I Think We Can Ask this Question Now

[Salsa]

This post obviously belongs in the Womens Sports Forum but I don't know how to move it. Can a moderator or someone else do this?

It may be too soon to answer "Yes" but I don't think it's too early to ask--

"Is this the best BG women's team ever"?

Reasons to say "Yes"--
1-defense
2-turnovers--Does anyone know the BG season record for average turnovers in a game? This year we're averaging around 12 which I think is very impressive. Some of our very good teams in the 70s, 80s, and 90s averaged, I believe, many more turnovers. I never thought this was a strength of Fran Voll's teams.
3-Overall talent--I can't recall any of BG's great teams in the past having as much overall talent. They may have had a couple of outstanding players, but this year's team has at least 3 and maybe 4 that might be All MAC in some capacity.
4-Toughness, intensity, and confidence
5-The quality of womens' college basketball has significantly improved over the last 10 years or so.

Reasons to say "No"--
1-scoring
2-shooting percentage

My answer right now is that this year's BG team has already shown that it is the best ever. And by the way, I think it's clear that our coaching staff is the best ever also.

Who can beat us? I'd say we would have trouble with a team that has a very tall and talented front court, one that could get offensive rebounds and get Liz and Ali in foul trouble.

[BGDrew]

Who can beat us?

Ourselves.

[Jacobs4Heisman]

Who can beat us?

Ourselves.

We are beatable when we play passively. We've been able to get away with it because we are heads and shoulders above most teams in this conference talent-wise. We've been able to play passively and then turn it on and blow teams out in the second half. We won't be able to do that against Kent or Eastern in Cleveland, and we certainly won't be able to do that against whatever team we face should we make it to the NCAA tournament.

There are also 5+ teams in the country that we could only beat if we played nutty good and they played badly.


As far as being the best ever, I can't answer that having not seen the late 80's - early 90's teams that dominated. One team only lost 2 games I believe. Someone who has been around longer than I will have to answer that question.

[bgsufalcon24]

Who can beat us?

Ourselves.

We are beatable when we play passively. We've been able to get away with it because we are heads and shoulders above most teams in this conference talent-wise. We've been able to play passively and then turn it on and blow teams out in the second half. We won't be able to do that against Kent or Eastern in Cleveland, and we certainly won't be able to do that against whatever team we face should we make it to the NCAA tournament.

There are also 5+ teams in the country that we could only beat if we played nutty good and they played badly.


As far as being the best ever, I can't answer that having not seen the late 80's - early 90's teams that dominated. One team only lost 2 games I believe. Someone who has been around longer than I will have to answer that question.

If we Should we make it to NC's?! Dude, are you kidding me? We're 20-2 for god sakes. We're getting an at large bid even if we don't win the MAC tourney, unless we really stumble and pick up some losses down the stretch. If you are in the top 30 in the country at the end of the year (we're 27th and to rise higher on Tuesday) then chalk it up. I dare the NCAA selection committee to not a 27-3 team to the tournament.

[Jacobs4Heisman]

Be careful what you wish for brother.

[factman]

Some interesting matchups comparing the Motyka era and the current team. If you compare Motyka and Mann, Jackie is probably a better shooter, but Ali is more athletic and better defensively, but Motyka just didn't miss an open shot. I am not sure Megan McGuire has a match on this team with her athletisism. She was an OUTSTANDING athlete that could play all phases of the game, including palying "D" and getting up and down the floor with anyone. She also played volleyball at BG and could have run track. Ice water in her veins! Katie has that same athletisism but plays the point, which bring us to Paula Backstrom, who was also a very good point guard, and it would be very interesting to watch her and Kate match up. I think Paula could have matched her speed and "D" but I am not sure she could match her scoring ability, going to the basket. Size is similar if I remember correctly. I have always said that if this team had an Angie Bonner, they might be a top 10 team. Angie was the tall, 6'2", athletic center that we need now to pair up with Liz. Angie could also run the floor like a deer, was a good shot blocker and scored as necessary. A very smart player. Liz sort of falls into the category with Megan, but is alike , but yet so different, in both body type and style. Those were the "key" players on the earlier teams if my memory serves me correctly, and had some other players that played key roles, like Kathy Koch, Tecca Thompson, Dawn Eastman, and Chris (Jackies sister-in-law).
I do think the current team plays better team defense, but I am also not sure they could score with the Motyka group, and Jackie's group had a little better size. It would make a GREAT matchup!!
Hopefully I didn't get too many names and years mixed up in my assessment, and probably missed a few other players that should be mentioned..

[Falconfreak90]

Who can beat us?

Ourselves.

Well said. As good as this team is, it can be beaten and they have to bring the intensity for a full 40. When they play inspired for 40, I'll put them up against anybody. But I think we've seen some vulnerability when we play passively, as J4H pointed out.

Some of those teams in the late 80's were just unbelievable. I think this team is very close to those teams.


GO FALCONS!

[always a falcon]

FYI It was Paulette Backstrom. And Megan could steal the ball like nobody I've seen. Your comparisons are pretty well stated!

[transfer2BGSU]

S...and had some other players that played key roles, like Kathy Koch, Tecca Thompson, Dawn Eastman, and Chris (Jackies sister-in-law).

I forgot about Dawn Eastman. She was pretty cute.