Big Time

[shu09]

That's the phrase I keep coming back to tonight. This group answered the bell yet again on the road and picked up a big time win.

Just an outstanding game plan by Willard. He made every necessary adjustment after Creighton took it to us at the Rock. His growth and maturity as a coach has surprised me this season but I am so happy it has happened. It was never worth the alternative. Major kudos to the players for executing it perfectly. Totally shut down Watson in the first half and allowed us to build a lead by dominating the boards and the paint.

This team is different, folks. They're tough. They're gritty. They're getting better each time they take the floor. Keep it rolling and let's bring it home. The ultimate goal is there for the taking and steadily coming into view.

Defense and rebounding. Pretty much every good team has it. Big time!!!

 

[Piratz]

Our prowess on the boards has been great to see after so many years of struggling in that critical area. We have a physicality and toughness despite relying on young players on the interior. Love how Delgado, Desi, Ish, and Nzei get after it. Bodes very well.

I was also very impressed last night. How could anyone not be? I had a feeling we took Creighton for granted at The Rock and were then surprised by some of their match-ups, thus the benchings. Not this time. A game of focus, team play, and purpose. We've seen that more times this year than the past few combined.

Now have to close out in the second half. An NCAA berth is there for the taking,

 

[TheBluePirate]

An NCAA berth is there for the taking,

That game made it reasonable to consider it seriously.

 

[shupat08]

How many times has KW out planned and out prepped his team against another coach in the 2nd game? Especially after they dominated is the first time?

There are Signs of things being different.

 

[shu09]

How many times has KW out planned and out prepped his team against another coach in the 2nd game? Especially after they dominated is the first time?

I just took a look back at all the Big East schedules in the Willard era. It has only happened four times in the regular season before yesterday, three of those coming in his very first season with Seton Hall (2010-11). As far as losing to a team at home and then going on the road and beating them, that had not happened in 5 years before last night.

2010-11:

Lost at home to Syracuse on Jan. 8, won on the road on Jan. 25.
Lost at home to Rutgers on Jan. 22, won on the road on Feb. 12.
Lost on the road at Marquette on Feb. 19, won at home on Mar. 5.

2014-15:

Lost on the road at Xavier on Jan. 7, won at home on Jan. 31.


FWIW, we were swept by both Butler and Villanova in the 2013-14 season but went on to beat each of them in the Big East Tournament. But as they always say, it's hard to beat the same team three times in one season.

 

[TheBluePirate]

Good work 09 thank you!