Donovan: Sunshine Superman

[tower912]

1.  When MU got defensive rebounds, they got stops.   When UConn got offensive rebounds, they scored.
2.  UConn did what they do.  They did not leave shooters.  They trusted their defenders and put Clingan in drop.
3.  MU missed so many lay ups.
4.  Stevie clearly playing one-armed.   Screw you, Oduro.
5.  But SO MUCH HEART from MU.
6.  The freshmen no longer look lost.  Gives me hope.
7.  I wanted more Ben against Nova.  I wanted more Jop tonight.   
8.  It took a while, but finally the mystery shooter revealed himself.
9.  Oso finished the game on the bench because he was limping up the floor.
10. No complaints.   MU gave everything they had.  No Kolek, limited Stevie, hostile crowd.  When UConn started hitting 3's, goodnight, and thanks for playing.
11. Congratulations to UConn.  Great team.   Well earned.

[WolfganghisKhan]

Time to make the second weekend for the first time in a decade. Let’s dance.

[CountryRoads]

Very proud of the way the team fought over the last 2 weeks without our all american PG. Now it’s go time.

[PointWarrior]

Well at least now the “what if we had Kolek” and the “played with heart” portion of our season is over.  And now results really matter…

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Rest up and get as healthy as possible, boys. 

[GB Warrior]

Well at least now the “what if we had Kolek” and the “played with heart” portion of our season is over.  And now results really matter…

We sure about this?

[Johnny B]

Well at least now the “what if we had Kolek” and the “played with heart” portion of our season is over.  And now results really matter…

Who the hell knows. Maybe there’s a conservation don’t play Tyler unless needed vs the 15 seed

[Uncle Rico]

UConn has spurtability.  You can hang with them but they’re as explosive as any team in the nation.  You’ll have to match them offensively.

They’re my pick to win it all.  Best offense in the nation.  Good enough defense.

Thought Marquette did the best they could but had to rely too much on UConn missing. 

Learned a lot about Marquette this past week.  Heart and determination.  Proud to be a fan of this team.  Handled Kolek right.  Love their chances the rest of the month.  Been a joy to watch them

[SonOfWarrior]

Proud of MU for them to play as well as they did.

[MuggsyB]

1.  When MU got defensive rebounds, they got stops.   When UConn got offensive rebounds, they scored.
2.  UConn did what they do.  They did not leave shooters.  They trusted their defenders and put Clingan in drop.
3.  MU missed so many lay ups.
4.  Stevie clearly playing one-armed.   Screw you, Oduro.
5.  But SO MUCH HEART from MU.
6.  The freshmen no longer look lost.  Gives me hope.
7.  I wanted more Ben against Nova.  I wanted more Jop tonight.   
8.  It took a while, but finally the mystery shooter revealed himself.
9.  Oso finished the game on the bench because he was limping up the floor.
10. No complaints.   MU gave everything they had.  No Kolek, limited Stevie, hostile crowd.  When UConn started hitting 3's, goodnight, and thanks for playing.
11. Congratulations to UConn.  Great team.   Well earned.

Oso is hurt as well????  WTF. 

[warriors141]

Well at least now the “what if we had Kolek” and the “played with heart” portion of our season is over.  And now results really matter…

so many though this team had its eyes on march most of the season. lots of pressure to perform......need to make 2nd weekend at least or colossal disappointment

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

UConn is really good and fun to watch.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Oso is hurt as well????  WTF.

He'll be fine for next week. 

[mugrad_89]

And after the lost years of Wojo, it’s been really cool to be in back to back BET finals.

[IrwinFletcher]

1.  When MU got defensive rebounds, they got stops.   When UConn got offensive rebounds, they scored.
2.  UConn did what they do.  They did not leave shooters.  They trusted their defenders and put Clingan in drop.
3.  MU missed so many lay ups.
4.  Stevie clearly playing one-armed.   Screw you, Oduro.
5.  But SO MUCH HEART from MU.
6.  The freshmen no longer look lost.  Gives me hope.
7.  I wanted more Ben against Nova.  I wanted more Jop tonight.   
8.  It took a while, but finally the mystery shooter revealed himself.
9.  Oso finished the game on the bench because he was limping up the floor.
10. No complaints.   MU gave everything they had.  No Kolek, limited Stevie, hostile crowd.  When UConn started hitting 3's, goodnight, and thanks for playing.
11. Congratulations to UConn.  Great team.   Well earned.

12.  And no Sean Jones

[CountryRoads]

And after the lost years of Wojo, it’s been really cool to be in back to back BET finals.

Seemed like an impossible task to get to this point under any of the previous coaches (know that the format was different but still). We’ll be back here. On to bigger things. 

[Herman Cain]

Excellent effort on Defense

Offense needed to be solid but U Conn D was very smart

Was a worthy BET Final for most of the game

[tower912]

12.  And no Sean Jones

MU has had at least one guard out of commission since Stevie popped his hamstring.  Often 2.  Not sure Sean makes a difference tonight.

[Zog from Margo]

Proud of the team. UConn is better. MU has little chance without Kolek and not a great chance with him. Tonight, UConn just needed to take out Kam.

It’ll be interesting to see if Kolek is back and, if so, how they play with him back.

[NickelDimer]

The fact this shorthanded team made the BET finals and battled as hard as they did with clearly the best team in the country is pretty awesome. This team with Kolek back is capable of doing something special

[Uncle Rico]

MU has had at least one guard out of commission since Stevie popped his hamstring.  Often 2.  Not sure Sean makes a difference tonight.

I’ll quibble with this.  They may not win the game, but Sean is a primary ball handler and having him alleviates stress on Kam and Stevie.  They were basically down 2 1/2 guards tonight. 

Good news?  Tre wasn’t great but those minutes will help with his maturity as a player

[GB Warrior]

I’ll quibble with this.  They may not win the game, but Sean is a primary ball handler and having him alleviates stress on Kam and Stevie.  They were basically down 2 1/2 guards tonight. 

Good news?  Tre wasn’t great but those minutes will help with his maturity as a player

Any other game, Sean is useful. But a 5'7" non shooter against a 7'2" baboon? Nah

[MUJunkie]

This game was lost when MU didn’t take advantage of an awful start by UConn. Could have pounced early but had nothing.

[DegenerateDish]

Good effort, proud of MU this week. This game will be forgotten about by 5pm CST tomorrow, and let the postseason begin.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Any other game, Sean is useful. But a 5'7" non shooter against a 7'2" baboon? Nah

Didn't know Sean would be guarding Clingan. 

Sean absolutely would have helped without TKO available. 

[wisblue]

I have really enjoyed this team the last two years.

I hope people can keep their emotions in check if the NCAA tournament doesn’t go the way they want. There are no guarantees and we have no idea what kind of physical condition some of the key players are going to be in.

I hope I never meet some of the people here who are trashing on any of these players because they aren’t living up to YOUR expectations.

I hope this team can have some success in the NCAA tournament, but I won’t think less of them if they don’t.

[CountryRoads]

This game was lost when MU didn’t take advantage of an awful start by UConn. Could have pounced early but had nothing.

I thought about this, but just feel that UConn would have gotten rolling anyway. That start was in our favor.

[GB Warrior]

Didn't know Sean would be guarding Clingan. 

Sean absolutely would have helped without TKO available.

They would have sagged off of him. The only way he has consistently gotten involved has been driving. He's hit a couple big shots, but feel like he'd have been an offensive liability today.

[tower912]

I have really enjoyed this team the last two years.

I hope people can keep their emotions in check if the NCAA tournament doesn’t go the way they want. There are no guarantees and we have no idea what kind of physical condition some of the key players are going to be in.

I hope I never meet some of the people here who are trashing on any of these players because they aren’t living up to YOUR expectations.

I hope this team can have some success in the NCAA tournament, but I won’t think less of them if they don’t.

Mark this down.  You and I agree.

[mileskishnish72]

Who the hell knows. Maybe there’s a conservation don’t play Tyler unless needed vs the 15 seed

I was thinking the very same. Conversation?

[Uncle Rico]

Any other game, Sean is useful. But a 5'7" non shooter against a 7'2" baboon? Nah

More depth, point. No, he’s not taking on Clingan.  Alleviate the stress and let Kam play off the ball more.

The defense was fine tonight.  They needed the offense to be elite

[MU82]

UConn has spurtability.  You can hang with them but they’re as explosive as any team in the nation.  You’ll have to match them offensively.

They’re my pick to win it all.  Best offense in the nation.  Good enough defense.

Thought Marquette did the best they could but had to rely too much on UConn missing. 

Learned a lot about Marquette this past week.  Heart and determination.  Proud to be a fan of this team.  Handled Kolek right.  Love their chances the rest of the month.  Been a joy to watch them

Outstanding post, Unk. Agree with every word, including UConn being the top choice to win it all.

We hung in there till the 20%-shooting unknown guy started banking in 3s, but we simply didn't have enough tonight. Proud of Shaka and the guys. On to bigger and better things.

[CountryRoads]

Good tournament for Zaide and Tre. We got two good ones.

[Uncle Rico]

I have really enjoyed this team the last two years.

I hope people can keep their emotions in check if the NCAA tournament doesn’t go the way they want. There are no guarantees and we have no idea what kind of physical condition some of the key players are going to be in.

I hope I never meet some of the people here who are trashing on any of these players because they aren’t living up to YOUR expectations.

I hope this team can have some success in the NCAA tournament, but I won’t think less of them if they don’t.

Agreed.  I am also bullish on this team moving forward.  Keep swinging

[mileskishnish72]

UConn has spurtability.  You can hang with them but they’re as explosive as any team in the nation.  You’ll have to match them offensively.

They’re my pick to win it all.  Best offense in the nation.  Good enough defense.

Thought Marquette did the best they could but had to rely too much on UConn missing. 

Learned a lot about Marquette this past week.  Heart and determination.  Proud to be a fan of this team.  Handled Kolek right.  Love their chances the rest of the month.  Been a joy to watch them

Wow, Rico! I didn't know you could be non-ironic.

[ATWizJr]

This game was lost when MU didn’t take advantage of an awful start by UConn. Could have pounced early but had nothing.

correct 

[Lennys Tap]

Oso is hurt as well????  WTF.

Maybe he got dinged a little, but there was no reason for him to be out there down the stretch anyway. He was dominated at both ends by Clingan (22 points to 8, 16 rebounds to 3). At least Gold could give us some offense. Just wasn’t Oso’s night, had trouble with the physicality of tonight’s game.

[mileskishnish72]

Good tournament for Zaide and Tre. We got two good ones.

Agree.
I'm optimistic on Owens and Parham. Things are looking good.
Concerns about PG and C next year. Hoping SS will discover the portal.

[tower912]

Oso was limping up and down the floor.  He missed one last shot, the game continued to slip away, Oso sat.

[Nukem2]

Maybe he got dinged a little, but there was no reason for him to be out there down the stretch anyway. He was dominated at both ends by Clingan (22 points to 8, 16 rebounds to 3). At least Gold could give us some offense. Just wasn’t Oso’s night, had trouble with the physicality of tonight’s game.

Actually, Oso was not guarding Clinigan. He was mostly out on top bothering Newton.

[nyg]

I have really enjoyed this team the last two years.

I hope people can keep their emotions in check if the NCAA tournament doesn’t go the way they want. There are no guarantees and we have no idea what kind of physical condition some of the key players are going to be in.

I hope I never meet some of the people here who are trashing on any of these players because they aren’t living up to YOUR expectations.

I hope this team can have some success in the NCAA tournament, but I won’t think less of them if they don’t.

Good post.

The next issue will be if Shaka can get into Sweet 16, something he has not done since his Final Four in 2011, 13 years ago.
He has gone nine straight without winning first two games.  Hopefully the jinx will be over. 

[tower912]

Actually, Oso was not guarding Clinigan. He was mostly out on top bothering Newton.

One of the by products of switching 1-5 and challenging the 3 pt line.

[Lennys Tap]

Actually, Oso was not guarding Clinigan. He was mostly out on top bothering Newton.

Alternated between the two. They both had double doubles.

[MU82]

Maybe he got dinged a little, but there was no reason for him to be out there down the stretch anyway. He was dominated at both ends by Clingan (22 points to 8, 16 rebounds to 3). At least Gold could give us some offense. Just wasn’t Oso’s night, had trouble with the physicality of tonight’s game.

The last time the teams played, Oso took it right to Clingan. Several times, he used his side or arms to push Clingan back and then scored over him with jump-hooks. Not sure why Oso seemed to shy away from contact this time.

I like to think he'll be physically fine after 5 days off. Assuming Kolek's back and ready to roll, the biggest health concern is probably gonna be Stevie's shoulder.

[cheebs09]

I'm going to be having UCONN win it all in my brackets.

I also feel better about our tourney odds now than when the BET started. This team gutted out some tough wins this week.

[tower912]

Post game presser re: Oso limping

He banged knees and Shaka saw him struggling.  So he sat the last 7 minutes.  Oso said in the locker room that he is fine.

[Lennys Tap]

I have really enjoyed this team the last two years.

I hope people can keep their emotions in check if the NCAA tournament doesn’t go the way they want. There are no guarantees and we have no idea what kind of physical condition some of the key players are going to be in.

I hope I never meet some of the people here who are trashing on any of these players because they aren’t living up to YOUR expectations.

I hope this team can have some success in the NCAA tournament, but I won’t think less of them if they don’t.

Agree on all counts.


Last year everything went right. Ball bounced our way, virtually no injuries (until the tournament).

This year, not so much. Gold was hurt in preseason, couldn’t practice. Then Ross with his shoulder, Sean’s knee, Stevie’s hamstring and Tyler’s oblique. Now Stevie’s shoulder. Whether (or how much) he and Kolek will be affected is anyone’s guess, but when you go into a tournament with your best defender hurting and the key to your offense coming off of 2 weeks of inactivity that’s not optimal.

Hopefully they’ll be able to overcome the injuries, but if they can’t it won’t shake my faith in our program’s direction. Seashells and balloons, baby!

[TVDirector]

And an awesome musical reference with the thread title-
Well played!

[tower912]

I have been dying to use UConn Cornelius, I just haven't been able string it together. 
Bumbles bounces, misfit toys, Rudolph...I can't make it fit.

I've used Clingan Empire before.  Would have been apt.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Jop couldn't buy a 3, but I thought this was one of his best performances at MU. He was bringing it when no one else was able to.

Mystery to me why Oso was settling all game.

[tower912]

Jop couldn't buy a 3, but I thought this was one of his best performances at MU. He was bringing it when no one else was able to.

Mystery to me why Oso was settling all game.

Fatigue?

[Goose]

wisblue

I have enjoyed all three years of the Shaka era and have not taken one game for granted. I, like all on here, want to see a deep run and hope that happens. This group has changed MU basketball and that is greatly appreciated by this fan. A deep run would be fantastic, but not needed to impress me.

[PointWarrior]

wisblue

I have enjoyed all three years of the Shaka era and have not taken one game for granted. I, like all on here, want to see a deep run and hope that happens. This group has changed MU basketball and that is greatly appreciated by this fan. A deep run would be fantastic, but not needed to impress me.

Goose - seems like you are settling …

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Fatigue?

I could buy that if he started settling in the 2nd half, but from the tip? I don't think he went aggressively to the rim a single time.

[tower912]

Fatigue AND Clingan?

[MU82]

Fatigue AND Clingan?

Go watch video of the game at Fiserv, tower. Oso took it right at Clingan, aggressively went into Clingan's chest and backed him off, created space for his shot. I don't think he did that once tonight, and I was a little surprised by it. Jim Jackson said numerous times that Oso needed to be more assertive and less selfish, and this was a time I agreed with the announcer.

[mugrad_89]

Go watch video of the game at Fiserv, tower. Oso took it right at Clingan, aggressively went into Clingan's chest and backed him off, created space for his shot. I don't think he did that once tonight, and I was a little surprised by it. Jim Jackson said numerous times that Oso needed to be more assertive and less selfish, and this was a time I agreed with the announcer.

Jackson made the same point last nite - sometimes Oso is a bit too passive and needs to be more selfish.

[JakeBarnes]

They would have sagged off of him. The only way he has consistently gotten involved has been driving. He's hit a couple big shots, but feel like he'd have been an offensive liability today.

He'd have been a defensive plus. And moved Kam into a shooter role.

To say he'd have no effect is to discount the energy Sean brings. He had a huge effect on UConn last year

[Badgerhater]

I thought about this, but just feel that UConn would have gotten rolling anyway. That start was in our favor.

I was there and after seeing them for two games I could sense UCONN’s run coming, it just happened later in the game.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I have been dying to use UConn Cornelius, I just haven't been able string it together. 
Bumbles bounces, misfit toys, Rudolph...I can't make it fit.

I've used Clingan Empire before.  Would have been apt.

Nobody wants a Charlie in the box.

[Shooter McGavin]

Agreed.  I am also bullish on this team moving forward.  Keep swinging

I don’t think he was saying he’s bullish.  Soumds more like he’s laying the foundation for not being surprised with a first round exit.

[wadesworld]

Any other game, Sean is useful. But a 5'7" non shooter against a 7'2" baboon? Nah

Sean completely changed the home UCONN game last year.

[Shooter McGavin]

wisblue

I have enjoyed all three years of the Shaka era and have not taken one game for granted. I, like all on here, want to see a deep run and hope that happens. This group has changed MU basketball and that is greatly appreciated by this fan. A deep run would be fantastic, but not needed to impress me.

This sounds like expectations have been lowered.  Reality setting in?  What has changed?  They have as much of a chance at an expected deep run as they did before tonight’s game.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Go watch video of the game at Fiserv, tower. Oso took it right at Clingan, aggressively went into Clingan's chest and backed him off, created space for his shot. I don't think he did that once tonight, and I was a little surprised by it. Jim Jackson said numerous times that Oso needed to be more assertive and less selfish, and this was a time I agreed with the announcer.

I thought the same thing OSO wasn’t as aggressive tonight.  Last game he went right into his chest. Tonight all his shots were away from him. No aggression

[Zog from Margo]

This sounds like expectations have been lowered.  Reality setting in?  What has changed?  They have as much of a chance at an expectdeep run as they did before tonight’s game.

You’re right. Before tonight’s game, they didn’t have their best player. After tonight’s game, expectations should be set accordingly.

[rocket surgeon]

Post game presser re: Oso limping

He banged knees and Shaka saw him struggling.  So he sat the last 7 minutes.  Oso said in the locker room that he is fine.

he also had his stones tickled defending a play down the stretch which wouldn't help him walk better as well

[Goose]

Shooter

Expectations are only lowered if TK is not playing. My point on that post was many people remember the last game and not the entire body of work. This group has provided the best run of MU basketball in a long time and that is appreciated. That said, if TK is healthy my expectations remain the same, the FF.

I think this team, if healthy, is much better than last year and more battle tested. I would be very disappointed if MU is not playing for a chance for the FF in two weeks. The only reality that has set in is that I am still unsure if our AA PG will be playing and that concerns me.

[Scoop Snoop]

12.  And no Sean Jones

THANK you! I just mentioned him in my reply to Goose in the "Lingering" thread.

edit: and thanks to others here who have mentioned Sean.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Sitting in EWR waiting for our delayed flight home i just want to give a shout out to the MU fans who attended the game yesterday. We were in 224 pretty much surrounded by UConn fans who have several different cheers for their team that they employed from time to time. Kudos to them for traveling well. BUT there were several times that “We are. Marquette.” cheers were started down by the band and made it around MSG. Enough loud participants to cut through the huskie fans. I don’t know if it was enough to be heard on TV but pretty well done by our travelers.

Tower, good job with the last 2 titles.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

It was loud enough to be clearly heard on TV!  Gus and JJ even made mention of it.

[Scoop Snoop]

It was loud enough to be clearly heard on TV!  Gus and JJ even made mention of it.

I heard it, and as my wife likes to remind me lest I forget, my hearing is not as good as it once was.

I'm always proud of Marquette fans making themselves heard on TV. It's here that I get tired of hearing some scoopers who have an obsession with making asses of themselves.

[MU82]

Expectations are only lowered if TK is not playing. My point on that post was many people remember the last game and not the entire body of work. This group has provided the best run of MU basketball in a long time and that is appreciated. That said, if TK is healthy my expectations remain the same, the FF.

I think this team, if healthy, is much better than last year and more battle tested. I would be very disappointed if MU is not playing for a chance for the FF in two weeks. The only reality that has set in is that I am still unsure if our AA PG will be playing and that concerns me.

This is precisely where I am too, Goose.

Some would call acknowledging an injury to an All-American player an "excuse," but it's simply acknowledging a fact. Not acknowledging it would be dopey.

With Kolek healthy, anything less than the Final Four would be deeply disappointing for this group. If Kolek can't play, or if he is obviously significantly limited, an intelligent fan is also a realistic fan. I mean, is there a single Scooper who objectively believes a Kolek-less Marquette team can advance to the Final Four?

I've enjoyed the journey a ton, Goose, but I'm really psyched to have arrived at the destination. We Are Marquette!

[CountryRoads]

This is precisely where I am too, Goose.

Some would call acknowledging an injury to an All-American player an "excuse," but it's simply acknowledging a fact. Not acknowledging it would be dopey.

With Kolek healthy, anything less than the Final Four would be deeply disappointing for this group. If Kolek can't play, or if he is obviously significantly limited, an intelligent fan is also a realistic fan. I mean, is there a single Scooper who objectively believes a Kolek-less Marquette team can advance to the Final Four?

I've enjoyed the journey a ton, Goose, but I'm really psyched to have arrived at the destination. We Are Marquette!

Really hoping for a deep run, will be devastated with a loss. Though, it’s not a pie in the sky, stars aligned perfectly, this is our one and only chance at winning it all type of deal (ie Dayton covid year). Feel that Shaka will give us a lot of bites at the apple in the coming years and we’ll eventually break through. Hope it happens this year.

[Shooter McGavin]

Shooter

Expectations are only lowered if TK is not playing. My point on that post was many people remember the last game and not the entire body of work. This group has provided the best run of MU basketball in a long time and that is appreciated. That said, if TK is healthy my expectations remain the same, the FF.

I think this team, if healthy, is much better than last year and more battle tested. I would be very disappointed if MU is not playing for a chance for the FF in two weeks. The only reality that has set in is that I am still unsure if our AA PG will be playing and that concerns me.

100% Goose.  TK must be healthy for the deep run.  Just felt that some post mortems were coming in before they should.  Nothing I have seen over the last 2-3 weeks has tamped down my excitement for this team going forward.  If anything it has increased.  But part of my expectations have always been Tyler coming back healthy and I think they played it the right way keeping him out of the Big East tournament.

I just watched the BE Championship game again after watching it in a crowded bar last night without volume. The tenacity and relentlessness of this team in addition to their talent is impressive.  A healthy Kolek is necessary to go to the final four but even without Kolek they can make the sweet sixteen.  This team has a run coming.

Scoop can talk about not getting down on these players if they have an untimely lossafter the season is over.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

It was loud enough to be clearly heard on TV!  Gus and JJ even made mention of it.

I heard very clearly also  and remarked to my wife that there are plenty of MU hands in the building.

[Tyler COLEk]

Significantly more MU fans in the building this BET vs. last year. A program on the rise.

[Stretchdeltsig]

1.  When MU got defensive rebounds, they got stops.   When UConn got offensive rebounds, they scored.
2.  UConn did what they do.  They did not leave shooters.  They trusted their defenders and put Clingan in drop.
3.  MU missed so many lay ups.
4.  Stevie clearly playing one-armed.   Screw you, Oduro.
5.  But SO MUCH HEART from MU.
6.  The freshmen no longer look lost.  Gives me hope.
7.  I wanted more Ben against Nova.  I wanted more Jop tonight.   
8.  It took a while, but finally the mystery shooter revealed himself.
9.  Oso finished the game on the bench because he was limping up the floor.
10. No complaints.   MU gave everything they had.  No Kolek, limited Stevie, hostile crowd.  When UConn started hitting 3's, goodnight, and thanks for playing.
11. Congratulations to UConn.  Great team.   Well earned.

You're right on. Being short handed, we simply ran out of gas in the second half. It takes ten good players to compete when you play high energy ball.