"What's good for the game is what Dayton did tonight."

[RedStickHusky]

I mostly lurk here but what a classy quote and, oh, so true. Also enjoyed Jabir's post-game presser.

 

[mhshuskies]

I mostly lurk here but what a classy quote and, oh, so true. Also enjoyed Jabir's post-game presser.

Yes it is and it shows that it is possible for other teams to rise to UCONN level. We don't need to keep hearing how UCONN is bad for the game because they are so far above the level of other teams. Instead of dumbing it down to make everyone look a genius, the goal should be for everyone to raise the level.

 

[RedStickHusky]

and they played open smooth ball -- not a mugging. that first half was a joy to watch regardless of who it was.

 

[UcMiami]

Loved the whole response regarding who they would face in the FF and 'having no choice' who they play, but not wanting the 'story' to disrespect the actual players playing or the 'other two teams' at the final four.

 

[warbler1055]

It was beautiful basketball not a wrestling match and they all made shots. Adjustments for Geno at half time was the difference. Slowing the game in the second half and tightened up the perimeter won the game. But what a game Dayton played. So fantastic in the first half!!! Nothing but respect for the Dayton players and coaches!!!

 

[Beemer]

Yes it is and it shows that it is possible for other teams to rise to UCONN level. We don't need to keep hearing how UCONN is bad for the game because they are so far above the level of other teams. Instead of dumbing it down to make everyone look a genius, the goal should be for everyone to raise the level.

Excellent post. *Applauds mhshuskies*

 

[Nuyoika]

Yes it is and it shows that it is possible for other teams to rise to UCONN level. We don't need to keep hearing how UCONN is bad for the game because they are so far above the level of other teams. Instead of dumbing it down to make everyone look a genius, the goal should be for everyone to raise the level.

Hallelujah!!! Why should we suck just because everyone else does? How about you recruit better, try harder, practice tougher, and play smarter... It's not our responsibility to come down to your level. It's your responsibility to aspire to reach ours.

 

[reno tony]

Loved the whole response regarding who they would face in the FF and 'having no choice' who they play, but not wanting the 'story' to disrespect the actual players playing or the 'other two teams' at the final four.

Is there a link to the presser?

 

[EricSD]

Yes it is and it shows that it is possible for other teams to rise to UCONN level. We don't need to keep hearing how UCONN is bad for the game because they are so far above the level of other teams. Instead of dumbing it down to make everyone look a genius, the goal should be for everyone to raise the level.

Hallelujah!!! Why should we suck just because everyone else does? How about you recruit better, try harder, practice tougher, and play smarter... It's not our responsibility to come down to your level. It's your responsibility to aspire to reach ours.

Agree 100% with you all. You know what's bad for the game? The ugly, low scoring, lack of offense, slugfests that other teams play that make the game unwatchable. Are close games more exciting? Sure. But is the ugly brand of basketball "good" for the game? Absolutely not.

Highlight teams like Dayton, Gonzaga, ND, UCONN, Stanford, maybe Baylor and a few others and THAT'S what is good for the game. Show a product that is pleasant and fun to watch. A half (MD vs. Tenn) where barely over 40 points are scored combined (43) vs a half where over 80 points are scored - which is more fun to watch for the "average/casual" fan?

 

[Nuyoika]

Agree 100% with you all. You know what's bad for the game? The ugly, low scoring, lack of offense, slugfests that other teams play that make the game unwatchable. Are close games more exciting? Sure. But is the ugly brand of basketball "good" for the game? Absolutely not.

Highlight teams like Dayton, Gonzaga, ND, UCONN, Stanford, maybe Baylor and a few others and THAT'S what is good for the game. Show a product that is pleasant and fun to watch. A half (MD vs. Tenn) where barely over 40 points are scored combined (43) vs a half where over 80 points are scored - which is more fun to watch for the "average/casual" fan?

I was trying to decide whether to go to bed or watch the MD/TN game with my wife and she actually said, "If the game is still in the 40s I don't even care to watch." It was still in the 40s...

 

[DobbsRover2]

ESPN certainly got it's money's worth in the first game last night. For 20++ minutes, time stood still and the utmost in sports drama was delivered as Cinderella attempted to keep her glass slippers on for a full game. Nothing was certain, as the Louisville-Baylor game of 2013 has forever etched the chance of a monumental upset into the annals of WCBB. With less than 10 minutes to go, the Flyers were still stroking the wings hard only 7 points behind the #1 team in the country and the chance for an epic story was still very real. Can't make a better show than that.

 

[Tonyc]

Dayton had the Desire to Aspire and no fear. They had a game plan, they worked the plan and for the first half they did. Genos adjustments in the second half which had a lot to do with denying the perimeter and Daytons top scorers was the difference. I had a great time watching the game.

 

[huskeynut]

The game was a true pleasure to watch! Two teams executing great offense. No cluching or grabbing or mugging on defense.

Two coaches who know how to coach and get their players to execute at a high level.

Even though the first half was cause for concern, it was still a great game - the way it was ment to be played.

Kudos to Jabir and his team!!!!!!!

 

[MilfordHusky]

Geno was exactly right. Congrats to Coach Jabir and Dayton!

 

[Buzzyboy]

ESPN certainly got it's money's worth in the first game last night. For 20++ minutes, time stood still and the utmost in sports drama was delivered as Cinderella attempted to keep her glass slippers on for a full game. Nothing was certain, as the Louisville-Baylor game of 2013 has forever etched the chance of a monumental upset into the annals of WCBB. With less than 10 minutes to go, the Flyers were still stroking the wings hard only 7 points behind the #1 team in the country and the chance for an epic story was still very real. Can't make a better show than that.

The difference between this game and that Louisville-Baylor game you mentioned is that I heard from multiple people (since I saw only highlights of that game) that Louisville was mugging Baylor throughout the game and if true, MUGGING takes the game down somewhat. I love the purity of basketball, at any and all levels. The first half of yesterday's game was pure basketball!

 

[JellyBean]

It was beautiful basketball not a wrestling match and they all made shots. Adjustments for Geno at half time was the difference. Slowing the game in the second half and tightened up the perimeter won the game. But what a game Dayton played. So fantastic in the first half!!! Nothing but respect for the Dayton players and coaches!!!

Awesome comments and I agree 100%. It was a great free flowing game, to me the way basketball is meant to be played. Dayton played well, shot the ball well, and put up a great fight. Much respect to Dayton players and their coaching staff.

 

[JellyBean]

I was trying to decide whether to go to bed or watch the MD/TN game with my wife and she actually said, "If the game is still in the 40s I don't even care to watch." It was still in the 40s...

LOL!!

 

[CCinCT]

Nice team basketball and great game. This should boost Jabir's recruiting credentials. Unfortunately he is losing huge presences on his team in Mallott and Hoover. Hope he is able to rebuild quickly.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Nice team basketball and great game. This should boost Jabir's recruiting credentials. Unfortunately he is losing huge presences on his team in Mallott and Hoover. Hope he is able to rebuild quickly.

I was wondering that too, but apparently several recruits and potential transfers are calling him.

 

[Ron and Vida]

As for Gino's game plan - don't overlook that Dayton took 30 free throws against Louisville and only 5 against UCONN......

 

[uconnell]

and they played open smooth ball -- not a mugging. that first half was a joy to watch regardless of who it was.

The difference between this game and that Louisville-Baylor game you mentioned is that I heard from multiple people (since I saw only highlights of that game) that Louisville was mugging Baylor throughout the game and if true, MUGGING takes the game down somewhat. I love the purity of basketball, at any and all levels. The first half of yesterday's game was pure basketball!

This is why I don't respect Walz, seems that he thinks this is the way to play, it is ugly ball.

 

[Geno-ista]

I mostly lurk here but what a classy quote and, oh, so true. Also enjoyed Jabir's post-game presser.

Both pressers were absolutely awesome! I thought so too!

 

[Huskies Rule]

Could you just imagine what Jim Jabir or Courtney Banghart could achieve with Duke talent?

 

[DobbsRover2]

The difference between this game and that Louisville-Baylor game you mentioned is that I heard from multiple people (since I saw only highlights of that game) that Louisville was mugging Baylor throughout the game and if true, MUGGING takes the game down somewhat. I love the purity of basketball, at any and all levels. The first half of yesterday's game was pure basketball!

Ah, yes, so the myths live on, and we can never credit teams for great performances and just accept the twaddle of whiny fans who always need an excuse for their team's failure, and obviously muggers and blind refs are always the best excuse. No, the win could never be because Slaughter nailed 7 threes (like KML last night) for a Cards team that knocked down 16 bombs against a Bears team that refused to wake up and guard the perimeter. Obviously it had to be because evil refs let the gentle giant be beaten silly by rabid Cardinals, though of course the refs fouled out most of the Lville starters with 24 PFs, basically handing the game over to the Bears. And no it couldn't be because in the final seconds with Baylor back in the lead and basically no one else left, a gimpy legged senior drove through the Bears' defense and by WCBB's top player to get the points that earned one of the biggest upsets in history.

No never that. It was just the mugging of a team that was totally unused to aggressive court play, and whose players in their own would never do anything uncivil like trying to cave in the face of a blindsided opponent. And no it couldn't be because a histrionic coach got totally outmaneuvered by a colleague whose success has of course just earned him the bitter hatred of those who just want to smear great efforts with the "M" word.

Just sad, but myths and fairy tales are easier to deal with than reality.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Ah, yes, so the myths live on, and we can never credit teams for great performances and just accept the twaddle of whiny fans who always need an excuse for their team's failure, and obviously muggers and blind refs are always the best excuse. No, the win could never be because Slaughter nailed 7 threes (like KML last night) for a Cards team that knocked down 16 bombs against a Bears team that refused to wake up and guard the perimeter. Obviously it had to be because evil refs let the gentle giant be beaten silly by rabid Cardinals, though of course the refs fouled out most of the Lville starters with 24 PFs, basically handing the game over to the Bears. And no it couldn't be because in the final seconds with Baylor back in the lead and basically no one else left, a gimpy legged senior drove through the Bears' defense and by WCBB's top player to get the points that earned one of the biggest upsets in history.

No never that. It was just the mugging of a team that was totally unused to aggressive court play, and whose players in their own would never do anything uncivil like trying to cave in the face of a blindsided opponent. And no it couldn't be because a histrionic coach got totally outmaneuvered by a colleague whose success has of course just earned him the bitter hatred of those who just want to smear great efforts with the "M" word.

Just sad, but myths and fairy tales are easier to deal with than reality.

I was responding to what I've heard from a variety of different posters. If what you're saying is accurate, then the game STILL couldn't be compared to this one because it was dictated by poor officiating that could have potentially cost the game for Louisville. Either way, it doesn't appear that game compares to this game or at least to the first half of this game which was played cleanly and officiated quite well, letting the players play and without any hacking by either team to stop the FLOW of the game! I didn't realize that you had that strong an opinion on the way THAT game was officiated and more importantly, how THAT game was perceived. I can say that I've seen the Louisville play pretty ugly against the Huskies subsequently so there was very little reason to dispute the accounts by people of a game I had seen virtually next to nothing of. Sorry if you're offended.

 

[Beemer]

Could you just imagine what Jim Jabir or Courtney Banghart could achieve with Duke talent?

I think the real question is could Duke? I don't see any signs of them getting rid of McCallie which is too bad for them. At the rate she's going she is going to wreck that program.

 

[DobbsRover2]

I was responding to what I've heard from a variety of different posters. If what you're saying is accurate, then the game STILL couldn't be compared to this one because it was dictated by poor officiating that could have potentially cost the game for Louisville. Either way, it doesn't appear that game compares to this game or at least to the first half of this game which was played cleanly and officiated quite well, letting the players play and without any hacking by either team to stop the FLOW of the game! I didn't realize that you had that strong an opinion on the way THAT game was officiated and more importantly, how THAT game was perceived. I can say that I've seen the Louisville play pretty ugly against the Huskies subsequently so there was very little reason to dispute the accounts by people of a game I had seen virtually next to nothing of. Sorry if you're offended.

No probs, but your continued use of the "mugging" word seemed to me offensive for a game that was just physical like many that a lot of teams have to play, especially when you say that you didn't even watch it. Some fans seem to think WCBB is a "Ladies" game maybe somewhat akin to touch football. It isn't, and Griner herself helped to dispel that notion back in 2010 with one swing that earned her a two-game suspension. She was more than ready for the inside scrapping by 2013.

Fact is, the Cardinals got away with nothing and definitely were made to pay big time by the refs who fouled almost all the Card starters out and basically opened the way for Sims to hold a scoring clinic at the end. The whiny Bears fans who have continued to push the "mugging" fairy tale should just let it go, and certainly the more realistic Baylor fans know that their overconfident coach simply didn't make the right moves, and a fired up Cards team hit their threes in the first half (just like Dayton), kept doing so in the second half (not so much like Dayton), and had a chance for one last shining moment at the end because their opponent couldn't break away (definitely not like Dayton).