Acker is the key to this game

[M@RQUETTEW@RRIORS]

Everyone knows that Lazar is almost if not always the most important player for MU.  However, considering the style of play that Washington brings.  I believe that Acker could me the most important player for MU come thursday.  Washington likes a high tempo game and as such like to pressure and force turnovers.  With Acker in the game lets face it, MU simply does not turn the ball over much if at all.  If he goes to the bench with foul trouble IMO MU could be in trouble.  While he is in there everyone is a good to excellent ball handler for their position on the floor and pressure defense is almost welcomed.  If he goes out everyone needs to move up one spot in the rotation and it could be a long day.  Just my opinion...

[ErickJD08]

I think its important that Marquette brings their team basketball effort.  We need to make sure we get back on defense and play our game and we should be fine.

[M@RQUETTEW@RRIORS]

I think its important that Marquette brings their team basketball effort.  We need to make sure we get back on defense and play our game and we should be fine.

That is equal to coach speak.  You dont think turnovers could be a factor if Mo gets in foul trouble against this type of team?

[ErickJD08]

That is equal to coach speak.  You dont think turnovers could be a factor if Mo gets in foul trouble against this type of team?

Very true.  But UW runs after a rebound and after a made shot.  We need to make sure we get back on defense.

[downtown85]

Defensively, I am not aware Washington has seen the type of pressure D MU regularly has applied all season to their opponents.   I watched a bit of the Washington vs UCLA game on ESPN360 and it is clear that that their guards and pondexter use ball screens not to get open for jumpers but to drive to the hoop.   UCLA played off the ball but still couldn't stop the penetration.  MU's ability to guard off ball screens and to "monster" the dribbler will, hopefully, help eliminate the ability of UW's guards to get to the rim.  

UCLA ran a 2-3 zone most of the game and were cut to pieces.  I think a zone would be a mistake.  Aggressive man or perhaps a triangle and 2 (with Acker on IT and Butler on Pondexter) would probably do the trick.  

I agree that Acker needs to get on Thomas and not give him any room to breath.  Or perhaps we put the "Venuzuelan blanket" on him like we did to Scottie Reynolds.  

Regarding 5 UW guys crashing the offensive boards, we ought to be able to exploit that as well.  MU should expect to get some fast break baskets after getting defensive rebounds. 

[MU83]

Very true.  But UW runs after a rebound and after a made shot.  We need to make sure we get back on defense.

We shouldn't have a problem getting back since it appears to me that we usually start running back as soon as the shot is taken.  Rarely do we try to get to the offensive boards, so there's no reason for us not to be back defensively.  I think this is a strategy with this team, although sometimes it is frustrating to see a shot go up and not see anyone even attempt to get an offensive rebound.

[GoldenWarrior]

We need to box out at the defensive end and keep them off the O glass as well as control the tempo of the game.  Mo does have a key role in maintaining our slow methodical basketball style and being efficient.

[ErickJD08]

We shouldn't have a problem getting back since it appears to me that we usually start running back as soon as the shot is taken.  Rarely do we try to get to the offensive boards, so there's no reason for us not to be back defensively.  I think this is a strategy with this team, although sometimes it is frustrating to see a shot go up and not see anyone even attempt to get an offensive rebound.

Really? It seems like JB and Hayward are always in the mix.

[Henry Sugar]

I quasi-agree.  MU has to win the turnover margin battle.  Absolutely.  But honestly, I'm not worried at all about Acker or turnovers.  He'll be there and MU will win the turnover margin battle. 

IMO, the key to this game is the return of Jimmy F*cking Butler.  You know the guy.  The one that grabs all kinds of offensive rebounds and goes to the line 10x per game?  Anyone seen that guy in March?

Marquette doesn't have to win the offensive rebounding battle, but they can't get crushed.  If it's not respectable on offensive rebounding, we're basically hoping for a big advantage on turnover rate (unlikely) or eFG% (depends on how we're shooting) to compensate.

[Henry Sugar]

Really? It seems like JB and Hayward are always in the mix.

Marquette had twelve offensive rebounds in the BET.  The entire tournament.

[bilsu]

The player who might be the key to the game is Buyckes. Now before you jump on me, I am thinking on the defensive end. If Acker cannot cover Thomas, then I would try Buyckes who is very quick and would have a significant size advantage over Thomas. Buyckes would scare me on the offensive end though, beccause of his decision making.

[MauraDay]

I agree that ball handling is key to the game. I worry about DJO's turnovers.

I have not seen him play, but how much should we worry about their center? UW fans seem to think he has improved a lot during the season.

[ErickJD08]

Marquette had twelve offensive rebounds in the BET.  The entire tournament.

Sure... but its not for the lack of trying. 

[Henry Sugar]

Sure... but its not for the lack of trying. 

I'm not sure what you mean. 

I believe that Lazar and Butler are good offensive rebounders, but especially lately, the game plan has been to forego OR's in favor of limiting transition baskets.  Given UW's emphasis on pushing the pace, I believe Buzz will probably continue that trend.

This is my #1 concern about the game.  It's also why I think JFB is the key.

[ErickJD08]

I'm not sure what you mean. 

I believe that Lazar and Butler are good offensive rebounders, but especially lately, the game plan has been to forego OR's in favor of limiting transition baskets.  Given UW's emphasis on pushing the pace, I believe Buzz will probably continue that trend.

This is my #1 concern about the game.  It's also why I think JFB is the key.

I am not saying I am right and you are wrong.  I feel like JB and Hayward are always fighting for board (you'll see Hayward always take one swipe at the ball before running back to the other end).  But if you have noticed that they pulling the troops back more often than not, you might be right.  I haven't noticed it though.

[mr.MUskie]

I watched a bit of the Washington vs UCLA game on ESPN360 and it is clear that that their guards and pondexter use ball screens not to get open for jumpers but to drive to the hoop.   UCLA played off the ball but still couldn't stop the penetration.   

This is my biggest fear.  UW drives, MU fouls.  Pretty soon Frozena is in because we have no one left.  UW went to the line a HUGE amount of times this year.  If Lazar, Butler, Acker et al get into foul trouble it's going to be a very long evening.

[Jacks DC]

I also thought that Acker would be key in this game.  I would rather see Cubillan defend Thomas to try to keep Acker out of foul trouble.  Although Mo didn't have much of a stat line against 'Nova, he was instrumental in getting that win and we were in serious trouble when he fouled out and 'Nova turned up the pressure.