The month long gauntlet

[DoctorV]

Toughest stretch of the season.

Meant to start poll yesterday, but we now know 7 isn't an option.

Thoughts?

[wisblue]

The related question here is "how long do you think Lowery and Ross will be out?"

There's no question that MU is a different team without being able to apply consistent and aggressive defensive pressure. With a shorter bench that isn't possible because of the risk of fouls and fatigue.

You won't convince me that the lack of depth wasn't a significant factor in last night's game. Against a team like Wisconsin that wants to attack the basket to draw fouls, that lack of depth is going to hurt again.

Without being able to rely on harassing defense, MU's success becomes more dependent on hitting 3 point shots, and that is always going to be inconsistent. That shooting may also suffer as players tire from being forced to play more minutes.

Before Lowrey got hurt I voted 2-2 in last week's poll about the next four games. If posted yesterday I would have said 4-3 in this poll. Now with the expected loss to ISU a certainty, Ross' uncertain status, and Hopkins' return, I picked 3-3 in this one.

This is going to be a rocky stretch. Hopefully the experience gained by players being forced into larger roles will pay dividends later and there will be no new injuries for awhile.