I had watched some of the UNI exhibition game and was impressed. Yesterday was a sharp reminder to NOT put much into exhibitions. They did not look good against a team picked SIXTH in the American conference. They will win their next game against a lower division school, but then might not win again until December when they play Evansville. So much for them contending for the Valley.
I had watched some of the UNI exhibition game and was impressed. Yesterday was a sharp reminder to NOT put much into exhibitions. They did not look good against a team picked SIXTH in the American conference. They will win their next game against a lower division school, but then might not win again until December when they play Evansville. So much for them contending for the Valley.
You're really going to pronounce UNI's chances of contending in the MVC over based on an overtime road loss to North Texas, which shot the piss out of the ball in the first half? Seems like an overreaction. For example, I'd consider an overtime road loss at North Texas more impressive than Belmont's two-point home win against Georgia State.
I watched most of the game, too, and agree that they have some deficiencies, especially on defense and athletically, but they also have a lot of good pieces and hung in despite Born, Anderson and Duax having subpar games. Heise looked really good, though.
Anyways, agree that they will take some lumps in their loaded MTE, etc., but I'm not ready to declare them a Thursday team ...
Not sure why my post seemingly bothered you, but I did not mention the loss. I would have had the same feelings if they won. I watched the game in its entirety and my main take away is that they looked eerily similar to last year. North Texas is not (preseason) metrically supposed to be that good and, as I noted, the conference poll picked them as 6th. I had UNI coming in at 3rd in my preseason poll and now simply moved them down, and out of contention. If it's okay to put them at 3rd in the preseason without ANY data, why is it so crazy and offputting to you that I moved them down after watching them play. Sure it's very possible that they move back up, but after one game, I'm moving them down. I believe I read where Michigan State moved down in the rankings after their first game too.
Not sure why my post seemingly bothered you, but I did not mention the loss. I would have had the same feelings if they won. I watched the game in its entirety and my main take away is that they looked eerily similar to last year. North Texas is not (preseason) metrically supposed to be that good and, as I noted, the conference poll picked them as 6th. I had UNI coming in at 3rd in my preseason poll and now simply moved them down, and out of contention. If it's okay to put them at 3rd in the preseason without ANY data, why is it so crazy and offputting to you that I moved them down after watching them play. Sure it's very possible that they move back up, but after one game, I'm moving them down. I believe I read where Michigan State moved down in the rankings after their first game too.
Not bothered in the least - love discussing and debating hoops with informed fans (and you are more informed than most). Just thought "So much for them contending for the Valley" seemed like an overreaction to them losing a tough road game in OT on opening night. But it sounds like the eye test was more of your rationale than the actual result.
Maybe it’ll change as the year goes on but UNI’s heralded Freshman class barely played yesterday. Pock played 1 minute, Taylor played 2 minutes, Rubin DNP.
The main reason they lost though is Born had an off game and they got nothing from Duax.
Yes, was super disappointed. That being said, one surprise win will move them right back up. LOL Similarly, I was suprirsed by Bradley's win. I did not have them in the top 2. Also, my "sleeper" Valley team was Belmont but was both surprised and disappointed to see that outcome. It's super early, lots more hoops to play. It's without a doubt my favorite sport (until the NCAA and $$ ruin it for good)
Maybe it’ll change as the year goes on but UNI’s heralded Freshman class barely played yesterday. Pock played 1 minute, Taylor played 2 minutes, Rubin DNP.
The main reason they lost though is Born had an off game and they got nothing from Duax.
Outside of Wolf, their 3pt shooting was bad. They also shot FT's poorly and had more TO's than assists.
UNI has size up and down the lineup. Their guards are big and can score inside. Born had an off night, but I think North Texas is pretty good and they were at home. North Texas returns 2 starters from the NIT champions and picked up some talented transfers, including BCS transfers. I think UNI is a top 4 MVC team and will compete for a title. UNI should have won that game, but missed a bunny at the buzzer. I'm not sure why folks think Bradley won't compete for a title. They are loaded and will be good. I think it comes down to Drake, UNI and Bradley.
I think it comes down to Drake, UNI and Bradley.
I agree with that thought but I also think you're going to get a team out of the ISUBlue, Belmont, MoState, Murray (maybe even SIU) pack where a few shots fall and they don't have any major injuries and they're a team that's in the mix, as well.
I think Drake is going to miss Sturtze more than they will admit. They're down to Lipscomb at home but... A. It's SUPER early and B. Lipscomb is shooting 3's like they're layups. LOL
Drake has given up 36 points in about 15 minutes tonight. Bulldogs are down 4.
Drake gives up 48pts in the first half and is down by 4 to Lipscomb 48 - 44.
For additional context, Lipscomb lost their opener by 16pts on the road at Wichita St.
Drake comes out strong in the 2nd half and ties the game at 52 with 15:53 left. I failed to point this out earlier, but Lipscomb is playing without their top scorer and, arguably, their best player. Got to give them credit for hanging in there with Drake.
Tucker DeVries with 30. Drake up 64-60 with 9 minutes left.
Drake's Ivy League transfer Ethan Roberts is out with an injury
