Play Angry wrote:What do Panther fans think about the matchup with SIU?
I know that they split the regular season. It seems like UNI should have a definite advantage down low, with the Salukis having an edge on the perimeter. I am looking forward to watching this one.
I thought we made them look silly in the last matchup and had we been playing with this type of defensive focus and intensity a few weeks ago there is no way we blow that enormous lead in Carbondale. We beat them in CF by nearly 20 and that was without Buss scoring a point as we limited his time and touches.
Salukis shot 26% from 3 against this D the last time out and Jackson, Beane and O'Brien all got to double digits but they also all played 30-33 mins. None of the other 9 SIU players got past 4-5 pts.
I wanted SIU over MSU and ISUr. Those teams seemed to matchup with us better. The Salukis post players couldn't guard or double team Tuttle without fouling.
Here's why that first matchup, in which UNI allowed the Salukis to gain some steam and eventually win a nail-biter despite being down by 12 very late, won't be repeated:
1) Chip Rank played 27 mins and started while Marvin Singleton and Nate Buss played a combined 18 mins. I guarantee you Chip is lucky to reach double digit mins in this one. Marv and Buss are better rebounders and scorers.
2) The defense has started to greatly improve with Singleton and Morgan seeing more mins and setting the tone from the git go. The Salukis offensive struggles in the last game are a testament to that.
3)Seth Tuttle. Averages 21.5 pts 8 rebounds and 5 assists this year against the Salukis. He's playing his best ball right now. Even when they tried doubling him last game he managed to find Bohannon and Morgan on the perimeter, who combined for 8-15 from 3.
Now I'm not saying the Salukis should go home by any means. Their trio of Desmar, Beane and O'Brien have been effective in scoring against UNI and Barry can be relied on for getting these guys ready for Friday. They definitely need to have a post player step up however. If they can get anyone going in the post on offense of defense then I fear it will be a long day for them. I'm also hoping the Panthers are focused on this game, despite the margin of victory in the last matchup. We haven't won in 3 years in STL so they need to get their act together and be ready to (metaphorically) punch SIU in the mouth.