WSU VERSUS LOYOLA PREDICTIONS AND PREGAME DISCUSSIONS

[forevershockerfan]

Here's the deal. Just think about it. The Shockers, picked #1 in the Milky Way by everybody but one person head to the Windy City to play Loyola, picked last by some folk in this here Valley. Loyola had 11 wins by around Jan-2nd. What up with this development? They also beat the Purple team last night in downtown Evansville Indiana. Not everybody will do that. Even the high-roller Gamblers didn't expect these wins from the Ramblers? I hope the refs keep a prim but proper whistle in this game because the scowl featured into today's paper by 3G reminded me the last time I tried that. A girlfriend made a comment so I gave her the evil eye. Next thing I knew, she boxed me till I barked like a fox. Then she drew a circle and told me to stand in there a spell. You know what I did to show her who was boss? When she was not looking, I put one foot out of the circle. A little tuff luv goes a long way.

So here we have it. Two teams in search of the same goal, a nice win. We keep talking about a Shocker break-out game and we need to play solid for 40 minutes or close to it. Shockers sell tickets everywhere they play, making Programs more bread. In return, we get teams best efforts to get an upset victory. No dice by the rambler gamblers this Sunday in Chicago because Baker will be the Maker of 22 points, FVV will have 11 assists, Shaq will protect the rim, and Carter will have 11 bounds. Cotton will D them up and Wessel will dive and get every loose ball. Shocks win by 11.

Freddie and His Bakers Dozen--70

Hey Porter-----------------------59

[kcshocker11]

WSU 81
Loy 73

[im4wsu]

Comparison from StatSheet

http://

[wusphlash]

We didn't exactly run these guys out of either gym last year. I expect a very difficult game with a team that is feeling very good about themselves. We'll be 4-0 at days end and alone in first but it will have been a battle.

[mjbaker84]

70-60
shockers

[Play Angry]

Terrell Benton 72,
David Bailey 68

[molly jabali]

One of my first tv sports memories was watching Loyola upset the Bearcats in '63....after Cincinnati had beaten OSU two years in a row....I was about 10...so I'm glad they are becoming somewhat relevant again....

but not THIS time......

WSU 66
Loyola 65

[ShockerFever]

I think we lose 4 conference games this year. We're still really good. We'll still win the league.

Unfortunately, this is one of them.

#15 Wichita State 61
Loyola 66

[Aargh]

I've been one of the most most obvious posters at finding some apparent weak spots on this team I don't think Loyola is the team to attack the Shox in areas that have problems. I also believe the "road warrior" attitude will come back.

Loyola doesn't seem to play anyone taller than 6'6". They will out-quick opponents in the front court. That's not a weakness on this Shocker team. Wessel is a legitimate PF against Loyola. Nurger is probably a spectator because Loyola's front court quickness would probably make him fairly ineffective (this year).

Kelly has potential for a breakout game. He's quick enough to use a length and (probably) athleticism advantage at PF. Carter may have foul problems, but his length should make the game a bit easier for him than some. I don't know if Wamukota is ready to defend a quick 6'6" player. Our depth in the front court is likely to wear down whatever Loyola can put out there.

Tyhat leaves the perimeter guys. Doyle won't find scoring easy, and that can take Loyola out of their comfort zone.

I hate predicting scores or margin of victory, but I'm going with:

Former Way To Harvest Wheat - 68
Former Very Bad Car - 62

Speaking of the Rambler line of vehicles - can we make Bradley the Gremlins?

[Blackmag]

Haven't seen Loyola play this year, but I think they returned their primary players, and Doyle is a stud.This will be tight, but I think our size will give us an advantage....Shocks 68 - Loyola 62

[Dave Stalwart]

I think we lose 4 conference games this year. We're still really good. We'll still win the league.

Unfortunately, this is one of them.

#15 Wichita State 61
Loyola 66

I agree. I actually think even 13-5 is possible. Based on what I've seen so far, I'd be pretty happy to see us get road wins at places like UNI, UE, Loyola and even some others. If our players pull it all together at the right time, which happens to be starting right now, we could still be a team that finishes with a great record, though. This is a really important game.

Gotta start hitting shots and keep the rebounding edge.

[Jamar Howard 4 President]

I think we lose 4 conference games this year. We're still really good. We'll still win the league.

Unfortunately, this is one of them.

#15 Wichita State 61
Loyola 66

and on the same day, posted in another thread...

EU 2
UNI 4
SIU 1
MSU 1
WSU 2

Not just a 1, but a 2! Things that make you go hmmmm.

[jdshock]

Everyone else this year has looked inconsistent even in valley play. UNI loses at EU, Loyola wins there. Drake looked good against us, and gets stomped by MSU. Who knows what to think about ISUb.

We have looked bad at times. Over the last two years, though, we consistently win.

I predict the good guys get a road victory. My gut thinks we will look good doing it. My head thinks it might be sloppy.

[pinstripers]

What's the Vegas line?

[shocks02]

What's the Vegas line?

There won't be a line until tomorrow. RPI forecast has the Shox as 3 point favorites. http://www.rpiforecast.com/teams/Wichita%20St..html