I hope we don't expect Lazar to be a key today

[CTWarrior]

We usually say that Lazar Hayward is a key for us in all of our big games.  I hope he isn't a primary option in the half court offense today.  He is completely ineffective in the half court against good interior defenders with size.  He is not super strong nor a great leaper, and he just can't get the ball to the rim against guys like the Lopez brothers, let alone make shots.

If he is a key, it will have to be on the perimeter.  I'd like to see us play a couple of our bigs (Burke and Barro, Barro and Mbakwe, etc).  I think Crean might lean on Fitzgerald more than usual today.

Hope I'm wrong, but I have a bad feeling about this game.  Someone please make me feel better!

[romey]

I think you're right about Lazar vs. strong "bigs".  He has not fared well against those types of players this year.  We need to hit some outside shots today and spread the defense out.  Fitz, Cubes and Acker, to some extent, need to step it up from the perimeter.

[Pardner]

I agree. Lazar, Wes and the bench will be needed today to hit their mid range jumpers and treys.  Good news is that it will be an uptempo game and we can exploit their guards with our pressure D.  Bringing Trevor back looks better for this match-up as we will need to go deep due to foul trouble on our bigs. 

[NavinRJohnson]

Lazaar will need to knock down some 3's today, so from that standpoint, he will be a key.

[romey]

Pardner, it's interesting you mention trevor.  I was thinking about how he has contributed since he was activated, and whether, in hindsight, it was wise to not keep him redshirted.  He has not had the impact I was hoping he would have had.  Now, he's had some moments, but with such limited opportunities (and I'm not necessarily arguing he should have had more PT) his impact has been minimal.  BUT, this may be a game where he can justify the decision.  I tell you, if he is a factor in this game - by slowing down the Lopez twins, and we get to the Sweet 16, then the move to activate him will look like pure genius.

[MUFanInGreenBay]

I really think Fitz is a huge factor in this game. He's at least 3 inches taller than Hayward and isn't as easy to shoot over for the Lopez twins. If Fitz can hit 4 or 5 three's for us today and play sound defense it could really propel us to a win. He can't commit those dumb fouls that he does. He just has to be able to make one of those Lopez twins earn their points on offense.

[NavinRJohnson]

I really think Fitz is a huge factor in this game. He's at least 3 inches taller than Hayward and isn't as easy to shoot over for the Lopez twins. If Fitz can hit 4 or 5 three's for us today and play sound defense it could really propel us to a win. He can't commit those dumb fouls that he does. He just has to be able to make one of those Lopez twins earn their points on offense.

If Fitz hits 3 3's, we'll win. If he hits 4-5 we'll win by a dozen or more.

[MUSF]

Pardner, it's interesting you mention trevor.  I was thinking about how he has contributed since he was activated, and whether, in hindsight, it was wise to not keep him redshirted.  He has not had the impact I was hoping he would have had.  Now, he's had some moments, but with such limited opportunities (and I'm not necessarily arguing he should have had more PT) his impact has been minimal.  BUT, this may be a game where he can justify the decision.  I tell you, if he is a factor in this game - by slowing down the Lopez twins, and we get to the Sweet 16, then the move to activate him will look like pure genius.

His impact was not necessarily the deciding factor. We seem to forget that these players are not robots. The kid wanted to play this year, he busted his ass, and Crean rewarded him for it. It is unfair to judge Trevor or TCs decision solely on his impact on the floor.

[romey]

MUSF - I agree with you on that point.  But I guess from a fan standpoint (albeit maybe a selfish standpoint) today could be huge.  Thanks for calling me on that one.  You're right - it's really more about the kid, and what's best for him.  But from a fan's eye view - I'd love for him to have an impact today!

[muwarrior87]

Plus TM said he doesn't want to be here for 5 years.  If he's healthy, I hope he and all our players can contribute to the best of their ability. Let's get everyone firing on all cylinders and kick the Cardinal right outta that place!

[Daniel]

We have as much a chance of winning this game as West Virginia does against Duke.....

Hey WAIT......Duke was 3 point favorite, and Stanford is a 3 point favorite......

And anyway, Stanford is evil and must be destroyed!  And GOOD always wins over evil

We CAN do this....

GO MARQUETTE!!!!

[downtown85]

I expect Burke to have the kind of game like he had against Wisconsin.  That would be sweet!

[Daniel]

I think we'll see the Killer B's for Marquette - all in there at one time or another - Burke, Barro Blackledge and mBakwe (haha)

Well, off to Moretti's in Chicago to watch (hopefully) the game.