MU vs. Western Michigan no longer..

[keefe]

I think the lack of a point guard in 2005 was a bigger factor than lack of prep time. Diener was injured and we were relying on Marcus Jackson as a "point center".   Crean should have had a backup point guard on the roster.  He didn't and we suffered because of it.

That aside, your protests about this being an invalid comparison leave out one imporant fact--in both seasons we were playing a relative equal.  You make a big deal that Syracuse is a better team than WMU.  Fine, but 2013 Marquette had elite eight talent, while 2005 Marquette had NIT talent. Those points offset each other.

And I don't think you can make the case that 39 points is somehow acceptable becuase the opponent was Syracuse. 39 points is a poor offensive showing for a team with Elite Eight talent regardless of the opponent.    Especailly when we are a team that tallied 73 points against the same opponent 4 weeks prior.  

It was Crean's responsibility to field the best possible team. 2 years removed from the Final Four and we lose in such shameful fashion to WMU in the NIT?

You cannot dismiss venue and opponent. Swinging and missing against Nolan Ryan is very different than swinging and missing against a high school pitcher.

[ChicosBailBonds]

It was Crean's responsibility to field the best possible team. 2 years removed from the Final Four and we lose in such shameful fashion to WMU in the NIT?

You cannot dismiss venue and opponent. Swinging and missing against Nolan Ryan is very different than swinging and missing against a high school pitcher.

It was Brad Stevens responsibility to field the best possible team, 2 years removed from the championship game they were in the CBI, couldn't even make the NIT.

Interesting.

[rocky_warrior]

Back to the 39 points.... 

Yeah, that was bad, but by margin of victory, it was the second closest game of the elite 8!!! 

[keefe]

Back to the 39 points.... 

Yeah, that was bad, but by margin of victory, it was the second closest game of the elite 8!!! 

Marquette had a magical season - far exceeding everyone's expectations. They struggled against Syracuse but that does nothing to diminish from the accomplishment of 14 fine young men, their coaches, support staff, and the fans who cheered them on. I have never been prouder of a Marquette team than I am of this one. They are warriors, truly.

[Lennys Tap]

It was Brad Stevens responsibility to field the best possible team, 2 years removed from the championship game they were in the CBI, couldn't even make the NIT.

Interesting.

Brad Stevens won as many NCAA tournament games in ONE SEASON at Butler as TC did in his nine year career at MU. And then he did it again! He won more in his best 2 seasons at Butler than Crean has in 14 years at MU and Indiana COMBINED. You're more than a little out over your skis on this one.

[NCMUFan]

What is the big deal.  UNC and U of Florida handed it to us in the sweet sixteen the past two years.  This year we blow out Miami to get to the ellite 8.  In the elite 8 we get it handed to us.  Maybe next year the same thing.  Then we make the advancement to the final four.  The season was awesome.  Leave it at that.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Brad Stevens won as many NCAA tournament games in ONE SEASON at Butler as TC did in his nine year career at MU. And then he did it again! He won more in his best 2 seasons at Butler than Crean has in 14 years at MU and Indiana COMBINED. You're more than a little out over your skis on this one.

That's nice....what does that have to do with 2 years after his Final Four where he is supposed to have the talent to keep going into the NCAAs but made the CBI.  Or does that conflict with the Keefe meme and destroy it so now you deflect?   

Was Coach Cal responsible for the talent this year after winning the title last year and they only made the NIT and lost to Robert Morris.  I can just hear Keefe now, the most shameful day in Kentucky basketball history.      You two are Allen and Keaton at this point.  Good stuff...entertaining.

[keefe]

That's nice....what does that have to do with 2 years after his Final Four where he is supposed to have the talent to keep going into the NCAAs but made the CBI.  Or does that conflict with the Keefe meme and destroy it so now you deflect?   

Was Coach Cal responsible for the talent this year after winning the title last year and they only made the NIT and lost to Robert Morris.  I can just hear Keefe now, the most shameful day in Kentucky basketball history.      You two are Allen and Keaton at this point.  Good stuff...entertaining.

The most shameful day in Kentucky basketball was the day Rupp pulled Al aside and took him to task for playing so many "N-Words." Told Al he was ruining the game of basketball. To his everlasting credit, Al tore into Rupp for being a hateful bigot. I would say that was the lowest day in the history of Kentucky basketball.