What I saw in last night's game

[lou v]

Northwestern played a damn good game last night. They got good shots offensively -- BMac had an off night, which was a killer, but Olah and Falzon played a great game. Michigan is a 3-point shooting team, and NU did a great job defending it -- the Wolverines only hit 4-of-15 all night.

While shooting that poorly from 3 would've been a death knell for NU, Michigan just started dribble-driving to the bucket and won the game. That, to me, is the difference in the two teams: they have multiple guys that can get to the rim and finish -- or at least force the defense to rotate and create an open shot somewhere -- while NU does not. They have Walton and Abdur-Rakhman and Irvin -- as well as LeVert, who's hurt. NU has...BMac. Demps is a streaky shooter that can create a jumper off of a dribble, but he's not a slasher that can get to the rim very often. Law may be a guy that can do that eventually, but he's out and has work to do on his ballhandling.

So it's a difference in athleticism. NU is a skilled team but has only one guy that can break down a defender one-on-one and create an opportunity at the rim. NU has to play a nearly perfect game to win. A team like Michigan -- not a great team -- has a Plan B because they have superior athletes.

I thought NU out-executed and largely outplayed Michigan as a team, yet still lost the game. I know it's frustrating for me to watch; it's got to be really frustrating for the coaches and players.

Thoughts?

 

[Catreporter]

Very good analysis, Lou. I would add that the good teams in the BIG have multiple weapons on offense. Example: Donnal had 29 against Maryland and 7 last night, but others filled the score sheet. That's what it takes to be a first division team. When BMac doesn't get into double digits, we have a heckuva time making up the difference and other teams know it. We won at Nebraska because of 28 unexpected points from Pardon. You have to have a roster full of guys who can step up when someone is hurt or having an off night. I remember BC telling me a few years ago that DEPTH has been the big difference between his NU teams and most of the rest of the league.

 

[Medill90]

I wasn't at all disappointed with the game. Michigan had more talent and that talent over the course of the game rose to the top.

NU will take a leap athletically next year when Law comes back and Rap is added to the roster. Much more speed. More length. But less muscle and experience in the post.

The two standouts last night were Falzon and Skelly. I thought Falzon defended well out on the perimeter. Think the non shooting parts of his game are underrated. Skelly has skills. He needs to add some confidence and experience and have a little better awareness on D.

What I'm not seeing this year is someone on the court who is aware that the team hasn't scored in four or five minutes, knows the value of a simple two pointer at that critical time, and simply converts. That may go hand in hand with too few creators.

 

[IdahoAlum]

I agree wholeheartedly, Lou. When you only get to the foul line 9 times, you know your offense is not being aggressive enough.

 

[TerraCat]

Good analysis. I was disappointed last night because we have been unable to finish so many close games this year, games in which we have had the lead. Are they "that close" or do they "lack the will to finish"?

Not sure, but I really hope we take the next step, next year. I was hoping that we could possibly win out, and then win 3 games in the Big Tournament. But alas...

 

[MC_Cat]

I wonder if we should've tried going with 2 bigs at the same time. Maybe Olah and Pardon could've defended the paint better and picked up the rebounds when UM was bricking 3's. We didn't try that one time last night and maybe that would've been the situation to see if it might work.

 

[willycat]

I wonder if we should've tried going with 2 bigs at the same time. Maybe Olah and Pardon could've defended the paint better and picked up the rebounds when UM was bricking 3's. We didn't try that one time last night and maybe that would've been the situation to see if it might work.

Maybe that might work but don't think either guy can defend the outside. Nu does need to start taking and making the shorter jumpers, like Michigan did much of last night.

 

[hdhntr1]

I wonder if we should've tried going with 2 bigs at the same time. Maybe Olah and Pardon could've defended the paint better and picked up the rebounds when UM was bricking 3's. We didn't try that one time last night and maybe that would've been the situation to see if it might work.

Pardon seemed to be out of position on D and Demps played a lot of Olee D putting bigs in bad position

 

[Sec.112]

I wonder if you can "get away" with a less-athletic team if you have outside shooters AND an inside game. I'd like to think the combo gives you the same high percentage game to fall back on (same as the dribble drivers) in that game where the threes won't be dropping.

If we haven't learned it by now, it's a generally simple rule: you can't live on the three alone. It will only get you so far.

Other thoughts on last night ...

1) I thought the Cats ball movement in the first half was unusually exceptional. I'm hoping something clicked in their eight days of practice between games. Or was this just a result of something they understood against Michigan's defense?
2) I know Crispin was slobbering all over Olah last night, but Olah's first half shooting was fools gold. Anybody who thought the team would ride his first-half to a complete-game victory hasn't watched NU much this year. I hate those 6-10 foot shots.
3) One of the other problems nobody discusses on why NU can't close out late games: I can accept a lineup of BMac, Demps, Falzon/Lindsey, Lumpkin/Skelly and Olah if I must on offense. But, man, they better be ahead in the last five minutes because that bunch can't make a stop to save their lives.
4) That NIT bubble - to steal from Monty Python - "It's wafer thin."

 

[NURoseBowl]

I wonder if you can "get away" with a less-athletic team if you have outside shooters AND an inside game. I'd like to think the combo gives you the same high percentage game to fall back on (same as the dribble drivers) in that game where the threes won't be dropping.

If we haven't learned it by now, it's a generally simple rule: you can't live on the three alone. It will only get you so far.

Other thoughts on last night ...

1) I thought the Cats ball movement in the first half was unusually exceptional. I'm hoping something clicked in their eight days of practice between games. Or was this just a result of something they understood against Michigan's defense?
2) I know Crispin was slobbering all over Olah last night, but Olah's first half shooting was fools gold. Anybody who thought the team would ride his first-half to a complete-game victory hasn't watched NU much this year. I hate those 6-10 foot shots.
3) One of the other problems nobody discusses on why NU can't close out late games: I can accept a lineup of BMac, Demps, Falzon/Lindsey, Lumpkin/Skelly and Olah if I must on offense. But, man, they better be ahead in the last five minutes because that bunch can't make a stop to save their lives.
4) That NIT bubble - to steal from Monty Python - "It's wafer thin."

Am I the only one who thinks Crispin sounds a bit like a young Dan Dakich?

 

[ubercat]

Am I the only one who thinks Crispin sounds a bit like a young Dan Dakich?

No, you're not. He's Dakich without the resumé.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

We beat both Michigan and Purdue. Friggen refs killed us. Total bs.

 

[NUCat320]

So it's a difference in athleticism. NU is a skilled team but has only one guy that can break down a defender one-on-one and create an opportunity at the rim. NU has to play a nearly perfect game to win. A team like Michigan -- not a great team -- has a Plan B because they have superior athletes.

I thought NU out-executed and largely outplayed Michigan as a team, yet still lost the game. I know it's frustrating for me to watch; it's got to be really frustrating for the coaches and players.

Thoughts?

This reads exactly like a post that would've been made during the Juice-Shutna-Crawford reign. Let's hope the talent upgrades are real. Among next year's class, Brown is the only one with the chance to match the creator description, and Lindsey or Law or Tap don't seem like they will.

 

[NJCat83588]

No, you're not. He's Dakich without the resumé.

Dakich is getting on my nerves. Too full of himself. He knows hoops and isn't afraid to criticize, unlike most color people, but man does he love to hear himself talk.......

 

[NJCat83588]

Brown is the only one with the chance to match the creator description, and Lindsey or Law or Tap don't seem like they will.

To me the jury is out on Lindsey and Law. Scottie has shown flashes this season. Vic is certainly athletic enough but will be rusty early next year from missing 12 months of competitive ball. Sadly, I think we have seen the last of Nate in competitive situations. If he isn't contributing on a mediocre team as a Junior, he isn't going to get minutes next year when another wing player joins.

 

[NUCat320]

To me the jury is out on Lindsey and Law. Scottie has shown flashes this season. Vic is certainly athletic enough but will be rusty early next year from missing 12 months of competitive ball. Sadly, I think we have seen the last of Nate in competitive situations. If he isn't contributing on a mediocre team as a Junior, he isn't going to get minutes next year when another wing player joins.

The jury is out on Lindsey and it might not be seated yet for Law. But my inclination is that, while both guys look like great rebounders and shot blockers for their size, and look to have great potential as shooters and open-court players, neither has shown the ability to be a 'get him the ball and get out of the way' penetrator.

Ballhandling can improve over time, but getting to the bucket is a mentality and a knack that's tougher to lead, I think. (Russell Westbrook - an extreme example if there ever was one - was wired to do what he does at birth as least as much as he was built the capability over time.)

 

[iubaseball]

I know that the NU fan talks a lot about an upgrade in talent next year, but almost every team a head of them in the big next year is bringing in a highly rated class and even Penn State is bringing in a real good class. The more things change the more they stay the same

 

[Medill90]

I know that the NU fan talks a lot about an upgrade in talent next year, but almost every team a head of them in the big next year is bringing in a highly rated class and even Penn State is bringing in a real good class. The more things change the more they stay the same

You should get that rash on your face looked at. It could be something.

 

[hdhntr1]

To me the jury is out on Lindsey and Law. Scottie has shown flashes this season. Vic is certainly athletic enough but will be rusty early next year from missing 12 months of competitive ball. Sadly, I think we have seen the last of Nate in competitive situations. If he isn't contributing on a mediocre team as a Junior, he isn't going to get minutes next year when another wing player joins.

I have to think Tap is injured at this time or he would have seen a few minutes at least in the last couple games. But with his D, he is more a 5-10 mpg guy rather than starter. Guys CCC is bringing in tend to have more upside and can play both sides of the ball, thereby passing him up pretty quickly.

 

[NJCat83588]

I have to think Tap is injured at this time or he would have seen a few minutes at least in the last couple games. But with his D, he is more a 5-10 mpg guy rather than starter. Guys CCC is bringing in tend to have more upside and can play both sides of the ball, thereby passing him up pretty quickly.

Collins was asked flat out if he injured when interviewed after the Michigan game. He said no, that the rotation doesn't allow all 12 guys to play. I thought it might be due to injury, too, but clearly that isn't the case. You can watch the interview yourself and draw your own conclusions. Comment at the 6:30 mark, "coach's decision".

 

[DaCat]

I wouldn't be surprised if Tap is DNP Coach's Decision. Look at a team like Duke, any one of their players would probably get the majority of the minutes at many schools but their rotation is only like 6 or 7 players. Collins probably has a similar philosophy of playing those guys who you think gives you the best chance to win, whether it's talent, a skill set, or situational matchups.

 

[hdhntr1]

Collins was asked flat out if he injured when interviewed after the Michigan game. He said no, that the rotation doesn't allow all 12 guys to play. I thought it might be due to injury, too, but clearly that isn't the case. You can watch the interview yourself and draw your own conclusions. Comment at the 6:30 mark, "coach's decision".

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Still against Purdue, Pardon fouled out Olah, Skelly, Falzone all had 4 fouls and Lumpkin 3. Have to think that he would have gotten at least a couple minutes unless he was unable to for some reason

 

[NJCat83588]

Still against Purdue, Pardon fouled out Olah, Skelly, Falzone all had 4 fouls and Lumpkin 3. Have to think that he would have gotten at least a couple minutes unless he was unable to for some reason

I guess you think Collins is just a liar when he says that Nate isn't hurt.....how about he didn't play against PU because he just isn't good enough??

 

[ColumbusCatFan1]

Among next year's class, Brown is the only one with the chance to match the creator description, and Lindsey or Law or Tap don't seem like they will.

Maybe it's just me, but the tape of RI I've seen reminds me of a less awkward (and I say that with much respect) Kevin Coble. I get the the sense Rap can create his own shot, but not in the same way someone like Demps can. Perhaps, "manufacture" is the right word here.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

I guess you think Collins is just a liar when he says that Nate isn't hurt.....how about he didn't play against PU because he just isn't good enough??

He'd hardly be the first coach to be less-than-forthcoming about a player's injury situation.

 

[NJCat83588]

He'd hardly be the first coach to be less-than-forthcoming about a player's injury situation.

He's been pretty forthcoming about injuries. The easiest thing would have been to say Tap was "banged up". Instead, he said "coaches decision" which means he was not good enough to get time. He calls a spade a spade.

 

[NUCat320]

He'd hardly be the first coach to be less-than-forthcoming about a player's injury situation.

Is there an argument that Tap deserves to play?

He's very good at one skill, but he's never shown himself as a defender, a ballhandler, a distributor. Great teams ply 6 or 7 or 8 guys. Depth matters - but only when 1 through 8 gets hurt and the backup to the backup has to make the injury hurt less.

Give me Skelly - who guards a little, uses his butt a little, and, shoot, had made 3 out of 8 threes - every day of the week.

Coaches have incentive to lie all the time - CCC is being truthful here.

(CCC has run off/been honest with several guys, you know. Abrahamson, Vasser, Turner - 2 CBC's, and one his. Could he have his eye on a fifth year guy? Oooooh, it's thick.)

 

[NJCat83588]

Is there an argument that Tap deserves to play?

He's very good at one skill, but he's never shown himself as a defender, a ballhandler, a distributor. Great teams ply 6 or 7 or 8 guys. Depth matters - but only when 1 through 8 gets hurt and the backup to the backup has to make the injury hurt less.

Give me Skelly - who guards a little, uses his butt a little, and, shoot, had made 3 out of 8 threes - every day of the week.

Coaches have incentive to lie all the time - CCC is being truthful here.

Completely agree. Even in yesterday's game against Rutgers, Tap was slow-footed on defense and weak on the boards. He can hit the open 3 and get to the bucket when no one is playing defense but sadly is not a Big 10 player.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Completely agree. Even in yesterday's game against Rutgers, Tap was slow-footed on defense and weak on the boards. He can hit the open 3 and get to the bucket when no one is playing defense but sadly is not a Big 10 player.

Back to bashing Tap again?

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Is there an argument that Tap deserves to play?

Not necessarily regular rotation minutes, but in the Purdue game when half the team was in foul trouble, an extra body would have been nice.