Beating the BLUE! man group.

[tower912]

1.  Never mic up the coaches again.
2.  Just shoot, Greg.   
3.  Rebounding issue isn't going anywhere.
4.  OMP couldn't get a call tonight.  But he never quit hustling.
5.  Lewis did not have a banner night, either.
6.  Morsell with some early season-esque energy.
7.  'How come all of the touch fouls are called on us?'
8.   Great shooting wins a lot of games.
9.  The gauntlet begins now.   

[jesmu84]

I wish Greg was a 3 point shooter.

This team dunks a lot.

This team passes the ball exceedingly well

[rocky_warrior]

I wish Greg was a 3 point shooter.

Hah, I was going to add
10.  If only Greg was a shooter we might have won.  A shame really.

[cheese ball chaser]

Marquette did not lose to DePaul

[Goose]

Taking care of business. No one would be happier to see Greg do this every night. I would gladly admit I was wrong on Greg as the season moves on.

[Uncle Rico]

Took care of business.  The foundation is being set. 

[TSmith34, Inc.]

-- Great early 2H effort from DM got MU out to a good start.
-- Stevie with excellent D. Also liked that they started running a 2nd guy at F-L to force the ball out of his hands.
-- A number of frosh heat checks
-- Oso really active on D
-- Can't fault DePaul's overall effort. Couldn't tell if they were bad defensively or if MU is just clicking, or some of both

[PointWarrior]

11.  We almost scored in the 50's (in a half ) 

Hah, I was going to add
10.  If only Greg was a shooter we might have won.  A shame really.

[mugrad_89]

Absolutely have to work on the rebounding even if it sacrifices some of the breakouts - this would’ve been a 30 point win had they been even competent on the defensive glass.  The ball movement continues to be fantastic and is such a refreshing change from the previous era.  And love to see Greg being Greg.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Taking care of business. No one would be happier to see Greg do this every night. I would gladly admit I was wrong on Greg as the season moves on.

Or you could do that now, which would actually make sense.

[Goose]

Vander

I will acknowledge his performance with no problem when deserved. Great performance tonight and happy to see it. I hope he does it every fxxkin game. Big goals ahead and every one has to step up.

[IrwinFletcher]

1.  Never mic up the coaches again.
2.  Just shoot, Greg.   
3.  Rebounding issue isn't going anywhere.
4.  OMP couldn't get a call tonight.  But he never quit hustling.
5.  Lewis did not have a banner night, either.
6.  Morsell with some early season-esque energy.
7.  'How come all of the touch fouls are called on us?'
8.   Great shooting wins a lot of games.
9.  The gauntlet begins now.

Lewis still went for 13/5/3/3/1

[pbiflyer]

I have to admit, I was surprised to see DePaul had hired Scatman Crothers as their head coach.

Refs suck.
Grab a damn rebound!

[mug644]

1.  Never mic up the coaches again.
2.  Just shoot, Greg.    
3.  Rebounding issue isn't going anywhere.
4.  OMP couldn't get a call tonight.  But he never quit hustling.
5.  Lewis did not have a banner night, either.
6.  Morsell with some early season-esque energy.
7.  'How come all of the touch fouls are called on us?'
8.   Great shooting wins a lot of games.
9.  The gauntlet begins now.

2. Do you mean, just shoot, don't drive? I still feel nervous when he attacks the basket, though certainly not as much as in years past. He is best as a spot-up shooter. Yes, a 3-point shooter.

5. I said during the game that he was again "out of sorts." Being so on-off is concerning to me.

9. Bring it on. And let's all be realistic about how it goes.

[PGsHeroes32]

2. Do you mean, just shoot, don't drive? I still feel nervous when he attacks the basket, though certainly not as much as in years past. He is best as a spot-up shooter. Yes, a 3-point shooter.

5. I said during the game that he was again "out of sorts." Being so on-off is concerning to me.

9. Bring it on. And let's all be realistic about how it goes.

Greg has had a few wild passes mixed in but his passing the last few games has been awesome.

And I think he’s gotta keep driving a bit. Keeps the D honest and out of his face. Also he’s a great free throw shooter if he draws fouls.

But yes, main priority spot up daggers

[mileskishnish72]

He did OK on FT's tonight.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Greg has had a few wild passes mixed in but his passing the last few games has been awesome.

And I think he’s gotta keep driving a bit. Keeps the D honest and out of his face. Also he’s a great free throw shooter if he draws fouls.

But yes, main priority spot up daggers

He did hit 2 nice midrange jumpers after putting it on the floor.

[warriorchick]

10. Freeman-Liberty is quite possibly the coolest hyphenated last name ever.

[mug644]

He did hit 2 nice midrange jumpers after putting it on the floor.

I agree, and thought to temper my comment with having seen that. So, my nuance is that his improvement is visible in faking the three and moving in for a mid-range shot. He's not (yet) consistent getting into the lane and being unsure whether he should shoot or pass (and whether he should look to pass down low or back out to the perimeter). So, I stuck with him being a spot up shooter.

[tower912]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401373542

[DoctorV]

1.  Never mic up the coaches again.
2.  Just shoot, Greg.   
3.  Rebounding issue isn't going anywhere.
4.  OMP couldn't get a call tonight.  But he never quit hustling.
5.  Lewis did not have a banner night, either.
6.  Morsell with some early season-esque energy.
7.  'How come all of the touch fouls are called on us?'
8.   Great shooting wins a lot of games.
9.  The gauntlet begins now.

On 1- disagree
On 2- agree
On 3- I’m not sure. I will say one of the things that strikes me as strange is that it seems like Shaka doesn’t really hammer the rebounding issues as much as you’d expect. I’ve wondered before if that’s by design or what the play is on that, it intrigues me.

On 4,5,6- We’ve always thought that we would have a hard time winning without two of Justin, TyKo, Morsell having great games. Tyler was good passing but him and Justin weren’t as big of a difference maker as they have been in the recent past, but Darryl was fantastic today. I actually think that’s a good thing that MU can win a game like that with several of the others playing very well.

On 8- yes, but I think the most important part of tonight’s game was the passing.Recently, it has been phenomenal and it was again tonight. The vision, the execution, the ingenuity in some of the ball movement has been just fantastic.
A far cry from the stagnant chuck up a quick three within the first 10 seconds of the clock that we saw for several of the games earlier this season.

On 9- let’s go!

[MarquetteDano]

10. Freeman-Liberty is quite possibly the coolest hyphenated last name ever.

My wife, who never takes an interest in games, did a double take and said that is the best hyphenated name ever.

[MU82]

Taking care of business. No one would be happier to see Greg do this every night. I would gladly admit I was wrong on Greg as the season moves on.

So Greg needs to get his 3-point percentage up to .750 for you? .500 this season and .472 over two seasons doesn't cut it?

Sorry, Goose, but nobody can "do this every night." Steph Curry has gone 8-for-40 (.200) his last four games; that stretch included a 1-for-10 game, a 1-for-9 game and a 2-for-9 game tonight. Two of his misses were airballs, and another hit the side of the backboard (as shown the other night in an ESPN montage of him "struggling"). By your bizarre definition from the other day, the airballs mean he's "not a 3-point shooter" ... except we know that Steph's the greatest shooter in basketball history.

Most of us have enjoyed seeing your optimistic side this season, so it's doubly odd that this is the negative hill you want to die on.

I mean, Greg will have a 1-for-6 game because he's only human and 3-point shooting is not automatic, even for the greatest shooters ever. It could even happen on Saturday ... and I guess you'll get to say I told you so.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Stevie has always been a hellion on defense. Today we got to see some of the passing chops as well. That Mitchell to Kolek to Ighodaro series was a thing of beauty. If Mitchell can find his scoring touch he may be a player yet

[mu.n8ball]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpuMWMg8DKM

@6:30 shaka talks about people suggesting they play slower

[PointWarrior]

11.  Marquette almost scored in the 50’s on dunks alone (or it seemed that way)

[Elonsmusk]

So refreshing to see a well-coached team, a coach that is respected, and a team that shares the ball incredibly well.  There has been some beautiful TEAM basketball being played.  The team is growing.  I think MU's early offensive struggles were the combination of learning Shaka's offensive system, learning each others tendencies/talents from never having played together, AND we have played the 6th toughest quality of opposition defense.

As Lavin and Nick B said - The arrow is pointing up for this team.

[brewcity77]

Big East teams don't know about Tyler Kolek, but they're learning. Our hot starts of late are due to him attacking the lane and creating out of that. He had 4 assists in the first 5 minutes. Reminds me of some of the recent Providence greats that could find anyone anywhere. Really glad Cooley didn't get him.

I don't remember seeing Kam and Greg together much before, but we got it at least twice tonight. It's nice to see multiple three point options on the floor.

DePaul got 20 rebounds on 42 missed shots, nearly 50%. We aren't a great rebounding team, but that's where O-Max in foul trouble really hurt.

Oso is going to be All Big East before he leaves. He has such great touch around the rim and is the best big man passer I've ever seen at Marquette. If he can add the three to his repertoire (71% FTs indicates it's possible) he immediately becomes our best pro prospect too.

I said before the game, limit David Jones, beat DePaul. He had 9 points with a 92 ORtg. Mission accomplished.

Brandon Johnson and Yor Anei for DePaul are a solid frontcourt duo. Aggressive on the glass and play tough. If Johnson could finish, they would've made it a game.

[MuggsyB]

Big East teams don't know about Tyler Kolek, but they're learning. Our hot starts of late are due to him attacking the lane and creating out of that. He had 4 assists in the first 5 minutes. Reminds me of some of the recent Providence greats that could find anyone anywhere. Really glad Cooley didn't get him.

I don't remember seeing Kam and Greg together much before, but we got it at least twice tonight. It's nice to see multiple three point options on the floor.

DePaul got 20 rebounds on 42 missed shots, nearly 50%. We aren't a great rebounding team, but that's where O-Max in foul trouble really hurt.

Oso is going to be All Big East before he leaves. He has such great touch around the rim and is the best big man passer I've ever seen at Marquette. If he can add the three to his repertoire (71% FTs indicates it's possible) he immediately becomes our best pro prospect too.

I said before the game, limit David Jones, beat DePaul. He had 9 points with a 92 ORtg. Mission accomplished.

Brandon Johnson and Yor Anei for DePaul are a solid frontcourt duo. Aggressive on the glass and play tough. If Johnson could finish, they would've made it a game.

Good points Brew.  Our rebounding issues concern me.  I think we need to do a better job fundamentally and be far more aggressive snatching the basketball.  We lose rebounds both close to the rim and on the shots that kick long.  At some point you simply have to find a way to grab the freaking ball and protect it.  Imagine if we had a vacuum type glass cleaner?  Shaka needs to have a practice with 2 hours focused on rebounding imo.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

I'm pretty sure Shaka knows how to run his practices Muggs.

[1SE]

Good points Brew.  Our rebounding issues concern me.  I think we need to do a better job fundamentally and be far more aggressive snatching the basketball.  We lose rebounds both close to the rim and on the shots that kick long.  At some point you simply have to find a way to grab the freaking ball and protect it.  Imagine if we had a vacuum type glass cleaner?  Shaka needs to have a practice with 2 hours focused on rebounding imo.

This inability to rebound is really surprising to me. Why are we so bad? Why aren't we getting better? Much more so than something like shooting, rebounding is just all about basic fundamentals - finding a man and putting a body on. Is there something about our defensive scheme that puts us out of position? It doesn't look like it to me - it looks to me like we just aren't boxing out. And that's such an easy fix.

[tower912]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpuMWMg8DKM

@6:30 shaka talks about people suggesting they play slower

It would appear Coach Smart is not interested in hearing people criticize the pace at which his team plays.

[Lennys Tap]

It would appear Coach Smart is not interested in hearing people criticize the pace at which his team plays.

We have to play fast to get to 50, a’ina?

[MU82]

Shaka needs to have a practice with 2 hours focused on rebounding imo.

I guarantee -- a 100% money-back guarantee -- that Shaka's team practices rebounding a lot.

This inability to rebound is really surprising to me. Why are we so bad? Why aren't we getting better? Much more so than something like shooting, rebounding is just all about basic fundamentals - finding a man and putting a body on. Is there something about our defensive scheme that puts us out of position? It doesn't look like it to me - it looks to me like we just aren't boxing out. And that's such an easy fix.

I've been a little surprised by it, too. From what I've noticed, only two players consistently use good fundamentals on box-outs -- Oso and Kolek. Oso often clears out a nice little semi-circle, and it's up to another MU player to go get the rebound, but our perimeter players don't do a great job of hitting the defensive boards. I know this isn't something Shaka hasn't heard or seen or emphasized; he mentioned at least once during a cuddle last night that we need to get "all 5 to the boards."

We do a lot of switching, and quite often that leaves a small on a big or vice versa, and that could contribute. But these days most teams do a lot of switching. Gotta find a body, box him out and attack the ball.

[PGsHeroes32]

I guarantee -- a 100% money-back guarantee -- that Shaka's team practices rebounding a lot.

I've been a little surprised by it, too. From what I've noticed, only two players consistently use good fundamentals on box-outs -- Oso and Kolek. Oso often clears out a nice little semi-circle, and it's up to another MU player to go get the rebound, but our perimeter players don't do a great job of hitting the defensive boards. I know this isn't something Shaka hasn't heard or seen or emphasized; he mentioned at least once during a cuddle last night that we need to get "all 5 to the boards."

We do a lot of switching, and quite often that leaves a small on a big or vice versa, and that could contribute. But these days most teams do a lot of switching. Gotta find a body, box him out and attack the ball.

Did he whisper in your ear during that cuddle?

The Shaka cuddles becoming a thing of legend

[brewcity77]

Did he whisper in your ear during that cuddle?

The Shaka cuddles becoming a thing of legend

Legit LOL. That's a great autocorrect.

[MuggsyB]

This inability to rebound is really surprising to me. Why are we so bad? Why aren't we getting better? Much more so than something like shooting, rebounding is just all about basic fundamentals - finding a man and putting a body on. Is there something about our defensive scheme that puts us out of position? It doesn't look like it to me - it looks to me like we just aren't boxing out. And that's such an easy fix.

Ya....I'm with you here and find it a bit dumbfounding and perplexing.  I believe if we can improve in this area we become much more difficult to beat.

[MuggsyB]

It would appear Coach Smart is not interested in hearing people criticize the pace at which his team plays.

He can say whatever he wants but the fact is vs Providence we played a bit slower, more under control, and valued our possessions.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Legit LOL. That's a great autocorrect.

"Cuddle" has been a Scoop meme since the Wojo times.

[DoctorV]

He can say whatever he wants but the fact is vs Providence we played a bit slower, more under control, and valued our possessions.

Haha Muggsy getting strong.

Who’s got the pace numbers for GT and DePaul?

One things for sure- all pace aside this offense seems like a breath of fresh air compared to earlier in the season.

Hopefully it’s not just a pleasant side effect of playing softer teams… we will find out soon

[MU82]

Legit LOL. That's a great autocorrect.

Umm ... I intentionally wrote "cuddle."

This:

"Cuddle" has been a Scoop meme since the Wojo times.

[tower912]

They are still playing fast.   Doing a better job of getting into the paint and making the extra pass.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Who’s got the pace numbers for GT and DePaul?

75 possessions vs. Georgetown (Breakneck speed)
70 possessions vs. DePaul (On the faster side but not excessive)

Important context about the pace we play at. We are 6th fastest in the country at average offensive possession length. We are are 311th fastest in the country at average defensive possession length. We attack quickly on the offensive end and then we make opponents go deep into their shot clock which lowers our overall possession numbers. Offense hasn't slowed down at all but they are penetrating better and learning the difference between an okay and good shot.

Georgetown and Depaul are the two worst defenses in the Big East. Providence is 6th (in the middle). Our next seven games are against the top 4 defenses and Providence on the road. If we can continue to penetrate this well against better defenses than we will be dancing

[drewm88]

Oso is going to be All Big East before he leaves. He has such great touch around the rim and is the best big man passer I've ever seen at Marquette. If he can add the three to his repertoire (71% FTs indicates it's possible) he immediately becomes our best pro prospect too.

Maybe it's selective memory, but I'm surprised by how often he seemed a step slow on defensive rotations. Not sure if it's quickness or awareness, as he usually seems solid with both. Agreed on the above though. He's come a long way since last year.

[tower912]

75 possessions vs. Georgetown (Breakneck speed)
70 possessions vs. DePaul (On the faster side but not excessive)

Important context about the pace we play at. We are 6th fastest in the country at average offensive possession length. We are are 311th fastest in the country at average defensive possession length. We attack quickly on the offensive end and then we make opponents go deep into their shot clock which lowers our overall possession numbers. Offense hasn't slowed down at all but they are penetrating better and learning the difference between an okay and good shot.

Georgetown and Depaul are the two worst defenses in the Big East. Providence is 6th (in the middle). Our next seven games are against the top 4 defenses and Providence on the road. If we can continue to penetrate this well against better defenses than we will be dancing

One extra pass.   One less live ball turnover leading to a quick dunk.   Not playing slower.

[brewcity77]

Georgetown and Depaul are the two worst defenses in the Big East. Providence is 6th (in the middle). Our next seven games are against the top 4 defenses and Providence on the road. If we can continue to penetrate this well against better defenses than we will be dancing

One other note, while GT and DePaul are poor defensively, they are two of the three best offensive rebounding teams in the league. Here are the league ranks, nationally:

9-Connecticut
34-Georgetown
35-DePaul
70-Xavier
74-Villanova
87-St. John's
116-Creighton
128-Providence
148-Seton Hall
205-Butler
293-Marquette

So while allowing Offensive Rebounds has been bad, four of our six games are against the top-4 offensive rebounding teams in the conference.

[MU82]

Offense hasn't slowed down at all but they are penetrating better and learning the difference between an okay and good shot.

The only thing I heard in the mic'd up from Shaka where it was even close to criticizing an individual player was when he let Kam know that his heat-check 3 was a bad shot. Shaka did it very gently, but he definitely got his point across.

[Elonsmusk]

The only thing I heard in the mic'd up from Shaka where it was even close to criticizing an individual player was when he let Kam know that his heat-check 3 was a bad shot. Shaka did it very gently, but he definitely got his point across.

Loved how Shaka handled that with Kam about the heat check 3 - He said something to the effect of:  "Look, I get it, but Justin had a layup/dunk."  Because Kam had just hit two 3's in back to back possessions so no doubt was feeling it, which is why as a smart Coach you say "I get it."

However, he lit Kam up for going to the basket with "weak a$$ sh$t," earlier in the game - which I loved.
There's nothing wrong with a coach lighting up a player..AT ALL..despite the criticism of Stubbefield in the other thread.  Buzz used to do it all the time.  What matters is, is if you have the players respect...which is earned by a coach through their approach.  Shaka has it in spades. 

Ultimately BAD coaches lose a player if they light him up, IF they haven't earned that players trust/respect, etc.  However, as Ben Franklin said: "That which hurts, also instructs."  So..critical for a Coach to have a players respect to be able to coach moments that will "hurt" (feelings).

[rocky_warrior]

The offense has been rolling since the PC game, and while that was our slowest of the year, the last 2 have not been.

What has changed the last three games, is that MU is not chucking as man quick/bad 3s in the offense.  The are taking about the same number (if not more), but generally in the flow offense, which along with the dunk-fest has greatly improved our offensive efficiency.  That said, I'm still not a fan of Lewis or Morsell launching 3s.

[Dr. Blackheart]

One extra pass.   One less live ball turnover leading to a quick dunk.   Not playing slower.

Average offensive possession length was 14.3 seconds in out of conference and is 16.0 in conference. That is 12% slower for the last six games.

I think the dribble penetration (read: paint touches) and the cuts in the paint have been sharper since the Creighton loss, in addition to your points.

While the pace is still fast, I think it's been much more purposeful. Thus, our three best offensive efficiency games by far. Kudos to the coaching staff.

[NickelDimer]

I love this team. That’s it. That’s the post.

[connie]

Average offensive possession length was 14.3 seconds in out of conference and is 16.0 in conference. That is 12% slower for the last six games.

I think the dribble penetration (read: paint touches) and the cuts in the paint have been sharper since the Creighton loss, in addition to your points.

While the pace is still fast, I think it's been much more purposeful. Thus, our three best offensive efficiency games by far. Kudos to the coaching staff.

"Purposeful."  I like that.  I think it applies more broadly to this year's team.  They are doing things even I, with my limited ability, can tell are "purposeful."

[Elonsmusk]

Average offensive possession length was 14.3 seconds in out of conference and is 16.0 in conference. That is 12% slower for the last six games.

I think the dribble penetration (read: paint touches) and the cuts in the paint have been sharper since the Creighton loss, in addition to your points.

While the pace is still fast, I think it's been much more purposeful. Thus, our three best offensive efficiency games by far. Kudos to the coaching staff.

Quality of opposition defense (lack thereof since UCONN) also has a lot to do with the "improvement" too.  Many of our fans underestimated our offensive capabilities this season during the non-con.  As I recall you'd alleged that this year's team was worse offensively than Year 1 of Wojo/Derrick Wilson.

The shot quality Kolek creates for his teammates is incredible, no surprise here to see this team climbing the rankings for Offensive Efficiency due to his talent and the caliber of opposition defense declining.

[tower912]

Lewis still went for 13/5/3/3/1

I watched the game again paying closer attention to JL.  It wasn't his best.   

[TSmith34, Inc.]

The only thing I heard in the mic'd up from Shaka where it was even close to criticizing an individual player was when he let Kam know that his heat-check 3 was a bad shot. Shaka did it very gently, but he definitely got his point across.

Yeah, while it is nice that Kam and Jop are fearless at hoisting threes, they need to figure out what are good shots and what are not. They're freshman, it happens. I have no doubt Shaka will get them where they need to be.

Stevie, OTOH, could be a bit more aggressive IMO. He passes down a lot of open looks.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Quality of opposition defense (lack thereof since UCONN) also has a lot to do with the "improvement" too.  Many of our fans underestimated our offensive capabilities this season during the non-con.  As I recall you'd alleged that this year's team was worse offensively than Year 1 of Wojo/Derrick Wilson.

The shot quality Kolek creates for his teammates is incredible, no surprise here to see this team climbing the rankings for Offensive Efficiency due to his talent and the caliber of opposition defense declining.

I didn't "allege" it. I referenced Pomeroy as a statistical fact. At the time, MU was one of the four worst high major offenses through a third of the season (Creighton). I also stated "at that point" knowing MU could improve.

Also, MU played plenty of crappy defenses (and good ones) through that time. Again, Pomeroy adjusts for that.

To the topic, MU is playing much more efficiently on offense as we all have made points on. Including slowing it down, having Kolek shoot less and make less turnovers. Call it slowing it down or playing with a purpose. But it's working, thankfully. I am glad MU coincidentally had its three best games since.

[Elonsmusk]

I didn't "allege" it. I referenced Pomeroy as a statistical fact. At the time, MU was one of the four worst high major offenses through a third of the season (Creighton). I also stated "at that point" knowing MU could improve.

Also, MU played plenty of crappy defenses (and good ones) through that time. Again, Pomeroy adjusts for that.

To the topic, MU is playing much more efficiently on offense as we all have made points on. Including slowing it down, having Kolek shoot less and make less turnovers. Call it slowing it down or playing with a purpose. But it's working, thankfully. I am glad MU coincidentally had its three best games since.

Gotcha.  I don't think "slowing it down" 1.7 seconds is the reason we have played better offensively.  The ball movement has gotten much better, your point about getting into the paint more and more decisive cuts, and us ultimately making a lot of the open 3's now.  We got a lot of good looks from 3 in the first 1/3rd of the season too, we just didn't make as many.  Also, the caliber of opponent defense matters.  These last three teams ranked 46, 168, 114 in Defensive Efficiency.  In the six games prior we faced 29, 42, 18, 33, 30, and 54.

Regarding Wojo's first team being better...if I recall correctly that was by 0.7 in Offensive Efficiency.  We are now much better (62 in Offensive Efficiency) than Wojo's first team that finished 154th in KenPom.  It was evident just through watching the games that despite our struggles early offensively, this team was much better offensively.

[mu.n8ball]

https://twitter.com/BIGEASTMBB/status/1481088287024500738?t=eqlpJxGSEX1mD9uAps9XpQ&s=19

Emarion was having none of that dance circle celebration.

[Jockey]

Gotcha.  I don't think "slowing it down" 1.7 seconds is the reason we have played better offensively.  The ball movement has gotten much better, your point about getting into the paint more and more decisive cuts, and us ultimately making a lot of the open 3's now.  We got a lot of good looks from 3 in the first 1/3rd of the season too, we just didn't make as many.  Also, the caliber of opponent defense matters.  These last three teams ranked 46, 168, 114 in Defensive Efficiency.  In the six games prior we faced 29, 42, 18, 33, 30, and 54.

At the beginning of the season the young guys (especially, Kam and Stevie) thought they could dribble until they found a good shot. At a certain point, they realized how good shots come about. That is a pretty normal evolution - in HS they were able to get good shots off of the dribble.

[MARQKC]

11.  We almost scored in the 50's (in a half ) 

Stubblefield told a timeout huddle just before the half, "They're on a pace to score 100 points!"