaintPaulWarrior]

I also bought the 2 for 1 deal back in March/April.  Definitely going to be there.  Staying at the Westin Crown Center.  Would be interested, when the time gets closer, of any pre/post game bars that MU fans will be going to.