2025-26 SMSU Mustangs: Looking to make another run

[NSICHoops]

It’s not entirely untrue though. I personally think it has more to do with the schedule, but Lewis didn’t play at all the first game against SMSU. Now he barely leaves the floor (among other changes).

Not to burst your bubble here, but this "new rotation" was in effect vs. both USF and SCSU. 0-2. I would be shocked if they start beat SMSU in two weeks. CSP is more of a toss-up, but I dont like that matchup for them. Kato doesn't defend like SMSU, UMD or SCSU.

[Purple Mav Man]

Not to burst your bubble here, but this "new rotation" was in effect vs. both USF and SCSU. 0-2. I would be shocked if they start beat SMSU in two weeks. CSP is more of a toss-up, but I dont like that matchup for them. Kato doesn't defend like SMSU, UMD or SCSU.

You’re not bursting my bubble at all. I’ve been down on the Mavs all season. My post about a new rotation was mainly in jest and my follow up post mentioned nothing about beating SMSU 🤷🏼♂️

Also pointed out that it’s mainly the north portion of the schedule. Do I think they’ll beat SMSU later this season? No. But I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they did.

[SW_Mustang]

A discussion I would like to have in the coming weeks....where does this squad rank all-time? Right now, I think I put them firmly behind 2000-01 (didn't see), 2008-09, and 2016-17, and firmly ahead of 2023-24 and 2024-25. To me, they are in a tier with 2011-12 and 2017-18.

Didn't want this post to get lost - I don't have an answer here as I'm not as well versed in basketball, but I am really enjoying the combo of Lund-Stevens-Braaten, and Mehki Shaw as a 6th man.

Really talented squad. Maybe not the most that I've seen personally, but really solid.

[MrMustang]

Is Mr. Mustang still wearing shorts? I know that Hawaiian Night is usually pretty warm, but my computer shows -7 outside.

I wore shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, no sweatshirt or sleeves

[MrMustang]

These next 4 games will probably define the season, a HUGE couple of road trips!

at Jamestown
at Northern
at St Cloud
at Mankato

2 big road trips

[MrMustang]

It’s not entirely untrue though. I personally think it has more to do with the schedule, but Lewis didn’t play at all the first game against SMSU. Now he barely leaves the floor (among other changes).

at St. Cloud will certainly be a game where SMSU is the underdog

[MrMustang]

If you believe the mustangs belong in the regional, and it seems you do, then next weekend isn’t HUGE at all. It should be 2 fairly easy victories.

certainly games they need to win to be taken seriously, but nothing is easy

[Stanger86]

certainly games they need to win to be taken seriously, but nothing is easy

Walking into Wachs/Barnett is never easy!

[Purple Mav Man]

Not to burst your bubble here, but this "new rotation" was in effect vs. both USF and SCSU. 0-2. I would be shocked if they start beat SMSU in two weeks. CSP is more of a toss-up, but I dont like that matchup for them. Kato doesn't defend like SMSU, UMD or SCSU.

I had to go back to look, and now I’m gonna stick MY needle in YOUR bubble…

Those two games didn’t utilize the current rotation.
Bender doesn’t play anymore, he averaged 23 mpg
Sain plays 30+ mpg now, played 16 total in those two
Schweim is in the top 8 now, didn’t play in those two

However, the schedule is still the major factor, IMO

Sioux Falls game: https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net...44-2768349.pdf

St Cloud game: https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net...24-2707870.pdf

[Stanger86]

Last weekend bumped us up into No. 9 in Division II average attendance...and No. 6 among Central Region schools.

[Stanger86]

Mustangs are currently No. 1 in 3-point percentage among all Division II schools.

[MrMustang]

Last weekend bumped us up into No. 9 in Division II average attendance...and No. 6 among Central Region schools.

2 nice crowds over the weekend, but it is not back to pre Covid yet.

a couple of reasons. 1. way more youth sports than even 2019

2. folks got out of habit going in person and with everything on streaming folks stay home

3. perception is it is spendy -- even though SMSU has great deals

[Stanger86]

2 nice crowds over the weekend, but it is not back to pre Covid yet.

a couple of reasons. 1. way more youth sports than even 2019

2. folks got out of habit going in person and with everything on streaming folks stay home

3. perception is it is spendy -- even though SMSU has great deals

I'm not sure it will ever get back to where it was 5, 10, or 20 years ago. It's definitely not just a Marshall thing.

Just for fun, I went back to find numbers from 2016-17 (the Bruggeman/Region Championship Game year). We averaged 2,033 fans per game, which ranked 5th in Division II. That attendance figure is about 60 fans more than the current Division II leading Fort Hays State, which is averaging 1,974 fans. (Fun fact: 7 of the top 10 attendance leaders in the country are in either the NSIC or the MIAA).

[MrMustang]

I'm not sure it will ever get back to where it was 5, 10, or 20 years ago. It's definitely not just a Marshall thing.

Just for fun, I went back to find numbers from 2016-17 (the Bruggeman/Region Championship Game year). We averaged 2,033 fans per game, which ranked 5th in Division II. That attendance figure is about 60 fans more than the current Division II leading Fort Hays State, which is averaging 1,974 fans. (Fun fact: 7 of the top 10 attendance leaders in the country are in either the NSIC or the MIAA).

correct. It will be tough to get back because of so much more in entertainment options just to start.

But there is also just a much less cohesive culture. Much more stratification in everything not just sports.

[Stanger86]

If you believe the mustangs belong in the regional, and it seems you do, then next weekend isn’t HUGE at all. It should be 2 fairly easy victories.

Flu running through the team this week, hearing we might be shorthanded