Survive and advance, baby. That's the mantra for a reason. I saw Arkansas had to call three or four timeouts just to inbound the ball at the end of the game, and when asked about it Calipari said, "Don't care, won game." I'm paraphrasing but not far off, and he's right - just win, baby.
Red Raiders needed 46, I said 46, three point shots to win the game by 10 points. Madness!
I've heard plenty of teeth gnashing over Tech's performance, but the fact is they are 80% of the best version of themselves because they are down Chance McMillian. That's just how it is. How far will 80% advance in this tournament? So far it's at least to the round of 32. Every game that Tech wins from here on out is a testament to coaching and preparation (and execution). Teams with significant injuries don't tend to last long, will Tech last long enough to get McMillian healthy and back? Is that even realistic with his injury? I don't know.
These games, like all games, are about matchups - just the March lights are much more intense so we really see it. Will Drake have an Obioha and McGriff to muck up the middle? If not I like Tech's chances. If JT Toppin can get loose inside it makes Texas Tech nearly impossible to guard effectively, basically need Tech to miss good shots to lose in that scenario. Missing good shots happens, but missing good shots is a different animal than missing poor shots. I feel confident in saying Toppin will get off more than eight shots against Drake.
I will be interested to see how Christian Anderson responds to his poor shooting night. He did other things well but he did not shoot it well at all. The tournament is a pressure cooker and some guys wilt while others shine like diamonds.
Get Toppin loose inside and I think everything else becomes easier for the Red Raiders. Inside out, baby.
Red Raiders needed 46, I said 46, three point shots to win the game by 10 points. Madness!
I've heard plenty of teeth gnashing over Tech's performance, but the fact is they are 80% of the best version of themselves because they are down Chance McMillian. That's just how it is. How far will 80% advance in this tournament? So far it's at least to the round of 32. Every game that Tech wins from here on out is a testament to coaching and preparation (and execution). Teams with significant injuries don't tend to last long, will Tech last long enough to get McMillian healthy and back? Is that even realistic with his injury? I don't know.
These games, like all games, are about matchups - just the March lights are much more intense so we really see it. Will Drake have an Obioha and McGriff to muck up the middle? If not I like Tech's chances. If JT Toppin can get loose inside it makes Texas Tech nearly impossible to guard effectively, basically need Tech to miss good shots to lose in that scenario. Missing good shots happens, but missing good shots is a different animal than missing poor shots. I feel confident in saying Toppin will get off more than eight shots against Drake.
I will be interested to see how Christian Anderson responds to his poor shooting night. He did other things well but he did not shoot it well at all. The tournament is a pressure cooker and some guys wilt while others shine like diamonds.
Get Toppin loose inside and I think everything else becomes easier for the Red Raiders. Inside out, baby.
