re: Recap: Tigers miss opportunities, lose opener 92-90

I see we still don't value free throw shooting. That is discouraging.

Well after watching the game on DVR, good effort by the Tigers.

The key to this game wasn't fouls (yes it was terrible) or foul shooting (yes it was also terrible), it was the terrible 3rd and 4th foul calls on JOB.
Once he got on track, Umass had no answer for him. Him sitting down was huge.
And of course Martin getting hurt.

And how good was Stringer

My biggest problem with the fouls was how they would call such a ticky tack foul, yet let Williams completely shove Hickey for the 3 at the end of the half. I know their is a point being made in some, but this was simply a whistle happy crew that did a poor job and we have some of those every year.

And props to Hammink, he catches shite on here but he played a good game and contributed when we needed him.

And of course Mickey, dude is going to be dominant as the year goes on.

Good game, good learning experience for this team.
We need much better production from Morgan, Coleman, and Odo for sure.

Tough loss as the opportunities were there, but I was truly impressed on how we played. This season should be a fun one to watch.

Like everyone, I'm disappointed to see free throws be a big reason we lost. Martin should be okay. I believe Moscona said yesterday evening that the staff didn't want to risk putting him back into the game considering it was the first game of the season. It didn't sound very serious, but who knows.

Is there any word on Martin yet?? Couldn't watch the game... What exactly happened to him?

Lower ankle sprain, they might hold him out a game or two, should be back for Old Spice Classic

Thanks SOS, good write up.

We've got to improve from the line.

What was your Prediction for the season S? I don't remember reading yours in the expectations thread.

for starters i expected us to lose yesterday at full strength (with martin) so i was rather encouraged with how they played all things considered. umass is a good team and the fact they played against boston college on sunday had to be a bonus for them.


i think we finish the reg. season something like 21-9 (11-7). hopefully enough to get something like a 9 or 10 seed and the chance to win a game in the dance. our first three conference games are going to be interesting. we can't put ourselves in a hole like last season. tennessee will be tough, ole miss away will be tough and south carolina on the road could be tricky. if we can go 2-1 that would be a huge way to get things started.

I'm wondering why we didn't press earlier?
We really ignited when we pressed. This is a team that loves to press.
Maybe JJ doesn't think the freshman can handle it yet, so we're still not deep enough??

Was at the game sitting 2 rows up from our bench.
Poor Tim was biting his nails sitting there. Real good experience for him, on the road, very loud & hostile crowd.

The push offs and 2 handed pushes into players' backs by UMass that weren't called, were constant, esp. in 1st half.

At one point Hickey was pushed by Williams (for the hundredth time it seemed like) and Hickey was called for the foul! This happened right in front of us AND the ref. JJ was livid. Got on the refs a lot in the 1st half.

However this situation was also great experience and I was really impressed that they didn't let the 1st half officiating get to them.
Individually they were aggravated (watched their facial expressions), but collectively they stuck it out.

Great first effort in spite of the setbacks.