Las Vegas Expectations?

[amckillip]

I was wondering what everyone's expectations are for this weekend.

I expect to come back 4-2 on the season.

I see two scenarios playing out. We win against OKSU, I watched the game tape of OKSU vs. North Texas and I think this is a winnable game. I think they have some matchups to exploit, but we have a chance. James Anderson is a TON. Obi Meunelo is an experienced guard who knows how to play and has a knack for long offensive rebounds. I couldn't stop but think how much help Dodie would be in guarding these guys as I perused the tape. AW needs to guard one of them. Sam and McCain cannot be on the court for a long period of time together, they just can't. The guards are too big. There big men seemed raw, not as green as AT or WE, but not polished.

IF we win that game, I just am not sure we have what it takes to beat U of I. They have a huge advantage in the front court. Our only hope is to hold there big guys in check, SamM knows McCamey very well (the played on the same AAU team), and held lead St. Patricks over Evan Turner and McCameys team back in HS, so I'm confident there. Most on here know U of I, not much point in elaborating here.

I don't know Utah well at all. I've read article/game recaps and I'm convinced we can beat them.

SO, I think we either beat OKSU and lose to U of I, or lose to OKSU and beat Utah. I'd much prefer the first, but would accept the 2nd.

Everyone else's thoughts?

[thefish7]

I want both games, but that surely stems from my irrational dislike of U of I. Realistically I think a 1-1 performance in the tournament would be a good result. A 2-0 performance could be the start of an NCAA run. I agree with your assessment that Utah is a beatable opponent for us.

I was very encouraged by our game last night, because if we'd've shot the ball even remotely well in the 1st half it would have been a blowout. That being said defense and rebounding looked much better to me, and the prospect of a team that can score inside and out is very promising. Let's get that 2-0 Braves.

[BradleyBrave]

I expect to win the whole thing. 1-1 is only acceptable if the win is against Ok St. Beating Utah isn't noteworthy, they're not very good this year.

[houstontxbrave]

I expect to win the whole thing. 1-1 is only acceptable if the win is against Ok St. Beating Utah isn't noteworthy, they're not very good this year.

I 100% agree, for this to be called anywhere near successful, getting the OSU game is absolute.

[thefish7]

I expect to win the whole thing. 1-1 is only acceptable if the win is against Ok St. Beating Utah isn't noteworthy, they're not very good this year.

I guess I wasn't clear enough on that-- I intended that the 1-1 "good result" I referenced above represent a win over OK St and a loss to Illinois.

[TheAsianSensation]

If we beat OK St, I'll be mad with a loss to UI.

1-1 will be average and "acceptable", but I won't be thrilled about it.

0-2 and everyone can start panicking

[Braves4Life]

If we get and win ONE game please, oh please, let it be against Illinois.

[OrangeandBlack74]

My expectations are to enjoy some Vegas cuisine, dominate on the golf course, and beat both OSU and UI. Anything else is just plain unacceptable...

[catpkt]

Drinks and gambling!

[BradleyBrave]

I heard a rumor that a certain super hero may be making his return this weekend in Sin City...

[SaintLouBrave22]

CORRECTION:


1-1 is only acceptable if the loss is to anyone BUT Illinois...



Losing to them is totally unacceptable for a multitude of reasons



I'm toning my optimism down a couple notches at this time and will play a wait and see approach...I'd like to get through tomorrow first with all the remaining players at 100% and then decide the outlook.


At it stands now though, looks as though Illinois is the strongest team in the field, but given a possible matchup with us, they could become tentative and press and could go out west and thinking ahead get beat by Utah, or they could easily overextend themselves and be beaten in the 2nd game because they a) are playing Bradley or b) have a letdown against OKST because they were looking forward to Bradley...


The coaches may tell you differently, but don't believe them...the players are all looking forward to that possible matchup.

[OrangeandBlack74]

The coaches may tell you differently, but don't believe them...the players are all looking forward to that possible matchup.

I would hazard a guess that the fans of both teams are also looking forward to that possible matchup! I know I am!!

[patrick_o'brian]

In order to beat Illini, if we play them, Andrew Warren will have to have a big game along with TB and CR. They are a very athletic team and their "bigs" Davis and Tisdale will have to be worn down by SS, TB, AT, and WE. We have to go into that game with the expectation of at least one, hopefully SS, fouling out of the game. You have got to stop those two. If they get going early it will open EVERYTHING up for the Illini, and we have got to keep them out on the perimeter because Tisdale and Davis could easily take over the game. I HOPE we get to play the Illini, man that would be great to watch!

[real fan]

Let"s beat OK.St. in the 1st game , we will be huge underdogs against Illinois but we were against Kansas the last time we played them and look how that turned out.

[georgethedog]

I'll be the first to go out on a limb and say we go 0-2 and lose by an average margin of 9 points. I saw nothing in the first 2 games to lead me to believe otherwise. Hard fought HOME wins against 2 lower level D1 teams... That is not a good sign.

A worse sign is our offense still jacks up 3's at will. We could have won last night by 10 or more if we would have fed the post more. When we shot inside 15 feet we scored and then we would go away from that for long stretches and the other team would catch up. Against bigger and more athletic teams, as I imagine OSU, UI and Utah are, we will have a harder time scoring around the basket and will have to rely on 3's. That's very scary.

Here's saying I hope I am wrong and will be happy to eat my words and have you guys pummel me if we go 2-0. 1-1 can happen as anyone can beat anyone a a given night, so I won't take _____ if we go 1-1. I will be happy if we go 1-1 as long as the loss is not to UIUC.