Nova Thoughts

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

What was that game last year when all of a sudden the refs decided to call MU for boxing out?  As the claim was that they were moving the defender backwards.  It was crazy, and we never did see a game called like that again since--either for or against us.

Pretty sure it was at Providence last year.  Combined with the slippery floor that game was a clusterfck.

Agree with the rest of your post too

[MUDPT]

If you watch where the ball goes after the strip on Anim, it goes to his left to Brunson. If it's a clean strip, the ball should go straight down to the ground.  The one hang up I have with that play was the no time out. We had 2 and Markus is on the bench.  I'm not sure what the thought process was in letting that one play out.

It also looks like Bridges has the ball before he come into contact with Cain, which makes it a no call for me.

Also, nothing on Markus's 3rd or 4th? on the moving screen? That was terrible too.

[MU82]

The one hang up I have with that play was the no time out. We had 2 and Markus is on the bench.  I'm not sure what the thought process was in letting that one play out.

I've made no secret of being a big Wojo fan, but even I couldn't resist commenting to my 3 MU buddies: "I guess Wojo is saving those 2 timeouts for the Butler game."

In general, I think he has done a pretty good job of using his timeouts. However, there were several situations when he could have taken one yesterday that would have potentially helped the team.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Mfsr has been consistent in his criticism of Sam. 

Jilted lover syndrome

[mu03eng]

If you watch where the ball goes after the strip on Anim, it goes to his left to Brunson. If it's a clean strip, the ball should go straight down to the ground.  The one hang up I have with that play was the no time out. We had 2 and Markus is on the bench.  I'm not sure what the thought process was in letting that one play out.

It also looks like Bridges has the ball before he come into contact with Cain, which makes it a no call for me.

Also, nothing on Markus's 3rd or 4th? on the moving screen? That was terrible too.

I get what you are saying about the TOs, but the offense was clicking for the most part, I'm not sure I would have taken a TO there and let Nova get set. Yes it was a bit scrambled but if Sacar doesn't get hacked he's got a relatively high percentage shot to bring it within 1. Plus with Markus having 4 fouls, I don't think you could bring him in on offense there because then he has to play defense and you wouldn't be able to hide him so you are likely giving up a bucket or having him pick up his 5th.

[GB Warrior]

I am bummed by how this game ended, but thrilled with how we competed. It is frustrating that we are "not there yet", but there is a clear and obvious path to reach that level next year.

That said, I am worried about Markus becoming a gunner and refusing to allow his teammates to complement his game. Yesterday was not team ball from him, and that's 2 games against the best of the best that we win if he plays within himself (again, we don't win against Providence if he doesn't play out of his mind, so good with the bad).

Needle is still pointing up, but it's pointing up more for next year and beyond than it is for this being a special year where things just "click" and we start fixing our flaws. We should still make the tourney if we take care of business, but we are what we are at this point.

And I'll say it again - Cain is going to be really, REALLY good before all is said and done.

[Nukem2]

I am bummed by how this game ended, but thrilled with how we competed. It is frustrating that we are "not there yet", but there is a clear and obvious path to reach that level next year.

That said, I am worried about Markus becoming a gunner and refusing to allow his teammates to complement his game. Yesterday was not team ball from him, and that's 2 games against the best of the best that we win if he plays within himself (again, we don't win against Providence if he doesn't play out of his mind, so good with the bad).

Needle is still pointing up, but it's pointing up more for next year and beyond than it is for this being a special year where things just "click" and we start fixing our flaws. We should still make the tourney if we take care of business, but we are what we are at this point.

And I'll say it again - Cain is going to be really, REALLY good before all is said and done.

Cain will be very good, but needs to get physically stronger.  Interesting watching Cain as a true frosh playing against redshirt junior Mikal Bridges.  Bridges was redshirted his first year to build up his frame.  Too bad Cain does not have that opportunity.   

[Goose]

Thought it was a great atmosphere and a very good college basketball game. Thought they had a chance to steal one, but the better team won. Thought Anim had his game at MU by a very wide margin. I hope Froling gets more minutes and camps his big body down by the hoop. I believe that will open things up for the other guys and for some paint points as well.

[Benny B]

He had the ball.  He had position.  Not a foul.

Haven't been through all 7 pages so apologize if someone beat me to it, but the ball is clearly not in possession by either player at the time contact was made.  It is also clear that Bridges' momentum initiated the contact (i.e. it was not incidental).

Of course, it's not a foul because there was no call by the official, but it should have been a foul.

[GGGG]

Haven't been through all 7 pages so apologize if someone beat me to it, but the ball is clearly not in possession by either player at the time contact was made.  It is also clear that Bridges' momentum initiated the contact (i.e. it was not incidental).

Of course, it's not a foul because there was no call by the official, but it should have been a foul.

No.  Video link shows its clearly not a foul.

[axaguy]

Season ticket holder, don't post much and no time to "read 'em all" but have these thoughts on Nova game and season. Sorry if duplication. If there is any question of what offenses are going to run against us you are not paying attention.... Nova ran few offensive plays. Mostly spread the floor, isolate and drive... Force us to stop or foul.....Gonna happen continually until we can stop that or change that... Defense isn't played by chasing the guy or running alongside, pushing in while he drives and once you leave your feet you are done....check the foul line stats....

But the game wasn't lost at the foul line.... left a bunch, I mean a bunch of points on the boards with missed three footers, lay ups and close in shots, at least 18 from I counted... make half and we win or really make Nova sweat and change their game. All guilty....Heldt, John, Rowsey, Sam, and Marcus of note. Too many empty possessions after a turn over, missed shot or empty possession by them... Gotta convert, especially twos and make them pay... Have to finish... but been a problem all year.

We ARE better than we were in November, for sure... Heldt has to look for the ball in the lane and be ready to take it to the basket, not pass first. All have to look for Harry on the high post  roll. Missed him wide open several times while we jack a long three instead.... Have to think out there.... Too much dribble then ball handling in close by Rowsey, Howard and yes, Sam. Too many no looks dealt with out others not looking or expecting the ball. This time of the season we should be much more aware of the court and who's got the ball and.... what they do with it. Costly turn overs cost us.

Difference between them and us is they do the "little" things and don't make many mistakes. Have a great point guard who takes care of the ball and doesn't play out of control. Like the play, in particular of Anim, Cain and Elliott. Freshmen no more.... Have almost 20 games under their belts. Other freshmen other places are not waiting to be sophomores...... Future is rosey but is also NOW!!!

We can be a VERY dangerous team if/when we make the tourney field... But gotta get there. Think we can but a few things have to improve some in the next several games to close out the conference.....

I like THIS team and we could have/should have won yesterday........close is no cigar....

Rambling thoughts. All yours until next time.....

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Season ticket holder, don't post much and no time to "read 'em all" but have these thoughts on Nova game and season. Sorry if duplication. If there is any question of what offenses are going to run against us you are not paying attention.... Nova ran few offensive plays. Mostly spread the floor, isolate and drive... Force us to stop or foul.....Gonna happen continually until we can stop that or change that... Defense isn't played by chasing the guy or running alongside, pushing in while he drives and once you leave your feet you are done....check the foul line stats....

But the game wasn't lost at the foul line.... left a bunch, I mean a bunch of points on the boards with missed three footers, lay ups and close in shots, at least 18 from I counted... make half and we win or really make Nova sweat and change their game. All guilty....Heldt, John, Rowsey, Sam, and Marcus of note. Too many empty possessions after a turn over, missed shot or empty possession by them... Gotta convert, especially twos and make them pay... Have to finish... but been a problem all year.

We ARE better than we were in November, for sure... Heldt has to look for the ball in the lane and be ready to take it to the basket, not pass first. All have to look for Harry on the high post  roll. Missed him wide open several times while we jack a long three instead.... Have to think out there.... Too much dribble then ball handling in close by Rowsey, Howard and yes, Sam. Too many no looks dealt with out others not looking or expecting the ball. This time of the season we should be much more aware of the court and who's got the ball and.... what they do with it. Costly turn overs cost us.

Difference between them and us is they do the "little" things and don't make many mistakes. Have a great point guard who takes care of the ball and doesn't play out of control. Like the play, in particular of Anim, Cain and Elliott. Freshmen no more.... Have almost 20 games under their belts. Other freshmen other places are not waiting to be sophomores...... Future is rosey but is also NOW!!!

We can be a VERY dangerous team if/when we make the tourney field... But gotta get there. Think we can but a few things have to improve some in the next several games to close out the conference.....

I like THIS team and we could have/should have won yesterday........close is no cigar....

Rambling thoughts. All yours until next time.....

I like all of this.

[MU82]

Season ticket holder, don't post much and no time to "read 'em all" but have these thoughts on Nova game and season. Sorry if duplication. If there is any question of what offenses are going to run against us you are not paying attention.... Nova ran few offensive plays. Mostly spread the floor, isolate and drive... Force us to stop or foul.....Gonna happen continually until we can stop that or change that... Defense isn't played by chasing the guy or running alongside, pushing in while he drives and once you leave your feet you are done....check the foul line stats....

But the game wasn't lost at the foul line.... left a bunch, I mean a bunch of points on the boards with missed three footers, lay ups and close in shots, at least 18 from I counted... make half and we win or really make Nova sweat and change their game. All guilty....Heldt, John, Rowsey, Sam, and Marcus of note. Too many empty possessions after a turn over, missed shot or empty possession by them... Gotta convert, especially twos and make them pay... Have to finish... but been a problem all year.

We ARE better than we were in November, for sure... Heldt has to look for the ball in the lane and be ready to take it to the basket, not pass first. All have to look for Harry on the high post  roll. Missed him wide open several times while we jack a long three instead.... Have to think out there.... Too much dribble then ball handling in close by Rowsey, Howard and yes, Sam. Too many no looks dealt with out others not looking or expecting the ball. This time of the season we should be much more aware of the court and who's got the ball and.... what they do with it. Costly turn overs cost us.

Difference between them and us is they do the "little" things and don't make many mistakes. Have a great point guard who takes care of the ball and doesn't play out of control. Like the play, in particular of Anim, Cain and Elliott. Freshmen no more.... Have almost 20 games under their belts. Other freshmen other places are not waiting to be sophomores...... Future is rosey but is also NOW!!!

We can be a VERY dangerous team if/when we make the tourney field... But gotta get there. Think we can but a few things have to improve some in the next several games to close out the conference.....

I like THIS team and we could have/should have won yesterday........close is no cigar....

Rambling thoughts. All yours until next time.....

Rambling thoughts are welcome here! Stop by again.

Anybody can pick nits with anybody else's posts, so I won't get all specific except with your last point - one a couple others also made.

<<we could have/should have won yesterday>>

Sure, could have. Should have? Nah.

We never "had" this game. It was never ours to give away. The better team won.

Indeed, had we somehow pulled off the win, Nova fans would have been talking about how they should have won it. No doubt they still feel that way about last year's loss to us - one in which they blew a large lead.

[GooooMarquette]

Season ticket holder, don't post much and no time to "read 'em all" but have these thoughts on Nova game and season. Sorry if duplication. If there is any question of what offenses are going to run against us you are not paying attention.... Nova ran few offensive plays. Mostly spread the floor, isolate and drive... Force us to stop or foul.....Gonna happen continually until we can stop that or change that... Defense isn't played by chasing the guy or running alongside, pushing in while he drives and once you leave your feet you are done....check the foul line stats....

But the game wasn't lost at the foul line.... left a bunch, I mean a bunch of points on the boards with missed three footers, lay ups and close in shots, at least 18 from I counted... make half and we win or really make Nova sweat and change their game. All guilty....Heldt, John, Rowsey, Sam, and Marcus of note. Too many empty possessions after a turn over, missed shot or empty possession by them... Gotta convert, especially twos and make them pay... Have to finish... but been a problem all year.

We ARE better than we were in November, for sure... Heldt has to look for the ball in the lane and be ready to take it to the basket, not pass first. All have to look for Harry on the high post  roll. Missed him wide open several times while we jack a long three instead.... Have to think out there.... Too much dribble then ball handling in close by Rowsey, Howard and yes, Sam. Too many no looks dealt with out others not looking or expecting the ball. This time of the season we should be much more aware of the court and who's got the ball and.... what they do with it. Costly turn overs cost us.

Difference between them and us is they do the "little" things and don't make many mistakes. Have a great point guard who takes care of the ball and doesn't play out of control. Like the play, in particular of Anim, Cain and Elliott. Freshmen no more.... Have almost 20 games under their belts. Other freshmen other places are not waiting to be sophomores...... Future is rosey but is also NOW!!!

We can be a VERY dangerous team if/when we make the tourney field... But gotta get there. Think we can but a few things have to improve some in the next several games to close out the conference.....

I like THIS team and we could have/should have won yesterday........close is no cigar....

Rambling thoughts. All yours until next time.....

Solid rambling.

[Marcus92]

Marquette has now given up 85+ points in 7 games:

Purdue (86-71 L)
Xavier (91-87 L)
Providence (95-90 W)
@ Nova (100-90 L)
@ Butler (94-83 L)
@ Xavier (90-70 L)
Nova (85-82 L)

So we're 1-6 in those games for the season. This team can score with anybody. But the single biggest thing holding them back is the defense.

For the season, MU scores 82.4 ppg and gives up 76.8 ppg. So yesterday was pretty much a typical game offensively — even with significantly lower free throw attempts, we actually shot higher than our season averages for both 2-pointers and 3-pointers, kept turnovers in check and did reasonably well on the boards.

But we gave up 8 more points than usual on defense. Nova shot an astounding 58.3% (21-36) on 2-pointers. That accounted for half their points, with lots of layups on fast breaks and drives to the basket after switches. And they put us away at the line. MU's defensive FT rate isn't good to start with (a FTA/FGA of 36.3% according to KenPom.com, 241st in the country), and the Wildcats managed to slightly top that — finishing with with 40.0% (on 24 FTA/60 FGA).

The story was much the same earlier this month at Villanova, only worse. MU scored 90, but gave up a season-high 100 points — including 65.7% shooting on 2-pointers (!) and an eye-popping 56.1% FTR (OMG, 32 FTA/57 FGA). That's right, 32 free throw attempts. Getting to the line is a big part of Nova's game, and they definitely know how to do it against Marquette.

[barfolomew]

Solid rambling.

[MuMark]

Marquette has now given up 85+ points in 7 games:

Purdue (86-71 L)
Xavier (91-87 L)
Providence (95-90 W)
@ Nova (100-90 L)
@ Butler (94-83 L)
@ Xavier (90-70 L)
Nova (85-82 L)

So we're 1-6 in those games for the season. This team can score with anybody. But the single biggest thing holding them back is the defense.

For the season, MU scores 82.4 ppg and gives up 76.8 ppg. So yesterday was pretty much a typical game offensively — even with significantly lower free throw attempts, we actually shot higher than our season averages for both 2-pointers and 3-pointers, kept turnovers in check and did reasonably well on the boards.

But we gave up 8 more points than usual on defense. Nova shot an astounding 58.3% (21-36) on 2-pointers. That accounted for half their points, with lots of layups on fast breaks and drives to the basket after switches. And they put us away at the line. MU's defensive FT rate isn't good to start with (a FTA/FGA of 36.3% according to KenPom.com, 241st in the country), and the Wildcats managed to slightly top that — finishing with with 40.0% (on 24 FTA/60 FGA).

The story was much the same earlier this month at Villanova, only worse. MU scored 90, but gave up a season-high 100 points — including 65.7% shooting on 2-pointers (!) and an eye-popping 56.1% FTR (OMG, 32 FTA/57 FGA). That's right, 32 free throw attempts. Getting to the line is a big part of Nova's game, and they definitely know how to do it against Marquette.

5 of those 7 were against Ken Pom offenses rated 1st, 3rd and 8th. Providence game only went over 85 because of OT.

We have played the 4th most difficult schedule against opposing offenses.

Nova has scored  85 or over in 7 of 8 Big East games......nobody is stopping them.

[MuMark]

Pretty sure it was at Providence last year.  Combined with the slippery floor that game was a clusterfck.

Agree with the rest of your post too

It was last years Nova game that we won. It's what took Marcus out of that game.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Marquette has now given up 85+ points in 7 games:

Purdue (86-71 L)
Xavier (91-87 L)
Providence (95-90 W)
@ Nova (100-90 L)
@ Butler (94-83 L)
@ Xavier (90-70 L)
Nova (85-82 L)

So we're 1-6 in those games for the season. This team can score with anybody. But the single biggest thing holding them back is the defense.

For the season, MU scores 82.4 ppg and gives up 76.8 ppg. So yesterday was pretty much a typical game offensively — even with significantly lower free throw attempts, we actually shot higher than our season averages for both 2-pointers and 3-pointers, kept turnovers in check and did reasonably well on the boards.

But we gave up 8 more points than usual on defense. Nova shot an astounding 58.3% (21-36) on 2-pointers. That accounted for half their points, with lots of layups on fast breaks and drives to the basket after switches. And they put us away at the line. MU's defensive FT rate isn't good to start with (a FTA/FGA of 36.3% according to KenPom.com, 241st in the country), and the Wildcats managed to slightly top that — finishing with with 40.0% (on 24 FTA/60 FGA).

The story was much the same earlier this month at Villanova, only worse. MU scored 90, but gave up a season-high 100 points — including 65.7% shooting on 2-pointers (!) and an eye-popping 56.1% FTR (OMG, 32 FTA/57 FGA). That's right, 32 free throw attempts. Getting to the line is a big part of Nova's game, and they definitely know how to do it against Marquette.

It is a great barometer to understand whether or not we win against quality teams. Providence was held to the low 80s in regulation - the low 80s seems to be where we need to keep quality teams to have a shot at our offense carrying the day. 

[MuMark]

It is a great barometer to understand whether or not we win against quality teams. Providence was held to the low 80s in regulation - the low 80s seems to be where we need to keep quality teams to have a shot at our offense carrying the day.

PC had 79 in regulation.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

It is a great barometer to understand whether or not we win against quality teams. Providence was held to the low 80s in regulation - the low 80s seems to be where we need to keep quality teams to have a shot at our offense carrying the day.

Providence was held to 79 in regulation.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

PC had 79 in regulation.

Providence was held to 79 in regulation.

Yes my bad - looked quickly and made a mental error.  My point stands.  This team's offense can beat anyone as long as we keep teams in the low 80's - go above that and our track record of winning the track meet is not so good.

[MUDPT]

I get what you are saying about the TOs, but the offense was clicking for the most part, I'm not sure I would have taken a TO there and let Nova get set. Yes it was a bit scrambled but if Sacar doesn't get hacked he's got a relatively high percentage shot to bring it within 1. Plus with Markus having 4 fouls, I don't think you could bring him in on offense there because then he has to play defense and you wouldn't be able to hide him so you are likely giving up a bucket or having him pick up his 5th.

Realized while walking the dog this morning, that that possession came off of the missed FT. So he had plenty of time to bring Howard in.  I understand the foul situation, but there's a minute left and you are down 3 with a pretty good 3 point shooter on the bench.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I've made no secret of being a big Wojo fan, but even I couldn't resist commenting to my 3 MU buddies: "I guess Wojo is saving those 2 timeouts for the Butler game."

In general, I think he has done a pretty good job of using his timeouts. However, there were several situations when he could have taken one yesterday that would have potentially helped the team.

When MU got the ball back down 83-80, I thought to myself, "Does Wojo call timeout to set something up or let them attack in transition?"

He chose the latter.  If Anim gets a lay up or the foul is called like it should have been, then I think Wojo would have called timeout to set up his defense and strategy.  He'd also have one more timeout remaining, which could be used depending on the score-time situation.

There are pros and cons to both calling and not calling the timeout down 3.  I don't think there is right or wrong philosophy there.

[Benny B]

79 rounds to 80, and 80 is the lowest 80 there is.

So by using the same logic applied to the officiating yesterday (that three refs at 60% round up to three refs at 100%), it would seem Frenns was technically correct.