Second straight game

[freewillie07]

That NU held its opponent to under 30% FG shooting overall, and the opponent's 3pt% was significantly better than their 2pt%.

Maryland: 28.8% FG, 43.5% from 3
NJIT: 29.1% FG, 39.3% from 3

Strange, but impressive. Collins has had his best success when his team has a defense-first mentality and can hang its hat on that when the shots aren't falling. Seems like these guys have fully embraced that mentality as well. (I've been particularly impressed with what Simmons brings on that side of the ball... shades of Vic Law.)

 

[Hungry Jack]

The defense was generally quite good today. It seems we played man most of the game. NJIT did hit 10 3 pointers to our 5, yet we still won by 18.

 

[techtim72]

Figuring no way NU could lose this game, I watched the entire broadcast. I know, terrible fan, but in previous years I couldn't stand the pain of long stretches of poorly played, non-competitive basketball and watching a sure win is much less stressful. Anyway after what was a pretty ragged game during which the refs refused to let the players play, my only comment is Audige never has a possession that he doesn't want to immediately jack up the ball. Perhaps he thought that shooting 20% or whatever didn't make any difference with this team - true - but in any other game his approach would be a killer. Playground ball. Guy who gets the ball to take up court shoots. Good athlete though. I can imagine Collins spends a lot of time taming Audige's worst instincts.

 

[DaCat]

Audige completely shut down their leading scorer who was averaging 19 ppg.

 

[Catreporter]

Yep, Audige (albeit with some help) held a guy to 4 points who hit 42 a couple games ago.

 

[NREPP Fraud]

That NU held its opponent to under 30% FG shooting overall, and the opponent's 3pt% was significantly better than their 2pt%.

Maryland: 28.8% FG, 43.5% from 3
NJIT: 29.1% FG, 39.3% from 3

Strange, but impressive. Collins has had his best success when his team has a defense-first mentality and can hang its hat on that when the shots aren't falling. Seems like these guys have fully embraced that mentality as well. (I've been particularly impressed with what Simmons brings on that side of the ball... shades of Vic Law.)

Exactly

 

[NREPP Fraud]

Yep, Audige (albeit with some help) held a guy to 4 points who hit 42 a couple games ago.

He’s a beast

 

[Zootcat]

Yep, Audige (albeit with some help) held a guy to 4 points who hit 42 a couple games ago.

I also wonder whether Collins is encouraging him to shoot in order to get back more of his shooting touch before the games get more difficult.

Mind you, I’m in the camp that says he shoots way too often, and often when the shot isn’t wide open, and when It’s too early in the shot clock.

But, maybe Collins wants him to be extra aggressive for now.

 

[Deeringfish]

Today's game was like a scrimmage; platoon substitution in the first half and lots of guys getting time on the court. There wasn't much energy but there didn't need to be. Basically took care of business practiced timing and never let up on D. Good game for Chase to get back into the swing.
De Paul will be a much bigger test. WR should be rocking.

 

[freewillie07]

Yep, Audige (albeit with some help) held a guy to 4 points who hit 42 a couple games ago.

With the caveat that I was only able to watch the first half, I though Simmons was incredibly impressive in sticking with O’Hearn.

He doesn’t have Chase’s offensive skills, but there’s virtually zero drop off on defense when he’s subbed in. That’s an incredible luxury for us to have.

 

[cat inkansas]

I also wonder whether Collins is encouraging him to shoot in order to get back more of his shooting touch before the games get more difficult.

Mind you, I’m in the camp that says he shoots way too often, and often when the shot isn’t wide open, and when It’s too early in the shot clock.

But, maybe Collins wants him to be extra aggressive for now.

Audige is one of the most exciting players I have seen at NU. His shot selection is between him and the coach. In my opinion.

 

[Alan Smithee_rivals156293]

Audige is one of the most exciting players I have seen at NU. His shot selection is between him and the coach. In my opinion.

He’s very talented. I really appreciated his defense tonight.

One of the reasons he’s exciting to watch is that often once the ball touches his hands, it’s hard to take your eyes off him - and there’s little reason to, because a shot is about to go up. There are other, better reasons, too.

 

[Vassar69]

The defense was generally quite good today. It seems we played man most of the game. NJIT did hit 10 3 pointers to our 5, yet we still won by 18.

That NU held its opponent to under 30% FG shooting overall, and the opponent's 3pt% was significantly better than their 2pt%.

Maryland: 28.8% FG, 43.5% from 3
NJIT: 29.1% FG, 39.3% from 3

Strange, but impressive. Collins has had his best success when his team has a defense-first mentality and can hang its hat on that when the shots aren't falling. Seems like these guys have fully embraced that mentality as well. (I've been particularly impressed with what Simmons brings on that side of the ball... shades of Vic Law.)

NJIT has KenPom’s #330 ranked offense.

 

[Zootcat]

Audige is one of the most exciting players I have seen at NU. His shot selection is between him and the coach. In my opinion.

Totally. As a fan, we may feel differently. But in the end, it’s Collins’ call.

 

[Sec_112]

... There wasn't much energy ...

I agree. That's what has me concerned. I don't think this is anything close to a team that can turn it on-and-off at will against anybody with any talent.

DePaul has wins against Louisville and Rutgers. They're easily one of the two best teams the Cats have played so far this year. I'm worried about our front line against Ogenda and former Gopher Barnadon Johnson. That's going to be a tough game.

 

[GatoLouco]

Good chance for Audige to show that Freeman-Liberty not coming to NU turned out OK for us.

 

[Napcat]

Depaul isn't very deep but that hasn't seemed to hurt them thus far. Should be a great game. Freeman-Liberty is a solid but Jones may be their best player.

 

[mickbula]

Could define our season. Didn't Loyola beat them a few weeks ago? Hope we all treat it as serious and important as a BIG game. I am hoping for a spring board to a bunch more wins over the next couple months. I want a rematch with Gonzaga in the tourney. Maybe the refs will open their eyes this time

 

[Catreporter]

Jones' 33 point outing at Louisville was an eye opener. We'll need to play some great defense against him and Freeman-Liberty to win that game.

 

[CappyNU]

DePaul beat Louisville with 7 scholarship players available. 1 has a medical issue, 1 got injured the previous game, 1 is academically ineligible, and 1 is finishing up the semester at Iowa State before transferring.