[PaintTouches]Post-game thoughts: Cincinnati blows out Marquette

[PaintTouchesSays]

Post-game thoughts: Cincinnati blows out Marquette
      

Written by: Mark Strotman
            

Well, the Golden Eagles have played better, but this certainly isn’t any cause for concern. It’s never good to lose the way Marquette did tonight, but the combination of Cincinnati’s stifling zone and ability to beat the Golden Eagles at … Continue reading →


         

http://painttouches.com/2012/02/29/post-game-thoughts-cincinnati-blows-out-marquette/
      

[JTBMU7]

Agree with most of this, but not on the 2-3 being the way to stop us.

MU has shredded zones the past 4 weeks - consistently getting the ball in the paint. This was the comment in our first few games and it's not true. The fact is we were slow, out played and out hustled all night on both ends. Just facing a 2-3 is not the main reason.

[strotty]

Playing against a 2-3 zone while in a half court offense (without Gardner) has killed Marquette. Even if they start the possession in transition and then set up the half court it works wonders. But in a true half court offense, they're lost against a team with a big man.

[JTBMU7]

i'm not saying the zone doesnt slow things down, it does. but playing against the zone is nothing new, and we have beaten it consistently this season. it certainly has not killed us...

the root of our problems last night stem from defense and off rebounding. if we dont get stops, we can't push the ball, whether they are playing zone, man, whatever, when you go against a set D after a make it's tough. theoretically off rebounds should be easier against a 2-3, but that wasnt the case in the first 20 minutes.

Cincy is not a great offensive team and we gave up 70 points. just played really poorly on that side of the floor.

[Henry Sugar]

I don't think it was either Cincy's zone or Marquette's defense.  MU has played plenty of zones, and Cincy only scored 1.03 ppp last night.  That's not a good defensive effort, but Marquette wins most nights if they allow that.

It's all about the turnovers.  Marquette had their third sloppiest night protecting the ball all season (1/4 possessions), and their worst night of forcing turnovers all season long (1/10 possessions).  Ballgame.

Let's also give some credit to Cincy, which is the #10 team at protecting the ball and the #96 at forcing turnovers.

I doubt most opponents are going to be able to replicate Cincy's approach against MU.  Not unless they are bringing turnover differential, shot-blocking, home court advantage, and a second game against Marquette.