If Memphis would have held Nembhard in check just a little better they would have won.
They went 9-27 from three and Nembhard had five of those. I think Toney starts on Nembhard and stays with him the entire game unless Nembhard is too quick for him. At that point JD and Devo will have to share guarding him. Please Lord don’t let JD pick up two quick ones.
I think we might play it like Kentucky. Let Timme get his but try and shut everyone else down.
I think that’s a good possibility. Put Toney on Nembhard, Stan on Holmgren, JD on Bolton and start out Wade on Strawther. Devo will come in for Wade as usual, and Kamani will get some time on Holmgren, I’m guessing. Or maybe they try Kamani on Timme and JWill on Holmgren for a while.
Holmgren is more of a perimeter player. I think Stanley can handle him. I think Jaylin has to cover Nimme. I will be surprised if Nembhard is too quick for Toney. I had worried about some of the matchups Toney had earlier this year, but those proved unfounded.
Memphis was able to score right around the basket with their big guys against Gonzaga. I don’t see us being able to do that. Hopefully our defense can turn them over and get us out in transition. We have to shoot the three well to win IMO and limit there 3’s
The team that forces turnovers and gets out in transition is probably the winner. Without some transition points, not sure Hogs had enough offense to win the NM State game. Gonzaga is a great running team. St. Mary’s beat Gonzaga with great defense fueling a great transition game. So did Alabama.
Nembhard habitually pushes off with his left arm (elbow bent) to create space when he dribbles, and especially to give himself enough room to shoot mid and short range shots. I have watched bits and pieces of probably ten Zags games this year, and that is just the way he plays.
I don’t know if we can get an offensive foul or two called on him or not, the refs have seemed content to let it go during the regular season. But he is really a vital cog to their success, and getting him into foul trouble one way or another would be a big plus Thursday night.
Bingo. I watched the Gonzaga @ St Mary’s game! St Mary’s won keeping the Zags out of transition! Memphis’s players just weren’t in good enough shape to keep up with the Zags late in the game!
Keeping Gonzaga from transitioning might mean sending fewer players to the offensive glass. Kind of difficult to send 4 to the offensive glass AND keep the opponent from getting out in transition if you don’t get the board.
I think Toney is awfully effective about forcing opponents to go to their weak side and he knows when to belly up and back off a guy. WPS
Toney is just a terrific defender. He’s sacrificied A LOT this year to play his role. I truly hope we can keep him around for one more year.
Yes, it would be great to have him back, guys like him are special in my opinion. WPS
I have a feeling he will come back. I think he’s really enjoyed this year. He would be a tremendous asset to us.
Toney has been tremendous on the defensive end for sure. He has the ability to explode on the offensive end as well! I think he will come back for another season.
You are absolutely correct. Why more player were not used remains unanswered. Of course, some of the Memphis problem was grit. A group of “One and Out” players simply cannot beat a team of near equal talent committed for the longer haul. Fatigue was also a factor in the last Houston win over the Tigers. Penny had indicated he intended to use the longer bench but in the end he refused to use all his times outs and did not relieve until exhuastion had occurred.
Let’s hope the officials allow physical play.
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