nwhoopfan
hopeless West Coast homer
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Yes, but losses by 25, 27, 50, 51 and 26. A horrible loss for Arizona any way you slice it.
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WBB in Arizona
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I was surprised by the loss. I was kind of thinking the kitties might go undefeated with 12 straight home games to open the season.
As you point out the difference in talent and preparation between the kitties and the losses to top 25 programs by Southern prompts a thought experiment about scheduling.
Southern obviously took the tough road while the kitties are taking the easy road I guess I'd call it the LSU method of preparation. It'll be interesting to see how those two different approaches play out for each team in conference.
Edit: Massey have Southern with 13th most difficult SOS
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ASU attempts to run it's opening season win streak to 9 games tomorrow as they play McNeese State in the first game of the Brianna January classic at Desert Financial Arena. McNeese has topped 100 points twice in their pre-conference play I suspect they will struggle to get to half that level against Molly Miller's defense.
Tonight the Lopes appear destined to fall to one and eight as they travel to Gonzaga.
Saturday the kitties try to rebound from the "terrible, horrible, very bad, no good" loss to Southern as they take on the wandering Lobos in McKale center. The Lobos's crushed the NAU Lumberjacks in the season opener although they haven't played nearly the schedule at Southern has.
NAU will fall to one and nine when they face South Dakota State.
Given the implosions at GCU and NAU I think now it's even money that both schools are in a position to lose 25 games
The only likely win left on the NAU schedule is a game against Park in Flagstaff. While the Jacks play Portland State twice they will clearly lose the game in the Pacific Northwest and given the disarray in the program I'm not certain there's any chance they can win at home.
Tonight the Lopes appear destined to fall to one and eight as they travel to Gonzaga.
Saturday the kitties try to rebound from the "terrible, horrible, very bad, no good" loss to Southern as they take on the wandering Lobos in McKale center. The Lobos's crushed the NAU Lumberjacks in the season opener although they haven't played nearly the schedule at Southern has.
NAU will fall to one and nine when they face South Dakota State.
Given the implosions at GCU and NAU I think now it's even money that both schools are in a position to lose 25 games
The only likely win left on the NAU schedule is a game against Park in Flagstaff. While the Jacks play Portland State twice they will clearly lose the game in the Pacific Northwest and given the disarray in the program I'm not certain there's any chance they can win at home.
KnightBridgeAZ
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The current coach blames much (not all) of the schedule on Adia. Adia did, you may remember, believe in playing cupcakes because "playing a tough team doesn't help you" as she said a couple years ago. It was early writing on her departure, according to my acquaintance in the athletic department which found the remark head scratching. Supposedly most of the games were already signed.
I don't criticize the early schedule, these players never played together and most would not be starting at other P4 schools. They are good, but even the best of them need development.
Wasn't at the game, but as I said, the Wildcats are playing at a mid-major level. Wasn't "shocked" they lost one, even if I didn't expect it against Southern.
The Good The bad and The ugly
Oh what a difference one year makes.
The good.
With their 10th win ASU equals their total of last year in the final year of the Natasha Adair debacle in which the team went 10 and 22.
Molly Miller in spite of having to rebuild the entire roster or maybe because of it has equaled last year's win total in her first 10 games.
Realistically 50% in Big 12 will be a huge success but the difference in atmosphere and culture is obvious. This past weekend at the Brianna January classic the arena was electric and the team showed tremendous grit in winning their 10th game on a back-to-back in which they had less than 24 hours rest. Miller completely rebuilt the roster but more importantly has clearly established a winning culture.
Down the road in the dirty t Becky has done a nice job training the kitties around they get prepare to tip in search of their seventh victory against One loss. The kitties staggered to a 19-14 record last year and like the Devils will be fortunate to play .500 in conference play.
That's said both programs are on the upswing and appear to be in good hands.
The ugly.
With new coaches both Grand Canyon and NAU are 1-7.
Last year under Molly Miller the Lopes went to the tournament and posted a 32 and 3 record; undefeated at home and undefeated in League Play.
In Flagstaff Loree Payne led the Jacks to 27 wins
Oh what a difference one year makes.
The good.
With their 10th win ASU equals their total of last year in the final year of the Natasha Adair debacle in which the team went 10 and 22.
Molly Miller in spite of having to rebuild the entire roster or maybe because of it has equaled last year's win total in her first 10 games.
Realistically 50% in Big 12 will be a huge success but the difference in atmosphere and culture is obvious. This past weekend at the Brianna January classic the arena was electric and the team showed tremendous grit in winning their 10th game on a back-to-back in which they had less than 24 hours rest. Miller completely rebuilt the roster but more importantly has clearly established a winning culture.
Down the road in the dirty t Becky has done a nice job training the kitties around they get prepare to tip in search of their seventh victory against One loss. The kitties staggered to a 19-14 record last year and like the Devils will be fortunate to play .500 in conference play.
That's said both programs are on the upswing and appear to be in good hands.
The ugly.
With new coaches both Grand Canyon and NAU are 1-7.
Last year under Molly Miller the Lopes went to the tournament and posted a 32 and 3 record; undefeated at home and undefeated in League Play.
In Flagstaff Loree Payne led the Jacks to 27 wins
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nwhoopfan
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Lost their 2nd straight today. 2 losses in a really soft OOC schedule. I'm fairly sure their record this year will be worse than last year when all is said and done.
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KnightBridgeAZ
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Probably. I didn't go to the game, and won't be at the next one which is not included in the season ticket package (it is for kids groups), although general admission is free. Busy finishing decorating, a 10 day process that has taken all my energy.
In any case, fans here were amazed when I told them that I was not expecting much success. It looks like they will fight and play hard, which is a good thing, but the talent . . .
The wandering Lobos wandered into MclKale and held on to beat the kitties by three. I think the Mountain West has three or four teams at the top who are solid and that includes New Mexico.
My read on the game was that the top tier (CSU UNLV, Boise State and the Lobos) of the Mountain West is better than the lower tier of the Big 12. New Mexico lost to Cincinnati by three down in Florida and is favored next weekend against Houston.
Lumberjack fans recall the opener this year in which New Mexico entertained the Jacks in the pit.....
I think the wandering Lobos have an outside shot if they get hot during the conference tournament.
The kitties on the other hand obviously are working progress.
First consequential game for the Devils tips tomorrow at 5:00 at Penn State. The 10-0 Devils (man it's great to write that) are a seven-point dog and this is going to really be an opportunity for Molly Miller's team to take the next step against a really solid Penn State team.
The 10 and 0 Devils have completely bought into Molly Miller's defensive scheme with her focus on aggressive man to man, a commitment to rebounding, and connectivity across the floor.
Penn State will be challenged to recover from the onslaught the Huskers put on them 101-83.
Pregame observations
No way will the Devils come close to 100 points against Penn State on the road
No way will Penn State come close to 83 points against the Devil defense
For the Devils, fifth year senior Gabby Elliot guard will be the key both her floor leadership and she's going to have to be able to hit her shot. She was 4-14 against the Dons.
Devil rest and recovery will be tested again after the back-to-back this weekend traveling East to tip 48 hours later.
Both teams destroyed Coppin State-the devil's by 15 and the Lions by 18. Of concern for the devils has been there continuing struggles to defend the three lawn. Copen state was 7 for 14 from distance and the. Lions do enjoy shooting from beyond the arc. BTW - one of my all-time favorite players was machine gun Maggie Lucas. At one point I think she was an assistant at her alma mater but I just looked her up and she's now at Bowling Green.
Wish I had the Big ten Network to watch this game but Jeff Munn on the radio is as good as Bob Joyce for the Huskies.
Note: last year Molly Miller went undefeated in the western athletic conference with the Lopes. After watching Grand Canyon last night it's possible in fact I think probably they don't want a game in conference this year. You hate to be a naysayer but I have the same feeling about Winston Gandy I had after the first nine games of the Natasha Adair ordeal. Not ready for prime time
The 10 and 0 Devils have completely bought into Molly Miller's defensive scheme with her focus on aggressive man to man, a commitment to rebounding, and connectivity across the floor.
Penn State will be challenged to recover from the onslaught the Huskers put on them 101-83.
Pregame observations
No way will the Devils come close to 100 points against Penn State on the road
No way will Penn State come close to 83 points against the Devil defense
For the Devils, fifth year senior Gabby Elliot guard will be the key both her floor leadership and she's going to have to be able to hit her shot. She was 4-14 against the Dons.
Devil rest and recovery will be tested again after the back-to-back this weekend traveling East to tip 48 hours later.
Both teams destroyed Coppin State-the devil's by 15 and the Lions by 18. Of concern for the devils has been there continuing struggles to defend the three lawn. Copen state was 7 for 14 from distance and the. Lions do enjoy shooting from beyond the arc. BTW - one of my all-time favorite players was machine gun Maggie Lucas. At one point I think she was an assistant at her alma mater but I just looked her up and she's now at Bowling Green.
Wish I had the Big ten Network to watch this game but Jeff Munn on the radio is as good as Bob Joyce for the Huskies.
Note: last year Molly Miller went undefeated in the western athletic conference with the Lopes. After watching Grand Canyon last night it's possible in fact I think probably they don't want a game in conference this year. You hate to be a naysayer but I have the same feeling about Winston Gandy I had after the first nine games of the Natasha Adair ordeal. Not ready for prime time
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Yep the kitties have always been all in on the Kim Mulkey OCC scheduling paradigm.
nwhoopfan
hopeless West Coast homer
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The last few years it's been an interesting battle for 2nd place, with UNLV running away from the field. This year might be a lot more compelling vying for that top spot.
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So the Aztecs take down the Wildcats who may be in process of earning the kitties designation.
Defending Mountain West champion San Diego State really takes it to Kansas State on the road.
The Aztecs in a thrilling triple over time championship victory over Wyoming last March showed that they're a program that may be in a position to exhibit sustained success.
They certainly abused Big 12 bottom dweller Kansas State.
Oh, to keep this in alignment with the Arizona thread the other kitties seem to be having a little trouble with Eastern Kentucky down in McKale.
1pm tip at Global Financial Arena and a return to Arizona for Loree Payne. The Lopes welcome Payne, her Broncos and particularly Sophie Glancy who GCU cannot guard -12 points and 5 boards bye the former NAU star.
Bronco get up 20 first quarter shots and lead 27-20 after one.
Edit- Glancy 12-12 from the free throw line, BUT the Payne offense first (second, third and fourth) philosophy leads to a close game at the half 42-41 against the hapless Lopes
Final 91-72 as Winston Gandy and the Lopes fall to 1-9.
Bronco get up 20 first quarter shots and lead 27-20 after one.
Edit- Glancy 12-12 from the free throw line, BUT the Payne offense first (second, third and fourth) philosophy leads to a close game at the half 42-41 against the hapless Lopes
Final 91-72 as Winston Gandy and the Lopes fall to 1-9.
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nwhoopfan
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Eh. Arizona St. barely leading Oregon St. in Q4. Beavs have very little talent at this point. Still waiting for ASU to play a decent team this season. Next up is Gonzaga, who also is not nearly what they were a few years ago. Start out Big 12 play with a fairly soft schedule too.
edit--tied w/ a few seconds left
edit--went to OT, where ASU outscored OSU 5-3; that must've been an exciting 5 extra minutes of basketball
edit--tied w/ a few seconds left
edit--went to OT, where ASU outscored OSU 5-3; that must've been an exciting 5 extra minutes of basketball
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It was!!!!!!!
You betcha.
MOLLY MILLER era!!!!!
DEFENSE TRAVELS!!!!!!!
Winning on the road is......HARD.
With Scott Rueck scheming up his defense to lock out Gabby Elliot and McKinna Brackens Miller draws up the play for Last Year POA and she hits the game winner a three from the pocket.
The Devils go to 12 and 0 and we're on to Gonzaga.
If this is not the greatest turnaround year over a year it's got to be in the top five!
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7:00 p.m. tip tonight in Gonzaga on ESPN+ as Molly Miller and the Sun Devils try to run the opening season streak to 13.
Interesting Massey has ASU a five-point dog with a 62% chance of losing.
I know Gonzaga has a traditionally strong program and is tough at home but this seems to be underestimating a wee bit the squad that Molly Miller has put together.
Gonzaga is on a three-game winning streak with the middle win by four points over the woeful Grand Canyon Lopes in Spokane.
Massey also has Gonzaga favored in all their remaining games with the exception of a road game at Oregon State. The game in Gonzaga against the beavers according to Massey favors the Bulldogs.
Interesting Massey has ASU a five-point dog with a 62% chance of losing.
I know Gonzaga has a traditionally strong program and is tough at home but this seems to be underestimating a wee bit the squad that Molly Miller has put together.
Gonzaga is on a three-game winning streak with the middle win by four points over the woeful Grand Canyon Lopes in Spokane.
Massey also has Gonzaga favored in all their remaining games with the exception of a road game at Oregon State. The game in Gonzaga against the beavers according to Massey favors the Bulldogs.
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The short handed Devils, down starter McKinna Brackens and reserve Makayla Moore, turn the Dogs over 16 times to lead 36-29 at the half in Spokane.
Marley Washenitz, the hero of the last second win over UNLV last month in Tempe, leads the Devils with 12 points. Deb Davenport, starting for Brackens is doing a great job.
The Bulldogs are going to have to take care of the ball in the second half in order to get back into the game.
Marley Washenitz, the hero of the last second win over UNLV last month in Tempe, leads the Devils with 12 points. Deb Davenport, starting for Brackens is doing a great job.
The Bulldogs are going to have to take care of the ball in the second half in order to get back into the game.
Devils ...... 13-0!!!!!!!!!! 68-66 over Gonzaga.
Bettencourt involved in the last 15 seconds....double dribble to give the Devils the ball Then, as Elliot is fouled with 8 seconds left she gets tied up with Poa. Poa is called for a flagrant on Ines. So......
Zags make both free throws miss the three and Devils survive!
In the post game, Coach Miller tips her hat to the Zag fans.
Bettencourt involved in the last 15 seconds....double dribble to give the Devils the ball Then, as Elliot is fouled with 8 seconds left she gets tied up with Poa. Poa is called for a flagrant on Ines. So......
Zags make both free throws miss the three and Devils survive!
In the post game, Coach Miller tips her hat to the Zag fans.
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Ahhhh. What difference a year makes. What difference a coach makes. You're absolutely right ASU could win.......
As opposed to last year
ASU would lose.
Over on the ASU Facebook page the discussion has been about chemistry, how fun it is to win and leadership.
I can tell you I am so grateful and I don't discount or take for granted the ability to walk in the daylight with a great coach after having trudged through the valley of darkness and despair with.......
On the bubble
And..... While it's way too early and it is Charlie Creme
He has ASU dancing as one of the last in with a bye
All this shows is the sea change in Tempe. I vaguely recall some feedback last year wondering if I was really an ASU fan or just someone who was taking shots.
Realistically if the Sun Devils can manage .500 in Big 12 Play I'd have to say Miller is a strong candidate for Coach of the Year.
The home opener Sunday at home against Colorado will provide a great measuring stick for what league play holds. Of course that's assuming that both McKinna Bracken and Makayla Moore are healthy and available.
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6:00 p.m. tip on ESPN+ over at Global Credit arena in Phoenix as Winston Gandy prepares to notch his 10th loss against UNLV.
I'm pretty sure Lindy La Rocque will have a much different outcome in the last of a four-game road trip from her last visit to Arizona when we recall the last second three-pointer that gave the Sun Devils a 56-53 when over the Lady Rebs.
I'm absolutely amazed that the Lopes are only a three-point dog. If I were a betting man I'd mortgage my ex-wife's house and put it all on UNLV.
And in the race to the bottom Grand Canyon coach Winston Gandy hits 10 losses before NAU coach Laura Dinkins who will pick up her 10th loss at Cal State Northridge Thursday night.
They are neck and neck for the Natasha Adair "I'm in over my head" award. They both deserve the award and neither deserves the opportunity to return next year which they will both receive due to the benign neglect of the athletic departments at the two schools.
For those wondering about the coach for whom the award is named
"We are excited to have Natasha Adair join our Orange Family," Legette-Jack said. "She has a plethora of experience. She's a 15-year head coaching veteran with experience from high and mid-major to the Power 4 level. She is a winner, a motivator, a team player and a ferocious recruiter. We are more than thrilled to have her join our Orange Family."
cuse.com
I define winner differently than Syracuse, although Adair assisted in the Orange victory over the fashionista.
I'm pretty sure Lindy La Rocque will have a much different outcome in the last of a four-game road trip from her last visit to Arizona when we recall the last second three-pointer that gave the Sun Devils a 56-53 when over the Lady Rebs.
I'm absolutely amazed that the Lopes are only a three-point dog. If I were a betting man I'd mortgage my ex-wife's house and put it all on UNLV.
And in the race to the bottom Grand Canyon coach Winston Gandy hits 10 losses before NAU coach Laura Dinkins who will pick up her 10th loss at Cal State Northridge Thursday night.
They are neck and neck for the Natasha Adair "I'm in over my head" award. They both deserve the award and neither deserves the opportunity to return next year which they will both receive due to the benign neglect of the athletic departments at the two schools.
For those wondering about the coach for whom the award is named
"We are excited to have Natasha Adair join our Orange Family," Legette-Jack said. "She has a plethora of experience. She's a 15-year head coaching veteran with experience from high and mid-major to the Power 4 level. She is a winner, a motivator, a team player and a ferocious recruiter. We are more than thrilled to have her join our Orange Family."
Natasha Adair Named Women's Basketball Associate Head Coach - Syracuse University Athletics
Natasha Adair has been named the new Associate Head Coach of the Syracuse University Women's Basketball program and joined Felisha Legette-Jack 's staff on M...
I define winner differently than Syracuse, although Adair assisted in the Orange victory over the fashionista.
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Vegas.......we have a problem.
Lindy has a challenge this year.....replacing Bracken and Kimpson was obvious, but in the era of NIL transfer....all coaches (with perhaps the exception of Molly Miller) confront roster turnover and the associated difficulty of chemistry and teamwork.
Rebs trail Lopes 28-26 at the half. Meadow Roland has been underwhelming. The Rebs are being crushed 27-10 on the boards.
UNLV is making 1-9 GCU look.... competent.
Even when Gandy and GCU regress to poor, La Rocque has to be worried.
Lindy has a challenge this year.....replacing Bracken and Kimpson was obvious, but in the era of NIL transfer....all coaches (with perhaps the exception of Molly Miller) confront roster turnover and the associated difficulty of chemistry and teamwork.
Rebs trail Lopes 28-26 at the half. Meadow Roland has been underwhelming. The Rebs are being crushed 27-10 on the boards.
UNLV is making 1-9 GCU look.... competent.
Even when Gandy and GCU regress to poor, La Rocque has to be worried.
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nwhoopfan
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They seem to be getting worse as the season progresses. Something definitely seems amiss.