SI Story: Teams with Better Luck This Season

[jfmu]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_glockner/08/30/teams.luck/index.html?sct=cb_t11_a1

Marquette

The "Team Bubble Watch" moniker very well may be passed to a successor this season after two years of the Golden Eagles wearing the crown proudly. Marquette won 25 games and made the Sweet 16 last season despite well below-average statistical luck and has a chance to be really good this season. Most preseason projections have the Golden Eagles as a top-20 team with good reason. Despite losing Jimmy Butler and Dwight Buycks, there is ample returning talent, led by Darius Johnson-Odom, Jae Crowder, Junior Cadougan, Chris Otule and Vander Blue. The Big East will be its normal daunting gauntlet, although there isn't as much top-end firepower as some recent seasons. With this collection of experienced talent, perhaps coach Buzz Williams won't have to rely on such heavy preparation for end-game situations. The Golden Eagles should win more games more comfortably, which should help their luck quotient improve. Fewer close games means fewer chances for close losses.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_glockner/08/30/teams.luck/index.html#ixzz1WWzHmLa0

[BobWildLoyalist]

I hope so, but I wont believe it until i see it. I think we all might have taken 2 years off our lives last season with the stress of watching the close games

[marquette09]

I hope so, but I wont believe it until i see it. I think we all might have taken 2 years off our lives last season with the stress of watching the close games

Last season, how about the numerous close games (many terrible losses) two years ago. 

[muhs03]

I dunno. I would not classify late game turnovers in key possessions as being 'unlucky' as much as I would say its due to poor execution. To the contrary, making key baskets down the stretch is not 'luck' as much as it's solid execution. Hitting a 3/4 court shot at the buzzer to win the game IS luck.

[BobWildLoyalist]

Last season, how about the numerous close games (many terrible losses) two years ago. 

Agreed. So a total of 4 years then.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I posted this awhile back, understanding there are a lot of factors associated with "luck".  Statistically at least, experience is one where there is a significant correlation with Pomeroy's "luck" metric, according to Danner. MU will be much more big game experienced this season, with all of the projected starting five having started some games for major conference teams.

http://yetanotherbasketblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/dont-blame-freshman-forward.html

These Cracked Sidewalks pieces on free throw shooting and defense also are indicative of where MU can make its own luck...

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2011/03/charity-ice.html
http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2011/01/is-defense-marquettes-achilles-heel.html