WSU v Loyola Game Thread

[ShockRef]

Defense

The focus, intensity and attention to detail when this team is on defense is off the charts.
The opposition has to work so hard just to run a set, let alone get a decent opening for a shot.

Nothing came even remotely easy for LU tonight. Every pass, screen or shot was contested.

The constant defensive pressure is not only physically exhausting, but even more important, is the mental aspect.
Every time down the floor, you know this defense is contesting every thing you attempt to do.

They are just a bunch of bad asses when it comes to playing defense.
Period.

That is all.

[forevershockerfan]

Yes, we have a stingy hard working defense and it is still improving as we go. We are still keeping our turnovers to a mild roar. I would not trade our group of guards for any others in the Country, and that's a fact. Who knows? We might even add Shamet to the already awesome group of guards? Stay tuned.

[forevershockerfan]

Furthermore, MM is the best Freshman in this here Valley. If Shamet had not been injured, this would have been a toss up with these 2 being 1 and 2. Not so sure the voters will give it to MM but he is the best of the Valley Freshmen IMO.

[jazztrane]

The delivery of the game wasnt the lob? Good lord media

We thought the same thing, and Ron for player of the game over Shaq or Kelly?

[Shocker-maniac]

Lmao you know UNLV and Boise fans hoping to see their game, see five mins left in this and the refs staring at monitors, are so pissed -- I'd be livid.

That should not be a problem for UNLV fans. It gives them more time to watch highlights of that '91 team tho.

[ShockerFever]

I dunno if it was because the game was on national tv or the late start time or what. But the crowd energy was a bazillion times better tonight against an opponent not far off from Bradley. Thank you crowd for bringing it despite the Pollard BS Show. That guy is the absolute WORST.

Just a great all-around effort. The game was never in doubt from opening tipoff on. I don't think 1 person had a "bad game". Shaq is starting to assert himself. RK had a nice game against a bunch of scrubs, but none the less, he deserved it. Nice to see. The FVV alley to him was something we've been missing a lot lately. Fred and Ron weren't in the score column much, but the other things they do are so much fun to watch.

I guess the only bad thing about tonight was the free throw shooting. Could have been a 30+ point beatdown.

Keep it rollin' boys.

[WuDrWu]

The opposition has to work so hard just to run a set, let alone get a decent opening for a shot.

Nothing came even remotely easy for LU tonight. Every pass, screen or shot was contested.

My mike must have been on because that's word for word what I said tonight. :good:

These guys continue to get better and better and they are scary defensively right now.

The post to post passing was excellent as well. These guys are really, really good right now.

[The Mad Hatter]

We thought the same thing, and Ron for player of the game over Shaq or Kelly?

Legit case for both Shaq and Rashard, but while he didn't have huge scoring, Ron's total stat line was ridiculous:

8 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals, 5 assists, 1 block

[AndShock]

Wichita State is 6-0 against the spread in their last 6 games.

[Cdizzle]

The post to post passing was excellent as well. These guys are really, really good right now.

I came on to post about this tonight. Shaq, Kelly and McDuffie all have terrific vision, and all seem to prefer an assist to a basket. It's really fun to watch. I think it could get even more fun to watch. When any combination of those guys are flying around on cuts, drives, and offensive rebounds, they are getting the job done.

I especially liked McDuffie and Kelly doing the 2 man game tonight. I think they inverted it like 4 times.

McDuffie has every tool there is. I'm not sure there is any other player in the country I would choose over him to be at the high post in the middle of the zone. He's tall enough to be an easy target, and then can shoot the FT, drive it, or dish it.

22 assists on 28 baskets. I love watching how unselfish all these really good ball players can be. They seem to understand that it will come back around, and they are proven right time and time again. 7 players had between 8 and 12 points. No player took more than 8 shots (and that player was 6/8).

[ShockerFever]

Band firing up War song with 11:32 left

They do that every game at the exact same media timeout, regardless of score.

Which is weird.

[ShockerFever]

Crowd seems a little stoic given we are only up 26 points with 8 minutes left. Must not have gotten Fevers message. Shouldn't they be standing and yelling the whole 40 minutes?

GFY

[ShockerFever]

People that leave 6 minutes early suck

Careful. jdmee and wuhog have excuses lined up and ready to fire.

[SHOCKvalue]

Team kicked total ass tonight. Crowd definitely brought it. Whoever ran the PA realized volume and music with energy actually boost atmosphere and crowd noise. Great night, save the KSHSAA quality refs.

[AndShock]

I hope this team doesn't suffer the same fate as the undefeated team, would really like to see them play more than 1 game against top-notch competition. Wish there could be a do-over of the non-con. I would settle for an NCAA tournament run.