Extend Wojo

[Eldon]

Just bought himself another year, FTW.

[5DollarPitcher]

I didn’t look up the history but it feels like he does quite well against Wisconsin. That is a legitimate pro for him.

[bilsu]

At least to the UCLA game.

I gave MU no chance to win this game. I think having played OK St. before this game was a lot more valuable than UW playing UW Green Bay.

[Anti-Dentite]

This is his best team, I’m excited  to see where this goes. Solid top to bottom, all these guys can play.

[jesmu84]

I didn’t look up the history but it feels like he does quite well against Wisconsin. That is a legitimate pro for him.

5-4, i think

[wadesworld]

5-4, i think

This is year 7.

[1SE]

Great win, but we've had flashes before. I would love to eat crow and see him put together a full season capped with NCAA success

[Ellenson Guerrero]

Still alarming that our PG apparently had no clue how much time was on the clock on the last possession. Our end of game scenarios need some work, as does our inbound defense.

[Anti-Dentite]

5-4, i think

4-3

[naginiF]

Great win, but we've had flashes before. I would love to eat crow and see him put together a full season capped with NCAA success

The lights aren't twinkling Clark

[wadesworld]

Still alarming that our PG apparently had no clue how much time was on the clock on the last possession. Our end of game scenarios need some work, as does our inbound defense.

Cool.

[brewcity77]

I didn’t look up the history but it feels like he does quite well against Wisconsin. That is a legitimate pro for him.

4-3 vs Wisconsin. Wins were Ellenson, the Kohl Hole blowout, the Morrow block/OT, and tonight.

[Smokin' Jae]

This is his best team, I’m excited  to see where this goes. Solid top to bottom, all these guys can play.

I would say it's his best defensive team; overall team, I'm not willing to go there 4 games into the season

[Anti-Dentite]

I would say it's his best defensive team; overall team, I'm not willing to go there 4 games into the season

I am.

[Silent Verbal]

An underrated aspect of this game is that Koby didn’t try to force a bunch of stuff on offense like he usually does.

[nyg]

If the tip didn't go in and went to OT and lost, it would have been missing four of last five free throws.  It would be an ugly board here.

Give Wojo credit for sticking with Lewis and leaving Garcia on bench during the final stretch.  A hunch? A gut feeling?  Advise from an assistant?  No clue, but it worked. 

[CrowdOf5]

Still alarming that our PG apparently had no clue how much time was on the clock on the last possession. Our end of game scenarios need some work, as does our inbound defense.

Clock on the TV was 1 second faster than the one on the e court.

[Billy Hoyle]

I would say it's his best defensive team; overall team, I'm not willing to go there 4 games into the season

For sure, especially with guards who aren’t matadors.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

If the tip didn't go in and went to OT and lost, it would have been missing four of last five free throws.  It would be an ugly board here.

Give Wojo credit for sticking with Lewis and leaving Garcia on bench during the final stretch.  A hunch? A gut feeling?  Advise from an assistant?  No clue, but it worked.

[GooooMarquette]

Clock on the TV was 1 second faster than the one on the e court.

Good catch. Looks like DJ coulda gotten it off after all.

[mileskishnish72]

The change from Tuesday to tonight was dramatic. No small amount of credit for that transformation accrues to the man that I have come to regard as a poster child for mediocrity.
Congratulations, Woj, on a great victory. Here's hoping that you can extend this into a wider
field.

[GooooMarquette]

I would say it's his best defensive team; overall team, I'm not willing to go there 4 games into the season

Most definitely his deepest team.

In recent years we would’ve been toast if a guy like Markus or Ellenson had a bad game. Tonight Dawson was off and Lewis more than compensated.

[Markusquette]

This is his best team, I’m excited  to see where this goes. Solid top to bottom, all these guys can play.

Sam and Markus a couple years ago fell really short, but that was a hell of a team. I hope you're right because this team would be really good.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

Clock on the TV was 1 second faster than the one on the e court.

Good catch - I retract my screaming at Carton to hurry up.

[Lennys Tap]

Most people probably think beating #1 Villanova is still Wojo’s signature win. I disagree - as great as it was it was only possible because ‘Nova went ice cold.

Tonight, coming off a disappointing loss, against the #4 team in the country who starts 5 seniors and is our most bitter rival - is the new #1 for me. Close all the way, our kids and our veterans never buckled.

Well done, Warriors! Players and coaches deserve a ton of credit!

[Uncle Rico]

Most people probably think beating #1 Villanova is still Wojo’s signature win. I disagree - as great as it was it was only possible because ‘Nova went ice cold.

Tonight, coming off a disappointing loss, against the #4 team in the country who starts 5 seniors and is our most bitter rival - is the new #1 for me. Close all the way, our kids and our veterans never buckled.

Well done, Warriors! Players and coaches deserve a ton of credit!

I said it last week that I think these kids are pretty tough.  Didn’t think they’d win tonight but didn’t think they’d lie down either.  I wouldn’t call it a signature win until we see how the rest of the season plays out but it feels pretty good!

[CrowdOf5]

Good catch - I retract my screaming at Carton to hurry up.

I had the same thought as you, was yelling at the TV to hurry. Odd though they were not in-sync.

[rocky_warrior]

I said it last week that I think these kids are pretty tough.  Didn’t think they’d win tonight but didn’t think they’d lie down either.  I wouldn’t call it a signature win until we see how the rest of the season plays out but it feels pretty good!

+3

And yes, I know that's an odd number.

[tower912]

Until the next loss.     Equilibrium.   

[PointWarrior]

And I get from my badger family and friends is “bad call” and “Badgers is payed crapty”

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Might have been the worst #4 ranked team I've ever seen pick up a basketball.  Wisco isn't top 25

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Might have been the worst #4 ranked team I've ever seen pick up a basketball.  Wisco isn't top 25

Zzzzzzzzzzz

[shoothoops]

Wojo is 4-3 vs Wisconsin. MU is now 6-5 v Wisconsin in last 11 matchups. Wisconsin leads all time 68-59.

[Johnny B]

who cares? sh it goes asa top 5 win on the resume

[AZWarrior]

This was definitely a quality win.  And it came against the rodents, so it's doubly sweet.

I'll feel really, really good if/when we play well against a quality opponent who zones us.  ;-)

[jesmu84]

This is year 7.

Ha.

Maths is hard

[Dr. Blackheart]

Fire Gard!!  Choke job

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Fire Gard!!  Choke job

He should have played zone.....

[DegenerateDish]

This was actually a very well coached game by Woj. Not taking a timeout in the last minute made a lot of sense and worked. When Theo picked up #4, Woj brought Lewis in, but then played him the rest of the game (even when Theo came back in).

[MU82]

Wojo deserved to be criticized after Oklahoma State. As I (and others) noted, it was one of his worst coaching performances. He also deserves to be on the proverbial hot seat this season, even if he really isn't for a variety of reasons.

But he also deserves credit when it's due, and I thought he coached a great game tonight.

++ We were prepared.

++ We answered every Madison mini-run with a run of our own.

++ We had good lineup combinations on the floor all night long, including a welcome change to the starting lineup.

++ We played the end of the first half absolutely perfectly -- quick 3 by Lewis to set up a 2-for-1, defensive stop, 3 by Carton to end the half.

++ Wojo wisely called a time-out early in the 2nd half to settle our guys down. And he wisely didn't call a time-out at the end that would have let Gard set up Madison's defense.

++ We hustled. We had great intensity. We clearly were motivated. We did not act like a team that was down after a bad loss. All night long, we fiercely battled a big, experienced, talented team that is expected to make a Final Four run.

++ We made mistakes for sure but we were resilient and atoned for our mistakes every time.

++ We committed only 11 turnovers.

++ We played aggressive, winning defense just about all night long.

++ We played through adversity (particularly 4 fouls in the first minute of the second half, including 2 that benched Theo).

++ And we pulled it out in the end to win a one-possession game, always a sign of good coaching.

Yes, Justin got a fortunate bounce on the winning hoop, but it wasn't some wild slap at the ball. He made a basketball play. Similarly, this didn't feel like a "lucky" win by an undeserving team. We earned this by playing solid, intense hoops for 40 minutes against a top-5 team.

Congrats to Wojo, congrats to the players, and congrats to Warriors and Golden Eagles everywhere.

We Are Marquette!

[Goose]

Lenny

I agree this is best win in Wojo era. His young recruits and transfer played big and beat a veteran team. Their half court D is looking very good and hopefully we can extend to full court down the road.

[Slim]

Wojo deserved to be criticized after Oklahoma State. As I (and others) noted, it was one of his worst coaching performances. He also deserves to be on the proverbial hot seat this season, even if he really isn't for a variety of reasons.

But he also deserves credit when it's due, and I thought he coached a great game tonight.

++ We were prepared.

++ We answered every Madison mini-run with a run of our own.

++ We had good lineup combinations on the floor all night long, including a welcome change to the starting lineup.

++ We played the end of the first half absolutely perfectly -- quick 3 by Lewis to set up a 2-for-1, defensive stop, 3 by Carton to end the half.

++ Wojo wisely called a time-out early in the 2nd half to settle our guys down. And he wisely didn't call a time-out at the end that would have let Gard set up Madison's defense.

++ We hustled. We had great intensity. We clearly were motivated. We did not act like a team that was down after a bad loss. All night long, we fiercely battled a big, experienced, talented team that is expected to make a Final Four run.

++ We made mistakes for sure but we were resilient and atoned for our mistakes every time.

++ We committed only 11 turnovers.

++ We played aggressive, winning defense just about all night long.

++ We played through adversity (particularly 4 fouls in the first minute of the second half, including 2 that benched Theo).

++ And we pulled it out in the end to win a one-possession game, always a sign of good coaching.

Yes, Justin got a fortunate bounce on the winning hoop, but it wasn't some wild slap at the ball. He made a basketball play. Similarly, this didn't feel like a "lucky" win by an undeserving team. We earned this by playing solid, intense hoops for 40 minutes against a top-5 team.

Congrats to Wojo, congrats to the players, and congrats to Warriors and Golden Eagles everywhere.

We Are Marquette!

Love ya ‘82
Funny we are at a point (well deserved) where we say only 11 TO’s!
I got ya fam!

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Might have been the worst #4 ranked team I've ever seen pick up a basketball.  Wisco isn't top 25

What a turd.

[DoctorV]

Agreed that wojo did a nice job today. Such a different squad from 3 nights ago.

He had no choice but to play JL2, Lewis was a man out there.
He did handle Theos fouls well, mixed in Greg Elliott a good amount when he played well in both halves, gave Jamal the extended run he deserved.
At the end of the day MU beat Wisconsin at their own game in the paint, and I could have never imagined that.

A few read between the lines things I give wojo credit for today.
1) the bench was really active and everyone seemed pumped and excited, genuinely happy. Seems like a no brainer but coming off a complete dud that’s definitely coaching induced.
2) there was a point in the 2H where Carton made a mistake and was heading to bench and wojo pulled him in for a talk and DJC looked happy with what he heard and engaged. 
3) Greg Elliott didn’t play until super late last game (big mistake by coach!) but he played well late in that game. Greg got early run tonight and was very positive. Also, Cain has been a huge positive. Cain has been beat up by wojo for years and has seen his share of pine, but the fact that the Detroit boys are still playing their arse off for him is huge.
4) Defense. Very good so far, please keep that up. Hustle and passion are also there.

At the end of the day there should be no projo or nojo nonsense. We should all be projo and pro MU. Whether he is cut out for the gig he will decide, his results will show. His leash is running thin, but he’s putting up a fight and we will all be here to see if he prevails or fails, both are possible.

Weve known he can recruit, and if you don’t know that you aren’t paying attention. We don’t think he can coach and/or win. When you can recruit and lead a clean program you get a longer leash to learn to coach and win, and that’s fair imo. Let’s see if he can figure it out

[jesmu84]

Lenny

I agree this is best win in Wojo era. His young recruits and transfer played big and beat a veteran team. Their half court D is looking very good and hopefully we can extend to full court down the road.

Better than #1 Nova when MU was much worse?

[mug644]

I was thinking about quoting MU82’s great post, and highlight in bold key areas where I thought players, more than Wojo, stepped up.

But I decided that it came down to Wojo’s choice to start Carton instead of Sy. And, more importantly, of Carton’s to take control of the game. He was not amazing himself, but he set the tone for the entire team.

To me, Carton was the MVP (though I voted for, and stand by it, Justin as Stud).

[Shooter McGavin]

Most people probably think beating #1 Villanova is still Wojo’s signature win. I disagree - as great as it was it was only possible because ‘Nova went ice cold.

Tonight, coming off a disappointing loss, against the #4 team in the country who starts 5 seniors and is our most bitter rival - is the new #1 for me. Close all the way, our kids and our veterans never buckled.

Well done, Warriors! Players and coaches deserve a ton of credit!

+1, well said.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Better than #1 Nova when MU was much worse?

Exactly. I think I'd rate a win over #1 Nova with 4 or 5 future NBAers over a win against a team that has at best a couple of guys who will play briefly in low level Euro leagues.

[Goose]

jesmu

The win against nova was an unreal W and a great night in program history. Tonight they played tough D, showed composure, had young guys step up and delivered the goods. Nova was a far better team than we beat tonight but IMO this was a bigger and more impressive W.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Better than #1 Nova when MU was much worse?

Yes and no. That was a bigger win for sure. However, that win involved making insane shots with Nova going ice cold from the floor. This was a better coaching win where a top 5 team was playing well but we matched them punch for punch. The rivalry aspect doesn't hurt either.

[MU82]

Agreed that wojo did a nice job today. Such a different squad from 3 nights ago.

He had no choice but to play JL2, Lewis was a man out there.
He did handle Theos fouls well, mixed in Greg Elliott a good amount when he played well in both halves, gave Jamal the extended run he deserved.
At the end of the day MU beat Wisconsin at their own game in the paint, and I could have never imagined that.

A few read between the lines things I give wojo credit for today.
1) the bench was really active and everyone seemed pumped and excited, genuinely happy. Seems like a no brainer but coming off a complete dud that’s definitely coaching induced.
2) there was a point in the 2H where Carton made a mistake and was heading to bench and wojo pulled him in for a talk and DJC looked happy with what he heard and engaged. 
3) Greg Elliott didn’t play until super late last game (big mistake by coach!) but he played well late in that game. Greg got early run tonight and was very positive. Also, Cain has been a huge positive. Cain has been beat up by wojo for years and has seen his share of pine, but the fact that the Detroit boys are still playing their arse off for him is huge.
4) Defense. Very good so far, please keep that up. Hustle and passion are also there.

At the end of the day there should be no projo or nojo nonsense. We should all be projo and pro MU. Whether he is cut out for the gig he will decide, his results will show. His leash is running thin, but he’s putting up a fight and we will all be here to see if he prevails or fails, both are possible.

Weve known he can recruit, and if you don’t know that you aren’t paying attention. We don’t think he can coach and/or win. When you can recruit and lead a clean program you get a longer leash to learn to coach and win, and that’s fair imo. Let’s see if he can figure it out

This is an outstanding post, DV. You made a number of important, insightful points about the coaching that might not have been obvious to some. I know I didn't think of them immediately but found myself nodding my head as I read this.

After the Oklahoma State game, some Scoopers were talking about how the team quit, how Wojo couldn't motivate players, how they tuned him out, etc. I have said repeatedly that there are many things to take Wojo to task for, but I didn't see any of those on Tuesday, and the exact opposite happened tonight.

Side note: We have interesting options if Theo gets into foul trouble. In past years, we had to go with Heldt, who played his arse off but was not a Big East center; or Morrow, who had hands of stone, traveled 50% of the time he touched the ball, and had a 2-foot shooting range (but was huge against Madison in '18); or Jayce, who was solid on D and the boards but was an offensive non-factor. This season, we can put out a lineup that has both Garcia and Lewis on the floor, two long, talented guys who can do multiple things. Couple that with good rebounders like Jamal and Koby, and we can hang in on the boards without Theo. I was very impressed with our non-Theo-lineup's toughness tonight.

[The Lens]

Most people probably think beating #1 Villanova is still Wojo’s signature win. I disagree - as great as it was it was only possible because ‘Nova went ice cold.

Tonight, coming off a disappointing loss, against the #4 team in the country who starts 5 seniors and is our most bitter rival - is the new #1 for me. Close all the way, our kids and our veterans never buckled.

Well done, Warriors! Players and coaches deserve a ton of credit!

💯

[Eldon]

Fwiw, in the Nova game, the roster had a lot of Buzz players (JJJ, DuWil). Tonight's game was all Wojo's guys.

[MU82]

The Nova win was fun because they were the top-ranked defending national champs, because Wojo's guys were trying to make a name for themselves, and because the crowd was loud and proud. Gotta love those storm-the-courters.

But beating evil Madison on a buzzer-beater just 3 days after so many were willing to give up on this "disaster" of a team ... pretty special.

[CountryRoads]

Wojo deserves a lot of credit for this win. He has an interesting team this year. 33 of the 49 shots (67%) were taken by first year players in the program. A young nucleus of talent who will hopefully play together for at least a few years. There will be more ups and downs along the way, but I like the kids he has in the program now and it looks like they are already starting to buy in.

[MU82]

Wojo deserves a lot of credit for this win. He has an interesting team this year. 33 of the 49 shots (67%) were taken by first year players in the program. A young nucleus of talent who will hopefully play together for at least a few years. There will be more ups and downs along the way, but I like the kids he has in the program now and it looks like they are already starting to buy in.

We will have some frustrating losses this season, but I bet we have a few more amazing wins. By February, this team could be really good. I hope COVID-19 lets us see if that's the case!

[Stretchdeltsig]

Congratulations Coach for getting the team prepared and coaching a good game. Carton and Lewis are winners. Please change Lewis's height on the roster to 6'8" or 6'9".