+8.5

[chicagowarrior]

Thoughts?

I think we cover

[MUfan12]

My concern is that once the initial adrenaline wears off the legs go. MU went through two meat grinders. There was no defense in UConn's game yesterday, it was just a cardio session for them.

[chicagowarrior]

I agree....and it's +9.5 now

[HutchwasClutch]

My concern is that once the initial adrenaline wears off the legs go. MU went through two meat grinders. There was no defense in UConn's game yesterday, it was just a cardio session for them.

Yep. Plus we had an OT game and they haven't with Kam, Oso, and Stevie playing over 40 minutes.  Plus, extra burden on Kam being primary ball handler.  Very tough spot for MU. 

[Goose]

I think I like MU with the points and might even play the money line.

[Daniel]

Could be an ugly game because we did battle so hard to win the first two.  UConn will be relatively fresh.  Big advantage.   Plus they are damn good.   We could battle them and make it a game.   If we are hitting threes we will be in the game.   Stay out of foul trouble.   Goo Marquette!

[Tyler COLEk]

Seems pretty high. Obviously the line assumes that Kolek isn't playing. Lot of respect for UConn is understandable. But if I didn't feel like I already had so much on the line I'd be taking MU.

[MuggsyB]

I think I like MU with the points and might even play the money line.

Goose,

Do you think Kam needs to get 30?  We're gonna have to score the ball, and probably win in the 80's.  I had two two favorite plays last night.  First, was the ball reversal to Chase where he attacked the paint and dropped Oso the lob flush.  The second one didn't seen like much, but Kam has a beautiful 8 foot baseline touch shot right in Carter's face pretty early in the game.  I bring this up Goose because I think when Clingan is in the game Kam can get these types of shots in the paint pretty much at will.  I don't see why it's blasphemous to think he should take a few of those in lieu of challenging multiple bigs at the rim.  We are seeing that Kam is a multidimensional scorer and truly an outstanding offensive player.  He may have to bananas tonight and become a bucket machine. 

[SonOfWarrior]

UConn is a different caliber, something we hope to obtain over time.  We will get there but we dont have the ammunition yet.  Too close to call on the points given to Marquette but I'd still take UConn given if Kolek does play he is likely to be a little rusty.

[MuggsyB]

From what I've seen of UCONN, when Spencer plays well, they're almost impossible to beat.  My take is more attention to Spencer because the guy has been an absolute killer.  And he scores in multiple ways. You find a way to eliminate him and take your chances with Newton and Caraban. If those guys beat us from the outside I think you have to live with that. 

[Tyler COLEk]

From what I've seen of UCONN, when Spencer plays well, they're almost impossible to beat.  My take is more attention to Soencer because the guy has been an absolute killer.  And he scores in multiple ways. You find a way to eliminate him and take your chances with Newton and Caraban. If those guys beat us from the outside I think you have to live with that.

Spencer was amazing last night. Singlehandedly prevented SJU from getting back into it. So many winning plays in key situations.

[Scoop Snoop]

My concern is that once the initial adrenaline wears off the legs go. MU went through two meat grinders. There was no defense in UConn's game yesterday, it was just a cardio session for them.

Very good point. UCONN has depth on top of everything else going for them. in addition to an exceptional game by Marquette, we will need an off game for UCONN. It happened in Omaha.

[MurphysTillClose]

Spencer was amazing last night. Singlehandedly prevented SJU from getting back into it. So many winning plays in key situations.

Would like to see Stevie knock that lax bro on his ass

[MuggsyB]

Spencer was amazing last night. Singlehandedly prevented SJU from getting back into it. So many winning plays in key situations.

Do you play full ball denial with Stevie?  What's the best approach?

[Tyler COLEk]

Do you play full ball denial with Stevie?  What's the best approach?

That's what makes UConn so tough. If it isn't Spencer, it's Newton. Or Clingan. Or Diarra. Or Castle. It takes a herculean team defensive effort to tamp them down. I think MU has it in them.

[tower912]

What was the final score at UConn with Kolek playing?    This is a home game for UConn.  And the last postseason game UConn lost was to MU. 

To borrow from my brother when going out to bars in college to look for girls, this could go ugly early.

[ATWizJr]

What was the final score at UConn with Kolek playing?    This is a home game for UConn.  And the last postseason game UConn lost was to MU. 

To borrow from my brother when going out to bars in college to look for girls, this could go ugly early.

I like our chances. 

[tower912]

I am proud of what MU has accomplished.  I will be pleasantly gobsmacked if MU wins this one.

[MuggsyB]

I am proud of what MU has accomplished.  I will be pleasantly gobsmacked if MU wins this one.

Should we just play the walk-ons?  Much different situation when we played at UCONN. 

[Big Papi]

I believe UConn is the best team in the country.
UConn is healthy, playing hot and is on a mission.
We don't have our best player.
Our bench is short.
We had back-to-back grinders against 2 of the most physical teams in the conference.
Our core players have played a lot of minutes this week.

We always will give it our all, our character is strong, and you can't discount the heart of this team, but circumstances say this is going to be a rough game.

I will watch, cheer and expect to win, but I am not putting any money on it.  GO MU!  Back-to-back Big East Tournament titles would be freaking awesome.

[HutchwasClutch]

Everything about tonight screams UConn's favor - lopsided advantage of fan support in the Garden, more talent and depth, no key injuries, Kolek more than likely out or at best rusty and limited, and emotional edge to avenge last year's loss and only goal they missed last year.  Not to mention a more difficult road to get to this game, meaning we've spent more energy this week, physically and emotionally. 

Like Tower, will be blown away if MU wins.  My hope for tonight is hang around and give yourself a chance at the end.  That's just being objective and realistic. 

[MUBurrow]

This can be an overplayed angle, but this feels like either Marquette moneyline or UConn giving the points. Looking ahead to the tournament and still waiting for Kolek to get healthy, I don't see us trading haymakers with UConn for 40 minutes.  If UConn gets up double digits, I don't see Shaka playing the starters enough for the backdoor cover to come into play.

[Shooter McGavin]

I believe UConn is the best team in the country.
UConn is healthy, playing hot and is on a mission.
We don't have our best player.
Our bench is short.
We had back-to-back grinders against 2 of the most physical teams in the conference.
Our core players have played a lot of minutes this week.

We always will give it our all, our character is strong, and you can't discount the heart of this team, but circumstances say this is going to be a rough game.

I will watch, cheer and expect to win, but I am not putting any money on it.  GO MU!  Back-to-back Big East Tournament titles would be freaking awesome.

That's where I'm at for those exact reasons.

Go MU!

[StillWarriors]

I am proud of what MU has accomplished.  I will be pleasantly gobsmacked if MU wins this one.

UConn has been so focused on getting this BEast championship all year. Smart way to keep that team motivated coming off NCAA Championship. They are on a mission. I fear it could be a rough night. It will be beyond impressive if MU can hang in this one and have a chance to win late. Either way, love this MU team and proud of the fight against two physical teams looking to beat MU up.

Love the grit of this team going into the NCAA tourney. Very much remind me of the fight that the three amigos team had. Hopefully this one has a chance to make their run at full strength.

[tower912]

Should we just play the walk-ons?  Much different situation when we played at UCONN.

Nope.  But if MU is down 25 with 10 to go and Oso, Kam, and Stevie are on the floor, I am going to be irked.