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re: LSU @ USC in basketball TONIGHT!
Posted on 2/10/16 at 10:48 am to LSUButt
Posted on 2/10/16 at 10:48 am to LSUButt
quote:
If anyone is interested here, I wrote a preview on The Rant.
Link?
Front page?
Let me go look.
ETA: Found it, nice job
... LINK ... except we actually played four, (4, not 1), neutral site games and won them all. Depaul, Hofstra and Tulsa all in St. Thomas at the Paradise Jam, and then St. Johns at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
And I'm surprised you mentioned St John's record ... but not Clemson's and who they've beaten since. BTW, we played Clemson at their place in Greenville, and won.
Also, with our McDonald's All-American who was on the Mickey-D's team with Simmons (would have been a nice touch to mention because they got to know one another that way), Dozier is a guy with great vision, a big point guard who dishes and feeds very well ... although, at times, he is too slick for his own good. Our players are getting used to it finally - the balls come from nowhere, he's a bit of a master at the no-look pass.
Silva and Gregory (both true Freshmen and while Silva has been starting lately, Gregory is most definitely a "key reserve") are the two most athletic players on the team ... both of them have serious hops and you'll likely see some impressive dunks and blocks from those guys tonight.
South Carolina is the most "International" team in the league with five foreigners ... the two Lithuanians Chat and Mendaugas, Notice is Canadian, Silva is from Gabon, Africa, Carrera is from Venezuela.
I think I just heard on the radio that the game is officially sold out ... 18k will be there tonight loud and proud.
SCAR has led the nation for the past two years in combined men's and women's attendance ... so we do love our basketball here, especially when we are winning.
SCAR is known as an experienced team, but in fact you'll see five true freshmen get plenty of playing time tonight in Dozier, Silva, Gregory, Cobb and Doby.
This post was edited on 2/10/16 at 11:08 am
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Posted on 2/10/16 at 10:52 am to gamecocks22
quote:
Key to the game
Will Thornwell go 8-13 from the field with 25 points
or
0-14 from the field with 2 points.
He can do both, and his play is our X factor.
Yep ... and you can bet LSU knows that.
Thornwell is the key. If he has his confidence back and is comfortable taking it to the basket and occasionally with the pull-up jumper ... we're a good team.
When he is off we suffer.
Carrera knocking down some 3s is key too, and Notice would just be a bonus.
Also, we need Silva and Gregory to match athleticism with Simmons to keep the crowd fired-up. I mean in terms of slamma mamma jams and blocks and stuff like that. Those two just seem to bring energy to our game and it is contagious among the players and the fans when we were at home.
I'd really love to see us keep the turnovers under ten tonight as well. We've been a little sloppy lately.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 11:03 am to gamecocks22
quote:
Key to the game
My keys would be:
- Carrera/Thornwell need to play well
- Force turnovers
- Don't create turnovers, especially ones that can lead to fastbreak opportunities for LSU
- Get to the line & hit your FT's
Posted on 2/10/16 at 11:20 am to scrooster
quote:
Depaul, Hofstra and Tulsa all in St. Thomas at the Paradise Jam, and then St. Johns at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
Yea, I screwed that up, and Tulsa was a good win.
quote:
And I'm surprised you mentioned St John's record ... but not Clemson's and who they've beaten since. BTW, we played Clemson at their place in Greenville, and won.
I respect South Carolina as much as anyone. I predicted preseason y'all had a shot to make the tourney, but it has not been a very difficult schedule. I also thought Greenville was a neutral site game because of the location, but Clemson is remodeling their arena so I should have realized that.
quote:
I think I just heard on the radio that the game is officially sold out ... 18k will be there tonight loud and proud
This seems to be the case when playing LSU this year, which sucks for us. Everyone wants to see Ben Simmons, so it creates crazy atmospheres. I'd hope by now we'd be used to it, but judging by our drubbing @TAMU, I'm not sure if we are. I'm cautiously optimistic about tonight, but if I were to bet I would not bet on LSU. I think if we stay out of foul trouble, we could win...but that's a HUGE if. We almost never stay out of foul trouble, and with USC's ability to get opponents in foul trouble, it could be disastrous for us.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 11:23 am to LSUButt
quote:
quote:
I think I just heard on the radio that the game is officially sold out ... 18k will be there tonight loud and proud
This seems to be the case when playing LSU this year, which sucks for us. Everyone wants to see Ben Simmons, so it creates crazy atmospheres. I'd hope by now we'd be used to it, but judging by our drubbing @TAMU, I'm not sure if we are. I'm cautiously optimistic about tonight, but if I were to bet I would not bet on LSU. I think if we stay out of foul trouble, we could win...but that's a HUGE if. We almost never stay out of foul trouble, and with USC's ability to get opponents in foul trouble, it could be disastrous for us.
It was kind of a perfect storm really. We had #1 vs. #2 in Women's Basketball on Monday. We play y'all tonight with SEC championship implications and we play UK on Saturday. Just a great week for Gamecock Basketball. But yes, Simmons being there definitely fuels the already huge fire.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 11:31 am to LSUButt
quote:
I really hate when people make up shite..
Not saying you made it up or anything ... but in your review on tRant you typed ...
quote:
They have lots of experienced players ...
We've got a few. Chat (Sr), Mindaugas (Sr), Carrera (Sr), Thornwell (Jr), Notice (Jr) - and maybe you can include Stroman (So) and McKie Jr - legacy player), but only Mindaugus (min-DAW-gus), Carrera and Thornwell start.
As mentioned earlier, you'll see plenty of five true freshmen out there tonight in Silva (starter), Dozier (starter), Gregory, Cobb and Roby.
quote:
They won't wow you with a specific player, or blow you away with athleticism
Thornwell can wow you when he is on, and Carrera can wow you with his energy and enthusiasm and athleticism - he's an all-around player. Dozier will wow you with his impressive ball handling skills for a 6'7" point guard and Silva and Gregory will absolutely wow you with their hops, athleticism, dunking and blocks.
quote:
South Carolina is not a deep team at all. They will run about 7-8 out there. Although LSU doesn't have much more depth, overall the talent is deeper, so this could be an advantage for LSU.
SCAR has consistently been called the deepest team in the league all season.
We've got twelve guys who get playing time, eleven of those get a lot of playing time in Chat, Mendaugas, Stroman, Thornwell, Dozier, Silva, Notice, Carrera and recently Gregory, Cobb and Roby.
We're actually pretty deep and Martin does not hesitate to substitute frequently.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 11:40 am to LSUButt
quote:
This seems to be the case when playing LSU this year, which sucks for us. Everyone wants to see Ben Simmons, so it creates crazy atmospheres. I'd hope by now we'd be used to it, but judging by our drubbing @TAMU, I'm not sure if we are. I'm cautiously optimistic about tonight, but if I were to bet I would not bet on LSU. I think if we stay out of foul trouble, we could win...but that's a HUGE if. We almost never stay out of foul trouble, and with USC's ability to get opponents in foul trouble, it could be disastrous for us.
It has not been difficult ... but we won most of the ones we were supposed to win I guess, and that's all we could ask. Some of the teams scheduled have been historically better than they are this year ... and we won the Paradise Jam, although we expected to play FSU they were beaten by Hofstra.
The Clemson game in Greenville, which is their backyard, was at the Omni or BiLo center or whatever they are calling it these days ... but it was still a home court advantage for Clemson and it was a good, impressive, win. They've knocked off a few really good teams I guess ... or maybe not, I rarely keep up with the ACC anymore.
quote:
I respect South Carolina as much as anyone. I predicted preseason y'all had a shot to make the tourney, but it has not been a very difficult schedule. I also thought Greenville was a neutral site game because of the location, but Clemson is remodeling their arena so I should have realized that.
Yeah Simmons is definitely a drawing card but judging from the radio call ins so far today everyone is going to see how Dozier does vs Simmons and also ... this is for first place in the conference. Students were already lined up down there when I went by a little while ago.
Plus, and I'm not sure what it is ... but SCAR fans always seem to like playing LSU in any sport, I dunno why. Maybe it is the bleedover from baseball, maybe it goes back to the old Stanley Roberts thing to some degree ... I don't know. Maybe it is the contrast in colors or that LSU's claim to Death Valley rubs the taterheads the wrong way ... I dunno, but SCAR fans seem to show up in numbers whenever we play LSU at anything. It's a very respectable thing, whatever it is.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 11:44 am to CockyTime
quote:
LSU @ USC in basketball tomorrow
Amigo .... you gotta update that subject line.
LSU @ USC tonight! 7PM ESPN2
It's less than seven hours and counting baby!
Posted on 2/10/16 at 12:00 pm to scrooster
quote:
We've got a few. Chat (Sr), Mindaugas (Sr), Carrera (Sr), Thornwell (Jr), Notice (Jr)
so 5 guys who are JR or SR's is not experienced? Also, your top 5 minutes per game players are the players you JUST mentioned...that's heavy experience. It's not all about "who starts", it is about who is on the floor the most. quote:
Dozier will wow you with his impressive ball handling skills for a 6'7" point guard
I like Dozier a lot, but he averages more turnovers than assists. He will be a very good player, but right now he's a guy with upside, not production.
quote:
Silva and Gregory will absolutely wow you with their hops, athleticism, dunking and blocks.
I'm confused why you keep comparing the 2. Silva is by far the better player at this stage. He actually contributes. Your boy Gregory...he has blocked 1 shot all year and has only played in half the games. He's average 1.4 points per game in SEC play. I love enthusiasm for one's team, but take a step back
quote:
We've got twelve guys who get playing time, eleven of those get a lot of playing time in Chat, Mendaugas, Stroman, Thornwell, Dozier, Silva, Notice, Carrera and recently Gregory, Cobb and Roby.
Obviously you know your team better than I...but I disagree.
Gregory has played in 5 of 10 SEC games..accumulating little stats
Cobb has played in 8 of 10 SEC games averaging a whopping 1.9 minutes per game and .3 points. Sorry I didn't list him as a key reserve.
Doby...3 of 10 games. And remember, all of these include the Alabama game in which the benches cleared because it was a blowout.
Didn't even mention Mckie who actually plays more than the other guys.
I've already stated that South Carolina is a quality team, but let's get in touch with reality here. If Eric Cobb plays over 10 minutes, SCAR is screwed...just like if Darcy Malone plays 10 minutes LSU is screwed.
LSU will want to play Ben Simmons 37 minutes. That's great SCAR is deep with some Freshmen who barely play, but play them extended minutes tonight and it could be bad. I have a feeling Martin will keep his rotation to 8-9 max tonight unless foul trouble hits.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 1:14 pm to LSUButt
I guess we'll see tonight ... you may be right.
Martin has gradually involved these freshmen and they are becoming more and more involved. Who knows, they will probably not even see the court tonight.
Thanks again for all the insight on this team though. I guess I just need to heed your advice and not go by what I am seeing out there ... I dunno. I am, admittedly, not a college basketball expert - just been watching it for awhile.
Here's to a good game with no injuries.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 1:17 pm to scrooster
Haven't read through but does anyone know the ticket situation tonight? Are we expecting close to a full house?
Posted on 2/10/16 at 1:23 pm to CNB
quote:
It's gonna be a tough matchup. Tougher than some of you LSU fans think. We're very streaky and our perimeter defense is very inconsistent. Who is LSUs no name player that gets a lot of time? Expect him to have 20 points tonight
Carrera and Silva can rack up early fouls, forcing them to sit longer than they should. Dozier and Thornwell can be very good, and also very bad. We're a weird team. Anyone can beat us (Georgia) and we can beat anyone (Texas A&M). If Carrera and Silva stay out of foul trouble, we should be okay. But then you have to account for Simmons, and I expect him to have a big game.
Silva will take on Simmons, and he'll handle him. They have played each other before:
quote:
Andy Demetra ?@GamecockRadio Feb 9
Here's https://NJ.com 's recap of the Ben Simmons-Chris Silva game from last year. Simmons' team won 71-64.
Simmons had 18 pts and 14 rebs.....
Posted on 2/10/16 at 1:34 pm to theGarnetWay
quote:
Haven't read through but does anyone know the ticket situation tonight? Are we expecting close to a full house?
Well we've already been averaging 15K for the first 4 SEC home games, and that's 83% of a full house. Gotta think with the upset road win over TAMU and this being the first home game since, it'll generate some extra excitement for the fanbase: the UK game is already sold out, although that game has been known to bring large crowds.
LSU games not so much, but for an ESPN2-broadcasted home game, and USC in position to be a leader in the SEC standings with a win, plus Simmons being a draw (I guess), I could see a crowd close to sellout for tonight. But I haven't heard/read any reports about it being close....
This post was edited on 2/10/16 at 1:35 pm
Posted on 2/10/16 at 1:41 pm to ConwayGamecock
quote:
ConwayGamecock
Shhhhhhhsh ... that's supposed to be a secret.
quote:
Haven't read through but does anyone know the ticket situation tonight? Are we expecting close to a full house?
They just said on the radio ... "sold out but with a few limited tickets available," whatever that means. Maybe they are bringing in the folding chairs like they did the other night against UConn?
Posted on 2/10/16 at 3:25 pm to CockyTime
Genuinely excited about this match up tonight. Good luck to both sides
Posted on 2/10/16 at 3:33 pm to TRUERockyTop
As am I. I wish we could get the ref's that we had for the Women's game. They didn't blow the whistle every 30 seconds and let the players play.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 3:37 pm to GameCocky88
Yessss, I swear if they are calling tick tack shite tonight I'll be pissed.
This post was edited on 2/10/16 at 3:38 pm
Posted on 2/10/16 at 3:52 pm to scrooster
quote:
Amigo .... you gotta update that subject line
You got it!
Posted on 2/10/16 at 3:59 pm to CockyTime
#1 vs #2, and exciting night of SEC basketball. Hopefully SC holds onto the conference's best overall record and further inserts the Cock into the national picture.
Posted on 2/10/16 at 4:06 pm to CockInYourEar
I'm so ready for this game! It's gotten me thru a shitty day of work. Geaux Tigers!
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