@Eastern Michigan 11/12 5:00 PM

[Bird Friend]

12 point lead at the half and we lose.

Wow. Nothing got past you!

 

[DoubleDeuce]

Miller looked as shocked as anybody that he was put in the game at the end of regulation. Had a 'deer in the headlights' look in his eyes but handled it pretty well. A really odd situation in my eyes, but I don't see the teams day to day practices.

 

[Dmills]

The beginning of the game was fun to watch (too many turnovers though). The first 15 or so minutes of the second half were not fun to watch at all, but man the ending of that game was amazing. Too many whistle blows IMO, but a lot of trading baskets and for the most part, good basketball at the end.

We need to fix the turnovers and whatever happened coming out of the half, but I was actually very impressed with the team and I thought they showed more potential than they did in the first game. Absolutely monster game from Chatman, lots of scoring from Reeves as well. I really liked when Fleming was in compared to when Freeman and I thought our offense flowed better and we turned it over less. I feel Freeman has been too wild with his passing and too loose with his dribbling (or just dribbling too much at times into traffic). He may just need to adjust to playing with the team and I still believe he will be a nice addition, but at this point I think we should consider starting Fleming. I thought he showed a lot of improvement from last year (has to figure out how to stop fouling though.

I was very surprised as were all of us that Miller went in at the end. He has never played before in a D1 basketball game. I had figured Johnson was ahead of him in the rotation (maybe he still is and coach wanted Miller's build in at the end compared to Johnson's). I am very happy for him finally getting his chance though and scoring his first points in a critical situation. It did really hurt us that Washington was out. Now that I think more about it, I am absolutely shocked that Sissoko was not put in over Miller when Lewis fouled out. Coach obviously wanted to change it up and not give those minutes to McChesney, but choosing Miller over Sissoko was very interesting.

That was a huge shot at the end of the game by Reeves. I do not remember which period it was in, but he hit a long three when I did not think he should've shot it. If he can hit shots like that in the clutch, we are going to have some fun endings and be able to compete in close games. Overall, I was proud of the way the guys played and I am more encouraged about where we are at. I wish we came away with a win, but I think we learned a ton about our guys in this one. Looking forward to the game against Murray State... hopefully we can improve on the attendance and lack of energy from the students last game. They are giving away bluetooth speakers to the first 500 students so who knows.

 

[Birdswin]

Minor item - but does Muller understand these are regular season games, with fans, and not practice games?? Looks like to me, he has forgotten he is representing the University.

 

[ILLST25]

Reggie lynch?

I suppose that is an argument but it’s hard to compare the two because they have vastly different games

 

[SgtHulka]

98 points, 6 assists.

So far the defense end isn't being boosted by the newcomers. I was expecting more hawkish action from Freeman

Chatman was a rock star. 110% effort and kept his cool during some high tension moments.

Though Strong's shot was gonna end up on Sports Center. Man that was as close to down without going in you can get.

Best free throw shooting team in a long time

 

[Adunk33]

Here’s a text I sent another member of this board at halftime. Regardless of the team and situation Muller’s teams always struggle playing with a lead.

It seemed in the second half, he went away from rotations that were working in the first half. Of course foul trouble played a role but the throwing out different looks from other guys could’ve been helpful and threw EMU off their rhythm. You could tell, especially in the second OT the Reeves and Chatman were gassed. Reeves legs were gone and Sy took a ton of contact throughout the game.

I do feel good about last nights game other than the blown lead. Muller said in the postgame that “Everything we need to fix is in the locker room.” I thought that was an interesting comment. We’ll see how the team bounces back and if they have the mental toughness to move on from this one. Especially Freeman. I’m not sure he was thrilled with being benched.

We’ll never get an answer because the question won’t be asked but I, like all of you, have to be curious why Miller was the go to versus Sissoko, Johnson, or Freeman (I know he struggled but he’s still played in games like this). I’m happy for the kid, he made a big shot and the bank was open for him after 7 on a Friday night.

 

[ILLST25]

I can’t get my head around Miller being in this game. Good for him getting the nod, but just shocked.

Maybe next time it’ll be Emon (once healthy) in there instead. What a difference that would make.

 

[gobirds85]

Thoughts on being down 5, 12.7 secs left in game, emu ball and muller waves the white flag. I know the chances of coming back are really, really super thin but giving up assures the defeat. And what message does it send the team and fan base?

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

Maybe next time it’ll be Emon (once healthy) in there instead. What a difference that would make.

Yeah he would have made a huge difference. A guy that could take to the hole and d up. Plus, he doesn't get gassed.

I can only imagine how sore Sy is today. I remember Adunk talking about how if Sy buys in he would be a difference maker. Wow was he right. Wait until Sy gets him game legs under him.

We need a little more from Strong. He was huge in the first half then couldn't buy a bucket.

Fleming looked good last night. Played in control and had a knack for rebounding. If he keeps this up he might take Freeman's starting spot. Freeman was off on offense and defense last night.

Lewis bring in foul trouble was problem as well. We need him on the court more.

Schmitt needs to improve his foot speed. He is a defensive liability out there right now. If he could get into better positioning that would help.

Reeves still put up 32 even with emu focusing on him. He is gonna be special this season.

It is so nice having guys who can make free throws. Unfortunately when the other team goes 32-43 at the line you have a pretty big hill to climb.

This team doesn't look like a Thursday team so far. They are ahead of where I thought they would be so far. Tuesday will be a good test. Home game with hopefully a larger crowd.

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

Thoughts on being down 5, 12.7 secs left in game, emu ball and muller waves the white flag. I know the chances of coming back are really, really super thin but giving up assures the defeat. And what message does it send the team and fan base?

They needed the trap there. Once they broke that the game was over.

 

[jamminjamarsmiley]

I suppose that is an argument but it’s hard to compare the two because they have vastly different games

Well when I think of a “big” I think more lynch than Chatman. Chatman shoots too many jump shots for my liking. I also would argue Fayne over Chatman. Let’s not lose sight of the fact Chatman has played 2 games against sub 250 ranked teams.

 

[Birdfriend72]

When were the last time ISU Basketball had an inside player post 29 points and a Perimeter player score 32 in the same game? The sad thing is they lost.

 

[Birdfriend72]

Here’s a text I sent another member of this board at halftime. Regardless of the team and situation Muller’s teams always struggle playing with a lead.

It seemed in the second half, he went away from rotations that were working in the first half. Of course foul trouble played a role but the throwing out different looks from other guys could’ve been helpful and threw EMU off their rhythm. You could tell, especially in the second OT the Reeves and Chatman were gassed. Reeves legs were gone and Sy took a ton of contact throughout the game.

I do feel good about last nights game other than the blown lead. Muller said in the postgame that “Everything we need to fix is in the locker room.” I thought that was an interesting comment. We’ll see how the team bounces back and if they have the mental toughness to move on from this one. Especially Freeman. I’m not sure he was thrilled with being benched.

We’ll never get an answer because the question won’t be asked but I, like all of you, have to be curious why Miller was the go to versus Sissoko, Johnson, or Freeman (I know he struggled but he’s still played in games like this). I’m happy for the kid, he made a big shot and the bank was open for him after 7 on a Friday night.

I couldn't believe we had a walk on in the game near the end of the game. Oops, didn't see someone had brought it up. My bad.

 

[Redbirdfan06]

Chatman is our best big since Jackie Carmichael

Best big or most potential since Carmichael? He’s played 7 games total and has been impressive in 1.

 

[Redbird222]

When were the last time ISU Basketball had an inside player post 29 points and a Perimeter player score 32 in the same game? The sad thing is they lost.

I did not research this but my first thought was the loss against Stanford in the NIT

Nic Moore 25
T brown 23
Jackie 21

Not exactly 32 and 29 but significant scoring inside and outside. Like I said I didn't research this so there may be another game

 

[Redbird222]

I did not research this but my first thought was the loss against Stanford in the NIT

Nic Moore 25
T brown 23
Jackie 21

Not exactly 32 and 29 but significant scoring inside and outside. Like I said I didn't research this so there may be another game

Ok i thought of one more ... ISU opener at Flordia Gulf Coast. I remember Key going off and losing in a shootout. Full disclosure I couldn't remember what Phil did.

Evans 28
Fayne 24

 

[ILLST25]

Best big or most potential since Carmichael? He’s played 7 games total and has been impressive in 1.

His upside is insane. I hope he just keeps getting better.