Wichita St. @ Utah St. Predictions!

[forevershockerfan]

The good Doc is in the house!!!!!!! Great to hear from you Doc!!!!!!!

[WuShockFan]

I haven't posted here in about two years, but wanted to write something about this game. I think this is the biggest game of the Gregg Marshall era so far. The opportunity here is huge. Even after the bad losses at Drake, Creighton, and Evansville, this Shocker team is still getting good press from ESPN and other national sports writers. It seems only the local people are saying the Shockers are out of contention for an at-large bid. When you look at ESPN, Lunardi has them in his next four out, and others like Doug Gottlieb are saying they can play themselves in with a win at Utah State.

I don't think a win at Utah State alone gives Wichita State an at-large bid, but couple a win at Utah State with wins at Bradley and versus Southern Illinois, plus at least one win in Saint Louis, and I think they could definitely get an at-large bid with that resume. Lose any of those games, and I think they are out of contention. But the opportunity is there, and that's all you can ask for is the opportunity.

Utah State is the best 3-point shooting team in Division I men's basketball. The five players who take 95% of their threes are all shooting at least 40% from three. Plus they have the best home court winning percentage in Division I basketball over the last 7 seasons. They are better than KU and Gonzaga at home. The game is going to be tough.

The situation reminds me of George Mason in 2006 when they came into our place and beat us on BracketBuster Saturday. They came in needing a win and pretty much punched their ticket to the NCAA tournament right there by beating us. They had to win a few more games after that, but their win against us was the big game that got them in. If they would have lost to us, they probably would not have got an at-large bid. I feel like this Shocker team is in the same position, with the same opportunity.

I don't make score predictions. The only thing I will predict is if the Shockers win tonight, their at-large hopes are still alive, but if they lose, the road to the NCAA's goes through Saint Louis.

[cincyshocker]

I haven't posted here in about two years, but wanted to write something about this game. I think this is the biggest game of the Gregg Marshall era so far. The opportunity here is huge. Even after the bad losses at Drake, Creighton, and Evansville, this Shocker team is still getting good press from ESPN and other national sports writers. It seems only the local people are saying the Shockers are out of contention for an at-large bid. When you look at ESPN, Lunardi has them in his next four out, and others like Doug Gottlieb are saying they can play themselves in with a win at Utah State.

I don't think a win at Utah State alone gives Wichita State an at-large bid, but couple a win at Utah State with wins at Bradley and versus Southern Illinois, plus at least one win in Saint Louis, and I think they could definitely get an at-large bid with that resume. Lose any of those games, and I think they are out of contention. But the opportunity is there, and that's all you can ask for is the opportunity.

Utah State is the best 3-point shooting team in Division I men's basketball. The five players who take 95% of their threes are all shooting at least 40% from three. Plus they have the best home court winning percentage in Division I basketball over the last 7 seasons. They are better than KU and Gonzaga at home. The game is going to be tough.

The situation reminds me of George Mason in 2006 when they came into our place and beat us on BracketBuster Saturday. They came in needing a win and pretty much punched their ticket to the NCAA tournament right there by beating us. They had to win a few more games after that, but their win against us was the big game that got them in. If they would have lost to us, they probably would not have got an at-large bid. I feel like this Shocker team is in the same position, with the same opportunity.

I don't make score predictions. The only thing I will predict is if the Shockers win tonight, their at-large hopes are still alive, but if they lose, the road to the NCAA's goes through Saint Louis.

Good analysis. I completely agree with everything. This game is HUGE. I have a good feeling we pull it out. We are so due for a good road performance.

[cincyshocker]

USU 88

wsu 51

Really? 37 points? Quite the optimist, aren't you?

[shockall]

I predict the team will wear their road uniforms and get the usual road result. I also predict that I will be at least 50% correct with my predictions.

[Shockakhan]

School at elevation of 4800 feet - 70

School at elevation of 1400 feet - 53

:posterwsu:

[GoShockers89]

Which Shocker team will show up?

I'll say...

Utah State 72, WSU 63

As an aside, we are undefeated when scoring 65+ this year. I could see that ending tonight.

[Veritas]

Shox shut down the nation leading 3-pt shooting team. Hatch feels Mormon inspiration in Utah and hits his own 3s. Shox defense frustrates USU.
Shox win this game.

[Ricardo del Rio]

The team with the least fouls + turnovers number wins.

Shockers had not be higher than 30.

Minimal shooting fouls. No two shot fouls. And though it is unlikely, no three shot fouls. A few one and ones is OK.

Selected USU stats:

PPG - 73.6

FG% - 48.6

TO/game - 10.6

Fouls/game - 16.4

[MadDog]

I'm liking the MVC momentum today... 3-0 heading to 4-0.

Shocks 70
Ags 68

[ShockerFever]

USU fans are worried about MVC officials calling it our way.

ROFL.

[newshock1234]

http://blogs.kansas.com/shockwaves/2010/02/20/wichita-state-at-utah-state/

Looks like Gabe gonna try and give it a go tonight

Good news at shoot-around for the Shockers. Gabe Blair participated and moved much better than he did a day or two ago. He will get some treatment on his bruised left thigh at the hotel and try to play tonight. Keeping it loose during the game might be a challenge.

[shockerfan]

http://blogs.kansas.com/shockwaves/2010/02/20/wichita-state-at-utah-state/

Looks like Gabe gonna try and give it a go tonight

Good news at shoot-around for the Shockers. Gabe Blair participated and moved much better than he did a day or two ago. He will get some treatment on his bruised left thigh at the hotel and try to play tonight. Keeping it loose during the game might be a challenge.

bleh, beat me to it LOL. I'll delete the one on Blair.

[ShockerFever]

I guess a 75% (at best?) Blair is better than no Blair at all?

I hope there's no chance at re-injuring it. Right now, the most important set of games for us are next Wednesday and Saturday (to assure the No.2 seed) and St. Louis.

[shockerfan]

I guess a 75% (at best?) Blair is better than no Blair at all?

I hope there's no chance at re-injuring it. Right now, the most important set of games for us are next Wednesday and Saturday (to assure the No.2 seed) and St. Louis.

I thought Bradley was Tuesday night? Hence why coach is NOT happy with the late game and the long trip. Very quick turnaround considering having to be in Utah for 2 days.

Also, I think we can lose at Bradley and win against SIU and still get the #2 seed with no problem. Illinois St isn't winning at UNI on senior night.

Of course I would rather we just win the last 2 MVC games...just to be SURE ;)