UVA, Rutgers, Nova Predictions, Anyone?

[23won]

I am happy we are 4-0 but we are about to hit reality and some tough teams.  I hope we are ready.

UVA and Nova play great defense and can score the ball.  We have to counter that and play out most athletic players heavily.  I like G's recent PT trend among the guards,  except Shuler should see more time.  We will not win or compete against Nova if DJ and KL play 50+ minutes and contribute 6 points as they have shown the tendency to do.

I would really like to see against UVA and Nova a heavy rotation of Price, Roberts and Amar, with Jerrell or Steve playing at one time (with JW getting more minutes) and the 5th spot a combination of DJ, KL and Shuler.  G should go with heavy minutes on whoever steps up in game, both offensively and defensively.  If he does, we can hang with both, but I don't see a win in NY and we have a longshot win at Gola if everything comes together.  I just hope we don't re-live what happened against Nova last year for either game.

I think we can win game 2 in NY, and it will probably be Rutgers.

What do you folks think?

[luhoopsfan]

For whatever reason, I've felt like the UVA game was a win since the schedule came out and that we would go through a stretch we ultimately refer to as "the Killer V's" as a turning point in our season. Call me crazy but I think we win this Barclays classic, and come home and lose to Nova. I haven't seen temple play but they are going to have revenge on their mind and that's going to be a tough win.
There's no way we are going to come out of this stretch unfazed it's just a matter of when. But you never know I guess.
If we play Rutgers at any point this season, we better blow their doors off. They just got smacked at home by St Peters and dodged a bullet against the St Francis team we just saw our guys spank last night

[heftyexpl]

If this team really wants to play in the postseason. They'll have to show up for these upcoming games. Zack and Wright should realize these opportunities don't come along often and stress to the team they need to give it their all if they want to see a NCAA appearance.

I am just hoping they steal a win and not roll over (like we've seen in the past to big name opponents). I think we're gonna have to hit a ton of 3's against Virginia and kind of have that punch first mentality to win.

[explorerman]

Nov 26, 2014 10:06:24 GMT -5 heftyexpl said:

If this team really wants to play in the postseason. They'll have to show up for these upcoming games. Zack and Wright should realize these opportunities don't come along often and stress to the team they need to give it their all if they want to see a NCAA appearance.

I am just hoping they steal a win and not roll over (like we've seen in the past to big name opponents). I think we're gonna have to hit a ton of 3's against Virginia and kind of have that punch first mentality to win.

Exactly it is time to step up... They want the postseason these are the games...

G needs to get the best guys out there..

[1stflooredwards]

Nov 26, 2014 10:39:18 GMT -5 La Salle 08 said:

I hope we destroy Frat U, F them:
www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/a-rape-on-campus-20141119

What would you have said if someone had posted something like this about La Salle after the 2004 season?

Don't be a douche. Stick to talking basketball (if you're capable).

[jellybean]

Might be good idea if lasalle08 deleted their post.

[coqui900]

I'm going in with this with proper expectations. This was a #1 seed last year and a candidate for that lofty spot again this year. They're really well coached. We don't have much of a chance. That's not a slight against us -- it's the difference between an A-10 team with a lot of new and young parts against a pretty loaded ACC team with a lot of experience.

We have a puncher's chance. But this is a major step up in talent. We have a few guys on our roster who would get major minutes on UVA (Jerrell, Price, Steve) but they're a more talented, well-coached team who are a grind to play against.

I really hope we don't have a firestorm on here if we lose. I can see the borderline "FIRE G!" and the near certain "we run no offense by G's good for the university" posts happening already. We're playing a Top 10 team. There's still no way to tell what type of team we'll end up with this year, but it's not Top 10.

The one thing we have going for us is defense. GW held them to 59 points. Of course, GW only put up 42.

[theneumann64]

I don't like this thing that's been set up now that "We're finally playing a real team." No, we're playing 2 teams ranked in the top 15. There's plenty of teams we'll play this year that are "real teams" that are not at the level of Virginia and Villanova. (Like, you know the whole A-10).

I'm lumping the Temple game in, and looking at this as a 4 game block. Assuming for the moment we're playing Rutgers, I'm far more interested in the Rutgers game and the Temple game than the other two. Win those, and get to 6-2. And hopefully not be down 20 early in the game to the other 2, and hang in there with them both. Of course I'd like them to win, but if Virginia beats up by 31 on Friday, it's not because we can only handle the St. Francis's of the world, there's a pretty huge chasm between those 2 teams where most of our remaining opponents will lay.

[lwc4591]

Neumann everyone recognizes that we have played a poor schedule to date so now we shall see just how much that helped or misled us. I would be very happy if we can play a solid brand of basketball and keep it respectable. Based on how we have played to date I expect a score something like 64-48 Virginia. I problem will be what it has been so far this season and that is our offense.

[theneumann64]

No, everyone doesn't recognize that, and assuming we don't win on Friday night, there's going to be way too much "See what happens when we play a real team" nonsense, as if Virginia isn't one of the top teams in the country.

[1stflooredwards]

LWC,

In 2012-2013 LaSalle played Delaware, Central Connecticut State and Hartford prior to Villanova and won the Nova game so I have confidence that Coach G knows what he is doing - much more confidence than I have in you and your basketball knowledge.

[coqui900]

Nov 26, 2014 11:19:05 GMT -5 theneumann64 said:

I don't like this thing that's been set up now that "We're finally playing a real team." No, we're playing 2 teams ranked in the top 15. There's plenty of teams we'll play this year that are "real teams" that are not at the level of Virginia and Villanova. (Like, you know the whole A-10).

I'm lumping the Temple game in, and looking at this as a 4 game block. Assuming for the moment we're playing Rutgers, I'm far more interested in the Rutgers game and the Temple game than the other two. Win those, and get to 6-2. And hopefully not be down 20 early in the game to the other 2, and hang in there with them both. Of course I'd like them to win, but if Virginia beats up by 31 on Friday, it's not because we can only handle the St. Francis's of the world, there's a pretty huge chasm between those 2 teams where most of our remaining opponents will lay.

I wouldn't be shocked to see either UVA/Villanova in the Final 4 or those teams matching up in an Elite 8 game. There's absolutely no shame in getting knocked in the mouth by those teams.

[lwc4591]

1stfloor I never said we couldn't win the game but would consider a 12-15 point loss as a good sign and respectable. 1stfloor you are probably correct regarding my basketball knowledge but I did stay at a Hoilday Inn last night. Neumann regarding people who don't recognize that we have played a poor schedule maybe the following numbers will help: "Kenpom Ratings" - Colgate #214, Quinnipiac #142, St. Peter's #183 and St. Francis #201. Coqui agree with you 100%.

[1stflooredwards]

You even blew the joke. Needs to be a Holiday Inn Express.

[lwc4591]

Didn't blow the joke you are still posting. As if i had to add Express to get my point accross.

[23won]

Hey everybody, have a great Thanksgiving!

[ck]

I'd like to think La Salle could stay within 20 points of Virginia and Villanova, but I doubt it. And while Price seems to be a real player (perhaps pro potential eventually) lack of a frontcourt next year is scary---and Washington seems to get very little play so far.

[calsufan]

I think we have little to no chance to win against Virginia. They are just too good. As other's have mentioned, they were a #1 seed last year and their defense is excellent. Their offense is pretty damn good as well. The question in my mind is how the team plays them and how they react if Virginia beats up on them. If they keep fighting and lose, I'm okay with that (although I'll probably bitch and moan some Friday night regardless). If the team folds like a cheap suit and hangs their head, then I'll be more disappointed.

As far as Vilenova, they are very good as well, but I think we have a shot because it's at Gola and it's a Big 5 game. If we didn't have those two factors going for us, then I think we could easily lose by a dozen. We could still lose by a dozen, but nonetheless, we have a shot.

Rutgers is definitely beatable and I would be the most upset if we lost to them. Temple could go either way. Dunphy always seems to find a way to beat us. I think at best we go 2-2 over this stretch. 1-3 is also definitely possible.

[big5vet]

I will add Drexel to my list of upcoming games because It's part of such a crucial OOC stretch. Given that thought:
Gone to Heaven 5 - 0
Ecstasy 4 - 1
Elated 3 - 2
Happy 2 - 3
Depressed 1 - 4
Suicidal 0 - 5

[lasallescreamer]

I think we could well compete with top teams by our 20th game; now, its too early. Before we can be our best, we need a set rotation with everyone knowing their roles and where offense can more smoothly function.We will be OK.

[jellybean]

St. Peter's won at Rutgers last night 68-50.
St. Francis NY lost earlier this week at Rutgers 76-73.

UVA is #23 most efficient offense and #3 most efficient defense.
La Salle is #210 on offense and #35 on defense.
UVA averages 60.5 possessions to La Salle's 68.8.
All the makings of a rock fight.

If we can stay within 5 late I would be ecstatic and if we trail by 16 late I will be drinking heavily at the bar which might happen anyway.

UVA 65
La Salle 54

Side note, UVA Head Coach Tony Bennett is one of G's best friends.

[explorerman]

Nov 26, 2014 11:08:04 GMT -5 coqui900 said:

I'm going in with this with proper expectations. This was a #1 seed last year and a candidate for that lofty spot again this year. They're really well coached. We don't have much of a chance. That's not a slight against us -- it's the difference between an A-10 team with a lot of new and young parts against a pretty loaded ACC team with a lot of experience.

We have a puncher's chance. But this is a major step up in talent. We have a few guys on our roster who would get major minutes on UVA (Jerrell, Price, Steve) but they're a more talented, well-coached team who are a grind to play against.

I really hope we don't have a firestorm on here if we lose. I can see the borderline "FIRE G!" and the near certain "we run no offense by G's good for the university" posts happening already. We're playing a Top 10 team. There's still no way to tell what type of team we'll end up with this year, but it's not Top 10.

The one thing we have going for us is defense. GW held them to 59 points. Of course, GW only put up 42.

UVA struggled on offense last year and lost their best offensive player in Joe Harris and their best post defender to graduation

[calidelphia]

Nov 26, 2014 15:04:55 GMT -5 jellybean said:

Side note, UVA Head Coach Tony Bennett is one of G's best friends.

This is really interesting to me.  A little research returned that Bennett also contributed a chapter to G's book "court sense".  As an additional side note, they are both in the top 100 sexiest coaches.  That's really all I got here.....

Any references to this anywhere or just from personal knowledge?

[coqui900]

Nov 26, 2014 15:18:15 GMT -5 explorerman said:

Nov 26, 2014 11:08:04 GMT -5 coqui900 said:

I'm going in with this with proper expectations. This was a #1 seed last year and a candidate for that lofty spot again this year. They're really well coached. We don't have much of a chance. That's not a slight against us -- it's the difference between an A-10 team with a lot of new and young parts against a pretty loaded ACC team with a lot of experience.

We have a puncher's chance. But this is a major step up in talent. We have a few guys on our roster who would get major minutes on UVA (Jerrell, Price, Steve) but they're a more talented, well-coached team who are a grind to play against.

I really hope we don't have a firestorm on here if we lose. I can see the borderline "FIRE G!" and the near certain "we run no offense by G's good for the university" posts happening already. We're playing a Top 10 team. There's still no way to tell what type of team we'll end up with this year, but it's not Top 10.

The one thing we have going for us is defense. GW held them to 59 points. Of course, GW only put up 42.

UVA struggled on offense last year and lost their best offensive player in Joe Harris and their best post defender to graduation

... And still has way more talent.

[luhoopsfan]

this is going to be like a 55-49 game against UVA

[las71]

My heart says 2-1 with wins over Rutgers and Villanova but my head says 1-2.

[a10champion15]

Neumann you are spot on. Some of the same posters are going to come on here piss and moan after losing to a top 10 team that is playing like one. UVA and Nova played over the past week some of the best basketball I seen so far. I really don't see us winning the Virginia game but hey they got to have a bad game at some point and have yet to play a game that isn't home.

UVA has been very consistent so far though. I not sure who has watched them this season but their defense is overwhelming to watch. It feels as though they have 10 players on the court and everyone is constantly being double teamed. They simply suffocate you on offense. GW is a good team. I think the second best team in the A10. I am not sure if anyone watched the game but GW was in it for 75% of the game until the last 8 or so minutes when things just fell apart. They simply wear teams down.

We should and can beat Rutgers and return home 5-1. In the progressive tournament they played some awesome basketball. However, they played some not so good basketball against Bucknell. I also like this matchup a lot more. We have good guards who haven't been shooting well up until yesterday but are very good defensively. The same goes for Nova, their offense hasn't looked the same as last year. The front court is kind of the same thing. I don't think Ochefu isn't that special but Pinkston is outstanding. Zack and Wright haven't been great but yesterday was a big improvement.

I don't think this team is ready for UVA but they will be ready for Nova. A Big 5 rivalry game against a top ten Nova team at the Gola? CAN"T WAIT! This game will be wild and the students can make a difference.

[a10champion15]

"La Salle has a pivotal stretch coming up beginning Friday against Virginia in the Barclays Center Classic. The Explorers (4-0) will play a neutral-court game against the defending ACC regular-season and tournament champions and then play the winner/loser of Vanderbilt-Rutgers the next night. Following its trip to Brooklyn, John Giannini's team will play host to Villanova on Wednesday night in North Philadelphia. That's multiple opportunities against two of the better teams in the country, neither of which will be played on an opponent's home floor."

[theneumann64]

Nov 26, 2014 19:09:04 GMT -5 a10champion15 said:

"La Salle has a pivotal stretch coming up beginning Friday against Virginia in the Barclays Center Classic. The Explorers (4-0) will play a neutral-court game against the defending ACC regular-season and tournament champions and then play the winner/loser of Vanderbilt-Rutgers the next night. Following its trip to Brooklyn, John Giannini's team will play host to Villanova on Wednesday night in North Philadelphia. That's multiple opportunities against two of the better teams in the country, neither of which will be played on an opponent's home floor."

Where's this from?

[a10champion15]

Nov 26, 2014 19:22:38 GMT -5 theneumann64 said:

Nov 26, 2014 19:09:04 GMT -5 a10champion15 said:

"La Salle has a pivotal stretch coming up beginning Friday against Virginia in the Barclays Center Classic. The Explorers (4-0) will play a neutral-court game against the defending ACC regular-season and tournament champions and then play the winner/loser of Vanderbilt-Rutgers the next night. Following its trip to Brooklyn, John Giannini's team will play host to Villanova on Wednesday night in North Philadelphia. That's multiple opportunities against two of the better teams in the country, neither of which will be played on an opponent's home floor."

Where's this from?

CBS SPORTS Jon Rothstein I believe wrote the article. This was just one of many observations.