3/21, 12:15pm ET: NCAA First Game: (14) Valpo v. (3) Michigan State Game Thread

[StlVUFan]

By the way, no WAKE radio app today, darn it.  Proprietary reasons, according to their website.

[GoPanthers33]

Go get'm Valpo!

[rink]

Izzo's wearing Valpo colors on his tie? What the heck, I'll predict 63-62 good guys.

[valpo04]

Just a reminder, the chat room is open: http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?board=13.0

[FWalum]

Have had some good looks but are playing scared. When was the last time you saw Ryan throw up an air ball?

[oklahomamick]

Ryan looks scared.  He's playing horrible and therefore there is no way we can stay in this game.  We need our best player to have at least an average game.  His a air ball and turnover underneath our basketball for an easy dunk are the first...

[FWalum]

By the way, no WAKE radio app today, darn it.  Proprietary reasons, according to their website.

That really sucks.

[rink]

22% fg shooting won't get it done. Everyone cold.

[humbleopinion]

Starting to slip away. Ryan has to start sinking some shots.  I was hoping that the free throws would spark him.

[FWalum]

Stop adjusting everything when going to the rim or shooting. If you adjust your shot you don't get the call.

[truth219]

This is what happens when valpo plays a good team...they crumble. It happens time and time again.

[jack]

Valpo's only shot at this one was to hit their shots. They can't miss that many point blank shots from underneath and have a prayer at hanging with MS.
Got to come out with a purpose in the second half, and make it respectable.

[rink]

It's going to sound ridiculous, but we're playing really well aside from the shooting issues.  Not a lot of turnovers, good patient play, open looks, hanging very tough on defense, lots of energy, active feet, active hands.  I'm not a Drew apologist, but I think he did a really good job getting his guys fired up to play.  The shots just didn't fall.  A normal shooting day, and we trail by a basket.  An above average shooting day, and we're sitting at half time with a lead.

[crusadermoe]

Yes, missing shots has been the key.   And I agree wtih Rink that we looked good otherwise.

Not sure why we passed up so many open 3's.      Buggs should not be trying to drive and kick against MSU.   Just doesn't work.

When they started hitting 3s it was over.       I think they need to just start bombing from deep and that increases the number of possessions and the number of long rebounds that they can get with smaller size.    MSU got too many 2nd chance points early but size can't be taught or done with hustle.   

[Chairback]

I think you are watching a different game than me.  Forced shots, no fluidity in the offensive, tentative......

The team looks scared and beat and not fired up.

[Valposter]

20 points in 24 minutes of basketball.  Uggg...........very frustrating.

[humbleopinion]

This should be an audition for Ryan for his professional career.  I'm afraid that his chances to play in the NBA are fading.

[FWalum]

Are you kidding me!  Can we miss any more shots? We need to deck somebody, Kenney should have gotten on the floor for that loose ball.

[valpopal]

Finally, Bobby and Kevin on the court together! I have been calling for this since midway through the first half.

[Chairback]

Deer in the headlights look should not be there with the maturity this team should have.

This is embarrassing.

[humbleopinion]

This isn't fun. but at least it's not as frustrating as the first game against Arizona.  And with four stations doing the broadcasting, we'll be able to see the end of the game.

[milanmiracle]

Halftime 35-18. Yikes...

[valpospartan]

Tough game for KVW. Sorry to see him end his career on a sour note.

[crusadermoe]

Why didn't we bomb away (esp. Kenney) and full court press when we got within 15.      Odds of catching them would be 200:1 but hey it's your one shot in life to get a memory. 

If Buggs had made his 2 intentional foul FTs and Ryan hit his open 3 we come within 10 with 8+ minutes. 

Why leave anything on the court? 

[govalpogo]

Why didn't we bomb away (esp. Kenney) and full court press when we got within 15.      Odds of catching them would be 200:1 but hey it's your one shot in life to get a memory. 

If Buggs had made his 2 intentional foul FTs and Ryan hit his open 3 we come within 10 with 8+ minutes. 

Why leave anything on the court? 

That was a series of big missed shots as the door had a crack in it.   Kudos to the team for not giving up till the final whistle.  65-54 is better than 70-35 and for that, I am grateful. Congratulations Crusaders on a very good season.  Seniors, way to play with dignity to the end.  Let's build on it for next year!