Marlin: 'It was good ... to take a punch in the mouth'

[Cajunsmike]

You are right but we are at our best against Man defense. Bartley, Marquetti and Stove have killed people by cutting into the lane and getting short jumpers and layups not to mention Stroman has been real effective getting into the lane and distributing to the bigs. That is where we've put up most of our points. I agree that the 3 was not falling like it should but I'd rather build my scoring base from those short shots in the lane versus living and dying by the 3. I fear that just about everybody we see in the tournament will go zone against us and that affects our rhythm.

Having Jonathon Stove healthy would go a long way towards our "rhythm" coming back.

[Turbine]

Having Jonathon Stove healthy would go a long way towards our "rhythm" coming back.

For sure, 85% would be nice

I doubt he gets back to 100% this year, and healthy is relative so I will take what I can get as long as he isn't endangering his long term health.

[Ragin4U]

Coachspeak. Never good to lose a game.

This team will rebound and run the table in the tourney. When they focus, they are unstoppable in our league.

Much easier to coach after a loss. Deflates some of the egos, as well.

[ManAboutTown]

Marlin may be using coach speak, but in this case, he’s right. Im ____ed we didn’t complete an undefeated home schedule but if we make it to the dance and win a game (or 2 or 3), no one will remember that loss.

In fact, I think the loss will end up being a positive thing. Some conference snubs and a loss to UALR will give them a chip on their shoulders. When you dominate a league all year, hard to stay fully engaged. This will get the team’s attention.

[CajunNation]

Marlin may be using coach speak, but in this case, he’s right. Im ____ed we didn’t complete an undefeated home schedule but if we make it to the dance and win a game (or 2 or 3), no one will remember that loss.

In fact, I think the loss will end up being a positive thing. Some conference snubs and a loss to UALR will give them a chip on their shoulders. When you dominate a league all year, hard to stay fully engaged. This will get the team’s attention.

The Omaha ball club got swept by UNO last week of the seaon, lost the conference tourney and went into the regionals having lost 5 of their last 8. Nobody panicked then because they were on cruise for most of the season and showed they could focus when they had to.

I get the same feeling about this basketball team. Only difference is there is no at-large bid waiting for them. After the LR loss, I think this team will be laser focused.

[Just1More]

It wasn't by design to allow that game to go so ugly on the offensive end. But after it happens... and you got your nuts handed to you... the absolute best thing to do is use it to your advantage. And that's exactly what I see Marlin doing. No one can guarantee we won't get beat in the tournament. But the best offensive characteristics of this team were not on display against LR. And regardless of whether we falter or not in the tournament... it will not be because we forgot what got us the #1 seed in the first place. I think we'll be sharp and smart in the tournament. There's too much on the line.