(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:36 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:13 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Too early to make any prediction about final conference results, until quite a few more conference and remaining non-conference games are played.

The GAMER model is currently predicting that Temple will end up with 22 regular season wins, and that might be attainable.

Temple has 10 more home games this season. If they can go 8-2 or 9-1 at home, that would get them to 17 or 18 wins. There are also 6 or 7 potentially winnable away games, and a potential 1st round win in the AAC tournament.

To win 22 games, Temple would need to go 13-6 the rest of the way, or 13-8, including the AAC tournament.

The matchup @ UCF was one of six tough, but potentially winnable away games this season (along with UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa). Winning that game and being 3-0 in away games to date suggests that the Owls have a shot to win 22 games and snag an 11 seed in March.

Temple will probably have to win at least 5 more away games to have any chance at making the NCAA tournament. They might be able to pick up wins @ ECU and @ Tulane, but will need to take 3 of 5 games @ UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa, or 4 plus a 1st round AAC win.

The Owls will probably have to win at least one of three home games vs. Houston, Wichita State, and Villanova, while sweeping the rest. Two of those three would be huge.

Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:36 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:13 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Too early to make any prediction about final conference results, until quite a few more conference and remaining non-conference games are played.

The GAMER model is currently predicting that Temple will end up with 22 regular season wins, and that might be attainable.

Temple has 10 more home games this season. If they can go 8-2 or 9-1 at home, that would get them to 17 or 18 wins. There are also 6 or 7 potentially winnable away games, and a potential 1st round win in the AAC tournament.

To win 22 games, Temple would need to go 13-6 the rest of the way, or 13-8, including the AAC tournament.

The matchup @ UCF was one of six tough, but potentially winnable away games this season (along with UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa). Winning that game and being 3-0 in away games to date suggests that the Owls have a shot to win 22 games and snag an 11 seed in March.

Temple will probably have to win at least 5 more away games to have any chance at making the NCAA tournament. They might be able to pick up wins @ ECU and @ Tulane, but will need to take 3 of 5 games @ UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa, or 4 plus a 1st round AAC win.

The Owls will probably have to win at least one of three home games vs. Houston, Wichita State, and Villanova, while sweeping the rest. Two of those three would be huge.

Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

In a reasonable world it does indeed. But this is the NCAA we're talking about. I would love to get five teams into the NCAA I'm just not sure we do it.

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:36 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:13 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Too early to make any prediction about final conference results, until quite a few more conference and remaining non-conference games are played.

The GAMER model is currently predicting that Temple will end up with 22 regular season wins, and that might be attainable.

Temple has 10 more home games this season. If they can go 8-2 or 9-1 at home, that would get them to 17 or 18 wins. There are also 6 or 7 potentially winnable away games, and a potential 1st round win in the AAC tournament.

To win 22 games, Temple would need to go 13-6 the rest of the way, or 13-8, including the AAC tournament.

The matchup @ UCF was one of six tough, but potentially winnable away games this season (along with UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa). Winning that game and being 3-0 in away games to date suggests that the Owls have a shot to win 22 games and snag an 11 seed in March.

Temple will probably have to win at least 5 more away games to have any chance at making the NCAA tournament. They might be able to pick up wins @ ECU and @ Tulane, but will need to take 3 of 5 games @ UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa, or 4 plus a 1st round AAC win.

The Owls will probably have to win at least one of three home games vs. Houston, Wichita State, and Villanova, while sweeping the rest. Two of those three would be huge.

Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

No, actually RPI means nothing.

(01-02-2020 10:43 AM)ShockerFever Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:36 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:13 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Too early to make any prediction about final conference results, until quite a few more conference and remaining non-conference games are played.

The GAMER model is currently predicting that Temple will end up with 22 regular season wins, and that might be attainable.

Temple has 10 more home games this season. If they can go 8-2 or 9-1 at home, that would get them to 17 or 18 wins. There are also 6 or 7 potentially winnable away games, and a potential 1st round win in the AAC tournament.

To win 22 games, Temple would need to go 13-6 the rest of the way, or 13-8, including the AAC tournament.

The matchup @ UCF was one of six tough, but potentially winnable away games this season (along with UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa). Winning that game and being 3-0 in away games to date suggests that the Owls have a shot to win 22 games and snag an 11 seed in March.

Temple will probably have to win at least 5 more away games to have any chance at making the NCAA tournament. They might be able to pick up wins @ ECU and @ Tulane, but will need to take 3 of 5 games @ UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa, or 4 plus a 1st round AAC win.

The Owls will probably have to win at least one of three home games vs. Houston, Wichita State, and Villanova, while sweeping the rest. Two of those three would be huge.

Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

No, actually RPI means nothing.

Actually, RPI provides useful information. If it didn't, it wouldn't feature as prominently as it does in the weekly printouts on the CBS Sports Standings pages for NCAA basketball.

If RPI meant nothing, then this website wouldn't provide both NET and RPI-based Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 records for every NCAA team:

https://bracketresearch.com/team-quadran...s-tracker/

Specifically, the RPI formula provides an insight into the relative strength of NCAA teams when strength of schedule is heavily weighted, and when scoring margins are de-emphasized.

(01-02-2020 10:10 AM)TigerBill Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:36 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:13 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Too early to make any prediction about final conference results, until quite a few more conference and remaining non-conference games are played.

The GAMER model is currently predicting that Temple will end up with 22 regular season wins, and that might be attainable.

Temple has 10 more home games this season. If they can go 8-2 or 9-1 at home, that would get them to 17 or 18 wins. There are also 6 or 7 potentially winnable away games, and a potential 1st round win in the AAC tournament.

To win 22 games, Temple would need to go 13-6 the rest of the way, or 13-8, including the AAC tournament.

The matchup @ UCF was one of six tough, but potentially winnable away games this season (along with UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa). Winning that game and being 3-0 in away games to date suggests that the Owls have a shot to win 22 games and snag an 11 seed in March.

Temple will probably have to win at least 5 more away games to have any chance at making the NCAA tournament. They might be able to pick up wins @ ECU and @ Tulane, but will need to take 3 of 5 games @ UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa, or 4 plus a 1st round AAC win.

The Owls will probably have to win at least one of three home games vs. Houston, Wichita State, and Villanova, while sweeping the rest. Two of those three would be huge.

Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

In a reasonable world it does indeed. But this is the NCAA we're talking about. I would love to get five teams into the NCAA I'm just not sure we do it.

Just don’t understand how you can ignore the fact and fail to mention that Temple played awful offensively in the UCF game until the last four minutes of the game.

Temple has no offensive sets that work or players fail to run. Backcourt players always passing the ball to non-shooters. Talking about Temple going places and ignoring that Temple ranks 141 in the nation on offense is not good. Temple moving backwards offensively, not forward. Temple not shooting as many three’s as it should given that Temple has vastly improved it’s three point shooting, and it’s 2-point shooting has been declining.

Temple’s poor offense will likely continue unless Dre Perry is installed as a starter, and Rose shoots less. Ridiculous that Tempe’s best offensive player averages just 17.5 ppg when he leads the AAC in shooting.

Temple is winning games solely on their stellar defense. That!s not likely continue in conference play. Temple can’t keep scoring just 62-points as they did in the UCF game, and hope to win.

(01-03-2020 08:14 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 10:10 AM)TigerBill Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:36 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  The GAMER model is currently predicting that Temple will end up with 22 regular season wins, and that might be attainable.

Temple has 10 more home games this season. If they can go 8-2 or 9-1 at home, that would get them to 17 or 18 wins. There are also 6 or 7 potentially winnable away games, and a potential 1st round win in the AAC tournament.

To win 22 games, Temple would need to go 13-6 the rest of the way, or 13-8, including the AAC tournament.

The matchup @ UCF was one of six tough, but potentially winnable away games this season (along with UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa). Winning that game and being 3-0 in away games to date suggests that the Owls have a shot to win 22 games and snag an 11 seed in March.

Temple will probably have to win at least 5 more away games to have any chance at making the NCAA tournament. They might be able to pick up wins @ ECU and @ Tulane, but will need to take 3 of 5 games @ UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa, or 4 plus a 1st round AAC win.

The Owls will probably have to win at least one of three home games vs. Houston, Wichita State, and Villanova, while sweeping the rest. Two of those three would be huge.

Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

In a reasonable world it does indeed. But this is the NCAA we're talking about. I would love to get five teams into the NCAA I'm just not sure we do it.

Just don’t understand how you can ignore the fact and fail to mention that Temple played awful offensively in the UCF game until the last four minutes of the game.

Temple has no offensive sets that work or players fail to run. Backcourt players always passing the ball to non-shooters. Talking about Temple going places and ignoring that Temple ranks 141 in the nation on offense is not good. Temple moving backwards offensively, not forward. Temple not shooting as many three’s as it should given that Temple has vastly improved it’s three point shooting, and it’s 2-point shooting has been declining.

Temple’s poor offense will likely continue unless Dre Perry is installed as a starter, and Rose shoots less. Ridiculous that Tempe’s best offensive player averages just 17.5 ppg when he leads the AAC in shooting.

Temple is winning games solely on their stellar defense. That!s not likely continue in conference play. Temple can’t keep scoring just 62-points as they did in the UCF game, and hope to win.

.
I see your point, but think your current assessment is a bit too gloomy now, in contrast with your considerable optimism during the preseason.

That's hard for me to explain, given that the team has started out with a 9-3 record and a NET in the #36 to #43 range, indicating that they have a fairly good chance of making the NCAA tournament this season.

Temple isn't only winning games because of their defensive play:


--They have also been out-rebounding (3.92 more rebounds per game), out-assisting (3.42 more assists per game), and out-stealing (2.5 more steals per game) most of their opponents.

--In addition, the Owls have committed 1.58 fewer turnovers and 1 fewer personal foul per game than their opponents.

--Further, Temple's 3FG% is a solid .336, compared with .280 for their opponents. The Owls' 2FG% is .475, compared with .446 for their opponents.

============================================

You've only been following Temple basketball for a couple of years, and so you're not aware of the fact that Temple has often had success by playing what is termed "Philly Basketball," city ball, or at it's worst, "playground" or "chaotic" (or "ugly," erratic) basketball."

Along these lines, it has been noted that there are a few striking similarities between this year's Temple team and some of John Chaney's successful teams (e.g., in the 1990s). Teams not familiar with "Philly Basketball" can often be bamboozled when they have to play against a team that plays that style effectively.

So, while I share your concerns about Temple's lack of scoring punch at times, particularly when Alani Moore goes on one of his too-frequent cold shooting streaks, I can envision this Temple team as having some of the same kind of "magic act" or "bamboozling style" that is capable of throwing off opponents' offenses and controlling the pace of the game to their own advantage.

(01-02-2020 10:43 AM)ShockerFever Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:36 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:13 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Too early to make any prediction about final conference results, until quite a few more conference and remaining non-conference games are played.

The GAMER model is currently predicting that Temple will end up with 22 regular season wins, and that might be attainable.

Temple has 10 more home games this season. If they can go 8-2 or 9-1 at home, that would get them to 17 or 18 wins. There are also 6 or 7 potentially winnable away games, and a potential 1st round win in the AAC tournament.

To win 22 games, Temple would need to go 13-6 the rest of the way, or 13-8, including the AAC tournament.

The matchup @ UCF was one of six tough, but potentially winnable away games this season (along with UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa). Winning that game and being 3-0 in away games to date suggests that the Owls have a shot to win 22 games and snag an 11 seed in March.

Temple will probably have to win at least 5 more away games to have any chance at making the NCAA tournament. They might be able to pick up wins @ ECU and @ Tulane, but will need to take 3 of 5 games @ UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa, or 4 plus a 1st round AAC win.

The Owls will probably have to win at least one of three home games vs. Houston, Wichita State, and Villanova, while sweeping the rest. Two of those three would be huge.

Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

No, actually RPI means nothing.

NET isn't the final say on selection teams either. Didn't a few higher NET teams not make it last year versus much lower teams actually making the at large bids? NET is far from a perfect system.

(01-03-2020 09:32 AM)sfink16 Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 10:43 AM)ShockerFever Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 07:36 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  The GAMER model is currently predicting that Temple will end up with 22 regular season wins, and that might be attainable.

Temple has 10 more home games this season. If they can go 8-2 or 9-1 at home, that would get them to 17 or 18 wins. There are also 6 or 7 potentially winnable away games, and a potential 1st round win in the AAC tournament.

To win 22 games, Temple would need to go 13-6 the rest of the way, or 13-8, including the AAC tournament.

The matchup @ UCF was one of six tough, but potentially winnable away games this season (along with UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa). Winning that game and being 3-0 in away games to date suggests that the Owls have a shot to win 22 games and snag an 11 seed in March.

Temple will probably have to win at least 5 more away games to have any chance at making the NCAA tournament. They might be able to pick up wins @ ECU and @ Tulane, but will need to take 3 of 5 games @ UConn, Cincy, SMU, Penn, and Tulsa, or 4 plus a 1st round AAC win.

The Owls will probably have to win at least one of three home games vs. Houston, Wichita State, and Villanova, while sweeping the rest. Two of those three would be huge.

Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

No, actually RPI means nothing.

NET isn't the final say on selection teams either. Didn't a few higher NET teams not make it last year versus much lower teams actually making the at large bids? NET is far from a perfect system.

It's not, but RPI isn't used anywhere at all. It's not listed at all on the Team Sheets (there are about 6 different metrics on there)

(01-03-2020 09:53 AM)Stickboy46 Wrote:  

(01-03-2020 09:32 AM)sfink16 Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 10:43 AM)ShockerFever Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

No, actually RPI means nothing.

NET isn't the final say on selection teams either. Didn't a few higher NET teams not make it last year versus much lower teams actually making the at large bids? NET is far from a perfect system.

It's not, but RPI isn't used anywhere at all. It's not listed at all on the Team Sheets (there are about 6 different metrics on there)

I get your point, but where is Ken Pom used? Sagarin? The 50 or 100 other ratings sites?

They're all used. They're in the Massey composite. They all have their own readerships and audiences. The RPI is too.

In addition, sites like realtimerpi are alive and well for NCAA FB and BB.

That site provides more information in a shorter time (less than a minute, if you're in a hurry) than you can find anywhere else. It's a good place to get a general idea and unique perspective as to where things stand. Not authoritative - but you can find the more authoritative numbers on other efficient sites like Massey.

(01-03-2020 10:07 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-03-2020 09:53 AM)Stickboy46 Wrote:  

(01-03-2020 09:32 AM)sfink16 Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 10:43 AM)ShockerFever Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

No, actually RPI means nothing.

NET isn't the final say on selection teams either. Didn't a few higher NET teams not make it last year versus much lower teams actually making the at large bids? NET is far from a perfect system.

It's not, but RPI isn't used anywhere at all. It's not listed at all on the Team Sheets (there are about 6 different metrics on there)

I get your point, but where is Ken Pom used? Sagarin? The 50 or 100 other ratings sites?

They're all used. They're in the Massey composite. They all have their own readerships and audiences. The RPI is too.

In addition, sites like realtimerpi are alive and well for NCAA FB and BB.

That site provides more information in a shorter time (less than a minute, if you're in a hurry) than you can find anywhere else. It's a good place to get a general idea and unique perspective as to where things stand. Not authoritative - but you can find the more authoritative numbers on other efficient sites like Massey.

KenPom, Sagarin, BPI, KPI and SOR are all specifically called out on the Team sheets used by the Selection committee. None of the others are listed (besides NET obviously)

(01-03-2020 08:53 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-03-2020 08:14 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 10:10 AM)TigerBill Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:51 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 08:34 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Temple sustained a recent loss to Missouri at home, and Miami on a neutral court. Some of the teams you have Temple beating are better than those teams. Temple’s scoring and opponent points scored have fluctuated widely as of late. I’m concerned going forward about Temple shooting 2’s poorly, and making excessive turnovers in the UCF.

Better to wait till Temple plays way more games, rather than rely on computer models that predicts in many instances that Temple will play many close games. No reason to give any credence to computer models as they are always being updated.

You're overlooking the fact that Temple only lost to Missouri because Damion Moore, Arashma Parks, and Josh Pierre-Louis were injured and unable to play in that game.

If it hadn't been for those 3 injuries (plus the injury to Damian Dunn), Temple probably would have won 4 of the past 5 games and would be 10-2, rather than 9-3.

Further, Temple hasn't been blown out by any team, including #4 Maryland. The Owls could have beaten Miami if everyone had been healthy.

Temple hasn't had the benefit of an 11 man roster all season, due to the multiple injuries. However, the rash of injuries may be over at this point, if McKie deploys each of his players carefully going forward.

My projections are not overly influenced by any computer models.

Instead, I'm going through all the data, and noting that Damian Dunn may come online any game now, that Damion Moore is playing again (even if only 3 minutes per game, 2 pts, 1 rb in 3 min.), that Scott's overall trajectory remains encouraging - though bumpy - that JPL is playing surprisingly well even after wrist injury, that Jake Forrester and Arashma Parks have outperformed all expectations, that Hamilton keeps popping up to contribute when most needed, and that Dre Perry is having an outstanding season.

Moreover, Temple's 9 ppg scoring margin is very impressive, compared to last season's average 3 ppg scoring margin. Further, Temple is the #30 team nationally in perimeter defense, and the Owls are maintaining a rebounding surplus, completely negating last season's 5 rbg deficit.

While few care as much about RPI as they once did, Temple is currently #15 in the RPI, with the #9 S.O.S. Numbers like that mean something.

Even the NET has had the Owls at #36 and #42 in the past week. If that can hold steady, it translates into an 11 seed.

In a reasonable world it does indeed. But this is the NCAA we're talking about. I would love to get five teams into the NCAA I'm just not sure we do it.

Just don’t understand how you can ignore the fact and fail to mention that Temple played awful offensively in the UCF game until the last four minutes of the game.

Temple has no offensive sets that work or players fail to run. Backcourt players always passing the ball to non-shooters. Talking about Temple going places and ignoring that Temple ranks 141 in the nation on offense is not good. Temple moving backwards offensively, not forward. Temple not shooting as many three’s as it should given that Temple has vastly improved it’s three point shooting, and it’s 2-point shooting has been declining.

Temple’s poor offense will likely continue unless Dre Perry is installed as a starter, and Rose shoots less. Ridiculous that Tempe’s best offensive player averages just 17.5 ppg when he leads the AAC in shooting.

Temple is winning games solely on their stellar defense. That!s not likely continue in conference play. Temple can’t keep scoring just 62-points as they did in the UCF game, and hope to win.

.
I see your point, but think your current assessment is a bit too gloomy now, in contrast with your considerable optimism during the preseason.

That's hard for me to explain, given that the team has started out with a 9-3 record and a NET in the #36 to #43 range, indicating that they have a fairly good chance of making the NCAA tournament this season.

Temple isn't only winning games because of their defensive play:


--They have also been out-rebounding (3.92 more rebounds per game), out-assisting (3.42 more assists per game), and out-stealing (2.5 more steals per game) most of their opponents.

--In addition, the Owls have committed 1.58 fewer turnovers and 1 fewer personal foul per game than their opponents.

--Further, Temple's 3FG% is a solid .336, compared with .280 for their opponents. The Owls' 2FG% is .475, compared with .446 for their opponents.

============================================

You've only been following Temple basketball for a couple of years, and so you're not aware of the fact that Temple has often had success by playing what is termed "Philly Basketball," city ball, or at it's worst, "playground" or "chaotic" (or "ugly," erratic) basketball."

Along these lines, it has been noted that there are a few striking similarities between this year's Temple team and some of John Chaney's successful teams (e.g., in the 1990s). Teams not familiar with "Philly Basketball" can often be bamboozled when they have to play against a team that plays that style effectively.

So, while I share your concerns about Temple's lack of scoring punch at times, particularly when Alani Moore goes on one of his too-frequent cold shooting streaks, I can envision this Temple team as having some of the same kind of "magic act" or "bamboozling style" that is capable of throwing off opponents' offenses and controlling the pace of the game to their own advantage.

Temple’s pressure defense is mostly responsible for Temple’s rebounding, assist, and steals stats you cited. As Temple has sped opponents up that and that has caused opponents to miss shots and for Temple to garner more defensive rebounds. Temple’s advantage in assists mostly occurs off fast-breaks off defensiverebounds.

Temple is also committing less turnover than opponents is largely do to Temple’s pressure defense that forces more turnovers than opponents force. Temple was fouled more in the open court off of steals than opponents were as they had fewer steals.

Temple’s pressure defense causes opponents to shooting a lower percentage than Temple on field goal attempts, and thus less opponent scoring per game.

Nevertheless, Temple mostly shooting two’s and only shooting them at 47.5 percent (267th in nation) is a real problem, and largely do to Rose shooting very poorly on two’s 42.1 percent, and shooting Temple’s most two’s at 8.9 per game. He mainly responsible for Temple’s three losses, not Alani Moore. Stats show that Temple would have excellent shooting percentages, and would score more points, if Perry (51.5 percent on three’s, 53 percent on two’s) started over Rose.

It will be interesting to see how/if Tulsa's defeat of Temple will affect the poll results.

Regarding Temple, the Owls may be a lot more likely to take 2 out of 3 in their upcoming home games vs. UH, WSU, & Cincy in the wake of their embarrassing loss @ Tulsa.

Team pride has often triggered a 2-3+ game winning streak after a bad loss.

[quote='jedclampett' pid='16587117' dateline='1578122119']
It will be interesting to see how/if Tulsa's defeat of Temple will affect the poll results.

Regarding Temple, the Owls may be a lot more likely to take 2 out of 3 in their upcoming home games vs. UH, WSU, & Cincy in the wake of their embarrassing loss @ Tulsa.

Team pride has often triggered a 2-3+ game winning streak after a bad loss.

Surely, Temple could bounce back from it’s loss to Tulsa, if they return to playing the aggressive pressure defense that has overwhelmed other opponents. But i don’t think Temple can afford to do that alone. As I believe a major shake-up is needed both in the offense that is run, and the players wgo should start, and primarily shoot the ball.

Too many systematic offensive problems for team pride to overcome.

I’ve expressed that Temple has a virtual non-existent offense that consists of perimeter players just passing the ball back and forth side to side, and occasionally dropping the ball into the low-post is simply not effective.

Couple that with Temple’s offense being a mess because it has two veteran in Rose and NPL in the back-court who are not good perimeter shooters and who take Temple’s most shots. Neither are good this season to and finishing at the rim in half-court sets. And Rose’s 9 turnovers in Temple last two games requires that he not be the focal point for distributing the ball.

It’s my view that Temple has to return to running a motion offense as they did last season, and which they did in the Temple’s pre-season intra-squad game. But for that offensive system to work, HC McKie would have abandon his decision to have ball mostly in Rose’s hands, and instead insert Monte Scott into the starting line-up as he prospered at his prior school in a motion offense, and led to his having high scoring games against the nation’s top schools.

He has not preformed well in the current half-court offense as his talents are wasted as he barely gets touches, as he basically stands on the wing and passes the ball, or shoots. He has shown sign of life shooting the three ball for five straight games in which he shot 46 percent in three’s. In practices the last two years he has dominated Temple’s scoring in team scrimmages.

But I doubt that McKie is willing to change the starting line-up, and have both Alani and Scott playing together and both running a motion offense. Perry should also be considered for starting as well as he’s Temple’s best shooter, although he shot poorly in the Tulsa’s game.

And given how poorly Nate and Rose, have been performed offensively in half-court offense, I’d like to see walk-on Tim Waddington come off the bench. As I’ve watched him consistently drill three’s in every scrimmage or shoot around I’ve watched.

The season may be slipping away from Temple. St the very least, Temple has to play its in your face pressure defense more often. It’s my view that bold changes have to be tried.

(01-04-2020 06:41 AM)Miggy Wrote:  The season may be slipping away from Temple. St the very least, Temple has to play its in your face pressure defense more often. It’s my view that bold changes have to be tried.

The game probably did Temple more good than harm. It helps McKie better understand the team's limitations and how to adjust, and it also makes it a lot easier to convince his players that they've got a lot of work to do.

To say that the season may be "slipping away" after one away game loss where Temple has never won a game seems like an excellent example of making a mountain out of a molehill.

Yes, bold changes will have to be tried. Top of my list would be the need to teach his players to practice a very good zone defense, so they can scrimmage and scrimmage and scrimmage against it.

Alani Moore said, after the game, that most of Temple's players didn't know what kind of defense they were playing against because Tulsa switched between man, zone, switching man, switching zone so frequently that Temple's offense was completely bamboozled.

Given that other teams' zone defenses have stymied Temple over and over again, it seems likely that one of McKie's main challenges is to correct this situation.


By the way, I just checked, and Temple's RPI has only slipped a few spots, to #26. Their other rankings were in the mid-40's and may fall further, but it's just a Q2 away-game loss (Tulsa being ranked #125, NET) at this moment. The team is still a solid 3-1 in away games, to date.

Temple's Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 record is now 1-1, 3-3, 2-0, 3-0, which is typical for a NCAA bubble team.

Temple's probably going to be a bubble team most of the way, going forward.

Anything could happen.

(01-04-2020 08:01 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-04-2020 06:41 AM)Miggy Wrote:  The season may be slipping away from Temple. St the very least, Temple has to play its in your face pressure defense more often. It’s my view that bold changes have to be tried.

The game probably did Temple more good than harm. It helps McKie better understand the team's limitations and how to adjust, and it also makes it a lot easier to convince his players that they've got a lot of work to do.

To say that the season may be "slipping away" after one away game loss where Temple has never won a game seems like an excellent example of making a mountain out of a molehill.

Yes, bold changes will have to be tried. Top of my list would be the need to teach his players to practice a very good zone defense, so they can scrimmage and scrimmage and scrimmage against it.

Alani Moore said, after the game, that most of Temple's players didn't know what kind of defense they were playing against because Tulsa switched between man, zone, switching man, switching zone so frequently that Temple's offense was completely bamboozled.

Given that other teams' zone defenses have stymied Temple over and over again, it seems likely that one of McKie's main challenges is to correct this situation.


By the way, I just checked, and Temple's RPI has only slipped a few spots, to #26. Their other rankings were in the mid-40's and may fall further, but it's just a Q2 away-game loss (Tulsa being ranked #125, NET) at this moment. The team is still a solid 3-1 in away games, to date.

Temple's Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 record is now 1-1, 3-3, 2-0, 3-0, which is typical for a NCAA bubble team.

Temple's probably going to be a bubble team most of the way, going forward.

Anything could happen.

I love the optimism for Temple but find it misplaced. If you can't find zone busting 3-point shooters along with guys that hit the weakness of zones, the foul line open look after a drive and dish, you can't beat it. Zones are beatable with the right players attacking it. It may be simply that they don't have the personnel to handle a good zone.

According to the BracketMatrix as of 1/1/20...

Memphis 4 seed
Wichita St 6 seed
Houston 11 seed

Temple is the only other American team in anyone's bracket. Cincy, UConn, SMU, Tulsa, UCF, USF currently snubbed.

Looking at an average of Ken Pom, Sagarin and BPI (because the others like NET, SOR and KPI aren't accurate until February):

Dancing
Houston 27
Memphis 31
Wichita St 41

Bubble
Cincy 50
UConn 63

NIT
Temple 75
SMU 86

NIT Bubble
UCF 103
Tulsa 107
USF 127

(01-04-2020 08:01 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(01-04-2020 06:41 AM)Miggy Wrote:  The season may be slipping away from Temple. St the very least, Temple has to play its in your face pressure defense more often. It’s my view that bold changes have to be tried.

The game probably did Temple more good than harm. It helps McKie better understand the team's limitations and how to adjust, and it also makes it a lot easier to convince his players that they've got a lot of work to do.

To say that the season may be "slipping away" after one away game loss where Temple has never won a game seems like an excellent example of making a mountain out of a molehill.

Yes, bold changes will have to be tried. Top of my list would be the need to teach his players to practice a very good zone defense, so they can scrimmage and scrimmage and scrimmage against it.

Alani Moore said, after the game, that most of Temple's players didn't know what kind of defense they were playing against because Tulsa switched between man, zone, switching man, switching zone so frequently that Temple's offense was completely bamboozled.

Given that other teams' zone defenses have stymied Temple over and over again, it seems likely that one of McKie's main challenges is to correct this situation.


By the way, I just checked, and Temple's RPI has only slipped a few spots, to #26. Their other rankings were in the mid-40's and may fall further, but it's just a Q2 away-game loss (Tulsa being ranked #125, NET) at this moment. The team is still a solid 3-1 in away games, to date.

Temple's Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 record is now 1-1, 3-3, 2-0, 3-0, which is typical for a NCAA bubble team.

Temple's probably going to be a bubble team most of the way, going forward.

Anything could happen.

And this is exactly why RPI is obsolete. You get obliterated by a mediocre Tulsa team and only drop a couple of spots.

(01-04-2020 02:15 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  It will be interesting to see how/if Tulsa's defeat of Temple will affect the poll results.

Regarding Temple, the Owls may be a lot more likely to take 2 out of 3 in their upcoming home games vs. UH, WSU, & Cincy in the wake of their embarrassing loss @ Tulsa.

Team pride has often triggered a 2-3+ game winning streak after a bad loss.

You could easily go 0-3 and the NCAA is out the door.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interestingly, SMU has gotten a mini-surge after their win over Vanderbilt. They may be a dark-horse in the battle for the NCAA tournament bids.

(01-04-2020 12:48 PM)tnzazz Wrote:  

(01-04-2020 02:15 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  It will be interesting to see how/if Tulsa's defeat of Temple will affect the poll results.

Regarding Temple, the Owls may be a lot more likely to take 2 out of 3 in their upcoming home games vs. UH, WSU, & Cincy in the wake of their embarrassing loss @ Tulsa.

Team pride has often triggered a 2-3+ game winning streak after a bad loss.

You could easily go 0-3 and the NCAA is out the door.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Same is true of us. A particular WSU loudmouth thinks I have a 'schtick' about the Tigers being a bubble team, but I've been serious all along. The Georgia game shows why. We have structural weaknesses that might put us on the bubble.