WSU Versus Utah Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[ArtVandalay]

Over/Under: 4 back to the basket post ups by someone not Fred or Ron.

I can't recall a single series against UNLV where we passed the ball to a big posting up below the foul line.

We have to at least fake an inside game to create some space for the guards.

[The Mad Hatter]

Looking at Poetl's first 8 collegiate games (the same number of games used for this year's comparison above

	PPG	RPG	FG%	Assists	TOs	Blocks
Poeltl 1st 8 2014	11.3	9.3	.723	1	14	22
Zimmerman	10.4	8.8	.525	8	15	16

It is worth remembering that Poeltl has also had the benefit of playing within a better, more organized offensive system (including playing with a star point guard as a freshman).

[The Mad Hatter]

Over/Under: 4 back to the basket post ups by someone not Fred or Ron.

I can't recall a single series against UNLV where we passed the ball to a big posting up below the foul line.

We have to at least fake an inside game to create some space for the guards.

The only one I recall was Rashard in the second half, who promptly made an ill advised pass back out top that was stolen and taken for a layup.

[Shocktoberfest]

My only desire is to see fewer 30 footers out of the half court set.

[Shock Top]

70-60

[shockmonster]

Over/Under: 4 back to the basket post ups by someone not Fred or Ron.

I can't recall a single series against UNLV where we passed the ball to a big posting up below the foul line.

I think that was a part of the game plan design. Without Grady and because they had a 7 foot shot blocker deluxe (against our 6'8-Morris, Bush, Kelly, and Nurger aren't great back to basket posts), we didn't use those sets. Instead we ran mostly pick sets for Fred and Ron.

[Shockers5150]

I think WSU goes off in this game.
80-66

[Shock Top]

I hope they continue to play EW and RK seperately. Both are good glue guys on their own, but putting them both in at the same time is an offensive liability. The floor is much more open, when only one of them is out there at a time.

[shoxilla]

OT
Plains, Trains 79 - What's a Yout 73

[UteShocker]

Loved my seven years in Wichita (Derby), but never once regretted leaving for me personally (for my family, OTOH ...). Saturday will change that. Alum of both schools, delighted at last year's result, but glad to see WSU rep well. Would've been over the moon at the prospect of seeing Utah come to Wichita. Which begs the question: Why isn't this game at Koch Arena? If the action on the floor is representative of the bargaining that went into this game, Utah wins. We would never get a major non-con foe to SLC ... then get the game off campus and say we're going to play at Energy Solutions Arena. Especially when you played at the JHC last year. Has to be some good rationale behind this.

Two storylines from last year's game that bear repeating: Jordan Loveridge didn't play, and Utah dominated the middle 30 minutes. Utah didn't win going away because FVV was the best player on the floor in the last five minutes and nearly single-handedly won the game for WSU. Still, the stats for the game strongly suggest Brandon Taylor won that matchup by majority decision. At the same time, OT was a toss-up, either team could have won and I wouldn't be surprised if we see a similar finish this year.

I'm not so sure that will happen this year. Taylor has not played particularly well, and is down significantly in virtually every statistic. I think he benefited more from Delon Wright's presence than any other player on the team. He absolutely has to slow FVV down. If we can get that and force WSU into a jump-shooting team, I would guarantee a Utah victory, but WSU is a ferocious team on the offensive glass, and anything can happen there if you win that battle decisively, which could totally happen for WSU.

You can bet Utah coaches will be stressing keeping WSU off the offensive glass. On the flip side, I bet we're confident that Poeltl will dominate. Obviously, getting him into foul trouble is a massive benefit for WSU, but it hasn't happened yet this year -- minutes up from 23 to 30 per game, and his fouls have gone down from 2.4 to 1.9. And this is with Utah playing much faster than it did last year. You've got one poster on here who cites KenPom -- he'll tell you the same thing.

Lots of variables in this game, and plenty for any Utah fan to worry about (and vice-versa, I presume). I think if we get a cleanly officiated game, Utah wins. By that, Poeltl plays 34 minutes and Utah doesn't get outtripped by a large margin at the line.

[1972Shocker]

OT
Plains, Trains 79 - What's a Yout 73

[The Mad Hatter]

Loved my seven years in Wichita (Derby), but never once regretted leaving for me personally (for my family, OTOH ...). Saturday will change that. Alum of both schools, delighted at last year's result, but glad to see WSU rep well. Would've been over the moon at the prospect of seeing Utah come to Wichita. Which begs the question: Why isn't this game at Koch Arena? If the action on the floor is representative of the bargaining that went into this game, Utah wins. We would never get a major non-con foe to SLC ... then get the game off campus and say we're going to play at Energy Solutions Arena. Especially when you played at the JHC last year. Has to be some good rationale behind this.

I think basically it comes down to the fact that Marshall likes playing at Intrust and playing there allows 5,000 more people to attend than could at Koch, and since Utah is the best team coming to Wichita it is the high demand game where those extra tickets are most appreciated. The obvious downside is that Koch is such a great atmosphere and home court advantage that you are giving something up even if it is still a home crowd and in greater overall numbers.

[Kung Wu]

75
74

[Kung Wu]

Grady is darn good but never got the benefit of playing with Fred. I want him back badly. I say we poke his foot with a pin and if he flinches and can wiggle it, we put that kid in. Heck slap a c-collar on Ol' "Crooked Neck" Grady if it makes you feel better, but suit his butt up and let Fred start dishing the ball to the big guy.

Grady come baaaaack!!

[Stickboy46]

I think basically it comes down to the fact that Marshall likes playing at Intrust and playing there allows 5,000 more people to attend than could at Koch, and since Utah is the best team coming to Wichita it is the high demand game where those extra tickets are most appreciated. The obvious downside is that Koch is such a great atmosphere and home court advantage that you are giving something up even if it is still a home crowd and in greater overall numbers.

Intrust still gets pretty Damn loud. Even Fred commented on it last year.