How do we win Friday, when....

[UDBaby]

...just about everyone has us getting Shocked?

Listened to Jay Bilas on M&M this a.m. and he never even mentioned The Flyers when talking about WSU. Basically said what a tough draw WSU has in having to face UK in the second round etc...

All of which only makes me feel that much better about AM firing up the boys to come out hot and stay hot....

FWIW my keys to this game are:
XW - Stay out of early foul trouble and get into a groove early. Be the difference maker that you can be right off the opening tip. Turn your crunch time heroics into an all-game Nightmare on Elm Street for the Shockers.

Fast Start - Can not play catch-up from the get-go. Get your heads, hearts, and arses into their face early and be unrelenting about it.

Attack...Attack...Attack - Be aggressive both ends of the floor.

Stay out of early foul trouble - speaks for itself.

Flyers - 68
shockers - 62

[priceg75]

It's going to be a dogfight, despite what everyone says. I think we can pull it out late. We would've pulled out Davidson game if Jack Gibbs didn't go berserk. This is the best late game team I've ever witnessed at Dayton. I just hope they get one more chance to work their magic.

[CT Flyer]

The thing that gets me is that this isn't like a 1-16 game. Everyone seems to be making it into a no-brainer win for WSU. Even if WSU is the better team and even if they are favored and even if they were to end up winning it's not like they are in some different stratosphere than we are. I think all in all we are pretty evenly matched. I guess there is one place we are decided underdogs...media darlings.

[Medford]

There are a few exceptions, but for being a 7 seed oppossite Kentucky, every time UK's name comes up, it inevitable turns to WSU and rarely is UD's name brought up. On SI.com, ESPN.com, CBSsports.com, the sporting news and even Barry Obama's tweeted brackets that have gone viral due to poor bracket management, only 1 person of their "experts" have picked UD to advance. It feels like UD is a 15 seed, an afterthought; it feels "weird"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtUvx8GJvOM

[pmcmullen]

Keys to winning, for me, are quite simple. It starts with a "simple" task: leave it all on the floor.

We've played a handful of games where we won, but we did a terrible job at this. Play like you want it. Have it in your mind that your season isn't over. Decide before you ever walk on the floor that you are going to win this game. All this press - or more like being ignored - get p***ed off about it!

Do these things, and the rest will fall in place. We're a good team - we just need to play well.

[CE80]

Keep the ball moving - especially in/out of the post.
Kendall and Josh can't force it. If you can't make a quick move - send it back out.
Kyle shoot the ball and not just at the end of the game. We are not going to win if Kyle passes on every opportunity to shoot.

[pmcmullen]

Originally Posted by CE80 Kendall and Josh can't force it. If you can't make a quick move - send it back out.

And Cooke...

[rollo]

At a coaching clinic back in the 80's, the Royal General Bobby Knight said something to the effect of '90% of games are lost, not won.' and I believe him.

So the key to beating Wichita State is first of all not to beat ourselves. Next is keep Scoochie and Pollard out of foul trouble.

King Rollo the Philosopher...OUT!

[CT Flyer]

Start fast. Fight through screens!!! This is a very good shooting team and they will fill it up if left open. If they allow KP to catch in the high post area and operate, get him the ball and then keep getting it to him. If he is successful it will open up plenty of open shots for others. Rebound!!!

[steve]

Originally Posted by UDBaby ...just about everyone has us getting Shocked? Listened to Jay Bilas on M&M this a.m. and he never even mentioned The Flyers when talking about WSU. Basically said what a tough draw WSU has in having to face UK in the second round etc... All of which only makes me feel that much better about AM firing up the boys to come out hot and stay hot.... FWIW my keys to this game are: XW - Stay out of early foul trouble and get into a groove early. Be the difference maker that you can be right off the opening tip. Turn your crunch time heroics into an all-game Nightmare on Elm Street for the Shockers. Fast Start - Can not play catch-up from the get-go. Get your heads, hearts, and arses into their face early and be unrelenting about it. Attack...Attack...Attack - Be aggressive both ends of the floor. Stay out of early foul trouble - speaks for itself. Flyers - 68 shockers - 62

Fast start or, rather, can't get off to a "slow" start.Big big difference. No worries trading punches with a team the first 10 minutes because UD IS a team that has to punch, claw, counter-punch to be successful. It is imperative that Cooke come out early and hit a few shots. He's THE senior that can do it all, a POTY candidate early on, and a 2nd team A10 kid who has to start playing like that again....

[UDTradition]

I think there is at least one shining hope...does WSU have a defense against a top 30 team?

We're all the same...panic will set in if they realize their best efforts are failing. On offense you can pick it up...on defense you panic when you realize your best efforts don't work.

[Ivan]

Not even a brief mention of what it takes for WSU to get to the Kentucky match up. No love shown for our Flyers here.......

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaa...id=mailsignout

[UDTradition]

http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/wichi...17-2017-779737

Enjoy

[UDBrian]

I heard bilas right after the brackets were announced. He said

"this is one seeding mistake the committee made. Wsu should be a better seed than this they are really good." He then picked wsu and said " no disrespect to dayton smith and cooke are really good"

[Flyer Al]

Remember three years ago how many posts there were on Twitter saying "Thanks Dayton for screwing up my bracket" when UD beat OSU? I want that same thing to happen A LOT tomorrow night.

[Radar]

Originally Posted by pmcmullen Keys to winning, for me, are quite simple. It starts with a "simple" task: leave it all on the floor. We've played a handful of games where we won, but we did a terrible job at this. Play like you want it. Have it in your mind that your season isn't over. Decide before you ever walk on the floor that you are going to win this game. All this press - or more like being ignored - get p***ed off about it! Do these things, and the rest will fall in place. We're a good team - we just need to play well.

This.
I believe our games vs VCU prepare us well for WSU. Although WSU is VCU with better shooters, we need to play like it's a street fight and we'll be there in the end.

[UDDoug]

I think this one is a really tough one to read.

Wichita State is either very good, and got jobbed in their seed. Not dissimilar to the Tulsa debacle in Spokane, where Tulsa was much better than their seed.

Or Wichita State is not nearly as good as the advanced metrics make them out to be because the quality of play in the MVC is so poor this year.

I have no idea which is true. I do know they have a very good head coach.

[Figgie123]

Don't get down by 10 points in the first half.

8 times this year, we had a 10 pt deficit in the first half. UD won only 2 of them. at Rhode Island and home vs Bonaventure.

	Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

[Flyer69ers]

Originally Posted by UDBaby ...just about everyone has us getting Shocked?

so we will be flying under the radar - I like it.

[NJFlyr71]

Our track record under a couple HC's is that when we are seeded high(er) in this Tourney we dribble down our pant leg ... I mean our shorts.

BUT maybe past is not prologue?

[NJFlyr71]

Originally Posted by Medford ... even Barry Obama's tweeted brackets that have gone viral ...

What! BHO hasn't picked US to advance? Last Dam time we invite him to a game at UD Arena!!

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Medford ...and even Barry Obama's tweeted brackets...

Well, that does it. We're doomed. I mean, the former President is never wrong about anything, right?



SCREW ALL THE "EXPERTS"! GO UD!!

[jack72]

To hear WSU talk they have two Jack Gibbs, and at least two Aldridges. We have no chance.

[FlyerGuyer]

Yep, you guys nailed it. Need to punch them in the nose early and often. They are relatively young compared to UD, and they've racked up a bunch of blowout wins against a bunch of chumps. They've wilted when faced with a real battle. Can't let them get a big lead because that seems to be their comfort zone.

[Flyer 86]

Originally Posted by Figgie123 Don't get down by 10 points in the first half. 8 times this year, we had a 10 pt deficit in the first half. UD won only 2 of them. at Rhode Island and home vs Bonaventure.

THIS!

And I would shrink that to 6, for a playoff type game. Hang close or go up 6 to 8 points in firsthalf, we are solid.

Go down 6 to 10, by 8 minute mark or going in to the half..... we are what we are.

Gonna be tougher to come back against the Shockers

[Flyer 86]

Plus we have Chicago and NY CITY in the house.
Nice edge there!!

[hawkoooo]

Wichita State's highly ranked defense has only played three top 75 offenses. Dayton has played eight.

The Shockers lost all three. Dayton went 5-3. How about offense?

WSU's highly ranked offense vs top 75 defenses: 4-3. Dayton? 6-3.

[CJ2etc]

Originally Posted by jack72 To hear WSU talk they have two Jack Gibbs, and at least two Aldridges. We have no chance.

And none of those 4 even start

[UDGutter2]

How do we win? It helps to have the opposing coach say it is inevitable that he will leave sometime the day before the game. Both coaches were asked about the IU job, and Archie said he was committed to Dayton, while Marshall said close to previous comment. I know it's not much, but any distraction may help. You know we need all the help we can get to beat the NBA team.

[Buster Goode]

Pretty sure we will be down 10+ points in the first half. It's just what we do.
Posted via Mobile Device

[NJFlyr71]

UD should win.

Them Shockers are NOT GLUTEN FREE!

Go Flyers!

[CE80]

Originally Posted by CJ2etc And none of those 4 even start

Walkons

[FLYER5]

And Toto too

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by hawkoooo Wichita State's highly ranked defense has only played three top 75 offenses. Dayton has played eight. The Shockers lost all three. Dayton went 5-3. How about offense? WSU's highly ranked offense vs top 75 defenses: 4-3. Dayton? 6-3.

I expect this game to be an all out war; maybe even tight by both teams early on. An early Flyer deficit wouldn't surprise me, but no matter what, they will come back if that happens. Both teams when playing well can beat anybody. In the end...just like last year, you gotta make shots. I'm hoping CC gets on a roll and takes it to the rim as he's very tough to stop. Both fan bases are in for a surprise when it comes to defense.

[priceg75]

What comforted me about this game was one of the Wichita threads where they said a common thread in their losses to big teams this year was that they got behind by 10+ early in their games vs. the P5.

This game sounds like a match made in heaven. We may go to 12 overtimes.

[UDGutter2]

Originally Posted by priceg75 We may go to 12 overtimes.

Then I may go to the ER.

[MikeF]

Originally Posted by CE80 Walkons

...who were upgraded from student managers when the previous walk-ons - themselves Jack Gibbs clones - transferred to ACC and Big XII schools for more playing time.

[UDGutter2]

Apparently their walks who left became officials who anticipate calls incorrectly.

[sopaw10]

I agree that the officiating was awful, and you hit the nail on the head, the zebras anticipated calls that were often not there. That did not cost us the game however. Having only 2 reliable scorers did. In order to make a nice tournament run, you need 4 or 5 guys hat can make the opposition pay. I am hoping we will have more threats with the group arriving next year. Most of what is returning on this team are role players at best, and some should not see the floor on a team that is truly solid.

[TXFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by sopaw10 I agree that the officiating was awful, and you hit the nail on the head, the zebras anticipated calls that were often not there. That did not cost us the game however. Having only 2 reliable scorers did. In order to make a nice tournament run, you need 4 or 5 guys hat can make the opposition pay. I am hoping we will have more threats with the group arriving next year. Most of what is returning on this team are role players at best, and some should not see the floor on a team that is truly solid.

I was less concerned about the shooting than the rebounding. When you get out-rebounded by 19, and give up way too many offensive rebounds, it's tough to win.

[FLYER5]

Sure am going to miss KD, KP, SS, and the good CC.

[sopaw10]

Originally Posted by TXFlyerFan I was less concerned about the shooting than the rebounding. When you get out-rebounded by 19, and give up way too many offensive rebounds, it's tough to win.

Rebounding certainly hurt, and was problematic all year, however, we had 10 more shots and 10 fewer turnovers than WSU. Our inability to find scorers beyond Scoochie and KP took a lot of pressure off of the Shockers.

[TXFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by sopaw10 Rebounding certainly hurt, and was problematic all year, however, we had 10 more shots and 10 fewer turnovers than WSU. Our inability to find scorers beyond Scoochie and KP took a lot of pressure off of the Shockers.

Kyle did what he also does, which was be a defensive menace and he scored 6 points to boot, so I'd say he, along with Kendall and Scooch did what they should have done. The rest of the team...

[ScottyExpress]

Originally Posted by sopaw10 Rebounding certainly hurt, and was problematic all year, however, we had 10 more shots and 10 fewer turnovers than WSU. Our inability to find scorers beyond Scoochie and KP took a lot of pressure off of the Shockers.

We stink is all I can say. Time for a new coach. Time for new players that can play. Archie has to go. Is he even Catholic? He is a cancer inserted into our program by his big brother Sean and the other Jesuit schools in hopes of destroying the UD program. We are the red headed stepchildren of the Jesuits. Time for holy war.

[UDTradition]

Scotty ... give it a rest...please...you're bringing everyone down....

[sopaw10]

He's not bringing me down. He's proving to the world what a complete buffoon he is.

[oldfan]

Originally Posted by TXFlyerFan Kyle did what he also does, which was be a defensive menace and he scored 6 points to boot, so I'd say he, along with Kendall and Scooch did what they should have done. The rest of the team...

One other player played with more than the usual expectations. I thought Sam Miller played a very good game. Wichita was stymied on the inside when Sam was in the game. I know that some on this board have been down on Sam but if he could bring that same intensity every game he will be an invaluable cog for the team next year.

Also as to those who are down on Cooke. I too was disappointed but the Wichita player who was guarding the three spot must have been good. When DD was in the game for Cooke, he had the same problem that Cooke had in being able to get an open look. Maybe it is time we gave some credit to the Wichita defender.

And yes Kyle was just fantastic in stopping the best Wichita scorer. With our scoring woes, we would not even have been in the game without Kyle's defense. That was one of the best shut down defense performances I have ever witnessed.

[SeasonTicketFan]

I saw the game close up. Very hard played game on both side. Easy to scapegoat because he had his worst game as a Flyer. What I saw was his inability to finish. He got to basket, but then ran into lots of help. Pollard had the same problem. Both Cooke and Pollard are at their best when they slash to the basket. Witchita State was just too tall and quick inside. They made their defense so much better. Give credit to their defense.

I have mixed feelings on Cooke. Does not get enough credit for his defense. Had a lot of assists for a selfish player. But he did force shots (as did Pollard st times). Supposedly not popular with teammates. His offensive numbers sagged as A10 season progressed. Despite all that, this team goes 15-3 in A10. He had to be doing something right. Maybe the Chris Wright effect. Too much expected by himself, coaches and fans.

Williams threw up three air balls. His worst offensive performance as well.

The rebounding numbers tell the story too. This team was a poor rebounding team. Next year will have a taller team and a completely different personality.

On defense, Flyers were excellent. They seemed to tire in the last four minutes. One of their better defensive efforts of the year. Play that way and trounce GW and Davidson. Outstanding effort on defense.

Great college basketball game. Just not the result I wanted.

	Chris Wright CHRIS WRIGHT 6-8 225lb | Trotwood Madison, HS (OH) A10 All Rookie Team. Preseason 2008 2nd Team All A10. Member of the UD Flight Club with a 40+ inch vertical leap. Consensus Top-75 national recruit. Uncle is former Flyer J.D. Grigsby. Nickname is Top Flyght. CAREER STATS 2007-08 10.4ppg 5.7rpg

[sopaw10]

STF, I agree with your assessment of Charles completely. I was frustrated by his tendency to disappear offensively throughout the year, but I think we have taken for granted his D, which is spectacular at times, and I was very impressed by how unselfish he became, delivering the ball to his teammates as the year unfolded.

Just wish he had the ability to finish more consistently at the basket (Vee Sanford)

[rollo]

Originally Posted by rollo At a coaching clinic back in the 80's, the Royal General Bobby Knight said something to the effect of '90% of games are lost, not won.' and I believe him. So the key to beating Wichita State is first of all not to beat ourselves. Next is keep Scoochie and Pollard out of foul trouble. King Rollo the Philosopher...OUT!

So is Sir Bobby Knight right*?

Did we lose last night's game?

or did Wichita State win it?

Let's start a poll!