blueeagle
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
Win or lose, it's the school we choose.
Posts: 492
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Post by blueeagle on Feb 21, 2013 19:24:02 GMT -5
I made an interesting observation while watching the GU-Cinci game. The Bearcats appeared visibly de-spirited after Otto made a few impressive plays on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. One was a tough fade away midrange jumper with someone in his face. The other was when he stole the ball by filling the passing lane and finishing off the play with an and-one conversion. We took control of the tempo after those plays. It was like the Cinci players realized that this team with this player was better than they thought.
I think that having a lottery type player on our roster helps us win the mental part of the game.
To a certain extent, opposing coaches and players are also taken aback by the improved play of our bench. I think that going into the season, Big East coaches probably felt that they knew who and how were going to play. We were quite predictable before one of our guys had to sit out. I am a HUGE GW fan. But losing GW forced our bench and even our starters to grow up quickly.
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SFHoya99
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 17,744
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Post by SFHoya99 on Feb 21, 2013 19:25:03 GMT -5
On the counter side, while a lot of people have long lamented JTIII teams' general lack of fire, I love that they are almost never intimidated or panicky. The exact opposite.
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blueeagle
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
Win or lose, it's the school we choose.
Posts: 492
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Post by blueeagle on Feb 22, 2013 10:43:26 GMT -5
We need to punch the 'Cuse in the mouth early to control tempo. Start the game with some plays at the elbow for Otto. If he converts on a few of those, we will be in excellent shape.
I agree that this team has shown incredible poise when challenged in tough environments. Keep TO's down to limit transition baskets for the 'Cuse.
I cannot imagine a more hostile environment for our guys to play in this year given the historical rivalry and the impending changes to the Big East. As other posters and the press have stated, this game will be epic.
JTIII has to perform some Jedi mind tricks on our guys to keep them focused. As fans, we are allowed to get carried away in the emotion surrounding this game. Our guys have to look at this match-up as just another regular season game.
If our guys remain calm, collected, and efficient, the Dome will fall silent except for the faint chant of "Hoya Saxa" that will be heard from a tiny section in the rafters.
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blueeagle
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
Win or lose, it's the school we choose.
Posts: 492
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Post by blueeagle on Feb 23, 2013 18:15:01 GMT -5
Just sayin'.
After this game, the effect will be felt beyond the Big East.
The kid just showed his rare quality. Winner. Period.
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