UNI at MSU

[Khan4Cats]

Here we go folks, time to put up or shut up.

We've had a great run to get us here, and we will be in first place regardless of the outcome of this game, but the target is now squarely on our backs. Expect every game from here on out to be ratcheted up in intensity. What is comforting to know is, our team has shown the resiliency to come back when things aren't going their way.

For Missouri State, no way should we expect to be able to shoot 80% in a half again. At the same time, I expect our defense to be much improved and we certainly need our rebounding to be better to prevent second chance points. The Bears will have at least one more player available against us than they did here (Fr G Cardell McFarland) and possibly have Spencer Laurie back from his hand injury. That will give them more depth and Laurie might provide an emotional spark.

They are still getting acquainted with their new arena but they have played teams tough at home. They just beat Drake by 21, own a win over Arkansas, and took Illinois State to overtime before losing.

I think we have more talent and are the better team, but it is going to continue to take a team effort to finish the first half at 8-1. Another chance to show what this team is capable of on national (albeit ESPNU, therefore limited) TV.

GO PANTHERS!!

[06panther10]

Re: UNI at MSU

Every road win we can get from here on out will be huge and a big bonus. Lets get off to a good start in their new house.

[KansasCityPanther]

Re: UNI at MSU

How do the Panthers match up against MSU's projected starters?

[Khan4Cats]

Re: UNI at MSU

How do the Panthers match up against MSU's projected starters?

When we played them up here, the Bears only had two real guards active. If Spencer Laurie is back and effective, he gives MSU a floor general that they didn't really have here. McFarland is a freshman guard from Indiana that Martin brought in from Indiana (I'm guessing he had some contact with him from when he was at Purdue) that didn't play against us as well.

I don't know how this will change the look of the Bears, but it certainly gives them some more flexibility. The Laurie's (both Srs) give them experience along with Fuehrmeyer (a Jr). Our guard court has been playing well and I like how we match up here, but the X factor will be Shane's health and not having seen McFarland.

In the post they have Creekmore (6-9 245), Knapp (6-8, 215) and Rhine (6-10, 225). Creekmore stepped out to 3 land a couple of times against us and Knapp had the 8 quick 2nd half points against us to close the gap early. Rhine is a freshman and is still working in minutes. I like our match-ups in the post with any of our 4 post players against the Bear posts.

The swing position is where MSU might be able to get an advantage. Their best player is Cooks (6-4) but they also have Weems (6-6) who is a freshman that has a green light from deep (he was 0-6 or 7 from 3 against us-if he makes some, momentum might have been different). I would guess Kwadzo gets the initial assignment on Cooks, with Brown and Dunham on him when MSU has 2 guard sets and probably Koch and O'Rear on him if MSU goes with 3 guards.

[Deke3]

Re: UNI at MSU

We hit shots, we win.

[Purrrrrfect]

Re: UNI at MSU

if today and tomorrow:
Drake beats Creighton
SIU beats ISU red
ISU blue beats Bradley

Shox beat Aces
UNI wins... the magic number for a regular season conference title is 6.

i can see at least 3 of 5 of those happening at least

[jman2004]

Re: UNI at MSU

if today and tomorrow:
Drake beats Creighton
SIU beats ISU red
ISU blue beats Bradley

Shox beat Aces
UNI wins... the magic number for a regular season conference title is 6.

i can see at least 3 of 5 of those happening at least

Really?

I can see WSU over EU, but the other three you pointed out are ALL pretty difficult games.

Actually, I look to see Creighton, Illinois State, and Bradley all three win.

I'm nervous about tomorrow. A loss clearly isn't the end of the world (everyone loses sometime) but I really really really want our boys to pull out a victory while on ESPNU. Any positive national attention now could go a long ways later.

[UNISuperSenior]

Re: UNI at MSU

Really?

I can see WSU over EU, but the other three you pointed out are ALL pretty difficult games.

Actually, I look to see Creighton, Illinois State, and Bradley all three win.

I'm nervous about tomorrow. A loss clearly isn't the end of the world (everyone loses sometime) but I really really really want our boys to pull out a victory while on ESPNU. Any positive national attention now could go a long ways later.

So far, so good. Drake wins at Creighton.

[UNISuperSenior]

Re: UNI at MSU

It would be great if SIU pulled it off against Illinois St.

ISU scares me more than any other team right now.

[TravelingPanther]

Re: UNI at MSU

It would be great if SIU pulled it off against Illinois St.

ISU scares me more than any other team right now.

I think it's because we haven't played them.

[jman2004]

Re: UNI at MSU

So far, so good. Drake wins at Creighton.

No kidding! Didn't see that coming . . . that's good for us. I see Illinois State is up right now.

[06panther10]

Re: UNI at MSU

Going into the year, I thought Illinois St. and CU were the best teams. CU has been really dissapointing (although not dissapointing to me), but ISU still looks pretty tough.

[Newshound]

Re: UNI at MSU

Illinois State hangs on for seven-point win. Boy, with Oguchi, Eldridge and Phillips, the Redbirds can throw some athletes at you.

[TravelingPanther]

Re: UNI at MSU

Illinois State hangs on for seven-point win. Boy, with Oguchi, Eldridge and Phillips, the Redbirds can throw some athletes at you.

SIU had so many chances.....

Sycs tied up with the whiners, i mean braves so far....6-6 6 mins in...

[Panthers to the Bone]

Re: UNI at MSU

Illinois State hangs on for seven-point win. Boy, with Oguchi, Eldridge and Phillips, the Redbirds can throw some athletes at you.

They might be the most athletic team in the MVC. Very impressive team. They do only play about 7 guys (4 guys had 30+ min tonight I believe).