How to beat Louisville

[Sunbelt15]

Limiting turnovers is key. Not depending on J. Wilson is the other. The way Juan and Steve have been playing, they will pick up his slack. If he shows up that's a bonus. Junior looking for a 10 assist night and Otule with 3 to 4 blocks won't hurt. Oh yeah, Lockett with no shots attempts unless a dunk or tip in. WIN

[Silkk the Shaka]

The matchup is very much strengths vs strengths.

Marquette is #3 in the conf at protecting the ball. UL is #1 at forcing turnovers.

UL is #4 in the conf at offensive rebounding. MU is #2 at defensive rebounding.

MU is #1 in conf at two point % (offensive and defense). UL is #5 at both areas.

Interestingly, UL is #1 at opponent's FT% (guessing because the pace wears teams out?), but MU is #1 at getting to the line and #4 at FT%.

Looking at all that... I don't think we're doomed

This is a very good analysis - I think in the end it will come down to 3 pointers.  It's our offensive & defensive weakenss, and they're not horrible at either.  I'm nervous for a "when it rains it pours" type game where it becomes contagious and the crowd takes us right out of it.  However, if we can get hot (like we were in the 1H against Pitt) the opposite could come true and we take their crowd out of it.

[Goose]

We cannot afford any long dry spells on O side of court. Defensive pressure and causing TO are always key for MU success under Buzz. Also, Jamil has to play like a stud because we need his long athletic body out there.

[bkooncy]

This is a very good analysis - I think in the end it will come down to 3 pointers.  It's our offensive & defensive weakenss, and they're not horrible at either.  I'm nervous for a "when it rains it pours" type game where it becomes contagious and the crowd takes us right out of it.  However, if we can get hot (like we were in the 1H against Pitt) the opposite could come true and we take their crowd out of it.

I agree if we hit 3's or both teams miss most of their 3's I think we have a great shot.  But we have to find a ways to consistently get it to Gardner in the low post when they are in their zone D.  Lately we have had a hard time of getting Gardner quality touches in our zone offense.  If Gardner can get 15+ I think Louisville is in trouble.

[MarquetteDano]

One I would like to add one on offense: NO driving all the to the hoop for the guards.  Looeyville loves to dare you to drive it all the way to the basket and have Dieng and  Harrell block shots for easy transition baskets.

Going to need to dump those drives off to a big man, pass to an open man outside, or take the pullup from 7-10 feet.  Please, please do not consistently drive all the way unless you are over 6'8"+.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I think a solid start is key.  Too many games where we start off slow and scramble to get back into it.  Last few we've done better.  I do not want to get behind that team on the road in that atmosphere.

[tower912]

One I would like to add one on offense: NO driving all the to the hoop for the guards.  Looeyville loves to dare you to drive it all the way to the basket and have Dieng and  Harrell block shots for easy transition baskets.

Going to need to dump those drives off to a big man, pass to an open man outside, or take the pullup from 7-10 feet.  Please, please do not consistently drive all the way unless you are over 6'8"+.

The only guy we have taller than 6'8" is Otule.   I sure as hell do not want him driving all of the way to the hoop. 

[MarquetteDano]

The only guy we have taller than 6'8" is Otule.   I sure as hell do not want him driving all of the way to the hoop. 

Meant 6'8" or taller.  I believe Wilson fits in this category.