Thank God for the 1-3-1

[JTG]

The 1-3-1defense has been a godsend for us. With JP playing the 1 the guard to guard passing lanes are made difficult and the 3 makes guarding wing 3s much easier. It was particularly effective against Butler's offense. JP's size makes passing a problem. I like it and I'm glad Mack has been using it.

[Masterofreality]

One word....

Yes.

[Frambo]

I'm just happy that the staff decided to have some more options. I kinda wish we would show the press here and there, too.

And I'm with MOR......please stop hedging with Matt!

[SkyWalker]

The only thing better would be the 2-3-2.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The only thing better would be the 2-3-2.

Ha I seriously was thinking about what that would look like until I realized that was 2 too many!

[xudash]

From my vantage point at the game, JP almost picked off a couple of Barlow and Jones' passes. He got a few kicks in, forcing Buttler to inbound the ball during a few possessions. He gave them fits out front.

[xu82]

I love him up top! He's a pesky, long pain in the arse for every other team. With Jalen behind him it's tough to find a passing lane for teams who can't drain threes on a regular basis. The corners tend to be open. Ironic, since other teams don't want JP alone in the corner.

[Masterofreality]

I'll never forget James Posey at the point of the press and many times up top of the defense. He gave the opposition fits with his length.

JP has some length too. A good choice for the point.

[EastCoastXman]

MOR you know that you and I are on the same page with this one. I like the way that Mack is applying the 1-3-1 at different times of the game. we seem to get other teams to turn it over on the first possession. It is becoming very predictable based on the lineup on the floor (JP, Jalen, Stain and then any other 2 players). We got lucky with Butler because Barlow and Dunham were not on the floor together very much.Teams are now adjusting and using the typical 4 out on offense. I would now like to see Chris work on a Syracuse 2-3 type zone to compliment the 1-3-1. I think St Johns has too many shooters and teams attack the 1-3-1 with the corner jumpers. The 2-3 would be better against teams with multiple shooters. I will be within earshot of the XU bench at "the world's most famous arena" tomorrow. I hope Jalen has another Garden Party. Trying to break my 0-2 road record.

[X-Fan]

From my vantage point at the game, JP almost picked off a couple of Barlow and Jones' passes. He got a few kicks in, forcing Buttler to inbound the ball during a few possessions. He gave them fits out front.
Also love JP at the point. Funny moment yesterday, after one of his "kick balls", one of the announcers said "JP Macura, showing off his soccer skills."

Agree that the 1-3-1 was a great mid season adjustment by Mack & the staff. Go X!!!!

[Emp]

The 1-3-1 works great when we are ahead and the other team has no one who can shoot (or create) from the corner. I'm not confident both of those will be in play vs St Johns.