Up Next: Butler

Oh and we were VERY lucky, the crowd only got loud when then they cut the lead to 7 with 7 to play, that crowd was as apathetic as I've ever seen them. I've been there when the lid's blown off, no where near that today
 
Oh and we were VERY lucky, the crowd only got loud when then they cut the lead to 7 with 7 to play, that crowd was as apathetic as I've ever seen them. I've been there when the lid's blown off, no where near that today
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Part of that has to be attributed to the way we played though. Maintained control throughout and really thwarted any runs they made before they could materialize. I thought Lavin made good use of a TO when they got the closest they got in the 2nd half too.
 
The difference in this game was the defense in the last 30 minutes. Gave up 25 in the first 10 minutes, 27 the last 30. Biggest differences; Jordan's work on Dunham, he basically took him out of the game by overplaying him and fighting over virtually every pick, as did Branch. By far that was our best defensive stretch of the season. We by and large finished off the D by rebounding better, not great, but certainly much better. If we bring that D the rest of the year we will be fine. Don't want to put a damper on a fine win but I couldn't help but wonder why it took 20 games for us to be play an almost complete game (ALWAYS room for improvement.) Creighton is very tough and are much more than just McDermott. As for minutes vis a vis Greene, it is obvious to me we should see if the Branch lineup helps us turn the corner for real. Me, I do think we will see the same starters as Butler,but nothing Lavin does could surprise me so I am very curious as to what lineup we see Tuesday. One last point, the most telling play of the game to me was Jakarr hustling and diving for a ball at midcourt; first time I ever remember him showing that kind of intensity without the ball, very, very nice to see.
 
By the numbers:

1) We outscored them 54-27 (2-1) from the point we were down 25-15.
2) At one extended point, we had outscored Butler 34-9.
3) We closed them out at 12-2.
4)We shot reasonably from 3 (5-12). They shot 1-8
5) We crushed them on the boards 34-21
6) We outscored them 36-30 in the paint.

Qualitatively, Jordan and Sampson continue their ascent. Sampson has looked like the player he was last year, ROY. Jordan is playing like one the last couple of games.
Sanchez has played like a weapon. GG reminded us why so many of us liked him 2 years ago - he has been a truck to move in the paint, and he has rediscovered his offensive skills. Branch has played very well, and has made a few eye popping passes in addition to some slick moves to the hoop.
 
I only saw this game in bits and pieces, but for one game i have to eat some crow. Guys like Sampson and Sanchez were in total control and to get a road win at butler is impressive. I know, Butler stinks. But still....the team and lavin seemed like they finally had a clue how to play a complete basketball game and not just some street-ball showcase.


I noticed not much Greene out there...is lavin finally starting to get a clue? I've always like Branch, and he def should be getting phil's minutes. Also limiting Obekpa continues to be the smart thing to do.
 
Not liking the PG IV hating. Let him find his place. He can be a contributor. I think the hating comes from frustration of not winning like we should.
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I don't hate him. He gets way too many minutes and today proved that. He can contribute to this team, but should not get major minutes at Branch/Jordan's expense. He is a role player, not a starter.
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We need to remember that PGIV did not come in as a point guard. He was asked to take on the role when our "one and done" point guard, N. Lindsay, left the school after one semester. I believe Lavin in showing him some deference based on the role he assumed under pressure and how hard he works. At some point though results have to matter. He is not a top two option at the point for this team. The coaches need to find him a different role on this team.
 
The difference in this game was the defense in the last 30 minutes. Gave up 25 in the first 10 minutes, 27 the last 30. Biggest differences; Jordan's work on Dunham, he basically took him out of the game by overplaying him and fighting over virtually every pick, as did Branch. By far that was our best defensive stretch of the season. We by and large finished off the D by rebounding better, not great, but certainly much better. If we bring that D the rest of the year we will be fine. Don't want to put a damper on a fine win but I couldn't help but wonder why it took 20 games for us to be play an almost complete game (ALWAYS room for improvement.) Creighton is very tough and are much more than just McDermott. As for minutes vis a vis Greene, it is obvious to me we should see if the Branch lineup helps us turn the corner for real. Me, I do think we will see the same starters as Butler,but nothing Lavin does could surprise me so I am very curious as to what lineup we see Tuesday. One last point, the most telling play of the game to me was Jakarr hustling and diving for a ball at midcourt; first time I ever remember him showing that kind of intensity without the ball, very, very nice to see.
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Fighting over every pick/screen was the key...avoids the switches that have resulted in mismatches all year long...Jordan does it effortlessly...Greene (who has a role) never gets over a screen
 
I only saw this game in bits and pieces, but for one game i have to eat some crow. Guys like Sampson and Sanchez were in total control and to get a road win at butler is impressive. I know, Butler stinks. But still....the team and lavin seemed like they finally had a clue how to play a complete basketball game and not just some street-ball showcase.


I noticed not much Greene out there...is lavin finally starting to get a clue? I've always like Branch, and he def should be getting phil's minutes. Also limiting Obekpa continues to be the smart thing to do.
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Greene was not at the game due to illness
 
Excellent win. And while I've always admired Greene's hustle, it's surely got to be clear now to Lavin that Branch/Jordan need to take the reins. At least, one can hope.
 
Not liking the PG IV hating. Let him find his place. He can be a contributor. I think the hating comes from frustration of not winning like we should.
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I don't hate him. He gets way too many minutes and today proved that. He can contribute to this team, but should not get major minutes at Branch/Jordan's expense. He is a role player, not a starter.
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We need to remember that PGIV did not come in as a point guard. He was asked to take on the role when our "one and done" point guard, N. Lindsay, left the school after one semester. I believe Lavin in showing him some deference based on the role he assumed under pressure and how hard he works. At some point though results have to matter. He is not a top two option at the point for this team. The coaches need to find him a different role on this team.
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I was thinking about that sort of reasoning by Lavin. He says he gives PT because of how hard a player works in practice. This isnt. elementary school ,we need Ws . This is high major BB. He needs to give PT based on who produces during a game.
 
CO only played 6, maybe not feeling right. Way to beat Jays is to make them miserable. It's harder to pull off playing on the road the way fouls are called. We might have to go deeper in the rotation jumping out and playing the lanes. Can't bite on the ball fakes. When we get stuck in the half court wait out the clock , get to the rim, and crash the boards. Maybe they turn to spot the driver. I'm just guessing. What ain't they good at?
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CO only played 6? The way God's Gift has played is the reason. Along with the fact Obekpa hasn't rebounded or even blocked shots. At this rate he'll never see the NBA. I am not disappointed with his lack of playing time.
 
CO only played 6, maybe not feeling right. Way to beat Jays is to make them miserable. It's harder to pull off playing on the road the way fouls are called. We might have to go deeper in the rotation jumping out and playing the lanes. Can't bite on the ball fakes. When we get stuck in the half court wait out the clock , get to the rim, and crash the boards. Maybe they turn to spot the driver. I'm just guessing. What ain't they good at?
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CO only played 6? The way God's Gift has played is the reason. Along with the fact Obekpa hasn't rebounded or even blocked shots. At this rate he'll never see the NBA. I am not disappointed with his lack of playing time.
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Gods Gift took his minutes purely by giving effort. He fights on the glass hard, plays excellent defense. Obekpa just jumps into the air every time a guy comes near him.
 
A much needed win by team last night. Didn't think we would play like that given past performance. Kudos to Jordon, Sampson, God's Gift, Sanchez and Branch. Really need D'Angelo to pick up his overall play as he continues to play average because his shooting percentage for a "prolific" scorer is poor and his defense is average.

I think its pretty obvious that Hooper is just too much of a defensive liability to play him in the Big East which is a shame because he can certainly shoot, and Obepka doesn't contribute on any level other than blocking shots in help situations and running the court as a big.

If Creighton shoots the 3's they shot against Villanova we'll get smoked. If they don't maybe we have a punchers change. We may be 2-6 in the big east after the Creighton game, and we may win only 7-8 games in the big east this year but we'll certainly be a tough out..
 
We'll need Hooper's spacing vs Creighton.

Forget being a defensive liability. We're going to need to hit some 3s and perimeter shots and Branch and Dom can't do that for us.
 
I don't have any stats to back me up, but I really like when Harrison, Jordan, and Branch are on the floor together
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Agree with that. All three can get to the hoop, shoot and pass. They also board fairly well for guards and give us a little size. GG's improvement is a real plus with the fouls our bigs accumulate. I f nothing else Lavs isn't afraid to try new things. That's what separates him from Norm. Nice to see the guys play some inspired defense for a change too. I guess I'll keep the tickets awhile longer. Go Red!
 
Harrison
Sampson
Jordan
Sanchez
Pointer

That would be my starting 5 moving forward.

Branch (he's better than pointer, but need a true pg as a back up) and Gift the main guys off the bench....greene/hooper/obekpa getting LIMITED MINUTES.
 
Idont think you need stats. Just watch the Butler game. Branch is becoming an excellent PG. Nothing against Greene, but the ball movement is much better wo him. Although 1 stat you can look at is the number of assists.
 
Harrison
Sampson
Jordan
Sanchez
Pointer

That would be my starting 5 moving forward.

Branch (he's better than pointer, but need a true pg as a back up) and Gift the main guys off the bench....greene/hooper/obekpa getting LIMITED MINUTES.
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I basically agree, although the three guard offense was good at times. I also think Obekpa will step his game up the rest of the season.
 
Today I saw a team that can beat an a smaller one. A better run point with PG out of the mix. Sampson stepping up against smaller guys and gaining confidence. Harrison in a shooting funk. A coach finally acting like a coach calling time outs and setting up some half court plays. Sanchez driving from the top of the key, very strong from there, difficult to stop.

I truly expect this game to be a confidence builder that will allow us to pull out a squeaker against Creighton.

GO St. JOHNS
 
We'll need Hooper's spacing vs Creighton.

Forget being a defensive liability. We're going to need to hit some 3s and perimeter shots and Branch and Dom can't do that for us.
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The three Hooper hit in the first half was reminiscent of Bill Bradley - catch and shoot with a very quick release. He's a spot player at best, and should not supplant any contributor in the rotation. If he shows he can heat up in a hurry and nail shots reliably, the minutes will come, else the only spacing he will get is separating the assistant coaches - his current spot on the bench. I am thinking with his interest in coaching, they allow him to sit in a preferred location without getting the first call off the bench. He is a GREAT rooter, and despite yielding minutes, has not sulked one bit.
 
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