Trojan Horses

[tower912]

1.  Any questions?
2.  There was no way MU was ever going to maintain a 30 point lead.  Get over it.
3.  Those officials were abysmal.   Was concerned about who was going to be left at the end.
4.  Theo should be well rested Sunday.
5.  Lots of complementary scoring.
6.  Maryland will be tough.

[NickelDimer]

Obviously Howard’s game is the headline, but so many great contributions from many today. Great game to build off of. Sacar’s first half was the best he’s played this year. We need him to be that decisive consistently

[JakeBarnes]

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Beat the cupcakes,  win one of Maryland and K State and it's been a very solid non conference. Win both and im very happy

[DoctorV]

Respect the process.

Respect the star.

Respect some of the most impressive performances we’ve ever seent.

Loved the full team hugs when Markus was subbed out.

This squad brings it on defense, they will improve on the offensive end. They will have to because the miniature video game will face some trees and multiple defenders. Pass it out and the receiver of that pass be aggressive and initiate the offense please

[Mr. Nielsen]

These refs have done Final Fours. Whistles were super tight. Marquette has to stop fouling.

Markus Howard keep shooting. Avoid the outside noise.

[Milkshakes]

Hero ball is so much fun! 

[CountryRoads]

I would like to see more of Jamal and Greg on the floor in place of Bailey and McEwen. Think that will end up being our best lineup by the end of the year with them plus Howard, Anim and one of the bigs.

[PGsHeroes32]

The first 15 minutes was flawless team ball. Whistles slowed us down.

Great rebounding and pushing the pace.

Love how Greg and Jamal played. SO active and Greg made shots.

Really need Bailey to get consistent mid range. Its there for the taking.

Sacar was awesome in the 1st half. Announcer had quite the love affair

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

PRN and Lung are awfully quiet today.

[tower912]

7.  Sitting back and enjoying the absence of mewling.
8.  Oh, wait, this IS scoop

[Jockey]

These refs have done Final Fours. Whistles were super tight. Marquette has to stop fouling.

There were some bad calls, but most were deserved. MU had a hard time avoiding fouls with a team that drives almost every time down the floor.

The bigs can't give fouls that easy. Those were easy calls - every single one.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

These refs have done Final Fours. Whistles were super tight. Marquette has to stop fouling.

Markus Howard keep shooting. Avoid the outside noise.

No team can stop fouling when the whistles are like that.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

There were some bad calls, but most were deserved. MU had a hard time avoiding fouls with a team that drives almost every time down the floor.

The bigs can't give fouls that easy. Those were easy calls - every single one.

Sorry no. The refs way over called that game.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

PRN and Lung are awfully quiet today.

Shocking.  Must be out shopping. 

[skianth16]

I would like to see more of Jamal and Greg on the floor in place of Bailey and McEwen. Think that will end up being our best lineup by the end of the year with them plus Howard, Anim and one of the bigs.

I really like Koby on the floor when he plays with confidence. His experience will be really helpful for us in tighter games if he's able to get past some of these early season hiccups.

[hairy worthen]

Howard scoring 40 or 50 per game is not sustainable. Marquette is at its best when MH gets his and other players are involved, engaged and step up, like today. If they can continue to play like that this team has a high ceiling. There will be games like against UW when Howard is not hitting shots or gets shut down. They need other players to step up.

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

I would like to see more of Jamal and Greg on the floor in place of Bailey and McEwen. Think that will end up being our best lineup by the end of the year with them plus Howard, Anim and one of the bigs.

Best lineup we had tonight was when we had the starters but greg in for sacar. 

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

Sorry no. The refs way over called that game.

This ☝️☝️  at least 6-7 calls where they drove n our man was completely vertical and they buried their shoulder into the defenders chest for a foul.  15 on uscs 5th was particularly bad call.  Markuss charge was terrible.

[MuMark]

"Howard scoring 40 or 50 per game is not sustainable. "

Really?

I tend to agree but it's amazing that I'm not 100% sure......

[NickelDimer]

Refs were bad. Markus charge was really bad and the basket should’ve counted. Hell one time a player dribbled into Bailey, lost his dribble on the way down and somehow Bailey was called for a foul lol

[PGsHeroes32]

Markus last 3 attempt was down and out. Coulda had the 54 right there..

Or if he wasnt ice cold from the line and missed 3!!

[BrewCity83]

MU put up 57 in the first half.

[MU82]

This could end up being one of the best Marquette teams ever.

Markus is on the Marquette Mount Rushmore. So lucky to have him for 4 years. Despite unproven claims by some dopes, his teammates publicly showed how much they love him. And why shouldn't they? What a great ambassador for the university.

Love the effort and performance of the "supporting cast" today. Lots of good stuff from every Warrior, and this is just the beginning.

Wojo is doing a great job with this tight-knit, talented group. Final Four is definitely a possibility!

WE ARE MARQUETTE!!!

(I just figured that after a game like this, we should say stuff that is the exact opposite of the "this  Marquette team just isn't very good ... Markus is a cancer ... everybody but Markus is a D2 player ... Wojo sucks ... we're going nowhere" crowd that can't help but rip-rip-rip even after games we win.)

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Best lineup we had tonight was when we had the starters but greg in for sacar.

Sacar was pretty good.  See he's taken Luke's place for your irrational hate. 

[warriors141]

Great game, solid contributions from a lot of guys. nice to have 3 bigs to rotate in a game like this, although Johnson has been less than stellar he is serviceable as the 3rd option. love the contribution from Elliott. Think he will improve a lot over the year as he is still getting comfortable.

[NCMUFan]

Fun game for Marquette.  Critical error by the USC coach to come out of the zone.  USC cut it to around 13 and then they went back to man to man and the lead ballooned to 30 again.
Nice to see the entire team contribute.
Howard was in the zone. 
Get ready for Maryland, the bar is being raised.

[connie]

"Howard scoring 40 or 50 per game is not sustainable. "

Really?

I tend to agree but it's amazing that I'm not 100% sure......

Same here.  I know it's stupid, but still...

[hairy worthen]

"Howard scoring 40 or 50 per game is not sustainable. "

Really?

I tend to agree but it's amazing that I'm not 100% sure......

we are watching something special no doubt. My only point is the team is better when everyone is involved on offense versus standing around watching MH work. It helps Howard as well to make the defense play the whole team

[Herman Cain]

The team looked great today . We won big.

Delighted when Markus is in God mode.

[MUeng]

What a fun game to watch.  Markus, can't say anything more...  The team seemed to shoot really well from 3, even Symir got some good run at the end.  Lots of fouls; MU using hands too much, though the offensive onslaught may have had them less focused.  What a game. Markus sure is special!

[Marquette Gyros]

Hero ball is so much fun!

I promise you didn’t really watch the game. Markus had 51 but this was a team win.

[BallBoy]

Lost in Markus’s great play was the defense.  During the 1st half run, MU had at least 3 blocks and totally shut down USC. USC had to totally change their offensive approach. Instead of driving to the hoop, they did isolation on the block and did one on one just to get some points. The game would not have been as close had USC not taken so many free throws. The defense was locking down the shots.

During the first half, we saw what MU can do on offense and defense and it was great team basketball.  I think we can get to that by Big East play but I expect a few regressions. 

[wadesworld]

Markus 40+ quarterfinal. Markus 50+ semifinal. Markus 60+ finals?

[MUfan12]

There was a different tempo to them after the first media timeout. Guys made decisive actions, moved with purpose, and the shots started to fall. The defensive energy was unreal in that first half.

Very impressive. Let's hope they can bring it like this more consistently moving forward.

[Silent Verbal]

It was nice to see Marquette take it to Enfield and his hot garbage team.  I honestly think we should abandon any pretense of being anything other than a one man show on offense.  Good defense plus 25 shots and a bunch of free throw attempts from Markus is our best chance to win on any given night. 

[Elonsmusk]

That was fun.  Impressive win.  USC was a good matchup for us - young, and terrible at defending the three.  Markus in God mode is totally dispiriting to the opponent.

Sunday's matchup should be fun to watch, and I expect MU to win given the decided advantage of experience and having Markus.  Defense for this team looks to be the best of the Wojo era. 

[Shooter McGavin]

Glad they are playing multiple games in a row to get into a rhythm.   Couple times tonight our secondary players still passed up wide open shots for worse shots.  Need to keep gaining confidence and catch and shoot without hesitation when open.  Look forward to the Maryland game. 

[tower912]

Defensively, MU went 3 straight halves without giving up a 3.   

[Jockey]

This ☝️☝️  at least 6-7 calls where they drove n our man was completely vertical and they buried their shoulder into the defenders chest for a foul.  15 on uscs 5th was particularly bad call.  Markuss charge was terrible.

That's what great offensive players do.

[Daniel]

There was great ball movement, Markus was  ... well... wow. I love that when USC cut it to 13 we stayed cool and focused and brought up the lead again.   

This was a great gam overall.  Defense was terrific and active. Go Marquette!

[GB Warrior]

No idea if it actually clicks for him, but Bailey feels SO close to figuring it all out. He can get his own shot and good looks, but he needs to drain them.

[rocket surgeon]

Beat the cupcakes,  win one of Maryland and K State and it's been a very solid non conference. Win both and im very happy

 we are going to be marylands first real test and ours for that matter...u-dub was hopefully a blip in the screen or bulletin board material.  bob morris was a tester

[MU82]

we are going to be marylands first real test and ours for that matter...u-dub was hopefully a blip in the screen or bulletin board material.  bob morris was a tester

Purdue, Wisconsin and USC were good "tests." Not as good as Maryland will be, obviously, but I get tired of hearing that everybody we face is garbage.

[Eldon]

we are going to be marylands first real test and ours for that matter...u-dub was hopefully a blip in the screen or bulletin board material.  bob morris was a tester

They already faced quite the test with Temple a few days ago.

[rocket surgeon]

Purdue, Wisconsin and USC were good "tests." Not as good as Maryland will be, obviously, but I get tired of hearing that everybody we face is garbage.

never said garbage, but yes, those were decent teams.  i mean, playing a "top 10 team" is really going to be a test.  can we hang with them? do we get our asses handed to us?  do we fall behind and fight back? etc etc  wisconsin was a good early road test-fail. 

[MU82]

never said garbage, but yes, those were decent teams.  i mean, playing a "top 10 team" is really going to be a test.  can we hang with them? do we get our asses handed to us?  do we fall behind and fight back? etc etc  wisconsin was a good early road test-fail.

'

Yes, Maryland will be our biggest test to date.

I'm hoping we pass with flying colors; hopefully, you are too.

[rocket surgeon]

They already faced quite the test with Temple a few days ago.

 always respected temple-tradition, but...beat drexel by 8, morgan by 20,  la salle by 5, USC(rally in 2nd half)by 9.  gave maryland a good game however.  not sure it was supposed to be a test though

[rocket surgeon]

'

Yes, Maryland will be our biggest test to date.

I'm hoping we pass with flying colors; hopefully, you are too.

go warriors!!

[Dr. Blackheart]

No mention of defense amongst the Scoop Intelligencia. Despite the ridiculous foul rate today in the Song of the Whistles, this is the fifth game of six of < .91 opposing ORat. This hasn’t been seen since 2012 to start the season.  Clearly, the defense has mattered.

I harped on this early in the Wojo regime but this has clearly turned around.  Difference maker.

#winorlando

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

Fun game for Marquette.  Critical error by the USC coach to come out of the zone.  USC cut it to around 13 and then they went back to man to man and the lead ballooned to 30 again.
Nice to see the entire team contribute.
Howard was in the zone. 
Get ready for Maryland, the bar is being raised.

They came out of the zone when Marcus buried like 3 3’s in their faces.  Seemed mu became comfortable with it. And begann extending again.  I think a zone when markus is in a zone may be short term fools gold

[RushmoreAcademy]

Don’t want the whistles to stop the aggressive D.  So nice to see this team getting stops.

[TallTitan34]

FWIW Maryland is 8 spots behind Purdue on Kenpom.

[BallBoy]

No mention of defense amongst the Scoop Intelligencia. Despite the ridiculous foul rate today in the Song of the Whistles, this is the fifth game of six of < .91 opposing ORat. This hasn’t been seen since 2012 to start the season.  Clearly, the defense has mattered.

I harped on this early in the Wojo regime but this has clearly turned around.  Difference maker.

#winorlando

You just didn’t scroll to the right time

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

That's what great offensive players do.

Agree n disagree,  there has been an emphasis  on enforcing the rule of verticality, even when the defenders jumps. Today any contact even if offensive player initiated seemed to be called.  An absolute ton of which i felt were play ons on both sides really but more bad whistles against mu defense. 

[Dr. Blackheart]

You just didn’t scroll to the right time

True. Great post.

[muguru]

Play....with...tempo. That's the key to their offense. Wojo's teams have always been better offensively when they can play faster..we saw that tonight. Maryland plays at the 40th fastest tempo in the country...that helps immensely. This should be a great game.

[StillWarriors]

Hero ball is so much fun!

Not sure I’d even call it hero ball when maybe one shot all day was forced. What an amazing and efficient performance.

[StillWarriors]

No idea if it actually clicks for him, but Bailey feels SO close to figuring it all out. He can get his own shot and good looks, but he needs to drain them.

I’d love to see Bailey develop a simple set shot on the open 3s and even from the high post. His stroke looks good but he just doesn’t knock them down consistently. I wonder if eliminating some of the variables inherent with a jump shot would help him be more consistent. Would be such a boost to our offense as he gets several open opportunities each game.

[79Warrior]

I’d love to see Bailey develop a simple set shot on the open 3s and even from the high post. His stroke looks good but he just doesn’t knock them down consistently. I wonder if eliminating some of the variables inherent with a jump shot would help him be more consistent. Would be such a boost to our offense as he gets several open opportunities each game.

BB has had some tough luck. He gets some good looks but the ball just is not going in the net. If he ever can knock them down we will be in great shape.

[Slim]

I’d love to see Bailey develop a simple set shot on the open 3s and even from the high post. His stroke looks good but he just doesn’t knock them down consistently. I wonder if eliminating some of the variables inherent with a jump shot would help him be more consistent. Would be such a boost to our offense as he gets several open opportunities each game.

I’m with you 100%. I think he will and by March this will be a different team.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

I hope so.  I'm not really impressed with his court awareness.  Seems to decide to take shots early when he thinks its his turn, then leaves others even when the flow of the offense dictates it.  Been more impressed with Cain this year.

[skianth16]

BB has had some tough luck. He gets some good looks but the ball just is not going in the net. If he ever can knock them down we will be in great shape.

Maybe it's tough luck, but maybe that's just not his forte. I've said it before, but I think Brendan, Jamal, and Sacar are all better when they put the ball on the floor rather than when they try to knock down threes. It would be awesome for us if they can start hitting at a 30%-35% clip, but I don't think we need that from them this year.

It's fine if Koby, Markus, and Greg are the primary shooters. Let them stretch the D, and let Sacar, Brendan, and Jamal be the guys who can beat their man off the dribble. We know guys have different skill sets, so I'd like to see ways to let our better athletes showcase that rather than keeping them outside away from the hoop. It could help with scoring and rebounding if we could get these guys moving to the rim more often.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Wojo's offense starts four out at the perimeter.  It certainly doesn''t preclude anyone from attacking the basket.  But all perimeter players should have the green light to shoot in the flow of the offense.