Posting this before the end result. Either way, they're young, a work in progress, and we're seeing what the potential is for this team. Just because they gave up a huge lead, let's not over react to it.

To take it a step farther, when that is happening and we aren't turning the ball over, we're a really scary team.

We built a big lead by shooting lights out in spite of our HUGE foul counts. Tulsa really began to exploit our team weaknesses, which included beating the press and general inbounding, making us turn the ball over (and we did a lot of that without their help too). Our offense stopped moving the ball around and once the shots stopped falling we were just dead in the water. Tulsa is a good team. We aren't... yet. We could be on our way there. So far these look like solvable problems.

The really unfortunate thing is that there are very few chances for us to make national noise this season and one just went bye-bye. Sigh.

Edit: did anyone notice I posted very shortly after a tough loss with no cursing? I can do this... I can do this...

A frustrating result, to be certain. The barrage of fouls was just unbearable to watch.

We lost control of this game when Tone had to sit down with 4 fouls.

I'M NOT OVERREACTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

watched the game and was quite excited. Young guys showed a lot of grit, coach has them back on track mentally and as a team. There is nothing about this game that is upsetting or not fixable. I hate folks that rationalize and I will not but this was a senior laden team getting a good look at a fairly competent but very green bunch. Turns due to pressure made the difference. That is going to happen to young teams that have not palyed together much. `19 point lead is not inexcusable when you are a new bunch of players up against a vet team that just bloodied a top competitor's nose. Good defensive principles and a half that shows the offense and personnel are pretty darn good and can be coached up is a positive

When pressure comes and a neophyte guard does not run the show, the offense bogs down and the shooters don;t get the clean looks they were off ball movement and penetration. Nothing earth shaking or dissapointing about that. No reason to be upset. They are who we thought they were or maybe a little better than that.

I liked it. They came in, got their feet wet on the road against a good team. The OHIO fan in me says emotional things but the basketball brain kicks in and says...this was a good experience and these guys can play. Saul showed a bit of his coaching chops and preparation and will help them learn from the experience. Nothing to be dissapointed about here except for the final score. All in all, much better showing than expected.

Yea, I'm a lot closer to Borna's take on today than those devastated by the loss. I'm a feeling a hell of a lot more positive/hopeful about this season, this team, and SaulBall after today's performance. Sure, a win would have been great but these guys showed me they can compete against anyone on the schedule. Kenny finally stroking it helps my optimism a ton, I could tell he was a shooter from the first two games, but the ball actually falling through the net from three was certainly nice to see. Gotta clean up the TOs obviously, some of those late in the TNState game were just horrible decisions.

Well - I was buried with work crap (responsibilities as far as how my employer see it) and could not listen to, watch, or even check in on an update until just now.

WOW. IMPRESSED - Much more than disappointed. This is something to build on. Now onto the other threads and game news to check out the details.........

I agree that the sky is the limit for Jaaron but 22 turnovers in 3 games is a trend that needs to be corrected quickly.

I just saw a tweet on ESPN that Chris Fowler is out indefinitely for an undisclosed reason.

Through 4 games, we are outrebounding our opponents by 7 per game. We are taking more free throws than our opponents, and making 80% of them.

Rebound and hit your free throws, you'll win a lotta games...

Ha

you want fans off the deep end head over to the Illini board. Try this one http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/Forums/showpost.php?p=1162...