#10 Northern Iowa at #11 Wichita State, WINNER TAKE ALL

[CBB_Fan]

The important number, the number that will likely decide the game is 4. 4 fouls, 2 each on Morris and Carter by halftime. While neither can shut-down a guy of Tuttle's caliber, Wichita State probably can't win with anyone else guarding him. Wessel is too small, and the rest are still unprepared to guard an elite or even good player.

If the half-time whistle blows with Carter and Morris having less than 4 fouls between them, it should be close. Pick up more, and it gets really difficult. The other factors will make a big difference as well, namely shooting and TOs, but the Shockers will need to convincingly win those to overcome an undefended Tuttle.

One problem for the Shockers is their tendency to go cold. When shots are falling they look unstoppable offensively, but this entire season I've felt the offense relies a little too much on the threat of the 3. When we go cold from outside we don't really have the size to switch to bashing down low or the ability to score consistently off the dribble. Hit a few threes, and then all of a sudden lanes open up and Carter can go to work 1v1, which our usually excellent passing can exploit.

We cannot have those one of those 4+ minute cold streaks in this game. We don't need to shoot 45% from beyond the arc, but we do need to shoot well enough that is a threat.

[rlh04d]

So, Jerry Palm thinks the Shockers still might miss the NCAA Tournament with a loss Saturday and in the MVC title game??? Let the vitriol commence!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXTOM5bj_p8

There's no point in vitriol for something that silly.

[wgslaw]

Should be an exciting game. Teams are very close statistically. I would be interested in seeing how NI handles pressure in that environment. WSU is superior athletically and that could be a difference maker in a pressing game. NI had some bad moments against VCU's press on the road.

[unipanther99]

WSU is superior athletically

Just curious what makes you say that?

[Trapped in CA]

Should be an exciting game. Teams are very close statistically. I would be interested in seeing how NI handles pressure in that environment. WSU is superior athletically and that could be a difference maker in a pressing game. NI had some bad moments against VCU's press on the road.

VCU's press with Briante Weber was incredibly difficult to play against. Without Weber, it has become much more pedestrian. He was on track to shatter the NCAA career steals mark. He was averaging 3.9 steals per game this year.http://stats.washingtonpost.com/cbk/players.asp?id=110468
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25033873/vcus-briante-weber-was-a-true-artist-at-stealing-the-basketball


For comparison - the best 2014-15 MVC steals per game leader is Paris Lee of IL ST who is averaging 2.57 SPG, which is good enough to be tied for ninth in DI. The leader is Roderick Bobbit from Hawaii at 3.13
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/steals/sort/avgSteals
Fred VanVleet is averaging 1.83 SPG, good for 71st best in DI (not shabby by any means).

VCU press (+ Weber) > WSU press

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the press shows up for WSU. It's a much more likely possibility than Marshall putting in a zone.

[Wufan]

WSU is superior athletically

Just curious what makes you say that?

I would say WSU is more athletic than UNI.

VanVleet < Mitchel
Baker > Bohannon
Cotton > Morgan
Wessel < Singleton (maybe)
Carter > Tuttle

WSU only plays three off the bench (Brown, Kelly, Morris). UNI plays five (Washpun, Lohaus, Jessperson, Buss, Koch). Taking th top three from UNI versus WSU, and only Washpun is more athletic.

[UNIFanSince1983]

My 2 cents but Morgan is every bit as athletic as Cotton. I know that is saying a lot from Cotton who gets SCTop10 dunks but just watch Morgan play. Arguably the most athletic player on our team. Again that is saying a lot considering how athletic Washpun is.

[Khan4Cats]

My thoughts, keys for the game:

1) Atmosphere: Gameday/Senior Day/Conference Championship/Revenge Factor- The atmosphere is going to be out of this world crazy. For both teams. I know WSU has played in front of the Roundhouse crazies and have their support, but I have a feeling this one will be at an all-time high. Both teams will have to deal with it. Watching Tuttle Wednesday, he had extra emotions boiling through him for senior night that took a while to get in check.

2) Shoot-Around: Due to the women's game last night and Gameday today, UNI will not have had an opportunity to have a shoot-around/walk-through at Koch. How much will that affect them? The Gameday presence until an hour before tip will impact pre-game routines as well-for both teams again.

3) Bench play: Both team are willing to play into their bench but I think UNI has the advantage in that they don't have as much of a drop off (if any) when they go to the bench. WSU loses a lot when Fred, Ron, Tekele are off the floor, IMO.

4) The Refs: I am really hoping the MVC has spent the money to make sure there is a top-notch crew working this game. How the game is called-touchy, let 'em play, 5 fouls in the first half and 30 in the second, etc. may have a huge bearing on the outcome. Hopefully they are consistent, that's all I ask.

5) The Usual: They have been dubbed the 'Angry Points' but they are pretty consistent in how games go. The hustle, extra effort, who wants it more aspect will probably be the ultimate determining factor.

[achrist70]

WSU is superior athletically

Just curious what makes you say that?

I would say WSU is more athletic than UNI.

VanVleet < Mitchel
Baker > Bohannon
Cotton > Morgan
Wessel < Singleton (maybe)
Carter > Tuttle

WSU only plays three off the bench (Brown, Kelly, Morris). UNI plays five (Washpun, Lohaus, Jessperson, Buss, Koch). Taking th top three from UNI versus WSU, and only Washpun is more athletic.

I am not saying that Wichita isn't more athletic than UNI but Morgan will be on Baker and Morgan is more athletic, I am not sure that Mitchell is more athletic than VanVleet, and Singleton is way more athletic than Wessel.

[Wufan]

I am not saying that Wichita isn't more athletic than UNI but Morgan will be on Baker and Morgan is more athletic, I am not sure that Mitchell is more athletic than VanVleet, and Singleton is way more athletic than Wessel.

Wessel is not a run and jump athlete, and traditionally, that's how basketball players are judged. Wessel is exceptionally athletic, but it's more in body control, strength, footwork. If you say Singleton is way more athletic than Wessel then I'm not going to argue.