NCAA 2nd Round - Villanova

[ghostofdylan]

Well, Sports Illustrated thinks the Panthers are completely worthless.

One can conclude that their editors caught wind of the UIC game.

Fortunately for us, college basketball games aren't played on paper.

[uwmfutbol]

Yeah, the latest issue of SI has no faith in us. It's not surprising, but you never know. Why bother playing the games if what's on paper is always correct?

Either way, it'll just be fun to see them play in the tourney again.

[GoPanthers33]

I saw the SI and stopped reading it when I got to us.

Regardless it's GAMEDAY!!!

[SRT4driver]

What did SI write?

[ghostofdylan]

Part of staying out of a track meet -- a big part -- is not turning the ball over. And the Panthers have been very adept at that over the last five games.

In addition, I'm a believer in staying true to who you are. Over the last five contests, Milwaukee has seized large early leads by taking the first good shot. Don't change that.

Do those first two things and make free throws at the recent rate and the Panthers should be celebrating a win over the highest-RPI opponent in program history tonight at about 10:35 p.m.

Go, Panthers!!!!!

[GoPanthersGo23]

I think another key is establish the post with Kyle as well....if we can do that it will open up looks from the outside for Austin, JayO, Cody, etc. It will obviously be a tough task to win tonight, but I still believe in our guys and if we play like we have been during the HL tourney....anything can happen! Go Milwaukee! Beat Nova!

[originalbigeaster]

Mar 18, 2014 11:58:02 GMT -6 uwmdenver said:

I stumbled across the "Nova" board, too. I was pretty disappointed by the lack of in-depth conversation. If their players are looking past the Panthers as much as their fans, than I think this game may be a bit of a shock. Doing some reading over the past couple of days, and I think we actually match up well against this draw, given some of the other choices. Initially I wouldn't have minded seeing Kansas or Iowa State, but Villanova is coming off a "bad win" against Seton Hall in the opening round of their conference tournament. If we play swarming, man-to-man defense like we did on the road in the last two Horizon Tournament games, we have a shot. If we win the battle in 50-50 balls like we did in Green Bay and at Wright State, we have a chance in this thing.

I understand the logic behind Vegas installing Milwaukee as huge underdogs, but they are analyzing our overall schedule and like BBFran just said - this is an entirely different cat.

Cats are not taking UWM lightly at all.  In fact, Jay Wright was interviewed yesterday by Mike Francessa on WFAN, the premier sports radio talk show in New York City, and he was very complimentary towards Jordan Aaron.  He emphasized his Bronx toughness as being something our guys can relate to and certainly need to be prepared for going into tonight's game.

We slept through the first half of Seton Hall and they caught us despite our furious comeback.  Jay has vowed not to let that happen again.  That certainly did constitute a "bad loss."  I don't think you'll find us napping tonight.

It will be fun to watch how you defend us and I'm sure it will be a good game.  Creighton certainly found the solution, not once but twice.  We have very good athletes, not great, but we play as a well-oiled team.  The best cohesiveness I have seen in years.  The lack of a superstar creates an ironic harmony.  I like it.  And we know how to run, too.

Good luck but Villanova wins!

[PANTHERfan]

This team has punched above and below its weight all season. If they play with the poise, intensity, and mental toughness that we saw in the conference tourney run, anything is possible tonight. I'll be proud to call that team mine win or lose.

BTW, it's a nice scene on Third Street downtown. College bball fans everywhere. Love this time of the year...

[thepantherfan]

I'm obviously hoping for a win, but I'd certainly be thrilled to cover the spread. I think if we have any shot at winning tonight we will likely need these things to happen:

1.) Villanova needs to play at average ability or worse. If they are at the top of their game, we have very slim odds of winning.

2.) Jordan Aaron needs to put up 20+. Our team seems to feed off of his momentum lately, and when he's been playing better the team has been playing better.

3.) We can't have any starters in early foul trouble. We need Kelm, Tiby, and Moore to be able to rotate freely and not be constrained by foul trouble. It's crucial to keep our guys as fresh as possible, especially if Villanova starts to get out and run.

4.) Slow the pace of the game down, get high percentage looks in the back half of the shot clock.

5.) Get to the FT line early and often

If we can do ALL of that, it should make this game interesting

Regardless of the outcome, I'm happy to be here......

WAR PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!

[Pounce Needs Pals]

Panthers need to stay out of foul trouble.

[ricestillfumbled]

And make all their layups. Missed several against gb and wright state

[GoPanthers33]

Mar 20, 2014 9:08:58 GMT -6 SRT4driver said:

What did SI write?

They said we basically have no shot at winning and are the worst Horizon League champion in about a decade.

[GoPanthers33]

And now our game will be delayed due to the Uconn/St. Joe's game going to OT.

[Deleted]

Shoeless Moore!

sh*tty shooting on both side. Credit to the Panthers for making this a great game thus far.

[GoPanthers33]

Weird game. Bad shooting on both ends but some great moments so far.

Let's go Panthers!!!!!!!!!!!