They'd have to sweep Gonzaga, which just isn't realistic.
St. Mary's Game Thread
- Thread starter gman
- Start date
They'd have to sweep Gonzaga, which just isn't realistic.
beast of the east
Active member
I'd agree. No way a game this early would seal their fate. Too much season ahead.
Even so, we are gonna get a good fight from them. Don't think because of the game last night that we are gonna roll. Although I hope we do, that would be awesome, I just think they are gonna give us a very good game.
Hopefully our guys don't take things lightly in the opening minutes like they did against Fordham, because st Mary's could hot from 3 and we could be down by 9 or 10 in the blink of an eye.
Hopefully our guys don't take things lightly in the opening minutes like they did against Fordham, because st Mary's could hot from 3 and we could be down by 9 or 10 in the blink of an eye.
beast of the east
Active member
Agree 100% with you. Historically, these types of games are "stumble" games for us, where we come out flat and yield ground we shouldn't. It should be a very good test of just how improved we are, and they are a very credible pre BE season opponent. I would be more confident if we had a real home court advantage.
I'm not worried at all about this game. We've gone from one of the most athletic and boneheaded teams in the country, to one of the most athletic and not-so-boneheaded. 3 years of players not knowing their limitations or roles has finally changed. Guys have gotten better and finally understand their strengths and weaknesses. Instead of worrying about them jumping out on us, they should worry about us running them out of the gym and giving them some payback for beating us out west a season or two ago.
I want to agree, but then I take a look back and realize this is the same team that trailed franklin pierce at HT, barely beat a pretty bad LIU team, and let niagara cut their lead to 1 in the 2nd half.
The only thing that holds us back and scares me is effort. We just look not interested against mid major teams plain and simple. It took an obekpa ejection and a bunch of Fordham players on the bench jumping around getting in our face for us to start really playing.
That's why I'm not stressing the nova, gtown, Xavier games. I know we are gonna really go hard. But these games worry me. And I know st Mary's is a step above the likes of niagara, LIU, etc. but I'm afraid our guys are gonna look at them losing to NAU and get nonchalant about the game tomorrow. Continue the focus they showed in the second half of Fordham game and I think we could possibly win by double digits.
Avon Barksdale
Member
This is a game we should win not in a blow out but we shouldnt have to sweat it out either.
Theyve only played one away game this year and if we play up to our potential there is no way this team beats us. I would be very happy leading start to finish and winning in the 10-15 point range....with Dom making some more SC Top 10 plays
Theyve only played one away game this year and if we play up to our potential there is no way this team beats us. I would be very happy leading start to finish and winning in the 10-15 point range....with Dom making some more SC Top 10 plays
NorCal Johnny
Member
"We're not very good defensively. Our guards don't defend. We've got to get better there," Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett said.
Post game quote from Randy Bennett. They've lost two games at home to bad teams. They usually beat everyone at home except Gonzaga. They'll have to get a monster game from Waldow to beat us.
Post game quote from Randy Bennett. They've lost two games at home to bad teams. They usually beat everyone at home except Gonzaga. They'll have to get a monster game from Waldow to beat us.
beast of the east
Active member
Not to be trite, but I hope the players feel the same way I do: Every game is a big game for us. No letdowns, full throttle, from now till our last moment on the court this season.
This game is important because it is the start of the portion of the season (applicable to every game the rest of the way) where, if we don't play well, our percentage chance of losing goes way up. While any upset is possible, there were a number of games in our first 9 where we could - and did - not play well and still win quasi-comfortably.
There will be a number of games, like the next 3, that we should win. But the key point is how much easier we can get beat. So will be about consistent effort every game. I don't see this as an issue right now, as after a slower start this team has ripped off 6 great efforts in the last 6 games, including two last week against teams we are better than after big wins and an initial ranking. I think this team gets it.
But St. Mary's has the ability to test this theory as Creighton recently found out. Defense seems a bit suspect, but there's little they don't do well on offense and they rebound. Technical, skilled, fundamentally sound team.
There will be a number of games, like the next 3, that we should win. But the key point is how much easier we can get beat. So will be about consistent effort every game. I don't see this as an issue right now, as after a slower start this team has ripped off 6 great efforts in the last 6 games, including two last week against teams we are better than after big wins and an initial ranking. I think this team gets it.
But St. Mary's has the ability to test this theory as Creighton recently found out. Defense seems a bit suspect, but there's little they don't do well on offense and they rebound. Technical, skilled, fundamentally sound team.
redfan259999888
Active member
EXACTLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Every game is huge for us. After 3 years of being Average to Bad, they're finally a damn good team.
Ranked #20 in the AP, 8-1 being the only loss was to #8 Gonzaga.
This, right now just feels to good to end, and so we are not losing to SMC.
Never let a great thing end. Want some times on the bench to enjoy the game?
Then build a 25pnt lead with 5min left, then the subs will come in.
Stay business like fellas and this game is ours.
Class of 72
Active member
They have a dominating big in Brad Waldow who averages double-doubles in points and rebs. This will be a big test for Chris. I love it when two Saints come marching into Carnesecca!
Ouch