Game Thread for Rutgers vs. NU

[lou v]

Well, for the third time this season, this game is a must-win for the Cats. They lost the first two -- at home, vs. Maryland and Penn State -- so if they lose tonight, you can blame it on me.

We know how this game is going to go. NU will play hard, take a lead, go through an extended scoring drought, and the game will be very tight with a few minutes to play. If they can finally finish a game, they'll probably win. But that's a big if.

Mike Fitz is going to be courtside tonight at Welsh-Ryan.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

Finished work early to make dinner early for the family. Kitchen is cleaned up. Beer is poured. All just to watch this one. Something is probably wrong with me to make that much effort for this team, but I can live with that. Let’s go boys!

 

[EagerFan]

I've decided to skip this game because of weather concerns after the game. I'll head home shortly to watch it on "tv" instead. So tonight I can be part of the empty arena problem.

 

[drewjin]

Audige converts on the "risky" fast breakl!!!

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Good start for the boys. Crowd is small enough for adequate social distancing. Only one concession stand with the much-ballyhooed $3 tacos. Long line for such a small crowd.

 

[GatoLouco]

Is it just me or, so far, this feels a lot like a scrimmage?

 

[TheC]

It has to be demoralizing for our guys to play in front of these pitiful crowds.

 

[freewillie07]

It has to be demoralizing for our guys to play in front of these pitiful crowds.

I’m impressed that you can still find a pessimistic angle with the Cats up 23-14.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Beran is doing a pretty good job on Harper. I love Roper more and more each game.

 

[DaCat]

Nance having an off night shooting but just made a nice pass to Beran and playing tough D.

 

[catfans5]

NU played really well with Buie out.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Great half! Keep it up!

 

[mekCat]

That's about as good as we can play. Shooting, offensive rebounds, no silly fouls.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

Well, that was fun! Got to keep the intensity up. Build on the lead. Don’t let them back into it.

 

[freewillie07]

18-point lead heading into halftime.

If the Cats can keep focused and extend this lead and win by 20+, I’m going to be quite bullish on the back half of the conference slate.

I want to see the killer instinct. Step on their throats. W.I.N.

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

So satisfying to finally watch a rock solid half.

 

[Arlcatsfan]

The more I see Julian Roper the more I like him.Team playing well.Lets keep it up and not let Rutgers back in the game.

 

[Alvious]

Can't help but feel like disaster is imminent.

 

[Hungry Jack]

18-point lead heading into halftime.

If the Cats can keep focused and extend this lead and win by 20+, I’m going to be quite bullish on the back half of the conference slate.

I want to see the killer instinct. Step on their throats. W.I.N.

WINT

Whatever is necessary tonight!

lasagna!

 

[GatoLouco]

Audige is playing great D on Geo Baker

 

[BosCat]

 

[lunker35]

This is fun. Would be even better with students here. I guess they got locked out again?

 

[Hungry Jack]

Standing around on offense

 

[TheC]

That familiar sight of a lead slowly dwindling.

 

[catfans5]

Stagnant offense. Rutgers is playing really hard. I can’t believe this press is giving us problems. None of our play is directed toward penetration or goin to the basket until Beran just drove to the basket.

 

[GatoLouco]

1/2 our problems against the zone would be solved if someone decided to dribble into the middle of two defenders. Instead we just pass the ball around. Easy to guard

 

[lunker35]

Here we go. Kill me if I have to witness another one of these.

 

[TheC]

God are we awful. The slightest hint of adversity and we fold up. It’s in our DNA.

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

Baffled by the zone.

 

[catfans5]

The high post offense is the problem. Rutgers had slowed the game down. Collins, at this point, 7 mins left has no answer, alternative or fire.

 

[Hungry Jack]

We are going to blow this

 

[catfans5]

All these players played against zones and press in AAU and high school. They should know how to do it, but it requires a plan.

 

[jensberg]

Would this be the biggest blown lead at home ever? We were up like 24 points. We are definitely playing scared now.

 

[lunker35]

If we blow this Collins should never coach another game here.

 

[FeralFelidae]

Nice put-back by Young!

 

[FeralFelidae]

Buie tries an NBA-three early in the shot clock. Luckily, we grabbed the offensive board and Young made a layup. Last 6 points scored by Young, thank the heavens.

 

[GatoLouco]

Setting a screen for Buie to start attacking the zone has been very good for us.

 

[catfans5]

What a change with Nance out. Our goal is now to go to the hoop.

 

[FeralFelidae]

Then Young goes and misses the free throws.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Mulcahy keeps driving on his left hand. One would think we would pick up on the tendency and learn to stop it.