What a Win

[wadesworld]

Great defense to close the game out. Team is way further along than I ever expected them to be this season. What a battle.

[Milkshakes]

If only Marquette could win close games on the road.

[Milkshakes]

Oh and also if Shaka could make in game adjustments.  Oh well.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

If only Marquette could win close games on the road.

In tough environments
In the Big East
Against good teams

[cheebs09]

Such a fun team. Make you want to pull your hair out at times, but they will always fight.

[StillAWarrior]

Win in a close game? Check.
Road win?  Check.

11-4

Nice win.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.

[wadesworld]

For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.

Especially the last 4 minutes. But really the last 19.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.

The rotations were excellent.

[brewcity77]

Shaka Smart at the Finn: 2-0

All other non-Nova Big East coaches at the Finn: 1-47

It's official, they have to change the name to the Smart Pavilion. We own that building now.

[Slim]

In tough environments
In the Big East
Against good teams

Wearing those uniforms!

[MUEng92]

Shaka Smart at the Finn: 2-0

All other non-Nova Big East coaches at the Finn: 1-47

It's official, they have to change the name to the Smart Pavilion. We own that building now.

Now THAT is a stat!

[Lennys Tap]

Great defense to close the game out. Team is way further along than I ever expected them to be this season. What a battle.

Honestly not trying to bust your balls, but I think this team has more talent than you thought.

[Milkshakes]

Shaka Smart at the Finn: 2-0

All other non-Nova Big East coaches at the Finn: 1-47

It's official, they have to change the name to the Smart Pavilion. We own that building now.

That is incredible!

[BLWarrior91]

For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.

Truth.

[Small Orange Soda]

Honestly not trying to bust your balls, but I think this team has more talent than you thought.

A sign of a good coach is player development.

[Elonsmusk]

Honestly not trying to bust your balls, but I think this team has more talent than you thought.

True.

A sign of a good coach is player development.

And true.

We had talent, but Shaka and staff have done a fantastic job of developing the talent and getting the team to play great team basketball, and have instilled a winning culture. 

[Tyler COLEk]

Another awesome win. Player development is nearly a best case scenario returning players this season. Only possible exceptions are Joplin (still has improved) and Keeyan (we knew he was a major project). Extraordinary improvement.

[StillWarriors]

For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.

Impressive, especially for a young team. Going to be really fun to see them continue to grow. 

[1SE]

Even more than that, it's clear the guys have bought into what Shaka is selling. This is a fun team. I think the lack of a big body puts a ceiling on what we can accomplish, but I'll be disappointed if we don't end that NCAAT W drought this year

[muwarrior69]

Shaka Smart at the Finn: 2-0

All other non-Nova Big East coaches at the Finn: 1-47

It's official, they have to change the name to the Smart Pavilion. We own that building now.

So who is the other coach?

[Sir Lawrence]

This team has true grit.

[Goose]

This team is a team first, made up of a very good mix of talent. When all is said and done, there may be multiple NBA players on this squad.

[Tyler COLEk]

Even more than that, it's clear the guys have bought into what Shaka is selling. This is a fun team. I think the lack of a big body puts a ceiling on what we can accomplish, but I'll be disappointed if we don't end that NCAAT W drought this year

You've gotta love it. Even look at Al Amadou's interview this week. How many 16-17 year olds are gushing about how they can't wait to D it up at the college level? Shaka is zigging while the rest of D1 is zagging. His focus on long-term player development and defense could end up creating a major competitive advantage for this program.

[brewcity77]

So who is the other coach?

Chris Holtmann led Butler to a win at the Smart on February 22, 2017 (incidentally my 40th birthday).