Mr. Yost

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:14 PM ^

I see people discussing the game.

Sure a win is a win and we'll take it. But someone brought up the topic and it was discussed. I'm glad they didn't get negged to hell for bringing it up too. Half the time people go nuts on people who bring up negative things during a win...like it didn't happen.

Just like the 0-12 from 3...if it wasn't discussed in this thread, I would've never have realized how bad we actually shot.

As long as you're not saying stuff like "we should've lost" or "we suck"...I don't see a problem with discussing the game in its entirety...the good and the bad.

We won by 1 point, there's going to be some bad. If we won 110-57, then I might agree with you.

Mabel Pines

March 3rd, 2013 at 8:03 PM ^

I apologize, Mr. Yost.  I am just surrounded by Spartan fans and find them terrible awful.  They even bother my 9 year old daughter!  So I am just ultra happy tonight and really don't give a rip if the team was terrible at anything.   So ignore me as I "wooo hooo and Suck it, Spartans!" All.  night.  long.

Soulfire21

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:07 PM ^

I was really excited, but then I looked at the rest of the Big Ten scores and saw Penn State lost to Minnesota 73-44.  Seriously, how the fuck did we lose that game?  I pomptly got uncomfortable for a few seconds then said eff it, can't change the past, and poured myself a celebration beer.

Our inside presence was INSANE.  If we can maintain a semblance of that and hit some 3s, we really are capable of a final four appearance.  Of course, given the unpredictible nature of this season, I'm not sure I'm ready to predict (hm, lots of predicts) that yet.

Durham Blue

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:07 PM ^

but the three shooting is simply awful as of late.  Hopefully the team reverses its fortunes and catches fire from downtown in time for the tourney.

switch26

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:11 PM ^

Man, hopefully THJ struggles big time against MSU.. hopefully he steps up down the stretch

SF Wolverine

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:15 PM ^

and, figured out a way not to completely implode down the stretch.  Way to snag a W without making a single three.  Now, go and win one on the road. 

Mr. Yost

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:19 PM ^

I think this team really lacked confidence. After the first MSU lost, I just think we were flat tired.

But I think some doubt crept into the minds of our younger guys and our older guys really aren't THAT old.

We needed confidence and I really think this is the type of game that turns seasons around. You win (even ugly) and you believe again.

Even in the first half, GRIII gets the ball outside the 3-point line and goes STRAIGHT at the basket for a beautiful layup. He hadn't done that since we played @ Illinois.

Then the slapping the floor. Burke goes at them and when they come down Michigan players are slapping the floor right back at them as if to say "we're not scared...we're right here." It continued after the timeout (even though Burke got yelled at for it).

I loved the energy and emotion we played with tonight. No more going through the motions like we had been since MSU round 1.

We got back to attacking and playing with a chip on our shoulder. We need to hold on to this, the shots will come back...confidence will bring them back.

Mr. Yost

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:21 PM ^

This Purdue game is going to be very telling. I'm not saying we need to come in and win by 30 (although, that would be nice)...but we just need to EXECUTE. Execute the offense, make open shots and play solid defense.

Similar to how we played Iowa at home this year and @ Northwestern. We just executed.

If we can do that, I seriously think we're "back" and I like us over IU. If we struggle....ugh, don't even want to think about it. Let's execute, let's play with passion and energy, let's WIN!

Leonhall

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:26 PM ^

Finally played better...so pissed they couldn't get the loose balls but defense was improved and probably made the difference. Nice win!

Generic MGoBlogger

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:35 PM ^

We found confidence and finally found a way to win without the three ball... Found our strength in driving the ball, but it did feel at times like we relied to much on Trey which isn't bad in certain cases like tonight, but we don't need to get overreliant on him. Good win overall, but let's not overlook Purdue on Wednesday... Finally happy again.

Generic MGoBlogger

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:39 PM ^

defensive intensity really came through... Could have played a little smarter on defense at times, but I'm not worried... Huge improvements and I'm really excited for March now.

get-on-my-lawn

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:46 PM ^

Author:get-on-my-lawn Date:2013-03-03 at 19:10

What is everyone's thoughts about Stauskas being out and us potentially playing better overall as a team? I'm not saying one way or another, because i'm not educated enough to know how much of a difference it made. But you have to wonder... FWIW I do like Stauskas a lot, he is just a concern at times as we all know.

get-on-my-lawn

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:47 PM ^

I'm not questioning Stauskas's ability, skills, and potential, as I know they are all at the highest level, I just know that at times his lack of effort and his so called "swagger" gets in the way of his potential. Also, his defense is aweful, that I AM questioning.

Vivz

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:55 PM ^

Would be a stretch. Better defense had as much to do with Morgan getting a bit more mobility back and McGary not overplaying everything and giving up dunks. 

Yes Caris>Nik on defense but i don't think that makes up for having to account for Nik at all points on offense. I haven't seen anything either that lends me to believe the team has any better chemistry with him off the court. 

 

What is the need to post the same comment (broken up into 2) in multiple threads though?

get-on-my-lawn

March 3rd, 2013 at 8:16 PM ^

And nobody seemed to be posting on the other thread and I really wanted some feedback. The reason it's 2 posts also is because i am on an iPhone and it was just the simplest way. Epic fail? Yes. Regardless...



In my opinion: I just hate the lack of enthusiasm and hustle from nik most of the time, and way too much standing around from him and making stupid mistakes. Not trying to bash on him at all.

KAYSHIN15

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:49 PM ^

My son and I call that the "Trey Burke steal", and we have worked tirelessly on that play. He did it yesterday in both of his league games with one leading to a big layup in the championship. Thanks Trey...

buddhafrog

March 3rd, 2013 at 8:12 PM ^

my son is a 12 y/o point guard for his team that won the city title for his age.  He was the tourney MVP.  He plays in Korea, so yeah, it's a little different here.  But still.

Trey is his favorite player and we have learned a lot from watching him and me coaching some of his moves and tendencies.  We haven't done the Trey Burke Steal practice yet, but we will this week.  That was my thought after watching it live.

KAYSHIN15

March 3rd, 2013 at 9:15 PM ^

One YMCA league and another AAU league. He hasnt achieved "MVP" status yet for his league but we are working toward that goal. Remember funnel the ball handler to a corner and turn him. If he turns his back on your son then half the battle is won. Im sure he will add this to his arsenal in no time enroute to another MVP season.

Mr. Yost

March 3rd, 2013 at 9:59 PM ^

It's a risky play that only someone with super long arms or Trey Burke's skill can make (at that level).

If roles were reverse, Burke just switches hands and blows right by Appling (or most other players in America).

I'm sure your son is a big time player...but for the rest of us, not something I'd try too often in that situation.

Also, if you're playing against a smart ballhandler...you just do what Burke always does. You stop and jump in the way of the defender so he runs up your back and you get the foul.

MSU was in the Bonus, if Appling does this, he's on the line. It's absolutely what Burke would've done if he didn't just go right to the basket.

Mr. Yost

March 4th, 2013 at 9:16 AM ^

It's a risky play that only someone with super long arms or Trey Burke's skill can make (at that level).

If roles were reverse, Burke just switches hands and blows right by Appling (or most other players in America).

I'm sure your son is a big time player...but for the rest of us, not something I'd try too often in that situation.

Also, if you're playing against a smart ballhandler...you just do what Burke always does. You stop and jump in the way of the defender so he runs up your back and you get the foul.

MSU was in the Bonus, if Appling does this, he's on the line. It's absolutely what Burke would've done if he didn't just go right to the basket.

jmblue

March 3rd, 2013 at 7:52 PM ^

I was very surprised how easy it was for us to get to the rim against MSU's defense.  If we could have shot anywhere near our usual 3-point percentage, we'd have won handily.  

Our defensive intensity was light years better than it was four days ago.  MSU basically could not score against our defense when it was set.  They got a huge chunk of their points either on putbacks or in transition.  If you'd have told me we'd give up 84 points to PSU and then hold Sparty to 57, I'd have thought you were nuts.  College basketball is a funny game.  

 

Mr. Yost

March 3rd, 2013 at 10:02 PM ^

How many times is he literally ON the court walking up the floor with the PG?

That's the point of having a LOUD crowd, to make it difficult for the other team to communicate. Izzo is damn near at the free throw line with Appling/Trice as they dribble up the court.

I can't be the only one who sees this.

buddhafrog

March 3rd, 2013 at 8:17 PM ^

Great game.  I think it was important for UM to win against a quality opponent, and have the cause of victory be DEFENSE and DETERMINATION.  That has the potential to help this team moving forward.

Also, don't think I'm over-looking this year, and believe me if no Trey next year it will hurt, but I enjoy imagining a senior Morgan and a senior THJ playing together.

I fell good about UM basketball.

MGoClimb

March 3rd, 2013 at 8:19 PM ^

If someone had told me before the game that Michigan would go 0-12 from three, I would have said it would have been a blowout.

On top of that, if I'd have known that we would lose Nik in the first few minutes, and Morgan would foul out with a few minutes to go, I would not have had high hopes at all.

Oh how wrong I would have been.  What a great game.  I hope this sparks us for the rest of the season. 

BlueRibbon

March 3rd, 2013 at 8:55 PM ^

I was constantly texting with my UM fan brother as we simul-watched, and at the end of the game we had an exchange regarding strategy that I hope someone with greater basketball knowledge than myself can comment upon.  The conversation started when Mcgary received an inbound pass and was fouled with 4.9 seconds left (and subsequently missed the front end of a 1-and-1).  He wondered why they passed to Mitch, I responded that it's better than a 5-second violation, and he wondered why not just throw a Hail Mary?  I was initially skeptical, but I think he might actually have a good point.  Up by 1, with under 5 seconds to play, why not have the inbounder aim for the rafters and land the ball as far from our basket as possible while still keeping it inbounds?  As soon as the ball is touched, the clock will start in a scramble situation with the ball 60+ feet from our basket.  The only drawback I can see with this tactic is the possibility of a loose-ball foul on us, but it's just as likely the call goes on them, and even more likely the refs just let them play.  What flaws with this strategy am I missing?

Obviously it's best to get the ball in the hands of a good FT shooter, but Sparty shut that down, and other teams may be able to do the same.  So, if your options are A. extremely risky pass to good FT shooter, B. easy pass to bad FT shooter, C. scramble situation as far from our basket as possible, or D. 5-second violation... what's best?

jmblue

March 3rd, 2013 at 9:37 PM ^

Interesting idea, but there were 8.8 seconds left when we inbounded to McGary.  (He was fouled with 8.0, and then MSU dribbled it across halfcourt and called timeout with 4.9 seconds.)

8.8 seconds is probably too much time to do what you suggest, especially when the other team still has a timeout in its pocket.  

 

 

 

Mr. Yost

March 3rd, 2013 at 10:09 PM ^

I mentioned it earlier in the thread.

First in response...you HAVE to inbound the ball. It was a good find and AWESOME job by McGary to come back to the ball.

Second, NOOOOOO!!!! Do not throw a hail mary! What if no one touches the ball? Then MSU gets the ball under their own basket. It's not like they have to go the length of the floor.

Also, this is too hard to coordinate without a timeout.

***what should've been done***

1. Sub Horford IN with McGary after the first shot.

---Michigan did this, it was the right move because you want to make sure you get the rebound if they miss or miss on purpose.

2. Have your best FT shooters at the scorers table DURING the 2nd attempt.

a. ...if he misses, you're fine. You've already got your rebounders in the game. Just pull back your FT shooters and don't allow them to check in. It's a live ball, get the rebound and go to the other end after they foul.

b. ...if he MAKES it (which he did). You can sub off a make. Sub McGary, Horford OUT and get Albrecht and Stauskas (if he's okay) or another shooter IN. Now you've got guys in the game who can make that 1-and-1 once you inbound the ball and they foul.

Luckily it didn't burn us, but McGary shouldn't have been in the game. Horford either (unless he can shoot FTs, I don't know his numbers).