[Rosiak's Blog] James, MU play at a Formula Win pace

[ToddRosiakSays]

James, MU play at a Formula Win pace

Lahaina, Hawaii -- In October, Marquette players promised a quicker product with an extra gear, but it took until Tuesday to display the frenetic, Formula One-type pace that fans have waited for.

Dominic James and company showed the EA Sports Maui Invitational crowd that you can play Grand Theft Auto on a basketball court.

After jumping out to a 13-2 lead today, James and friends refused to downshift out of a NASCAR-like offense. Marquette's 91-61 drubbing of Oklahoma State (usually an outstanding defensive program) was in a word...relentless.

"The thing I like about their team is that they are always in attack mode," said Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton. "I thought James controlled the game at the offensive end."

The defensive end wasn't bad either.

Marquette out-rebounded Oklahoma State 43-28, forced 19 turnovers, scored 30 points off of the Cowboys' mistakes and dominated fast break points, 21-6.  In addition, Oklahoma State made just four of 23 three-point attempts. (The Golden Eagles have allowed far too many open three-point attempts prior to today).

Coming off one of his poorest efforts in a Marquette uniform Monday, James played as if he had something to prove. He navigated much of Marquette's early success as he had a hand in 19 of Marquette's first 44 points.

After being benched by Crean and blasted on Marquette message boards Monday, James looked as if he deserved all of his pre-season All-America accolades today  in the victory over OSU.

Coming off of a 27% season from the three-point line in 2006-07, opponents have dared James to chuck it from the cheap seats all season. Tuesday, he obliged, hitting 4 of 6 three-point attempts. If he can establish some consistency in his perimeter game, Marquette's offensive attack will be just fine.

"When he's playing at that pace...somebody may be as good, but nobody is better," said Crean, who had a hard time finding one minute to gripe about in Marquette's impressive 40-minute rout.

Up by almost 30 points midway through the second half, one Marquette fan looked at James courtside and said: "Save some for tomorrow."

James should get plenty of rest as Maui is an easy-like Sunday morning kind of place. Shirts, shoes and watches are usually optional.

But with James at the helm, don't expect a poolside pace tomorrow night. If MU continues this type of play, shot clocks won't be needed either.   

http://blogs.jsonline.com/muhoops/archive/2007/11/20/james-mu-play-at-a-formula-win-pace.aspx

[rocky_warrior]

After being benched by Crean and blasted on Marquette message boards Monday, James looked as if he deserved all of his pre-season All-America accolades today  in the victory over OSU.

heh heh heh

[ChicosBailBonds]

Kind of sad really....these are still kids afterall.  We shouldn't be blasting any of them in my opinion.  I know I'm not in the majority viewpoint on that, but I'll stick with that viewpoint.

[MUCam]

I'll second that notion, Chicos. Sad indeed.

[HarveysWallbangers]

James played great yesterday. I believe it was his best game since his freshman year. But I still don't think he should be shooting threes...especially in transition.