Final: Louisiana (83) at UALR (79)

[ZoomZoom]

But what does that mean in 300 plus schools to finish 199.

We MIGHT get invited to the leftovers tournament. Call it what you wish, many still view the NIT to represent Not In Tournament. This 3rd level tournament is akin to trophy and coke mentality.

I refuse to call this tournament by its proper name, won't contribute to an illusion of achievement.

[duggie85]

That sounds like self imposed restrictions. What is the state supposed to do? Give us $40 million for athletics?

Who is responsible for pushing the Louisiana brand? Who is responsible for growing RCAF? Completing the Master Plan?

Answer those questions for me and tell me who is responsible for all of those things. The university has no spine and they are not willing to shake any tree for reprisals that won't happen.

The state doesn't have to give us $40 mill but they could let us impose student fees like the rest of the country. That would be great.

As for the rest of your post, I won't argue that.

[cajun4life]

The state doesn't have to give us $40 mill but they could let us impose student fees like the rest of the country. That would be great.

As for the rest of your post, I won't argue that.

We can implement student fees, it just has to pass a student vote. Again, this is a self imposed restriction.

[SMD7636]

I think student assessed fees are necessary to complete the athletic master plan and move to another conference.

[ManAboutTown]

I think student assessed fees are necessary to complete the athletic master plan and move to another conference.

I believe this to be true as well

[epiccajun]

I believe ourRPI was around 315 prior to the UALR game. That my friend is unacceptable.

Again ... RPI is a useless measure this early in the season, especially for a G5 conference school.

[Boomer]

I saw tonight for the first time this team really coming together---Realize that the only guy that started off of last year's team is Long---So you got a new 1,2,3, 4 plus 2 freshmen and some of last year's backups---think I am pretty close on that----but man we looked good tonight and seemed again to be a lot more fitting into the bind!!!

[Cajunsmike]

I believe ourRPI was around 315 prior to the UALR game. That my friend is unacceptable.

I agree a 315 RPI is disappointing. I am sure it has improved some from the last two games. How much so I do not know. For it to jump to a respectable level, we probably need a winning streak of 6+ games. I was encouraged by tonight's crowd of almost 400O on a rainy night.

[duggie85]

I agree a 315 RPI is disappointing. I am sure it has improved some from the last two games. How much so I do not know. For it to jump to a respectable level, we probably need a winning streak of 6+ games. I was encouraged by tonight's crowd of almost 400O on a rainy night.

Mike, BOP or Melrock, you guys know this program probably better than anyone on this board. Do you guys feel like in non-conference games, Marlin rotates players more than he "should" to figure out who gels the best so when conference comes along he knows who plays best together? Never wanted to bring this up in past debates bc I don't want it to come across as an excuse. Losses are losses, just thinking out loud.

[Cajunsmike]

Mike, BOP or Melrock, you guys know this program probably better than anyone on this board. Do you guys feel like in non-conference games, Marlin rotates players more than he "should" to figure out who gels the best so when conference comes along he knows who plays best together? Never wanted to bring this up in past debates bc I don't want it to come across as an excuse. Losses are losses, just thinking out loud.

You may have a point in Coach playing lots of guys early in the year to figure out what the proper rotation is. Note, we played 13 guys tonight and 11 played in the first half. Therefore he is still playing lots of guys even as conference play has started. I think that will continue as it helps wear down the opponent. He then plays the guys in the 2nd half who seem to be on that night. Note we did OK in non conference games last season. However, that is the only time in his tenure here that has occurred. That is probably because we were bringing back a lot of guys from the previous year.