Tough Game Last Night

[Fordham_57]

As one poster noted, Butler came with their A game and we came with our C+ game.

With that said, if we make our foul shots, get a few fairer calls by the refs, and make a few of those easy layups, we could have still won the game. Blaming the loss on KW as some are doing is not valid.

There is no question in my mind that the team is tired, and that was a big factor in our not being able to bring our normal defensive intensity. Yet, I still think they gave a good effort and just came up short because Butler had an answer to our every run and we could not make enough stops against a terrific Butler team playing for their basketball lives.

Even being on the losing end, it was a still a great game to be at. Certaintly the early starting time diminished the crowd, but the crowd that was there was into it on every one of our runs. Still it was extremely frustrating watching us come so close, but never being able to get over the hump. This break before the Georgetown game couldn't have come at a better time.

If we beat DePaul. and St John's as we should, and go 2 of 4 against Georgetown, Butler, Xavier and Providence, I don't think we have to depend on The BET to make The Dance. Frank

 

[Piratefan2009]

I agree with everything you've said. Though...

if we make our foul shots

We don't make our foul shots. That's one of the biggest weaknesses in our team. We are poor FT shooters. It's a fundamental that this coach has really had a problem teaching. Even the announcers were talking about it last night when Gordon went 0-2 in one of his trips. You can't do that as a guard. Unacceptable. They brought it up again at the end of the game when it was 74-72 with less than a minute left. Gordon makes those free throws and we wouldn't have to be game planning for the last minute foul or 3 point only shot.

It's funny to think that if we shot at the clip they shot (80%), the game could have gone completely different in that last minute.

If we beat DePaul

What I saw last night on both ends of the floor would lose to Depaul.

 

[SHUBK]

I agree on gordon. I thought those missed 2 were huge. Love what he brings to the team but last night thought he played way out of control. Has to be able to finish around rim. Often goes with the 2 handed floater which does not seem to work that much. Overall has had a great season, just thought he struggled last night

As for the coaching.... This board is INSANE! This loss is not on willard at all. Out of timeouts we were on point. I think I counted 4 times after a timeout we executed a well desinged play and got a bucket. I can't remember the last time I could say that about a hall coached team. Maybe we could have pressured earlier, but as has been noted the team looked tired. Jumping on the "bash" willard bandwagon after every loss is getting a bit ridiculous IMO.

 

[Izo]

Disagree , Can't just beat DePaul and St Johns and expect to make the NCAAs . The committee will look at how teams end the season. We have got to beat Xavier,or Providence , or Georgetown ,or Butler .Butler would be the toughest in my opinion ,but Xavier , Providence, at home and even Georgetown away ,are beatable .

Don't want this to come down to Big East Tournament . Again Villanova and Xavier are in the NCAAs .Providence ,Georgetown ,Butler, Seton Hall , Creighton are fighting for the 3 or 4 spots. Just gotta win the next game .Beat Georgetown.