NU vs EIU Game Thread

[lou v]

We couldn’t get anyone to Welsh-Ryan tonight, but I’ll be watching and writing from home as the Cats go for the Football-Basketball double against the Panthers.

 

[its_the_sauce]

Nice student turnout. Was expecting larger crowd based on Bluestone being quite crowded.

 

[Kat burglar]

Barney was in uniform and shooting in the pre pre game (20mins before). But changed to street clothes for the 5 min before pregame.

 

[PlowKing2]

Barney was in uniform and shooting in the pre pre game (20mins before). But changed to street clothes for the 5 min before pregame.

That'll keep 'em guessing!

 

[SmellyCat]

Just when it seemed like Nicholson would start this game with a dunk like the others, he throws a great pass to get Martinelli on the board instead.

 

[SmellyCat]

Instead of Leach committing three quick fouls, EIU has fouled HIM three times in the first six minutes.

 

[SmellyCat]

The floor appears to be slippery. Nobody seems to be able to keep their footing.

 

[GatoLouco]

I want a version of Hunger who tries less to make something happen. He just does not shoot at a very good clip on those. He balances his percentage with shots in the flow of the game. We do not need him to shoot as much as he does.

 

[Arlcatsfan]

Big Matt passing very well tonight.

 

[SmellyCat]

Nicholson passing the ball well tonight. Perhaps he should be the point guard?

EIU is *not* good. They don't play well together at all. Sure, some of that is NU's defense, but it doesn't seem like they have any real strategy.

 

[SmellyCat]

I want a version of Hunger who tries less to make something happen. He just does not shoot at a very good clip on those. He balances his percentage with shots in the flow of the game. We do not need him to shoot as much as he does.

He's like a teenager who tries too hard to be cool and doesn't realize he's really cool only when he's not trying.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

I want a version of Hunger who tries less to make something happen. He just does not shoot at a very good clip on those. He balances his percentage with shots in the flow of the game. We do not need him to shoot as much as he does.

This is exactly what I mean when I say someone needs to play within the offense. Full agree.

 

[SmellyCat]

Jello with three turnovers already. Needs a break.

 

[TheC]

Unfortunately, we're not very good when Martinelli isn't on the floor.

 

[SmellyCat]

Six turnovers in the first half have let EIU stay in the game (with eight TO of their own).

 

[SmellyCat]

Not sure who is supposed to be covering Mullins, but he keeps getting past his man. Nice to see him make up for that airball with two easy layups and a beautiful dunk.

 

[SmellyCat]

Visions of Boo Buie on Leach's last shot of the half.

My unofficial count is he was fouled six times in the first half. Given that he's an excellent free-throw shooter, that's a trend we really want to continue.

 

[TheC]

Nice finish to the half

 

[Arlcatsfan]

Man is Mullins athletic. Good to see him have a nice 1st half.

 

[Arlcatsfan]

Also like the fact that Leach the 2nd half against UIC and 1st half tonight has been really aggressive on the offensive side of the ball. We need him to be like that all year.

 

[SDakaGordie]

Also like the fact that Leach the 2nd half against UIC and 1st half tonight has been really aggressive on the offensive side of the ball. We need him to be like that all year.

He hurt his hand when he got stuffed on a breakaway in the first half. Hope he’s ok.

 

[SDakaGordie]

Those free throws, Matt…

 

[SmellyCat]

Man is Mullins athletic. Good to see him have a nice 1st half.

He's playing like he doesn't intend to ever come off the floor.

 

[SmellyCat]

A lot of unforced errors this half. Just one field goal in seven minutes.

 

[TheC]

We are not a good shooting team

 

[Hungry Jack]

Reminds me of Chicago State. EIU is smaller but quicker.

 

[SmellyCat]

We are not a good shooting team

Certainly not tonight.

 

[DaCat]

Sloppy game

 

[TheC]

Oh yeah... I forgot they legislated the charge out of the college game. Stupid.

 

[Arlcatsfan]

He's playing like he doesn't intend to ever come off the floor.

I think Mullins is the difference in the game so far. Several steals and when he is on the fast break he knows what to do with it. Pass or take it to the hoop.

 

[SmellyCat]

This is the worst NU has looked so far this year, and it's lasted almost the entire second half - this time we can't blame a tough press and loud fans on the road. I think they'll still get it together and close it out, but it's not pretty.

 

[TheC]

No one is playing with any confidence on the offensive end. They are doubling Martinelli because they don't respect Nicholson at all and none of our guards can make shots.

 

[SmellyCat]

12-for-19 from the line - but 3-for-9 in the second half. Ugh.

 

[Arlcatsfan]

Shooting like crap. Missed quite a few three throws and 2 of 15 or so fromm three. And we've had several open threes. Let's see how we finish.

 

[TheC]

How does Nicholson miss a point blank layup as a 7 footer who has been in college basketball for 5 years!?!

 

[Hungry Jack]

Try the zone

 

[TheC]

Try Fitz. Our 5s are horrible.

 

[SDakaGordie]

D1 basketball is tough. Other teams have guys who can get really streaky. We really don’t on average. Need to up the energy.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Sphincter time

 

[SDakaGordie]

We have 16 points in the second half.