Game 1: University of Pennsylvania, Tuesday, November 6th, 7 PM, ESPN+

[GSII]

This Reuter fatigue thing bothers me. I could see if he was coming off an injury, but there really is no excuse for him to be THIS outta shape. Barring an unknown medical condition, big time fail for himself and our training staff.

 

[gmujim92]

Half of the people who posted predictions expected us to lose, so I’m not sure what all the hand-wringing is about. Penn is really good and it would’ve been a nice scalp to start the season, but that’s how it goes sometimes.

I do agree that AJ getting stuck to the bench in crunch time was a major tactical error. Dave obviously trusts Go more — and who could blame him, based on performance to date? — but AJ needed to be out there with Reuter because he’s the only rim protector we have. And Go frankly looks a little lost for some reason.

Regardless, it’s one game out of 31. I expect that like all of Dave’s teams, this one will address its mistakes in practice and improve significantly over the course of the season. All of this team’s goals are still in front of them, other than going undefeated.

 

[gmujim92]

This Reuter fatigue thing bothers me. I could see if he was coming off an injury, but there really is no excuse for him to be THIS outta shape. Barring an unknown medical condition, big time fail for himself and our training staff.

I assumed he sat so much because he was in foul trouble, not because he was tired.

 

[GSII]

I assumed he sat so much because he was in foul trouble, not because he was tired.

In part fouls, mostly bc of fatigue. He finished with 3 personal fouls. Fouls were not an issue in 2nd half. Bad rotations.

 

[smccart5]

My big insight was that AJ should have been out there because no one else could protect the rim...looks like everyone else realized that too haha After their 18th layup, we should have stuck someone under the hoop and told them not to move.

 

[gmujim92]

My big insight was that AJ should have been out there because no one else could protect the rim...looks like everyone else realized that too haha After their 18th layup, we should have stuck someone under the hoop and told them not to move.

Or played our normal defense, which is to stop the drive and force them to make 3s. We obviously don’t have guys capable of applying heavy on-ball pressure without getting blown by for layups.

 

[Washingtonian]

The real reason we lost.

Because Boyd didn't get the ball for the last possession. Come on Paulsen, you know better than this!

 

[dr. gunnie]

I was actually pretty pleased with how we played at times.

Our depth is going to help us. I thought AJ played very well. Reuter played very well at times, but forced a couple things and conditioning was an issue. I saw a lot of pieces and glimpses that lead me to believe that we could be a good team, a very good team. Hatwell is better than I thought. He's going to help us.

Having said all of that, if you want to be a good team in the A10 and in the discussion for at-larges, you just can't lose games to the Ivy League at home. Just can't do it.

Penn is a very good team. They shot well... but if you want to turn the corner and take the next step, gotta win that game. This team should not be starting slow and figuring things out with everyone back and the extra practice we got over the summer.

I still think we can be very good, but that loss stings.

 

[gmujim92]

I was actually pretty pleased with how we played at times.

Our depth is going to help us. I thought AJ played very well. Reuter played very well at times, but forced a couple things and conditioning was an issue. I saw a lot of pieces and glimpses that lead me to believe that we could be a good team, a very good team.

Having said all of that, if you want to be a good team in the A10 and in the discussion for at-larges, you just can't lose games to the Ivy League at home. Just can't do it.

Penn is a very good team. They shot well... but if you want to turn the corner and take the next step, gotta win that game. This team should not be starting slow and figuring things out with everyone back and the extra practice we got over the summer.

I still think we can be very good, but that loss stings.

It’s why Dave called it “devastating.” This was one we really needed to put in the W column and it was right there for the taking...

 

[Five Two]

After a night to sleep on it, "frustrating" is the word I would use. Penn is good; give them credit. But that was a game we should have won. Like most on here, I am at a loss for the turnovers. Penn didnt play Duke-Wojo style defense. A lot of our turnovers were unforced.

One thing that hasnt changed since last year- our high screeners don't actually set the picks. Reuter, AJ, Mar, etc set the screen, but roll before the guards can drive their defender into the screen. So what happens? We get called for a bunch of moving screens, or, the guys defending the ball can stay on their man causing the play to breakdown.

Last, in a sport designed for dunks and 3s, we made our fist 3 in the 2nd half. 25% from behind the arc is not going to get it done against good teams.

 

[CHRISTOPHER JAMES JOLLAY]

I know we'll get better but I just had a thought, WHAT IF OTHER TEAMS ARE ALLOWED TO IMPROVE AS THE SEASON GOES ON AS WELL?

We would be crazy in trouble then, yo.

I will reserve judgment until my seven hour drinking binge Friday, however.

 

[Bricker]

Biggest disappointment is that we look like a middle-of-the-pack A-10 team right now.

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

To me, having better depth means that we don't have to stick with guys as long if they are having an off night. Should have pulled the plug on Mar last night. We're much better inside than last year and offensively, I really don't see an issue. We just really need to tighten up defensively and I would really like to see some more pressure applied. When Hartwell came into the game and applied some tough on ball pressure, Penn turned it over 2 times in row.

 

[Washingtonian]

http://www2.philly.com/philly/sport...ore-ryan-betley-ncaa-basketball-20181106.html

 

[gmujim92]

Biggest disappointment is that we look like a middle-of-the-pack A-10 team right now.

How can you possibly make that judgment after one game? Maybe we should’ve played Gardner-Webb, Bryant or UMass-Lowell and taken an easy win.

 

[99 Patriot]

That poor kid Betley was brought right in front of us once he was taken off the court. Felt awful for him as you could tell he knew it was serious. Dr. Pettrone at Mason is a real asset. He immediately worked with the kid and met with his family to discuss next steps. Was really impressed with the kids composure considering the circumstances.

As to the game, agree with what everyone else said. I think we have limited athleticism up front with Go and Reuter out there together which was made evident by the layup line in the final 8 minutes. Also, no Ian and Grayer on the court the last 7 minutes was a little head scratching, but may be the new normal.

Pretty decent crowd and like the band taking that entire end of the court. Maybe that addresses 52's concerns about where the student section should be.

 

[GreenLantern]

Sloppy game. Had it gone to OT, we could have had a chance. Nobody listens to me.

 

[The Great PATSby]

Not sure if already mentioned... but Jamal Harwell's defense was NICE!!!!!

 

[GMU_DCU]

Not sure if already mentioned... but Jamal Harwell's defense was NICE!!!!!

So was the pass to Reuter for the layup.

 

[EXpatriot13]

We're terrible. Change my mind.