It's been a long trip down that yellow brick road this year. Lots of adversity with Zach's foot, Keenan's toe, Gray's concussion... We've stepped out of the woods and Emerald City is in view. But in our way is the best team we've played all year. Purdue had no chance without Haas as we physically dominated them. But we must play better to take down Villanova. We simply cannot go 5 minutes with a basket. They have 7 solid contributors and make great midgame adjustments. Just ask WV. This team can light it up from the arc with a team avg of over 40%. Hard to imagine a team who's top 6 in minutes all shoot over 39%. Even the big freshman and lead rebounder shoots 44%! They're also the 3rd in nation in 2 point %. 4 of their top 6 in minutes per game shoot over 80% from the line (78% as a team) which makes them hard to come back against. They don't have a 7 footer but their 6'9" 265 lb freshmen is a load. For a team that has no senior getting significant minutes, they are poised. One of their weaknesses, if you can call it that, is they can be turnover prone at times and rank 89th in that category. That kept WV in the game for 30 minutes. Simply put... We have to play our ass off on defense and not let all those shooters get comfortable. Fortunately, that's right up our alley. No denying the Wildcats are more skilled offensively, but noone shows more grit than our Raiders and Beard will have them as ready as possible. On offense, we simply cannot go thru a prolonged cold streak. If we do, its damn near impossible to come back. Important to come out strong early and get our confidence up. Pray for a first half like the one we had in Ft Worth.
People say this team is playing with house money. For long suffering Red Raiders, this holds true. But this team doesn't feel that way. They absolutely deserve to be right where they are. Now its time for Keenan to patch up that toe, put on that red ruby slipper, and break down that door to Emerald City. Remember, there's "no place like home" and San Antonio awaits.
People say this team is playing with house money. For long suffering Red Raiders, this holds true. But this team doesn't feel that way. They absolutely deserve to be right where they are. Now its time for Keenan to patch up that toe, put on that red ruby slipper, and break down that door to Emerald City. Remember, there's "no place like home" and San Antonio awaits.
