Conference Game 15: Wichita State

[Rambler63]

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 7:00 p.m.
Gentile Arena, Chicago, IL


The #3 Wichita State Shockers make their first visit to Gentile Arena on Wednesday night as the highest ranked opponent to play at Loyola since December 2000. By now, even casual Loyola fans must know of the Shockers’ stellar resume—27 consecutive wins since a Final Four appearance in 2012-13, one of two remaining undefeated teams in men’s Division I college basketball, an RPI at #7, and a legitimate national coach of the year candidate in Gregg Marshall.

In the previous meeting between these two teams in Wichita on January 28, the Loyola defense frustrated the runaway MVC leaders by holding their deep and multi-faceted offense to its lowest scoring output of the year. Unfortunately for the Ramblers, the fierce WSU defense returned the favor, limiting Loyola to only 45 points—three points below their previous season low and nearly 20 points below their average. Loyola forward Christian Thomas was held to his lowest scoring output in his past 36 games, and only Milton Doyle scored in double figures for the Ramblers. MVC Preseason Player of the Year Cleanthony Early led the Shockers with 23 points, and was their only player scoring double digits.

Following the game against Loyola, many Shocker fans vowed that their team’s sluggish second half scoring performance would not be repeated. Coach Marshall said his team had “issues” that they were going to work on. After amassing a 22-point second half lead, Loyola cut the deficit to single digits late in the game, and the Shockers committed more turnovers (16) than the Ramblers (12).

An unlikely Loyola upset bid would require an even more uncharacteristic WSU performance than in the previous game. Coach Marshall has most likely drilled his team ad nauseum on Loyola's tendencies and drawn up some nifty contingencies to guard against surprises. But if the Ramblers can play with confidence at home, play hard, limit their turnovers, and get more players involved in scoring, Loyola could push the undefeated Shockers into heavier minutes and force them into the kind of clutch performances they’re known for. Either way, it promises to be an exciting atmosphere.


Vegas opening line: Wichita State by 14

Loyola game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/loy ... 219aaa.pdf

Wichita State game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/loy ... a_wich.pdf

Streaming video: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/id ... la-Chicago

Loyola audio: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/luc.portal#

Wichita State message board: http://shockernet.net/forum/forum.php

[POGO]

Go Shox

[goramblers2011]

[Bear]

Honestly I'm surprised the spread is only 14. Leggo Ramblers.

[smokeyjoe]

JUST SAYING.......RAMBLERS are 3-0 when I have been there this year and I AM going to be there tonight.

HEADLINES

Shockers Shocked by electric LU.

GO RAMBLERS

[SubGod22]

Don't get your hopes up smokeyjoe. The guys are focused and want a 1 seed. They'll be out to prove a point and you are just in the way

[roggirl]

Go Ramblers.

Since I have to work tonight, I can't be at the game in person. But I'll be there "in spirit," mwhich is kind if like a "moral victory," I guess. Not nearly as satisfying as the real thing.

The higher you climb, the steeper your fall. Since WSU has reached dizzying heights at the moment, they are due to crash, slide, collapse and burn.

I have this fantasy of defeated, disoriented Shockers staggering inconsolably on the floor of the Gentile murmuring "Ramblers...Ramblers...", while unaccountably seeking solace in the hairy embrace of LU Wolf.

Go Ramblers.

[ahunte1]

I left my Thursday morning clear so that I can stay out all night celebrating.

[brot4britu]

First off--We shall give these guys a good try---If we get off to a good start--big if--we will do fine--BUT it is the late going and their superior bench which will be the problem.
Now then this Shocker team is due for an upset--may be this evening--BUT--
They probably will blanket Milton--OK--He is now experienced enough to handle that--Get ready for him to find Keke and Turk--Christian will do his usual gladiator role now with OSBORNE help
BUT remember this Shocker team most likely will be National Champs--They are so much like our 63 team it is scary--AND they have a bench. Would it not be wild if we do to them what they did to us back then ???

Conspiracy theory--Will we be also playing against the refs--see HL and BUTLER) ??? Nah !!!

GO RAMBLERS !!

[Blue]

Beat the Wheat!

Have it all Milton.