Game 15, 2023-24: La Salle (1/10)

[MikeUMA]

Wednesday at 7 at Mullins
Get there in person if you can. Kids tickets $5.
No traditional TV. Stream is supposed to be available via the NBC Sports app. No ESPN+ on this one. NBC has the rights.

La Salle improved their record to 10-5 overall / 1-1 A10 with a win at Fordham over the weekend, 81-76.
https://goexplorers.com/news/2024/1/6/m ... rdham.aspx

Their conference opener was a 77-62 loss to Mason at home
https://goexplorers.com/news/2024/1/3/m ... mason.aspx

On paper, this is one we should win.
https://bracketologists.com/matchup/NDAxNTk2ODMy

[Juice Stand]

After a big game in a packed arena, I really hope we don't have a let down on Wednesday. As others have said, this is the beginning of a stretch where we either announce ourselves as double-bye contenders, or we sleepwalk to a .500 record. I don't think this is the type of team or type of coach that will sleepwalk, but you never know. Wednesday nights are tough for a lot of folks to get out, but this team deserves your support. Matt Cross lost a damn tooth out there yesterday, let's try to get to the Mullins and give these guys a good mid-week home atmosphere.

[umasscollective]

Exciting news! An incoming podcast episode with Matt Cross is just around the corner and will be released the morning of the La Salle Game. We invite you to submit your questions for Matt before tomorrow afternoon. Submit here > https://themassachusettscollective.form ... _cross_q_a

Following the Dayton Game, an anonymous donor, a dedicated longtime UMass supporter, has pledged to match all contributions up to $10,000 until January 14, 2024. This generous match will double your donation's impact and allow us to strengthen our roster and solidify our NIL program. So far we have raised just over $3,000 ($6,000 with the match).

Your support is crucial as we continue to build on our success. To contribute and take full advantage of this match, please visit our contribution page here or contact us directly at [email protected] with questions, for pledges, payments by check or ACH.

Contribute to match here > https://checkout.stripe.com/c/pay/cs_li ... RUNTRAJ3gl

[thecaptain]

After a big game in a packed arena, I really hope we don't have a let down on Wednesday. As others have said, this is the beginning of a stretch where we either announce ourselves as double-bye contenders, or we sleepwalk to a .500 record. I don't think this is the type of team or type of coach that will sleepwalk, but you never know. Wednesday nights are tough for a lot of folks to get out, but this team deserves your support. Matt Cross lost a damn tooth out there yesterday, let's try to get to the Mullins and give these guys a good mid-week home atmosphere.

my hope is that they still have some pent up anger (and newfound confidence) about escaping Dayton with a win. now, they take it out on La Salle. Umass wins by 12+

[stevemaz]

This may be a bigger game than the Dayton game. I believe they MUST win all 9 home league games this year to have a shot at the NIT..assuming they dont win the A10 tournament ,which may be a reasonable possiblity this year.

[e_parade]

This may be a bigger game than the Dayton game. I believe they MUST win all 9 home league games this year to have a shot at the NIT..assuming they dont win the A10 tournament ,which may be a reasonable possiblity this year.

Normally your posts are very pie in the sky overly optimistic (in the greatest of ways), but with how they played Dayton they honestly could make some noise in the tournament. Just need to keep it up.

[rt63]

I really believe this team is different than any we’ve had in the post-Calipari era in terms of buying in and effort. A good win at home against LaSalle would go a long way towards solidifying my belief.

[TheOFFSeason]

I really believe this team is different than any we’ve had in the post-Calipari era in terms of buying in and effort. A good win at home against LaSalle would go a long way towards solidifying my belief.

I agree

[InnervisionsUMASS]

I really believe this team is different than any we’ve had in the post-Calipari era in terms of buying in and effort. A good win at home against LaSalle would go a long way towards solidifying my belief.

I'd say the 2nd and 3rd TF teams, and the 13-14 DK team were on the same page as what you're suggesting. One of the TF teams just wasn't quite good enough, while the other got hindered by the flu at the wrong time. The DK team was probably the best talent of the bunch and they were certainly bought in, but as we found out, the coaching was just a weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee bit lacking.


This team seems like they can really come together and make some noise, and I certainly feel like that is more of a possibility than them falling apart. And it's been awhile since I've felt that way.

[TheInsider]

That TF flu team was really good.. As for DK.. yes you can say coaching but the best player on that team went rouge.

[bobolink]

last year's La Salle game in Amherst was one of the most disappointing of the season. In some ways last year and this are similar, with 9-3 OOC, winning the first A10 home game and losing the first A10 road game (first 2 last year before La Salle). La Salle both years seemed to be one of the weaker A10 teams. That loss left the feeling of another likely losing A10 season, although I always felt Coach would find a way. Anyway, last year he didn't, but this time feels different. Big game! Go UMass!!!

[69MG]

This team seems like they can really come together and make some noise, and I certainly feel like that is more of a possibility than them falling apart. And it's been awhile since I've felt that way.

I have a lot more confidence in this year's team than any in the recent past. Hustle and D will keep you in most games. But you need to make some shots to turn those games into wins. I would love to see an offensive explosion tomorrow night.

[inthescoop]

UMass are 10.5 point favorites.

[MakeMullinsGreatAgain]

this game just got a lot bigger - URI beating Davidson on the road last night means Saturday is not an automatic win like some have said. I think we find a way to win tonight but Saturday will be far from a gimmee - especially for a team that has yet to win on the road

[eldonabe]

That TF flu team was really good.. As for DK.. yes you can say coaching but the best player on that team went rouge.

Swims by.... sniffs bait.... keeps swimming.