Men's basketball - Myrtle Beach invitational

[NCMSTFAN]

We will play 3 games in 4 days in this tournament beginning today. We start off with Tulane at 2:00 et on ESPNU, Tulane is 3-0 on the season and they actually have a pretty good roster. They have 3 guys who transferred in from Kansas, Seton Hall and Georgia and also 2 graduate transfers from Norfolk state and Rhode Island who can both score. They also have size at the guard positions and their bigs players at 6'7", 6'9", a couple 6'10" and a 7'1" , so they won't be afraid of our size. This game is really important because if we beat them, we will more than likely play Villanova tomorrow as long as they get past Middle Tennessee. Obviously we can't look ahead but there is Baylor and Utah on the other side of the brackets, so this tournament can give us the opportunity to play some really good teams and build on our resume.

A big concern going into this Tulane game is they will press us the entire game and switch into different zones on us, so Tyson and Molinar can't turn the ball over like some of our previous games. I feel like our defense is very good so that should keep us in most games, but our identity on offense isn't established just yet but its getting there. I would like to see Perry get established early, his numbers are good but they can be better, especially his scoring and free throw shooting, He is averaging 12.8 ppg and 11 rebounds and that is solid, but he can average about 15 to 17 ppg. Woodard continuing in the direction he has been playing is a good sign though he is averaging 13.3 ppg and 9 rebs which is nearly a double double also. If those 2 have good games and our gaurds keep the turnovers down, we can beat pretty much anyone. DJ Stewart is another guy who catches my eye, his defense is really good and he is averaging a quiet 11.5 ppg for us so his play can make a huge difference for us also.

[KentuckyDawg13]

Hoping Howland has coached them how to handle the zone, as that has been a weakness of our team in the past.
Tulane has a LOT of quality transfers, will be a good test. This game will highlight not having Nick, but I feel Molinar will step up.

[smootness]

It is very important for us to win game 1 because playing Villanova will be a big RPI boost regardless of whether we win or lose. Playing Baylor would be big as well. I would love to have Nick available for this, but either way, I like our chances against Tulane and think we can at least be competitive with Villanova.

This is where Perry needs to step up. He's our marquee talent, and he needs to play like it for us to have a great chance.

[PMDawg]

It is very important for us to win game 1 because playing Villanova will be a big RPI boost regardless of whether we win or lose. Playing Baylor would be big as well. I would love to have Nick available for this, but either way, I like our chances against Tulane and think we can at least be competitive with Villanova.

This is where Perry needs to step up. He's our marquee talent, and he needs to play like it for us to have a great chance.

Perry will need to improve on his sub-50% FT shooting if we want to win our more competitive games. Getting that up to 75% would add most of the points he needs to get that average up to 15 to 17 ppg as mentioned above.

[WSOPdawg]

Any chance it's on tv? Replay via ESPN app maybe?

[timotheus]

espnu i believe

[StarkVegasSteve]

Perry taking his game to another level early on. Running the floor, shooting 3's, and great passing. We need this Reggie all year and we will have something.

[Irondawg]

Turnovers are going to define our season - we were playing great and then suddenly we have turnovers on about 5 of 7 possessions. Oddly enough most of it was from over-passing.

I do like the more unselfish nature of this team and their willingness to put more effort on the defensive end. If we can get our offense to be a touch more consistent we are going to be a really, really good team

[Irondawg]

This Tulane team plays pretty hard and smart as well. Short of our turnover barrage this is a pretty high quality game

[RougeDawg]

Yet another 5+ min stretch of garbage basketball erases a double digit lead. Seems like we always have at least two of these stretches every game under Howland. We never put a team away and it?s mainly unforced errors and turnovers by our own team.

[msstate7]

TOs, TOs, TOs... Villanova game may be ugly if they have good guards

[StarkVegasSteve]

Feazell could end up being a hell of a bench player for us. Seems like he's improved every game this year.

[smootness]

Yet another 5+ min stretch of garbage basketball erases a double digit lead. Seems like we always have at least two of these stretches every game under Howland. We never put a team away and it?s mainly unforced errors and turnovers by our own team.

Welcome to college basketball...just the nature of it.

We have a very good team. Perry is bringing it.

[sscjr1]

Up 9 @ halftime

[msstate7]

Welcome to college basketball...just the nature of it.

We have a very good team. Perry is bringing it.

Hopefully nick fixes the TO issue. TOs and 3-point shooting are my only concerns

[drunkernhelldawg]

Welcome to college basketball...just the nature of it.

We have a very good team. Perry is bringing it.

Could be a very special season.

[Irondawg]

12 turnovers - most of which came in the last 10 minutes. Luckily Tulane had their own turnover run late. We should be up about 15 and would feel better but we're playing well. Most of our turnovers come from trying to force passes into the paint into tight windows and we don't have a lot of gifted passes that can make those passes.

Love the unselfishness, but we have to learn what we can and can't execute there. I imagine a lot of it is that those passes get there in practice against the 2nd/3rd team.

Regardless this is the most fun MSU team to watch in years

[smootness]

Hopefully nick fixes the TO issue. TOs and 3-point shooting are my only concerns

I'm concerned about turnovers, but I think Nick will help and Molinar will improve.

Not that worried about 3-point shooting. Woodard is stroking it, and Carter will be fine. Nick was great last year. I think we're just fine there. Not amazing, but not bad.

[RougeDawg]

Welcome to college basketball...just the nature of it.

We have a very good team. Perry is bringing it.

So you are saying every college basketball team plays sloppy more of the game then they do not? Must have missed that memo. Add in the lazy ass telegraphed passes and I guess I missed where that is common among college basketball as well. Did not think I needed to add this much detail to prove my point, but I guess some need the obvious pointed out to them.

[RougeDawg]

This team will get run out of any gym by teams that play sound, disciplined basketball. Seems to be a trend under Ben.

If we give a disciplined team this many extra possessions by sloppy play, we will not win. That’s my main point and Frustration of all Howland teams.

[Percho]

The most pleasing thing to me this year has been, for the first time in about 20 years, the players look at and listen to the coach when they come off the floor. All of them.

[smootness]

So you are saying every college basketball team plays sloppy more of the game then they do not? Must have missed that memo. Add in the lazy ass telegraphed passes and I guess I missed where that is common among college basketball as well. Did not think I needed to add this much detail to prove my point, but I guess some need the obvious pointed out to them.

Does just about every college basketball team have a couple stretches a game where they don't play well? Yes.

We're making some lazy passes, no doubt, and that needs to be corrected. But every team has some flaws. This team is much tougher than we've been in the past and seems to have good leadership. The main flaw right now? Turnovers and some lazy passing.

[Percho]

So you are saying every college basketball team plays sloppy more of the game then they do not? Must have missed that memo. Add in the lazy ass telegraphed passes and I guess I missed where that is common among college basketball as well. Did not think I needed to add this much detail to prove my point, but I guess some need the obvious pointed out to them.

That to before the present time out should not happen.

[Percho]

Sounds like we have some fans there.

[smootness]

Woodard's a beast.

[Percho]

Best team basketball we have seen in a very long time.

[smootness]

It's such a shame this team apparently sucks. Otherwise it might be fun to watch them play well.

[Irondawg]

Tomorrow will be a good barometer - we lack some things to be a truly elite team but we're pretty darn good.

[smootness]

Tomorrow will be a good barometer - we lack some things to be a truly elite team but we're pretty darn good.

For sure. I don't think we're world beaters. But a team who can win 12 SEC games and be a top 4 seed? I think it's possible.

[Irondawg]

Side note - I love our gray basketball uniforms

[smootness]

Side note - I love our gray basketball uniforms

They're not bad. Still can't wait for the day when we get rid of the stupid banner logo and go with either the old school 'Mississippi State' or just 'STATE' like on our retros.

[NCMSTFAN]

Basketball is a game of runs, that's why playing good defense is always key. And good defense travels with you no matter the venue. I like this team, yes we have flaws but I promise you every fan base in America is pointing out their teams flaws right now. As long as we continue to play pretty good ball once we get Nick back who knows how good we can be. Molinar is doing good in his absence so far though so we will be deep at every position once he gets back.

[BrunswickDawg]

Meanwhile, we are up 19...

[Liverpooldawg]

Winning big, but 24 turnovers will be very bad if it happens tomorrow. We find out what we have tomorrow.

[smootness]

This team plays defense, fights, plays hard, tries to get the ball inside, but has the athleticism and talent to score from anywhere. I will take that kind of team all day and take the negatives that come with it. We will improve from here.

[Liverpooldawg]

Winning big, but 24 turnovers will be very bad if it happens tomorrow. We find out what we have tomorrow.

I think we wound up with 27 turnovers.

[NCMSTFAN]

I know our turnovers are bad and we need to fix that but we 63.2% from the field, 61.1% from 3 pt range and 78.9% from the free throw line as a team with 4 minutes to go. Yes its against Tulane but those are good numbers from the team as a whole, and as I mentioned before, this Tulane team has about 4 guys who were high recruit high major guys from other schools who transferred in and have talent so this is a good win. But Villanova will be a tough challenge, I think Howland will have our guys ready though.

[ScoobaDawg]

I think we wound up with 27 turnovers.

25 turnovers.

[smootness]

Villanova is a well-coached team always, but I'm not quite sure how good they are this year. Middle Tennessee is not good, and Villanova got blowed out by Ohio State. It'll be fun to see how we match up, and I think we have a decent shot to win it.

[NCMSTFAN]

Villanova is a well-coached team always, but I'm not quite sure how good they are this year. Middle Tennessee is not good, and Villanova got blowed out by Ohio State. It'll be fun to see how we match up, and I think we have a decent shot to win it.

Yea, they lost to #10 Ohio State, but they have a good team this year too. I'm like you, I'm not sure how good they are this year yet, but one thing for sure is they are always well coached and play sound basketball so Howland has to have the guys ready tomorrow.

[ZedFedder]

We need to fix the turnovers without a doubt. That being said I don't see how you can't watch this team and not get excited. Honestly, a lot of the turnovers could be quelled if we just didn't try to pass to Ado on drives in the lane. He just can't handle them.

[MarketingBully]

This team plays defense and rebounds. Those things travel. We did turn the ball over way too much and that is a concern but when Nick comes back hopefully that will be rectified a bit. Tomorrow’s game should be fun. I think we should at the very least be competitive and possibly have a chance to win. Should be interesting to see.

[Liverpooldawg]

I am rearranging some plans so I can watch tomorrow. In looking forward to seeing it.

[NCMSTFAN]

The game tomorrow against Villanova is at 2:30 pm ET on ESPN2

[chef dixon]

You can overcome 25 turnovers when you out rebound the opponent 41-16.

[Lord McBuckethead]

A lot of turnovers would be undone if we just went up strong in lieu of making the last second pass.

[StarkVegasSteve]

TO's are a problem and Reggie being in foul trouble a lot is troubling, but we led by double digits almost all of the second half. Molinar had his best offensive game today and Tyson came alive in the second half. When Reggie was in the game he was a man amongst boys. This team has the chance to be special and we seem to have played better each game. Tomorrow will be a monster test. Jay Wright's teams are always good and always seem to make a run in the tournament. Iverson and Tyson will have to play their best games tomorrow because Nova always has quick guards.

[jdelta02]

Iverson Molinar- 21 points

[Irondawg]

A lot of turnovers would be undone if we just went up strong in lieu of making the last second pass.

Yep I bet half were due to overpassing where someone gave up a good shot trying to get a great shot, but via a tiny passing window

[R2Dawg]

The most pleasing thing to me this year has been, for the first time in about 20 years, the players look at and listen to the coach when they come off the floor. All of them.

Agree and the other thing I really like is we don't play selfish - no one. Team ball. Have not seen that in a long time - early 2000s.

[Cloak]

We don't have a Malik Newman or Headshot Peters to appease.

[SheltonChoked]

Winning big, but 24 turnovers will be very bad if it happens tomorrow. We find out what we have tomorrow.


Wow glad we squeaked out a (checks notes) 14 point win.

They tell if you win with points. We seem to be doing ok there.

We are thin at point guard (i.e., playing our backup, as a starter) in 5 more games, the turnovers will be fewer.

Meanwhile, that backup point guard had a pretty good day...

[Big4Dawg]

We need to fix the turnovers without a doubt. That being said I don't see how you can't watch this team and not get excited. Honestly, a lot of the turnovers could be quelled if we just didn't try to pass to Ado on drives in the lane. He just can't handle them.

We are also missing our starting PG

[dawgday166]

I like what I saw today. There's some talent and length there. Good D today. Sensed much better team chemistry than I have last 2 years. Guys seemed to literally enjoy sharing the ball with each other. Hope Nick comes back and just wants to be a part of that and fit in with it. Got sloppy with ball in 2nd half. I really like those 2 young guys ... Molinar & Stewart.

[OLJWales]

Looking at the stats on hailstate.com

Damn. 60.5% from the field.

11 of 20 from the arc. 55%. maybe we CAN shoot?

81% from the Charity Stripe

41-16 rebound advantage. That's just plain sick. Does Howland's S&C coach have a twin brother?

[dawgday166]

Looking at the stats on hailstate.com

Damn. 60.5% from the field.

11 of 20 from the arc. 55%. maybe we CAN shoot?

81% from the Charity Stripe

41-16 rebound advantage. That's just plain sick. Does Howland's S&C coach have a twin brother?

Like I said I liked what I saw today but have no clue how good Tulane is. They weren't picked to do well in their conference. But I like our length, we rotated well on D, we shared the ball really well, and we do look stronger IMO, especially Carter.

Just started watching replay of Nova now. Looks to me like we match their length pretty well. Their white kid can drain it tho. Someone better get on him way out past 3 pt line and never leave him for any reason.

ETA: Really good stat you left of - 19 assists.

[chef dixon]

We are prob tied for the second best team in this thing with Baylor. Utah looks soft and like a team we could big boy pretty easily. Proud of the guys to take care of business today and get an opportunity to play Villanova. That is huge.

[Liverpooldawg]

Wow glad we squeaked out a (checks notes) 14 point win.

They tell if you win with points. We seem to be doing ok there.

We are thin at point guard (i.e., playing our backup, as a starter) in 5 more games, the turnovers will be fewer.

Meanwhile, that backup point guard had a pretty good day...

We find out what we have tomorrow. I rearranged my schedule to watch it. I'm looking forward to it. It's the first time in a long time I've really wanted to watch a men's basketball game. You do realize you can be critical without thinking the team sucks, right? I like a lot of what I've seen so far, but the competition ramps up a bit tomorrow. The thing I like the most is I don't see a head case or attitude problem on the team for the first time in a LONG time. These guys all seem to LISTEN to the coaches.

[dawgday166]

We better bring our A++ game against Nova. They just playing flat out good. We may have close to their length but they beefier, play suffocating D and are extremely quick, can shoot lights out, whip the ball around great. Not sure I see a weakness with them. They lost to OSU and that may have been a wakeup call. They have 6 guys averaging double figures. They were up 25 at half. Even tho MTSU may not be that good, Nova looks really good to me.

Good early season game tho. We find out more about where we need to get better.

[R2Dawg]

Team chemistry is best I've seen since maybe 2004 or Gordon/Rhodes years. The team could have a special year. Gonna be fun.

[Liverpooldawg]

Team chemistry is best I've seen since maybe 2004 or Gordon/Rhodes years. The team could have a special year. Gonna be fun.

The Gordon/Rhodes years were the start of our decline. There were some real attitudes back then. The culture of the program steadily got worse after that bunch. Maybe we have finally exorcised those demons.

[dawgday166]

The Gordon/Rhodes years were the start of our decline. There were some real attitudes back then. The culture of the program steadily got worse after that bunch. Maybe we have finally exorcised those demons.

Wasn't gonna really say anything but yea ... what I saw today was night and day chemistry between this club and that one. 2 huge primas on the Gordon/Rhodes team.

Last really good chemistry was the 2004 team Bowers/Frazier/Roberts. 2005 started out great until Frazier got hurt.

[Liverpooldawg]

Wasn't gonna really say anything but yea ... what I saw today was night and day chemistry between this club and that one. 2 huge primas on the Gordon/Rhodes team.

Last really good chemistry was the 2004 team Bowers/Frazier/Roberts. 2005 started out great until Frazier got hurt.

Yep.

[Liverpooldawg]

Wasn't gonna really say anything but yea ... what I saw today was night and day chemistry between this club and that one. 2 huge primas on the Gordon/Rhodes team.

Last really good chemistry was the 2004 team Bowers/Frazier/Roberts. 2005 started out great until Frazier got hurt.

Just two?

[dawgday166]

Just two?

I'd have to go back and look at roster but Gordon and Rhodes for sure. Rhodes needed coddled by Stans and Gordon is my most disliked player for us ever I think. In last 2 or 3 minutes of many, many close games (there were a lot of them) in his career, he'd dribble around and never pass at all. Always take the game winning shot and only ever made one I can remember against Ky. As much as I was not a fan of Peters last year, he pales in comparison to Gordon. That team with Gordon could've been pretty darn good ... he was talented.

[NCMSTFAN]

The biggest thing I'm worried about right now is our lack of ball handling, we have Carter and Molinar who both handle pretty well but that's it until we get Nick back. Our bigs are handling the ball way too much right now and that's a big reason we turn it over so much. Feazell had 6 turnovers just by himself today, but that's not his fault, he is being asked to do something out of his comfort zone. I wonder if DJ can help out more there or someone off the bench? We have to protect the ball more because 25 turnovers against Villanova or any other talented team will get us beat on most nights

[dawgday166]

The biggest thing I'm worried about right now is our lack of ball handling, we have Carter and Molinar who both handle pretty well but that's it until we get Nick back. Our bigs are handling the ball way too much right now and that's a big reason we turn it over so much. Feazell had 6 turnovers just by himself today, but that's not his fault, he is being asked to do something out of his comfort zone. I wonder if DJ can help out more there or someone off the bench? We have to protect the ball more because 25 turnovers against Villanova or any other talented team will get us beat on most nights

a) I think we might have a lot of trouble tomorrow with that. Nova plays some stifling D from what I saw tonight.

b) I think everyone is counting a little too much on Nick being the the ball handling/defensive savior. He can be a prima too somewhat. Some of that may have just been between him and Peters tho ... so we'll see. Hope he learned some lessons from suspension and blends in and performs as everyone expects him to.

[NCMSTFAN]

a) I think we might have a lot of trouble tomorrow with that. Nova plays some stifling D from what I saw tonight.

b) I think everyone is counting a little too much on Nick being the the ball handling/defensive savior. He can be a prima too somewhat. Some of that may have just been between him and Peters tho ... so we'll see. Hope he learned some lessons from suspension and blends in and performs as everyone expects him to.

That's possible, but I don't personally expect him to be the savior, I do expect he will give us a 3rd ball handler that we need badly right now. Molinar is holding his own right now though, I like his poise and he plays under control, but we still need more ball handling and to take care of the ball, and it's tough when our bigs are out there handling like guards.

[dawgday166]

That's possible, but I don't personally expect him to be the savior, I do expect he will give us a 3rd ball handler that we need badly right now. Molinar is holding his own right now though, I like his poise and he plays under control, but we still need more ball handling and to take care of the ball, and it's tough when our bigs are out there handling like guards.

I kinda think today they were coasting somewhat and got sloppy. Vic would be all over them for coasting ... Howland probably not so much. Another ball handler would be a plus tho.

But tomorrow ... they won't get to coast and still might lose by 20. The intensity level between Nova and us today was quite different ... not that we were bad but they played some intense ball today. I hope we keep it close and maybe we can.

ETA: And Nova can really, really shoot it. Our D is gonna have to extend a good bit.

[NCMSTFAN]

I kinda think today they were coasting somewhat and got sloppy. Vic would be all over them for coasting ... Howland probably not so much. Another ball handler would be a plus tho.

But tomorrow ... they won't get to coast and still might lose by 20. The intensity level between Nova and us today was quite different ... not that we were bad but they played some intense ball today. I hope we keep it close and maybe we can.

ETA: And Nova can really, really shoot it. Our D is gonna have to extend a good bit.

I agree completely, Villanova will be a totally different animal, but I'm really confident in our defense right now so I am cautiously hanging my hat on that and hoping that and rebounding can at least keep us in the game and give us a shot. I like this team, I know its early but I have a good feeling about us this year

[dawgday166]

I agree completely, Villanova will be a totally different animal, but I'm really confident in our defense right now so I am cautiously hanging my hat on that and hoping that and rebounding can at least keep us in the game and give us a shot. I like this team, I know its early but I have a good feeling about us this year

After watching just one game ... I like them too. They exceeded my expectations some today. Still very early. As you say ... Nova is a whole different animal tho. I liked our D today too but ... Nova can really extend you. Like no one I've seen us play since Howland has been here. And they're exceptional at moving the ball around too. I figure we'll find out how much harder we need to work coming out of tomorrow most likely.

ETA: But I do think we have the potential to be pretty darn good. Nova may be a Final 4 team.

[NCMSTFAN]

Yea they just won the National championship a couple years ago so there is definitely a winning culture in that program. They will be very tough

[Ari Gold]

Nova will be a great test , esp without Nick
Win or lose this is a really good game for Us going forward..
it could be a huge resume builder if we can pull an upset.
Nova will have a possible final four team when the tourney rolls around

Tulane will win some games in that conference ..

This team is going to get better and better. Could be a fun special year

[MarketingBully]

Nova will be a great test , esp without Nick
Win or lose this is a really good game for Us going forward..
it could be a huge resume builder if we can pull an upset.
Nova will have a possible final four team when the tourney rolls around

Tulane will win some games in that conference ..

This team is going to get better and better. Could be a fun special year

Win today and Sunday and we could have two Top 25 wins with the possibility of playing Baylor on Sunday in the championship game.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Just win every damn game. Lets go.

[shannondawg]

Ever had a half full drink or have they all been half empty?

[smootness]

After watching just one game ... I like them too. They exceeded my expectations some today. Still very early. As you say ... Nova is a whole different animal tho. I liked our D today too but ... Nova can really extend you. Like no one I've seen us play since Howland has been here. And they're exceptional at moving the ball around too. I figure we'll find out how much harder we need to work coming out of tomorrow most likely.

ETA: But I do think we have the potential to be pretty darn good. Nova may be a Final 4 team.

I would be shocked if Villanova is a Final 4 team. They're talented and will continue to get better, but they are pretty darn young. They've played one team with a pulse and they got blitzed from the opening tip. Sure, it was a top 10 team, but regardless, they got blown out. I'm telling you, MTSU is garbage. They beat Mars Hill (?) by 11, Lipscomb by 3, and got destroyed by Coastal Carolina.

Villanova is good, but if you're judging them on yesterday's game, then you might as well use the New Orleans game to judge us.

[MarketingBully]

I would be shocked if Villanova is a Final 4 team. They're talented and will continue to get better, but they are pretty darn young. They've played one team with a pulse and they got blitzed from the opening tip. Sure, it was a top 10 team, but regardless, they got blown out. I'm telling you, MTSU is garbage. They beat Mars Hill (?) by 11, Lipscomb by 3, and got destroyed by Coastal Carolina.

Villanova is good, but if you're judging them on yesterday's game, then you might as well use the New Orleans game to judge us.

Nova still has two McD AA freshmen on their team. It still will be a great test.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I would be shocked if Villanova is a Final 4 team. They're talented and will continue to get better, but they are pretty darn young. They've played one team with a pulse and they got blitzed from the opening tip. Sure, it was a top 10 team, but regardless, they got blown out. I'm telling you, MTSU is garbage. They beat Mars Hill (?) by 11, Lipscomb by 3, and got destroyed by Coastal Carolina.

Villanova is good, but if you're judging them on yesterday's game, then you might as well use the New Orleans game to judge us.

Nova is very very good. Regardless of the fact that their roster is a good mix of McDonald's AA and other highly ranked players, they're coached by one of the top coaches in the game in Jay Wright. Jay will press us early to try and force Molinar and Carter into some TO's. We also can't let Cole Swider get going like he did yesterday. MTSU let him have open 3's all game.

[msugolf]

Nova will be a great test , esp without Nick
Win or lose this is a really good game for Us going forward..
it could be a huge resume builder if we can pull an upset.
Nova will have a possible final four team when the tourney rolls around

Tulane will win some games in that conference ..

This team is going to get better and better. Could be a fun special year

I really like this team. It's amazing how much team attitude can carry over to the enjoyability factor in fan viewership. I don't mind the turnovers, shooting pct right now. They'll improve on those things.

Bottom line, this team is going to be tough later on (and might be now) and I hope the fans show up for them.

[dawgday166]

I would be shocked if Villanova is a Final 4 team. They're talented and will continue to get better, but they are pretty darn young. They've played one team with a pulse and they got blitzed from the opening tip. Sure, it was a top 10 team, but regardless, they got blown out. I'm telling you, MTSU is garbage. They beat Mars Hill (?) by 11, Lipscomb by 3, and got destroyed by Coastal Carolina.

Villanova is good, but if you're judging them on yesterday's game, then you might as well use the New Orleans game to judge us.

I don't know yet. Just saying they might be based on their recent history and without having watched entire landscape .. in fact that was 1st two games I watched this year. I never really judge firmly in Nov/Dec. The loss to OSU might've been a wakeup call but as you say they are young. However, when you recruit at their level and have their coach, youth isn't as big a factor as with other teams. They should get a lot better as season progresses. You can make the argument that we're pretty young too.

It's a long way to Feb/Mar. And I don't know anything about MTSU. I did watch both our and their game side/side on 2 monitors to get a better feel for today. We gonna have our hands full IMO. The intensity level they played with yesterday was pretty darn high for this early in the year ... also IMO.

Lots of folks on this board tend to make hasty judgments on teams early on or preseason. Seems I recall TN was a sure win for us this year.

[Kingbarkus]

This has the potential to be a sneaky good game. It's a great set up for the SEC regular season. I can't see us fixing the TO problem against Nova, and Jay Wright will exploit our weakness, but I want to see us when we are challenged. Our guys are hungry to prove themselves. I like the attitude we have, the effort, the support of each other, but now it's time to compete against a big boy.

[dawgday166]

Nova is very very good. Regardless of the fact that their roster is a good mix of McDonald's AA and other highly ranked players, they're coached by one of the top coaches in the game in Jay Wright. Jay will press us early to try and force Molinar and Carter into some TO's. We also can't let Cole Swider get going like he did yesterday. MTSU let him have open 3's all game.

They got several guys than can knock it down from downtown. That Gillespie kid can drain it.

[smootness]

Nova still has two McD AA freshmen on their team. It still will be a great test.

Absolutely it will be. I think we have a chance to win, but I don't necessarily think it's a great chance. And we don't really know how good either team is yet. I don't have any interest in trying to lower Villanova's reputation because win or lose, it helps us for them to be seen as really good.

I'm just saying, for those claiming they are a great team, that we don't actually know that yet. The only evidence we have of them against a good team, they got pummeled. Nobody else they've played is any better than the teams we've played.

[smootness]

Teams typically take on the attitude of their leader. And from what I can tell right now, I think Woodard is our leader, or at least our heart and soul. That is very good for us.

[MCsMGs]

They got several guys than can knock it down from downtown. That Gillespie kid can drain it.

They have 3 players shooting over 50% from behind the line...

[NCMSTFAN]

Not that it really means anything but Tulane is beating MTSU right now 36-17. I don't know if MTSU is just bad or Tulane is actually pretty good. Its hard to gauge teams this early In the year.

[smootness]

Not that it really means anything but Tulane is beating MTSU right now 36-17. I don't know if MTSU is just bad or Tulane is actually pretty good. Its hard to gauge teams this early In the year.

Both seem to be true from what we've seen so far. Tulane looks like a solid team and MTSU is bad.

[NCMSTFAN]

Both seem to be true from what we've seen so far. Tulane looks like a solid team and MTSU is bad.

Yea, the Tulane win may eventually be a good win on our resume. I hope they keep winning, it helps us.

[timotheus]

what time do we play, 130?

[bigplayslay]

what time do we play, 130?

Yessir.

[KOdawg1]

It's amazing how bad Ado is at catching the basketball. It's like he doesn't have fingers

[Political Hack]

We'd better find a way to slow Gillespie down or else he's gonna drop
30+ tonight.

[Liverpooldawg]

Great start to the 1st media time out.

[mparkerfd20]

Villanova is getting away with a lot of bullshit. They are letting them play, but still.

[Political Hack]

We'd better find a way to slow Gillespie down or else he's gonna drop
30+ tonight.

Let's up that to 40. He's on fire.

[Political Hack]

Villanova is getting away with a lot of bullshit. They are letting them play, but still.


Got a travel, a non-call on Reggie, and a bad call on Ado in the first 6 minutes of the game. That's 3 possessions blown by the stripes.

[KOdawg1]

Win or lose, this team is finally fun to watch

[bigplayslay]

Win or lose, this team is finally fun to watch

We are some freaking glass cleaners. Size and athleticism. When Nick comes back we will almost certainly stay ranked. Molinar is just as good if not better than advertised.

[Liverpooldawg]

I like it so far.

[ShotgunDawg]

Hard not to like this basketball team. Clear Sweet 16 to Elite 8 Potential. Complete inside & out

[mparkerfd20]

Damn this team is fun to watch finally. We may fall apart, but the pieces are here to be a good team this year as the season progresses.

[chef dixon]

They have no answer for Woodard

[KOdawg1]

And the thing is, we're doing this without Nick. When he comes back, we're going to be freaking scary

[ShotgunDawg]

And the thing is, we're doing this without Nick. When he comes back, we're going to be freaking scary

Agree. It's a damn solid roster. No real weakness.

Hell, if Molinar turns into Russell Westbrook, who knows what can happen

[StarkVegasSteve]

Robert Woodard...……...MY GOD.

[ShotgunDawg]

I don't know if we win today, but Villanova is ranked 17th & we are clearly the more athletic, dynamic team. Like clearly

[chef dixon]

Not calling it even

[dawgday166]

Howland may just have him a good well-rounded team here. It has been fun to watch them the last 2 and 1/2 halves.

[KOdawg1]

Perry and Woodard know the scouts are watching, so they're putting on a show

[Political Hack]

We're getting screwed by the zebras right now.

[ShotgunDawg]

Good lord. They are calling everything vs us

[Political Hack]

Transition and dribble drive defense hurting us. We need Spoon back ASAP. We're a top 15-20 team with him defensively.

[KOdawg1]

Turnovers are our weakness

[chef dixon]

Clearly more physical and not getting any benefit of the doubt is frustrating

[ShotgunDawg]

We got the pieces but we have to clean it up.

[HoopsDawg]

Transition and dribble drive defense hurting us. We need Spoon back ASAP. We're a top 15-20 team with him defensively.

Ado getting that 2nd foul is what's hurting.

[msstate7]

Just think we're gonna get a really good player back soon, and Molinar and Stewart are gonna get better with a little experience. This team will be the best we've had in a long time

[Liverpooldawg]

We need a bucket

[ShotgunDawg]

We are more talented but Villanova is working us offensively

[Liverpooldawg]

We are taking some stupid shots.

[ShotgunDawg]

They are so much quicker & crisper with their passing. Jay Wright is obviously a heck of a coach

[StarkVegasSteve]

Killing us with dribble drive motion right now.

[Irondawg]

This is a basketball IQ game - we're equal or better physically but their court awareness and movement with and without the basketball is 3x ours

[KOdawg1]

Just taking bad shots

[mparkerfd20]

We can't buy a ****ing shot right now. Fixing to get blown out of the building too with the help of the Zs.

[Liverpooldawg]

We are more talented but Villanova is working us offensively

Ugh, Shotgun......you might want to rethink that.

[Political Hack]

Ado getting that 2nd foul is what's hurting.

That's part of it, but they're keeping our bigs out of the lane defensively and using dribble drive and kick outs for the 3. That's their game plan.

[ShotgunDawg]

We're playing 1 on 1 basketball & they are playing team basketball. Complete mismatch offensively

[Liverpooldawg]

Just taking bad shots


Yep

[mparkerfd20]

I take back everything positive I said. Maybe if I'm down on the team they'll break out of this funk.

[ShotgunDawg]

Ugh, Shotgun......you might want to rethink that.

?

[msstate7]

I like this team, but damn these total lapses in extended stretches are really frustrating and give you no shot vs good teams

[ShotgunDawg]

I take back everything positive I said. Maybe if I'm down on the team they'll break out of this funk.

Don't.. we have really good players. Just have to get more rhythm & quicker passing offense

[Liverpooldawg]

They are playing defense like a house afire too. 16-0 run

[Irondawg]

This is starting to look like last year where 4 guys watch the guy dribble with the basketball and we can't create any open looks. Meanwhile Villanova's offense is a thing of beauty - and you get a 16-0 run

[HoopsDawg]

Beautiful basketball by Villanova. Jay Wright is THE best.

[ShotgunDawg]

Wright
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Howland

[Irondawg]

Almost every shot we've taken the past 7-8 possessions is forced. Sometimes you'll get hot and hit those but it's not something you can rely on and it's what got us beat a ton last year.

[ShotgunDawg]

Beautiful basketball by Villanova. Jay Wright is THE best.

No doubt. Nova is hellaciously coached

[KOdawg1]

Well it was a fun 10 minutes

[Cooterpoot]

Not ready for the big time yet

[Liverpooldawg]

?

Take a look at the recruiting rankings. Their entire class last year was Top 100.

[msstate7]

Beautiful basketball by Villanova. Jay Wright is THE best.

He's good, really good, but I like Bennett and beard better

[msstate7]

Not ready for the big time yet

Missing our pg... pretty big deal

[KOdawg1]

Need to go on a run to end the half

[bigplayslay]

Not ready for the big time yet

It's a game of runs. Don't call it just yet.

[KOdawg1]

Did that dude just say we were wearing black? Is he colorblind?

[Irondawg]

I love watching guards that play like Gillespie though - they see the floor and the angles so well

[dawgday166]

It's a game of runs. Don't call it just yet.

My thoughts exactly ... most games are. We find out how we respond to getting down like this. Also learn where we need to get better. Talent looks to be there tho.

[drunkernhelldawg]

Strong finish to the half. We can win this game.

[HoopsDawg]

Same play that won the title

[msu15]

Just made a nice little $20 on a side bet in the office that they’d score on that last possession.

[Irondawg]

You can't guard that the way we did - Perry served no purpose standing in the backcourt. Let them inbound it short and heave one from halfcourt

[KOdawg1]

They're just better coached than us. And that's not a knock on Howland. But we're getting killed from a strategic perspective. They have a plan, and they're executing that plan

[chef dixon]

They play too crisp for us but we are good

[HoopsDawg]

I love watching guards that play like Gillespie though - they see the floor and the angles so well

Guy is fun to watch. Spoon would be guarding him.

[MoreCowbell]

The 3 ball is the difference. We are playing well though and this is a great test/learning opportunity for this team.

[drunkernhelldawg]

Tough break but only one basket. Playing well.

[HoopsDawg]

You can't guard that the way we did - Perry served no purpose standing in the backcourt. Let them inbound it short and heave one from halfcourt

Yes, we gave them a free inbounds. Perry should have guarded the in bounds passer.

[Cooterpoot]

Missing our pg... pretty big deal

I said yet

[msu15]

They're just better coached than us. And that's not a knock on Howland. But we're getting killed from a strategic perspective. They have a plan, and they're executing that plan

Bingo

[smootness]

That cold stretch killed us, and they're very well-coached and efficient offensively. Need to shoot well in the 2nd and just be physical. Don't worry too much about fouling; don't be dumb, but be physical, crash the boards, and get all over them defensively. That has to be our identity but we can beat teams like this.

[HoopsDawg]

He's good, really good, but I like Bennett and beard better

Your opinion but it's wrong.

No way you take Bennett over Wright.

[MoreCowbell]

Take a look at the recruiting rankings. Their entire class last year was Top 100.

Our entire starting 5 is top 100

[smootness]

Your opinion but it's wrong.

No way you take Bennett over Wright.

Uh, why not?

I wouldn't make a super strong argument either way, they're both fantastic coaches. But how could you possibly say it's a clear fact that Wright is better?

[chef dixon]

Your opinion but it's wrong.

No way you take Bennett over Wright.

Are you really going to split hairs over the last two title winners?

[MoreCowbell]

Take a look at the recruiting rankings. Their entire class last year was Top 100.

We have at least equal the talent/athleticism if not more on the court, they are just better coached. Teams up north are smarter. Talent wise though we are legit.

[Irondawg]

Nick isn't as good as Gillespie but take him off the Villanova team and wonder what the difference would be. Stewart has been fine for us, but Nick is a lot better and also takes the ballhandling pressure off Carter.

V is an elite passing and shooting team though. Tough to stop when they've got it working

[dawgday166]

Are you really going to split hairs over the last two title winners?

Don't really care but one of them has never lost as a #1 seed to a #16 seed.

[Churchill]

We have at least equal the talent/athleticism if not more on the court, they are just better coached. Teams up north are smarter. Talent wise though we are legit.

Now you tell me....Signed Joe Croomhead

[NCMSTFAN]

We only have 5 turnovers, so that's not an issue in this particular game. We are just missing a lot of shots, Carter in particular is 1-7. We have to score to win. But the game isn't over yet, we can make a run

[StarkVegasSteve]

This game is a great barometer for us. Shows us that we can hang with a top team, but still have a ways to go til March. The good news for us......it's only November and we get Nick back at the end of December

[msstate7]

Don't really care but one of them has never lost as a #1 seed to a #16 seed.

Terrible loss... how'd he follow it up?

[Liverpooldawg]

Our entire starting 5 is top 100

Ok. I guess you guys are right and everyone else not wearing maroon glasses is wrong.

[HoopsDawg]

Don't really care but one of them has never lost as a #1 seed to a #16 seed.

Right. Can't stand his style of play either. He's a perfect coach for Virginia though.

[Liverpooldawg]

We have at least equal the talent/athleticism if not more on the court, they are just better coached. Teams up north are smarter. Talent wise though we are legit.

Athleticism I'll agree with. Talent I won't other than we are legit talent wise.

[MoreCowbell]

Now you tell me....Signed Joe Croomhead

?

[RLM38654]

That 3 before half was huge and unfortunately typical .

[HoopsDawg]

Athleticism I'll agree with. Talent I won't.

Nova is more skilled.

[MoreCowbell]

Witherspoon 4/5* top 30 junior (Molinar 3* but playing like a 4* and had good offers)
Carter 4* top 100 senior
Woodard 4* top 60 Sophomore
Perry 5* top 30 Sophomore
Ado 4* top 100 Senior

DJ Stewart 4* top 100

[dawgday166]

Terrible loss... how'd he follow it up?

Nice follow up and as I told you I would never have bet on that. But Nova coach has 2 Nattys to one and no major upset like that on his record. Advantage Nova.

[MoreCowbell]

Athleticism I'll agree with. Talent I won't other than we are legit talent wise.


Talent is talent. Theirs is just refined and better coached.

[msstate7]

Right. Can't stand his style of play either. He's a perfect coach for Virginia though.

Won/tied the acc 4 of the last 6 years. That's extremely impressive... Wright doesn't face near the competition that Bennett does in the regular season

[bigplayslay]

Ok. I guess you guys are right and everyone else not wearing maroon glasses is wrong.

Hahaha why is it that every thread you are in there is some kind of argument? Sheesh.

[Liverpooldawg]

Nova is more skilled.

Exactly

[MoreCowbell]

Ok. I guess you guys are right and everyone else not wearing maroon glasses is wrong.

What does that even mean? I didnt give them their recruiting rankings

[MoreCowbell]

Nova is more skilled.


Yep

[Liverpooldawg]

Hahaha why is it that every thread you are in there is some kind of argument? Sheesh.

Isn't that the sole function of the internet? LOL.

[NCMSTFAN]

We are just as athletic as they are and we have a ton of top 100 guys also, its down to execution and we have to execute. People don't realize how much not having your starting PG hurts also, Carter isn't a true PG he is a SG and Molinar is still learning the position himself as a true Freshman

[parabrave]

Hopefully someone is giving Carter a talking to at halftime.

[msstate7]

Nice follow up and as I told you I would never have bet on that. But Nova coach has 2 Nattys to one and no major upset like that on his record. Advantage Nova.

Wright been at Villanova 18 years; Bennett 11 at Virginia.

[NCMSTFAN]

Before we crown Villanova lets let the game finish. There are 2 halves.

[ShotgunDawg]

Shirley they won't shoot 64% again

[MoreCowbell]

We need to drive the lane, slow it down and get them in foul trouble

[ShotgunDawg]

Damn Perry

[Liverpooldawg]

Talent is talent. Theirs is just refined and better coached.

They are more basketball skilled than we are. I no argument on the coaching, Wright is one of the very best. We ain't beat yet by the way. I

[MoreCowbell]

They are more basketball skilled than we are. I no argument on the coaching, Wright is one of the very best. We ain't beat yet by the way. I

Agreed

[ShotgunDawg]

Goodness, play defense

[ShotgunDawg]

They are more basketball skilled than we are. I no argument on the coaching, Wright is one of the very best. We ain't beat yet by the way. I

Agree. They are ridiculously skilled

[MoreCowbell]

There we go

[Political Hack]

Great run to start the half. Need Tyson to heat up.

[ShotgunDawg]

Our athleticism is off the damn charts

[HoopsDawg]

Win or lose, time to get back to the Hump

[ShotgunDawg]

Great run to start the half. Need Tyson to heat up.

They shot 64% in the first half & went on a 16-0 run at one point. My guess is that they don't do that again

[ShotgunDawg]

Win or lose, time to get back to the Hump

Agree. This is a real basketball team.

We seem extremely unselfish as well.

[msstate7]

Win or lose, time to get back to the Hump

I think Moorhead's legacy will be getting fan interest back in basketball (haha, but seriously too)

[bigplayslay]

Win or lose, time to get back to the Hump

Couldn't agree more. This team is talented and they have chemistry. I don't care about top 100 we won't stop fighting all game long.

[dawgday166]

Wright been at Villanova 18 years; Bennett 11 at Virginia.

He did have a nice comeback to a very bad upset. But ... just admit it this time ... you wrong ******

[HoopsDawg]

Poor defense by Perry again. Villanova spacing is tremendous.

[chef dixon]

They can stroke it. Every time they launch a 3 I cringe

[BrunswickDawg]

Great run to start the half. Need Tyson to heat up.

I'm taking credit - left the office for the day and got home just in time to turn on the second half.

You're welcome.

[parabrave]

Now whoever talked to Carter needs to talk to Ado.

[HoopsDawg]

Not a foul!!!

[Percho]

2nd called but i know of at least 1 other

[hopsondawg22]

This will be the team to get the Hump back bumping for the men's team. By far the best all around team since the Lawrence Roberts and crew took the court at the Hump. I think our TO problem will work itself out when Nick returns.

[HoopsDawg]

3 BS calls on Ado.

[Political Hack]

Calls starting to even out some though. That's good.

[smootness]

Nice follow up and as I told you I would never have bet on that. But Nova coach has 2 Nattys to one and no major upset like that on his record. Advantage Nova.

2014 - Nova lost as a 2 vs. a 7
2015 - Nova lost as a 1 vs. an 8
2017 - Nova lost as a 1 vs. an 8

Let's not act like college basketball is some kind of sport where the best coaches never get upset. It was one game. Bennett has a sterling resume.

[Political Hack]

Never mind. It's getting ticky tac now.

[ShotgunDawg]

you can't play defense

[smootness]

Also, this is my favorite State team in over a decade easily, probably my favorite in 15 years.

[Political Hack]

We're already shooting the bonus. Time to attack down low.

[smootness]

We're already shooting the bonus. Time to attack down low.

100%. Just attack, period.

[ShotgunDawg]

We gotta get back on defense better after missed shots

[bigplayslay]

Also, this is my favorite State team in over a decade easily, probably my favorite in 15 years.

How can they not be? They give so much effort. I love it.

[ShotgunDawg]

Playing our 17ing ass off right now

[ShotgunDawg]

Dammit

[smootness]

Feazell does not need to be forcing offense like that.

[ShotgunDawg]

WTF is Feazell doing?

Game on the line & he keeps shooting. Selfish as 17

[Liverpooldawg]

Forcing some shots again. That's when they go on runs.

[Political Hack]

We can't make a layup and they can't miss a 3.

[HoopsDawg]

Howland tried to buy Carter a break and it backfired.

[ShotgunDawg]

Unreal

[parabrave]

Well still can't guard a 3 and have no idea how to go up strong underneath the rim

[dawgday166]

2014 - Nova lost as a 2 vs. a 7
2015 - Nova lost as a 1 vs. an 8
2017 - Nova lost as a 1 vs. an 8

Let's not act like college basketball is some kind of sport where the best coaches never get upset. It was one game. Bennett has a sterling resume.

LOL ... Dude I'm giving 7 a hard time. He likes to argue you know.

[hopsondawg22]

Feazell should be told to rebound and set screens. He has no business shooting shots.

[MoreCowbell]

Really like Stewart

[ShotgunDawg]

Dd they install a lid on our basket?

[ShotgunDawg]

We got so many weapons

[msu15]

Can’t wait for Adu to graduate. Trash and a waste of a scholarship.

[hopsondawg22]

Stewart just carrying the torch for stud Ms delta ballers for the hardwood dawgs.

[ShotgunDawg]

Nova hitting some BS shots

[parabrave]

And on cue Ado fouls.

[ShotgunDawg]

We just aren't offensively crisp enough to beat this team right now. Maybe by March

[HoopsDawg]

Perry getting abused.

[ShotgunDawg]

Perry's defense is getting exposed

[Liverpooldawg]

Villanova plays basketball.

[dawgday166]

Can’t wait for Adu to graduate. Trash and a waste of a scholarship.

Have you noticed they seem to go on runs when Ado isn't in there? He does a lot of good things that don't show up in the stats book.

[Liverpooldawg]

Can’t wait for Adu to graduate. Trash and a waste of a scholarship.

They go on runs when he goes out. He just can't stay out of foul trouble.