Next Week?

[MUBigDance]

RESULTS

beat UGA: 71%   beat UVM: 82%  beat WIS: 49%  2-1 or better: 78%

==================================================================================

OK, Cardinal Sin....looking ahead of the Chicago State foe in front of us...(but a loss ain't gonna happen tonight)

But next week is just so intriguing.
UGA 5-1 with a nice win over St. Mary's (not the Mountain)
UVM 5-1 with 4pt loss to KY and could easily be 7-1 when they face us.
WIS 3-4 but against good competition

All are underrated methinks. And wins could pay real resume dividends. And we have a chance to  beat each of these teams.
I see 2-1 as successful (even if it means a loss to "them").
So whats going to happen?

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

I think 3-0 (assuming we take care of business against NIU and American) gives us so much more room for error in BE play. 

3-0 is definitely attainable. 

[MUBigDance]

I think 3-0 (assuming we take care of business against NIU and American) gives us so much more room for error in BE play. 

3-0 is definitely attainable.

Optimistic agreement...I'm one of the other 3-0's....I like that there are others thinking the same.

I also think its great we have a bunch of 0-3 votes early!  So spirited "I-Told-You-So" coming to Scoop real soon!

I have been burned by MU over-optimism so many times...but you got to roll the way you are!

[skianth16]

Georgia will be a good test for us. They have a good core of upperclassmen and couple of younger guys that seem like they're pretty good. I think their big guy is going to give us fits, and we'll need to get a lot of work out of Theo to help slow him down. From reading a little bit about their tournament, it sounds like they've had a few issues playing a full 40 minutes, but they seem to be pretty good overall. Hopefully our freshmen will get some good minutes and needed experience tonight to give them a boost coming into the weekend.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

2-1. I think we lose at the Kohl Hole. UGA has been a pleasant surprise this season, I thought they would struggle to find a PG after Frazier but the Jackson kid has stepped up nicely. Still think we have enough firepower to beat them. If Maten scores 2, we'll score 3. Vermont is a great mid-major but in 6 years under their current coach (I think 6 is right), they have never won at a high major gym. Hopefully we're not the first. Very disciplined team. Bucky is hard to get a gauge on, my eye test says they are Ethan Happ, D'Mitrik Trice surrounded by a bunch of nonsense. I just have been burned too many times by underestimating the Badgers to be confident about beating them. I do think that 3-0 is more likely than 1-2...but this was all before Cheatham left. Still need to see how they adjust to life after Haanie.

[muwarrior69]

2-1. I think we lose at the Kohl Hole. UGA has been a pleasant surprise this season, I thought they would struggle to find a PG after Frazier but the Jackson kid has stepped up nicely. Still think we have enough firepower to beat them. If Maten scores 2, we'll score 3. Vermont is a great mid-major but in 6 years under their current coach (I think 6 is right), they have never won at a high major gym. Hopefully we're not the first. Very disciplined team. Bucky is hard to get a gauge on, my eye test says they are Ethan Happ, D'Mitrik Trice surrounded by a bunch of nonsense. I just have been burned too many times by underestimating the Badgers to be confident about beating them. I do think that 3-0 is more likely than 1-2...but this was all before Cheatham left. Still need to see how they adjust to life after Haanie.

Any decent big will just feast under the basket against us.

[DCHoopster]

Any decent big will just feast under the basket against us.

The only way you can stop Happ is double teaming like Virginia did and let the threes rain, if they are off like VA, MU wins, or if they are on, good night.  I see UW winning

[We R Final Four]

Any decent big will just feast under the basket against us.

Yes. Happ, Ethan.

[MU82]

I also think its great we have a bunch of 0-3 votes early!  So spirited "I-Told-You-So" coming to Scoop real soon!

Probably the same folks who picked us to lose to Vanderbilt, Georgia and Fresno last year.

I say 3-0 is more likely than 0-3, but I'm thinking 2-1 and I'd be satisfied with it ... as long as we don't choke away the game vs. F*cky.

[GoldenZebra]

1-2. Thats easy to pick.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

The only way you can stop Happ is double teaming like Virginia did and let the threes rain, if they are off like VA, MU wins, or if they are on, good night.  I see UW winning

Or just foul him.  Happ is a sub 60% career FT shooter. This would be a game where having Harry eligible or Ike on the court would be useful. Just let Theo bang away at him.

Tough to hack-a-happ with 8 players, though.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Or just foul him.  Happ is a sub 60% career FT shooter. This would be a game where having Harry eligible or Ike on the court would be useful. Just let Theo bang away at him.

Tough to hack-a-happ with 8 players, though.

Somone had the idea to just send Cam out to kick him in the nads. Might not be a terrible idea.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Somone had the idea to just send Cam out to kick him in the nads. Might not be a terrible idea.

I like it.  Or even the Leito kid.  At lest he's got a little size.  Just send him out there with 10 minutes left in the game and direct him to jump on Happs back everytime hes about to shoot!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Somone had the idea to just send Cam out to kick him in the nads. Might not be a terrible idea.

Can Cam even kick that high?  That would be a hell of a goose step for him.

[The Equalizer]

I like it.  Or even the Leito kid.  At lest he's got a little size.  Just send him out there with 10 minutes left in the game and direct him to jump on Happs back everytime hes about to shoot!

Why wait that long? Pull a Pat Smith and get both players ejected early.

[jutaw22mu]

3-0 baby!

[Dawson Rental]

Wisconsin with four losses.......all to top 25 teams.

What's our recrod vs. top 25?  Yup!  I think Wisco's losses were closer.

On the other hand, Happ is pretty much it on the inside offensively.

[MUBigDance]

Post game bump to catch anyone who’s not voted. Will bump a couple times before game Saturday just to make sure people have a chance to see it and vote.

[94Warrior]

Not losing to those chumps to the west.  They can't score with us and aren't physically imposing. 
I am more concerned about Georgia.  If we can get past the Bulldogs, we will go 3-0.

[MU82]

Maybe Matt will put on his offensive moves to get Happ in early foul trouble!

[muguru]

If MU loses to THIS UW team, there is something wrong I'd say. They aren't terrible, but what has anyone seen from them this year so far that you are intimidated by?? They aren't good defensively, they can't shoot from 3(32%), and all they really have is Happ. What, is he suddenly going to score enough by himself to beat MU?? I like how everyone says "if they are hitting their 3's, It will be over". They haven't been hitting 3's all year..I think 6-7 games is a large enough sample to make the determination they just aren't a good 3pt shooting team. Heck, this UW team has only out rebounded MU by 8 total rebounds this year.

[tower912]

The Kohl hole is worth 15 points, particularly against a young team that relies on 3's.    Georgia played MSU relatively even during their hurricane fundraiser exhibition.    Big, strong, and physical.   What could possibly go wrong?  Marquette could very easily be Georgia's soft shelled pecans.

[brewcity77]

Voted the optimistic 3-0 but nothing would surprise me.

Georgia has a lot of length in the backcourt. They aren't a great three point team, but Maten and their bigs will force us to keep scoring. I think we can turn it into a shootout and win going away.

Vermont is a great warmup for Wisconsin because they play slow. I think the key will be fouls. Vermont really only plays 6 guys. If Rowsey can do #TheThing a couple times and we attack the rim to draw fouls it will put them under pressure.

Wisconsin, they are what they are. Happ and a pile of crap. Double Happ, turn it into a shooting contest. It won't be easy, but the last time we went there they were better, we were worse, and we won. Certainly winnable.

[Mu2323]

Bucky game is really hit or miss. In all honesty they have been in everygame they lost really except for Virginia. They were beating Xavier by 2 with 2 left and lost by 10 and up 6 on UCLA with 2 mins and lost that as well.

They have 0 jump shooters on the team and can only score through Happ which could be a nightmare for us.  If our 3 pointers are falling this could turn into a blowout.

[zcg2013]

I voted 3-0 as I look on the optimistic side but digging a little deeper I think Georgia is a tougher test for us that that team west of us. Georgia's length could bother all shooters but Sam, and that might lead to Rowsey playing a little hero ball (which that can doom us quickly if the shots don't fall). I still think we should be able to pull away but double teaming Maten needs to happen early.

As for the game at the Kohl, no one outside of Happ intimidates me. I watched the second half of the Virginia game and gained more optimism for our chances. Virginia would double Happ and shooters were open, but it was clank after clank after clank. I think Badger fans were hoping that Pritzl and King would be the answers, but neither have been good to the start of the season.

[GooooMarquette]

UGa worries me the most, so I said 2-1.  If we don't beat this rodent team, I'll begin to get concerned. 

[GGGG]

I really think you should be prepared for a loss in Madison.  Happ is going to brutalize MU's interior defense, and UW's defense is good enough to shut down a one-dimensional team.  UW has lost to four ranked teams.  Two of those games were within five points at a neutral site, and another (Xavier) was close until the last few minutes.

They aren't as good as they have been previously, but I don't get where the assumption that MU should win this game comes from.

[GurneeHitchkr]

We don't match up well against Georgia.  A lot of height on that team.  Tall, athletic, quick.  But they don't shoot 3's very well, but their size may affect our 3's too.  Georgia scares me the most.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Georgia is largely the same team they were last season minus Frazier and plus Hammonds. If we could handle them at their place last season, I think we can handle them at our place this season. We have played two games since they played their last game so they theoretically have had longer to scout us.

Stick Sammy on Maten and give him plenty of double team help. Heldt/John on Ogbedie/Edwards, neither  are good scorers. Anim on Hammonds, Anim gives up a lot of height in that matchup but I think his physicality could unnerve the freshman. Put Markus/Rowsey on Jackson and tell them to live in Jackson's jersey, kid is a shooter not a driver. Put Elliott and Cain wherever help and disruption is needed.

I think Georgia is the game I am most confident about. Vermont's discipline, experience, and pace scares me a bit. Feels like a trap game before the rivalry game with Bucky.

[skianth16]

Of these 3 teams, I'm thinking Georgia will have the worst record / lowest RPI and probably won't make the tournament. This is probably our best shot for a win. The other 2 games will be tough, and winning either of them will be a big plus in my eyes.

I think Vermont is going to have a shot another undefeated conference run and might be sniffing the 30 win mark again. This team is experienced and has 4 starters back from last year, when they held their own against Purdue (with Swanigan) in the tournament. They were one of the best defensive teams in the country last year too, so expect that to continue. I'm not optimistic about this one.   

UW is a bit one dimensional, but their slow pace and home court advantage are probably going to frustrate our guys. I don't think Heldt or Theo will slow Happ down much, so he'll have his usual double-double. The Davison kid seems like he's a standard issue Badger guard - shoots well, doesn't turn the ball over much, not overly athletic. He's been strong so far this year, but I don't think he'll be a difference maker against us. In the end, I think UW's early big-game experience this year along with playing in Madison will be enough to give them the W.

[MarquetteDano]

I think Georgia is the game I am most confident about. Vermont's discipline, experience, and pace scares me a bit. Feels like a trap game before the rivalry game with Bucky.

Yup.  Of the next three,  most confident about Georgia.  Not saying we win easy but I think we pull it out.

Then Vermont... they are exactly the team that can beat us.  Lamb can do it all.  They have two 3 point gunners.  Decent on offensive boards.  Decent defensive team.

I can see a loss to Vermont then us getting up for the UW game in a down year for them and pulling it out.

[skianth16]

Then Vermont... they are exactly the team that can beat us.  Lamb can do it all.  They have two 3 point gunners.  Decent on offensive boards.  Decent defensive team.

I think this underestimates UVM. They were one of the best defenses in the country last year. Maybe even a top 10?

[MarquetteDano]

I think this underestimates UVM. They were one of the best defenses in the country last year. Maybe even a top 10?

Only seen them play once this year but last year and this year ranked around #70 in defense per Pomeroy.  They play super slow which makes their defense look better.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I really think you should be prepared for a loss in Madison.  Happ is going to brutalize MU's interior defense, and UW's defense is good enough to shut down a one-dimensional team.  UW has lost to four ranked teams.  Two of those games were within five points at a neutral site, and another (Xavier) was close until the last few minutes.

They aren't as good as they have been previously, but I don't get where the assumption that MU should win this game comes from.

Plus the B1G is brutal...ex MSU, Minn and Purdue.

[BM1090]

I think this underestimates UVM. They were one of the best defenses in the country last year. Maybe even a top 10?

74th in defense last year, 73rd this year per Kenpom

[skianth16]

Only seen them play once this year but last year and this year ranked around #70 in defense per Pomeroy.  They play super slow which makes their defense look better.

That makes me feel a little better. I think I had seen rankings just based on points allowed, which is obviously not always the best metric. On the other hand, though, I worry about the pace if UVM is able to slow it down. We're such a heavy volume offense that having fewer possessions could be an issue.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Of these 3 teams, I'm thinking Georgia will have the worst record / lowest RPI and probably won't make the tournament. This is probably our best shot for a win. The other 2 games will be tough, and winning either of them will be a big plus in my eyes.

I think Vermont is going to have a shot another undefeated conference run and might be sniffing the 30 win mark again. This team is experienced and has 4 starters back from last year, when they held their own against Purdue (with Swanigan) in the tournament. They were one of the best defensive teams in the country last year too, so expect that to continue. I'm not optimistic about this one.   

I watched a handful of the Vermont - Richmond game last night.  I wasn't impressed. I agree that they'll probably only have a couple losses on selection sunday, but the American East is garbage.  I think it'll be a tough game, but one that MU should win. 

[MarquetteDano]

That makes me feel a little better. I think I had seen rankings just based on points allowed, which is obviously not always the best metric. On the other hand, though, I worry about the pace if UVM is able to slow it down. We're such a heavy volume offense that having fewer possessions could be an issue.

I guess the good news is that Vermont's slow down game and patient offense will have us prepared to play the Badgers.

[GooooMarquette]

I guess the good news is that Vermont's slow down game and patient offense will have us prepared to play the Badgers.

You know how they say that no amount of practice can prepare you for full game speed?

Same holds true for Bucky's 1930s style - no amount of slowing down can prepare you for the boredom....

[GoldenDieners32]

We can beat all 3 teams just need everyone to be committed on the defensive end we all know we can score when ever we want

[GGGG]

We can beat all 3 teams just need everyone to be committed on the defensive end we all know we can score when ever we want

What leads you to believe that the players aren't "committed?"

[PGsHeroes32]

Just looked at Vermont

At least it appears they don't have too much size(like most mid majors).

[tower912]

Just looked at Vermont

At least it appears they don't have too much size(like most mid majors).

But they have experience, don't turn the ball over, and play good defense. 

[PGsHeroes32]

But they have experience, don't turn the ball over, and play good defense.

Size is my biggest concern.

Not really expecting our D to force many TOs anyways.

Vermont will be a very tough game. Just good to know they don't have any bruiser who should score at will

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Not really expecting our D to force many TOs anyways.

We're forcing 14 turnovers a game. Not an elite number certainly but above average.

[MU82]

We're forcing 14 turnovers a game. Not an elite number certainly but above average.

It looks like both Elliott and Anim have a nose for the turnover, similar to what JJJ had though not as developed yet. Cain, too. So maybe that already respectable number will go up. Of course, missing a steal can lead to all kinds of troubles, as happened fairly often to JJJ, especially his first 3 years.

[AllenCeb]

I voted for Trimtone as I look on the optimistic side but digging a little deeper I think Georgia is a tougher test for us that that team west of us. Georgia's length could bother all shooters but Sam, and that might lead to Rowsey playing a little hero ball (which that can doom us quickly if the shots don't fall). I still think we should be able to pull away but double teaming Maten needs to happen early.

As for the game at the Kohl, no one outside of Happ intimidates me. I watched the second half of the Virginia game and gained more optimism for our chances. Virginia would double Happ and shooters were open, but it was clank after clank after clank. I think Badger fans were hoping that Pritzl and King would be the answers, but neither have been good to the start of the season.

I agree, 3-0 is a bit on the optimistic side, but I hope you're right!

[muwarrior69]

I voted 3-0 as I look on the optimistic side but digging a little deeper I think Georgia is a tougher test for us that that team west of us. Georgia's length could bother all shooters but Sam, and that might lead to Rowsey playing a little hero ball (which that can doom us quickly if the shots don't fall). I still think we should be able to pull away but double teaming Maten needs to happen early.

As for the game at the Kohl, no one outside of Happ intimidates me. I watched the second half of the Virginia game and gained more optimism for our chances. Virginia would double Happ and shooters were open, but it was clank after clank after clank. I think Badger fans were hoping that Pritzl and King would be the answers, but neither have been good to the start of the season.

Not that I disagree and hope you are right, but against us those clanks will be swoosh after swoosh after swoosh. It's uncanny how teams get hot when playing us.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Not that I disagree and hope you are right, but against us those clanks will be swoosh after swoosh after swoosh. It's uncanny how teams get hot when playing us.

Actually they don't.  Marquette has held every opponent except VCU to under their season 3P%, and VCU only shot .02% over.  MU's 3P defense isn't elite but it is top third of all D1 programs.

2P fgs on the other hand....

[GGGG]

Actually they don't.  Marquette has held every opponent except VCU to under their season 3P%, and VCU only shot .02% over.  MU's 3P defense isn't elite but it is top third of all D1 programs.

Thanks to the pick and roll that everyone complains about.

2P fgs on the other hand....

And that's the consequence. 

[skianth16]

Actually they don't.  Marquette has held every opponent except VCU to under their season 3P%, and VCU only shot .02% over.  MU's 3P defense isn't elite but it is top third of all D1 programs.

2P fgs on the other hand....

This reminds me of a friend who used to brag about the Vikings' rushing defense a few years back. They allowed the 3rd or 4th fewest rushing yards per game. Taken at face value, it sounds like that's a good thing. That same defense allowed the most passing yards per game, though. So sure, they didn't give up many rushing yards, but why run the ball when it's easier to pass for a first down every other play?

The same thing holds true with our defense right now. We can say they do a good job of limiting the 3, but when teams are shooting 60% on us inside the arc, why waster your time on the lower percentage shot? I'd like to find some highlights on the defensive end for us, and maybe Anim will offer some of that this year, but for now, there really isn't anything good about what we've done on the defensive side of things.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

While it's not the like the NBA yet,  college basketball is becoming increasingly reliant on three point shooting. With a shooting team like ours denying the three is important. It may drive us crazy but the mindset of "you score 2 and we'll score 3" is one that can work for this team.  And it is an improvement from last season when we weren't good at defending anything.

All that being said,  the interior defense needs to improve.  Oddly enough,  I think offensive improvement by the freshmen might actually be the key to a better defense for this team.  Right now we have to play the midgets together because they bring too much offense not to. If the frosh can become more reliable on offense, we wouldn't have to play AR and M2N together so much.

I don't believe in addition by subtraction in the overall quality of a team....but the graduation of Rowdy will do wonders for our defense next season

[tower912]

I don't believe in addition by subtraction in the overall quality of a team....but the graduation of Rowdy will do wonders for our defense next season

Only if a point guard with size is brought in on Cheatham's open scholarship.    Morrow will definitely bring size, strength, and toughness.    I am picturing a starting front court of Sam, Morrow, and Froling.    Possibly Cain at the 2.    So, when Froling hedges out high, and his man rolls, the weak side wing coming down to help will be Hauser, Morrow, or Cain.      As opposed to Markus and Rowsey. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Only if a point guard with size is brought in on Cheatham's open scholarship.    Morrow will definitely bring size, strength, and toughness.    I am picturing a starting front court of Sam, Morrow, and Froling.    Possibly Cain at the 2.    So, when Froling hedges out high, and his man rolls, the weak side wing coming down to help will be Hauser, Morrow, or Cain.      As opposed to Markus and Rowsey.

Replacing Rowdys minutes with Elliott will improve the defense regardless of who else gets added to the roster. It will hurt our offense,  and may hurt us overall but I'm confident the defense will be much improved by that alone

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Only if a point guard with size is brought in on Cheatham's open scholarship.    Morrow will definitely bring size, strength, and toughness.    I am picturing a starting front court of Sam, Morrow, and Froling.    Possibly Cain at the 2.    So, when Froling hedges out high, and his man rolls, the weak side wing coming down to help will be Hauser, Morrow, or Cain.      As opposed to Markus and Rowsey.

Yeah, having two diminutive guards really hurts.  Our team length will be significantly improved next year, even with Markus playing 30+ MPG. It will definitely be the tallest MU team in the last decade.

[naginiF]

I really think you should be prepared for a loss in Madison.  Happ is going to brutalize MU's interior defense, and UW's defense is good enough to shut down a one-dimensional team.  UW has lost to four ranked teams.  Two of those games were within five points at a neutral site, and another (Xavier) was close until the last few minutes.

They aren't as good as they have been previously, but I don't get where the assumption that MU should win this game comes from.

100% and judging from the poll most agree with you.  My guess is that the "if we don't beat UW we have issues" sentiment comes from being too emotionally invested in the outcome of this one specific game because in-laws/neighbors/coworkers are UW fans.

[tower912]

Yeah, having two diminutive guards really hurts.  Our team length will be significantly improved next year, even with Markus playing 30+ MPG. It will definitely be the tallest MU team in the last decade.

Acker and Cubillan were as small.   But they were good on-ball defenders.   

[MUBigDance]

Bump

[MUBigDance]

One last bump for voting visibility

[MUBigDance]

RESULTS BUMP

[mug644]

Bump. Looks like 44 of us (yes, I'm bumping because I'm among the 44) have the first two games correct.