Postgame thoughts: WSU

[Newsbreaker]

A few thoughts following a HUGE win tonight

1)We're really damn good. This is as complete a basketball team as there is. We can drive, we can shoot, we can defend, we can rebound, we can post up.

2)We're developing a swagger. This is the kind of attitude that wins games in mid-march.

3)FANTASTIC crowd. I was hoping for 10,000+, but I'll settle happily for 8,000. More then that, it's starting to be a savvy crowd, they knew when to cheer, when to get up. Not really a crazy crowd (other then the manicas on the south end, they ruled), but it's a WORLD better then it's been in the past. FINALLY, the dome is loud in February.

4)Big games ahead, and we need to run the table, but we own our own fate. The fact that Creighton struggled so badly at Evansville tells me again that WSU will take them out for us, clearing the path.

5)Can someone tell someone in the UNI-Dome that some game stats on that video board from time to time would be nice? Thank you.

[Pantherwoman]

I'll talk to Rick about the stats on the Board.

[Khan4Cats]

I concur-BIG win to start some separation. Creighton still has road games at WSU and MSU and a home date with SIU. Have to think they'll lose at least one and probably 2, they don't seem to blow anyone out and that leaves them vulnerable. We must protect the Dome Court and take care of InSU. Looking forward to ESPN2 introducing us as the MVC regular season champions prior to our SIU game.

Not sure they'll put stats up in the Dome but what is the MAC going to have next year-one of those center court score/video boards with in game line-ups or something else? Haven't seen anything on that.

Looking forward to seeing #5 and #12 on the floor at the same time again. Though it was nice to see Benny throw on the nickel for the rest of the 1st half.

[Newsbreaker]

I'll talk to Rick about the stats on the Board.

Just something that occured to me tonight. I know there are VERY few games left in there, but it'd be something that I think should be addressed, even if they just put statistical leaders up during timeouts or something.

[merkpanthers]

What a great win for our ball club!!! Way to get it done Panthers!!! We just need to keep taking it one game at a time. The crowd was really awesome tonight, and I'm expecting a similar crowd on Saturday with a few more thousand people in attendance. Creighton as come close to losing a couple times so I have a feeling that they will lose a game soon. We just need to play one game at a time and keep plugging away. Our big guys were awesome and we shut down their big guys. Way to get the job done Panthers and keep up the good work!!!!

[AmesPanther]

I think UNI wins out now.

[blien]

A great game,with physical teams, our guards need to work hard to penetrate and hit quick pull up jumpers the rest of the way.

By the way, did anyone notice Sam Alford showing up to the game and sitting in the seats right behind the Wichita bench?

[Born-a-Panther]

By the way, did anyone notice Sam Alford showing up to the game and sitting in the seats right behind the Wichita bench?

Yes a bunch of us noticed that -- and couldn't come up with any answers. What's the deal with that?

[blien]

Maybe S Alford has a coaching connection at Wichita...

[AmesPanther]

Yes a bunch of us noticed that -- and couldn't come up with any answers. What's the deal with that?

Probably picking up coaching tips for his son.

[blien]

then he would have been behind the UNI bench

[AmesPanther]

UNI is the bench he'd be watching but he can't be too obvious about it.

[Matt Trump]

Maybe he's a basketball fan and wanted to see a good game between 2 great teams.

[GoCats05]

What a great win for our ball club!!! Way to get it done Panthers!!! We just need to keep taking it one game at a time. The crowd was really awesome tonight, and I'm expecting a similar crowd on Saturday with a few more thousand people in attendance. Creighton as come close to losing a couple times so I have a feeling that they will lose a game soon. We just need to play one game at a time and keep plugging away. Our big guys were awesome and we shut down their big guys. Way to get the job done Panthers and keep up the good work!!!!

That is the feeling around here, too. Creighton is winning some close ones. Drake and now Evansville. They still have to play Southern, at Miss St., and at WSU. Look for Creighton to get at least two more losses.

[Panthers Win!!]

If I were Alford I'd be looking at either of these teams as a possible opponent soon and the game was only a few hours away. No brainer to go up and watch. I suppose the fact that he was behind the WSU bench does indicate that's where he got his tickets though. Sounds like there were a lot of media types at the game too, a lot of media credentials handed out to cover the game. I'll bet we'll see some articles coming out soon, particularly with the Bracket Buster game coming up (at least we should from the ESPN folks).

We all know how fragile things are if you are not in one of the conferences the media has historically hyped (I'm no longer going to refer to the MVC or UNI as a "mid-major"). The Panthers just need to keep winning or the media will go on to their next darling. While the next few games "should" be easier, we should be aware by now that even the teams at the bottom of the MVC can have great games, particularly on their home court. One bad loss can hurt a lot more than losing to the teams at the top. Stay focused guys. The rest of the games will determine seeding which will make a big difference in March.

Really looking forward to the game Saturday, first in decades and the chance to introduce our alma mater to the kids!