UNI vs. MSU -- Think we can talk about it??

[UNI MadCat]

I hate to disrupt the talks about "will we ever go over 7,000?" or the SAE's sucking but, being as this is the basketball board and we are playing in what is, to date, the biggest game of the year in two days... thought it might be time to start talking about it.

A win down in Missouri and fans can again start hypothesizing about MVC titles and/or at least at-large bids to the big dance.

A loss and it really becomes gutcheck time (if it isn't already).

I for one am pumped about this game and have a good feeling after the long layoff.

I don't know much about the X's and O's... I'll leave that to someone else. But my feeling is that Stout and Coleman are both due for monster games and they are both due to have them on the same night.

So what say you???

[UNI MadCat]

Don't know if many have noticed but we have very quickly slipped all the way down to #62 in the latest RPI. Stealing wins @ MSU, @ SIU or @ CU would drastically improve that number REAL quickly.

[BCPanther]

I like our chances. They will be playing their third game in six days and we have had six days off. We have had success the last few years down there and I think it will continue.

[ejacobson]

Good point Madcat, time to move on from the boring topics after the long break from games.

The game thurs with MSU is HUGE for the boys this is that point in the season where you set the tone for the remainder of the conf season. With the race for reg season so close this is a chance to take another step in the right direction.

The guys have had a nice break to rest the legs and get their minds back on track.

I hope coach Jake gets the bigs involved early and often over the next few games as they have been the most consistent players all season and that will open things up for Veit, Brown, and Brooks to shoot the three, or even maybe Brooks and Brown will take the ball to the hole like we all know they can. The creighton game they just all looked out of it, anyway long rant,

I still think this game is the pivotal game of this season. So lets steal on from the Bears and get back on track and get UNI first reg season championship.

[unigriff]

Even though 6 days isn't 35 (OSU in football) but All that time off could hurt us too. We may be so relaxed and fresh we play soft and dig ourselves in a whole. I hope it doesn't happen but who knows.

I see this one close throughout and no one leads by more than 7 the entire game. No prediction right now from me though.

[pantherclaw]

BUT if we do dig ourselves a hole, could the fact that we're fresh allow us to dig ourselves out. B/c we looked TIRED at the creigton game.

[unigriff]

when you're down 20-4 or 25-6, yea...you're gonna look tired just trying to make a comeback. Then when you actually tie it up...you're out of gas for the ending. It doesn't help when you cut a lead in half or close it to a bucket or two and the Nate Funk swishes shot after shot and takes the sails right out of ya...i wasnt even playing and its heartwrenching. Can truly imagine what the players felt like.

[ceaser150]

I thought MSU was the team to beat in the conference until they suffered a 20 point loss to SIU. I think UNI has a shot to steal this one. This is a huge week of games with ISU waiting on Saturday. UNI needs to win at least one game. Falling to 4-4 would be devastating.

BTW, any TV for the MSU game? I was hoping Mediacom might pick it up but I see Drake is playing at the same time.

[panther2317]

No TV as far as I know. UNI needs to shoot the ball well in Springfield to win and contain Blake Ahearn, but MSU is much more than the "Blake" show this year. They very literally are the deepest team in the Valley. Solid defense, controlling tempo and making shots will help UNI get a much needed road win in Springfield.

[UNI MadCat]

Even though 6 days isn't 35 (OSU in football) but All that time off could hurt us too. We may be so relaxed and fresh we play soft and dig ourselves in a whole. I hope it doesn't happen but who knows.

Have to disagree with you on this one Griff. These are two entirely different circumstances. OSU not only had all those days off (I think it was more like 51) but could only practice for a certain amount of days per NCAA regulations. They also celebrated two MAJOR holidays with their families, took finals, many players went to award shows, the coaches worked on recruiting, they had a bunch of media hype finding out how good they were... should I go on??

This break in the action could NOT, I repeat, could NOT come at a better time. These guys were on an emotional roller coaster starting with the SIU game and they needed a chance to step back.

I expect them to be fully prepared for this game.

[MeOW!]

I see it as a bye week in football, a MUCH needed bye week. Go Panthers!!

[Schack]

Not sure how this may factor into the game but according to the MSU fan site classes have been cancelled for this entire week on the MSU campus due to weather. Perhaps it will mean smaller attendance for the game. Will it be a distraction for the players? Maybe it means nothing. Just like its hard to know how our long period of no games vs. their 3 games in 6 days will make any difference.

[MeOW!]

Not sure how this may factor into the game but according to the MSU fan site classes have been cancelled for this entire week on the MSU campus due to weather. Perhaps it will mean smaller attendance for the game. Will it be a distraction for the players? Maybe it means nothing. Just like its hard to know how our long period of no games vs. their 3 games in 6 days will make any difference.

It's official, see link below.

http://www.missouristate.edu/status.asp

[LeodCat]

I am afraid the hopes of an empty arena are shot...
free entry to this weeks games.

I know we can beat them, we just need to get the fire lit again. We have an amazing team this year.

[Sex Panther...]

UNI is back to being the hunter vs. the hunted again. Hopefully the time off has allowed for a few new wrinkles to be introduced. I like UNI's chances Thursday as they have proven they can defend anyone.