A huge game against Loyola on Tuesday. I'd argue this will be the biggest game of the season so far. This will be a great litmus test for this squad.
It's @Loyola.
I looked at their ticket sales and seating chart Friday morning. Looked to be plenty seats still available. I'm curious how close to a sellout they come? Anybody going?
As for their return trip to the ARC on Sun Feb 10, I checked that about Tues and we have barely made a dent towards what I was expecting. If both of these teams remain near or at the top of the league I would expect 4 to 6 hundred Loyola fans coming down (our best crowd) just like last year.
Quote from: justducky on January 13, 2019, 11:34:30 AMI looked at their ticket sales and seating chart Friday morning. Looked to be plenty seats still available. I'm curious how close to a sellout they come? Anybody going? As for their return trip to the ARC on Sun Feb 10, I checked that about Tues and we have barely made a dent towards what I was expecting. If both of these teams remain near or at the top of the league I would expect 4 to 6 hundred Loyola fans coming down (our best crowd) just like last year.
For the first time I will be taking the fan bus to the game and pre-game party. The pre- game get together is around 80 people and then we will be sitting in section 201. Come on and join us for a fun gritty time in Chicago.
The good news:
We don't have to win this game to be considered contenders. This is a game that is supposed to be a loss. As the preseason favorites Loyola is supposed to win all their home games.
The better news:
If we do win, after playing the top 4 pre-season teams "Illinois schools and then everyone else" we would have to be the clear favorite going forward.
The bad news:
I see no bad news because we don't need to win this game and it is a game we are supposed to lose. Only thing that would be considered bad news is if we get run out of the gym by 20+ which I don't see happening.
I have to be out of town next week otherwise I would be going to this. Kudos to the alumni association for putting the bus/buffet/game trip together.
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 13, 2019, 12:08:07 PM
Quote from: justducky on January 13, 2019, 11:34:30 AMI looked at their ticket sales and seating chart Friday morning. Looked to be plenty seats still available. I'm curious how close to a sellout they come? Anybody going? As for their return trip to the ARC on Sun Feb 10, I checked that about Tues and we have barely made a dent towards what I was expecting. If both of these teams remain near or at the top of the league I would expect 4 to 6 hundred Loyola fans coming down (our best crowd) just like last year.
For the first time I will be taking the fan bus to the game and pre-game party. The pre- game get together is around 80 people and then we will be sitting in section 201. Come on and join us for a fun gritty time in Chicago.
I also will be a fan bus newbie. Not too thrilled that sec. 201 is directly above the student section, though.
If I was going I would have loved to have made a sign. "Your scarves are stupid."
That's a good sign and our student section should plan on having this sign for when they come to Valpo.
How about "This isn't Quidditch!" with a picture of their scarf X'd out.
I'm wondering if we could fly under the radar going into this Loyola game. Loyola is coming off a big win on national tv over their rival ISUr. Maybe they underestimate.
No way anyone in the chair backs would get the Harry Potter reference.
I think Javon will be pumped to compete against his Whitney Young teammate Lucas Williamson. I expect big things from him. Our bigs will have to contain Krutwig. Who will guard Cushner and who will guard Townes?
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 13, 2019, 03:21:54 PMNo way anyone in the chair backs would get the Harry Potter reference.
Hey be nice, This chairback got it. If I had a snitch, I'd throw it out at their fans and watch them go crazy trying to get it. lol
Quote from: tiny707 on January 13, 2019, 03:48:00 PM
I think Javon will be pumped to compete against his Whitney Young teammate Lucas Williamson. I expect big things from him. Our bigs will have to contain Krutwig. Who will guard Cushner and who will guard Townes?
Like you said the key will be containing Custer and Krutwig. I've watched a few Loyola games this year and it feels like they go as Custer goes. They don't seem to have that same magic this season where someone new steps up each game if someone else isn't making shots.
I think Sorolla will need to come up big this game with his defensive presence against Krutwig. Krutwigs quick first step and finishing abilities could get our guys in foul trouble. They can't bite on every fake. The guards will need to step up and play disciplined defense. I've really liked what I've seen from Sackey on defense being disruptive with his quickness.
Quote from: tiny707 on January 13, 2019, 03:48:00 PMI think Javon will be pumped to compete against his Whitney Young teammate Lucas Williamson. I expect big things from him. Our bigs will have to contain Krutwig. Who will guard Cushner and who will guard Townes?
Golder?
Quote from: VU2014 on January 13, 2019, 03:21:18 PMI'm wondering if we could fly under the radar going into this Loyola game. Loyola is coming off a big win on national tv over their rival ISUr. Maybe they underestimate.
Not likely. This is a battle for first place and if we win we're two games clear of everyone I think with head to head over multiple contenders. I don't want to oversell this because it's still early in conference play but I expect Loyola to play this one like their season is on the line. I hope our team is ready for one of the toughest challenges they'll see all year because that's exactly what they're going to get. Go Valpo!
Following Tuesday's Loyola game, the Crusaders will have already played the top 4 teams in this year's preseason MVC poll (below). The number after the team name is the average predicted finish of that team's first 5 opponents:
1. Loyola 6.8
2. IL State 5.2
3. S. IL 6.2
4. Bradley 7.4
5. N. Iowa 4.8
6. IN State 5.6
7. Valpo 3.6
8. MO State 5.8
9. Drake 4.6
10. Eville 5.2
Quote from: wh on January 13, 2019, 07:17:40 PMFollowing Tuesday's Loyola game, the Crusaders will have already played the top 4 teams in this year's preseason MVC poll (below). The number after the team name is the average predicted finish of that team's first 5 opponents: 1. Loyola 6.8 2. IL State 5.2 3. S. IL 6.2 4. Bradley 7.4 5. N. Iowa 4.8 6. IN State 5.6 7. Valpo 3.6 8. MO State 5.8 9. Drake 4.6 10. Eville 5.2
That's a positive sign! Thanks for sharing that stat!
F@&! It. Lets just win the whole gosh darn thing.
Huge game. If we win, we are in one hell of a position.
Quote from: wh on January 13, 2019, 07:17:40 PM
Following Tuesday's Loyola game, the Crusaders will have already played the top 4 teams in this year's preseason MVC poll (below). The number after the team name is the average predicted finish of that team's first 5 opponents:
1. Loyola 6.8
2. IL State 5.2
3. S. IL 6.2
4. Bradley 7.4
5. N. Iowa 4.8
6. IN State 5.6
7. Valpo 3.6
8. MO State 5.8
9. Drake 4.6
10. Eville 5.2
Not only did they give us the toughest schedule through 5 games. 3 of our first 5 on the road and our 6th game is pre-season #5 UNI.
So as far as pre-season anlysis goes we received no scheduling favors that's for sure!
We didn't earn any favors either but let me tell you I'm really proud of this team and what they've shown through conference play so far. I hope they keep it up. I don't know if we've been saying that enough so I'll say it again I'm really proud of this team for their efforts so far. May they never lose sight of what has brought them to this position. Keep up the effort and intensity and the grit all season long and into the future. Go Valpo!
With Fazekas:
Valpo 68
Loyola 63
Without Fazekas:
Valpo 59
Loyola 58
Stat from Saturday's broadcast -- Loyola has not lost this year when scoring 70, and until Illinois State, had not won when not scoring 70. They had 67 on Saturday. They've been in too real grinder games -- lost to Maryland 41-55 and lost to St Joe's 42-45.
Chicago Tribune takes note of the Tuesday game. No way is it under the radar. I suspect Loyola feels this is the game that they reestablish themselves as the league's best.
http://digitaledition.chicagotribune.com/html5/desktop/production/default.aspx?pubid=3e7227b1-e3b7-4fac-aa07-5f943e58b4c5
We used to beat up on this Loyola program all the time. It's time we get back to doing just that.
I like your thinking Oklahomamick!
First Vegas odds have Loyola as 9.5 favorites. Hoping Valpo proves them wrong again!
Quote from: valpopal on January 14, 2019, 02:53:11 PMFirst Vegas odds have Loyola as 9.5 favorites. Hoping Valpo proves them wrong again!
Vegas usually knows more than us and generally gets the numbers right. BUT------if Fazekas can compete-----that is a bet that should be taken. Mortgage the house, the business or the farm and place your bets. :thumbsup:
Have there been any updates with Fazekas? Has he been practicing?
Quote from: vuny98 on January 14, 2019, 03:29:30 PM
Have there been any updates with Fazekas? Has he been practicing?
I've heard he likely won't play tomorrow.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1084918629907480577
Quote from: EddieCabot on January 14, 2019, 03:31:43 PM
Quote from: vuny98 on January 14, 2019, 03:29:30 PM
Have there been any updates with Fazekas? Has he been practicing?
I've heard he likely won't play tomorrow.
I've heard they were testing his ankle out and if Ryan gave the go ahead he very well could play Tuesday. Of course, I've been wrong before.
If Ryan feels like the ankle isn't limiting him out there and ends up playing, that would be huge. We'll need shooters to space the floor so they don't just double team the paint everytime we throw it down to Smits and Sorolla.
https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/1084932752443625473
Quote from: valpopal on January 14, 2019, 02:53:11 PM
First Vegas odds have Loyola as 9.5 favorites. Hoping Valpo proves them wrong again!
Loyola was an 11-point favorite over IL State. I thought that was ridiculously high, and it turns out it was. I wouldn't call -9.5 vs. Valpo ridiculous, but I don't think it takes into account our recent improvement on defense. Through the first 4 conf. games, we have the lowest opponent scoring average in the league. If we continue to play to that strength and hold Loyola in the mid 50's to mid 60's, they would have to hold us in the mid 40's to mid 50's to cover. I seriously doubt they are capable of that - with or without Ryan.
This is a road game against the pre-season favorite who plays really strong defense and who has plenty of tape of us playing without RF. We will have trouble scoring and I think Loyola will be prepared at home and will hit key shots throughout the game that other teams have missed thus far in our conference season. I think an 8 point loss seems reasonable.
Loyola 64
Valpo 56
We come away happy with the effort, happy having beat the point spread, and happy we split a tough road swing without Fazekas.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 14, 2019, 03:57:31 PM
If Ryan feels like the ankle isn't limiting him out there and ends up playing, that would be huge. We'll need shooters to space the floor so they don't just double team the paint everytime we throw it down to Smits and Sorolla.
If Ryan can not defend then he will not help us. If that is the case maybe he suits up for moral support and emergency use or not? Either way Kiser and McMillan should again receive valuable big game exposer and experience that may benefit them and us come March. Both offensively and defensively Smits and Sorolla will have to do some heavy lifting vs Krutwig. If they can fight that to a draw or better then we still have some chance for success.
https://twitter.com/fatherharry1/status/1084784335079858176?s=21
After a slow start in this conference as well as a rough few NC games I'm really hyped about where we are
Heading to the game tomorrow night with a few other guys
Hopefully we have a good Valparaiso presence
Anyone have a one-on-one matchup analysis? Who is on Custer, et.al.; who is on......... whoever. Howdo we match up ? That will be the tale of the tape.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 14, 2019, 07:22:30 PM
Anyone have a one-on-one matchup analysis? Who is on Custer, et.a. who is on......... whoever.
I think Sackey will start out on Custer. But I think we'll see Lavender and Bakari on him later in the game. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried about them defending him.
The Head-to-Head matchup I'm really intrigued to watch is the Lucas Williamson vs Javon Freeman. They're former teammates and know each other really well. I think we'lol see those two matchup tomorrow. Both are pretty polished players for underclassmen.
Should be an up hill battle LU66 VU 63 hope I'm Wrong :(
A good preview of this Game:
https://twitter.com/valleyhoops/status/1084964379324338176?s=21
Just an observation out of left field. What a freakin difference in pregame coverage between our former league and the Missouri Valley Conference. That, alone is worth the move.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 14, 2019, 08:21:58 PMJust an observation out of left field. What a freakin difference in pregame coverage between our former league and the Missouri Valley Conference. That, alone is worth the move.
Noticed that right away last year.
The Valley is passionate and proud. They take their teams and sports seriously, and can't get enough of them.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 13, 2019, 03:21:54 PM
No way anyone in the chair backs would get the Harry Potter reference.
You are correct, but we do know about Gene Kelly & Debbie Reynolds.
This is going to be a tough one. I personally think Loyola comes out strong, we rally, and they pull away at the end. Just keep it close enough that we're licking our chops to get them in Valpo next month. To say they are a battle tested team would be an understatement.
Loyola 65
Valpo 56
Are Loyola games broadcast on the radio? Our radio broadcast won't come in for me on my way home until I'm about home tonight. Hoping Loyola is broadcast on a little stronger signal.
Quote from: M on January 15, 2019, 10:51:39 AM
Are Loyola games broadcast on the radio? Our radio broadcast won't come in for me on my way home until I'm about home tonight. Hoping Loyola is broadcast on a little stronger signal.
When I listen to the game on the radio I generally just stream it from the Tune In WVUR website.
Last night, I found that the game will also be live on DIRECTV channel 665.
The outcome of this game has far more significant implications for Loyola.
•If we win, we will have defeated the 1st and 3rd preseason ranked teams in back-to-back games, on the road, and without our leading scorer.
•We will remain undefeated, and take a minimum 2-game lead over the rest of the league.
•In just 5 conference games we will be 4-0 against the top 4 teams in the preseason poll.
•Theoretically, our remaining 1st half schedule is the easiest in the league - and we should be back at full strength.
•Other teams will get better, but so will we. We keep improving and building while we're winning. The team tonight is better than the one 5 games ago. The team at the end of the 1st half of league play should be better than today's team. We don't appear to be close to peaking at this point. We have more room to improve than anyone we've played to date IMO.
Frankly, I will be surprised if we win this game without Fazekas, but not shocked. This year's Valpo team is already better than last year's when it was playing its best basketball. Loyola is good, but they don't have the weapons or polish they had a year ago. If we don't get them tonight, we will take them down at the ARC.
https://twitter.com/DickersonESPN/status/1085201593987944448
The Valpo Website says it will be on NBC Sportsnet Chicago (Channel 200 comcast)/ESPN+. Does this mean the game will be on NBCSN or not?
Don't have unlimited data so was hoping to not stream it. I know I've heard UIC on the radio a few times, was hoping maybe they'd be on 720am or something like that.
Quote from: AranJacobs on January 15, 2019, 02:11:08 PMThe Valpo Website says it will be on NBC Sportsnet Chicago (Channel 200 comcast)/ESPN+. Does this mean the game will be on NBCSN or not?
the Channel 200 schedule has the Valpo game on tonight on local Comcast.
Does Loyola not have a Chicago station that carries their games on radio? The year after going to the Final Four? Tonight's game doesn't even appear to be on LU's student radio station. That can't be right, can it?
Good luck tonight. Personally, I hope you stomp them! It should be a fun even with Fazekas on the bench. A win will put you guys in firm command of this log-jam underneath.
Quote from: AranJacobs on January 15, 2019, 02:11:08 PM
The Valpo Website says it will be on NBC Sportsnet Chicago (Channel 200 comcast)/ESPN+. Does this mean the game will be on NBCSN or not?
If you are with in the blackout zone (most of the Midwest) you won't be able to get the game on ESPN+. If you're within the blackout zone you need to watch it on cable on NBC SportsNet Chicago (channel 200 on Comcast).
No prediction for me today. The betting man in me says we're an underdog but this team has earned my belief in them. Let's stick it to Loyola tonight!
Underdog for sure. Espn gives us 25% chance of winning. I'm cautiously optimistic. If we win, I'll be on board. If we get blown out, our recent winnings could be a reflection of the teams we have played and not just our team. Close loss, will need to see more wins before getting back on board. I still think in general we have been overlooked a bit for a lack of better wording. I think we are going to see Loyolas best shot tonight and if we win will keep getting everyones best shot. Its been a little while since the team has had a game like this. Hope the game is a great one and that the crusaders come out on top. Let's keep on rolling and take control of the top.
Ryan is still in the boot.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1085325457975926784
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1085333584628592641
It will still be a few weeks before we get fazekas back. My guess is at 1st they thought it was really bad and were elated when it looked like only 3 or 4 weeks bad.
Drake game at earliest. Lottich will continue to try to keep opposing coaches guessing though.
Great job on D, but if we don't get some shooters on the court we're not going to score 40 points.
STOP TURNING THE BALL OVER!
7 TOs so far. Unacceptable. These sloppy mistakes. We are giving this 1st half to them
8 TO's. Most unforced or barely forced. 8 lost possessions.
9
Yikes. Lucky that we're only down 10. Golder keeping us alive.
Lavender is lost in space tonight. Bakari is moving like an old man out there.
If we keep turning the ball over and they keep hitting 3's this will be a blowout.
Reflections at the half: good defense, but no go-to guy on offense. Bakari has completely disappeared since being taken out of the starting lineup. Turnovers are becoming a given, it seems.
Count on a blowout and a ton of frustrated posters 45 min. from now. Book it.
This Valpo team shot itself in it's foot with these TOs. Many coming from guys like Lavender who is a senior. That CAN'T happen
The lights are a little too bright for the Crusaders tonight.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 15, 2019, 08:04:06 PM
The lights are a little too bright for the Crusaders tonight.
As in "deer in the headlights" bright.
The staple of last year is our Achilles heal in this one...too many TOS and points off of. This is a really balanced team, with size and athleticism. Probably the most athletic team I've seen since being a Valpo fan back in '09. The one thing lacking is 3 point shoooting. We had Peters and Walker for years. Thrown in Skara. We don't have that ... WE need that in today's game, it neutralizes other teams. What I gleen from this game is more talent but they have enough to match up and hit critical,3's when they need them.
Loyola was a final four team last year, and they are MVC champions unless proven otherwise.
Gone from bad to worse. Would be nice to keep it under 20.
The technical on Golder is what it was and the right call. That's fine. Boys compete and guess what? We get them in the ARC and make a name. 4-1 in conference with 3 games played at Loyola, MO State and SIU and I'm feeling pretty Dan good.
Just hope nobody gets hurt in this disaster. Hope we can put this behind us and get up for the Panthers in the blizzard on Saturday
Not a very gritty performance tonight ... embarrassing
Pathetic effort on defense tonight, a questionable game plan, and I'm not sure we've tried to dribble through three guys enough. Ryan's ankle hopefully will heal up soon. Always good for recruiting and building the fanbase to get embarrassed on Chicago TV.
Maybe the most complete beat down I've seen us take from another conference team. Totally dominated in every phase.
Oh well, after four straight good tough wins I suppose we were due for a clunker. Learn from it so when we get them at home we don't repeat it.
Oh, and maybe taking care of the ball a little bit and hitting a few 3's might help.
Derrik and Jay were bad. Bakari and Lavender were complete no-shows. Bakari is officially a season long no-show.
Quote from: nkvu on January 15, 2019, 08:57:17 PM
Maybe the most complete beat down I've seen us take from another conference team. Totally dominated in every phase.
Oh well, after four straight good tough wins I suppose we were due for a clunker. Learn from it so when we get them at home we don't repeat it.
Oh, and maybe taking care of the ball a little bit and hitting a few 3's might help.
Did I forget maybe playing some defense and limiting open 3's might help too?
The sad thing is I don't think Loyola is really that good.
For his sake and the team's I hope Bakari is able to pull out of his shooting funk, but at this point he needs to figure it out on the end of the bench. He simply doesn't bring enough to the table in other ways to stay on the floor when he's not hitting. Unless things start to change soon, it would not surprise me to see him in a different uniform next year as a grad senior.
Keep your head up. Remember that you are still in 1st place and will get a great player back soon. :thumbsup:
Some of us are watching a season swirl down the bowl.
I don't think anyone is going to win there this season.
I predict we beat them at the ARC.
I'm going to make some amateur observations about the differences between our guys and Loyola tonight, fully expecting to be told I'm full of it. Their passes always seemed crisper then ours. When we passed the ball it always seemed to take an extra second for our guys to decide what to do next, which gave their defender time to get in a better position to defend. They on the other hand seemed to always know what to do next, pass, drive, or shoot. When we skip passed, the pass was always either a bit off or slower, taking a second more time to control than theirs. We chased their passes giving them at the end an open 3. They seemed ready to defend almost every pass we made. When we set screens they either switched or fought through them resulting in no advantage. Their screens seemed far more effective. And, oh yes, when they got an open look, they knocked it down, many shots uncontested.
I hope at some point our offense can run as efficiently as theirs.
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on January 15, 2019, 08:46:42 PMI'm not sure we've tried to dribble through three guys enough.
Well you should never try a 1 on 4 move until you've proven yourself on a 1 on 3. ::)
Quote from: wh on January 15, 2019, 08:57:32 PMDerrik and Jay were bad.
I was kind of anticipating that Krutwig would get the best of them but the Smirola duo left much to be desired. Sorolla was outclassed even on some of his better defensive efforts because Krutwig can be that good!
One small positive takeaway is that McMillan is defending better. Not as good as needed but better. Also remember that our freshman guards are being asked to do a lot. Longer term---Sackey and Freeman are a developing gift from the gods. :thumbsup:
https://twitter.com/TheReal_MG3/status/1085381366194360320
Quote from: nkvu on January 15, 2019, 11:04:58 PMI'm going to make some amateur observations about the differences between our guys and Loyola tonight, fully expecting to be told I'm full of it. Their passes always seemed crisper then ours. When we passed the ball it always seemed to take an extra second for our guys to decide what to do next, which gave their defender time to get in a better position to defend. They on the other hand seemed to always know what to do next, pass, drive, or shoot. When we skip passed, the pass was always either a bit off or slower, taking a second more time to control than theirs. We chased their passes giving them at the end an open 3. They seemed ready to defend almost every pass we made. When we set screens they either switched or fought through them resulting in no advantage. Their screens seemed far more effective. And, oh yes, when they got an open look, they knocked it down, many shots uncontested.
Their were stretches when our defense wasn't that bad but they were still getting and hitting decent shots. Thats good, patient execution and its hard to beat. Give our overall defense a poor but passing grade while our offense was clearly not up to the task.
Sometimes it's not a good thing getting out of bed and sometimes it's not a good time to go to Chicago. :(
Really bad game but I'm not worried. This could be the wakeup call they needed. We're still tied for first and the six games between this one and our next meeting with Loyola are all winnable with 3 of the first four of those at home, It's a tough loss in a big game but it's hardly a reason for anyone to get too down on the team or hang their heads. This was a clunker but one of those was surely coming because everyone has them. Bad timing but this team is and will be fine, On to UNI with a choice to make: Sulk hang our heads and let our season spiral or get back down to business correct our mistakes and get back on a better path. I think I know the path they'll choose. Loyola is talented experienced poised and good and they were playing at home with their season on the line. It showed. Trust me we're good. Go Valpo!
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1085422486311919616
I am going to pretend that game never happened, and just hope that we split the series back at home :). The Loyola D didn't allow us inside very much, so hopefully Lottich took some notes for what not to do at home against Loyola.
I realized playing Loyola in Chicago was most likely going to be a loss, but when you add the absence of Fazekas to injury and the fact that Evelyn was sick, then the realistic view was to pretty much write this one off and look ahead. If at the start of the season I were given the option of Valpo being 4-1 and tied for first after the initial five conference games, most of them against preseason picks to be among the top tier in the MVC, I'd have been satisfied. Now Valpo needs to keep serve by winning its home games, starting with UNI on Saturday.
Quote from: justducky on January 15, 2019, 11:13:25 PMOne small positive takeaway is that McMillan is defending better.
I think that this may have been Mileek's best game in a Valpo uniform.
Someone earlier in the thread (before the game started, I think) said something to the effect that Ryan would be out for an extended period. I was wondering where they heard that, or were they just speculating after seeing the picture of him sitting on the sideline in a boot. Does anyone actually know what Ryan's situation is, other than the public "day-to-day" remark Matt made?
I'll say this: It was a wake up call for us and points out how much we need Ryan out there. I'll also say what a joke the Loyola announcers comments were concerning the state of affairs of their game day atmosphere now that they were a final four participant. Really? Attendance listed at 3412 with Valpo bringing a decent crowd? Wow!
loyal is the better team but we are also better than what we showed out there. With Ryan out and Bakari ill it was a bad time for Lavendar to have an unusually TO prone game and for Javon to struggle with some freshman mistakes/unlucky shooting.
The gave our bigs trouble as expected but that wouldn't have been so pronounced if we were at all a threat from the perimeter.
That 1st half was lost by Valpo's own self inflicted wounds. As for the 2nd half I think Loyola came out of the gates super aggressive on defense and offense and our guys clearly got rattled and lost their composure.
It's a bad blowout loss but I think we can definitely win the rematch at the ARC if we are healthy and play up to our abilities.
I thought we played "fast and nervous". AKA - I think the moment (1st place game on the road) got us trying too hard to do things that were not there.
That said, Loyola has the best defense in the conference and a lot of that was brought on by them, but it was equally on us.
Examples:
Lavender trying to force passes or driving into impossible situations.
Freeman chucking 3's when he wasn't open or was several feet behind the line (something he has not done all year) or again driving into impossible situations. (Loyola recruited him hard too and I think he was trying to hard)
Smits being too aggressive at the wrong times trying to keep their center off the block
The entire team would dribble the ball up super quick and then we would pass the ball around super quick but it didn't appear there was an end game in play for what we were trying to accomplish as we rotated the ball around.
So "fast and nervous" is the best way I can describe what I saw but perhaps somebody has some better vocabulary to describe it.
Quote from: wh on January 16, 2019, 08:23:17 AM
Someone earlier in the thread (before the game started, I think) said something to the effect that Ryan would be out for an extended period. I was wondering where they heard that, or were they just speculating after seeing the picture of him sitting on the sideline in a boot. Does anyone actually know what Ryan's situation is, other than the public "day-to-day" remark Matt made?
Just my speculation. I have coached enough sports to know if you are still in a boot and on crutches you are not all that close even if you are trying to rest it. To a certain extend you get to a point that walking on it without the boot actually starts to re-strengthen the tendons and helps clear scar tissue with the extra blood flow. Like I said my guess is they thought it was really bad, were relieved to find out it was just a bad sprain, and a bad sprain is usually 2-4 weeks.
And you want the opposition preparing for the possibility of RF playing so that they aren't able to prepare as well. That Loyola team was well prepared already but shutting down our shooters was a huge part of it. Believe me, I met Loyola fans that read this board and have direct connections to the Loyola coaching staff. You never want to give away too much on the possibility of a player being in or out.
That is a very, very good team at Loyola. The game day atmosphere was tremendous and just communicating was tough.
One thing I was puzzled by was the referees called a total of 6 fouls in the whole first half and what seemed to me a physical game. Then in the second half they call some ticky tack fouls on Valpo and let other very rough play continue. Then the fouls start mounting because it seemed the refs had let the game start to get out of control and had to regain some control. In the end they called more fouls on Loyola but it was during the portion of the game when Loyola was really extending their lead that Valpo was getting called for the ticky tack fouls--Golder, Lavender, Smits, Sorolla, etc. Just an observation on my part.
Oh yeah, what is it with Sister Jean, world wide Loyola star praying to the Almighty for a Loyola win?
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 16, 2019, 09:13:46 AM
Quote from: wh on January 16, 2019, 08:23:17 AM
Someone earlier in the thread (before the game started, I think) said something to the effect that Ryan would be out for an extended period. I was wondering where they heard that, or were they just speculating after seeing the picture of him sitting on the sideline in a boot. Does anyone actually know what Ryan's situation is, other than the public "day-to-day" remark Matt made?
Just my speculation. I have coached enough sports to know if you are still in a boot and on crutches you are not all that close even if you are trying to rest it. To a certain extend you get to a point that walking on it without the boot actually starts to re-strengthen the tendons and helps clear scar tissue with the extra blood flow. Like I said my guess is they thought it was really bad, were relieved to find out it was just a bad sprain, and a bad sprain is usually 2-4 weeks.
Interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 16, 2019, 08:46:52 AM
That 1st half was lost by Valpo's own self inflicted wounds. As for the 2nd half I think Loyola came out of the gates super aggressive on defense and offense and our guys clearly got rattled and lost their composure.
It's a bad blowout loss but I think we can definitely win the rematch at the ARC if we are healthy and play up to our abilities.
Yes, it was as if Moser told his team at halftime that they should probably be up by more, that the Crusaders are battle scarred, shell-shocked, and teetering on the edge, and to come out with even more intensity and bury them. That's what they did, and they owned us within 5-6 minutes. The game was essentially over at that point. Another embarrassing element is that they controlled the action at both ends for long stretches, despite playing essentially a 6-man rotation.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 16, 2019, 09:13:46 AMJust my speculation. I have coached enough sports to know if you are still in a boot and on crutches you are not all that close even if you are trying to rest it. To a certain extend you get to a point that walking on it without the boot actually starts to re-strengthen the tendons and helps clear scar tissue with the extra blood flow. Like I said my guess is they thought it was really bad, were relieved to find out it was just a bad sprain, and a bad sprain is usually 2-4 weeks.
So what if the boot had another purpose? Maybe "chef" has been coaching Matt on the art of sandbagging, thus decoying Northern Iowa into a false sense of security. I was always told that ministers and priests love poker because you can lie with a clear conscience. It is in fact essential to its proper execution. ;) I think that would apply here also.
Having been at the game I can say that you are correct if the announcers were acting like they have an atmosphere of excitement. Far from it in my opinion.
Perhaps Valpo isn't a draw to get students and fans out to the game....like Wichita was
Also
Even with Fazekas we lose...
We had a good streak going
That is sport....streaks
Start a new one Saturday hopefully
Getting out rebounded and the other team shoots over 50 percent, a long night. lucky the spread was less then 20 points. now lets move on to Saturday's game. :twocents:
Quote from: Valpo2013 on January 16, 2019, 01:36:19 PMEven with Fazekas we lose...
We know. We watched too. But sometimes the difference between a blowout and a nail biter boils down to a half dozen plays that expand or diminish confidence. I've watched a couple basketball rematches over the decades and knowing the variabilities I'll say we could beat them at the ARC by 8 or lose by 12. As for St Louis both teams could substantially improve but I'd prefer to be in the other half of the bracket.
Loyola had 19 points off turnovers IN THE FIRST HALF!
Good luck. Valpo has a higher FG % at half bit didn't matter if you don't get shots off. What did they end up with ... 28 points off turnovers?
Good luck. Maybe they're THAT good. Maybe they wanted it THAT bad. Maybe we were THAT anxious. Maybe we lost our confidence THAT early. Maybe all of the above. Maybe none of the above. Who knows. Who knows.
Saturday will be telling. Didn't compete yesterday. Plain and simple. Shell shocked. Where was the grit? Passion from ML?
Was it the *other* Valpo team that showed up? Or is Loyola just THE team?
Talk about what made a big difference last night....Smits played 19 min. with 1 rebound(ONE!)with 8 points while Sorolla played 21 minutes with 3 rebounds and 2 points. That is a TOTAL of 4 rebounds and 10 points from our 2 seven-footers in 40 minutes of play!!!!
Just remember, it could be worse. We could be Bradley fans.
Quote from: VU2010 on January 16, 2019, 05:57:05 PMWas it the *other* Valpo team that showed up?
Gold uniforms instead of the brown.
Quote from: bbtds on January 16, 2019, 10:27:56 AM
And you want the opposition preparing for the possibility of RF playing so that they aren't able to prepare as well. That Loyola team was well prepared already but shutting down our shooters was a huge part of it. Believe me, I met Loyola fans that read this board and have direct connections to the Loyola coaching staff. You never want to give away too much on the possibility of a player being in or out.
That is a very, very good team at Loyola. The game day atmosphere was tremendous and just communicating was tough.
One thing I was puzzled by was the referees called a total of 6 fouls in the whole first half and what seemed to me a physical game. Then in the second half they call some ticky tack fouls on Valpo and let other very rough play continue. Then the fouls start mounting because it seemed the refs had let the game start to get out of control and had to regain some control. In the end they called more fouls on Loyola but it was during the portion of the game when Loyola was really extending their lead that Valpo was getting called for the ticky tack fouls--Golder, Lavender, Smits, Sorolla, etc. Just an observation on my part.
Oh yeah, what is it with Sister Jean, world wide Loyola star praying to the Almighty for a Loyola win?
She also prayed for the ValparIso team.
Quote from: valpospartan on January 16, 2019, 11:02:05 PM
Quote from: bbtds on January 16, 2019, 10:27:56 AM
And you want the opposition preparing for the possibility of RF playing so that they aren't able to prepare as well. That Loyola team was well prepared already but shutting down our shooters was a huge part of it. Believe me, I met Loyola fans that read this board and have direct connections to the Loyola coaching staff. You never want to give away too much on the possibility of a player being in or out.
That is a very, very good team at Loyola. The game day atmosphere was tremendous and just communicating was tough.
One thing I was puzzled by was the referees called a total of 6 fouls in the whole first half and what seemed to me a physical game. Then in the second half they call some ticky tack fouls on Valpo and let other very rough play continue. Then the fouls start mounting because it seemed the refs had let the game start to get out of control and had to regain some control. In the end they called more fouls on Loyola but it was during the portion of the game when Loyola was really extending their lead that Valpo was getting called for the ticky tack fouls--Golder, Lavender, Smits, Sorolla, etc. Just an observation on my part.
Oh yeah, what is it with Sister Jean, world wide Loyola star praying to the Almighty for a Loyola win?
She also prayed for the ValparIso team.
She was a wonderful part of Loyola's improbable tournament run last year. I loved how the players embraced her and treated her with love and respect.
Quote from: wh on January 16, 2019, 11:35:37 PM
She was a wonderful part of Loyola's improbable tournament run last year. I loved how the players embraced her and treated her with love and respect.
She shouldn't be blamed for this (may have actually helped), but I think she actually took a ton of attention away from the guys who were out there winning those games. Everyone knew who Sister Jean was. Not many could name more than a couple of Loyola's players.
It was a tough loss, but Valpo's still in a great spot 5 games into conference play. As long as the team doesn't let Loyola beat them twice and gets the game against UNI on Saturday, I think they have as good as shot as anyone else at the #2 seed in the conference tourney. Long ways to go though.
I respectfully disagree IrishDawg. Sister Jean and her support bring us a to a perspective of what is important in life. I would rather hear interviews from Sister Jean than the same crap from Coach K, Roy Williams, Urban Mayer and Nick Saban. Loyola was a great great story and as a member of the MVC we should applaud their success.
Quote from: valpospartan on January 16, 2019, 11:02:05 PM
Quote from: bbtds on January 16, 2019, 10:27:56 AM
And you want the opposition preparing for the possibility of RF playing so that they aren't able to prepare as well. That Loyola team was well prepared already but shutting down our shooters was a huge part of it. Believe me, I met Loyola fans that read this board and have direct connections to the Loyola coaching staff. You never want to give away too much on the possibility of a player being in or out.
That is a very, very good team at Loyola. The game day atmosphere was tremendous and just communicating was tough.
One thing I was puzzled by was the referees called a total of 6 fouls in the whole first half and what seemed to me a physical game. Then in the second half they call some ticky tack fouls on Valpo and let other very rough play continue. Then the fouls start mounting because it seemed the refs had let the game start to get out of control and had to regain some control. In the end they called more fouls on Loyola but it was during the portion of the game when Loyola was really extending their lead that Valpo was getting called for the ticky tack fouls--Golder, Lavender, Smits, Sorolla, etc. Just an observation on my part.
Oh yeah, what is it with Sister Jean, world wide Loyola star praying to the Almighty for a Loyola win?
She also prayed for the ValparIso team.
But not to win. I always thought God loved everyone no matter sex, age, location, etc. Can I pray for the teams I bet on to win or cover the spread and over/under. I suppose God should let me win the lottery so I can pay for ARC renovations.
EDIT: ok, just caught the fact that you spelled ValparIso instead of ValparAiso. Point taken.
I think the MVC benefits by having Loyola stay strong at the top this year. They need to be our signature team and not fade away. Two losses would have buried them in the pack already.
They need to go into St. Louis as a strong #1 seed who reaches the MVC finals to keep the media talking about them. Meanwhile, I would love for us to snag the #2 or #3 and have a track to play them in the finals. #4 and #5 draws the #1 in the semis of course. #6 seed would be a disappointment.
"I'll also say what a joke the Loyola announcers comments were concerning the state of affairs of their game day atmosphere now that they were a final four participant. Really?"
Loyola announcers?
Went to ILST/Loyola game Saturday. Had to buy from StubHub because it was sold out. The atmosphere was outstanding.
What I'd give for 5 sellouts.
Quote from: usc4valpo on January 17, 2019, 06:36:59 AM
I respectfully disagree IrishDawg. Sister Jean and her support bring us a to a perspective of what is important in life. I would rather hear interviews from Sister Jean than the same crap from Coach K, Roy Williams, Urban Mayer and Nick Saban. Loyola was a great great story and as a member of the MVC we should applaud their success.
Loyola was a great story, but there was more to it than Sister Jean. I'm not saying ignore her, because she does have wisdom and insight and was an entertaining interview. Again, it wasn't her fault for garnering all the media attention, because everyone goes for the easy puff piece, but it would have been nice to hear about someone other than Sister Jean during their run.
What's good for Loyola this year is good for the MVC. Our year to shine early is next year!
For a reality check, KenPom ranks us #189. We choked big in the non-conference. Loyola is #85, SIU is #144...and it tumbles down really fast from there.
I love the idea that a top 3 seed is in reach for us. But the MVC needs Loyola strong in the #1 slot this year.
I love this team.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1086004648723533825
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1086004927405662208
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1086005170079784960
Now let's light up UNI tomorrow. Remember what got us to 4-0 and keep that mentality the rest of the way. Go Valpo! Stay gritty.
I hereby move that this thread be taken down forthwith. Do I hear a second?