MTXE...with an emphasis on the T!

[Capitol Shock II]

As I watched the game last night, it became apparent in the second half that this team is a vicious, tenacious machine that just continually brings the fight to their opponent every possession. Midway through the second half it looked to me like the Tulsa players were looking at each other like are we really going to have to play like our lives depend on winning this game every second of this game? They folded.

It's very difficult for a team to play with that fortitude every game but last night the Shox just imposed their will and toughness on Tulsa. Tulsa like many opponents just packed it in.

I like it. I like it a lot.

[tw805]

As I watched the game last night, it became apparent in the second half that this team is a vicious, tenacious machine that just continually brings the fight to their opponent every possession. Midway through the second half it looked to me like the Tulsa players were looking at each other like are we really going to have to play like our lives depend on winning this game every second of this game? They folded.

It's very difficult for a team to play with that fortitude every game but last night the Shox just imposed their will and toughness on Tulsa. Tulsa like many opponents just packed it in.

I like it. I like it a lot.

Yeah, it's the "in the second half" part that's troubling. 30-10 second half runs will not be available in every game. They are going to have to get the 4 and 5 spots figured out before next week.

[KCShockerFan]

I've been watching the Shockers play since 2003 and one theme I've picked up on is that we are a second half team. Not sure why, but its been pretty consistent. We play it close to the half ans then kick it on in the second half. That's why I laughed when the Tulsa students started chanting "Overrated" before the first half was over - they evidently don't follow the Shockers. You can prepare for a team by watching lots of film and practice but until you get them on the court a figure then out you don't have a complete picture. Enjoy the ride.

[Cdizzle]

I've been watching the Shockers play since 2003 and one theme I've picked up on is that we are a second half team. Not sure why, but its been pretty consistent. We play it close to the half ans then kick it on in the second half. That's why I laughed when the Tulsa students started chanting "Overrated" before the first half was over - they evidently don't follow the Shockers. You can prepare for a team by watching lots of film and practice but until you get them on the court a figure then out you don't have a complete picture. Enjoy the ride.

Depth has a lot to do with it.

If we can take everyone's best shot and stay even at halftime, as we've been doing, we'll win an awful lot of games.

[The Mad Hatter]

Depth has a lot to do with it.

If we can take everyone's best shot and stay even at halftime, as we've been doing, we'll win an awful lot of games.

You also have to think that our coaches are winning the halftime adjustment battles.

[wufan]

You also have to think that our coaches are winning the halftime adjustment battles.

Absolutely! Our staff makes adjustments, and players that don't "play angry" sit. We have lots of improvements to make, but I'm enjoying the 5-0 start.

[tw805]

Everyone realizes that you don't spit on a 5-0 record, but some on this board act like it's heresy to be a little concerned with the season's start. I think there are reasons to see it both ways.

Positives: 1. Many teams look shaky in November, and January-March is where it really counts. 2. Good second halves mean the team regroups pretty well, coaching adjustments are correct, and the team has some depth. 3. The team is still pretty young, so there is room for improvement. (Although the young guys have been really good, so there's room for debate here.)

Negatives: 1. It's hard not to notice that we've needed really, really good second halves to take care of teams that are a combined 2-12. Just generally being a second half team is one thing, but these are games you should run away with in the first half even on days you don't have your "A" game. We aren't even in the RPI top 100 at this point. 2. Our inside play has been horrific. Terrible interior defense, the 5 spot has provided nothing, etc. 3. A few of the guys we knew we needed to be key contributors this year are off to slow starts. If that doesn't change, things could get rough.

Suffice it to say, there's basis for both viewpoints, but I would tip toward being pretty concerned about this team from what we've seen. Obviously, they can turn the corner, but they need to before next Monday.