February 15, 2024 • 75 mins
This week, “Colonel” Stewart is joined by “Mad” Matt McCay, resident writer and analyst, as we bring you the longest-running podcast following WKU athletics.
On the latest episode, we discuss the Football schedule announcement, Corley Draft Stock, Baseball and Softball season starting soon, discuss the Lady Tops continued road bumps and slumps, and Men’s basketball’s uphill battle to a Conference USA Title.
Hope you like the new video style of podcast! Let us know what you think!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Devin Stewart (00:00):
Welcome
welcome into another red up. Podcast. Sorry. I had a voice in my ear there for a second. My name's Devin. We got Matt in the studio with us, and we're talking sports today. Hope you all enjoy. And let's get right into it, Matt, what do you think about the super bowl, Buddy?
Matthew McCay (00:19):
I mean, it was obviously close game the whole time. My wife said it that she she wanted more scoring, or whatever I don't know. I thought it was pretty good. I was close the whole time, and
you know that was interesting. All the mistakes, and how that
change the game, and
Devin Stewart (00:36):
I thought it was very well scripted this year. They did a really good job, so there's that
it. II did think it was interesting.
I did think it was very interesting game. I thought it was.
I thought it was well played. II only got to see about half of it, because the little one wanted to watch something else. And so it was like, Okay, well, let's watch this.
(01:03):
And it's you know, it's one of those games that I was like.
I'm not invested in either team.
Matthew McCay (01:10):
I really couldn't care less about either team at this point. So let's just, you know. And so I did get to actually watch
Devin Stewart (01:16):
from the halftime show towards the end of the game. So
what do you think of the half time show
Matthew McCay (01:24):
I thought of honestly. I thought it was great. My wife and I, you know. low note fact about my wife, but she used to watch like Mtv all the time, so she like, knows all these rap songs from the
90 s. And 2,000 s.
And so she was like totally into it, and was like spitting every every one of the lyrics and the and I knew I used to like. I like to listen to to that some, too. And like, I really knew a lot of them, too. I used to listen to 1 one in Nashville forever.
(01:58):
Yeah, the one
huh? What? Yeah. The one
one on 1 one to beat jams
with dollar white and scooby, anyway.
I think the little white died, though, said
But anyway, yeah, you probably don't, and neither does anybody else. That is this. But anyway, no, it's it was cool, because we both
(02:28):
pretty much knew every song, and it wasn't like, you know, I didn't have to explain to my
my, you know, 4 and 5 year old like why, everybody's naked, you know, because, like it, it was, it was classy enough, except, I will say.
the one time that Haley, my 4 year old, parked up, was
Devin Stewart (02:50):
when they were on the stripper polls. She's like, Oh, cool you. You found nothing interesting but girls on stripper polls. So, my my daughter, yeah, you talk about getting from kids parking up.
My wife was watching, and of course her comment was, she's like these are. These are songs that aren't as well known, and the parts that he's singing. Aren't that well known of these parts, either.
(03:18):
like at the beginning of it? And then you had a few towards the end that were more well known.
But, my daughter, we're watching it. And when Usher took off his shirt and started dancing, my daughter was like I got in trouble for doing that on the playground. Yeah, I got comments, too, like, well, I wasn't wearing a shirt we're watching right? And they're like.
Matthew McCay (03:42):
Oh, sure, just like Daddy. I'm not really complaining about Taylor Swift. All that much, but
Devin Stewart (04:01):
is like they would literally show a split second of her.
and it was like clip gone.
clip gone like not even getting my wife's plan on her phone after we get the little one to sleep, and I'm watching the game. and she goes, and I'm sitting watching. She's like I haven't seen Taylor yet.
and I was like, well, there she was, and she looks, and it's gone. And I'm like, and she's like what? And I was like, yeah, it was. It was just up and it just it's gone. And she's like, Oh.
(04:29):
and then, like a second or 2 later, pops back up, you know, couple of minutes later, whatever pops back up gone.
Course, I'm sitting there watching, and I told my wife, I said, Is that Blake lively with Taylor Swift?
And she goes, yeah, I think it is. And so, of course, like later, we saw on Facebook where it was, I guess. In fact, Taylor or Taylor and Blake was up there, and my thought was, where the hell's Ryan Reynolds
(04:54):
like, wouldn't I get like they may have a girls trip or whatever, but you're like. So you don't get to go to the Super Bowl man. You gotta stay at home with the kids. I guess
I don't know.
Matthew McCay (05:06):
Yeah. One of the that was one of the mysteries on my mind, and the super bowl for sure. Glad you brought it up.
Devin Stewart (05:13):
Yeah, alright. Let's see here. So we do have a little golf news to talk. I will see how this goes, I've worked really hard. And I just late for this. Podcast but I am going to see how this screen sharing works.
So
first off, we've got some golf news here. The men's golf actually have started their season.
(05:40):
They have took to the links to start their first tournament of the season in the beginning of February, which I was like. That's hilarious.
They were led by graduate student Luke Fuller, who actually finished fourth place in the tournament and
and Topp's actually finished. In second place, let me see where that tournament was. I know it was town south, but
Matthew McCay (06:06):
was it some island or something.
some island or something. It was like South Carolina. It's the bentwater intercollegiate invitational.
Devin Stewart (06:19):
I don't know where bent water is Texas Montgomery Texas. So they went down there and actually did really. Well, they finished second some other names that were playing in this invitational. Their same Houston finished first.
UTSA. Was third, Stephen F. Austin, State
Fourth, and Ut Arlington fifth. So I guess we played against a bunch of Texas to schools. and Lady Tops. Golf has not started yet. Just a heads up for those
(06:50):
who are on that pass files fast like I even had these numbered like this is going to drive me notes. Okay, where's all my slides?
Okay, I can't get him to go. But anyway,
so yes. So ladytop golf is gonna start
here in the next few weeks. I can find that slide. This is gonna be a thing tonight. I'm sorry. Guys.
(07:18):
We're we're we're experimenting man. It's all good. Yeah.
I thought I did one, for
I guess not. Okay. And men's golf. I'm gonna read this off of my my computer here
(07:41):
the next invitational or tournament, or whatever for men's golf, is going to be March seventh to the Ninth and St. Simons, Georgia. It is the See Palms invitational
last year, when the tops were doing this tournament, they finished seventh overall so hopefully. And this tournament is hosted by Western Carolina so hopefully, you know, we'll see some improvement from year to year.
(08:06):
And then the later Lady Topper golf team. I almost said Lady Gator. Ladytopper golf is going to kick off their season against Mercer on the twenty-third of this month, next 2 weeks from now in the Reynolds, Lake Osiano, invitational at Great Waters golf course in Greensboro, Georgia.
(08:28):
That should have been in there, too. Oh, my elbow, anyway!
So
Another thing I guess we'll jump into a softball update. Real quick
softball has played against
Matthew McCay (08:47):
Sorry. Now you're good. You're good
working in a live office here. I'm the only one here. So
Devin Stewart (08:55):
I know you're good. I understand how that goes, man.
Matthew McCay (08:58):
Oh, so there was that one. Okay, well, it's not. I'll do these 2 things going on at your office. But I get it.
Devin Stewart (09:05):
No, this is actually my home office. This is in the future Home Office. It, you know the funny. Thank you. Thank you. Just got done cleaning it today.
Matthew McCay (09:17):
filthy place, anyway. But the yeah keeps disappearing. And then it's
Devin Stewart (09:22):
does it? Yeah, I saw that last week when I was doing post production, and I was like scrapping me nuts.
But I had a backdrop that my wife had gotten, and it's just disappeared. It's just gone, so I have no idea what happened to it. It it last week I was ready to strangle her. But
(09:43):
you know, what am I gonna do? I'm like, you know, it's one of those where you're like. When I needed it, it is gone.
The thing is like the avatar of whatever it's just gone. Okay? So
yeah, I guess I can write on this now, too.
okay. So like, I said, lady topic, Lady Tupper golf's gonna kick off their first invitational
(10:05):
on the 20 third of this month. So in 9 days.
and then men's golf comes back at it. March seventh, through the ninth in Saint Simon's, Georgia.
So quick softball update here
softball has had a few. They've been at a
tournament invitational conference whatever, and
(10:30):
They played Missouri State, and they beat them one to nothing.
They also played Iowa
this was not a very pretty one. It was ended in the fifth inning, because Iowa was beaten. The tops 8 to nothing.
Matthew McCay (10:45):
Yeah. I saw that
Devin Stewart (10:46):
I didn't know they had like a a role for stop playing college sports.
Matthew McCay (10:54):
They do. And yeah.
they do in softball. Some cause they can get
they can get pretty ugly at times. Baseball doesn't happen as much. but they can. They can decide like it's kind of, especially if it's
not conference or whatever is really just kind of it's really just kind of gentleman's
(11:18):
rules on, if they agree like it. Let's just let's just finish it, or let's 7 innings instead of 9, or whatever or
whatever they can do that. So
yeah, women, softball, I mean softball happens pretty often that there can be a skunk rule or something.
Devin Stewart (11:36):
On the. Of course those were on the ninth
and then on the Tenth Western played army, and they beat army
they also beat Nc. State 7 to 2,
and on the eleventh western tide, Kansas?
That that was a two-two finish. It was ended in the 6. Because.
(12:01):
yeah, what is that
Matthew McCay (12:04):
it's a tournament setting so like the like, the games had to end by a certain time they happen to be the last game. And so they just ended it, even though
I think we were up to bad or something. Yeah. So we possibly could have beaten Kansas.
But instead, we tied because we can't wait 5 min till the games over.
Devin Stewart (12:28):
you know. I'm just picturing, like, you know.
softball topper gets up to bat.
cracks one out, and it's going over the fence, and they're like, Nope doesn't count. Time's over. Time is over, and you're like, wait a second here.
and then
Matthew McCay (12:58):
yeah, really injuries.
Yes, yes. And the reason I say that is is because we'll swipe through a couple of things here. Okay, so
Devin Stewart (13:12):
I saw somebody get hit in the Temple with a Softball
and Church League softball. That was probably one of my more serious injuries I ever saw. And of course, like I've people always talk about fights and stuff. I've never seen a fight in Church League softball, so
But softball is going to start their second road tournament in Chattanooga, and that starts on the sixteenth of February. So in 2 days
(13:39):
they are going to be in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and they will started off playing North Alabama.
They will play Chattanooga, Murray, State and ball state
on the sixteenth. We've got Alabama at 1130, central time, 4 30 Pm.
Both central time as well. They will play on the seventeenth North Alabama, at 9 Am.
(14:03):
And then at 1130 A. M. They play Murray State, and then on the eighteenth they will play ball state.
So
good luck to the Lady Topper softball team. That'll be that'd be interesting to see how they do.
Matthew McCay (14:19):
Okay, go back to baseball here. But those are some nice results. I mean, I mean, that's really good. I mean Iowa, whatever you know the expected to be a little better. But beating Nc state and then time with Kansas like
you'd like to see competing with upper level schools. So next 5 look like more winnable games. So hopefully, though.
(14:45):
sweep through that or win 4 out of 5 or so and
kind of show us that they're a team to be reckoned with.
Devin Stewart (14:52):
I am not a big softball person.
so I have no idea, you know, like as far as strength of schedule, and like, who is the top dog and softball like, you know, basketball, you know women's basketball back in the day it was Tennessee and Yukon, you know you knew they were good, I mean, even Louisville's got a good women's basketball program
but softball. I'm in the dark. I'm sorry so some of our listeners know, you know, more than welcome to send us notes or something, just to let us know what's going on.
(15:21):
but we've got some
baseball updates we have 3 hilltoppers selected to the Conference, U.S.A. Preseason, all conference team we've got 2 seniors and a sophomore Mason Burns and Lane
Diagui diagui.
Matthew McCay (15:40):
It's actually it's actually do good. I think you might have missed the day on there. It's literally just good. I think it's up.
Devin Stewart (15:47):
I misspelled his name. Sorry, Buddy. And then a sophomore, Dawson Hall, which I'm pretty sure that's Duane Hall, son.
Matthew McCay (15:56):
These are very serious hard worker as a sophomore for the tops. So
well he has to be. Have you seen his dad? Yeah, it's very
his dad is like the chuck Norris of Western strength training. So that guy's been around forever. He's still doing stuff. Man. It's amazing.
Devin Stewart (16:16):
He's he is amazing! He ended. A war. Is he like the longest tenured topper.
Matthew McCay (16:24):
Like athletic coach. Yeah, I mean, he's he's been at Western
forever. It seems like retire. He's got to be up there on some of these.
like all the coaches, have changed out. All the assistance generally have changed out.
(16:46):
He's gonna be up there.
he is! This is his. This is his fourteenth year as the Wk. Use, director of strength and conditioning, and his 8 as the men's basketball strength and conditioning.
Oh, he's been! Oh, he's been a member of the strength and conditioning staff for over 20 years. Yeah, that's what I'm saying. He
(17:08):
he's been there like before we were. We were there.
Devin Stewart (17:12):
Well, I knew he'd been there, for since before I had, I knew the way was there before me when I started the hedge
the headstream conditioning coach was a guy who coached at He works for the dolphins for a little bit.
and this was in the old side of the stadium. So there was a lot of talk back then about that. But it was really funny.
(17:36):
okay. So Coach Hall got a degree in physical education in 1,996,
and he finished his master's degree at Wku in 2,006 he was certified through the national strength and conditioning as a certified strength and conditioning specialist.
Oh, yeah. And he married track and field standout, Laura Wesling.
(18:01):
and they've got 3 sons, Darian, Dawson and Dexton.
Matthew McCay (18:05):
Yes. Well, that's that's him. Is it really him, Tim? I'm swear to God more or less than he was. No.
yes, Dawson is a sophomore on the Wku baseball team. It's on his sports page. Oh, have you not seen? Have you not seen like? Look up, Dawson Hall?
(18:29):
Alright, like every one of Dwayne's kids are redheaded, and I don't know how that happened.
It's kind of like red here, too, do what
Devin Stewart (18:40):
I don't know. I'd have to look up, Laura. I don't know. I don't remember. I don't remember seeing her.
Matthew McCay (18:47):
I'm pretty sure he like threatened people never to look at her if she ever showed up, you know.
I guess.
Devin Stewart (18:56):
Let me see, I can find some more pictures of her back.
Oh, yeah.
Matthew McCay (19:03):
yeah. I had. No, I had no clue.
Devin Stewart (19:09):
Oh, yeah, that was a hundred percent. I was, yeah. I was not making that up. He
I knew his son was playing, and I don't remember if I saw it on Facebook or what I think I may be friends with coach all on Facebook. But yeah, he was. He was a very serious coach back in the day.
But yes, but that is the first time, as you can see in my notes first time a picture has been named to the Preseason all conference for the tops.
(19:34):
And that's the first time Westerns had multiple people on the preseason. So
Matthew McCay (19:38):
hey, we'll see hopefully, baseball doesn't, has a really good season. So
Mason Burns is supposed to be considered like Top. I know he's top 50. I think he was like Number 25 on the list of overall college pitchers, college relief pitchers
so like he's expected to be like all American ish type of level good as a as a senior and and do good, is a good player as well he do. He do pretty good. So
(20:11):
I think I think we have some pieces there, and from what I've heard
just internal talk, and so I think I think Coach wardens brought in some people that should immediately be be pretty solid there's a lot of new names, you know. You don't know when you have like 8 retarders, or whatever ridiculous low number it is. You just don't know if they're gonna all come together and be great, or if it's gonna be a disaster, so hopefully it'll be
(20:38):
decent. And he brought in some good people and
you know we'll have some. We'll kind of live up to some expectations on these guys that are supposed to be pretty good.
Devin Stewart (20:48):
You know we have a kid on the team named Tyler Reardon is that coach? Is that the coach's son?
Matthew McCay (20:54):
I don't know. Do we have a
Devin Stewart (20:59):
snap what was the one for UK. Back in the day for the wild cats? Calipari sun.
Matthew McCay (21:09):
He's from Council Bluffs, Iowa. I will guess he's gotta be related. Let's see.
it's gonna
son of Melanie. And Mark, yeah, that's his son. Okay.
Devin Stewart (21:23):
Yup. Oh, my gosh! Please tell me he has a tattoo or not given, please.
But yeah, I baseball is going to start there. Let me back up. There we go. Baseball is gonna start there
season on the sixteenth. They're gonna play Bradley that's at home at Nick Dennis Field 3 pm. And this times are central time
(21:48):
cause I got them off to Dk use sports. So, and I was rushing. Matt was rushing me so on the sixteenth, this is Friday. Western's gonna be having a series against Bradley.
The 3 Pm. Pitch off.
Sorry I'm used to football, so it's always a kick off but the I gotta make it red. So it's good.
Matthew McCay (22:28):
Yeah. I hadn't done my baseball research yet, so I didn't go on as a co-founder and son. I realize it was
the hall sun and all that stuff. So
Devin Stewart (22:40):
that's a d alright, and I gotta erase it.
Oh, I'm learning all these new fangled stuff. Okay? So anyway, Bradley, they've got them this weekend on Friday they play 3 Pm. On Saturday it's 2 Pm. And on Sunday it's at one Pm.
And then next Tuesday, the Twentieth Western will be playing Lipscomb, and that is going to start about 3 Pm. That's in Nashville. So if you can be there, be there they will appreciate your support.
Matthew McCay (23:13):
Bradley was not very good last year, so should be a pretty good opportunity to start out 403 and one, you know. So hopefully should get out to a good start. We shall see.
Devin Stewart (23:27):
I hope so, too. It would be it would be really good to, you know. Start off the season with a win for baseball for sure.
sorry I've got my notes over here. I'm trying to keep up with what I've talked we've talked about so far. Okay.
yes. So they're going to be coming up on the okay. So Lady tops basketball. This is Matt's jam right here.
(23:54):
all right, hey? I'm telling you I am really excited for the lady tops.
They ended their streak in.
They're see. Yep, turn around there, beat them there.
Okay, there we go. We'll do that. Okay. So lady Tops make a turnaround and diddle they ended their what was that 5 or 6 game losing streak? It was a 3 game losing streak, and they had lost 3 of 4.
(24:28):
Excuse me 4 or 5. Excuse me, they've lost 4 or 5.
Yeah, and it started against you. Well, we beat you to have 66 65 and then we started losing against fi! You same Houston Mtsu. And then we won Lautrec.
Matthew McCay (24:44):
and
so we beat Jacksonville state, too. So so yeah, the law tech game man like oh, my gosh, II don't know if you've looked at the anything more than kind of final score, whatever a lot of our listeners would, but like we did go to the game, and it was
well, first of all, acacia. Hayes has an injury. She's one of the leading scores for the tops.
(25:10):
Has been a a solid player for the last couple of years, and she has some kind of knee injury. We don't know the extent it
looks like from the intelligence we have. We've talked to a guy from Vko, and we had some.
you know, just observation type of stuff, I mean. It seems like she may be out for at least a while, and could be out for the whole rest of the year. She had a like an acl type of need brace on. But then
(25:39):
the game against Jacksonville state she didn't, so I don't know exactly where she stands.
as far as injured she really is.
but regardless she's out, and it's probably out
till I would say March. At least, we can fairly well guess that's probably what's gonna happen.
She's indefinitely and then also the first game against law tech. This last week they were without destiny salary. Who's the other kind of quick hitter type of quick possession type of player for the top. So I mean, it was like watching paint dry, watching them try to score. It was so bad.
(26:18):
Yeah, it was 33 to 14 lawtech at 1 point
and it was like it. It was hopeless. I mean, they no energy, you know, like I wanted like when you care about the program, whatever you wanted to do? Well, you just go. And you're like, okay. And hopefully, you know, we're shorthanded. But let's let's win. Let's you know, let's look like we care. Let's look like we're
(26:44):
don't look awful. And it just like I seriously started getting a little sick to my stomach watching. It was awful. And then at 33, 14, it just
it kind of started clicking into place a little bit. Made a couple of baskets. you know, they cut it maybe like it was like 14 or 15 and a half times, so it's still look pretty bad.
(27:06):
And quarter was
pretty rough, but they started kind of like inching their way into it. It wasn't like they made like a 20 to nothing run. And then we're right back in it. I mean, it was
like you pretty much thought the game was over until, like the fourth quarter, when they finally took the lead.
Devin Stewart (27:24):
I always think it's weird.
I always think it's weird that girls basketball does or women's basketball does quarters and men's does halves.
Matthew McCay (27:34):
Yeah. And they they've always had different like shot clock numbers. So this would be like the men were 35, and the girls were always 30.
Now the men are 30. They're they're both 30. They have the different like 3 point lines and whatever. And so yeah, it's it definitely is odd. And they they've added the quarters. I forget when they add the quarters like 5.
(28:00):
That might been a little longer than that now, years ago.
But and they have different breaks.
times that they get like the guys have a break every 4 min under time under 4 min timeout, or whatever the girls.
Is a little bit harder to explain. You know, it's kind of kind of staggered.
(28:21):
But
you know, every 4 every 4 weeks there's a break. But yeah.
yeah, there you go. But
that same weeks, I mean minutes. Yeah, okay, but anyway, yeah, is this different? And it creates different dynamics in the game.
(28:44):
So like.
for example, the first quarter. You can easily have a quarter where the scores like 25 to 9. Right? You know you don't normally have a half for somebody scores
that low, but you can have those like cause. There's smaller lengths of time. You can have really lopsided quarters, and they can kind of like dump in 5 extra points right at the end of the the quarter, based on like a 2 for one or something.
(29:10):
Yeah.
And so it creates more like strategy at the end of the quarters
that you have to pay attention to.
so I think it.
I think, creates some different interests. It's a different field than a men's game
because of that
and it kind of makes you think about the time a little different than Oh, it's the second half. It's what's the third quarter? It's not even
(29:33):
close to over. But then you finish the third quarter. You've only got 10 min left. So yeah.
Devin Stewart (29:39):
I mean. It is interesting, and it's kind of cool that I mean.
it sounds bad, but I would assume that you would want it more.
I'm person that likes things that are the same. So that's just me. But I guess part of my thing is, at least here is when you're looking at the stats, at least for Western, like, I feel like.
(30:01):
would you just do it already?
Okay, here we go.
This Stat, right here. Keep circling around.
That's our biggest stat right there. We had 12 turnovers. I mean, that is amazing.
And then
then you've got, you know. lattek having 21 turnovers.
(30:23):
Yeah, that's amazing, too. Yeah, II found out this cool drawing feature. So it's really gonna mess you all up. I'm sorry.
but I mean, that's a that's a big takeaway for the lady tops, you know, to only have 12 turnovers in this game, and I don't know what their average is, but you know we're doing really well. Yeah.
Matthew McCay (30:44):
College women's basketball or women's college basketball. Generally, you have a little bit more turnovers than the men. Like like the guys, it's they average 14, and that's
pretty darn high. I don't know where it stands, nationally or anything
but the controls. If they average 14, that would be that'd be great and so.
(31:09):
anyway, the 12 turn numbers was great, and I had a I love that you put that up there because it really does show. Really, that was kind of the difference in the game. Fact that they were able to actually out rebound Lottech, which has been a really really tough thing for them to do this year. They've had some where they absolutely got blasted on the boards, and they didn't have a chance. Just simply because of that.
Devin Stewart (31:35):
Well, I know another Stat, I want to show real quick is, I'll do the highlighter here just because this is really cool.
Okay, so we've got
35, and I'm marked all the way through it 35 and latte shops 43,
while Western only had 41 field goal percentage and 22.2 from 3 point land, like any other day of the week. That would be detrimental to us.
Matthew McCay (32:03):
You know, those are very troubling stats is, I mean, but it just goes to show how much turnovers play into it. But go ahead. Sorry. Well, also that low 3 point. It shows how difficult it was and has been for Wk scores since salary and acacia have been out.
Oh, yeah. in the Jacksonville State game. Also, Western came back and won this one, and it was. It was really nice to see them figure out, especially when they looked absolutely dead.
(32:33):
Water in the first half, and it looked like, Oh, my God, we're gonna lose the team that has 2 conference wins. Yeah.
Devin Stewart (33:04):
you know.
Evidently Wester did really well, foul wise, because the you know, law tech had 2. They were 2 of 6,
you know. They only hit 2 free throws, and Western had. They were 14 of 17. That right? There is a complete turnaround in the game. I should have put that on the stats, too, but I didn't think about it until just now.
Matthew McCay (33:24):
yeah, that's it. That is interesting. For sure I hadn't. I'm I'm glad that you broke that broke that down a little bit because I didn't think of that being there live, and I didn't look at all that stuff. But when you just look at the numbers
ultimately, like big, huge comeback and all that stuff. But really the numbers do tell the tale and tell kind of what happened over time is that obviously Western was able to to get some foul calls, they will be more aggressive.
(33:55):
They were able to overcome the bad shooting by taking care of the ball and getting inside draws of files. And when I think about how the game went that that does
ring true with what really happened.
Western was
figured out that they weren't making shots.
They they went inside and and drew some fouls and made something happen.
Devin Stewart (34:17):
And that's I think I think that's part of
I think that's a big thing for basketball and baseball, too, is they're very. You can be very analytical about basketball and baseball.
as far as you know.
being able to look at numbers and say, this is what helped this. This is what's going to help this. But you know. free throws, I mean are killer. That's easy points. You've got to make free throws. Anytime you're out there. Anytime you get put up on the line. You've got to make those free throws and
(34:49):
quick, Stat, real quick on.
Sorry. I've got 2 different things here for base for men's and women's basketball
Matthew McCay (34:58):
to the the ladies against Jacksonville State.
Devin Stewart (35:02):
Yes, let's go to Jacksonville, State ladies. Here's the little a little slide I've got going on it.
that's not. That's not right. I got my numbers mixed up on Jacksonville state to fix that and post. But okay.
no, it is right. I'm sorry.
Matthew McCay (35:21):
Who was it that shot 7% was that on the men side?
(35:49):
Yeah, that's people who are know you. That's why you know your little snake bit. And there's there was some story to that as far as why the the main star was struggling. We'll talk about that a little bit as far as the lady tops. In this one. This really was like.
you know, they obviously got over the 3 game losing streak. Jacksonville, State and Law tech are not that great?
(36:14):
But the main thing is in this one like they they really did struggle to score, they have been struggling to score without occasion. We talked about that
destiny salary was back. There was some weird substitution stuff. Salary was back, but didn't start. She didn't play till the second quarter, and then she sat
(36:37):
17 min in the second half, and then came in the last 3 min along with Karis Allen. So I don't understand why
exactly that she was held out so long. My guess is, she's still in the doghouse about something, and they're just like.
we know that you need to play. But you need to learn that you need to be respectful, whatever I don't know what to do. It was weird and kind of inexplicable. Why, she's not suspended and not playing. She's clearly the only player on the roster
(37:09):
that's healthy that can drawn to the basket quickly like, do you have people?
Faustino. Teresa, Faustino, and Alexis made can both get to the basket.
but not quickly, and not not in the half court, where they just outrun people to the goal. They have to kind of like, see their way in, or or
(37:32):
kind of physical, their way in or get it on transition. or something like that
salary can come in, and she can just shoot over somebody quickly, you know she can. She can make it to the basket if she just wants to go get a layup.
you know and so it's confusing. I don't know exactly why she didn't play more. I hope she plays a lot on the road. We need her, because without her. We have no pace.
(37:58):
these numbers. The shooting is down outside the inside. We are taking care of the ball. This is the last 2 games, you know. They they had 12 turnovers, both games. So that's an interesting
stat josie Gilvin was really good in this game, had 14 points
(38:19):
and had a couple of blocks like she had this one block
like, you don't see this in women's basketball a lot, because a lot of times. They don't have the vertical to make it happen.
But she blocked the crap out of this girl on the 3, pointer on on a shot clock violation. I mean, it went into the stands like 3 rows deep. Yeah, on a 3 pointer, I mean, she like just
(38:45):
hulk into that girl, and just like blasted it backwards. It was awesome. It was like a dominant
like. I'm a superior athlete to you in your face shot clock violation. So it's pretty cool. This is. She had a couple of blocks really had it. One of her best games that I remember
(39:05):
are having, and it was nice. It's nice to see her step up, and in case she is absent, we really need it.
Yeah. But the I think this overall was the
the best defensive performance by the lady tops.
By far, I think Jacksonville State plays into that. Their office is not great. They score less than 60 points a game. So yeah.
(39:29):
but they held them about 15 points under their average.
And that's what State really didn't have much of a chance to tops force a bunch of turnovers. They did. Okay on the boards. You can see that. If you're watching with the graphics and and with the video.
the Jacksonville State did out rebound Western about 8 rebounds. But honestly, that's a win for Western really because they've had such trouble rebounding that they were respectable enough.
(40:00):
Yeah. And so I think overall, it was okay.
What concerns me is the offense is just
non existent. Right now. I mean, they they needed a great defensive performance to beat a team that scores 60 points a game
by 9 at home like it. It just wasn't just something that needs to click into place.
(40:24):
and I hope that is playing salary more and finding some other creative ways to get some offense because
they have looked and name it, to say the least, the last few games without without haze.
Devin Stewart (40:40):
Yeah, they shot 6 of 28 from free through from free from the 3 point land and western shot 3 of 14
so if you can do
if you can do some fraction simplification.
then you can figure out that literally they shot twice as many threes as we did, but they didn't hit as many, or they hit.
Matthew McCay (41:05):
They have his name, Sweden great.
They hit the same rate as we did. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. So I mean the what that tells you, though in terms of like those numbers. the fact that they shot twice as many threes is Western as Western was able to get some looks and get inside.
but this could make anything state if they have made a little bit more could have won that game. They just
(41:30):
Western did a good job keeping them outside and not letting them get inside, and that made it difficult enough for them, and then they missed some shots. If Jasmine State have made a few shots, though
Western probably lost. Yeah, they had no offense
to throw at Western to be able to overcome Westerns. Pretty good defensive performance this this game.
Devin Stewart (41:53):
So yeah, and then, of course, we'll talk Jacksonville. Well, we just did, didn't we? Sorry? But yeah, Western overcome that. And that's that's a really good look for the lady tops we next week. We're gonna talk real quick. They've got Utop and New Mexico State. I don't have a lot of stats up for them
Matthew McCay (42:13):
like I said I was trying to get those up. No, I could tell you. But go ahead. Tell me all about it. Well, okay, so this will. These are the 2 games, and I'll be quick. I've I've no we're off time because
I forget when we started. But anyway, whatever
anyway, so Utah was the game that's destiny. Salary had to make the layup to win by one at Diddle.
(42:49):
66 65.
Utepap is not a very good team. However, it's on the road, it's at elevation, so you never know. And honestly, the West. The the lady toppers are just struggling offensively, hopefully they pick it up, or it could be it could be ugly. I don't know.
(43:09):
It certainly could be a struggle. They didn't play that great against Utah at full strength. So I'm wondering how it's gonna go without acacia
and if salary is not
fully out of the doghouse that's really concerning then New Mexico State. was just a bad matchup for Western. It was weird because they're not very good. They're not very good at all.
(43:35):
I'd have to look at their record. But they're
basically they've won about a third of their games overall
And but it just surprised me because they they look like you. Just look at them. You're like, oh, this team is probably gonna be pretty good, like they were athletic
long. They weren't skinny girls running around that have no meat on their boat like they look like athletes.
(44:04):
You know, and and they were just kind of out muscling Western. And so
it was, in my opinion it wasn't a great matchup, anyway, for Western, you know. Why, sometimes you just have teams that you just don't match up well against
Devin Stewart (44:18):
if they even if they suck like, they're just gonna give you a headache.
Matthew McCay (44:23):
you know. And I just think that was kind of that's kind of the case with New Mexico State. Western just struggled against their their size and their thickness, like they were. Just
that. We're really.
I'm serious of it, like they were. They were just really fit and
big, and I mean they were really like impressive in terms of looking at them. But then you look at the record, and it's like, How does this team suck this bad?
Devin Stewart (44:52):
Matt can't see this, but like at the edge of the screen, Stephanie is behind him. And she's like.
Matthew McCay (45:02):
Oh, you think that it's
what better watch what you say? Yeah. See Matt saying this because he's in the office by himself.
Yeah. And then that's true. They're out they're at a birthday or the Valentine's Day party, anyway.
but yeah, New Mexico State has done a little better since they did play Western. They're 4 and 5 now. 1012 overall and Utep is actually lower in the standings, 3 and 6 and 8 and 14 overall.
(45:34):
so they kind of flip position from where they were when Western played them.
but still 2 teams that Western, if they were at full strength and playing well should probably be wherever they are. But on the road. You know, missing some some strength and missing you know, somebody that's been out of the the games for a couple of games probably needs to get back in game shape.
(46:04):
I think it. It's gonna be tough not to split or worse.
Heading into this one this kind of road swing. It's just tough going way out West and play an elevation period. And then you got these other issues, and we have the the question of you know, whether the team is fully united and stuff like that. So
(46:24):
I mean, like, like we were talking about like you. You just said, you know, we've got a 9 Pm.
Devin Stewart (46:33):
10 pm. Eastern, and that's 2 h behind what we're normally used to, you know. Of course, basketball is not as long as football, but you know that's at least a couple of hours at least, unless it's a really slow dredged out game.
So. And then, of course, New Mexico sites 4 Pm. Which isn't that big of a deal. But
(46:54):
you know, and like you said. You know we're
how the the ideal situation would be for Westerns girls to be able to use their defensive strengths to metaphorically strangle out Utip and New Mexico State
to be able to dominate the boards, to dominate free throws like they did in the past couple of games, and, you know, to dominate rebounds and be able to show
(47:20):
how they can take advantage of what's going on on the court. Ideally, if we had our offensive weapons, we could go into this and say, Western is gonna dominate this game. We've got our defense together. Ladies are starting to play better together. Yada Yada, Yada, and just go dominate and come back from this road and road wins. And you know, maybe pass forward international cause they are now 2 games back from Mtsu.
(47:46):
I didn't know if you knew that or not. They float. International's lost 2. I'm assuming
and then, of course, Western is tied with liberty right now at 3 and a half or 3 and a half games back. But
Matthew McCay (47:58):
yeah, if I use within shouting distance, if
obviously, we need to beat them. We're gonna need them to lose
at least, probably 2 other games.
They're there.
I'm not sure
I'm not sure about tiebreakers. That kind of depends on where it shows up there. But I think the the bigger concern for me in terms of lady toppers and seating, and all that is you. You better get the 3 seed
(48:29):
and don't get the 4 C cause middle is gonna be they're gonna be the one seed. They're probably gonna be undefeated. If not, they might have one loss
whatever. But they're gonna end up being your number one seed. Avoid middle. Try to get to the championship game to see what happens just like you did last year. With the 4 or 5.
Here's the problem, though, is, liberty is now tied with Western. They were not playing good basketball when Western barely beat them. And now they do. They do get to
(49:02):
western gets to play liberty at the end of the year at Diddle.
so that could be the saving grace there. If it's close.
But I think it's gonna be a struggle for Western to hold on to that 3 seed. Now that liberties right there with them and that are that are hanging around this road trip will probably not help if they lose to New Mexico state that makes that really tight. So they need to.
(49:29):
They need to get together real quick, and they need some offense, and I hope it. I hope it magically shows up because I'm we're I'm concerned, although they won those 2 games, there was no offense
and no flow.
Devin Stewart (49:41):
Yes, let's jump into men's basketball real quick.
Matthew McCay (49:45):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (49:49):
so biggest news, I guess about this is is that the men were able to end the
25 or 2025 year road streak against law. Tech.
Matthew McCay (50:04):
So that was always, that's a that's an exciting thing.
Yes.
Devin Stewart (50:10):
yeah. Since the late 19 hundreds you know, that's that's always a detriment. Somebody told me that I saw that on tick. Talk about somebody talking about like what we used to do in the late 19 hundreds, and I was like God, I hate people.
Matthew McCay (50:27):
Oh.
Devin Stewart (50:29):
yes, yes, yes, so, Matt, what did you think about this game while you're doing that I'm gonna highlight a couple of things here that I think we're very key in Western beating law tech.
I can get this cut and pickin thing to work.
Matthew McCay (50:42):
If you if you draw a a
Devin Stewart (50:44):
eggplant emotion when we're talking, I mean, this game was obviously like
Matthew McCay (50:53):
it kind of started out how I thought it might go, and and a lot I ended up kind of leading earlier they were up. I can't remember if they were up 10 or more, but they were up nearly 10
up exactly 10.
And so it's like, Okay, well, law tech at home is kind of how it's supposed to go. You hope that they're gonna hang in there. And then all of a sudden. the the top just kinda turned it on and started making some moves and
(51:21):
You know you, regardless of how it happened.
you know you're down, Christian Lander, and you find a way to win at the at the place where
less than 10% of people win period in the last.
I think it's like, since 2,012, or something like they have. It's like, I think it's 90 something percent that they've won period, whether it's in conference or out. And Western hasn't beaten them since they since Western join Conference U.S.A. Again
(51:55):
at their place until now.
So the fact that we were able to pull that off they were to be fair. They were without a player, too. They had a double digit score, and I don't have it pulled up. Who that guy is?
It was a Hispanic name, and I'm sorry I don't remember
(52:16):
but he he was obviously a factor for them, so if you probably ask them not like, oh, well, we were without
our guys. So that's probably why Western is able to win. So there might be differing opinions here across, come to say in terms of
how comprehensive that was, but regardless
(52:37):
the fact that Western was ever going there and overcome. And really. yeah, there was a lull there, where it went back and forth. But once Western kind of took control and took the lead. At half time
they were pretty much in control of how that game went, and and so is impressive to see on the road you finally saw the the guts and the the overcomerism. I guess
(53:03):
if that's a word like, you know, they they overcame
the the issues, whatever the atmosphere, and all that crap, and ended up finding a way to get it done, and it really wasn't in doubt. I mean, there were some chances for Law Tech to make it close, and they had a bleed a couple of times.
(53:23):
but it just felt like Western was in control, and they ultimately seized it. And when and impressive fashion it was really nice to see. and I thought the biggest issue would be
dealing with their 2 stars. And
basically we we made them look very average. They were like 11 points below their average
(53:46):
macho really struggled.
And didn't score double digits. One of the first times all year, I think it says, lowest point total all year.
he did get his rebounds, but I mean Western found a way to make them
win without their 2 stars, and Lotte had a guy off the bench. Go for 25, and they still couldn't win. and so just credit the Western, I mean it was is a nice like top 75 caliber
(54:18):
you know, nationally pretty decent, win. and on the road really tough place to play. So major props, and it was a big like fire. You up kind of result for sure.
Devin Stewart (54:31):
That guy's name I'm guessing is Talik Chavez.
Matthew McCay (54:35):
I believe so. He averages a little over 10 a game.
Devin Stewart (54:39):
I guess I'll have to double check the numbers on what he averages. But the other one I was looking at was Daniel Bacho.
He is 6, 11 from Paris, France.
Matthew McCay (54:49):
Yeah, he's Paris, Tennessee, not Paris, Kentucky. I think it's a transfer from Texas Tech, or something like that. I don't know. I'm not sure he's transferred from somewhere power 5
and really good player, and he's ended up being much better than he really was supposed to be.
And so the fact that we were able to to make him look very average is a huge success.
(55:17):
It's something I didn't expect. II thought
I thought we would have our our big guys and foul trouble. I thought pretty much get what he wanted. And I thought Crawford would be
and easier match up because we have multiple guys that could kind of match up with him, you know. 6, 6, and athletic like. That's a lot of our team. But III thought that
(55:40):
I thought that they would ultimately get what they wanted, and then we'd probably lose by 5 or 10. That didn't happen. We had the perfect set up, and we were able to shut them down. So once we kind of got a feel for what they were doing.
and it was it was gravy from there. They just kind of took care of business.
Devin Stewart (56:01):
Yep, this is another factor right here.
Matthew McCay (56:04):
Yeah. Oh, yeah, especially. Yes. That's definitely something to mention. Because the honestly, I feel like Western probably
benefited a little bit from some calls, but regardless Western was aggressive. Western State, even in free throws on the road, which is just hard to do just because of how it
(56:29):
it is. you know. and the fact that they were able to do that and really win the free throw battle.
is a big deal. And and clearly was one of the main reasons Western was able to pull it out.
Devin Stewart (56:43):
Yeah. And like, I was just writing there on the screen,
western was 23 to 28. So that's 23 points right there. And Lawtech was 17 to 27. So we shot 82%. And they shot 63% from free throw free throw line. Blah, blah, blah
and so I mean, that's a that's a difference in a game right there.
(57:07):
I mean, of course. And then the big, the big 4 stats here Western had a better free throw or a feel go go percentage.
So we did better here.
We had a better 3 point shooting here, and we had more rebounds. We had 8 more rebounds than they did. We had about 6% better shooting on from
(57:28):
the 3 point line than they did. I mean.
Matthew McCay (57:31):
usually, if you you win more than one of those you're going to be doing. Okay? Yeah, well and and definitely, something to talk about, just including the Jacksonville State game.
which we can quickly transition into
The the 3 point shooting percentage defense is back. Lotte, we've really honestly in conference. You say we've given up about 35, or 40%
(57:57):
from 3. Several of these games. Well, obviously, you can see there on the screen Jacksonville State. We gave up 7.1 that's obviously gonna help skew some numbers in our favor. And that wasn't completely our defense, but it was certainly a huge part of it. To only hold them to 1 one made 3 point shot, 24% from 3 point land. So
(58:22):
thankfully, that is back and and hopefully is gonna stay there and was a staple of the early
part of the year. We're western was like top 20 and holding teams to it was like 28 from 3 or something like that. It was like was like 17 or something like that. And it's kind of dwindled to where it's maybe top 50 or so
(58:46):
but seeing the the tops hold people under 30% 3 point shooting, especially in today.
if we could do 7 on a regular basis, that would be amazing.
(59:07):
Jasmine State game man was was just like the the ladies performance. It was the best defensive performance of the year for for Western, for sure.
I mean the no, no other effort, even the ones against the division. 2 opponents and Na Wester gave up more points. So we honestly, the game was played at a Jacksonville State type of pace.
(59:33):
Western is able to to grind it out. And you know, it wasn't the best offensive performance.
one big thing that happened. They had 12 turnovers in the first half.
Western we had.
We had one in the second, and it was when the clock was running out, and they handed the ball to the rif to run out the last couple seconds at the end of the game. That was the one turnover in the second half.
(59:59):
So basically no turnovers. the second half. And it just you when you do something like that, the chances that you end up
losing, especially if you go in to have time.
With a lead
you're it's just almost impossible for the other team to to find the way to overcome that.
Devin Stewart (01:00:23):
So what was Western technical file? We had one technical file on this game.
Matthew McCay (01:00:27):
Yeah, there was one on Rodney Howard. I honestly
I'm I missed it. I didn't actually see what happened.
I don't know. I'm trying to think Whoa. what we were doing.
I think I miss? Yeah. It was early in the game I was driving home from the girls game.
(01:00:48):
so I really don't. I can't speak to it. I really don't know what happened.
yep, yeah, it's Tata.
Yeah, III don't know. II hadn't, and we hadn't talked about it in the Tower chat. I hadn't really worried about it. you know, I knew that there was a technical going back and looking at stuff, but
(01:01:11):
I honestly don't even know what it was for
I was driving home.
Devin Stewart (01:01:22):
Yeah, he he! You know he's a responsible person. I can't believe he doesn't watch the game as he drives. But anyway,
Matthew McCay (01:01:30):
I was listening. I had it. I think I had it running on my phone.
Let's see here. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know how that works, man every time whenever you're like, hey, hey, hey! Be quiet for just a second, Dad, trying to listen to this, and it's like you go.
Devin Stewart (01:01:52):
for the love of God, please stop doing it.
Matthew McCay (01:01:58):
sorry this is it.
There's always relevant.
Everybody needs to hear this. My kids last night like
Haley, my 4 year old like
can't can't shut up at at night. This talks right, and she's like she's in her bed, and we can hear on her baby monitor like
Devin Stewart (01:02:19):
Crazy, hey? You wanna be my best friend in the middle of the night, and it's like
Matthew McCay (01:02:25):
nobody wants to be your best friend rather what you shut up since she can sleep, and there's no one else in the room. Oh, my gosh! So last time yeah, we're talking about, you know, shutting kids up and stuff and so I was like Haley, if you say one more word, we're trying to go to bed.
you're in trouble, and she goes.
(01:02:47):
yes, sir. And I
I'm like, Okay, thank you. And she's like, you're welcome. I'm like, no responding to me. And then, 5 s later. She's like. Okay, Dan.
Devin Stewart (01:03:04):
so I don't know if your daughter's the same way, but mine is completely obsessed with
best friends.
will you be my best friend. Oh, so it's my best friend, and you're like
oh, oh, there was one! She was buddies with this little boy at her day. Care for a little bit. But she went. The funny thing is, she says
Matthew McCay (01:03:25):
they were playing outside on the playground, and she was like, Oh, look! The cows are out, he goes so, and she's like, well, he can't be my friend no more.
Devin Stewart (01:03:38):
Yeah, you're dead to me because you don't like cows. And then the other thing was,
yeah, my daughter just randomly breaks out in the song. II jokingly told my wife I'm like she's like an ipod. But I've gotta keep singing songs or find songs she likes, so I can play them so she'll sing them. And I can actually listen to different stuff on the radio. But man's basketball is gonna play tomorrow. We're recording this on a Wednesday. So that's 2 15 at 7 Pm. Eastern 6 Pm, central and Cbs sports network, and that is in diddle against you. Tip
(01:04:11):
so. And then, of course, on the seventeenth, which is Saturday that will be against New Mexico State. So like, I always say.
be a true fan. Go to the game.
Matthew McCay (01:04:28):
That's right. so you'll be there. Oh.
Devin Stewart (01:04:32):
no, I am not a true fan, so there we go! There's that.
No, I'm not. I mean I can't. I can't make it right now.
Honestly, I'd love to, but I can't make it right now. But Espn plus is where you can watch it if you're like me, and you can't make it. And then Cbs sports network versus utip
to catch versus Youtube to catch that game
Matthew McCay (01:04:56):
so definitely check those out, Matt, what are your thoughts on the utep and New Mexico state games. Yeah, well.
real quick. I mean it. It's basically like it's revenge games. I mean you. You you blew both of them. You probably should have won both of them on the road. Utah was a little bit more forgivable, a little bit better team, tougher matchup, all that kind of stuff.
(01:05:21):
I think that may have been the first game. Lander was out, whatever so I mean, you had some built in excuses.
you know, you already had lost some momentum by blowing that hugely to New Mexico State.
So it was definitely like these 2 losses were the the low point of this season. So I'm hoping that they're like
(01:05:44):
10 kinds of fired up and ready to go. And they just come in and murder these teams, because they honestly probably should.
And Utah on the road is a completely different team.
This is a completely different team with 1, 3 in a row
is time to cease control. Conference, U.S.A. They're 6 and 4. If you win these 2, you're 8 and 4
(01:06:06):
Espn likes both of these games by more than 75%.
Devin, are you dead? There you are. so I really think that.
It's pretty straightforward. This should be 2 fairly routine victories and if it's not then
(01:06:32):
but I mean it's fine, you know. Get the w's or whatever.
But to be able to have that momentum and look like they've looked you know. I think you want some style points with these 2, if you can.
But ultimately, when you know and don't. Yeah, don't. Don't let your foot off the pedal. I mean, you had New Mexico State by 23, and you lost.
(01:06:55):
Learn your lesson, and if you get up 23 again.
stomp on their throat and get the thing blown out. When by
obviously, you have to take care of the ball. They're the number one stealing team in the country.
And Western is the number one pace team in the country. So we obviously can have some chaos in that game. But ultimately you need to make better decisions. They made awful decisions. Dante Allen looked like he had some kind of
(01:07:27):
like spasms or something in the middle of the cord a couple of times. Just didn't make sense. And then, you know, throwing the ball all the way across the defense and stuff like that like.
So a lot of it was self-inflicted. So
Utah is obviously very good at deflecting and stealing and stuff like that. So you just have to be careful.
(01:07:48):
but if I just go in there and let's take care of business. pound the ball in the paint. draw tons of files, and have good balance. And let's get out of there with a you know, a couple 20 point victories.
Devin Stewart (01:08:00):
Yeah, I mean, you gotta win. You gotta win at this point in the season. And these are definitely. Give me games and we'll move my camera.
Matthew McCay (01:08:11):
We could be, in first place, by the end of the weekend. If not, you're putting pressure on everybody else at that point, and you've got a big game of law tech coming up at home where only sees at least second place, if not first place.
Devin Stewart (01:08:26):
which New Mexico state is a half a game behind us. So you win this game. It's gonna push you a little bit of further ahead of them. You beat you, Tab. You were a little bit ahead of them. Sam Houston, I don't know how that's gonna work as far as bumping us into first.
Matthew McCay (01:08:42):
So you're typically
you need. You need Sam Houston to lose 2 games more than Western from here on out. But they've lost. They've actually lost to Fi you.
Devin Stewart (01:08:54):
Which wild? 68, 61. And then they lost to Jacksonville State 79, 68.
Matthew McCay (01:09:00):
Yeah, that's interesting. And they do play at home and plays at home this week, too. So it's unlikely that you're gonna get those 2 to lose multiple games.
but at least this week
But Western Western is basically in control of his destiny with law tech if they be, and then keep pace with them. Finish tied with them.
(01:09:24):
Then they'll they'll jump. Lotte. Sam Houston has 3 losses, and Western has 4. They need Sam Houston to finish below them in terms of losses for Western to be ahead of them in the standings. They won't breaker in almost every scenario, so
it's crucial for Sam Houston to start losing some games crucial for Western to win most of the rest of their games if they want to be a one or 2 seed.
Devin Stewart (01:09:51):
Yeah, yeah, I can definitely right there.
Yeah, it's I mean Westerns right there. I mean, it's theirs to win and lose.
I don't. I mean, I think we talked about this other week, but I think, as far as the men side of things, I think the conference is there is to win, and it's weird to say that
(01:10:12):
if they don't win it. I'm not ready to, you know.
Kill Lutz.
you know, metaphorically. But get my pitchforks and torches and stuff like that. I'm not gonna do that, but because this is his first year. This is a rebuilding year, like the packers. I just assume the packers were done, you know, lost her and Rogers, but at least for this year. But you know.
(01:10:36):
if they do well enough, I mean, I could definitely see. It's just funny to me, that same Houston lost to the team who is essentially last in comfort. U.S.A. Right now with Florida international. But
I think Western could definitely. You just can't. You cannot take take for granted either one of these teams, and you've gotta, you know. Take care of the ball like you said. Luckily we are at home on these, so that'll help us to
(01:11:02):
somewhat.
Matthew McCay (01:11:03):
Yeah. Well, they have 0 combined winds on on the road.
So oh, wow! Pretty likely to win. But like
that doesn't mean Jack, when you when you play the game like ultimately.
if they get hot, if they play well, it doesn't matter about their record before now. New Mexico States gonna be coming in and they're gonna be ready to try to take our place in the standings like. That's what they're worried. They're not exactly your road record, or whether it's a home or away. They'll give a crap. They're there to win the basketball game and try to steal our spot.
(01:11:41):
Exactly. Take it seriously and handle
what you need to handle and take care of business.
Devin Stewart (01:11:48):
Arrogance is not. Gonna get you
Matthew McCay (01:11:51):
what you want?
Devin Stewart (01:11:53):
Exactly. Let's just a real quick recap here men's basketball lady tops.
and then softball and baseball.
I'm not gonna talk golf, because that is a ways out. But lady tops they've got the Chattanooga Chu Chu invitational. So I'm gonna call it. They've got North Alabama, Chattanooga, North Alabama, again on the seventeenth Murray State on the seventeenth, and then on the eighteenth, they're gonna play ball state
(01:12:22):
all those times are on the screen. That's 1138 am. Central standard time
and 4 30 pm. Against Chattanooga on the sixteenth 9 Am. And 1130 Am. Against North Alabama and Murray State respectively, and then 10 Am. Versus ball state.
and then baseball got a series against Bradley. So 1617 and eighteenth, that is, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
(01:12:49):
They will be playing at 3 Pm. On Friday, 2 Pm. On Saturday and one Pm. On Sunday, and then next Tuesday they will play Lipscombe in Nashville. So if you want a little day trip to Nashville, go enjoy yourself for a little baseball. I'm sure it will be a great time. And then
Lady Tops
(01:13:10):
tomorrow or today, if you're listing on Thursday the fifteenth Western is playing at 9 pm. Eastern against utep, and I'm pretty sure that's on Espn. Plus. Most of them are
Matthew McCay (01:13:24):
lady tops. Yes, there we go.
Devin Stewart (01:13:32):
yes, Espn. Plus, and then New Mexico state, that is also on espn plus but that'll be on the seventeenth at 4 pm. Against New Mexico state both those times are on Eastern time, so that'll be 8 pm. Central and 3 Pm. Central as well. And then the men's basketball side of things that a Cbs sports network. As Matt said, it is gonna be in diddle. So if you're in the Bowling Green area, definitely go support the tops.
(01:13:58):
And you know. Watch you tap, cause they may. Just they're really good at stealing mets, so they may still chairs and stuff, too, so don't let them still stuff, but
and then
on the seventeenth Western is gonna be playing New Mexico state 3 Pm. Eastern that games on Espn. Plus
and check those both out. If you're not in the diddle in the bully green area and you can't get to diddle.
(01:14:23):
you know. Always check back here. We'll try and keep you updated. We'll check with Tal Rack. They will try to do some live tweets and stuff to let you know about the games and stuff like that. And definitely check back. Next week we will talk some Western sports. And we'll try and do some more videos like this. So we appreciate everything you all are doing and listening and supporting like sharing subscribe. We appreciate it. And as always, guys go tops.
Matthew McCay (01:14:50):
Go tops.
Devin Stewart (01:14:52):
Yup beat the minors and the who's the other ones, anyway? Alright! Have a good one, Buddy.
See you, man, I gotta go.
Welcome
welcome into another red up. Podcast. Sorry. I had a voice in my ear there for a second. My name's Devin. We got Matt in the studio with us, and we're talking sports today. Hope you all enjoy. And let's get right into it, Matt, what do you think about the super bowl, Buddy?
Matthew McCay (00:19):
I mean, it was obviously close game the whole time. My wife said it that she she wanted more scoring, or whatever I don't know. I thought it was pretty good. I was close the whole time, and
you know that was interesting. All the mistakes, and how that
change the game, and
Devin Stewart (00:36):
I thought it was very well scripted this year. They did a really good job, so there's that
it. II did think it was interesting.
I did think it was very interesting game. I thought it was.
I thought it was well played. II only got to see about half of it, because the little one wanted to watch something else. And so it was like, Okay, well, let's watch this.
(01:03):
And it's you know, it's one of those games that I was like.
I'm not invested in either team.
Matthew McCay (01:10):
I really couldn't care less about either team at this point. So let's just, you know. And so I did get to actually watch
Devin Stewart (01:16):
from the halftime show towards the end of the game. So
what do you think of the half time show
Matthew McCay (01:24):
I thought of honestly. I thought it was great. My wife and I, you know. low note fact about my wife, but she used to watch like Mtv all the time, so she like, knows all these rap songs from the
90 s. And 2,000 s.
And so she was like totally into it, and was like spitting every every one of the lyrics and the and I knew I used to like. I like to listen to to that some, too. And like, I really knew a lot of them, too. I used to listen to 1 one in Nashville forever.
(01:58):
Yeah, the one
huh? What? Yeah. The one
one on 1 one to beat jams
with dollar white and scooby, anyway.
I think the little white died, though, said
But anyway, yeah, you probably don't, and neither does anybody else. That is this. But anyway, no, it's it was cool, because we both
(02:28):
pretty much knew every song, and it wasn't like, you know, I didn't have to explain to my
my, you know, 4 and 5 year old like why, everybody's naked, you know, because, like it, it was, it was classy enough, except, I will say.
the one time that Haley, my 4 year old, parked up, was
Devin Stewart (02:50):
when they were on the stripper polls. She's like, Oh, cool you. You found nothing interesting but girls on stripper polls. So, my my daughter, yeah, you talk about getting from kids parking up.
My wife was watching, and of course her comment was, she's like these are. These are songs that aren't as well known, and the parts that he's singing. Aren't that well known of these parts, either.
(03:18):
like at the beginning of it? And then you had a few towards the end that were more well known.
But, my daughter, we're watching it. And when Usher took off his shirt and started dancing, my daughter was like I got in trouble for doing that on the playground. Yeah, I got comments, too, like, well, I wasn't wearing a shirt we're watching right? And they're like.
Matthew McCay (03:42):
Oh, sure, just like Daddy. I'm not really complaining about Taylor Swift. All that much, but
Devin Stewart (04:01):
is like they would literally show a split second of her.
and it was like clip gone.
clip gone like not even getting my wife's plan on her phone after we get the little one to sleep, and I'm watching the game. and she goes, and I'm sitting watching. She's like I haven't seen Taylor yet.
and I was like, well, there she was, and she looks, and it's gone. And I'm like, and she's like what? And I was like, yeah, it was. It was just up and it just it's gone. And she's like, Oh.
(04:29):
and then, like a second or 2 later, pops back up, you know, couple of minutes later, whatever pops back up gone.
Course, I'm sitting there watching, and I told my wife, I said, Is that Blake lively with Taylor Swift?
And she goes, yeah, I think it is. And so, of course, like later, we saw on Facebook where it was, I guess. In fact, Taylor or Taylor and Blake was up there, and my thought was, where the hell's Ryan Reynolds
(04:54):
like, wouldn't I get like they may have a girls trip or whatever, but you're like. So you don't get to go to the Super Bowl man. You gotta stay at home with the kids. I guess
I don't know.
Matthew McCay (05:06):
Yeah. One of the that was one of the mysteries on my mind, and the super bowl for sure. Glad you brought it up.
Devin Stewart (05:13):
Yeah, alright. Let's see here. So we do have a little golf news to talk. I will see how this goes, I've worked really hard. And I just late for this. Podcast but I am going to see how this screen sharing works.
So
first off, we've got some golf news here. The men's golf actually have started their season.
(05:40):
They have took to the links to start their first tournament of the season in the beginning of February, which I was like. That's hilarious.
They were led by graduate student Luke Fuller, who actually finished fourth place in the tournament and
and Topp's actually finished. In second place, let me see where that tournament was. I know it was town south, but
Matthew McCay (06:06):
was it some island or something.
some island or something. It was like South Carolina. It's the bentwater intercollegiate invitational.
Devin Stewart (06:19):
I don't know where bent water is Texas Montgomery Texas. So they went down there and actually did really. Well, they finished second some other names that were playing in this invitational. Their same Houston finished first.
UTSA. Was third, Stephen F. Austin, State
Fourth, and Ut Arlington fifth. So I guess we played against a bunch of Texas to schools. and Lady Tops. Golf has not started yet. Just a heads up for those
(06:50):
who are on that pass files fast like I even had these numbered like this is going to drive me notes. Okay, where's all my slides?
Okay, I can't get him to go. But anyway,
so yes. So ladytop golf is gonna start
here in the next few weeks. I can find that slide. This is gonna be a thing tonight. I'm sorry. Guys.
(07:18):
We're we're we're experimenting man. It's all good. Yeah.
I thought I did one, for
I guess not. Okay. And men's golf. I'm gonna read this off of my my computer here
(07:41):
the next invitational or tournament, or whatever for men's golf, is going to be March seventh to the Ninth and St. Simons, Georgia. It is the See Palms invitational
last year, when the tops were doing this tournament, they finished seventh overall so hopefully. And this tournament is hosted by Western Carolina so hopefully, you know, we'll see some improvement from year to year.
(08:06):
And then the later Lady Topper golf team. I almost said Lady Gator. Ladytopper golf is going to kick off their season against Mercer on the twenty-third of this month, next 2 weeks from now in the Reynolds, Lake Osiano, invitational at Great Waters golf course in Greensboro, Georgia.
(08:28):
That should have been in there, too. Oh, my elbow, anyway!
So
Another thing I guess we'll jump into a softball update. Real quick
softball has played against
Matthew McCay (08:47):
Sorry. Now you're good. You're good
working in a live office here. I'm the only one here. So
Devin Stewart (08:55):
I know you're good. I understand how that goes, man.
Matthew McCay (08:58):
Oh, so there was that one. Okay, well, it's not. I'll do these 2 things going on at your office. But I get it.
Devin Stewart (09:05):
No, this is actually my home office. This is in the future Home Office. It, you know the funny. Thank you. Thank you. Just got done cleaning it today.
Matthew McCay (09:17):
filthy place, anyway. But the yeah keeps disappearing. And then it's
Devin Stewart (09:22):
does it? Yeah, I saw that last week when I was doing post production, and I was like scrapping me nuts.
But I had a backdrop that my wife had gotten, and it's just disappeared. It's just gone, so I have no idea what happened to it. It it last week I was ready to strangle her. But
(09:43):
you know, what am I gonna do? I'm like, you know, it's one of those where you're like. When I needed it, it is gone.
The thing is like the avatar of whatever it's just gone. Okay? So
yeah, I guess I can write on this now, too.
okay. So like, I said, lady topic, Lady Tupper golf's gonna kick off their first invitational
(10:05):
on the 20 third of this month. So in 9 days.
and then men's golf comes back at it. March seventh, through the ninth in Saint Simon's, Georgia.
So quick softball update here
softball has had a few. They've been at a
tournament invitational conference whatever, and
(10:30):
They played Missouri State, and they beat them one to nothing.
They also played Iowa
this was not a very pretty one. It was ended in the fifth inning, because Iowa was beaten. The tops 8 to nothing.
Matthew McCay (10:45):
Yeah. I saw that
Devin Stewart (10:46):
I didn't know they had like a a role for stop playing college sports.
Matthew McCay (10:54):
They do. And yeah.
they do in softball. Some cause they can get
they can get pretty ugly at times. Baseball doesn't happen as much. but they can. They can decide like it's kind of, especially if it's
not conference or whatever is really just kind of it's really just kind of gentleman's
(11:18):
rules on, if they agree like it. Let's just let's just finish it, or let's 7 innings instead of 9, or whatever or
whatever they can do that. So
yeah, women, softball, I mean softball happens pretty often that there can be a skunk rule or something.
Devin Stewart (11:36):
On the. Of course those were on the ninth
and then on the Tenth Western played army, and they beat army
they also beat Nc. State 7 to 2,
and on the eleventh western tide, Kansas?
That that was a two-two finish. It was ended in the 6. Because.
(12:01):
yeah, what is that
Matthew McCay (12:04):
it's a tournament setting so like the like, the games had to end by a certain time they happen to be the last game. And so they just ended it, even though
I think we were up to bad or something. Yeah. So we possibly could have beaten Kansas.
But instead, we tied because we can't wait 5 min till the games over.
Devin Stewart (12:28):
you know. I'm just picturing, like, you know.
softball topper gets up to bat.
cracks one out, and it's going over the fence, and they're like, Nope doesn't count. Time's over. Time is over, and you're like, wait a second here.
and then
Matthew McCay (12:58):
yeah, really injuries.
Yes, yes. And the reason I say that is is because we'll swipe through a couple of things here. Okay, so
Devin Stewart (13:12):
I saw somebody get hit in the Temple with a Softball
and Church League softball. That was probably one of my more serious injuries I ever saw. And of course, like I've people always talk about fights and stuff. I've never seen a fight in Church League softball, so
But softball is going to start their second road tournament in Chattanooga, and that starts on the sixteenth of February. So in 2 days
(13:39):
they are going to be in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and they will started off playing North Alabama.
They will play Chattanooga, Murray, State and ball state
on the sixteenth. We've got Alabama at 1130, central time, 4 30 Pm.
Both central time as well. They will play on the seventeenth North Alabama, at 9 Am.
(14:03):
And then at 1130 A. M. They play Murray State, and then on the eighteenth they will play ball state.
So
good luck to the Lady Topper softball team. That'll be that'd be interesting to see how they do.
Matthew McCay (14:19):
Okay, go back to baseball here. But those are some nice results. I mean, I mean, that's really good. I mean Iowa, whatever you know the expected to be a little better. But beating Nc state and then time with Kansas like
you'd like to see competing with upper level schools. So next 5 look like more winnable games. So hopefully, though.
(14:45):
sweep through that or win 4 out of 5 or so and
kind of show us that they're a team to be reckoned with.
Devin Stewart (14:52):
I am not a big softball person.
so I have no idea, you know, like as far as strength of schedule, and like, who is the top dog and softball like, you know, basketball, you know women's basketball back in the day it was Tennessee and Yukon, you know you knew they were good, I mean, even Louisville's got a good women's basketball program
but softball. I'm in the dark. I'm sorry so some of our listeners know, you know, more than welcome to send us notes or something, just to let us know what's going on.
(15:21):
but we've got some
baseball updates we have 3 hilltoppers selected to the Conference, U.S.A. Preseason, all conference team we've got 2 seniors and a sophomore Mason Burns and Lane
Diagui diagui.
Matthew McCay (15:40):
It's actually it's actually do good. I think you might have missed the day on there. It's literally just good. I think it's up.
Devin Stewart (15:47):
I misspelled his name. Sorry, Buddy. And then a sophomore, Dawson Hall, which I'm pretty sure that's Duane Hall, son.
Matthew McCay (15:56):
These are very serious hard worker as a sophomore for the tops. So
well he has to be. Have you seen his dad? Yeah, it's very
his dad is like the chuck Norris of Western strength training. So that guy's been around forever. He's still doing stuff. Man. It's amazing.
Devin Stewart (16:16):
He's he is amazing! He ended. A war. Is he like the longest tenured topper.
Matthew McCay (16:24):
Like athletic coach. Yeah, I mean, he's he's been at Western
forever. It seems like retire. He's got to be up there on some of these.
like all the coaches, have changed out. All the assistance generally have changed out.
(16:46):
He's gonna be up there.
he is! This is his. This is his fourteenth year as the Wk. Use, director of strength and conditioning, and his 8 as the men's basketball strength and conditioning.
Oh, he's been! Oh, he's been a member of the strength and conditioning staff for over 20 years. Yeah, that's what I'm saying. He
(17:08):
he's been there like before we were. We were there.
Devin Stewart (17:12):
Well, I knew he'd been there, for since before I had, I knew the way was there before me when I started the hedge
the headstream conditioning coach was a guy who coached at He works for the dolphins for a little bit.
and this was in the old side of the stadium. So there was a lot of talk back then about that. But it was really funny.
(17:36):
okay. So Coach Hall got a degree in physical education in 1,996,
and he finished his master's degree at Wku in 2,006 he was certified through the national strength and conditioning as a certified strength and conditioning specialist.
Oh, yeah. And he married track and field standout, Laura Wesling.
(18:01):
and they've got 3 sons, Darian, Dawson and Dexton.
Matthew McCay (18:05):
Yes. Well, that's that's him. Is it really him, Tim? I'm swear to God more or less than he was. No.
yes, Dawson is a sophomore on the Wku baseball team. It's on his sports page. Oh, have you not seen? Have you not seen like? Look up, Dawson Hall?
(18:29):
Alright, like every one of Dwayne's kids are redheaded, and I don't know how that happened.
It's kind of like red here, too, do what
Devin Stewart (18:40):
I don't know. I'd have to look up, Laura. I don't know. I don't remember. I don't remember seeing her.
Matthew McCay (18:47):
I'm pretty sure he like threatened people never to look at her if she ever showed up, you know.
I guess.
Devin Stewart (18:56):
Let me see, I can find some more pictures of her back.
Oh, yeah.
Matthew McCay (19:03):
yeah. I had. No, I had no clue.
Devin Stewart (19:09):
Oh, yeah, that was a hundred percent. I was, yeah. I was not making that up. He
I knew his son was playing, and I don't remember if I saw it on Facebook or what I think I may be friends with coach all on Facebook. But yeah, he was. He was a very serious coach back in the day.
But yes, but that is the first time, as you can see in my notes first time a picture has been named to the Preseason all conference for the tops.
(19:34):
And that's the first time Westerns had multiple people on the preseason. So
Matthew McCay (19:38):
hey, we'll see hopefully, baseball doesn't, has a really good season. So
Mason Burns is supposed to be considered like Top. I know he's top 50. I think he was like Number 25 on the list of overall college pitchers, college relief pitchers
so like he's expected to be like all American ish type of level good as a as a senior and and do good, is a good player as well he do. He do pretty good. So
(20:11):
I think I think we have some pieces there, and from what I've heard
just internal talk, and so I think I think Coach wardens brought in some people that should immediately be be pretty solid there's a lot of new names, you know. You don't know when you have like 8 retarders, or whatever ridiculous low number it is. You just don't know if they're gonna all come together and be great, or if it's gonna be a disaster, so hopefully it'll be
(20:38):
decent. And he brought in some good people and
you know we'll have some. We'll kind of live up to some expectations on these guys that are supposed to be pretty good.
Devin Stewart (20:48):
You know we have a kid on the team named Tyler Reardon is that coach? Is that the coach's son?
Matthew McCay (20:54):
I don't know. Do we have a
Devin Stewart (20:59):
snap what was the one for UK. Back in the day for the wild cats? Calipari sun.
Matthew McCay (21:09):
He's from Council Bluffs, Iowa. I will guess he's gotta be related. Let's see.
it's gonna
son of Melanie. And Mark, yeah, that's his son. Okay.
Devin Stewart (21:23):
Yup. Oh, my gosh! Please tell me he has a tattoo or not given, please.
But yeah, I baseball is going to start there. Let me back up. There we go. Baseball is gonna start there
season on the sixteenth. They're gonna play Bradley that's at home at Nick Dennis Field 3 pm. And this times are central time
(21:48):
cause I got them off to Dk use sports. So, and I was rushing. Matt was rushing me so on the sixteenth, this is Friday. Western's gonna be having a series against Bradley.
The 3 Pm. Pitch off.
Sorry I'm used to football, so it's always a kick off but the I gotta make it red. So it's good.
Matthew McCay (22:28):
Yeah. I hadn't done my baseball research yet, so I didn't go on as a co-founder and son. I realize it was
the hall sun and all that stuff. So
Devin Stewart (22:40):
that's a d alright, and I gotta erase it.
Oh, I'm learning all these new fangled stuff. Okay? So anyway, Bradley, they've got them this weekend on Friday they play 3 Pm. On Saturday it's 2 Pm. And on Sunday it's at one Pm.
And then next Tuesday, the Twentieth Western will be playing Lipscomb, and that is going to start about 3 Pm. That's in Nashville. So if you can be there, be there they will appreciate your support.
Matthew McCay (23:13):
Bradley was not very good last year, so should be a pretty good opportunity to start out 403 and one, you know. So hopefully should get out to a good start. We shall see.
Devin Stewart (23:27):
I hope so, too. It would be it would be really good to, you know. Start off the season with a win for baseball for sure.
sorry I've got my notes over here. I'm trying to keep up with what I've talked we've talked about so far. Okay.
yes. So they're going to be coming up on the okay. So Lady tops basketball. This is Matt's jam right here.
(23:54):
all right, hey? I'm telling you I am really excited for the lady tops.
They ended their streak in.
They're see. Yep, turn around there, beat them there.
Okay, there we go. We'll do that. Okay. So lady Tops make a turnaround and diddle they ended their what was that 5 or 6 game losing streak? It was a 3 game losing streak, and they had lost 3 of 4.
(24:28):
Excuse me 4 or 5. Excuse me, they've lost 4 or 5.
Yeah, and it started against you. Well, we beat you to have 66 65 and then we started losing against fi! You same Houston Mtsu. And then we won Lautrec.
Matthew McCay (24:44):
and
so we beat Jacksonville state, too. So so yeah, the law tech game man like oh, my gosh, II don't know if you've looked at the anything more than kind of final score, whatever a lot of our listeners would, but like we did go to the game, and it was
well, first of all, acacia. Hayes has an injury. She's one of the leading scores for the tops.
(25:10):
Has been a a solid player for the last couple of years, and she has some kind of knee injury. We don't know the extent it
looks like from the intelligence we have. We've talked to a guy from Vko, and we had some.
you know, just observation type of stuff, I mean. It seems like she may be out for at least a while, and could be out for the whole rest of the year. She had a like an acl type of need brace on. But then
(25:39):
the game against Jacksonville state she didn't, so I don't know exactly where she stands.
as far as injured she really is.
but regardless she's out, and it's probably out
till I would say March. At least, we can fairly well guess that's probably what's gonna happen.
She's indefinitely and then also the first game against law tech. This last week they were without destiny salary. Who's the other kind of quick hitter type of quick possession type of player for the top. So I mean, it was like watching paint dry, watching them try to score. It was so bad.
(26:18):
Yeah, it was 33 to 14 lawtech at 1 point
and it was like it. It was hopeless. I mean, they no energy, you know, like I wanted like when you care about the program, whatever you wanted to do? Well, you just go. And you're like, okay. And hopefully, you know, we're shorthanded. But let's let's win. Let's you know, let's look like we care. Let's look like we're
(26:44):
don't look awful. And it just like I seriously started getting a little sick to my stomach watching. It was awful. And then at 33, 14, it just
it kind of started clicking into place a little bit. Made a couple of baskets. you know, they cut it maybe like it was like 14 or 15 and a half times, so it's still look pretty bad.
(27:06):
And quarter was
pretty rough, but they started kind of like inching their way into it. It wasn't like they made like a 20 to nothing run. And then we're right back in it. I mean, it was
like you pretty much thought the game was over until, like the fourth quarter, when they finally took the lead.
Devin Stewart (27:24):
I always think it's weird.
I always think it's weird that girls basketball does or women's basketball does quarters and men's does halves.
Matthew McCay (27:34):
Yeah. And they they've always had different like shot clock numbers. So this would be like the men were 35, and the girls were always 30.
Now the men are 30. They're they're both 30. They have the different like 3 point lines and whatever. And so yeah, it's it definitely is odd. And they they've added the quarters. I forget when they add the quarters like 5.
(28:00):
That might been a little longer than that now, years ago.
But and they have different breaks.
times that they get like the guys have a break every 4 min under time under 4 min timeout, or whatever the girls.
Is a little bit harder to explain. You know, it's kind of kind of staggered.
(28:21):
But
you know, every 4 every 4 weeks there's a break. But yeah.
yeah, there you go. But
that same weeks, I mean minutes. Yeah, okay, but anyway, yeah, is this different? And it creates different dynamics in the game.
(28:44):
So like.
for example, the first quarter. You can easily have a quarter where the scores like 25 to 9. Right? You know you don't normally have a half for somebody scores
that low, but you can have those like cause. There's smaller lengths of time. You can have really lopsided quarters, and they can kind of like dump in 5 extra points right at the end of the the quarter, based on like a 2 for one or something.
(29:10):
Yeah.
And so it creates more like strategy at the end of the quarters
that you have to pay attention to.
so I think it.
I think, creates some different interests. It's a different field than a men's game
because of that
and it kind of makes you think about the time a little different than Oh, it's the second half. It's what's the third quarter? It's not even
(29:33):
close to over. But then you finish the third quarter. You've only got 10 min left. So yeah.
Devin Stewart (29:39):
I mean. It is interesting, and it's kind of cool that I mean.
it sounds bad, but I would assume that you would want it more.
I'm person that likes things that are the same. So that's just me. But I guess part of my thing is, at least here is when you're looking at the stats, at least for Western, like, I feel like.
(30:01):
would you just do it already?
Okay, here we go.
This Stat, right here. Keep circling around.
That's our biggest stat right there. We had 12 turnovers. I mean, that is amazing.
And then
then you've got, you know. lattek having 21 turnovers.
(30:23):
Yeah, that's amazing, too. Yeah, II found out this cool drawing feature. So it's really gonna mess you all up. I'm sorry.
but I mean, that's a that's a big takeaway for the lady tops, you know, to only have 12 turnovers in this game, and I don't know what their average is, but you know we're doing really well. Yeah.
Matthew McCay (30:44):
College women's basketball or women's college basketball. Generally, you have a little bit more turnovers than the men. Like like the guys, it's they average 14, and that's
pretty darn high. I don't know where it stands, nationally or anything
but the controls. If they average 14, that would be that'd be great and so.
(31:09):
anyway, the 12 turn numbers was great, and I had a I love that you put that up there because it really does show. Really, that was kind of the difference in the game. Fact that they were able to actually out rebound Lottech, which has been a really really tough thing for them to do this year. They've had some where they absolutely got blasted on the boards, and they didn't have a chance. Just simply because of that.
Devin Stewart (31:35):
Well, I know another Stat, I want to show real quick is, I'll do the highlighter here just because this is really cool.
Okay, so we've got
35, and I'm marked all the way through it 35 and latte shops 43,
while Western only had 41 field goal percentage and 22.2 from 3 point land, like any other day of the week. That would be detrimental to us.
Matthew McCay (32:03):
You know, those are very troubling stats is, I mean, but it just goes to show how much turnovers play into it. But go ahead. Sorry. Well, also that low 3 point. It shows how difficult it was and has been for Wk scores since salary and acacia have been out.
Oh, yeah. in the Jacksonville State game. Also, Western came back and won this one, and it was. It was really nice to see them figure out, especially when they looked absolutely dead.
(32:33):
Water in the first half, and it looked like, Oh, my God, we're gonna lose the team that has 2 conference wins. Yeah.
Devin Stewart (33:04):
you know.
Evidently Wester did really well, foul wise, because the you know, law tech had 2. They were 2 of 6,
you know. They only hit 2 free throws, and Western had. They were 14 of 17. That right? There is a complete turnaround in the game. I should have put that on the stats, too, but I didn't think about it until just now.
Matthew McCay (33:24):
yeah, that's it. That is interesting. For sure I hadn't. I'm I'm glad that you broke that broke that down a little bit because I didn't think of that being there live, and I didn't look at all that stuff. But when you just look at the numbers
ultimately, like big, huge comeback and all that stuff. But really the numbers do tell the tale and tell kind of what happened over time is that obviously Western was able to to get some foul calls, they will be more aggressive.
(33:55):
They were able to overcome the bad shooting by taking care of the ball and getting inside draws of files. And when I think about how the game went that that does
ring true with what really happened.
Western was
figured out that they weren't making shots.
They they went inside and and drew some fouls and made something happen.
Devin Stewart (34:17):
And that's I think I think that's part of
I think that's a big thing for basketball and baseball, too, is they're very. You can be very analytical about basketball and baseball.
as far as you know.
being able to look at numbers and say, this is what helped this. This is what's going to help this. But you know. free throws, I mean are killer. That's easy points. You've got to make free throws. Anytime you're out there. Anytime you get put up on the line. You've got to make those free throws and
(34:49):
quick, Stat, real quick on.
Sorry. I've got 2 different things here for base for men's and women's basketball
Matthew McCay (34:58):
to the the ladies against Jacksonville State.
Devin Stewart (35:02):
Yes, let's go to Jacksonville, State ladies. Here's the little a little slide I've got going on it.
that's not. That's not right. I got my numbers mixed up on Jacksonville state to fix that and post. But okay.
no, it is right. I'm sorry.
Matthew McCay (35:21):
Who was it that shot 7% was that on the men side?
(35:49):
Yeah, that's people who are know you. That's why you know your little snake bit. And there's there was some story to that as far as why the the main star was struggling. We'll talk about that a little bit as far as the lady tops. In this one. This really was like.
you know, they obviously got over the 3 game losing streak. Jacksonville, State and Law tech are not that great?
(36:14):
But the main thing is in this one like they they really did struggle to score, they have been struggling to score without occasion. We talked about that
destiny salary was back. There was some weird substitution stuff. Salary was back, but didn't start. She didn't play till the second quarter, and then she sat
(36:37):
17 min in the second half, and then came in the last 3 min along with Karis Allen. So I don't understand why
exactly that she was held out so long. My guess is, she's still in the doghouse about something, and they're just like.
we know that you need to play. But you need to learn that you need to be respectful, whatever I don't know what to do. It was weird and kind of inexplicable. Why, she's not suspended and not playing. She's clearly the only player on the roster
(37:09):
that's healthy that can drawn to the basket quickly like, do you have people?
Faustino. Teresa, Faustino, and Alexis made can both get to the basket.
but not quickly, and not not in the half court, where they just outrun people to the goal. They have to kind of like, see their way in, or or
(37:32):
kind of physical, their way in or get it on transition. or something like that
salary can come in, and she can just shoot over somebody quickly, you know she can. She can make it to the basket if she just wants to go get a layup.
you know and so it's confusing. I don't know exactly why she didn't play more. I hope she plays a lot on the road. We need her, because without her. We have no pace.
(37:58):
these numbers. The shooting is down outside the inside. We are taking care of the ball. This is the last 2 games, you know. They they had 12 turnovers, both games. So that's an interesting
stat josie Gilvin was really good in this game, had 14 points
(38:19):
and had a couple of blocks like she had this one block
like, you don't see this in women's basketball a lot, because a lot of times. They don't have the vertical to make it happen.
But she blocked the crap out of this girl on the 3, pointer on on a shot clock violation. I mean, it went into the stands like 3 rows deep. Yeah, on a 3 pointer, I mean, she like just
(38:45):
hulk into that girl, and just like blasted it backwards. It was awesome. It was like a dominant
like. I'm a superior athlete to you in your face shot clock violation. So it's pretty cool. This is. She had a couple of blocks really had it. One of her best games that I remember
(39:05):
are having, and it was nice. It's nice to see her step up, and in case she is absent, we really need it.
Yeah. But the I think this overall was the
the best defensive performance by the lady tops.
By far, I think Jacksonville State plays into that. Their office is not great. They score less than 60 points a game. So yeah.
(39:29):
but they held them about 15 points under their average.
And that's what State really didn't have much of a chance to tops force a bunch of turnovers. They did. Okay on the boards. You can see that. If you're watching with the graphics and and with the video.
the Jacksonville State did out rebound Western about 8 rebounds. But honestly, that's a win for Western really because they've had such trouble rebounding that they were respectable enough.
(40:00):
Yeah. And so I think overall, it was okay.
What concerns me is the offense is just
non existent. Right now. I mean, they they needed a great defensive performance to beat a team that scores 60 points a game
by 9 at home like it. It just wasn't just something that needs to click into place.
(40:24):
and I hope that is playing salary more and finding some other creative ways to get some offense because
they have looked and name it, to say the least, the last few games without without haze.
Devin Stewart (40:40):
Yeah, they shot 6 of 28 from free through from free from the 3 point land and western shot 3 of 14
so if you can do
if you can do some fraction simplification.
then you can figure out that literally they shot twice as many threes as we did, but they didn't hit as many, or they hit.
Matthew McCay (41:05):
They have his name, Sweden great.
They hit the same rate as we did. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. So I mean the what that tells you, though in terms of like those numbers. the fact that they shot twice as many threes is Western as Western was able to get some looks and get inside.
but this could make anything state if they have made a little bit more could have won that game. They just
(41:30):
Western did a good job keeping them outside and not letting them get inside, and that made it difficult enough for them, and then they missed some shots. If Jasmine State have made a few shots, though
Western probably lost. Yeah, they had no offense
to throw at Western to be able to overcome Westerns. Pretty good defensive performance this this game.
Devin Stewart (41:53):
So yeah, and then, of course, we'll talk Jacksonville. Well, we just did, didn't we? Sorry? But yeah, Western overcome that. And that's that's a really good look for the lady tops we next week. We're gonna talk real quick. They've got Utop and New Mexico State. I don't have a lot of stats up for them
Matthew McCay (42:13):
like I said I was trying to get those up. No, I could tell you. But go ahead. Tell me all about it. Well, okay, so this will. These are the 2 games, and I'll be quick. I've I've no we're off time because
I forget when we started. But anyway, whatever
anyway, so Utah was the game that's destiny. Salary had to make the layup to win by one at Diddle.
(42:49):
66 65.
Utepap is not a very good team. However, it's on the road, it's at elevation, so you never know. And honestly, the West. The the lady toppers are just struggling offensively, hopefully they pick it up, or it could be it could be ugly. I don't know.
(43:09):
It certainly could be a struggle. They didn't play that great against Utah at full strength. So I'm wondering how it's gonna go without acacia
and if salary is not
fully out of the doghouse that's really concerning then New Mexico State. was just a bad matchup for Western. It was weird because they're not very good. They're not very good at all.
(43:35):
I'd have to look at their record. But they're
basically they've won about a third of their games overall
And but it just surprised me because they they look like you. Just look at them. You're like, oh, this team is probably gonna be pretty good, like they were athletic
long. They weren't skinny girls running around that have no meat on their boat like they look like athletes.
(44:04):
You know, and and they were just kind of out muscling Western. And so
it was, in my opinion it wasn't a great matchup, anyway, for Western, you know. Why, sometimes you just have teams that you just don't match up well against
Devin Stewart (44:18):
if they even if they suck like, they're just gonna give you a headache.
Matthew McCay (44:23):
you know. And I just think that was kind of that's kind of the case with New Mexico State. Western just struggled against their their size and their thickness, like they were. Just
that. We're really.
I'm serious of it, like they were. They were just really fit and
big, and I mean they were really like impressive in terms of looking at them. But then you look at the record, and it's like, How does this team suck this bad?
Devin Stewart (44:52):
Matt can't see this, but like at the edge of the screen, Stephanie is behind him. And she's like.
Matthew McCay (45:02):
Oh, you think that it's
what better watch what you say? Yeah. See Matt saying this because he's in the office by himself.
Yeah. And then that's true. They're out they're at a birthday or the Valentine's Day party, anyway.
but yeah, New Mexico State has done a little better since they did play Western. They're 4 and 5 now. 1012 overall and Utep is actually lower in the standings, 3 and 6 and 8 and 14 overall.
(45:34):
so they kind of flip position from where they were when Western played them.
but still 2 teams that Western, if they were at full strength and playing well should probably be wherever they are. But on the road. You know, missing some some strength and missing you know, somebody that's been out of the the games for a couple of games probably needs to get back in game shape.
(46:04):
I think it. It's gonna be tough not to split or worse.
Heading into this one this kind of road swing. It's just tough going way out West and play an elevation period. And then you got these other issues, and we have the the question of you know, whether the team is fully united and stuff like that. So
(46:24):
I mean, like, like we were talking about like you. You just said, you know, we've got a 9 Pm.
Devin Stewart (46:33):
10 pm. Eastern, and that's 2 h behind what we're normally used to, you know. Of course, basketball is not as long as football, but you know that's at least a couple of hours at least, unless it's a really slow dredged out game.
So. And then, of course, New Mexico sites 4 Pm. Which isn't that big of a deal. But
(46:54):
you know, and like you said. You know we're
how the the ideal situation would be for Westerns girls to be able to use their defensive strengths to metaphorically strangle out Utip and New Mexico State
to be able to dominate the boards, to dominate free throws like they did in the past couple of games, and, you know, to dominate rebounds and be able to show
(47:20):
how they can take advantage of what's going on on the court. Ideally, if we had our offensive weapons, we could go into this and say, Western is gonna dominate this game. We've got our defense together. Ladies are starting to play better together. Yada Yada, Yada, and just go dominate and come back from this road and road wins. And you know, maybe pass forward international cause they are now 2 games back from Mtsu.
(47:46):
I didn't know if you knew that or not. They float. International's lost 2. I'm assuming
and then, of course, Western is tied with liberty right now at 3 and a half or 3 and a half games back. But
Matthew McCay (47:58):
yeah, if I use within shouting distance, if
obviously, we need to beat them. We're gonna need them to lose
at least, probably 2 other games.
They're there.
I'm not sure
I'm not sure about tiebreakers. That kind of depends on where it shows up there. But I think the the bigger concern for me in terms of lady toppers and seating, and all that is you. You better get the 3 seed
(48:29):
and don't get the 4 C cause middle is gonna be they're gonna be the one seed. They're probably gonna be undefeated. If not, they might have one loss
whatever. But they're gonna end up being your number one seed. Avoid middle. Try to get to the championship game to see what happens just like you did last year. With the 4 or 5.
Here's the problem, though, is, liberty is now tied with Western. They were not playing good basketball when Western barely beat them. And now they do. They do get to
(49:02):
western gets to play liberty at the end of the year at Diddle.
so that could be the saving grace there. If it's close.
But I think it's gonna be a struggle for Western to hold on to that 3 seed. Now that liberties right there with them and that are that are hanging around this road trip will probably not help if they lose to New Mexico state that makes that really tight. So they need to.
(49:29):
They need to get together real quick, and they need some offense, and I hope it. I hope it magically shows up because I'm we're I'm concerned, although they won those 2 games, there was no offense
and no flow.
Devin Stewart (49:41):
Yes, let's jump into men's basketball real quick.
Matthew McCay (49:45):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (49:49):
so biggest news, I guess about this is is that the men were able to end the
25 or 2025 year road streak against law. Tech.
Matthew McCay (50:04):
So that was always, that's a that's an exciting thing.
Yes.
Devin Stewart (50:10):
yeah. Since the late 19 hundreds you know, that's that's always a detriment. Somebody told me that I saw that on tick. Talk about somebody talking about like what we used to do in the late 19 hundreds, and I was like God, I hate people.
Matthew McCay (50:27):
Oh.
Devin Stewart (50:29):
yes, yes, yes, so, Matt, what did you think about this game while you're doing that I'm gonna highlight a couple of things here that I think we're very key in Western beating law tech.
I can get this cut and pickin thing to work.
Matthew McCay (50:42):
If you if you draw a a
Devin Stewart (50:44):
eggplant emotion when we're talking, I mean, this game was obviously like
Matthew McCay (50:53):
it kind of started out how I thought it might go, and and a lot I ended up kind of leading earlier they were up. I can't remember if they were up 10 or more, but they were up nearly 10
up exactly 10.
And so it's like, Okay, well, law tech at home is kind of how it's supposed to go. You hope that they're gonna hang in there. And then all of a sudden. the the top just kinda turned it on and started making some moves and
(51:21):
You know you, regardless of how it happened.
you know you're down, Christian Lander, and you find a way to win at the at the place where
less than 10% of people win period in the last.
I think it's like, since 2,012, or something like they have. It's like, I think it's 90 something percent that they've won period, whether it's in conference or out. And Western hasn't beaten them since they since Western join Conference U.S.A. Again
(51:55):
at their place until now.
So the fact that we were able to pull that off they were to be fair. They were without a player, too. They had a double digit score, and I don't have it pulled up. Who that guy is?
It was a Hispanic name, and I'm sorry I don't remember
(52:16):
but he he was obviously a factor for them, so if you probably ask them not like, oh, well, we were without
our guys. So that's probably why Western is able to win. So there might be differing opinions here across, come to say in terms of
how comprehensive that was, but regardless
(52:37):
the fact that Western was ever going there and overcome. And really. yeah, there was a lull there, where it went back and forth. But once Western kind of took control and took the lead. At half time
they were pretty much in control of how that game went, and and so is impressive to see on the road you finally saw the the guts and the the overcomerism. I guess
(53:03):
if that's a word like, you know, they they overcame
the the issues, whatever the atmosphere, and all that crap, and ended up finding a way to get it done, and it really wasn't in doubt. I mean, there were some chances for Law Tech to make it close, and they had a bleed a couple of times.
(53:23):
but it just felt like Western was in control, and they ultimately seized it. And when and impressive fashion it was really nice to see. and I thought the biggest issue would be
dealing with their 2 stars. And
basically we we made them look very average. They were like 11 points below their average
(53:46):
macho really struggled.
And didn't score double digits. One of the first times all year, I think it says, lowest point total all year.
he did get his rebounds, but I mean Western found a way to make them
win without their 2 stars, and Lotte had a guy off the bench. Go for 25, and they still couldn't win. and so just credit the Western, I mean it was is a nice like top 75 caliber
(54:18):
you know, nationally pretty decent, win. and on the road really tough place to play. So major props, and it was a big like fire. You up kind of result for sure.
Devin Stewart (54:31):
That guy's name I'm guessing is Talik Chavez.
Matthew McCay (54:35):
I believe so. He averages a little over 10 a game.
Devin Stewart (54:39):
I guess I'll have to double check the numbers on what he averages. But the other one I was looking at was Daniel Bacho.
He is 6, 11 from Paris, France.
Matthew McCay (54:49):
Yeah, he's Paris, Tennessee, not Paris, Kentucky. I think it's a transfer from Texas Tech, or something like that. I don't know. I'm not sure he's transferred from somewhere power 5
and really good player, and he's ended up being much better than he really was supposed to be.
And so the fact that we were able to to make him look very average is a huge success.
(55:17):
It's something I didn't expect. II thought
I thought we would have our our big guys and foul trouble. I thought pretty much get what he wanted. And I thought Crawford would be
and easier match up because we have multiple guys that could kind of match up with him, you know. 6, 6, and athletic like. That's a lot of our team. But III thought that
(55:40):
I thought that they would ultimately get what they wanted, and then we'd probably lose by 5 or 10. That didn't happen. We had the perfect set up, and we were able to shut them down. So once we kind of got a feel for what they were doing.
and it was it was gravy from there. They just kind of took care of business.
Devin Stewart (56:01):
Yep, this is another factor right here.
Matthew McCay (56:04):
Yeah. Oh, yeah, especially. Yes. That's definitely something to mention. Because the honestly, I feel like Western probably
benefited a little bit from some calls, but regardless Western was aggressive. Western State, even in free throws on the road, which is just hard to do just because of how it
(56:29):
it is. you know. and the fact that they were able to do that and really win the free throw battle.
is a big deal. And and clearly was one of the main reasons Western was able to pull it out.
Devin Stewart (56:43):
Yeah. And like, I was just writing there on the screen,
western was 23 to 28. So that's 23 points right there. And Lawtech was 17 to 27. So we shot 82%. And they shot 63% from free throw free throw line. Blah, blah, blah
and so I mean, that's a that's a difference in a game right there.
(57:07):
I mean, of course. And then the big, the big 4 stats here Western had a better free throw or a feel go go percentage.
So we did better here.
We had a better 3 point shooting here, and we had more rebounds. We had 8 more rebounds than they did. We had about 6% better shooting on from
(57:28):
the 3 point line than they did. I mean.
Matthew McCay (57:31):
usually, if you you win more than one of those you're going to be doing. Okay? Yeah, well and and definitely, something to talk about, just including the Jacksonville State game.
which we can quickly transition into
The the 3 point shooting percentage defense is back. Lotte, we've really honestly in conference. You say we've given up about 35, or 40%
(57:57):
from 3. Several of these games. Well, obviously, you can see there on the screen Jacksonville State. We gave up 7.1 that's obviously gonna help skew some numbers in our favor. And that wasn't completely our defense, but it was certainly a huge part of it. To only hold them to 1 one made 3 point shot, 24% from 3 point land. So
(58:22):
thankfully, that is back and and hopefully is gonna stay there and was a staple of the early
part of the year. We're western was like top 20 and holding teams to it was like 28 from 3 or something like that. It was like was like 17 or something like that. And it's kind of dwindled to where it's maybe top 50 or so
(58:46):
but seeing the the tops hold people under 30% 3 point shooting, especially in today.
if we could do 7 on a regular basis, that would be amazing.
(59:07):
Jasmine State game man was was just like the the ladies performance. It was the best defensive performance of the year for for Western, for sure.
I mean the no, no other effort, even the ones against the division. 2 opponents and Na Wester gave up more points. So we honestly, the game was played at a Jacksonville State type of pace.
(59:33):
Western is able to to grind it out. And you know, it wasn't the best offensive performance.
one big thing that happened. They had 12 turnovers in the first half.
Western we had.
We had one in the second, and it was when the clock was running out, and they handed the ball to the rif to run out the last couple seconds at the end of the game. That was the one turnover in the second half.
(59:59):
So basically no turnovers. the second half. And it just you when you do something like that, the chances that you end up
losing, especially if you go in to have time.
With a lead
you're it's just almost impossible for the other team to to find the way to overcome that.
Devin Stewart (01:00:23):
So what was Western technical file? We had one technical file on this game.
Matthew McCay (01:00:27):
Yeah, there was one on Rodney Howard. I honestly
I'm I missed it. I didn't actually see what happened.
I don't know. I'm trying to think Whoa. what we were doing.
I think I miss? Yeah. It was early in the game I was driving home from the girls game.
(01:00:48):
so I really don't. I can't speak to it. I really don't know what happened.
yep, yeah, it's Tata.
Yeah, III don't know. II hadn't, and we hadn't talked about it in the Tower chat. I hadn't really worried about it. you know, I knew that there was a technical going back and looking at stuff, but
(01:01:11):
I honestly don't even know what it was for
I was driving home.
Devin Stewart (01:01:22):
Yeah, he he! You know he's a responsible person. I can't believe he doesn't watch the game as he drives. But anyway,
Matthew McCay (01:01:30):
I was listening. I had it. I think I had it running on my phone.
Let's see here. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know how that works, man every time whenever you're like, hey, hey, hey! Be quiet for just a second, Dad, trying to listen to this, and it's like you go.
Devin Stewart (01:01:52):
for the love of God, please stop doing it.
Matthew McCay (01:01:58):
sorry this is it.
There's always relevant.
Everybody needs to hear this. My kids last night like
Haley, my 4 year old like
can't can't shut up at at night. This talks right, and she's like she's in her bed, and we can hear on her baby monitor like
Devin Stewart (01:02:19):
Crazy, hey? You wanna be my best friend in the middle of the night, and it's like
Matthew McCay (01:02:25):
nobody wants to be your best friend rather what you shut up since she can sleep, and there's no one else in the room. Oh, my gosh! So last time yeah, we're talking about, you know, shutting kids up and stuff and so I was like Haley, if you say one more word, we're trying to go to bed.
you're in trouble, and she goes.
(01:02:47):
yes, sir. And I
I'm like, Okay, thank you. And she's like, you're welcome. I'm like, no responding to me. And then, 5 s later. She's like. Okay, Dan.
Devin Stewart (01:03:04):
so I don't know if your daughter's the same way, but mine is completely obsessed with
best friends.
will you be my best friend. Oh, so it's my best friend, and you're like
oh, oh, there was one! She was buddies with this little boy at her day. Care for a little bit. But she went. The funny thing is, she says
Matthew McCay (01:03:25):
they were playing outside on the playground, and she was like, Oh, look! The cows are out, he goes so, and she's like, well, he can't be my friend no more.
Devin Stewart (01:03:38):
Yeah, you're dead to me because you don't like cows. And then the other thing was,
yeah, my daughter just randomly breaks out in the song. II jokingly told my wife I'm like she's like an ipod. But I've gotta keep singing songs or find songs she likes, so I can play them so she'll sing them. And I can actually listen to different stuff on the radio. But man's basketball is gonna play tomorrow. We're recording this on a Wednesday. So that's 2 15 at 7 Pm. Eastern 6 Pm, central and Cbs sports network, and that is in diddle against you. Tip
(01:04:11):
so. And then, of course, on the seventeenth, which is Saturday that will be against New Mexico State. So like, I always say.
be a true fan. Go to the game.
Matthew McCay (01:04:28):
That's right. so you'll be there. Oh.
Devin Stewart (01:04:32):
no, I am not a true fan, so there we go! There's that.
No, I'm not. I mean I can't. I can't make it right now.
Honestly, I'd love to, but I can't make it right now. But Espn plus is where you can watch it if you're like me, and you can't make it. And then Cbs sports network versus utip
to catch versus Youtube to catch that game
Matthew McCay (01:04:56):
so definitely check those out, Matt, what are your thoughts on the utep and New Mexico state games. Yeah, well.
real quick. I mean it. It's basically like it's revenge games. I mean you. You you blew both of them. You probably should have won both of them on the road. Utah was a little bit more forgivable, a little bit better team, tougher matchup, all that kind of stuff.
(01:05:21):
I think that may have been the first game. Lander was out, whatever so I mean, you had some built in excuses.
you know, you already had lost some momentum by blowing that hugely to New Mexico State.
So it was definitely like these 2 losses were the the low point of this season. So I'm hoping that they're like
(01:05:44):
10 kinds of fired up and ready to go. And they just come in and murder these teams, because they honestly probably should.
And Utah on the road is a completely different team.
This is a completely different team with 1, 3 in a row
is time to cease control. Conference, U.S.A. They're 6 and 4. If you win these 2, you're 8 and 4
(01:06:06):
Espn likes both of these games by more than 75%.
Devin, are you dead? There you are. so I really think that.
It's pretty straightforward. This should be 2 fairly routine victories and if it's not then
(01:06:32):
but I mean it's fine, you know. Get the w's or whatever.
But to be able to have that momentum and look like they've looked you know. I think you want some style points with these 2, if you can.
But ultimately, when you know and don't. Yeah, don't. Don't let your foot off the pedal. I mean, you had New Mexico State by 23, and you lost.
(01:06:55):
Learn your lesson, and if you get up 23 again.
stomp on their throat and get the thing blown out. When by
obviously, you have to take care of the ball. They're the number one stealing team in the country.
And Western is the number one pace team in the country. So we obviously can have some chaos in that game. But ultimately you need to make better decisions. They made awful decisions. Dante Allen looked like he had some kind of
(01:07:27):
like spasms or something in the middle of the cord a couple of times. Just didn't make sense. And then, you know, throwing the ball all the way across the defense and stuff like that like.
So a lot of it was self-inflicted. So
Utah is obviously very good at deflecting and stealing and stuff like that. So you just have to be careful.
(01:07:48):
but if I just go in there and let's take care of business. pound the ball in the paint. draw tons of files, and have good balance. And let's get out of there with a you know, a couple 20 point victories.
Devin Stewart (01:08:00):
Yeah, I mean, you gotta win. You gotta win at this point in the season. And these are definitely. Give me games and we'll move my camera.
Matthew McCay (01:08:11):
We could be, in first place, by the end of the weekend. If not, you're putting pressure on everybody else at that point, and you've got a big game of law tech coming up at home where only sees at least second place, if not first place.
Devin Stewart (01:08:26):
which New Mexico state is a half a game behind us. So you win this game. It's gonna push you a little bit of further ahead of them. You beat you, Tab. You were a little bit ahead of them. Sam Houston, I don't know how that's gonna work as far as bumping us into first.
Matthew McCay (01:08:42):
So you're typically
you need. You need Sam Houston to lose 2 games more than Western from here on out. But they've lost. They've actually lost to Fi you.
Devin Stewart (01:08:54):
Which wild? 68, 61. And then they lost to Jacksonville State 79, 68.
Matthew McCay (01:09:00):
Yeah, that's interesting. And they do play at home and plays at home this week, too. So it's unlikely that you're gonna get those 2 to lose multiple games.
but at least this week
But Western Western is basically in control of his destiny with law tech if they be, and then keep pace with them. Finish tied with them.
(01:09:24):
Then they'll they'll jump. Lotte. Sam Houston has 3 losses, and Western has 4. They need Sam Houston to finish below them in terms of losses for Western to be ahead of them in the standings. They won't breaker in almost every scenario, so
it's crucial for Sam Houston to start losing some games crucial for Western to win most of the rest of their games if they want to be a one or 2 seed.
Devin Stewart (01:09:51):
Yeah, yeah, I can definitely right there.
Yeah, it's I mean Westerns right there. I mean, it's theirs to win and lose.
I don't. I mean, I think we talked about this other week, but I think, as far as the men side of things, I think the conference is there is to win, and it's weird to say that
(01:10:12):
if they don't win it. I'm not ready to, you know.
Kill Lutz.
you know, metaphorically. But get my pitchforks and torches and stuff like that. I'm not gonna do that, but because this is his first year. This is a rebuilding year, like the packers. I just assume the packers were done, you know, lost her and Rogers, but at least for this year. But you know.
(01:10:36):
if they do well enough, I mean, I could definitely see. It's just funny to me, that same Houston lost to the team who is essentially last in comfort. U.S.A. Right now with Florida international. But
I think Western could definitely. You just can't. You cannot take take for granted either one of these teams, and you've gotta, you know. Take care of the ball like you said. Luckily we are at home on these, so that'll help us to
(01:11:02):
somewhat.
Matthew McCay (01:11:03):
Yeah. Well, they have 0 combined winds on on the road.
So oh, wow! Pretty likely to win. But like
that doesn't mean Jack, when you when you play the game like ultimately.
if they get hot, if they play well, it doesn't matter about their record before now. New Mexico States gonna be coming in and they're gonna be ready to try to take our place in the standings like. That's what they're worried. They're not exactly your road record, or whether it's a home or away. They'll give a crap. They're there to win the basketball game and try to steal our spot.
(01:11:41):
Exactly. Take it seriously and handle
what you need to handle and take care of business.
Devin Stewart (01:11:48):
Arrogance is not. Gonna get you
Matthew McCay (01:11:51):
what you want?
Devin Stewart (01:11:53):
Exactly. Let's just a real quick recap here men's basketball lady tops.
and then softball and baseball.
I'm not gonna talk golf, because that is a ways out. But lady tops they've got the Chattanooga Chu Chu invitational. So I'm gonna call it. They've got North Alabama, Chattanooga, North Alabama, again on the seventeenth Murray State on the seventeenth, and then on the eighteenth, they're gonna play ball state
(01:12:22):
all those times are on the screen. That's 1138 am. Central standard time
and 4 30 pm. Against Chattanooga on the sixteenth 9 Am. And 1130 Am. Against North Alabama and Murray State respectively, and then 10 Am. Versus ball state.
and then baseball got a series against Bradley. So 1617 and eighteenth, that is, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
(01:12:49):
They will be playing at 3 Pm. On Friday, 2 Pm. On Saturday and one Pm. On Sunday, and then next Tuesday they will play Lipscombe in Nashville. So if you want a little day trip to Nashville, go enjoy yourself for a little baseball. I'm sure it will be a great time. And then
Lady Tops
(01:13:10):
tomorrow or today, if you're listing on Thursday the fifteenth Western is playing at 9 pm. Eastern against utep, and I'm pretty sure that's on Espn. Plus. Most of them are
Matthew McCay (01:13:24):
lady tops. Yes, there we go.
Devin Stewart (01:13:32):
yes, Espn. Plus, and then New Mexico state, that is also on espn plus but that'll be on the seventeenth at 4 pm. Against New Mexico state both those times are on Eastern time, so that'll be 8 pm. Central and 3 Pm. Central as well. And then the men's basketball side of things that a Cbs sports network. As Matt said, it is gonna be in diddle. So if you're in the Bowling Green area, definitely go support the tops.
(01:13:58):
And you know. Watch you tap, cause they may. Just they're really good at stealing mets, so they may still chairs and stuff, too, so don't let them still stuff, but
and then
on the seventeenth Western is gonna be playing New Mexico state 3 Pm. Eastern that games on Espn. Plus
and check those both out. If you're not in the diddle in the bully green area and you can't get to diddle.
(01:14:23):
you know. Always check back here. We'll try and keep you updated. We'll check with Tal Rack. They will try to do some live tweets and stuff to let you know about the games and stuff like that. And definitely check back. Next week we will talk some Western sports. And we'll try and do some more videos like this. So we appreciate everything you all are doing and listening and supporting like sharing subscribe. We appreciate it. And as always, guys go tops.
Matthew McCay (01:14:50):
Go tops.
Devin Stewart (01:14:52):
Yup beat the minors and the who's the other ones, anyway? Alright! Have a good one, Buddy.
See you, man, I gotta go.
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