The Gauntlet Begins

[Piratz]

It's surely been a great start to the season to be 12-2, 2-0 (KenPom #42). The team has gotten better as the season has progressed, and we're also seeing positive signs that the leadership and cohesion of the team is improved from last year's debacle.

Now here comes the test. This is right where we were last year before we started showing cracks and ultimately falling apart. We'll find out just how good we are and how resilient this team truly is during this upcoming stretch (KenPom rating):

Wed Jan 6 at (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 9 vs. (69) Creighton
Sat Jan 16 at (33) Providence
Wed Jan 20 vs. (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 23 at (8) Xavier

Will we step up? Can we snag 3 of these and really propel this season?

 

[Halldan1]

Wed Jan 6 at (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 9 vs. (69) Creighton
Sat Jan 16 at (33) Providence
Wed Jan 20 vs. (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 23 at (8) Xavier

Will we step up? Can we snag 3 of these and really propel this season?

Absolutely a brutal stretch meaning the one game we cannot afford to lose is home to Creighton.

I would be more than satisfied to just win one other game and finish that 5 game stretch at 2-3.

 

[Save Continental]

We will be positioned well if we can beat Creighton and win just one of those other games. Very, very tall task with 3 of those 4 toughies on the road though.

winning 3 of those games is asking too much, I think.

 

[shupat08]

We can easily go 1-4 during this stretch... 3-4 record.

I'm hoping for 2-3... 4-3 record.

If we can go 3-2? Wow! 5-2 record with atleast 1 road win over a Top 15 team?

 

[Piratz]

If we can go 3-2? Wow! 5-2 record with atleast 1 road win over a Top 15 team?

Exactly!

Think of what 3 would do. At some point if you want to really take the next step, that's what you need to do. Never know.

Not expecting it and would sign for 2 right now as just getting one of those games against Villanova, Providence, and Xavier would be another outstanding quality win and set us up at 14-5, 4-3 heading into the home game with St. John's after that stretch.

 

[TheBluePirate]

Piratz, man, you put the pain-o-scope into sharp focus right there. I can easily see going 1-4 in that stretch. In fact, I'm ready to expect it. Want to see the team playing hard just like it has been - let's see some Wichita State and Marquette away game balling. If they play wall-to-wall and still come up with 1-4 but still with hunger and team concept, I'm good.

I know we have matched up pretty well vs Xavier last year, but as with DePaul, what went for last year, won't be what goes for this year. I assume Creighton is projected win #1 and Xavier (away!?) is projected win #2 - in your scheme of "steal 3". I do not see us stealing that X win unless we have stolen one from Nova or Providence...

How do you see it happening?

 

[mjs428]

If Desi plays, I see them winning Wed. Nova shot 63% on Thurs & 68% yesterday, at some point law of averages come in to play right?

 

[Piratz]

Piratz, man, you put the pain-o-scope into sharp focus right there. I can easily see going 1-4 in that stretch. In fact, I'm ready to expect it. Want to see the team playing hard just like it has been - let's see some Wichita State and Marquette away game balling. If they play wall-to-wall and still come up with 1-4 but still with hunger and team concept, I'm good.

I know we have matched up pretty well vs Xavier last year, but as with DePaul, what went for last year, won't be what goes for this year. I assume Creighton is projected win #1 and Xavier (away!?) is projected win #2 - in your scheme of "steal 3". I do not see us stealing that X win unless we have stolen one from Nova or Providence...

How do you see it happening?

Despite some success against Xavier in recent seasons, I like how we match-up with Villanova and Providence much better than Xavier this year. Xavier has a higher number of quality forwards and bigs. If our defensive intensity can be ratcheted up to Villanova's, maybe we steal one of those games and then Providence and Creighton. That'd be, on paper, the best pathway to 3 if I had to draw one up.

Providence is very good, but I thought playing a bit over their heads... Then they go into Indiana and take it to Butler, so I'll shut up about the Friars now, LOL!

 

[shupat08]

Would it be easier winning at Prov or at X?

I think we may match up better against Prov... But will IW fall into "I have to show up Dunn" mode?

X's starting PG is hurt... but I think Macura, Bluett, Farr, Reynolds, O'Mara are just too much down low for us.

Nova? If they shoot like last night... Oh man.

 

[TheBluePirate]

These are terribly rugged what-if scenarios. My wish is that we go no worse than 1-4 AND that we were really tough put-outs along the way so that we are still cohesive, hungry, positive, growing (and becoming more dangerous as we go). It's a more limited expectation but I think in keeping with a long-term scenario where we become a major player in the conference next year.

Go 2-3 in this stretch and I'll be impressed - better than that is insane - won't know what to think.

 

[Piratz]

Nova? If they shoot like last night... Oh man.

And their defense is phenomenal.

 

[SOBO1]

That is an absolutely brutal stretch. I would be very happy with 1-4 if the team's physce remains intact.

 

[Fzacsattac]

It's surely been a great start to the season to be 12-2, 2-0 (KenPom #42). The team has gotten better as the season has progressed, and we're also seeing positive signs that the leadership and cohesion of the team is improved from last year's debacle.

Now here comes the test. This is right where we were last year before we started showing cracks and ultimately falling apart. We'll find out just how good we are and how resilient this team truly is during this upcoming stretch (KenPom rating):

Wed Jan 6 at (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 9 vs. (69) Creighton
Sat Jan 16 at (33) Providence
Wed Jan 20 vs. (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 23 at (8) Xavier

Will we step up? Can we snag 3 of these and really propel this season?

We must win at home against Creighton. No ifs, ands, or buts. We must steal one minimum against Providence or Xavier. My thought is Providence as we have played well at their arena over the years. After watching Villanova last night I do not feel we have the players to compete with them. Although on any given night the team may over exceed expectations which would be nice to do at home on the 20th.

 

[shupat08]

This Nova team reminds me of the Ray/Foye/Nardy/Lowry team... They can and will play 4 guards at any given time... They can and will play 2 Forwards as their 4 and 5 men at any given time... And they have about 7 or 8 guys who can hit 3s consistently.

And then they have Ochefu who is just a beast. And now he is hitting shots from 18 feet away, dribbling by players, using backdoor cuts, etc.

Oh man. Scary team, IMHO.

 

[Seton75]

It's surely been a great start to the season to be 12-2, 2-0 (KenPom #42). The team has gotten better as the season has progressed, and we're also seeing positive signs that the leadership and cohesion of the team is improved from last year's debacle.

Now here comes the test. This is right where we were last year before we started showing cracks and ultimately falling apart. We'll find out just how good we are and how resilient this team truly is during this upcoming stretch (KenPom rating):

Wed Jan 6 at (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 9 vs. (69) Creighton
Sat Jan 16 at (33) Providence
Wed Jan 20 vs. (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 23 at (8) Xavier

Will we step up? Can we snag 3 of these and really propel this season?

I know how you play doesn't show up in the standings, but if we play solid games in each and beat Creighton it won't kill me.

 

[cernjSHU]

1-4 will be the result and an overall record of 3-4 in the Big East. Still a good start to the season. If the Hall is able to go 2-3, they will be well on their way to the tournament.

Beat the teams that they are supposed to beat. Then the critical home games against Marquette, Georgetown and Butler are the toss up games that will make or break the season. IMO, those three games will determine whether the Hall goes 8-10, 9-9 or 10-8.

 

[SHUisNJsTeam]

There are a number of people who think we should be ranked (I'd rather lay low personally). If we truly are worthy of being ranked shouldn't we be expecting more than one win in the next 5 game stretch?

 

[TheBluePirate]

I know how you play doesn't show up in the standings, but if we play solid games in each and beat Creighton it won't kill me.

Yep - agree. I want solid, well-played, well-coached, do your damned best, keep learning, keep on truckin'. And I'm alright as well.

 

[Jerry1992]

Beat Creighton and hope for one upset. 2-3 is very possible.

 

[TheBluePirate]

Beat Creighton and hope for one upset. 2-3 is very possible.

It is. It would be a very big step. Gotta reach for it and try to make it happen.

And THEN stay totally hungry and focused on the next stretch. Ugh - The Real Big Beast is a Real Beast.

 

[NYC Pirate]

We now come to a critical point in the season. It looks like every single game is going to be tough for the rest of the season. Maybe SJU at home might be
considered a layup. Anyone looking forward to that last game at DePaul? Lol

I believe the best chances for wins in this cluster of games are the 2 home games against Creighton and Villanova. Reason being the crowd can be a decisive factor. It's going to take a collective effort by the players, coaches and fans if this team is going to get to the promised land this season.

A good sign would be if we go to Villanova and compete for the entire game. No blowouts, no meltdowns. Send Nova signal that it's going to be tough to win either game against us. Then come back to a good atmosphere at Prudential and play in your face defense against Creighton. Go into each of the next 5 games expecting to win and send a message that this isn't last year's Seton Hall. I absolutely feel we can win at either Providence or Xavier, why not? We have to get away from the it's OK to go 1-4. It's not OK and that's how you come out of this stretch with an extra win or 2.

 

[Seton75]

We are playing four games against ranked teams, three on the road. If we play them all tough I can live with it. Of course I want to win them all but playing these guys even on the road speaks well of us.

I am pretty sure the team is not adjusting their intensity or will to win based on my post. Que sera.

 

[NYShoreGuy]

It's surely been a great start to the season to be 12-2, 2-0 (KenPom #42). The team has gotten better as the season has progressed, and we're also seeing positive signs that the leadership and cohesion of the team is improved from last year's debacle.

Now here comes the test. This is right where we were last year before we started showing cracks and ultimately falling apart. We'll find out just how good we are and how resilient this team truly is during this upcoming stretch (KenPom rating):

Wed Jan 6 at (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 9 vs. (69) Creighton
Sat Jan 16 at (33) Providence
Wed Jan 20 vs. (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 23 at (8) Xavier

Will we step up? Can we snag 3 of these and really propel this season?

just win the home games and hope for the best on the road...the real window are the games that bookend st johns home and away that is where shu can do real damage home and road

 

[Seton75]

And for some reason sj scheduled us at msg which will diminish the home advantage.

 

[NYShoreGuy]

i had shu at 3-4 after first 7, now great chance to be 4-3, also good chance to sweep st johns, depaul, creighton, marquette and georgetown, that is 10 wins

if that can happen and shu can beat 2 of xavier, butler, nova, pc at home that is a huge win in league play

 

[The Crows Nest]

It's surely been a great start to the season to be 12-2, 2-0 (KenPom #42). The team has gotten better as the season has progressed, and we're also seeing positive signs that the leadership and cohesion of the team is improved from last year's debacle.

Now here comes the test. This is right where we were last year before we started showing cracks and ultimately falling apart. We'll find out just how good we are and how resilient this team truly is during this upcoming stretch (KenPom rating):

Wed Jan 6 at (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 9 vs. (69) Creighton
Sat Jan 16 at (33) Providence
Wed Jan 20 vs. (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 23 at (8) Xavier

Will we step up? Can we snag 3 of these and really propel this season?

2 wins would actually be a good result. 3 would be fantastic

 

[jcalz88]

What a time, to be alive.

 

[ncaaball2]

This really isn't even your make or break stretch. This stretch is more about you needing to go 1-4, and anything better is a huge bonus. That happens and you are 3-_4 in conference with 4 of your most difficult games behind you. Then 7-4 finish through the softer part of your schedule and you dance.

It would be nice if you can go 1-3 (or even 2-2) at home against the top 4 teams. You don't really have to win on the road for those games. But you do need to pick up some road wins against the lesser teams and hold home court against them as well.

 

[TomD82]

And their defense is phenomenal.

Let's hope they shoot 4-32 from 3 like they did against Oklahoma. And that team does live by the 3 and die by the 3. Other than Ochfeu is there anybody on their team that could really do damage in the paint and on the boards. Not saying we can win at the Pavilion, but I'd sign up for 2-3 is right.

 

[catholicman]

Let's hope they shoot 4-32 from 3 like they did against Oklahoma. And that team does live by the 3 and die by the 3. Other than Ochfeu is there anybody on their team that could really do damage in the paint and on the boards. Not saying we can win at the Pavilion, but I'd sign up for 2-3 is right.

The reason why Nova shot so poorly against Oklahoma is because the Sooners stayed in their shooters' grills the whole game. Oklahoma played a physical, in-your-face game. We still give shooters too much room to work. It is tough with the new rules to play very close to the offensive player, as fouls can rack up. But athleticism can go a long way in making in-your-face defense work.

 

[catholicman]

I have no idea how we are going to do over this five game stretch. I hope the team is only looking at one game at a time. Every game is winnable. They need to go into each game with that mentality. If they lose, their memory needs to be short.

From my perspective as a fan, I believe the team has really improved but hasn't reached an elite level yet. But on any given night, who knows. Great defense covers a multitude of offensive sins! I honestly believe the team is not far from reaching an elite level, if it can play with greater mental toughness and concentration. The turnovers are still too abundant. Every possession has to be valued, especially against top competition.

Also, the lack of three-point shooting is a huge Achilles heal. The funny thing is that Desi and Isaiah can shoot the trey. We just don't seem to be positioning them to do so. Hope the coaching staff can figure that one out.

 

[Fzacsattac]

The team has to get Villanova in foul trouble, hit foul shots, and take it inside. Limit the three point shot unless they have an excellent shot.

 

[SHUisNJsTeam]

Let's also try to remember that all of these moral victories some people are willing to accept aren't going to get us into the NCAA's! We have the talent so there is no reason to concede any of these games regardless of where they are played and who they are against!

I want wins and NCAA's!

 

[Seton75]

Play in your face defense, rebound, stay out of foul trouble...that would be a nice start. Nova is playing with a chip on their shoulder after getting blown out in Hawaii. If they shoot like they can, they are pretty damned good.

 

[shu09]

It's surely been a great start to the season to be 12-2, 2-0 (KenPom #42). The team has gotten better as the season has progressed, and we're also seeing positive signs that the leadership and cohesion of the team is improved from last year's debacle.

Now here comes the test. This is right where we were last year before we started showing cracks and ultimately falling apart. We'll find out just how good we are and how resilient this team truly is during this upcoming stretch (KenPom rating):

Wed Jan 6 at (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 9 vs. (69) Creighton
Sat Jan 16 at (33) Providence
Wed Jan 20 vs. (2) Villanova
Sat Jan 23 at (8) Xavier

Will we step up? Can we snag 3 of these and really propel this season?

I'll do cartwheels if we go 3-2 against that schedule. I will sign for 2-3 right now.

 

[ncaaball2]

Let's hope they shoot 4-32 from 3 like they did against Oklahoma. And that team does live by the 3 and die by the 3. Other than Ochfeu is there anybody on their team that could really do damage in the paint and on the boards. Not saying we can win at the Pavilion, but I'd sign up for 2-3 is right.

Might want to check the Creighton box score. Nova worked the paint with a variety of players. First time all season doing it.

Then again, the rims tend to be pretty soft at the pavilion, so maybe they will just gun from deep there.

 

[Burnsly]

Im happy with the team's performance so far but lets be real. We barely beat Depaul at home. Far from a Top 25 team at this juncture.

 

[ATM82]

Expect 1-4 but stealing a 2nd win somewhere in there is definately a possibility. This is the toughest 5 game stretch we have by far this season so 2-3 wouldn't be that bad.

 

[Piratz]

We are playing four games against ranked teams, three on the road. If we play them all tough I can live with it. Of course I want to win them all but playing these guys even on the road speaks well of us.

Agreed. There are times teams can draw some confidence from playing top teams tough. If we starting losing and rollover, sound the alarm. Losing 4 of 5 is tough on any team, let alone a young one who went through what they went through last year. To me it's still a monkey on the back until we prove we can get through a full conference season without freaking out.

 

[Shuathelete]

I dont care about rankings. Dont lose to crieghton and pulling out one more win would be phenomenal. only winning one wouldnt hurt our chances that badly at the tournament (as of now).