Topic: Did we get hot too early?

[goherd24]

Discussed this with some friends in the midst of our best ball mid season, and looks like we are flaming out late when it matters.

Can we rebound with a USM win and go into the tourney with some momentum? Because we are going to be playing UAB early, and also will have a good team in our first game as well. We made the road as difficult as it can ve now. If we win a title we deserve it, as we are going to have to beat UAB and La Tech/MTSU, along with an ODU (i believe) to boot.

[DC01HERD]

Not showing up in the 1st half against MTSU was a back breaker. UAB and Tech were hard fought games. We didn't make plays at the end. Those teams have more experience. Need to regroup against Southern Miss.

Have to get better on defense or we need to score 100.

[The Right Stuff]

The top teams in this league are use to playing in close meaningful games, the Herd still hasn't developed the type of mentality that can carry them through in those type of situations.  I felt really bad for Justin Edmonds last night.  He played extremely hard and contributed nicely in our efforts, but when he went to the foul line man did his collar get tight around his throat.  I have watched him in practice make foul shot after foul shot, but that is not like getting up there with the game on the line.  Even though we got good minutes out of Justin, Terrence and CJ depth is still a problem that needs to be addressed.  If the Herd can come up with a really good graduated transfer that would really help.  I know this sounds like making excuses and it is not, but facts are facts.  Our Feb. schedule was a killer.  The road trips in that month were horrific.  Remember when your on the road virtually the entire month it will sap your energy I don't care how young you are.  Let us not forget that these players are also expected to go to class and keep un with their studies.  So did we peak too soon?  I  don't think so, in fact, I believe we are playing some our best ball.  MU is very, very close guys.  Think of where we were when coach took over this program and now we have been talking about a possible second place finish.  Hey does anyone remember Newberry?  I hope we can reach the finals and anything can happen, but however we end up I am very happy being a fan of this team and its coaches.

TRS
MU 71

[thunderingon]

An LA Tech is legit. They definitely pass the eye test.  I think the top of our conference is under rated (UAB, LA Tech, MTSU).  Hamilton made some ridiculous shots and McCree was on fire before he fouled out.  Their length and athleticism affected out offense...and we still scored 94.  I think our confidence may be shook a little, but we should be fine if we come out and take care of Southern Miss.  The fun thing is that there are 4-5 teams that have a shot at winning the conference tournament and we are one of them.  It is going to be tough, but isn't it fun to be in the discussion!?

[marshallmark]

An LA Tech is legit. They definitely pass the eye test.  I think the top of our conference is under rated (UAB, LA Tech, MTSU).  Hamilton made some ridiculous shots and McCree was on fire before he fouled out.  Their length and athleticism affected out offense...and we still scored 94.  I think our confidence may be shook a little, but we should be fine if we come out and take care of Southern Miss.  The fun thing is that there are 4-5 teams that have a shot at winning the conference tournament and we are one of them.  It is going to be tough, but isn't it fun to be in the discussion!?

I told my wife as we sat for 30 minutes in the garage (a gripe for another day...) that UAB and La Tech were the 2 best teams in the conference.  MU would have to pull and upset or 2 to get to the dance, but the difference between this year and the previous decade is that this team is quite capable of pulling those upsets.  Even when MU went to the C-USA finals vs. Memphis, I don't think any of us thought them winning was a real possibility.  A hope, yes, but not very probable.  This team is very capable, but things have to fall right.  No double OT games.  Keep the bigs out of foul trouble.  Put first game away early and play Elmore/Kelly/Taylor 30 minutes or less. 

[backontrack]

Our lack of depth caught up with us a little bit...also, and I know I'm beating a dead horse, but Loop hasn't been a big factor pretty much all season...finally, LT and UAB are really good, and MTSU is also very capable...

[gochneaur645]

Nah, our schedule was just backloaded with 3 of the toughest games coming in a row. Some horrendous luck down the stretch cost us both games against UAB and obviously last night's. We're just as dangerous as we were to win the tourney.

[coalherd]

Honestly, Danny D. couldn't have foreseen Nikolic going out early for the season.  Believe he could have added some valuable bench minutes, especially after Elmore arrived.  Nikolic could have strengthened us defensively, out front, being about 6'6" with long arms.  Believe the Thienemann kid was going to be red-shirted this season regardless.  Also, honestly believe that Danny D. was hoping that either Peneva or Dozic would have progressed a little more quickly and been able to significantly have contributed this season, instead of falling into the "project" category.  Additionally, the freshman guard, Frampton, also had to redshirt due to an injury.  That left Danny D. with walk-ons, Kilgore and Bowling.  In the long run, don't know if all of the above will still be a part of Herd basketball next season.

[goherd24]

..... looking bad. My optimism has turned to fear

[goherd24]

Wow. Optimism is back.

[breckjimison]

..... looking bad. My optimism has turned to fear

We got hot tonight!