Pete Gillen is picking MU to beat Duke

[hairy worthen]

I'm sure someone is bound to pick us, and on a given night, our shooters could propel us over anyone. But most likely it's a game we lose. They have a ton of length and athleticism. They have multiple scoring options and shooters as well.

If there's anything in our favor, it's that Wojo knows Duke's system inside and out, and my guess is he has spent more time watching Duke this year than K has spent watching us (though that's just a guess). I don't think this team will be afraid, having already knocked off some significant opposition. But if we play them 10 times, my guess is they win 8. Could it happen? Sure. But I wouldn't bet money on it.

A 10 seed most likely to lose against a 2 seed. The hell you say. Now there is some perceptive analysis.

[dgies9156]

Look, there is no way in a million years we should beat Duke.

If we played Villanova 10 times this year, we'd probably lose nine times. Same for a lot of other games we played.

But we won against Villanova. We beat Creighton twice. We beat Xavier twice.

Heck, the Cubs won the World Series.

Anything can happen! That's why we play the game

[GoldenDieners32]

They are beatable

[Coleman]

This "I'm a better fan than you" business is getting pretty old to me.

Couldn't agree more

[thekahoona]

If this team decides to play 40 minutes of basketball like they played the last 7 minutes against Villanova, they can make a deep run...but that is a very big "if."

Fingers crossed.

[MU82]

If this team decides to play 40 minutes of basketball like they played the last 7 minutes against Villanova, they can make a deep run...but that is a very big "if."

A team doesn't just "decide" this kind of thing. The opponent has to "decide" to help. I loved the win over Nova (obviously), and I believe it was deserved, but let's not fool ourselves. Nova didn't play very smart down the stretch and they also missed shots they usually make.

It was the same recipe that cost us a couple of games in which we had a good lead - we didn't "decide" to play not as well, it just happened. And our opponents played better. That's sports.

[GGGG]

Favorite line from Pete,Duke is Duke,they're on tv more then leave it to beaver!

Maybe he should up his cultural references by about 30 years.  I don't think I've seen a Leave it to Beaver episode on television for two decades.

[Benny B]

Maybe he should up his cultural references by about 30 years.  I don't think I've seen a Leave it to Beaver episode on television for two decades.

All of the episodes can be found online somewhere.  Heck, it's the reason the internet was invented.

[axaguy]

Hey, for all of you who follow and attend/watch games you certainly know we have evolved into a typical 3pt shooting team. Yes, we do have some sharp shooters.... More than in recent past seasons and when we get hot (multiple guys, especially) we can take down anyone, despite our porous defense. If NO ONE gets hot or even warm we'll die an ugly death because we won't defend ourselves into competition...just the way it has been and is. Realize that. Foul trouble of key performers plays a vital role, as well. Marcus can't score from the bench, etc...............
Will/should be fun but don't get suicidal over the result by any means. Take one at a time and see what gives.....
We COULD beat Duke but only if we dispense of South Carolina first and we can't afford to be guilty of looking ahead by any means.................

[GGGG]

All of the episodes can be found online somewhere.  Heck, it's the reason the internet was invented.

Hey bud...Gillen was the one who used "TV."  Not me.

[thekahoona]

A team doesn't just "decide" this kind of thing. The opponent has to "decide" to help. I loved the win over Nova (obviously), and I believe it was deserved, but let's not fool ourselves. Nova didn't play very smart down the stretch and they also missed shots they usually make.

It was the same recipe that cost us a couple of games in which we had a good lead - we didn't "decide" to play not as well, it just happened. And our opponents played better. That's sports.

Sure, of course the opponent gets a vote. But, I think you're missing my point. This team certainly does seem to decide when they are going to turn up their intensity on defense. Our second half collapses throughout the season have almost always been attributable to a loss of that intensity. Not to completely overuse the word "intensity," but defense and rebounding is mostly effort and intensity.

Let me amend my original comment to this: If this team decides to keep the same increased defensive and offensive intensity for the full 40 minutes that they showed in the last 7 minutes against Villanova, they can make a deep run.

[brewcity77]

A 10 seed most likely to lose against a 2 seed. The hell you say. Now there is some perceptive analysis.

Yeah, not exactly rocket science. But one random broadcaster saying we could win a game we're supposed to lose isn't really something to get lathered up about.

[BlindboyPatSmith]

Besides beating Duke I - I hope the Warriors BEAT grayson allen

[hairy worthen]

Yeah, not exactly rocket science. But one random broadcaster saying we could win a game we're supposed to lose isn't really something to get lathered up about.

Yup. 

[PGsHeroes32]

Lunardi has us beating SC

And says he's tempted to take us over Duke but can't cuz they are basically at home

[GoldenDieners32]

Lunardi has us beating SC

And says he's tempted to take us over Duke but can't cuz they are basically at home

Just saw that..We can keep up with duke

[Dawson Rental]

Completely understand it, not sure why some feel the need to highlight it at every opportunity.

To try and get it to stop.  Just like you with your signature line.

[Benny B]

Let's not forget that a week ago, Duke was the 5th best team in the ACC and a fringe 4-seed.  One good run and all of the sudden they're a 2-seed?

Bring it.  Most vulnerable 2-seed in the tourney and I want every last piece of them.  Or Troy.  I'd take Troy, too.

[billyjack]

Maybe he should up his cultural references by about 30 years.  I don't think I've seen a Leave it to Beaver episode on television for two decades.

Actually, Gillen said that back in 1997 after his Friars rolled Duke in Round 2 by double-digits, so the Beaver reference made sense.   God Shammgod and Austin Croshere were on that team.   Wojo was on the Duke losers.   Gillen also said "Duke has 5 McDonald's All-Americans... we have guys that eat at McDonald's..."

Tough draw playing a road game against Frank Martin.   You guys can beat any team any time.   You have lights-out shooters.   Just gotta keep Fischer from unnecessary fouls.   Good luck brothers!

[vogue65]

Maybe he should up his cultural references by about 30 years.  I don't think I've seen a Leave it to Beaver episode on television for two decades.

Have problems with your father?

[naginiF]

Hey bud...Gillen was the one who used "TV."  Not me.

Not speaking for Benny but I believe he was alluding to the more adult remake(s) of Leave it to Beaver

[Knight Commission]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_longest-running_U.S._first-run_syndicated_television_series

LITB not on the list. 

[Lennys Tap]

Maybe he should up his cultural references by about 30 years.  I don't think I've seen a Leave it to Beaver episode on television for two decades.

Reruns every day on ME (Memorable Entertainment) TV if you have the urge.