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Valpo Sports => Valpo Basketball => Topic started by: VUSWIM08-12 on November 08, 2021, 08:03:44 PM

Title: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSWIM08-12 on November 08, 2021, 08:03:44 PM
Valpo coming in at +4. Let's put those exhibition games behind us and come out with a win. What's the latest on Krikke ? Anyone know ?

Valpo 76
Toledo 74
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Valpo Joe on November 08, 2021, 08:48:48 PM
Toledo puts out the light!  Toledo 76 - Valpo (Freakin' Beacons) 57  :o
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: tjjvalpo on November 08, 2021, 09:03:09 PM
For Valpo to win, two things have to happen:

1. Krikke has to play
2. We have learn that the intensity that you bring on defense the last 4 minutes has to be more than your competition. Something that was sorely missing against Flagler. We should never lose a game at home when we are up by 6 points at the last media timeout. It is "our house" and we have own our home games.

Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Valpo Joe on November 08, 2021, 09:15:20 PM
"Door Matt" will be out coached once again!!!! Glory days of Valpo Bball are over!!!! Time to go back to D2 where they belong.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: wh on November 08, 2021, 09:16:48 PM
Toledo to Open 2021-22 Season at Valparaiso on Tuesday

https://utrockets.com/news/2021/11/8/mens-basketball-toledo-to-open-2021-22-season-at-valparaiso-on-tuesday.aspx
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: wh on November 08, 2021, 09:24:04 PM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on November 08, 2021, 09:15:20 PM
I sure hope I'm wrong, but "Door Matt" will be out coached once again!!!! Glory days of Valpo Bball are over!!!! Time to go back to D2 where they belong.

There, I fixed it for you. You sounded almost giddy.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: bbtds on November 08, 2021, 09:57:53 PM
Toledo    75
Valpo     72

Valpo improves greatly compared to their exhibition losses and having Krikke back helps a bunch but they aren't quite all the way there yet and lose the game by 3.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUGrad1314 on November 08, 2021, 10:13:04 PM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on November 08, 2021, 09:15:20 PM"Door Matt" will be out coached once again!!!! Glory days of Valpo Bball are over!!!! Time to go back to D2 where they belong.



Be skeptical of Matt as a coach all you wish Be as concerned about the future of the program and whether the glory days are officially over all you like. Lord knows that I am concerned about both of these things but suggesting that we should drop to D2 is ridiculous and laughable.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VU75 on November 08, 2021, 11:02:30 PM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on November 08, 2021, 09:15:20 PM"Door Matt" will be out coached once again!!!! Glory days of Valpo Bball are over!!!! Time to go back to D2 where they belong

A question here...are you actually aware of the real Valpo Joe?
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: tjjvalpo on November 09, 2021, 06:03:13 AM
Ok, after reading about Toledo, (I hope I am wrong) but I think we will be lucky to be within 10.

Toledo 80
Valpo  70
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: wh on November 09, 2021, 08:36:38 AM
Obviously, we are much stronger with Ben starting and playing 28-30 minutes. Better rotations, more scoring punch, more depth, better interior defense, opens up the perimeter, fewer scoring droughts, etc. Without knowing whether he is going to play or if he'll be 100% if he does play, it's hard to know what to think. Without him there will be little margin for error. We need to shoot well from 3, play physical defense, stay out of foul trouble, and get a big performance from Sheldon (not as much freelancing as E-1 but more than E-2).
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vu72 on November 09, 2021, 08:39:26 AM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on November 08, 2021, 09:15:20 PM
"Door Matt" will be out coached once again!!!! Glory days of Valpo Bball are over!!!! Time to go back to D2 where they belong.

Now that is funny!   :rotfl: And also really stupid.   >:(
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vu72 on November 09, 2021, 08:40:54 AM
Quote from: wh on November 09, 2021, 08:36:38 AMWithout knowing whether he is going to play

Todd said on Saturday that Ben will play.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: covufan on November 09, 2021, 08:46:11 AM
Put the exhibition games behind us. Play a full forty minutes as a team. Set the tempo and defensive energy immediately. Play as a team. Win as a team.

Valpo 78 Toledo 74


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: bb33 on November 09, 2021, 08:58:01 AM
I think the team make a large leap from game one to game two.   I feel they are still figuring how to play together and how to work the offense (of which you know I am not a fan). Big Ben is back.  Add Kevion shooting like he is suppose to, I think we can pull out the win.  65-63.

There should be great student support tonight, at least that is what I am hearing.  I think a win tonight will jumpstart the season. 
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: NativeCheesehead on November 09, 2021, 09:09:16 AM
Yeah, "Joe" let's not turn into one of those fanbases who roots against our own team to be right. I've been very open that I don't think Matt is the guy. However, nothing would please me more than to be toasting a Bud Light on Sunday in STL at Maggie O's after the MVC title game and saying "Damn was I WRONG about that guy!"
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: SanityLost17 on November 09, 2021, 09:16:10 AM
In case we lose a hard fought game by 4-6 points  (my prediciton).    Just a reminder that that is progress and we can look positively about that result if we chose to.   

Toledo returns a lot of players from a very good mid-major team from last year.   They are going to be solid this year.   
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: IndyEIT777 on November 09, 2021, 09:29:26 AM
I'm definitely guilty of drinking the kool-aid going into our exhibitions. I do think this team is better than what we showed in the those two games, but a couple of things worry me.

1) Krikke and Kithier got next to no playing time in the two exhibition games. Obviously Valpo is better with Krikke on the floor, but is there still a learning curve in game action between those two that's going to bite us in these first couple of games?

2) While I think Kithier is a big upgrade in terms of rebounding for us, I'm not convinced the other issues during the Lottich era aren't going to be fixed for tonight and for a large portion of the season. Are we going to be turnover prone? Is our offense going to continue to be stagnant? Are we going to have non-scoring droughts lasting 6-8 minutes constantly? Nothing in the two exhibition games made me feel better about any of those problems.

For tonight, I definitely hope I'm wrong and can feel more excited about this team tomorrow, but I'm going to say:

Toledo 70
Valpo 57
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vu72 on November 09, 2021, 09:36:38 AM
Quote from: bb33 on November 09, 2021, 08:58:01 AMI feel they are still figuring how to play together

Totally agree.  Think about it. We almost beat one of the best D2's in the country without Ben, Conner or Kobe for that matter.  Our starting five had played one game together.  It will only get better and I expect a win tonight.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: justducky on November 09, 2021, 09:57:38 AM
Quote from: vu72 on November 09, 2021, 09:36:38 AMWe almost beat one of the best D2's in the country without Ben, Conner or Kobe for that matter.

There are definite advantages in falling off the radar screen with 2 D2 losses! I hate putting any numbers on this one but I am expecting a solid and exciting performance. I can't be there but am leaning very slightly towards Valpo.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: NotBryceDrew on November 09, 2021, 10:09:21 AM
Regardless of what we think about tonight the best chance we have is to pack the ARC. If your driving in fill the car, have friends in the region call them up, know students at the university tell them you can't wait to see them there. If the ARC is rocking we can beat anyone!
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: wh on November 09, 2021, 11:34:45 AM
5 storylines to watch this season for Valparaiso Beacons men's basketball
Paul Oren Nov. 9, 2021 Updated 15 min ago

https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/5-storylines-to-watch-this-season-for-valparaiso-beacons-mens-basketball/article_9857cb77-bb45-5a53-9498-beb2eef042fc.html
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Just Sayin on November 09, 2021, 12:06:28 PM
QuoteCLEVELAND, Ohio - The Mid-American Conference released its annual men's basketball preseason poll on Wednesday and defending champion Toledo has been picked to finish third, according to voting from the league's 12 head coaches. In addition, sophomore guard Ryan Rollins was named to the Preseason All-MAC First Team squad after earning MAC Freshman of the Year honors last year.

The Rockets received 107 points in the poll, trailing only Buffalo (143 pts.) and Ohio (126 pts.). Toledo was one of five different schools to collect votes to capture the MAC Tournament title at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. Buffalo led the way with eight votes the Rockets joining Bowling Green, Kent State and Miami with one vote apiece.

Toledo posted a 21-9 win-loss record and a 15-4 mark in conference play last year and finished two games ahead of second-place Buffalo in the league standings. Rollins averaged 13.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 2.5 apg last year and was the only sophomore to be included on the pre-season all-league squad.

Toledo's regular season begins when it visits Valparaiso on Tuesday, Nov. 9. The Rockets' home opener will be against Detroit Mercy on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: nkvu on November 09, 2021, 12:41:48 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on November 09, 2021, 09:16:10 AM
In case we lose a hard fought game by 4-6 points  (my prediciton).    Just a reminder that that is progress and we can look positively about that result if we chose to.   

Toledo returns a lot of players from a very good mid-major team from last year.   They are going to be solid this year.   

I'm kind of in the same place. For the second game in a row, I think the team will play better but it may not matter. If they win I'll be surprised and pleased. If they lose by less than seven I'll be satisfied. Losing by more than that would be a disappointment. Needless to say I've lowered my expectations for early success. This team needs time to get it together.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vu72 on November 09, 2021, 01:46:26 PM
Quote from: nkvu on November 09, 2021, 12:41:48 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on November 09, 2021, 09:16:10 AM
In case we lose a hard fought game by 4-6 points  (my prediciton).    Just a reminder that that is progress and we can look positively about that result if we chose to.   

Toledo returns a lot of players from a very good mid-major team from last year.   They are going to be solid this year.   

I'm kind of in the same place. For the second game in a row, I think the team will play better but it may not matter. If they win I'll be surprised and pleased. If they lose by less than seven I'll be satisfied. Losing by more than that would be a disappointment. Needless to say I've lowered my expectations for early success. This team needs time to get it together.

They did lose their top two scorers but have added a couple of pieces including a point guard from Boise State.  It will be a tough game but, having said that, it should be noted that they managed to beat Findley (D2) 83-78. Findley is picked third in their conference.

https://utrockets.com/news/2021/11/8/mens-basketball-toledo-to-open-2021-22-season-at-valparaiso-on-tuesday.aspx
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Chairback on November 09, 2021, 02:18:19 PM
Valpo by 7. Our team has experienced players and they step up tonight.

They have had a long time to think about and be embarrassed by the D2 loses and they come out aggressive. 

I still have faith.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vok22 on November 09, 2021, 05:01:41 PM
Ben Krikke out tonight, per Paul Oren's twitter. Find a way, I guess.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VALPO LI on November 09, 2021, 05:05:54 PM
Time to get get fired up Beacons!!! :thewave:
Tip off is 1 hour away! The start of an exciting season.  Waited way to long for this!
It's game time.  Do me proud Valpo!!!!!!
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSWIM08-12 on November 09, 2021, 06:06:28 PM
Dead on offense , come on!
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: NativeCheesehead on November 09, 2021, 06:27:41 PM
I have never seen a press break on any level, from middle school on up, that doesn't involve setting at least one screen.  Truly ground breaking coaching.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: tjjvalpo on November 09, 2021, 06:29:01 PM
Krikke is back in a boot
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSWIM08-12 on November 09, 2021, 06:34:02 PM
Nice 6-0 run to bring it within 4, this team just isn't connected but what can you expect , we'll be alright this season . Kithier playing very well , Anderson crashing the glass, if Edwards gets going...
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Just Sayin on November 09, 2021, 07:03:09 PM
Why is Gordon still in this game?
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vok22 on November 09, 2021, 07:16:11 PM
Emil's defense is killing us inside. He doesn't need to foul he just needs to stand there with his hands straight up. And every time we get a stop we miss the shot. We have been playing with the pressure on us all game cause we cant get a stop and follow it with a score to take the lead. You can see so much potential out there but it is just so sloppy and the shot makers aren't making shots.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Just Sayin on November 09, 2021, 07:18:31 PM
Turnovers after deadballs. Coaching matters.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vok22 on November 09, 2021, 07:21:36 PM
They have been pressing since 2 minutes into the game and we STILL haven't figured it out. Still having trouble inbounding the ball when we've seen it on every single possession this game. Awful coaching.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSWIM08-12 on November 09, 2021, 07:37:12 PM
Todd getting a little excited called Toledo, Loyola  lol! Tie game , free throw coming , we're in this boys let's go !!
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSWIM08-12 on November 09, 2021, 07:50:56 PM
Horrible
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Just Sayin on November 09, 2021, 07:51:47 PM
Last call reviewed was equity over reality.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Just Sayin on November 09, 2021, 07:53:50 PM
Who are the three Mr. Basketballs for Valpo?
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSWIM08-12 on November 09, 2021, 07:55:16 PM
Either way garbage the 4 last minutes, Lottich did you know you're the head coach ? Call something that makes sense with our O. Stanford degree, community college execution
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: nkvu on November 09, 2021, 07:57:26 PM
Had some moments but bad shooting, no scoring down the stretch, and lack of poise in the clutch killed us. Don't know who our clutch player will be as no one stepped up tonight. Weren't prepared to handle their press. Disappointed as they were in it. Just didn't perform at the end.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSWIM08-12 on November 09, 2021, 08:13:11 PM
We competed with a top mid major without Krikke n King plus Edwards shot like dog poo. I'm cautiously optimistic about this team . We lose to UIC, I'll crawl into a hole lol.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Just Sayin on November 09, 2021, 08:20:16 PM
Add King and Krikke to the mix on a consistent basis and the team should be pretty good. If only the coach was good enough to coach this team.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vok22 on November 09, 2021, 08:23:55 PM
Quote from: Just Sayin on November 09, 2021, 08:20:16 PM
Add King and Krikke to the mix on a consistent basis and the team should be pretty good. If only the coach was good enough to coach this team.

That is what I am saying. You can see there is so much potential with this team but the coaching reminds me so much of the Bears. You see the same issues every time out but they never get fixed. I think we will have a solid season but I truly think our potential is limited by the inability to adapt in game.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: justducky on November 09, 2021, 08:34:06 PM
Had to miss the second half but the first 20 minutes started getting me excited!

Quote from: vok22 on November 09, 2021, 07:16:11 PMEmil's defense is killing us inside. He doesn't need to foul he just needs to stand there with his hands straight up.

Is Emil ahead of Hedstrom in the pecking order? How close to 100% are each of these guys? Any word on Krikke?
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: ColdFusion21 on November 09, 2021, 09:03:58 PM
I was going to ask a similar question.  Why aren't Hedstrom and Kobe King in the lineup.  I was expecting this whole Wisconsin south concept.  Where are they?

Its a bit frustrating as a casual observer to not get A) press release stating who is out of the lineup and why, B) a post on this forum explaining why various players are out.  I feel like an outsider reading this forum most times, like I'm missing some insider thread that I'm an idiot for not knowing about.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: AB on November 09, 2021, 09:39:49 PM
This was a winnable game, Both teams fairly equal. Valpo still feeling each other out on offense and will take some time. Clear our turnovers will be down this year. Krikke and Kither will make for nice chemistry and open things for our shooters.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Valpo Joe on November 09, 2021, 09:48:37 PM
Quote from: VUSWIM08-12 on November 09, 2021, 07:50:56 PM
Horrible

Just the beginning of an awful season. Seems like most players don't know what to do with the ball. Pass it across court and see if the defense will catch it. :crazy:
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: tjjvalpo on November 09, 2021, 09:50:45 PM
If we don't figure out how to play with a sense of calm on offense and much higher intensity on defense down the stretch, this will be a long season. There will be a lot of games like this and we have played poorly in the last two games after the final media timeout. Matt said he expects 18 conference games all decided by 5 points or less. We are going the wrong side of too many games if we don't change.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vok22 on November 09, 2021, 10:34:53 PM
Honestly, I don't really know how to react to this game. It was closer than I expected when I learned Krikke would be out, but somehow still managed to be even more frustrating than usual. That is saying a lot. I think the reason it was so frustrating is because you can see the individual skillsets on display, and see they have a lot of potential as a group, but you know it will never get realized. I have never seen the inside of a real Valpo practice, but based on the play on the court, I have to imagine it is an extremely undisciplined environment. It is the same sloppiness every game. The same carless mistakes over and over. While we did miss a lot of open looks from three, we basically just threw away 6-10 possessions on just awful shots that should have never been taken. Players that fear some sort of playing time repercussions or discipline in practice aren't taking THAT MANY bad shots or being THAT carless with the ball so consistently. For heavens sake, Edwards has played over 30 games for us now and he is still jacking up 10 threes a game, 7 of which are essentially turnovers Our defense also would not have been that bad if we didn't bail them out with fouls so often. Undisciplined. If specific players were having issues with these things, I would say it's on the player. But these are team wide issues over the course of 5 years over entire rosters. I feel like this same exact rosters, even with the injuries, would have won this game by double digits with a solid coach. I am excited for Krikke to return because I know most teams we play this year will not be able to stop Krikke AND Kithier in the post together. They are simply too skilled. But I KNOW that when Krikke is healthy, we will not be using it to our advantage. We wont be attacking team down low until they force us to take open threes (which this roster, unlike past years, actually have the ability to hit). I know for a fact that instead of playing through one of the best skilled big men duos in mid major basketball, we will be content watching Edwards jack up 8 contested threes and have our guards turn it over 14 times. This roster has everything they need to compete for the Valley this year, but they do all the little things, the things that actually matter in winning games, completely wrong and have absolutely no game-plan.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSupport on November 09, 2021, 10:47:16 PM
You must be an idiot to not know about Kobe King. It's been widely known since he got here that he has to sit out the first 9 games of the season for signing with an agent when he left Wisconsin.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Valpofamfan on November 10, 2021, 01:44:14 AM
Is Preston injured too?
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: bbtds on November 10, 2021, 02:01:40 AM
Quote from: vok22 on November 09, 2021, 10:34:53 PM
Honestly, I don't really know how to react to this game. It was closer than I expected when I learned Krikke would be out, but somehow still managed to be even more frustrating than usual. That is saying a lot. I think the reason it was so frustrating is because you can see the individual skillsets on display, and see they have a lot of potential as a group, but you know it will never get realized.

I have never seen the inside of a real Valpo practice, but based on the play on the court, I have to imagine it is an extremely undisciplined environment. It is the same sloppiness every game. The same carless careless mistakes over and over. While we did miss a lot of open looks from three, we basically just threw away 6-10 possessions on just awful shots that should have never been taken. Players that fear some sort of playing time repercussions or discipline in practice aren't taking THAT MANY bad shots or being THAT carless careless with the ball so consistently. For heavens sake, Edwards has played over 30 games for us now and he is still jacking up 10 threes a game, 7 of which are essentially turnovers

Our defense also would not have been that bad if we didn't bail them out with fouls so often. Undisciplined. If specific players were having issues with these things, I would say it's on the player. But these are team wide issues over the course of 5 years over entire rosters. I feel like this same exact rosters, even with the injuries, would have won this game by double digits with a solid coach.

I am excited for Krikke to return because I know most teams we play this year will not be able to stop Krikke AND Kithier in the post together. They are simply too skilled. But I KNOW that when Krikke is healthy, we will not be using it to our advantage. We wont be attacking team down low until they force us to take open threes (which this roster, unlike past years, actually have the ability to hit). I know for a fact that instead of playing through one of the best skilled big men duos in mid major basketball, we will be content watching Edwards jack up 8 contested threes and have our guards turn it over 14 times. This roster has everything they need to compete for the Valley this year, but they do all the little things, the things that actually matter in winning games, completely wrong and have absolutely no game-plan.

I thought I would make it easier for others to read your post.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: AlaskaCrusader19 on November 10, 2021, 07:28:11 AM
Krikke needs to come back ASAP. Playing Emil isn't going to be sustainable this year. Krikke and King could make this team substantially better, but expectations are important. What I would do for Bryce Drew to come back...
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: IndyEIT777 on November 10, 2021, 07:39:51 AM
After sleeping on this game, I'm not too discouraged...yet. I listened to the Ashland game and attended last night's game, and the defensive effort was much better yesterday. Still too many breakdowns on defense leaving sharpshooters wide open giving the other team 3 easy points.

I will say, we may have finally hit on transfers for the first time since Keith Carter/Levonte. Kithier when he took advantage of a mismatch inside was so much fun to watch. Anderson facilitated quite nicely on offense (which had significantly more flow than the previous Lottich teams). My favorite thing to see though was Taylor's defense in the 2nd half. A big guard that actually holds his ground in front of a ball handler was such a welcomed sight to see.

No question we missed Krikke and Conner last night, and we may have won last night and maybe the Flagler game if they had been available. While embarrassing to lose to non-D1s, the fact is we haven't played scrubs yet. UIC (picked to finish 8th in the HL) is the first team I perceive as below average. Win that game, and I think myself and hopefully most of us can calm down a bit. Now if we lose that game...then we probably are looking at another Thursday team.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: oklahomamick on November 10, 2021, 08:13:27 AM
You guys don't want to hear this.....

I've made a lot (a lot to me...) of money betting against Valpo the last several years.  It's one of those things, if I lose then at least my team won so it doesn't feel quite as bad......

Vegas has over valued Valpo for some years now.  Of course, the lines will correct themselves.  Eventually the name, the history, the respect, the homecourt advantage will likely disappear for Valpo.  Last night I wagered more than I usually do and won the under (offense doesn't move and we don't have shooters, a 3 year problem) and Toledo -4. 

I was worried about Toledo -4.  It's not ideal to go against the home dog in mid-majors where they can pack the little fieldhouse and have an advantage.  I'm also sure that Toledo took a bus.  When at Valpo we took a bus from campus to Bowling Green (near Toledo) and it's not fun to drive 4 hours one way on a school night and then play. 
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vu72 on November 10, 2021, 08:41:15 AM
I liked a lot of what I saw last night. Frankly, it was just great to be able to watch a game versus listening on the radio.  Without Ben we are pretty small and so we end up having to take threes which weren't falling last night.  The point guard play of Darius and Trevor is just so refreshing after all those games with Daniel.  Eron needs to be a bench contributor though he does rebound well for a guard. Getting to full strength together with playing a few more games together will make all the deference. And Thomas Kithier is the real deal!

It's going to be a long, tough season for everybody.  How do you think they feel in Iowa losing to Nicholls State (?) and the super star AJ Green going  one for 14 for 4 points in 36 minutes.  Now that is depressing.

The women play tonight!!
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: crusader05 on November 10, 2021, 08:50:33 AM
Yeah I found last night while frustrating much better.  I think that just because we can seem similar issues to last team we also need to think about impact and scale.  Yes we had some stupid fouls and 3 of them were from Emil who hasn't played in a year. Yes we ran into trouble getting set for offense but some of that was due to a freshman point guard still learning not to dribble into corners and having trouble getting out of them.

This offense is no where near as stagnant as past ones have been. The scoring droughts and collapses no where near as bad and there seemed to be actual improvement from each game to the next. It has been a much more enjoyable team to watch this year compared to last year and even the year before where it could be downright painful for even a casual fan.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: SanityLost17 on November 10, 2021, 09:07:53 AM
Eron really does need to be a bench player.   I am not trying to be mean, but he is just not an MVC player.   If he is getting big minutes for us we are going to struggle.   He really is a 10-12 minute a game hustle "lift" guy.  He gives it his all and I like him, but he simply just isn't good enough to play more than that. 

Sheldon is not a star, but is trying to act like one.  He is a good basketball player but definitely not a star.   

I have a million other takeaways, but I'll keep it simple and go with those 2 for now.    Assuming we have players better than Eron, once he is out there less and Sheldon plays within himself we might look alright.   

Overall...  I don't think this team is nearly as athletic as I thought we would be, especially Anderson and Kithier.   

Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: bbtds on November 10, 2021, 09:24:55 AM
We simply have to find a way to score more when the other team is making shots. When not hitting threes it's time to find another way to score. The fact that our football team outscored our basketball team is one fact that I never hope to hear about again.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vok22 on November 10, 2021, 09:42:12 AM
I will say there were a lot more positives to take away from last night than most games since 2017. I am just losing my patience on having to take positives away from losses. Still, I think this team will end up being our best team since the Peters era ended.

Kithier was outstanding with the exception of a missed layup that would have put us up 3 with 2 minutes to go.

Taylor finally started to settle in in the second half and showed his potential as a D1 player, although he has to make those free throws.

Trevor Anderson had 11 points 5 assists 5 rebounds and ZERO turnovers. With how sloppy the team played, I was shocked to see he had zero turnovers.

Darius looks way more mature than most freshmen handling the ball. While he hasn't made any "spectacular" plays, he also really hasn't made any mistakes and handled the pressure better than anybody last night. Zero turnovers from him, a freshman in his first game, in 26 minutes of play against what was a pretty good press last night is impressive.

Keyondre played some solid minutes but looked very much like a freshmen and took some bad shots. He looked like he has a lot of defensive potential and will be able to settle into an offensive roll if it is organized right.  Sucks that he wasn't able to get some warm up in the exhibitions but understand the circumstances changed.

Edwards played awful offensively, but I am encouraged by the defense he showed last night. He just has way too much of a green light and it I concerning that that hasn't been curbed even a little bit by now. He is costing us a LOT of possessions with bad shots.

I cannot wait till we are healthy so Eron Gordon can be relegated to 10 or less minutes per game.


While the game was very sloppy last night, I would say that, with the exception of Edwards, it was more of a team sloppiness than individual sloppiness. People weren't in the right places and looked like they hadn't played together a lot. I think that will improve a lot over the course of the season, but it will require the help of the coaching staff. Hopefully they can pull everybody together. The additions of Krikke and King are going to be HUGE, so it is hard not to still be excited for this season. Just always frustrating when you are so close to pulling one out at home against a good team, in a game that was very much winnable, but manage to fumble it away.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: crusader05 on November 10, 2021, 09:54:09 AM
Edwards always plays to where his potential COULD be but doesn't adjust to where he actually is at game time. Yes you can hit ridiculous threes but if they're not falling you pull back and focus on where you're clearly excelling in the game such as defense and try to get some fast breaks.

Until he realizes to adjust to what's working and setting into the game he will have these streaks.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: wh on November 10, 2021, 12:45:35 PM
Wow! I almost didn't log in today, anticipating an array of full blown meltdowns over last night's loss. Instead, it's a collection of thoughtful, measured comments, appropriately critical, offering hope for better things ahead, lots of basketball savvy mixed in. Good to see.

Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: crusader05 on November 10, 2021, 01:15:37 PM
Shhh wh don't jinx it
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: VUSupport on November 10, 2021, 03:26:30 PM
Preston is redshirting
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vuny98 on November 10, 2021, 03:38:47 PM
Maybe I missed it, but I thought the assumption was that Keyondre Young was redshirting and that was why he sat out the two preseason games. I was surprised to see him play yesterday. Anyone know the story (sorry if its been covered elsewhere).
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: vok22 on November 10, 2021, 03:45:47 PM
Quote from: vuny98 on November 10, 2021, 03:38:47 PM
Maybe I missed it, but I thought the assumption was that Keyondre Young was redshirting and that was why he sat out the two preseason games. I was surprised to see him play yesterday. Anyone know the story (sorry if its been covered elsewhere).

I dont know for sure but I am going to assume that after the injuries already started to mount up and krikke being out, we realized we are really thin at the forward position and decided to activate him instead of Preston.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: humbleopinion on November 10, 2021, 04:20:29 PM
Quote from: VUSupport on November 10, 2021, 03:26:30 PM
Preston is redshirting
If this is true, my guess for the over/under tiebreaker went down the tubes,
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: JD24 on November 10, 2021, 09:29:17 PM
Valpo probably wins this game with Krikke in there. He changes the rotation and even the few minutes Emil played go away. He may also take the ball out of Edwards hands...metaphorically speaking.

Edwards.....Daniel Sackey annoyed the piss out of me last year. Edwards has already started to get there with me. When did this guy become the "go to" guy on offense...he's a very good defensive player. On offense he should be a cog.

The rotations will really be interesting when Krikke (and if he's wearing a boot that's not good), Barrett and King get on the court. Gordon may be reduced to mop up duty.

Anderson has his plusses and minuses. Controlled the offense well but he looks a bit slow afoot defensively.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: tjjvalpo on November 10, 2021, 10:23:52 PM
If you had seen Edwards during open practice for Season Ticket holders, you would understand why he is given the freedom to put up that many 3's. He did the one minute drill 3 separate times and he made about 75% of shots. I will say he needs to take the shots when he is open and look for other options when he is not, but the guy can shoot! He is going to have more nights like he had against Ashland than what he had against Toledo. Also, Toledo was one of the best teams defending the three last year. We helped those statistics for them to start this season, as well.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: valpo64 on November 11, 2021, 08:50:38 AM
Not having seen the exhibition games, I was curious to see us against a good, top-tier MAC team.  I had mixed emotions,  It was very very obvious to me that we are still trying to find some chemistry with all the new guys. 
That will take time, I don't care what level of talent is involved.  We do miss Kricke alot. I talked to him outside the Union Wednesday a.m. and he is really anxious to get back.  He said when in the "boot" he feels fine but once it is off it immediately bothers him again.

Kithier is very impressive, Sheldon needs to relax and settle down in order to maximize his talents.  As the season progresses, I think we will have a good club but it seemed obvious that with all the new faces they still are not blending together. 

With all the new faces and various backgrounds, the coaches have their hands full but I think they will succeed with time...let's hope sooner than later.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: JD24 on November 11, 2021, 12:52:01 PM
Quote from: tjjvalpo on November 10, 2021, 10:23:52 PMIf you had seen Edwards during open practice for Season Ticket holders, you would understand why he is given the freedom to put up that many 3's. He did the one minute drill 3 separate times and he made about 75% of shots. I will say he needs to take the shots when he is open and look for other options when he is not, but the guy can shoot! He is going to have more nights like he had against Ashland than what he had against Toledo. Also, Toledo was one of the best teams defending the three last year. We helped those statistics for them to start this season, as well.

It's the decision making that concerns me not the shooting pct. by itself although that becomes a part of it. There's too much "wtf is he doing" to his game which I think remained a bit in the background last year. I'm also not sure how a guy comes off in practice really matters.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: 96 on November 11, 2021, 02:30:32 PM
Must have fresh legs out there, starters were too tired at the end of the game, easy fix for some
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: Just Sayin on November 11, 2021, 04:11:01 PM
Quote from: 96 on November 11, 2021, 02:30:32 PM
Must have fresh legs out there, starters were too tired at the end of the game, easy fix for some

Elite athletes take it upon themselves work to their a$$es off on cardio training. Go above and beyond.
Title: Re: Valpo vs Toledo 11/9 @ 6pm ARC
Post by: valpo tundra on November 12, 2021, 12:08:17 PM
One of the more entertaining parts of the game came when President Padilla enthusiastically ran around the court and carried the "V" flag for the Valpo fight song toward the end of the game.  He did graduate from the University of Toledo.