(01-20-2016 06:39 AM)TheCrumbIsHere Wrote:  I still think this team under the new MAC tournament format(that used to be the old format) is going to be a really hard out especially if they get to Cleveland. In our three losses, our opponents have just shot the ball from 3 at an absolutely ridiculous pace and even then all three of those losses were respectable. At the end of the year, when you start dealing with a tournament setting, the zone defense will force teams to have to continue to shoot exceptionally well to again beat us. That's not going to be as easy when you're taking about a bigger stage and an elimination setting.

For all of the criticisms of Murphy, he has done a good job in the MAC tournament and I think that's because of the fact that teams have to execute their offense really properly against our zone which is different than facing a Man to Man defense. We've ended up losing because of tired legs in the old format. The new format really helps to even things out a quite a bit.

it's just crazy to me.. This year I look at the schedule and honestly I think they have a shot at winning any of the MAC games. This one against Akron was probably the longest shot on the board and it took a crazy second half to do it.

I'll become worried if we go on a stretch of 2-3 games where we look badly out classed.

Last year at this time we were 1-4 in conference and this year we are one game better at 2-3 and found a way to end up at 8-10 last year. This team is due to run off a string of games in conference here at some point if they keep playing as they are. These games now will also serve us well in March and for next year.

Just some random thoughts.

Really our zone is not hard for an opposing team to plan an offensive attack? I disagree based on the MAC Champions the last 25 years have played extensive man to man. I am for a zone defend occasionally but not extensively. MAC teams are figuring out how to beat our zone.

Anyone else thinks that our defense just isn't what it used to be. I feel like we are scoring more but we also give up more.

And here is a little thought - it would be interesting how many points does Thompson gives us vs. how many opposing team's big guys score. Because the few games I watched this season the opposing team's big guys were putting up similar numbers to him. I might be wrong, but I would have to go back and fact check this little observation.

The game that came to mind was NIU especially, when the their big guy was killing us especially in the first half.

One thing is sure, this defense is not what it used to be.

Stay true to your roots Murph !

Offense is definitely up. Could be that we have a 6 players with the ability to score (Lee, Thompson, Nazione, Toney, Mangum, and Bond). But also, it seems Murphy has put a little more focus on it.

Defense is a little down as well. I think this has a lot to do with personnel as well. I love how hard Thompson plays, but I do think he gives up a little too much defensively despite the hustle. Last years center's although not as gifted, they were a little stronger physically AND MORESO they did not mind fouling out. There were 3 of them. In subsequent years, he will have more leeway to foul, learn the red lines on defense better, and/or put on some more strength (he is just a freshman huh?)

Murphy is experimenting a little this year too. I think overall that is a good thing especially when he figures it all out.

Crumb,

You raise some good points too. 2-3 is not much better than 1-4. But I feel EMU has played much better than the start last year. Close games in the losses except NIU, blow out on the road against CMU, no horrid loss like Ball State.

They will turn this around a little to have a winning conference record.

Eaglesam, last year NIU played without Highsmith all year and Darell Bowie missed much of the year and was never healthy. They were our two best players. This year, NIU's best players are playing. Lose Lee or Thompson and see how EMU does. So yes, I keep predicting success for NIU but I never say we will be good even without our best players.

(01-20-2016 05:14 PM)dekalb222 Wrote:  Eaglesam, last year NIU played without Highsmith all year and Darell Bowie missed much of the year and was never healthy. They were our two best players. This year, NIU's best players are playing. Lose Lee or Thompson and see how EMU does. So yes, I keep predicting success for NIU but I never say we will be good even without our best players.

Good for y'all. Now run along. Don't know why you brought up your team in a thread that had nothing to do with them, nor were they mentioned at all.