High-level game reaction

[Jonny2TheP]

We didn't play a great game, but we didn't play awful. Per our usual tendency, we had a few long stretches where we couldn't do anything on offense and nothing was dropping. On most nights, you play like we did and you lose. If you get lucky and the opponent has a below average night, the way we played last night can be good enough to sneak out a victory. Overall, I actually didn't think our defense was that bad, Rutgers (obviously Bailey primarily, but even Acuff to a degree) just had better offense.

Credit to Rutgers, and specifically Ace Bailey. What a player. Still only 18 years old so you see some inconsistency, but last night was an example of what he can do when he is on. Long, athletic, good ball handling skills, quick, and a quick shot release. You can see why NBA teams are salivating over what he could develop into. Unfortunately, we just caught him on a night when it was all clicking. Despite our below average/average play, if he doesn't go off like that, we may have still pulled it out.

It will take something pretty special to get into the tourney now. We can probably only afford to lose two more (maybe three) games to have a realistic shot. Doesn't feel likely.

 

[Hungry Jack]

We shot 42% for the game, which probably right about average. But I saw a stat late in the second half that said we were 4-23. That explains how we got behind 15 at one point.

RU shot 57% on the road. That's very good. But even taking out Bailey's 13/20 game, they were 15-29. We did not defend well. That Acuff guy, MAC transfer, impressed me.

Barnelli combined to go 9-29. Add in Berry and it's 12-38. Yikes.

Leach, who seems to be getting better and better, was 8-12 for 23 points. He really has adjusted well to a tougher conference.

We outrebounded RU and only had 2 more turnovers (10) than them (8). They made one more 3 (8 vs. 7). They shot well and broke down our defense. We shot poorly.

 

[Skunkpilot]

It was a strange game. And not in a good way. Collins and company had no answer for ACE. We have more coaches than players on the bench. Very disappointing as last night was a must win.

 

[CappyNU]

Jamichael Davis had his best game in conference play, Tyson Acuff had a rare good game, 2nd-most points he's scored all year, and Ace Bailey did amazing things. Oh and they pulled a random guy off the bench to play 13 minutes and he gave them 2 boards, a steal and a block while being significantly more effective than their starting center.

Once Bailey realized he could just shoot over all of our players, and he was feeling it, there was no stopping him in that 1st half. The guy hit 9 shots in a row and they were smooth. We at least changed something at halftime, as he only shot 4-10 in the 2nd half, but the rest of the team stepped up and our offense went completely cold.

I also wish I understood why it seems like the ball is coated in grease whenever we try to get a rebound, it is just mystifying to me how terrible the hands of our big men are.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Jamichael Davis had his best game in conference play, Tyson Acuff had a rare good game, 2nd-most points he's scored all year, and Ace Bailey did amazing things. Oh and they pulled a random guy off the bench to play 13 minutes and he gave them 2 boards, a steal and a block while being significantly more effective than their starting center.

Once Bailey realized he could just shoot over all of our players, and he was feeling it, there was no stopping him in that 1st half. The guy hit 9 shots in a row and they were smooth. We at least changed something at halftime, as he only shot 4-10 in the 2nd half, but the rest of the team stepped up and our offense went completely cold.

I also wish I understood why it seems like the ball is coated in grease whenever we try to get a rebound, it is just mystifying to me how terrible the hands of our big men are.

That Big Matt turnover after his rebound late in the second half gave me a stomach cramp. He was basically trying to hand it to Leach and was not paying attention to the defender right off his hip.

 

[Catreporter]

This team has gotten by on grit and determination all year but as the Big Ten grind rolls on, you have to have more depth and more natural ability and we just don't have that. Looking forward to the promising new class next year and I am hoping we can find a talented big transfer we can bring in to stay competitive. This new Big Ten is going to be tough. Rutgers is only 11-10 with two likely NBA first rounders and I notice that bottom feeding Washington has a MCDonalds All-American coming in next year.

 

[Skunkpilot]

Barnheizer is clearly hurt I think more so than what everyone is saying. He was supposed to be NBA ready after going to camps etc. Yes he’s playing through it but he’s not nearly like his old self. Just a shame as he missed all those games in the beginning of the season and now he is playing hurt and it’s his last season.

 

[hdhntr1]

We didn't play a great game, but we didn't play awful. Per our usual tendency, we had a few long stretches where we couldn't do anything on offense and nothing was dropping. On most nights, you play like we did and you lose. If you get lucky and the opponent has a below average night, the way we played last night can be good enough to sneak out a victory. Overall, I actually didn't think our defense was that bad, Rutgers (obviously Bailey primarily, but even Acuff to a degree) just had better offense.

Credit to Rutgers, and specifically Ace Bailey. What a player. Still only 18 years old so you see some inconsistency, but last night was an example of what he can do when he is on. Long, athletic, good ball handling skills, quick, and a quick shot release. You can see why NBA teams are salivating over what he could develop into. Unfortunately, we just caught him on a night when it was all clicking. Despite our below average/average play, if he doesn't go off like that, we may have still pulled it out.

It will take something pretty special to get into the tourney now. We can probably only afford to lose two more (maybe three) games to have a realistic shot. Doesn't feel likely.

Reality is we are -2 at home BIG games and to get to 500 have to win two on the road just to get to break even if that is even enough (and that is losing no more home games) And that is the bare minimum. Hard to see it with the way we played last night. It isn't over year but the fat lady is warming up

 

[CatJones]

Barnheizer is clearly hurt I think more so than what everyone is saying. He was supposed to be NBA ready after going to camps etc. Yes he’s playing through it but he’s not nearly like his old self. Just a shame as he missed all those games in the beginning of the season and now he is playing hurt and it’s his last season.

I believe Coach Collins said in the press conference that Brooks is playing and practicing through a foot injury that will "never be 100%". Did he mean the foot would get better if he rested completely and didn't play or practice, or, the injury was such that playing and practicing wouldn't make it worse but he would always have the problem if he continued to play basketball? If the former is true it might seem to be in Brook's best interest to rest the foot completely, particularly if he has professional aspirations.

 

[Baz=Heisman]

I believe Coach Collins said in the press conference that Brooks is playing and practicing through a foot injury that will "never be 100%". Did he mean the foot would get better if he rested completely and didn't play or practice, or, the injury was such that playing and practicing wouldn't make it worse but he would always have the problem if he continued to play basketball? If the former is true it might seem to be in Brook's best interest to rest the foot completely, particularly if he has professional aspirations.

He won’t quit on his team. Not a chance. He’s a warrior who loves his teammates. And as an excellent student, like all our guys, he’s going to get a Northwestern degree which will be a great “fall back” if the NBA or Euroleague doesn’t work out.

 

[PurpleFaze]

I believe Coach Collins said in the press conference that Brooks is playing and practicing through a foot injury that will "never be 100%". Did he mean the foot would get better if he rested completely and didn't play or practice, or, the injury was such that playing and practicing wouldn't make it worse but he would always have the problem if he continued to play basketball? If the former is true it might seem to be in Brook's best interest to rest the foot completely, particularly if he has professional aspirations.

I’m assuming he meant it won’t be a 100% this season. Can’t see CC jeopardizing BB’s future in any way. Guessing the choices are he can play through it at less than 100% or sit out, and BB isn’t going to sit out the rest of his final year in purple if it’s his choice.

 

[PurpleFaze]

That Big Matt turnover after his rebound late in the second half gave me a stomach cramp. He was basically trying to hand it to Leach and was not paying attention to the defender right off his hip.

Yes for a veteran team we have had a few too many of those “moments” this year. We also every game seem to have a turnover when someone decides to try and make a 60 foot bounce pass through traffic on a break.

 

[PurpleFaze]

It was a strange game. And not in a good way. Collins and company had no answer for ACE. We have more coaches than players on the bench. Very disappointing as last night was a must win.

Not sure there was an answer for a guy with that size who can shoot and was “in the zone”. Sometimes highly skilled future NBA players just have a night. Sadly it was at our expense.

 

[hdhntr1]

Not sure there was an answer for a guy with that size who can shoot and was “in the zone”. Sometimes highly skilled future NBA players just have a night. Sadly it was at our expense.

Otherwise they wouldn't be highly skilled future NBA players