Game 31, 2025-26 Ohio (3/3)

[69MG]

Well, there is a game on Tuesday. Somehow, ESPN give us a 70% chance to win this one even though they beat us at their place. Does home court really mean that much to us?

[Sheck]

Last game of the season, so maybe the players will give a shit.

[Floyd]

Over/under on attendance?

[LS71]

More people on the floor than in the stands?

[MikeUMA]

Somehow, ESPN give us a 70% chance to win this one even though they beat us at their place.

Let's see what Vegas has to say about that. I wouldn't be surprised if this was a pick 'em or even Ohio -1.

Sucks to say but on the heels of a 6-game losing streak, collapsing at Ball State, and getting shelled in H2 at Bowling Green, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a lack of heart on display on Tuesday. That shouldn't be the case, as this is basically a play-in game, but with DHS's iffy ankle, and no one but Carbuccia playing defense lately, I'm not feeling great about this one.

[Juice Stand]

Last game of the season, so maybe the players will give a shit.

I think the players have given a shit in every game so far, even in the Bowling Green debacle. But that was the first time I've seen them bail on a game midway through, and it happened when they started reeling and were looking to their coach for some help, which he did not provide. Once that happened, they checked out.

I expect them to come out and get after it, but if things go sideways at some point, they could definitely fold.

[Juice Stand]

...and no one but Carbuccia playing defense lately...

I'm glad you said that, because I've been wondering where Ndjigue has been lately. In the Bowling Green game, his defense was really bad, to the point where Wimbley was much better, and Wimbley is his backup. He committed a very lazy foul on a three point shooter, and lately has been getting beat on one-on-one drive-byes and pump fakes. He used to be really planted and great at containing perimeter dribble penetration and getting deflections, but guys are going past him at will.

He's also incredibly reluctant to shoot. We all know he isn't the greatest offensive player, but when he's out there with only one other offensive option, which has been the case too often lately, he needs to put the ball up when he has the opportunity. He gets the ball under the hoop and instead of going up strong, he pump fakes, spins around, and either gets rid of it or misses a layup because the defense has had time to collapse on him. His free throw shooting has improved quite a bit, so he should be attacking and getting to the line more.

We all love Jayden and those little "winning plays" he brings, but as a junior leader that's been in the system for 3 years (and honestly hasn't seen much winning), I've been disappointed the last few games, mostly on the defensive side.

[umasscollective]

Am I correct that if UMass loses then we are OUT of the Conference tournament?

[fenway617]

I think if they lose Tuesday they can still get the MAC's 8 seed if Central Michigan loses their last two games (Tues & Thurs). That would put them both at 6-12 and Umass beat them so they'd have the tiebreaker.

[umasscollective]

I think if they lose Tuesday they can still get the MAC's 8 seed if Central Michigan loses their last two games (Tues & Thurs). That would put them both at 6-12 and Umass beat them so they'd have the tiebreaker.

Cent Mich plays Ball State though, so if Ball State wins that game they tie us and they hold the tiebreaker.

[vanmeter]

Correct we really need to win tomorrow. Itbinkghrteis aremote chance of many dominoes fall into place we pike still get in with a loss but a real long shot. Also even if win we could be left out of both Centtsl Michigan and Buffalo win there final 2 games (which is not likely)

[MikeUMA]

Am I correct that if UMass loses then we are OUT of the Conference tournament?

I think there's still a possibility of backing in, even with a loss, but it would depend on what the others around us do.

We're using the 2025-26 season thread for the standings watch. Last night's analyses...
viewtopic.php?p=585363#p585363

All the Tuesday results should clarify things a lot more.

[Floyd]

Correct we really need to win tomorrow. Itbinkghrteis aremote chance of many dominoes fall into place we pike still get in with a loss but a real long shot. Also even if win we could be left out of both Centtsl Michigan and Buffalo win there final 2 games (which is not likely)

Beers for lunch?

[Sheck]

If we lose tomorrow the season is over. I fully expect half the roster to be making plans to enter the portal on Wednesday.

[69MG]

I may have found a sports information site that is much worse than ours. This looks like it was written by AI or A moron. This is from the game preview on the official Ohio U. basketball site:

SCOUTING UMASS
UMass is currently 15-15 overall and 6-11 in MAC play. UMass is coming off an 81-62 home win over Northern Illinois on Tuesday.

LAST TIME AGAINST UMASS
Ohio and UMass met on Jan. 6, 2026 in Athens, with Ohio winnings, 86-83.

Winnings???

Here's the whole preview if anyone is interested:

https://ohiobobcats.com/news/2026/3/2/o ... -game.aspx