Simpson the key, today

Submitted by Alumnus93 on

I'm not a hoops guru by any means, but I can say this, that Xaviers play tonight is the most key piece to winning, for if he negates Custer, then they will be crushed.  Custer is their ringleader, and this is the first team weve played that is excessively dependent on one player.  This is Simpsons time, and all the pundits who left him off the All-whatever teams will reflect.   

I digress....have been thinking this since February, that this is our year to win it all.  Was there as a frosh season ticket holder in 1989, (and then again as a fifth year senior with the Fab Five....)  and this team has that oneness again.  

GO BLUE

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Mr Miggle

March 31st, 2018 at 1:24 PM ^

Loyola doesn't strike me as all at reliant on Custer. They move the ball constantly and spread around the shots.

Simpson is always our key player on defense as far as I'm concerned. He sets the tone and is our most disruptive player by far. But I think this time Wagner is our most important player. Will Loyola be able to play their starting big against him? That will have a big impact on their offense too. If they do play him, can Moe guard him without picking up fouls? 

Joined: 10/07/2010

MGoPoints: 47572

Mike Damone

March 31st, 2018 at 9:31 AM ^

has been the team's MVP in the BTT and NCAA Tourney.  Shutting down the other team's point guards, steals, low turnovers, and making the big plays when needed most.

And most importantly - he runs the offense and drives the defense as a real leader.  He is The General.

Have a great game Z - GO BLUE!

Joined: 09/02/2017

MGoPoints: 24113

JMac

March 31st, 2018 at 9:32 AM ^

I agree.  Loyola is patient and they always seemingly get off a good shot.  Custer is the catalyst and key to that hapening.

Joined: 08/20/2008

MGoPoints: 316

charblue.

March 31st, 2018 at 9:44 AM ^

that Rob Gray wasn't  the straw that stirred Houston's drink and nearly pulled off the upset because it took a Michigan village to guard him even though Zavier discovered his chewing gum flavor early and often and did the best job on him. It was Dentyne, by the way.

Joined: 05/25/2010

MGoPoints: 11384

Bb011

March 31st, 2018 at 9:53 AM ^

I agree that Zavier is important for this game and shutting down Custer is important. However, I wouldn’t say they are excessively dependent on him. They have 5 guys averaging double figures,which is pretty damn good.

Joined: 09/02/2010

MGoPoints: 4721

UM Fan from Sydney

March 31st, 2018 at 10:04 AM ^

Guy is really good, though he needs to work on free throws every day. Starting point guards should not be shooting around 50% from the stripe.

Joined: 09/17/2015

MGoPoints: 58076

WichitanWolverine

March 31st, 2018 at 12:58 PM ^

I think he needs to get better at getting rid of the ball when the other team is playing the foul game. Almost seems like he intentionally holds it for his chance to shoot free throws and prove to everyone he can hit them. Problem is that it hasn’t worked out so well so far.

Joined: 09/30/2009

MGoPoints: 34351

poppinfresh

March 31st, 2018 at 10:43 AM ^

The Florida state game the refs allowed a physical style we need to pay attention early how they will call it today which could impact how Xavier and moe play on D. This is a road game against a national narrative/team. Can't play scared but wouldn't be surprised if this called tight which hurts our defensive advantage a bit (I.e Iowa repeat if we shoot coldly)

Joined: 12/06/2014

MGoPoints: 8875

M-Dog

March 31st, 2018 at 10:49 AM ^

That's my biggest concern . . . that the refs won't let Michigan and especially Z play defense.

This is exactly the type of game where that could happen.

We need to recognize early how the game is being called and quickly adjust to it.

Anybody have a "scouting report" on tonight's refs?

 

Joined: 07/06/2008

MGoPoints: 257391

MaladjustedStrong

March 31st, 2018 at 10:58 AM ^

The referees WILL kill this game in an effort to make sure Gramma Tootie is all over the court on Monday.

As for a scouting report on refs? This is a Michigan blog. ALL refs suck. They are out to get us!!!

And this is the second time I'll believe it. The first was the NC game against Louisville.

Joined: 03/18/2018

MGoPoints: -149

Mr Miggle

March 31st, 2018 at 1:32 PM ^

and I like the way our staff makes adjustments. We have better depth than Loyola, so a tightly called game isn't all bad for us. This team isn't just different than past years in its defensive prowess. They are also better at driving the ball and putting pressure on defenses. 

Joined: 10/07/2010

MGoPoints: 47572

DonBrownSoda

March 31st, 2018 at 11:02 AM ^

The biggest weakness is their 5. If Wagner can hit from outside, they will need to put Krutnik on the bench which allows Mo to punish inside. Good thing Momma Wagner will be in attendance!

Go Blue

Joined: 09/13/2017

MGoPoints: 1279

Squeezebox

March 31st, 2018 at 11:17 AM ^

You never know which Mo will show up.

Or maybe with the other players playing well, Mo will be more the difference between a close game and a blowout.

We will need all the players to bring their "A" game on Monday, so hopefully this is a good tuneup and helps get their confidence up.

Joined: 04/25/2014

MGoPoints: 1566

LabattsBleu

March 31st, 2018 at 11:38 AM ^

Michigan has great on the ball defenders.

Z, Matthews and MAAR are all excellent...Mo, Duncan and Teske have actually been great during this run too; blocking shots or stepping into passing lanes for steals

Loyola does turn the ball over, so i can see Michigan looking to run on transition and hit some rhythm threes in transition.

Loyola does not have rim defenders unlike TAMU or FSU, so i can see Michigan driving to the cup early and often to drag defenders down off the 3 pt line which should open up looks for our shooters.

Just gotta hit for average. 

Joined: 10/06/2012

MGoPoints: 16413