Game 24, 2025-26: Central Michigan (2/3)

[LS71]

That’s a great way to think about it. This is a team UMass should have beaten far more easily, given CM’s roster turnover from last year, new coach and the sub .500 record.

UMass isn't blowing anybody out….
…lots of room to improve in all phases…
…Take the W and keep on rolling.

Not sure what s/b means in your post, but as entertaining as the game was, I can’t get too excited over the need to come back from 11 down at home against a team that 7-16, but I’m glad they did.

[DanaDingle3]

You're right, LS. The bar is being lowered. This team hasn't improved its D, is a middle of the pack MAC team, and is going nowhere fast.

I was not entertained watching UMass struggle against a bottom third tertiary Midwest school, but I'm glad others were.

[JoleonLescottsHair]

bottom third tertiary Midwest school

Correction: “peer institution.”

[Jack]

Thanks LS. s/b = Should be. They needed to come back b/c McIntire was setting a record for 3s made and UMass couldn't stop him from making it rain. See Coach Martin's post game comments re: not being able to defend the 3. It was a fun game. If somebody wasn't entertained by tha game - okay. The important thing is getting the W. The tteam is demonstrably improved over last season (not a high bar) and is 4-1 over the last 5. Hopefully they keep on getting better. Go UMass !!!

[MikeUMA]

It was the first time in D1 history that opposing players hit ten or more threes. Fun to see.

See that and raise.

[vanmeter]

It certainly was exciting. I agree with Franks assessment that the point guard Brooks was able to easily penetrate in the first half and then kicking it out to an open McItyre. Once he got that confidence on open looks his confidence just took over. A 9 point scorer with a 37% 3 point percentage, to shot 12-16 from 3 is just remarkable. Fortunately Banks was almost as good and that saved us.

[69MG]

I don't know if they could keep up that pace for the whole game, but the effort they played with on D the last 2 minutes was as good as they have played D all year. Jayden just stuck with McIntire and didn't try to help out with anyone else and he didn't get a shot off. Somehow we also managed to keep them out of the paint. It wasn't perfect but it was a lot better.

[Juice Stand]

^ I agree that they can't play that aggressive pressing style all game, but I think you've hit on something there. They are not a good defensive team, it is what it is. But what I've seen is that they're at their best when they're switching up their defenses often. Sticking with man-to-man for long stretches hasn't worked. Their zone has been pretty effective, the press was excellent (at least against CMU, didn't work against Bowling Green). Mixing up defenses like that throughout the game could be something that confuses opponents, slows them down, and at least gives us that little defensive edge we've been missing.