WSU VERSUS UNI PREDICTIONS AND PREGAME DISCUSSIONS

[Dave Stalwart]

Question: If a game is slow paced with a projected scoring in the 40-60s, does that lend itself toward conditioning and depth mattering more or less?

[ShockerFever]

NOIA 56
WSU 82

[DUShock]

uni might have the edge in depth/bench over wichita state. i don't like that.

[jdshock]

Question: If a game is slow paced with a projected scoring in the 40-60s, does that lend itself toward conditioning and depth mattering more or less?

Probably a bunch of factors and multiple questions in there, right? Maybe slow-paced tends to mean more physical which could mean 1. you need more strength and conditioning and 2. depth for the fouls that could pile up in a physical game. But it could also mean the team isn't getting as winded.

But I'm sure that's why you asked the question. I would think if refs are allowing the players to play, depth matters less in a slow-paced game.

[champions5]

I'm sure winning the conference title is a goal, but originally when they made their goals, I would guess winning at WSU was not on most of them. So losing wouldn't be as heartbreaking. Of course they want to win, but i doubt it was a GOAL. Plus this senior class as some have mentioned in another thread that they haven't won a game yet in St. Louis...so nothing is a given. I'm betting winning a game in STL was a goal, and winning on Saturday in STL was a goal.

As for the game itself..I'm sure it will be different in a few ways (hopefully not the outcome!). I'm a realist and a coach...I know factors that can happen..It's college though, and you aren't going to see toooooo much difference in one game from the next. Small adjustments, but nothing substantial. So to say that this meeting will be completely different than last is quite false. Both teams will run the exact same offenses and will likely play the same defenses, maybe with some wrinkles and matchups being different. In the end, it'll just be who can make shots. I'm not saying UNI is going to win, I'd probably bet the spread but thats about it. Don't be like Cyclown peeps and think you are almighty and the whole world changes just because the game is at WSU now. I have great respect for the Shox program, HCGM and his staff. I was lucky enough to listen to him speak twice in coaching conventions here in Texas. He specifically gave away gameplans (Louisville, etc). Like all coaches, very predictable over the course of a season, Jacobsen included. Again, I'm just here for a rational conversation. I look forward to a great game and cheering both teams on in March. Hopefully the refs don't ruin the fun atmosphere and game flow. Although if you want a very well reffed game, gimme Higgins and Hightower (even though i hate both).

If you're a coach, and I have my doubts after this post, you would think you would have an understanding of the difference between home and road performances and the value of playing at home. That's not to say a team can't perform similarly at different venues. It just doesn't happen often. Apparently the "Cyclown" fans understand this better than UNI fans. Let's take a quick look at some of the evidence.

The last 3 years home/away in the UNI-WSU series:

2013-14: WSU wins by 9 at UNI, WSU wins by 14 at WSU (5-point difference)
2012-13: WSU wins by 3 at UNI, WSU wins by 25 at WSU (22-point difference)
2011-12: UNI wins by 5 at UNI, WSU wins by 25 at WSU (30-point difference)

UNI has one conference loss this season, a game they lost by 3 at Evansville, but avenged that loss with an 11-point win at home, a 14-point difference. UNI escaped at Illinois State with a 1-point win, but defeated ISU by 19 just 17 days later at home. If the venue makes no difference why is KU undefeated at home but has managed 5 road losses? That's quite the coincidence.

I also have to question if you're a coach (other than a junior high coach or something similar) if you think that both teams will run the exact same offenses and defenses. I seriously doubt WSU will defend the pick and roll the same way, defend Seth Tuttle the same way, etc. Both teams have a lot of different set plays, have a lot of options with the ball screen game, can defend the ball screen in a number of different ways, and can choose to double the post or play straight up based on who has the ball. I guarantee 3G isn't going to defend UNI the same way and it goes far beyond a few new "wrinkles." Whether or not tomorrow's game plan will have more success remains to be seen.

Have a good day...........coach.

[Shock Top]

How badass would be for the Shox to lay a beatdown on UNI?

We all remember in the 11-12 season when the Shox: went into sCUm's gym, blitzed them by 20, effectively took the crown

Because of this, I feel I must predict a 20 point victory. It's destiny.

[another shocker]

that's x'ed out on my screen

[purrrrrfect]

What's your coaching record?

College 0-0
High School 20-8, Conference Champs
Middle School 89-14, 6 District Championships in 7 Years.
AAU 46-3.

[Dave Stalwart]

College 0-0
High School 20-8, Conference Champs
Middle School 89-14, 6 District Championships in 7 Years.
AAU 46-3.

That beats me. But I am still undefeated, so there's that.

[purrrrrfect]

If you're a coach, and I have my doubts after this post, you would think you would have an understanding of the difference between home and road performances and the value of playing at home. That's not to say a team can't perform similarly at different venues. It just doesn't happen often. Apparently the "Cyclown" fans understand this better than UNI fans. Let's take a quick look at some of the evidence.

The last 3 years home/away in the UNI-WSU series:


2013-14: WSU wins by 9 at UNI, WSU wins by 14 at WSU (5-point difference)
2012-13: WSU wins by 3 at UNI, WSU wins by 25 at WSU (22-point difference)
2011-12: UNI wins by 5 at UNI, WSU wins by 25 at WSU (30-point difference)

UNI has one conference loss this season, a game they lost by 3 at Evansville, but avenged that loss with an 11-point win at home, a 14-point difference. UNI escaped at Illinois State with a 1-point win, but defeated ISU by 19 just 17 days later at home. If the venue makes no difference why is KU undefeated at home but has managed 5 road losses? That's quite the coincidence.

I also have to question if you're a coach (other than a junior high coach or something similar) if you think that both teams will run the exact same offenses and defenses. I seriously doubt WSU will defend the pick and roll the same way, defend Seth Tuttle the same way, etc. Both teams have a lot of different set plays, have a lot of options with the ball screen game, can defend the ball screen in a number of different ways, and can choose to double the post or play straight up based on who has the ball. I guarantee 3G isn't going to defend UNI the same way and it goes far beyond a few new "wrinkles." Whether or not tomorrow's game plan will have more success remains to be seen.

Have a good day...........coach.

Don't get your panties in a bunch. Was just stating the facts. From my experience playing and coaching, especially against a "superior" team...game 1 they outplayed us...game 2, played exact same defense, with just a lil wrinkle on their two post players on how to defend them..but overall philosophy was the same. Hedged screens the same, switching etc. Difference honestly was just making shots. They shot the same as game one (53% to our 39% in game one to our 58% in game 2). I'm sure there will be plenty of "changes" for this game, but to say the entire philosophy would change would be false for sure. You typically aren't going to change your entire system for one game. Might incorporate a gimmick defense/offense but again that is rare. If you would like to challenge my coaching abilities and my team, pleaes feel free to come play us.

[Dave Stalwart]

UNI hasn't lost at home this year. WSU hasn't lost at home this year.

WSU averages 70 points per game. UNI averages 65 points per game.

WSU is higher in the RPI by a little bit. WSU has played a stronger schedule. WSU hasn't lost to any other Valley competition. UNI's losses are to worse teams than WSU's losses. Utah is #13 and dominant, VCU is #22 and struggling. George Washington is #84, Evansville is #101.

WSU averages 6 more rebounds and 2 more assist per game as a team.

[Cdizzle]

Utah is #13 and dominant, VCU is #22 and struggling.

To be fair, VCU was at full strength when UNI played them. A lot of VCU's 'struggles' can be attributed to injury.

To be doubly fair, I still think people are overlooking the fact that we were without Wessel in Hawaii and the Drake game. What was our crappiest 4-game stretch of the season? Seems awfully coinkeedeenkee.

[Dave Stalwart]

To be fair, VCU was at full strength when UNI played them. A lot of VCU's 'struggles' can be attributed to injury.

To be doubly fair, I still think people are overlooking the fact that we were without Wessel in Hawaii and the Drake game. What was our crappiest 4-game stretch of the season? Seems awfully coinkeedeenkee.

You aren't suggesting that Wessel is good at basketball and a big part of this team are you?

[molly jabali]

You aren't suggesting that Wessel is good at basketball and a big part of this team are you?

Got me!!!

[purrrrrfect]

UNI hasn't lost at home this year. WSU hasn't lost at home this year.

WSU averages 70 points per game. UNI averages 65 points per game.

WSU is higher in the RPI by a little bit. WSU has played a stronger schedule. WSU hasn't lost to any other Valley competition. UNI's losses are to worse teams than WSU's losses. Utah is #13 and dominant, VCU is #22 and struggling. George Washington is #84, Evansville is #101.

WSU averages 6 more rebounds and 2 more assist per game as a team.

All true facts. But you are forgetting who has each team beat. WSUs best win against Tulsa, a bubble team on the outside it may appear. (I hope they get in!)

UNI - Iowa (god I hate them!) on a neutral floor, @SFA (Southland Champ), (SDSU, Summit Champ), vs. #12 WSU (potentially MVC champ, but def a tourney team), By no means is UNI better than WSU, but the wins are better than the losses and the losses aren't that bad.


All I know is this game is gonna be rocking fun. I don't EXPECT UNI win, but wouldn't be surprised to see it.