Game Thread: Loyola University (MD) (2-2) at Mason (4-0), Tuesday, November 19th, 7 PM (ESPN+)

[Patriotsince81]

Do you think we need to abandon the 1-2-2 press? I think it would work better if we were falling back into a zone defense. It's just too hard for everyone to pick up their man when the press is broken.

Also, how many charges do we have through these first 5 games? Seems like everyone is forcing the issue dribbling rather than passing and cutting off the ball. (Can I criticize the movement on offense without being accused of rooting against the team?) Thank god Miller can just will his way to the bucket at times.

I would like to see us aggressively trap in the 1-2-2. We tend to back off instead of really pressing the issue.

 

[mkaufman1]

Do you think we need to abandon the 1-2-2 press? I think it would work better if we were falling back into a zone defense. It's just too hard for everyone to pick up their man when the press is broken.

Also, how many charges do we have through these first 5 games? Seems like everyone is forcing the issue dribbling rather than passing and cutting off the ball. (Can I criticize the movement on offense without being accused of rooting against the team?) Thank god Miller can just will his way to the bucket at times.

This was my concern too, the recovery the players have against the press hasn't been super fast. That said I like throwing it once in a while because it slows the other team down.

 

[gmutom]

Was kind of jealous of the way Loyola seemed to have an offense that ran plays and had a purpose. Our offense consisted of Javon Greene or Hartwell dribbling into the free throw line then being surrounded by bigger players and panicking.

I have to admit to feeling this exact same way. The obvious mishandling of Dike aside, I thought their coach dictated how we played on both ends of the court. We missed many open shots we normally make, but most of our struggles were a direct result of their traps, zone and double teams. On offense, they constantly picked us and backdoored us, making it oftentimes feel like we were a step behind. I can think of at least three times when Kostecka came of a screen and ended up posting up one of our players for an easy basket.

I'll always subscribe to the "a win is a win" theory, but I am a little concerned that we played very reactively last night rather than proactively. Fortunately, Miller and Dike ultimately sealed the fates for both teams. Here's hoping for a competitive fight against the Twerps.

 

[GMU1983]

Was kind of jealous of the way Loyola seemed to have an offense that ran plays and had a purpose. Our offense consisted of Javon Greene or Hartwell dribbling into the free throw line then being surrounded by bigger players and panicking.

100% agree