Tucker was the story

[larrym]

Not much more to say.  He's a go to guy that we couldn't stop.  We definitely could have shot better, but he was the difference.  Other than him, I don't think any Badger player would start for us.  If Landry played every game like today he probably would, but it sounds like this was his career performance.

Before the game I said that I expected MU to win by low double digits similar to two years ago, unless the Badgers zoned us alot.  I guess I didn't take into account that even in their man to man we couldn't finish at the rim because of their height.  Also, the Badgers had alot of turnovers, but they weren't the kind that we could run off of.  Not getting those easy tranisition points exposes the shooting woes even more.

I think the team will learn from this game.  But there's only so much we can do  if we don't get a couple of consistent three point threats.  Hopefully Matthews, Fitz or Hayward steps up.  I had high hopes for all three, but they haven't shown it consistently yet.

[tomahawkchop]

Fitz just isn't any good, so I don't expect much from him.

But Matthews is the biggest dissapointment so far.  His shooting is just as purtrid as his teammates, and he seemingly has no ability to lead or take a game over.  It looks like his ceiling is no more than a decent complimentary ballplayer.  I thought he might be far more than that.

[larrym]

I've never been as high on Matthews as most people seem to be.  He seems to play off balance more than any other player I've seen.  Maybe his mind is telling him to do things that his body can't.  I hope he can grow out of that.  I'd like him to do more of that drive-step back 15 footer that he did today.  I do think he can become a three point threat.  He has shown that in a few games this year.  He just needs to get some more consistency.

If I hadn't heard how lights out a shooter Hayward was, I don't think I'd belive he ever shot a 3 point shot before he came here.  He's been much better than advertised in the low post, especially on the offensive boards.  I have to think he'll come around eventually because you usually don't lose that skill.  Of course, I used to tell myself that Jon Harris was a 75% free throw shooter in high school so he would come around eventually too.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Tucker was the most talented -- and best -- player on the floor the entire game and it wasn't even close. I'll be honest, I was sceptical of his game before today, but no longer. He looked like an All American today.

Marquette has nobody that is willing to take charge. The lack of seniors on this team is haunting us.

[TJ]

Marquette has nobody that is willing to take charge. The lack of seniors on this team is haunting us.

I think they had a huge size advantage on us all day long that killed us today.  They use their size very effectively - not really fouling, but asserting themselves on defense and commanding the boards.  When Barro went out with 4 fouls, we just couldn't compete in terms of size.  With at least 4 of the 5 positions UW had the size advantage most of the second half.  That killed us, in my opinion.

[bananahammock]

tj- i disagree.  UW played mostly with tucker and landry.  butch, stiemsma and chappel didn't play much (if at all) down the stretch.

[TJ]

tj- i disagree.  UW played mostly with tucker and landry.  butch, stiemsma and chappel didn't play much (if at all) down the stretch.

I thought man for man, the Badger was bigger than than the eagle guarding him.  And I thought they used that size very much to their advantage.  Most of the baskets I remember were down low.  (I apologize that I can't address the statement better - I don't know anything about UW besides what I saw at the game today, and without names on their backs I couldn't tell you who is who.  I have heard of Tucker before today obviously, I just couldn't pick him out of a crowd.)

[Big Papi]

Marquette has nobody that is willing to take charge. The lack of seniors on this team is haunting us.

Oh you got to be kidding me.  James took two big time charges in that game but still gets blasted on these boards.  Why?  Because the media and fans are falling over themselves debating about whether or not he should or should not be going to the NBA.  Who fricking cares.  That decision will be made by Dom at the end of the season.

[TJ]

Marquette has nobody that is willing to take charge. The lack of seniors on this team is haunting us.

Oh you got to be kidding me.  James took two big time charges in that game but still gets blasted on these boards.  Why?  Because the media and fans are falling over themselves debating about whether or not he should or should not be going to the NBA.  Who fricking cares.  That decision will be made by Dom at the end of the season.

I think he was refering more to taking control of the game and display leadership qualities, as opposed to physically taking a charge on the court.