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This may sound crazy in light of how bad Thursday night was, but I wouldn’t be stunned if ORU plays SDSU somewhat close. It’s just a better match-up for ORU, and the Jacks have shown a penchant for being soft defensively and sloppy offensively. SDSU leading wire-to-wire would not be a shock; nether would ORU at least hanging close till the end.

This coaching staff is getting these results with players who have had previous success. Recruiting is falling off. So, what exactly is the expected result for future seasons if ORU can’t retain THIS talent level? Not good.

We really don’t have an offensive system, do we?

Lets be honest!!!! The problem is that there is no accountability on this team. Mcbride playing 40 mins a game no matter how he plays. I was actually shocked he was benched with over 4 mins left in the game. Too much one on one basketball. Do they actually execute any offensive plays. This team is so easy to scout offensively. Mcbride, 95% will force shots. Bedford, 90 %, will force shots. Thompson 85%, will force shots. I think the team has talent if they play more team ball versus playing individual ball just to pad their stats. Play team ball like the team who just crushed them (St. Thomas) and they could have much better chance to win the Summit League!!!!

TheEagleman after 36 hours of cooling off has to agree with Old Titan.....no telling which Golden Eagle team will show up in Brookings this afternoon....expecting that the Good Guys may very well show some fight on national TV today after that butt whipping on Thursday Night vs. St. Thomas.....maybe they will even win one for Toby Keith today....hoping for the best and we need our upperclassmen leaders to show up in a big road match up....this contest will show us what kind of heart (if any) ORU has.....GO BLUE!!!

We need a true point guard (ala Adam Liberty or Rod Pearson) along with post players who can defend & rebound. Not sure we have staff that can coach/teach/nurture post players. If not, we need someone who is capable of doing that. As St. Thomas has shown and our teams over the past several years demonstrated, basketball is a team sport that is ultimately reliant on fundamental skills (rebounding, collective defense, passing, etc. ). This year’s team seems to be off kilter; too much dribbling, lackadaisical defense and weak rebounding.

Fortunately TheEagleman has a prior engagement tomorrow afternoon and will not be watching this game in Brookings and not sure i even want to DVR...the Jacks are mediocre this year but I don't have a very good feeling about this game after last night...Jacks rested and ready and all the home teams won last night in the Summit....i am still very discouraged.....SDSU 89 ORU 79.........ugh.....

IMHO, start playing fundamental basketball in ALL aspects of the game. We MAY have some talented players, and I emphasize the word MAY, but if they do not play basic fundamental basketball we will always lose against a team like the Tommies who pride themselves in executing their game plan, playing really well in all aspects of the game, and applying the fundamentals. St. Thomas played well in D-III because they recruited and then trained kids who may not make the starting lineup of a D-I power conference team but can play near mistake free fundamental basketball and who have a high basketball IQ. Think the Huskers in the movie Hoosiers and you will start to understand St. Thomas basketball. Which by the way, we currently are not.

The Women's game was much more enjoyable!!

ORU has no idea how to play help defense. To watch ST players drive to the hoop and pass two blue jerseys on their way for an open layup (which they did all night in the previous game at the Mabee, by the way) is unexplainable from a players standpoint as well as a coaches position. I know helping underneath can lead to open looks when you have you "sluff" off your man to offer help, but that is where quickness and total team defense has to come in. It's just sad to me that this team does not know how to play defense and is still giving up way too many offensive rebounds when shots are missed. My eyes are still aching for watching the game last night. Actually, just the first half. I just checked on the score a few times after that.

Tim Hill is not the problem. He’s a great dude who at least makes no bones of being an SDSU alum and fan. The podcast hosts, however, are that typical Upper Midwest brand of “What, did I say something wrong?” mock civility that I find frustrating and wearisome. Though it could be worse, I suppose. Could be Canadian! Anyway, I’m sure my unique blend of opinionated-bordering-on-brutal takes and conspiracy theory paranoia would no doubt make for an awkward fit with these three affable Northerners. (…even though I suppose it might make for great theatre.)