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Post by wtm97 on Jan 19, 2014 7:05:19 GMT -5
Now what?
While having a burger last night and listening to my fellow Friars lamenting our slim chances facing the awesome cachet of the #20 Creighton Bluejays, the pre-game blues prompted the question, “So if we actually WIN this game, then what?”
So, we all know we lack any depth with 6 players + 1, maybe 2 and our margin for error is so thin we are a turned ankle or two away from, “Oh well”.
But still, here we are, with two upcoming home games in hand that actually could prove meaningful giving us a chance to do something so improbable it is borderline delusional.
Last night was fascinating on many levels – this was no anomaly where we catch a far superior team on an off night, (see Louisville home game W, etc.); no way.
This was a well prepared Friar team with decent and balanced talent that led from wire to wire completely taking a team with a ten game winning streak and making them look very normal. Per the always-excellent post-game, during that 400 minute 10 game stretch, Creighton led all opponents except for 26 of those 400 minutes!
It was a great night at the Dunk, including the three stooges refs whose ineptitude in the second half led to the crackling loud Bronx cheer which I was told could be clearly heard on the Fox broadcast.
Here comes 6 OT bruised up Butler and the question remains, “So if we actually WIN this game, then what?”
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Post by friara on Jan 19, 2014 7:23:00 GMT -5
"So, if we actually WIN this game, then what?"
I believe the next game is against Xavier.
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friar82
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Post by friar82 on Jan 19, 2014 7:26:56 GMT -5
"So if we actually WIN this game, then what?"
I suspect that our focused and resilient group of players (and staff) will simply move on and prepare for the next game. Much like last February, this group is marching through the storm unscathed - one game at a time.
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thefriarman
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Post by thefriarman on Jan 19, 2014 7:49:07 GMT -5
"So, if we actually WIN this game, then what?" I believe the next game is against Xavier. Nope Butler Tuesday night in a late 9pm start.
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Post by friara on Jan 19, 2014 7:53:34 GMT -5
Yes, I was responding to the question if we beat Butler, then what?
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Post by wtm97 on Jan 19, 2014 8:51:16 GMT -5
On point is that chance few saw coming - we have an opportunity here and this is fun. IF we stay healthy, we will be that team nobody wants to play. Last night ALL 5 starters in double figures; the post-game was an eye-opener with Ass't Coach Blaney discussing the strategy. This is a likeable and hardened group who do play as a team. Could get interesting as the rest of the schedule plays out...
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Post by thefriarman on Jan 19, 2014 8:54:55 GMT -5
Yes, I was responding to the question if we beat Butler, then what? Oops sorry misread the flow. X is a noon time start on Sat. Hassett and Stacom to be honored at halftime.
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Post by friar82 on Jan 19, 2014 9:03:31 GMT -5
Speaking of Hassett...this team is leading the nation from the foul line. Does anyone have any thought on who may have worked with each and every player? Their shooting form is uniformly yielding high % shooting from the charity stripe.
And speaking of player development, I'm finally recognizing the fact that Cotton isn't just filling in as our point guard... he has morphed into a point guard. He's got a tight handle and is breaking down players off the dribble. Anyone know how much time Sham has put in with Bryce?
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Post by thewalk on Jan 19, 2014 9:20:15 GMT -5
Not sure what we shot in the second half but it's going to be a tough repeat....by far our best game in a calendar year...and as Ed said after gtown - you're not as good as your best game...not as bad as your worst... 10 game win streak...two days before nova...we got them at the perfect time.
So hopefully we find a way this week...would put us in every bracket.
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Post by wtm97 on Jan 26, 2014 8:30:00 GMT -5
Moving beyond the glow of the present, we are down to 11 games - 7 away; 4 at home so maybe it is time to do some schedule watching and speculation here as we have played 2/3 of the season have gained notice and are part of the 'conversation'. This is where others need to do the heavy lifting for me as a fan because future casting is not a skill set nor an attraction – definitely more of a ‘next’ fan here.
Guessing we would need to get to 22 W’s to lock a tourney bid, right?
So how?
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Post by thewalk on Jan 26, 2014 9:05:45 GMT -5
6 does it...need the 4 home games for the nova win...win at gtown plus take your pick...
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Post by thumper on Jan 26, 2014 9:10:31 GMT -5
Think the only way we get to 22 is 1 Marquette, 2 DePaul, remaining St. John's, @ Butler and 2 in BE tournament (that would mean reaching the finals which would be a big challenge. Hoyas will be tough at their place. We could always surprise someone because we've been playing great. 3 of the next 4 (@ Marquette, @ dePaul, St. John's and @ X) would set the tone.
I'm thinking 21.
BTW, guess the BE Tournament will have bottom four playing into the quarters.
PIZZA, SODA, GRINDERS!!!
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Post by wtm97 on Jan 26, 2014 9:30:27 GMT -5
Based on no injury issues, would really be blown away if this happens (6 will do it maybe?)BEFORE the BE Tourney. Maybe that is asking too much but still it is within our grasp. Have to be impressed with the way we are winning as a team - even if the skeptics will say "They are just winning at home" blah, blah, blah.
Saying again, to me, it is Batts who will set the tone as his focus and leadership is having a big effect on everyone else' play - now if Fortune can continue to make progress then we can really have some fun going forward. Looking at the 11 remaining, I suspect it could happen just maybe not the way as some may think.
On to Marquette, a team with some flaws and a game we actually can win. This really has become an upside down league here..
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Post by thewalk on Jan 26, 2014 9:55:40 GMT -5
Let me clarify...6 with an rpi below 40...we dropped 4-5 spots after playing yesterday...we'll need nova at home for that to happen...so 6 plus a touch of help...
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Post by friara on Jan 26, 2014 10:27:33 GMT -5
I don't see how we get RPi under 40 without 7-4 finish. 6-5 gets us to 43-45 IMHO....still probably good enough for a play in game.
A lot depends on Uri, Vandy, la Salle, and BC.
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