Am I crazy to think...

**PackLobo23** · 03-15-2010

THat an elite eight is not only possible but very doable? Our region sets up perfectly for it. I know we have to get through game by game, but does anyone outside Kentucky scare you in this region? I would have to say no... that doesnt mean there are not talented teams in the region that could jump up and smack us , but on paper Im extremely encouraged.

**timvracer** · 03-15-2010

Marquette is very good.

**UWSLobo** · 03-15-2010

We can beat any of the teams in the entire tourney, but our success will depend partly on the ability of our guys to adapt to the "Circus" environment of the NCAA Tourney. It's all new to them. Then if they can overcome that, they need to be locked on and focused on the task. If RO and Pmac are on, and Lobos are able to play their game, watch out because the Lobos can do some damage. They need to get on a roll, and we will be fine.

**Protege1212** · 03-15-2010

West Virginia

**attydude** · 03-15-2010

Originally Posted by timvracer

Marquette is very good.

We need to beat Montana before we start thinking about the second round.

**MaxLobo** · 03-15-2010

uh yeah. We just lost to SDSU.....I don't think the Lobos need to be overconfident at this point. Focus on Montana.

**WeAreNM** · 03-15-2010

Originally Posted by MaxLobo

uh yeah. We just lost to SDSU.....I don't think the Lobos need to be overconfident at this point. Focus on Montana.

From what I have heard from both teams, I think UNM will be the one NOT overconfident come Thursday. I just heard Anthony Johnson on the radio tell us Lobo fans "not to sleep on Montana", I think they are coming in not with a chip on the shoulder but with a bit of arrogance.

Plus while the NCAA is a bit of a spectacle, the Lobos have had a season where distractions can be all around them and have stayed focused, I think that won't be that big of a deal, plus when you have a coach who has been there it helps.

**mikexom** · 03-15-2010

Need to really run an effective half court offense, which entails something we have not done well all season, make effective entry passes and work the ball inside out. Ro could really increase his effectiveness if he made an entry pass instead of shooting a contested 3 pointer or passing along the perimeter.

**RonMexico** · 03-15-2010

Originally Posted by Protege1212

West Virginia

I agree, West Virginia scares me. they are a good team, who has been playing extremly well as of late. i think we have a chance to beat them, but they are good.

**ps5335** · 03-15-2010

MARQUETTE is the team that should scare us. Contrary to UNM's more finesse style of play, they are a hard nosed, physical team with excellent guards that plays all 40 minutes. Even if we were to go up on them by 10-12 pts, they would be tough to hold down. They have adopted the gritty personality of their coach. If anyone is going to give us trouble, it is Marquette.

**NMStorm** · 03-15-2010

Naturally, the team will focus on Montana first and nobody else. I really like the way we match up with Marquette though. They are a smallish team like we are but doesn't rebound as well as we do. I like our chances against them or Washington.

West Virginia would be a handful. They are even more athletic than SDSU but with some real guard play to balance it out. If both teams get to that point, it will be an incredibly tough game. I am really looking forward to Thursday.

**UWSLobo** · 03-15-2010

C'mon guys. I have seen great Big East teams that were scarry good. These teams are just good, not great.

**ps5335** · 03-15-2010

Originally Posted by UWSLobo

C'mon guys. I have seen great Big East teams that were scarry good. These teams are just good, not great.

I'm more worried about the prospect of the Lobos getting dropped by a middle of the pack Big East team. If we bow out to WVU, that's to be expected, but losing to Marquette would be somewhat embarassing for the conference.

**LoboLuba** · 03-15-2010

Marquette is built just like A&M and Cal......ask them how they fared against the Lobos

**UWSLobo** · 03-15-2010

Originally Posted by ps5335

I'm more worried about the prospect of the Lobos getting dropped by a middle of the pack Big East team. If we bow out to WVU, that's to be expected, but losing to Marquette would be somewhat embarassing for the conference.

If this Lobos squad was like some in the past, you would have a legitimate concern. But this team is different. They are tougher. Win or lose, they will play a great game and do us and themselves proud. Don't worry. Besides, this is the first year of many great years to come. If they don't go deep this year, it will be next year or the year after that. Just sit back and enjoy!

**wallyhopp** · 03-15-2010

eli- what? mar- who?

my focus is on anthony johnson and his big mouth. and a game that backs it up

**attydude** · 03-15-2010

Originally Posted by wallyhopp

eli- what? mar- who?

my focus is on anthony johnson and his big mouth. and a game that backs it up

Exactly!! I don't get all the premature talk about future potential match ups.

**LoboLaw** · 03-15-2010

Montana is now the biggest game of the year thus far. I expect the Lobos to take them extremely seriously. In both MWC tourney games, I really felt that our shot selection left quite a bit to be desired (jacking up contested threes with 28 seconds left on the shot clock? No no no...). I think the Lobos learn a lesson, and show up to play gritty, and play every possession like it's the last one.