Things that didn't impress me vs. Rutgers

[tower912]

I thought our defense and defensive rebounding were a half step slow most of the game.    After the early 3's by DJO and Jae, I thought the offense settled for too many jumpers in the half court.     I think that the rest of the team is getting a little too deferential to Jae and DJO. 
    In the big picture, though, these are tiny nits to pick.  Natural to have a letdown after UCOnn and before WVU.    We won a trap game by a bunch.   Nobody got hurt.   Decent contributions off of the bench.    If there is a team in America that switches from defense to offense and then gets down the floor faster, I haven't seen them. 

[jesmu84]

If there is a team in America that switches from defense to offense and then gets down the floor faster, I haven't seen them. 

To me, it's also incredible how we almost can get a fast break after a made basket by the opposition. Whoever plays point, or brings the ball up, is always looking to make a down the sideline or cross-court pass before they dribble across half - puts a lot of pressure on the opposing D.

[Silkk the Shaka]

To me, it's also incredible how we almost can get a fast break after a made basket by the opposition. Whoever plays point, or brings the ball up, is always looking to make a down the sideline or cross-court pass before they dribble across half - puts a lot of pressure on the opposing D.

This really stood out to me against UConn, and it was one of the reasons we won the rebounding battle there.  After beating them down court several times on misses and makes in the first half, they stopped sending ANYONE to the offensive glass.  There would be times when a UConn shot would go up and the only players below the FT line were from MU easily snatching an uncontested rebound.  It's definitely a way to combat our height issues as well as grab some easy points and wear out the opposition.  Haven't seen an MU squad fast break this well since I started paying attention.  It's really fun to watch.

[jsglow]

I think last night was a sign of a mature team that has its eye on the prize.  While they bogged down a couple of times offensively and their defense wasn't up to the suffocating standards they have set, I believe the entire team realized that they'll be getting on a plane today for a game less than 48 hours after yesterday's contest.  One can't have a super fine edge every time out.  They played more than well enough to easily win and have something left in the tank emotionally for Friday.

And kudos to Juan for a solid few minutes of basketball.  Two consecutive steals had Buzz stoked by the kid's performance.  I liked the bench's contribution.

[hairy worthen]

To me, it's also incredible how we almost can get a fast break after a made basket by the opposition. Whoever plays point, or brings the ball up, is always looking to make a down the sideline or cross-court pass before they dribble across half - puts a lot of pressure on the opposing D.

This is so demoralizing for the opposition, to score and then get it served up to you on the other end in 5 seconds.

Not to open old wounds, but I remember how humiliting it was when when Kansas did that to Mu in the final four game. Nice to be on the other end of it.

This had to be a hard game to stay focused. Getting a big lead early and then coasting the rest of the way against an infrior opponent. It was hard for me to stay focused on my couch watching the game.

[muwarrior69]

Vandy did that to us not so long ago; but it's hard to characterize that game. Did Vandy play way above their game while we played way below our game? Looking back I hope that was the case. If we see them or U Washington in the tournament again I will be just a tad nervous.