Really don't know what to make of MU right now. They could have easily lost these games with James, so it's hard to see the effects of his injury. Acker isn't bad, but I saw they had 1 assist in the first half vs Louisville. One? Pitt and UConn are just too physically imposing. Tall doesn't kill Marquette (they had Stanford and the 7-foot Lopez sisters beat in the tourney, until one of them rattled in an OT buzzer-beater), but brute force does. A couple more big sows that take up space - even if they suck - would be helpful against the likes of Pitt/Uconn. A Chris Grimm/Ooze Barro, if you will. I mean, when Burke goes to the pine, Hayward and Jimmy Butler are your bigs. Come on.
I missed the Syracuse game, but saw they lost in OT. God I hate Syracuse.
Where do we go from here? Believe it or not, I hope they lose early in the 42 team Big East tournament. Seriously, I want them to lose. Why?
A) McNeal, Wes, and Hayward average about 39:59 minutes per game. They need rest, and MU can't afford another injury.
B) A loss would put expectations would be really, really low in the Big Dance. I like low expectations, it pisses the team off and motivates them to prove naysayers wrong ('07 Packers, Badger hoops most years, Brewers this year?)
C) Almost annually, you do yourself no favors by winning the Big East meat-grinder. Heading into the NCAA's on a roll doesn't always work - That's a myth. Here's the Big East Tourney Champs and what they did in the Big Dance (Since 2000):
2008 - Pitt - Lost in 2nd Round
2007 - Georgetown - Final 4
2006 - Syracuse - Didn't Win a Game
2005 - Syracuse - Didn't Win a Game
2004 - UConn - Won Title
2003 - Pitt, Sweet 16
2002 - UConn, Elite 8
2001 - Boston College, Lost in 2nd Round
2000 - St Johns, Lost in 2nd Round
The teams that were not elite to begin with (Okafor/Gordon UConn and Hibbart/Jeff Green GTown, the exception) seemed to fizzle out in the NCAA's - maybe because they beat themselves up for 4 games beforehand.
Bottom Line: winning a couple BET games might add a little confidence, but in my opinion, rest/health is more important for MU right now.
Monday, March 9, 2009
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11 comments:
The highlight of the 'Cuse game, Devendorf faking an injury and the whole student section chanting "He beats women"
I hate 'Cuse, but I hate that punk more.
Also, very strong support from the Orange, probably one of the largest (and loudest) BE contingent crowds at the BC this year.
I wanted Buzz to call a timeout to set up a play with :13 left at the end of regulation, but I can see his reasoning for not allowing Boeheim to set up a defense.
I guess it depends on what you think is more important. A run at the Big East Conference Tourney Title...or a Sweet 16 berth in the NCAA tournament. Even if they go deep in the BET, there is no way they are getting better then a 5 seed now in the dance. It depends on the draw in the dance, but I could easily see them getting bounced in the 2nd round because of a lack of depth. These guys are gassed.
It's clear the Big East is the best conference this year. I'd like to see them go as far in the BET as possible and let the chips fall where they may in the dance.
Few things I love seeing more than a good Marquette defeat. Especially on senior day. Glorious.
We can't all play Indiana on our senior day...
Brad you’re a moron,
These guys erer kids are 18-21 years of age and playing on a hell of allot of adrenaline come March. Bottom line they aren't going to get tired.
Secondly, after losing four straight a few wins in the BET would go along way to restoring their confidence.
Lastly, nice breakdown to prove your point, only 5 teams didn't make it past the first weekend, with 2 of the remaining 4 making it all the way to championship weekend.
I think they don't have to run the table but a few wins would be nice.
So long story short,
RING OUT A'HOYA!
Nubs, you missed part of the point - those teams that went far in the dance were much bigger, stronger, more physical with deeper benches. MU bench is paper thin.
Who gives a sh!t. This is Marquette we're talking about. No one cares. I'd rather read Two Names' weekly Bucks report.
It will be interesting to see what seeds UW and MU get. 6 weeks ago UW was NIT-bound and MU was a 2/3.
Now?
That is really unfortunate Marquette has lost 4 in a row. Couldn't happen to a nicer team.
See you at the Crossroads because you don't belong here - Bone Thugs
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