#11 Marquette (MSG), Tue., Feb. 4, 6:30p, FS-1

[SJU Center Court]

Weekday games are a killer in terms of attendance. 6:30 makes it hard to take our kids and we aren't at the level where we are going to sellout with out families come out. It is a great deal compared to the NYK and thats what brings out the family on the weekends.

100% agree. Hiopefully more weekend games (especially afternoon) at MSG next season.

 

[Mean Gene]

The issue is that 19-3 can be (not is) interpreted as a very inflated record by a very soft Big East. We've got one win against a team in the field (New Mexico), lost to another, and lost to the two bubble-adjacent teams. Only one quad 1 win. We've only got three of those opportunities left.

To your point dk, Nebraska has four wins against ranked teams and we have none. Nebraska is not ranked and we are. Just for some perspective.

 

[Eric]

Guessing -3 or 3.5 spread ? Eric

Surprised they only opened at 2.5.

 

[don_pitino]

 

[dk423]

Torvik has us as 5 point favorites.

Gotta also remember that the purpose of betting lines is to get people to actually bet, so lower number makes sense in that way.

 

[paultzman]

 

[gregbodkin]

I’ll be in attendance. Unfortunately, I can’t remember that last time they have won with me in attendance.

It's time to start a new tradition.

 

[MugCostanza]

Gotta also remember that the purpose of betting lines is to get people to actually bet, so lower number makes sense in that way.

Huh? That isn't how it works.

 

[Silly Donovan]

Some interesting posts……

The RJ concerns/trashing even prior to the game? My people have short memories. Was it not RJ’s drive and timely shots that gave the team the opportunity to win, but of course the RJ bashes have to get a word in. Of course nothing is said about another player who had his typical 2-10 shooting game cause as posters like to say….. his shot looks so pretty.

In terms of coach Smart, the only credit he seems to get here is his ability to recruit? Well how about his ability to build a program and not go into the transfer program for the majority of his players. How about the programs continuity? Fortunately for Marquette, he will be there for a long time and my guess is he will continue to enjoy success he has had. Last year he lost two of the leagues best yet he’s back on top of the league again? Not to mention some marquee wins early on.

I’m greatly looking forward to this game. Marquette is a legit program with a very good coach and some great talent and most importantly for this program a number in front of their name. But while others, who call themselves die hard fans, will say……. “Well, it would be great if we win, and I expect them to but it’s not a must win wah wah wah”I’m am proud to stand by my thought that if this team wants to prove it’s legit to all on its home court, There’s no other way to put it….
.” ITS A MUST F-IN WIN”
And I fully believe this group will rise to the occasion!

 

[room112]

As a St John's fan my normal expectation would be we lose both games this week. With Pitino as our coach and the magical run we've been on this season, I suddenly have the feeling anything is possible. A very strange feeling!

 

[paultzman]

As a St John's fan my normal expectation would be we lose both games this week. With Pitino as our coach and the magical run we've been on this season, I suddenly have the feeling anything is possible. A very strange feeling!

I think if we split some fans will be upset. This portion of schedule is brutal and good to be realistic.

 

[dk423]

Huh? That isn't how it works.

Yes it is? It's a balancing act between getting people to gamble and managing financial risk.

 

[Marillac2]

Man, this season is fun. Took Pitino 2 years to get us humming, just amazing.

I was hoping for this last year. It became apparent that we couldn't play the type of defense that defines Pitino's teams -- and he's never going to light it up on the offensive side with X's and O's. It would have been nice if we could have traded Nahiem Alleyne this year.

 

[mjmaherjr]

Marquette has shown , like us , they are capable of putting 1 great 1/2 together and 1/2 stinko half together .
If they try and Zone early , try and get KR toflash into the lane for his unstoppable pull up jumper .
I’m sure Pitino and Crew already have their strategy established . But , I couldn’t resist my fandom opinion anyway . I tried to refrain but , failed .
As for the Lapchick - Louie question posed in a previous post , this is my take . Since I was a Freshman at the time , I was familiar with the story .
Lapchick should have been given a Waiver on the age 65 Retirement age . Why ? Because if was nearly a done deal that Alcindor ( Jabbar) was coming to St John’s . Kareem has as much as said so.
Lapchick had developed a special relationship with Alcindor and his parents and they wanted him to stay home .
Forcing Lapchick to Retire did not put the University in very good light . Joe was basically a Legend in the BB fraternity and the media . Forcing him out was a PR night mare .
Kareem was also a close friend of Sonny Dove , one of our Iconic players and they would have played together . Sonny as a Senior , Lou as a Soph .
Our Louie did not get involved in the controversy to his credit . He owed his job to Lapchick and very loyal to Joe .

What’s up with the lack of spacing ! You used to be Kranmars deputy

 

[NCJohnnie]

Marquette has had a tough three game stretch starting w UConn at home Saturday and two road games at SJU and then Creighton

SJU related, I really hope Scott plays better, he seemed a step slow, out of sync Saturday. He is such an energetic, physical player and suspect he could be a little banged up. Hit the jacuzzi Aaron.

Completely agree. Scott is my favorite Johnnie but frankly his three point woes worry me way more than Sims who has plenty of time to correct.
Aaron has a history of being solid from three and don’t buy the NBA line excuse. It seems to have gotten in his head and may be affecting the rest of his game which is normally outstanding. Hoping for him to both shut down Marquette threes and hit a few of his own tomorrow!

 

[gregbodkin]

So CRP has this team scared of losing because he's not happy with them even when they win. (Providence) They don't want to see what he's like when they lose!!!

 

[mjmaherjr]

You can never go wrong blaming Maher. You'll be right 98% of the time...

Even when Lawman annoys me he’s still a great friend. It’s almost like an older brother younger brother friendship. I need to decide when he needs home health care

 

[mjmaherjr]

Torvik has us as 5 point favorites.

Gotta also remember that the purpose of betting lines is to get people to actually bet, so lower number makes sense in that way.

Thats a bold spread

 

[MugCostanza]

Yes it is? It's a balancing act between getting people to gamble and managing financial risk.

Books aren't going to hang what they think is an inefficient number just to stir up action on a game. If they open at 2.5 it's solely because that's what they think is the most efficient number at the time

 

[kranmars]

What’s up with the lack of spacing ! You used to be Kranmars deputy

I will alllow one of my prized pupils to chalk this up to a bad day.

However, if this pattern continues, I will be forced to intervene and make certain everything is fine at home so it does not spill over into a regular occurrence.