The OFFICIAL Shocks vs. Runnin' Utes Game Thread

[WSUwatcher]

I'm not sure I don't feel even better about this team's prospects going forward.

Agreed, Doc.

For the Shocks to struggle the way they did, with bad luck (some touch fouls against Carter, some in-and-out shots, the high bouncing three for Utah), plus poor shooting all around but especially by FVV, not their best execution at the end of regulation or OT, and a little defensive weakness at times in the second half (altitude?), and despite all that to come back from down seven with 1 1/2 to go as quickly as they did and have chances to win on the road against a quality team supported by a rowdy crowd -- that's impressive in itself.

But what's even better is the near certainty that having this one get away is likely to drive them to pursue success even more intensely than they do already. Play angry, indeed.

[kstarheel]

Great fight. Crap end. So close....

[UtahManSir]

You Shocker fans are all class. Great game by 2 really good teams. Greeted several of you guys in attendance in SLC tonight and hope they enjoyed the game. Shame one of us had to lose. Best of luck the rest of the season you guys. Awesome college game tonight.

[Calshockfan]

Why rush the court when you didn't win the game, moreso than the other team lost it. Oh well, on to the next game. Let the meltdowns from Gottlube and others begin, I'm off, had enough of certain people for the night.

an
Are all refs as sanctimonious as the two we have heard from tonight. If we can criticize players and coaches for poor play, refs are fair game.

[Shock Top]

All 4 of WSU's last losses have been close, heart-wrenching ones (including the MVC tourney game vs CU).

Goes to show the moxie this program has.

Next time, it'll bounce the Shockers way.

[Snapshot9]

There at the end of overtime, I thought Wessel should have come down with the ball and then go back up, if he didn't make it he would have been fouled.

[DwShock]

Something about the number 35 that confuses this team. Oh well just win the next 35 and see if the curse can be broken.

[molly jabali]

Considering that Carter played very little and that significant minutes were played by FRESHMEN, I'd be heartened rather than dismayed here...Utah will make plenty of noise.

[Rlh04d]

There at the end of overtime, I thought Wessel should have come down with the ball and then go back up, if he didn't make it he would have been fouled.

They keep talking about Evan playing football; I'm pretty sure he was trying to go for a double play in Baseketball on that play, though.

[Dan]

Carter sitting on the bench most of the game isn't an anomoly, it's a trend. He's undersized at the 5 and would be better off playing the 4 if we had someone that could step up and play. He's trying too hard to compete against bigger players and it's hindering his playing time. Shaq is foul machine and the other guys just aren't there yet. Really, it comes down to Rauno and/or Wamukota getting tougher and learning how to play. We need these 2 guys to figure it out.

[shocka khan]

As much as I like Wessel, I don't think he's the answer at PF against a high quality front line. Our freshman bigs played well tonight (the box score said Shaquille had one foul, bench had 10 rebounds).

We need them to step up during Valley play and be ready for the tourney.

I appreciate HCGM for finding a way to get Wessel's out on the floor, I just think we may lose more games if we can't get more size and bulk up front.

Asking Wessel block out a 7 footer on free throws won't work long term. But I really liked the way our team fought last night. We're going to win a lot of games no matter how it goes.

[Shocker Mama]

According to the Eagle, the Ute fans threw glow sticks at our bench at the end of the game.

[jdshock]

FVV had a rough game.

That said... If it wouldn't remind me of the eventual result of the game, I'd have a constant loop of his 3 at the end of regulation playing on my computer monitor. He jukes the guy out of his shoes, steps back and drains the three. We have a lot to be excited about this season even after that game.

[pinstripers]

Fred shot too damn much and sometimes, early in the clock. We had a serious size disadvantage at the 5, the 4, and the 1. Couldn't get enough shots for Baker. Wish Frankamp woulda been suited up.

[KC Shox]

Yeah, a win would've been nice, but losing on the road to a Top 25 program is a pill I can swallow. GM teams have always been pretty decent in depth, this year's squad is different however. We rely on the top 4 guys so much that Utah exploited this and our lack of depth. Particularly, our lack of players who can come off the bench and score.

Games like this are good for the young ones however. I kind of hope GM just assimilates our young, inexperienced front court guys via baptism by fire. By season's end, we're going to need one or two of these guys to have seen the light and make big improvements if we're going to make noise in the NCAA's. Otherwise, we'll end up rolling through the Valley once again and exit in the round of 32.

I'm still looking for my man Shaq to experience that ahh-hah moment (perhaps it was last night). Unleash the beast Shaq!