Tonight against X.... Thoughts on how we win and lose....

[duanewade]

Sean Miller is obviously a very smart and elite coach. 

In game 2 in Milwaukee he did something very smart which was to constantly switch on Kolek so he wasn't able to penetrate and create looks for himself and his teammates.  As we all know Marquette is at it's best when we create a lot of turnovers and score in transition.  Our half court offense is at it's best when Kolek is creating penetration to find guys open if his path to the basket is stopped.  We really didn't look good at any point in our ugly win against X which is both scary but also a potential opportunity. 

We have to assume X will implement the same type of switching defense on Kolek again tonight.  The one area Marquette has a clear advantage is the athletic ability of our bigs (Oso and Omax) in comparison to X's big's, most specifically Nunge.  If we can speed the game up and create isolations for Oso and Omax to create then we can exploit our athletic ability advantage over them.

Boum and Jones are both really good so we have to expect them to counter our guards.  In fact, Boum and Jones actually outshined our guards in Milwaukee as they both had monster games until Boum made some critical late game turnovers. 

If our guards bring the same intensity that Boum and Jones brought to Milwaukee and we get an early lead causing Xavier to push the pace to catch up, then this will nullify some of Nunge's strength which is an effective post up game player in a moderately tempo game. 

If we get an early lead and can push the tempo and Oso and Omax both go for 10+ points, then we win... maybe even comfortably for a change.

If we get caught up in a slower paced, possession by possession, game then I'm afraid this is to X's advantage and they win. 

[Uncle Rico]

I'll probably turn it off

[duanewade]

I'll probably turn it off

I actually don't watch the games live as I can't take the stress of them.

I periodically check the score on my phone and then watch the game later all relaxed if they win. If they lose I delete the recording.

Works for me as I want them to win so bad that after a watching a loss I'm all wound up and have trouble sleeping.

Works for me. 🤷‍♂️

[#UnleashSean]

Bye

[Scoop Snoop]

I actually don't watch the games live as I can't take the stress of them.

I periodically check the score on my phone and then watch the game later all relaxed if they win. If they lose I delete the recording.

Works for me as I want them to win so bad that after a watching a loss I'm all wound up and have trouble sleeping.

Works for me. 🤷‍♂️

Teal, right?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I actually don't watch the games live as I can't take the stress of them.

I periodically check the score on my phone and then watch the game later all relaxed if they win. If they lose I delete the recording.

Works for me as I want them to win so bad that after a watching a loss I'm all wound up and have trouble sleeping.

Works for me. 🤷‍♂️

In all seriousness,  I would talk to somebody about that. A lot of people experience that but it's not healthy.  Talking it out with a professional can help

[avid1010]

I actually don't watch the games live as I can't take the stress of them.

I periodically check the score on my phone and then watch the game later all relaxed if they win. If they lose I delete the recording.

Works for me as I want them to win so bad that after a watching a loss I'm all wound up and have trouble sleeping.

Works for me. 🤷‍♂️

I'd rather have a heart attack than miss watching these games live. 

[FartyEightHours]

I hope you're putting cash on these games if they matter that much to you. 

[avid1010]

Sean Miller is obviously a very smart and elite coach. 

In game 2 in Milwaukee he did something very smart which was to constantly switch on Kolek so he wasn't able to penetrate and create looks for himself and his teammates.  As we all know Marquette is at it's best when we create a lot of turnovers and score in transition.  Our half court offense is at it's best when Kolek is creating penetration to find guys open if his path to the basket is stopped.  We really didn't look good at any point in our ugly win against X which is both scary but also a potential opportunity. 

We have to assume X will implement the same type of switching defense on Kolek again tonight.  The one area Marquette has a clear advantage is the athletic ability of our bigs (Oso and Omax) in comparison to X's big's, most specifically Nunge.  If we can speed the game up and create isolations for Oso and Omax to create then we can exploit our athletic ability advantage over them.

Boum and Jones are both really good so we have to expect them to counter our guards.  In fact, Boum and Jones actually outshined our guards in Milwaukee as they both had monster games until Boum made some critical late game turnovers. 

If our guards bring the same intensity that Boum and Jones brought to Milwaukee and we get an early lead causing Xavier to push the pace to catch up, then this will nullify some of Nunge's strength which is an effective post up game player in a moderately tempo game. 

If we get an early lead and can push the tempo and Oso and Omax both go for 10+ points, then we win... maybe even comfortably for a change.

If we get caught up in a slower paced, possession by possession, game then I'm afraid this is to X's advantage and they win.

Kam and Jop go 2 of 12 from 3 again and we are toast.  I believe I remember a lot of missed bunnies as well. 

Despite poor play from Kam and Jop...the freshmen were hardly used.  I'm hopeful Chase can have an impact today.

[duanewade]

The facts remain the same. If you were playing us you would pull a Belichick and take away what we do best and make us left handed. Miller is not going to allow Kolek to beat them.

Kolek is very smart and will try to find a way to still be highly effective by finding mismatches on X's switching.

Other players need to quickly take advantage of mismatches from the switching when they get the ball.

If X gambles then attack where they are vulnerable.

[Class71]

In all seriousness,  I would talk to somebody about that. A lot of people experience that but it's not healthy.  Talking it out with a professional can help

Are you a professional?

[Tha Hound]

In all seriousness,  I would talk to somebody about that. A lot of people experience that but it's not healthy.  Talking it out with a professional can help

I hope this is teal

[FartyEightHours]

You don't need to waste $50k in school to know that's not healthy.

[MUCam]

Are you a professional?

I do not believe he is, but he likely did stay in a Holiday Inn last night.

Also, duanewade's recent "I'm turning this off" post was one of my favorites in recent memory. And there are a lot of doozies to choose from.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Are you a professional?

I'm not.  But I'm someone who used to get irrationally upset about sporting events. I have seen mental health professionals on and off for the past 10 years, I'm actually currently seeing one now. Not specifically for getting angry over sports but for a variety of reasons.  I don't get irrationally upset anymore and still enjoy the emotional highs that winning brings. It's made being a fan more enjoyable and has helped with my health overall.

[Uncle Rico]

I'm not.  But I'm someone who used to get irrationally upset about sporting events. I have seen mental health professionals on and off for the past 10 years, I'm actually currently seeing one now. Not specifically for getting angry over sports but for a variety of reasons.  I don't get irrationally upset anymore and still enjoy the emotional highs that winning brings. It's made being a fan more enjoyable and has helped with my health overall.

This.  As someone that routinely broke TV remotes in another lifetime, letting outcomes bother you that much isn't healthy.  I'm pretty sure I was clinically depressed for months after the Packers lost the Super Bowl to the Broncos

[tower912]

 I am dead inside.    I find it helps.   

[MU82]

I hope you're putting cash on these games if they matter that much to you.

He does, but not until he knows the result.

[dgies9156]

I actually don't watch the games live as I can't take the stress of them.

I periodically check the score on my phone and then watch the game later all relaxed if they win. If they lose I delete the recording.

Works for me as I want them to win so bad that after a watching a loss I'm all wound up and have trouble sleeping.

Works for me. 🤷‍♂️

I used to be that way. During the Wojo era, when I could watch the way we were playing and basically decide whether the game was worth my time.

Coach Shaka's guys don't need miracles to win. They just win!

[Scoop Snoop]

I'm not.  But I'm someone who used to get irrationally upset about sporting events. I have seen mental health professionals on and off for the past 10 years, I'm actually currently seeing one now. Not specifically for getting angry over sports but for a variety of reasons.  I don't get irrationally upset anymore and still enjoy the emotional highs that winning brings. It's made being a fan more enjoyable and has helped with my health overall.

Thanks for posting this. I have been fortunate to be able to enjoy the wins and get over the losses quickly, but I have seen people who have a lot of difficulty handling the tension inherent in being a sports fan to the point that I thought it was simply unhealthy. I honestly thought that the OP was having a little fun with readers, but then I thought "hey, maybe he is just being honest and open."

[nyg]

I am dead inside.    I find it helps.

Should not have edited, because I am with you.  It's closing the eyes at night.....  Sports are a great outlet.

Losing games is not fun, but winning against adversity is the best.  Fun game tonight, win or lose.

[MUEng92]

Driscoll...(said in Seinfeld "Newman" voice)

[tower912]

Should not have edited, because I am with you.  It's closing the eyes at night.....  Sports are a great outlet.

Losing games is not fun, but winning against adversity is the best.  Fun game tonight, win or lose.

Definitely should have edited.     You and I should trade stories some time, if my recollection of your career is correct.   

[nyg]

Definitely should have edited.     You and I should trade stories some time, if my recollection of your career is correct.

Sure, in the off season.  Enjoy the evening, should be fun. 

[real chili 83]

DW, if we score more pints, do we have a chance?