Not only did we win but
- Thread starter FloridAlum
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Actually looks like the news isn't too bad... They carted Harris off on a stretcher, so it looked bad.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...off-on-stretcher-after-scary-injury/98103978/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...off-on-stretcher-after-scary-injury/98103978/
Wouldn't it potentially be better to be the 5 or 6 seed and get an extra game against a bottom 4 team? Depends on how these next 4 games play out, but an additional game against a bottom feeder might be beneficial.
I think we've learned that there are no gimmes in conference games. We already lost once to one of those "bottom feeders" and almost did again tonight.
Falling to a 5 or 6 seed just means we get another tough game before playing the 3 or 4 seed. If we keep the 4 seed, we get an extra day of rest and avoiding potentially getting another bad loss on the resume.
The way the injury looked and the way he was just screaming in pain, I doubt Harris returns this season. Tough break for the kid on a freak play.
With MSU and either Mich or Minn just one game behind us, if we finish 4th, it means we've won at least. 2-3 more games. In that case, a win over a bottom_feeder would not matter. The double-bye would be better.
The difference between a bottom feeder and anyone else in the conference this year is pretty slight. Tonight it was just about nonexistent. Consider that their last place visiting team out-rebounded our guys 39-31 in our gym, and we had 9 more free throw attempts and made 10 more free throws than they did. And with nine seconds to go and the ball, down three, their leading scorer mishandled the ball instead of bringing it up into 3-point range for a potential game-tying shot. Jiggle that box score and that game log just a little tiny bit and we’re in overtime or maybe licking our wounds after a loss. I’d not like to face the Scarlet Knights again as they are now playing better than their record would indicate.
We are a very GOOD Northwestern team but hardly a dominant one. We play hard, and usually smart. We’ve been learning to do a better job closing out games. BUT .... we ARE Northwestern, after all. What do I mean by that? Just that In that initial game versus a bottom four league team you just KNOW one of our key guys would tweak an ankle or foot or bust a rib or whatever and not be able to play until after the Big Dance was into its second or third round if then. So, thanks but no thanks to playing a Rutgers team for a third time, or facing a Rutgers-equivalent team on a neutral floor. I’ll take the day of rest and enter the tourney as one of eight with a chance to win versus being one of twelve.
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Perhaps, you're right. But, in years past, this is a game we would have lost. Or we would have been Rutgers.
I'm glad we're not there anymore.
That's pretty much what I thought after tonight. More than anything I was pumped about the win, BUT there was definitely a part of me that thought that what Rutgers was tonight (a team that is out of contention completely, but playing better than their record indicates) is pretty much what it's been like my entire life as a Cats fan.
Not a chance.
As someone else mentioned, if we're a Top 4 seed, we've won the games necessary that we can play the BTT with no pressure as to our tournament future. We can't get a 4 seed without going 3-1 the rest of the way, or at worst 2-2 with some luck.
But here's something else -- If we get the double bye, we also need to win only 1 game to make it to the CBS games with the top crew. As much as the NCAA Tournament is the ultimate validation, having Nantz/Raftery do your game is probably the 2nd validation of your program.
Kind of like 1995 the Rose Bowl was the ultimate. BUT everyone also talks about the PSU game and Keith Jackson announcing it.
This year's team makes FTs. Given the way the game is set up, with multiple timeouts and quick fouls at end time, that is crucial to finishing out games.
Purdue and Michigan will be very tough games. I would be happy with 3-1 or 2-2 if we play well. 12-6 or 11-7 is fantastic with our injuries this year. Look out next year!
I think if we get the double bye then that carries more significant meaning and we are a lock for the dance.
The double bye is a great thing - especially if you're playing a team that's playing their third game in three days.
Yeah agreed. Also, if we are 5, we would play the winner of the 12/13 game. As of right now that would be 2 out of the 3 teams currently "tied" at 5 wins (two are 5-9, one 5-10) -- Indiana, Illinois, OSU. One beat us and the other two are plenty dangerous. I would rather not have that risk.
Also, if we are hoping to maybe make a run, having the team rested and not needing to play until Friday could make a big difference for the amount of energy we have on Sat and maybe Sunday if get a win on Fri.
Exactly. I think we can win the tourney and make Selection Sunday less nerve wracking. Let's get the automatic bid, dammit!
Maybe but NU's depth, mainly do to injuries, seems to make one less game a better option.
Indeed, this had all the makings of a game we would have lost in past seasons. I no longer have that feeling of inevitable impending doom when our late-game lead begins to shrink, and for me that’s a monumental relief. My point was just this: Teams we may label Big Ten “bottom feeders” are often a sprained ankle, a missed goaltending call, a stupid foul or two, a borderline foul whistle or traveling violation call, etc, from beating one of the teams at the top of the heap. So if we were to face off on #11 or even a #14 team on a neutral court in a pressure-filled “win or go home” contest, it’s not like playing a glorified scrimmage with the likes of Savannah State or East Waubenie A&M. In fact, the underdog is likely to be looser and more aggressive due to a “nothing to lose” mentality. It’s a “be careful what you wish for” thing. And, what’s just as important as their overall season records as a tourney lays out is how you match up, and whether your opponents are in a slump or on a roll and getting better each time out.
I want that double bye so badly! This team can win the BTT this year. With the double bye it makes it all the more possible.
Go Cats!!!
That makes a lot of sense. I just would like to see NU get some good press coverage and a little Cinderella fan support over the course of a few games. I can't honestly say I expect us to make the final four but winning our way into the sweet 16 would be great publicity for a club rising from the ashes.
See I got Cinderella and The Phoenix references with out even trying.
E-Cat: If we win out and win the tourney, it will be nerve racking wondering if we are a 2,3 or 4 seed and wondering whether we will be in Indianapolis or Milwaukee!