February 8, 2024 • 60 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 (00:05):
Well, welcome in everyone. New feature for the podcast we are now video. So this will be interesting. I hope you all are enjoying seeing us instead of just hearing us. You may want us to go back the other way. I don't know
but we'll see so welcome
do what's right? I could change the podcast to the average. Joe's the not fan fans or something like that. And I got my skittle, skittle water, and
Matt McCay (00:41):
there you go, ready to talk some Western sports.
Devin Stewart (00:46):
So I guess first off wk, you've has announced the 2024 football schedule. What did you think of that schedule so far, Matt?
Matt McCay (00:57):
Let's take a look at it.
I think it's actually, I think I thought it was pretty competitive and
with key pieces coming back, I mean, I guess it gives you a chance. If you have a some great luck and everything to
you know, have a
(01:18):
solid strength of schedule, you know. Things go right like this year where there were not very many teams that really could make a case for the New Year 6. I mean, you get one thing. You gotta have a strength of schedule or a schedule. You can run the table with.
obviously you have Alabama.
Yeah.
So that's unlikely to be any kind of opportunity. But make savings gone. And then Boston College is interesting. I don't think we've ever played Boston College.
(01:46):
That's just kind of an interesting game, and
Toledo is a solid group of 5. So I think it's a interesting schedule along with the Conference. U.S.A. Schedule as well.
Yeah, that Toledo games at home, too. So
Devin Stewart (01:58):
move. Let me move my my notes over here. So I'm actually facing you instead of looking off the side.
so yes, Alabama actually is, I think, a chance to run the field for Western, you know Nick Saven's gone. Gonna have a new head coach.
I don't know who that is. Maybe Mike Sanford. But we'll have to see I have it. I don't. I don't do Alabama. So
Matt McCay (02:32):
I don't love my cousin. So I don't follow Alabama. So role. Tad, baby, yeah. Yeah. So yeah, I mean, of course.
Devin Stewart (02:43):
and something else that was kind of pointed out was that the the hey? Come in, here we go. Is that the home games are all, even while the away games are all odd.
Matt McCay (02:55):
That's true. I never. I don't know if I've ever seen a schedule exactly like that where it literally alternates game by game home way home away.
Devin Stewart (03:04):
Yeah, that was that was funny to me. It was. It's very Ocd. And I don't know who did that. But it's very funny.
Matt McCay (03:12):
very balanced.
Devin Stewart (03:13):
evidently.
so Boston College. Have they done anything in the past?
Matt McCay (03:22):
No, not really. Yeah. What was the it. Was it Doug Flutey, or something? Did the
the miraculous helm area, or whatever?
I think you're right, I think you're right. I think that was Boston college. That was their last like big moment that, and having the honor of losing to Western Kentucky and the nit a few years ago, that was a big momental arena.
Devin Stewart (03:51):
You're welcome. Yes, yes.
I mean, but honestly like who was the biggest like name they've had in the past 20 years.
Matt McCay (04:01):
They've had a Qb, that was a big name. I'm pretty sure. If I hadn't
thought to look that up
State College.
Let's see.
(04:24):
let's see, they had
well, say flowers was a big player for the ravens this year.
Devin Stewart (04:33):
Okay.
I was like, the only one I can think of is Lamor. Wait a second here go!
Oh.
Matt McCay (04:43):
they actually have some names in here.
let's see
Harold Landry, I guess.
Was he Boston College? That's interesting. He plays for the Titans. I recognize his name. I didn't realize he was Boston College.
Devin Stewart (05:01):
didn't either.
Matt McCay (05:03):
I feel like they had a big QB.
Matt Ryan. That's who it was Matt Ryan, 2,008 Boston College.
Devin Stewart (05:12):
They had some big names.
Matt McCay (05:15):
but they haven't. Luke Kaekley was another big one. He's a huge big time linebacker.
So they have some players they just. I don't think they've done much as a program.
Devin Stewart (05:27):
I don't. I don't think so either. I mean they haven't. I couldn't tell you the last time they've been to a New Year 6 bowl. I mean, it's just kinda like, it's kind of like Nebraska or Miami back in the nineties like, that's the last time they've actually been relevant. So
or Indiana football. So
Matt McCay (05:46):
yeah, let's see, they
see if they got like a season by season thing here
trying to get it to pull up on my computer. And it's not. It just keeps loading. So so about 500 cents.
2,006. It looks like.
Devin Stewart (06:08):
okay.
Matt McCay (06:11):
Tom O'brien was 75, and 45 from 97 to 6, and then
in 2,708. They were pretty good. That was when they had Matt Ryan.
They've been about 500 or less
with every coach.
so not super strong to traditionally.
Devin Stewart (06:35):
Yeah.
Matt McCay (06:36):
what an interesting opponent, nonetheless.
Devin Stewart (06:39):
Yes, very interesting. And sorry. I'm trying to get my there we go.
I just need my timer. So I can keep up with you know what's going on. And so we can do our
didn't mean for everybody to see it.
Yeah, we're we'll look back at this episode and live. That's all I can do right now. So we'll turn that off. Okay, alright. So anyway, so yeah, I mean, it's it's pretty interesting, you know, having Alabama first game of the year coming off their attempted you know, College National Championship.
(07:19):
and you know, losing their head coach. We got Boston college like we were talking about, and then the Midweek games start October tenth versus Utip, and that is a home game
this year, so it's not gonna be at 100'clock at night, 90'clock at night for Easter, West or central time. So that'll be interesting. And then we've got Sam Houston State on the sixteenth.
(07:41):
And of course we've got
Matt McCay (07:44):
I was. Gonna say, we've got the bi-week, and then October thirtieth.
Devin Stewart (07:49):
Wk, you is gonna be facing Kennesaw State at Bowling Green. I think it was funny to me that out of the 5 new editions.
That is the fourth team to play in Bowling Green.
I didn't really realize that, but II mean, I guess I didn't think about it, but that's only a number 4. So who would be the fifth who has not played in polling green Jack state?
Matt McCay (08:14):
I think so, because, yeah, they're playing here this year
leave. We've yeah. We played at Jack state, I think. Yes. yeah. It was at at their place.
Devin Stewart (08:26):
Yeah, they beat us. What? 17 to 10 or something awful like, it was a horrible game.
Matt McCay (08:31):
Yeah, we were up. And then they just came back and steam rolled us in the second half.
Devin Stewart (08:36):
Yeah,
so oh, and actually.
I did not realize this until I read the article that Fletcher did for the Towerack. Is that fi you got left off the schedule.
Matt McCay (08:51):
Oh.
yeah.
Devin Stewart (08:54):
fi, you we've got 10 games. Obviously, we have 10 opponents. We've got 2
Well, more than 2
out of conference games. And Fi, you has been omitted from the schedule. That is the third time since 2,008. That's happened.
Matt McCay (09:10):
Interesting. Yeah, I mean that honestly, that's kind of a crappy draw for Western, because fi! You football sucks.
I mean, you take. Yeah, like somebody is gonna end up not having to play liberty.
Yeah? Who who lucked out on that one like, obviously, that helps shade things in the right direction for you. You're pretty much gonna have a guaranteed loss. If you play Liberty or
(09:37):
one of the upper end
team. Yeah.
Devin Stewart (09:40):
yeah. And that's that's gonna be rough. maybe we'll see how liberty is this year, you know. They could be there, you know they could be going down. They could be going up. I don't know. I mean, it's a lot of speculation going into
Matt McCay (09:53):
lot of people transfer out, so might be an opportunity. Western once again seems to have
done a pretty good job keeping who they could for the most part.
You know we obviously Corey and Reed are gone. But I mean you've got
viable options. You know, coming in and and staying.
(10:16):
So people come back from injury. So I'm interested to see it.
We'll see if maybe we can make them move towards liberty a little bit.
Devin Stewart (10:24):
Yeah, I mean it. It's definitely a possibility. and I mean, we'll just have to see how Western is coming into the season. You know Finley could be a star. It could be a bust.
Matt McCay (10:36):
I don't know. We could be going Bell Camp in the fall. Yeah, I can't believe they done recruited over Kayden.
you know. Now, South war, you know. I don't think if you want fans and stands.
Jake Homer. Oh, sorry, Bell Cam.
Devin Stewart (10:58):
Come on, people. II don't know. We'll see how competition friendly competition ain't gonna hurt nothing. It's completely fine. They also brought in another freshman, 3 Star. I'm scared of him. He might jump over Caden, too.
So speaking of draft stock, Malachi Quarterly.
(11:19):
his draft stock is going up.
and honestly, I had a viewer or a listener. Send us a send me a little bit of the podcast that from Espn's first draft
from Mel Kuiper talking about Corley.
And I mean he is. He is having some corely correlations going on over there. He is loving it. I was I was pretty excited, you know. I mean especially to hear about. You know one of Western guys doing so well. And
(11:50):
you know, they're picking him second round, ish? So he's what? 33 to
64, or something like that. I'm just doing quick numbers. The highest draft pick we've had so far was
forest lamp. He was picked 38 and 2017. Yeah. Matt. And I was just talking about this. I tried to see how high, like
(12:14):
Coach Fikes had been picked when he was drafted by the giants. I can't find it anywhere, so if anybody can find that, just send that over, I'll take a look at it. I looked it up in the 52 53 and 54 on the football hall of Fame.
And I don't know because of his preseason injury. If they were just like. Yeah. try again. Or maybe he was a free agent. I don't know and they just got the details wrong that he wasn't drafted. I don't know.
(12:40):
You know. That's history as far as I'm concerned. But if one of our listeners can find that that'd be great. But Forest Lamp was drafted in the thirtieth pick in the 2817 draft.
And, as you know, he is. Where is he now?
Matt McCay (12:56):
He works with
Devin Stewart (13:00):
he was with that lighting company, I know, but
looks like 21 to 22 he was with the saints.
Matt McCay (13:13):
It wasn't
felt like he went somewhere else. He's it. Says he's a free agent.
Devin Stewart (13:21):
He was released October 20, fifth of 2,022,
so he's out there somewhere, hoping I hope he's doing well, I hope. You know.
whatever he's doing, he's enjoying it so.
Yes. But you know, what was that? A few years back.
Matt McCay (13:42):
No, I did not. He was Post Devon. So okay, he was a nice kid, a nice guy for real he was. I really hope he's doing well he was. He's always approachable. He always wore socks with
like the rocks
with props. Now.
(14:02):
I forget what kind of shoe it is, but it's like a like a black sandal. So it was like the slides or something. Yeah, I think it was slides. Yeah. And his br Brandon. Daddy always talked about him wearing his socks and slots. It's just kind of a funny look like that was just it is. It is definitely laid back like.
(14:22):
not super fashionable, but definitely Forrest lamp.
Look, that is that that's funny, though. That's really funny, non football. It was white socks like up to his knees and slides.
Devin Stewart (14:37):
I will. Yeah, II think that. But that's like a offensive alignment thing, too. like I don't know. There's several offensive line, and that would just wear socks with slides, or whatever, because it was just comfortable.
baseball is going to be firing up soon. Baseball and softball. There's been a lot of interviews with Coach Reardon and
(15:02):
I really don't follow baseball. So I'm sorry, guys, but we've got yeah, I know I'm awful. And I
fully admitted I have no problem admitting that because I just
Matt McCay (15:16):
I have no interest in baseball. The magic of Mark
catches fire on the hill.
Devin Stewart (15:25):
Oh, yeah, I'm just waiting
World series.
That'll be fun, and when we do I will make.
Would I put my pants? I would probably, anyway. But
hey.
no judging, no judging. We don't judge here. But so
(15:46):
you know, baseball, you stop playing that judger redo but anyway, they, you know, baseball starting off. I hope they do. Well this season. They've got a lot of new kids coming in.
And they had several leave last year.
And
Matt McCay (16:04):
yeah, it's it's interesting.
Devin Stewart (16:09):
It's interesting. We've heard. We've heard murmurs of it
of the reasons, but
I haven't heard anything said about it at Western. For sure. Western is not a place to talk about that stuff. They don't. They're not gonna talk about it, whether it is true or not.
So I think it's, you know, I've tried to get somebody I've I've actually tried to get people to go on the record
(16:31):
and say, Would you come on and talk about it, and they won't talk about it. It's just it's just like it's gone. They're just
they're gone. They don't even talk anymore, which people names of people that wouldn't go on the record.
Well, there was no but no they
Honestly, there was a lady who meant who had messaged us on Facebook
(16:55):
and was talking about it. And I was like, you know, can you give me some other names to cooperate? You know what you're saying? And blah blah blah blah blah nothing else.
Yeah yuch.
So you know, it's one of those things. It's whatever.
Matt McCay (17:09):
You know.
I don't want to touch on on the
the baseball stories that Fletcher put out.
And we're just kinda like, like, kind of what we're talking about. Western has been
oddly nearly radio silent on the baseball front.
(17:31):
For some reason. Hmm! I don't know. could be that they covered up scandal whatever. Anyway.
no, but I mean there was some like weird. Then this was public information. There was like some weird comments from players, parents, and some of the people that kind of got
(17:53):
kindly removed from the team. There was some
some oddball things going on behind the scenes last year, with with coach reared in and stuff. So anyway,
I guess it's good strategy the Wk use kind of said nothing, and just let the season come up on us. And now
it's time for baseball. And hopefully we put all this in the past.
(18:16):
and whatever actions were. Hopefully, everybody landed softly where they where they landed as far as the transfers and maybe we'll have a good roster and
have a good year.
However, I
question if he
perhaps doesn't have as much success if he's this is gonna come back to buy them
(18:39):
with. How, with how it was handled a little bit as far as
removing the players from last year. So cause we only return. What? Like 8 people or something? It's something like ridiculously low.
Devin Stewart (18:52):
Yeah. And II think that was.
that was some of the talk was that he may or may not have done as well as he did, because it wasn't his players last year.
Matt McCay (19:04):
That's that was his talk, and it's
Devin Stewart (19:07):
I mean. Mike Sanford had 2 years to get his guys and it he didn't do so well, so this guy could do well, I'm I'm I'm no, no, I'm not saying. But I mean, like
you know, Katrina had one year, and he was back to Louisville, and those weren't his guys.
So I'm just saying. maybe it's a different sport. Maybe it's whatever. But you can have success, and you don't have to run everybody out of town, but
(19:34):
we'll see. We will see. Well, we can watch and see how everything goes down with Western and
all that good stuff. So when when does baseball start? I know it's within the next couple of weeks, isn't it? Let's see. February sixteenth. We can handle. There you go.
February sixteenth.
Matt McCay (19:53):
yeah. See here. Yeah, we'll start out with Bradley.
Devin Stewart (19:57):
Okay? Sure.
Matt McCay (20:00):
Yeah. I got it pulled up here. Teams like lipscum. We play Uk during the week.
Yeah, that you have West Virginia, for some reason, has agreed to come to Western March first
through the third and play 4 games.
(20:21):
So that's a huge for us, including a double header on March second.
Then you got like Bellerman. So a lot of times in baseball, you have these regional teams like Austin P. And Eastern, and whatever that you kind of play. You know, everyone wants some other in the week to just kind of have a quick game
Milwaukee comes to Bowling Green, Austin P. Like I said, Southeast Missouri State. We play in Missouri. Southern Indiana again, midweek game. Then we get into Conference, U.S.A. Play
(20:56):
and comments. U.S.A. Baseball is very good for those that don't know.
Lots of good teams will play Vanderbilt later in the year by Murray
Dallas bad. This is always going to be probably the favorite in Conference, U.S.A. Louisville layer in the year.
looks like we've added Usi as kind of a
(21:18):
opponent Southern Indiana, that I don't think we've played them very often in baseball.
Uzi Asheville
is randomly in the middle of May
but U.S.A. Series. So I don't know how that came about.
That might have been commented on. I really don't know
(21:40):
but that's a random series they have late in the year.
Devin Stewart (21:43):
Yeah, that's that's interesting, though.
Matt McCay (21:46):
Looks like a solid
ish schedule. We'll see how they do in it
Devin Stewart (21:52):
now on the softball side of things. Western is going to be playing
dogs getting restless, and the in in Fca lead off classic first games against Missouri State.
and that'll be February ninth
Iowa army. Also be playing, and Nc. State and Kansas will be in those
(22:16):
and I'm assuming they're playing like a round robin. Best of.
Because they've got all 4, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
they've got all 5 of these teams scheduled. So it's not tournament style, to my knowledge. It's just round Robin. Best one gets it. So I thought it'd be. And it's kind of interesting. They're going to be playing Kansas in this invitational.
(22:38):
and then they'll be going on February sixteenth, to the Chattanooga, Chattahoochee. I'm kidding. It's called the Chattanooga challenge
They'll be facing North Alabama, Chattanooga, North Alabama again, and Murray State and Ball State. So we'll we'll talk about that a little bit more
as those games get closer to time. Well, next week will be the sixteenth. So we'll be talking about that next week and kind of updating you on how the challenge, how the the Nfc. A lead off classic went for the ladies, for the softball side of things.
(23:11):
sorry I'm making notes on what we've talked about, so I can try and add this in. I don't know if we'll have chapters on this episode. We'll see And then, of course, talking about Lot. Let's talk a lady tops real quick on law tech side of things. Where? What do you think of tonight, Matt? Is it pretty good, or is it gonna be pretty grim?
Matt McCay (23:33):
Well, I hope it it better be pretty good. I mean latte women's basketball. Is not that great?
I think there are 2 and 5 in conference. I hadn't pulled up my women's basketball standings by heart, Devin back for the women.
(23:57):
We are 3 and a half now. So we've gone down
Devin Stewart (24:01):
like, that's a couple.
Matt McCay (24:03):
Yeah. So here's the thing is like.
you know, obviously, you hope that that the lady top should in theory should be the team that is near the bottom of the conference.
However. You know they've lost 4 out of 5, and including
freaking, disastrous loss
(24:25):
to Sam Houston. Who had not won a division one game since December first.
They were 1 6, and now they are one and 7
Sam Houston. Because they they use the lady tops to get off this. Not and here's the worst part is Western Head. Let me look back. I can't remember if it was 18 or 19 point lead but it was like it was horrifying end up losing an overtime. I mean, they had multiple chances to make this thing right.
(25:00):
I just didn't do it. It was
Devin Stewart (25:04):
to behold. Let me see
Matt McCay (25:08):
when exactly how bad it was. They were up 11 in the second half 13, with 3 38 left, and the third I'm pretty sure up 14
up 14 at the end of the third. Oh, my gosh! I don't realize it got that late that they were in double digits. Oh, man, yeah, okay. So I wasn't following this fully.
(25:34):
because I you know, we had other. I think the other game was going on. But yeah, it was. The the boys are playing at the same time. Obviously, we're in diddle and stuff.
It was 68 to 50
was 7, 57 left in the game against a team that had not won
in 2 months against division. One opponent. meltdown, lead. go to overtime.
(26:00):
had a chance to figure stuff out and overtime screw that up and end up losing by 6 to attain the 6 and 13 overall. And now one and 7.
Yeah, really, really bad loss.
Really bad timing. Because now I feel like. you know, Collins, heading into the Greg Collins. Of course that coach Lady Tops heading into the season was. you know, he done a good job last year. He pulled the team together and was able to get them to finish second
(26:30):
you know pretty much well behind Middle.
you know, Middle, we're best team. But it was like, Okay, this is a positive step. We made the championship
good things going on. But he still has kind of that undercurrent of like
Umhm, massive under achievement.
you know, he took over a good program. He was the assistant on Michelle Clark Hertz staff.
(26:56):
He takes straight over for her, and hasn't won a championship and market on 6 years.
Get forward.
Only got second last year, and only made the championship last year.
So not a lot of achievement going on. He's had some wn it runs like they went to the round of 16 once won a game
(27:19):
once, I think
and so. But other than that, there was really no significant success in his tenure. Well, he was looking like this team was looking like a legit contender
3 or 4 weeks ago, and then it's just completely disintegrated. We were 3 and one conference now with 4 and 4.
That includes some home losses, and that includes the loss of Sam Houston.
(27:44):
There were excusable losses to middle. Obviously Middle blew us out, but they blow everybody out. It's I'm not saying, I'm thrilled with that, but it's understandable that you lose to middle.
but also losing the fi you, after having a chance in that game and just not really pulling it off.
Barely beat Utah. That would. That's the only when they've had
(28:08):
in the last 5 games, and they had to get a buzzer beater from destiny salary to even make that happen. So just really bad signs losing into Mexico state and sworn 44 really bad signs. So hopefully.
yeah, you asked if it should be glorious, and if it should be a good game.
or if it's gonna be a misery.
I sure hope that they get their act together.
(28:31):
Take care of business and get back on the right track. But there's no guarantees when you lose to a team that hadn't won in 2 months
law tech is second to last. Right now.
Western could easily establish themselves as the probably the third best team in conference, U.S.A. Or fourth with liberty.
Who's now? 5 and 3 on conference.
(28:53):
But God, they got to pull it together. It's getting in rough, is is there an issue with. Maybe it's a toxic locker room or something like that that could be causing this. I mean, I know you said a few weeks ago they were arguing, but during the New Mexico State game there was visible.
infighting with several
(29:16):
players and staff, most of it surrounded not to like name names, or whatever. But I think it's fair to say it was obvious
that a lot of it centered around destiny salary. I don't know why
she might just been pissed off, you know she might just had a bad day, I don't know. Got a bad grade in one of our classes, I don't know, but like there was visible like
(29:39):
they were like jabbering with each other the whole game. and, like, you know, making those live motions, and you know, pointing and
whatever. And so
yeah, it was. It was weird to see like, you don't see that in the middle games between teammates and staff. And that's that's fair to say that it's weird
(30:00):
to like know that that's going on.
and it kind of continued the whole game so. But I haven't seen any of that since then
I was told that maybe it was squashed, you know, the day after, and practice and make them run, and they get over it.
But obviously there's no explanation for why a team that
(30:22):
was playing well together all of a sudden has no injuries and nobody that's really sitting out.
There was there were a few people that have set out, but it wasn't like major
disaster type of stuff. And then all of a sudden, they just lose 4 out of 5, and you have full invite, and I don't know what the deal is.
but they need to get it together and move on.
Devin Stewart (30:43):
Yeah, I agree, you've got a
yeah. You've gotta definitely
you know. Figure out how to move forward as a team. And I think that's part of the coach's job is to. you know, either squash it or make them put on some gloves and
punch it out and get it over with and be done with it, you know. Yeah, cause I mean.
(31:05):
you know, coaches want to complain to us about, or you know, complain about us, you know. Well, you are the one that got me fired, and I mean at some of us mostly Matt. But anyway, doesn't long time ago, anyway. So
you know, but you don't. You don't have anything to complain about. If you don't do something about it is what I'm saying. Coaches have to do stuff if they want to keep their jobs. This is part of your job. Is making sure that you know, teams have good cohesion
(31:40):
make things work, you know. Yeah, you can have all 5 stars, and if they can't get along, and they all try to play the game by themselves. It's not gonna work.
you know. Basketball is a very individualistic sport, but at the end of the day you have to be able to pass.
Matt McCay (31:55):
You have to be able to do the small things and win so well, I think last week
stats last week, and I think you pointed out exactly what the issue is rebounding and turnovers.
You know you can't. You can't play good basketball without some fundamentals and basketball.
(32:15):
and not being able to get the basketball off the class
to either extend your possession, or to end the possession
kind of makes it difficult to win.
Devin Stewart (32:26):
Yeah. But the I mean that worked for last week. But this week, like stats are saying other stuff.
You know we should have beaten same Houston. We should have put just metaphorically put your foot on the throat and be done with them now, Middle, it doesn't look like we could have hit a 3 pointer if they had the little toddler goals.
(32:48):
so
is just really good. I mean, it's just. It's frustrating how big of a gap there is, and there shouldn't be.
Matt McCay (33:00):
Unfortunately, Rick and Brad is a good coach.
But we'll keep laurel fellow, and is oddly this operation.
But oh, Lord!
But anyway
I mean, it's just frustrating to see that kind of gap between Western and middle. The bottom line is like, I want to see improvement. I want to see the continuing of what looked like a positive like this was like looking like a group that could do something. In March
Devin Stewart (33:29):
I started making plans to go
Matt McCay (33:32):
to to Huntsville, and I'm going. But like part of the big reason why was the girls.
I'm thinking, like one of these 2 teams is gonna make a championship now, fast forward. 2 weeks from when I basically committed doing that.
Devin Stewart (33:49):
Yeah, no, if either one is gonna make a championship run. Yeah, yeah, it's
I mean, it's I mean.
the funny thing is, I mean, it's not funny. But looking at the stats lady tops versus Mtsu, we shot 16% from 3 point land. We shot 30% from Phil. Feel Phil gold in general.
We had 13 turnovers and 34 rebounds. Now. on middle side, they shot 45%. So that's almost 50% of their shots went in. and then they shot 36.3 or so, 36% from 3 point land. They only had 8 turnovers.
(34:26):
and they had 42 rebounds
like that's like amazingly good. It's just. It's just blows me away. How well they played, evident how well Middle played, and I hate complimenting them. But when you beat a team by nearly 40 points, what do you expect to happen?
This is what we're looking at. So this is interesting. I was looking at their minutes. They played basically 5 players just about the whole game.
(34:53):
Wow! That's amazing.
Matt McCay (34:55):
They played 2 girls the full 40 min. Another girl was out. For 22 s
another girl played 37, another girl played 33, 47. Then they had 3 players that played less than 5 min each. So that basically just said.
Screw you. And we're not resting anybody. And we're going to kill you by 40.
(35:21):
And they did it.
Devin Stewart (35:23):
Yeah.
evidently they they weren't going to let off the gas, that's for sure.
Matt McCay (35:29):
And
Devin Stewart (35:31):
it's probably cause their assistant coach heard you say that is there? The coach heard you say is something look like a creeper. So
Matt McCay (35:39):
yeah, blame it on me.
Devin Stewart (35:45):
So Western is going to be playing law tech tonight at 7 30 pm, eastern so you know, obviously, we're not gonna be talking about that game on this episode. But we will be talking about it next week, and then we will be playing
lady tops. Have Jacksonville state.
Both of these games are going to be in diddle Arena, and so tonight, 7, 30 pm, so you should have been there and then then Jacksonville state is gonna be on Saturday. I'm assuming the tenth
(36:17):
at 3 Pm. Eastern. Let me see if I get my mouse over here.
Matt McCay (36:22):
They do have like a sports clinic before on Saturday. It's 11 to one. I don't know if you have that in your notes. I do not. But I will make a note. That's okay. But before the lady tops
and so we were talking about maybe taking our girls over there. But I think it's like 2 h, and they're doing like a all sports clinic type of thing, and should be pretty fun, so maybe bring your kids out and then come to the Lady Topper game right after, and hopefully watch this be Jack's real State.
(36:53):
Get back off of the off the Shannon.
Devin Stewart (36:58):
Just making a note real quick of your lady tops clinic.
Matt McCay (37:02):
Yeah. Should be some links on the website, and they should be able to find on Twitter, etc.
Devin Stewart (37:08):
Okay, that should be. That'll be really interesting. And then, of course, next week they play you tip on the on that. That's a Thursday, the fifteenth.
and we can talk about that one. Then we will recap against Law Tech and Jacksonville state. So
men's basketball little bit brighter over on the men's side of things as we talk about basketball.
(37:29):
And you know
Western did lose to same Houston State 79, 77, and Western did beat Western did beat. Sorry MTSU. 88 to 65, which you've gotta love that.
Matt McCay (37:46):
Oh, yeah, I'm sorry. Anytime you meet them. It was nice, and it was all in the second half. So western half time.
And it went, am i. 23, and it was the largest margin over middle, since, like 1,983,
Devin Stewart (38:00):
which, by the way, the only thing that would make that better is if we scored a hundred points against middle. I'm just saying
that's the only thing that would make that game so much sweeter.
Matt McCay (38:10):
II wish that
we could put together 2 halves, you know, like it was honestly like they were sleepwalking through the first half. II I don't know if it's completely that way. But there were definitely times where it's like.
Come on like we're sitting here. We're at home
middle sucks.
Devin Stewart (38:29):
And it was.
Matt McCay (38:32):
And they really do suck. They're terrible this year. They do. And the effort wasn't
really. They're like, it wasn't like they weren't playing hard, but they weren't playing their best.
They weren't locked in. It was just kind of like going through the motions, and Middle was playing pretty well for
how bad they are, and you know they were. They were pretty engaged, and they were the
(38:55):
harder playing team, and consequently they go in tied to half.
Then in the second half we woke up and shut them the heck down. But I just wish that
you could.
You could bottle that energy that you have at spurts
and spread out over the whole game.
Devin Stewart (39:15):
I agree, I mean. and the thing is with again, especially against like Sam Houston, you've got.
you know, Western essentially dominated the first half, basically. And then they.
the majority of the same Houston game they dominated. Except for you know, there was a smidge right there early in the second half. Like 15 min ago, where
(39:38):
same Houston kind of tied it up, and then Western kind of took off again. Had another little spurt, and then, like you said right there towards the end, right at the 59 s mark. Same. Houston pulled away.
Matt McCay (39:49):
Umhm. Yeah. And Where was it? It was a oh, right the end of this, the first half was like. It was a key moment for me.
because Western had a double digit lead. I think it may have been as much as 13 in the first out. I can't remember.
Is it 13 or 11, or whatever but
(40:10):
a double-digit, half, a double-digit lead, and the half. and
right at the end Sam Houston made a little spurt and ended up being down only for half time. and I thought that was a huge moment, because
Western clearly outplayed. Sam Houston clearly
deserved, or whatever to be up by more than 4. Yet Sam Houston found some way to kind of claw back in where it's basically even.
(40:36):
And then from there it was a dogfight.
Well, if Western had been able to come to go and have time in with an 8, 9 10 point lead.
It changes the dynamic of the whole game where Sam Houston has to come out. Make a run to be in the game versus you come out at Halftime western scores 4 or 5, and they take complete control.
(40:57):
And so it was a big moment where? like I think I don't remember the breakdown of who had one in the first and second half.
But you know, Western had some guys that played well in the first half. but nothing was really there to show for it but a 4 point lead.
When you have guys play well, you want that to translate on the scoreboard, or it kind of makes you be like -oh, like, for example, against middle. Dom Mchenry had 2 points at half time, and it's like, Okay, if Mchenry goes off, it's gonna be hard for middle win this game. Well, guess what. He went off for 20 points and second half
(41:33):
western winds by 23.
You have guys that played well in the first half, and you still only go up in up for
that kind of sends off alarm bells like we're gonna have to really buckle down here in the second half, or they're gonna find a way to overcome this.
And what happened? Their guy that had not scored all game
(41:54):
douche bag? How is his name? Number 3 Lamar, Wilkerson, Wilkerson, 0 points. The whole freaking game ends up with 6.
All 3 buckets. Help them take leads. At the end of the game he had 3 straight shots to end the game after doing nothing.
(42:14):
It doesn't matter what they did before. It matters that they explode when they need to. If, when when they're able to just come out and
drop in the points that they need at the right moment. It doesn't matter if they had a crappy game. The man came in credit to him, dropped in and won the game form.
Devin Stewart (42:34):
Yeah. and that's that's frustrating, because it's that late charge that you're not really expecting. Like you said that guy. It really doesn't do a lot, but
that's where you're, you know, and he was 3 for 15 on the game.
Matt McCay (42:49):
Add 3 game-changing place
that ended up deciding the end of that game. Unfortunately, what shouldn't have happened is they shouldn't have been that close, and Western should have already been up by 10 when he started making that run. Then they wouldn't have lost.
So that was kind of the
certainly the carryover from the road games and everything, and I had the same issue. Middle. It was nice to see against a rival.
(43:18):
They got a lead in the second half, and they stomp on their throat and didn't look back.
Devin Stewart (43:22):
Yeah. and that's that's what always makes it feel good
is beating middle and sending them back to Murphy's borough, which is the 130 fifth worst town in college athletics. I mean, honestly, it makes you feel good to know that the back fat of middle is continuing. But I mean, if you look at the stats against Middle
(43:45):
Western shot, 50 from the field legitimately, 52% from 3 point land, 9 turnovers, 38 rebounds. So you really can't beat those numbers, especially the 9 turnovers. That is really really good.
the only thing that would. And of course, you know Western pulled away at half
(44:05):
legitimately, and that's the one of those things you wish you could have seen against Sam Houston, because
Matt McCay (44:11):
I feel like same. Houston has called in a voodoo priest or something, and that's the only way they beat us in that game. I'm just saying there, I'll tell you what it is
their interior defense.
It is really hard for us to get inside, and then it makes life difficult. And I think, Bob, a car really struggles against Sam Houston. They're physical.
(44:33):
and they just they just really give him in particular tough time. Rod didn't have it as let me see, let me look for put my foot in my mouth.
He didn't have as big of a game. He's had some big games.
and he's been really good lately.
but just for all attrition of having a really good interior defense just makes it hard
(44:56):
to to get over the hump against them.
and also what I was talking about. I remember the thing that stuck out my mind. We had 3 turnovers in the first half
3 against Sam Houston. and only went away with a 4 point lead.
Tell me how often you're going to have a 3 turnover half and not be way ahead against whoever it is.
(45:22):
and to also tell me how you're gonna come out second half and not have 7, 8, 9 turnovers
to even that out. And you've got to find a way to not give up 4 points on the opponent who really is. You're gonna need some luck to overcome that issue.
So yeah, that's overcoming.
Devin Stewart (45:40):
That's tough. Those are really tough, I mean, and like you said you know, being that low on turnovers and then having to. I mean.
normally like you said normally you'd be in really good shape.
You know. You've got that low turnovers at half. You're in good shape. and when this flip is the when the switch is flipped, and you're like this isn't making a difference at all.
(46:05):
Then we're, you know. Then you gotta go okay where we at. Otherwise.
you know, what do we lead to? What do we need? What do we need? What are we at here?
but we've got law tech. which
I did not realize until somebody said it earlier that law tech is a 10 point favorite in this game, as well as the fact that we have not won it. Law tech in 25 years.
(46:31):
That is wild, I mean, I guess I just didn't realize it's been that long
which for those of you wondering? No, that is not 1989. That is 1999.
But yeah, that's that is a very crazy step for me that you know. It's been since 1,999 since the before y, 2 k.
(46:53):
that western is one against law tech at law tech
Matt McCay (46:58):
and messing around. Okay?
Because sometimes they don't have
tons of fans. They don't. They don't have like the 10,000 people. They're just rocking the roof off.
(47:18):
It's just a tough place to play, and they do get loud, for however people they have there.
and they're this year, they're really good. So part of it is just. They're they're undefeated at home.
But it's just because they're really good this year, and I think they're probably the class of the League. They've they're one of the few teams that's one some legit row games against anybody that's any good.
(47:40):
They've only got one lost in conference right now. Everybody else has at least 2
but obviously, we know Western is capable of winning this game. It's not impossible.
Devin Stewart (47:50):
They don't have Lander.
Matt McCay (47:53):
They've played well enough in some of these games that you could say they could beat anybody in conference. U.S.A. Even
what's potentially the best, the best team. the I think the thing that's made locked stand out this year
is they have a legit power. 5. Transfer and his last name, Stacco.
(48:14):
forget his first name. Like Jonathan or something.
Devin Stewart (48:18):
Okay?
Matt McCay (48:21):
Oh, no, they're my botcho. I'm sorry, Daniel Somethingacho Botcho what you know.
anyway, Daniel Botcho, this guy
has a him and Isaiah Crawford. They're both presences down low. Crawford is 6 6. Bacho is 6 11
(48:43):
They're both shooting over 50% on the year.
Asia Crawford can shoot threes as well. They shoot free throws well enough. They both score 15 points a game they both rebound at least 6 a game, and Botcho gets 10 and a half.
They both block at least one and a half times a game. Botcho blocks over 2 times a game.
(49:07):
Crawford is 6 6 and has 45 steals on the year he gets more than 2 steals. A game
Devin Stewart (49:13):
is a positive assist to turnover, so they have 2 legit like
Matt McCay (49:18):
player. The year type of
players on their squad, and Crawford was the pre-season player of the year. Pacho was probably the favorite
to actually win it.
but they're both legit, both big bodies that I think we're gonna have real trouble matching up with both of them. I think we could handle one of them.
Devin Stewart (49:40):
Yeah, we have both on the core.
Matt McCay (49:42):
How do you put out enough bodies and not have them fall out?
To to handle these 2, these 2 guys. So I think that's gonna be
one of your keys to watch out for is.
can we find some way to not get in falterable A and B to slow them down a little bit like
(50:02):
if they go for more than 30 combined.
That's gonna be tough for Western to overcome. That's what they average go above their average. They're the better team. It's probably unlikely that they're gonna have other stuff go that bad that they can't figure out a way to win when their when their guys play. Well.
So Wendy struggle.
Devin Stewart (50:23):
I will tell you. I was just looking. I was trying to find some like Stat leaders for certain teams and stuff on Espn. But what I found was, I'm gonna pull this over here so I can actually face our viewers.
fun. Fact
I'll get. I'll let you guess. Who do you think is the offensive leader in conference? U.S.A. Right now.
Matt McCay (50:45):
and like points scored
Devin Stewart (50:47):
points per game.
And this is this is a team, not a individual player. Specifically.
Matt McCay (50:55):
Oh. the team is. I know, Westerns up there.
Devin Stewart (51:01):
It is western 80.7 points. Number 2 is law tech at 76.2. Liberty is 75.3. Florida International for and Utep is 5 defensive leaders.
This is points allowed for a game not Western. It's not Western Western's not in the top. 5
(51:22):
it is law tech at 62 points. Number 2 is liberty.
So another interesting one, and then number 5 again, is the Utah minors, and then Middle Tennessee is number 4. I don't know that one. I don't know how that one worked out for him.
Matt McCay (51:40):
Google percentage tops are leading that one
tops leading the physical percentage and tops are leading the rebounds at 40.
Devin Stewart (52:01):
I mean, basically, the field goal percentage is pretty even too.
So
I am going to try to get this episode up for our patrons. So if you're a member of the Patreon. You can get a little bit of early access to this. Do you think the money line is good to put on Western tonight, not over under just money line
(52:22):
Westerns plus 400.
Matt McCay (52:25):
So that means $100 in you get 400 back betting that Western is gonna win out right?
Oh, you know the crazy Western Co kid Fan, and you is going, did it? But the Durham game?
Devin Stewart (52:39):
Oh, tops! Gosh
Matt McCay (52:46):
it! Hmm! I
I want it with all my heart. I would love for Western to be latte. I just
there's none. This economy, not in this economy. Yeah, I mean with all my heart I would love to just be confident and pick Western.
(53:08):
But I just don't. I don't think it's
reasonable. I mean you could you could pick Western
and say that it's gonna happen, but not with confidence. I mean, especially if Landers out.
That's just another layer of difficulty where you're missing 2 guards. The 2 guards could honestly help outweigh the the issue. You might have download
(53:34):
you know. You could probably win on the perimeter if you had, Lander.
But if you don't, then you're
kind of more even with them on the perimeter and then down low. You're rely on Rodney Howard to continue shooting 90% from the field
and avocar
to to go crazy to to go crazy, too, or you're gonna have
(53:56):
a mismatch
there. I mean you. It's just a tough match up for me
when you have, like your thin down low anyway. And then you've got 2 guys that are, gonna make it so stressful down low that you're probably gonna have some people get in file trouble.
And then who do you play down little to deal with
(54:19):
2 superstars.
Yeah.
So another thing that needs to happen, Brandon Newman cannot disappear for 0 like he middle.
Yeah, you won by 23 against middle.
You ain't gonna come close to beating Lotte without your guys like you can't have a starter that does 0.
(54:39):
Yeah. He had a couple of assists, and he had a couple of other things going on. But you gotta have your guys do something offensively if you're gonna pull off an upset on the road.
Yeah. Trouble.
Devin Stewart (54:52):
Yeah, it it could be trouble.
so short short answer. There, don't bet the tops over under spread could be interesting, but I might consider
Matt McCay (55:06):
taking the you know the plus 9 and a half, or 10, or whatever it ends up being
I might consider that one.
Not not betting Western outright. No, I don't think so.
Devin Stewart (55:22):
Okay. So Lady Tops, just to recap that game is at diddle tonight. 7 30 pm. Eastern
6 30 Central, and it's on Espn. Plus for those of you who cannot make it. And then on Saturday the girls are gonna be playing Jacksonville State. As Matt told already, there is a clinic beforehand that game is gonna be at 3 Pm. Eastern on Espn. Plus. So check that out. If you are not able to make it to the game, support the ladytops best you can. And then the guys are gonna be playing law tech tonight.
(55:54):
7 pm. That's a 10 point spread. Essentially, it's 9 and a half now. So it has come down.
That game is on Espn. Plus 7 Pm. Eastern only true fans. Go to the game, don't forget that, and
let's see, it doesn't matter if it's in Rustin, Louisiana or not. You should go.
(56:18):
God! No, I went to we've been to Monroe, and we've been to. I was at Lafayette, and we landed in Bacon Rouge and New Orleans. We drove by New Orleans. When I was at Western Stephanie. I went to that game
Matt McCay (56:46):
59 to 10. We go all that way. Yeah, this will be a great game, and you're like, well, let's go to the car. I think it's over now. Oh, my gosh, right
Devin Stewart (57:05):
and of course. Like I said Westerns playing Jacksonville State on Saturday, that is, in Jacksonville, Alabama, the big metropolis of Jacksonville, Alabama. It's
Matt McCay (57:16):
you want any quick comments on that
Devin Stewart (57:19):
sure go for it.
Matt McCay (57:21):
Okay, since we didn't talk about it really at all.
Devin Stewart (57:24):
Yeah. Well, add, yeah, we run out of time there. So with the new format, I was kind of worried about it.
Matt McCay (57:31):
Well, I was worried. We're gonna get cut off. But we're actually past the hours, mark. So I think we're okay. Go ahead. Yeah, hey? So anyway, it's another rogue. Hopefully, we can
split this. Honestly, II assume we're probably gonna lose against law tech, I mean, just being honest.
But Jacksonville State should be a winnable issue game. It's another tough one, though, and I don't think we're favored. Yeah. So I mean it, you know. But you you really, if Western is gonna remotely keep pace.
(58:06):
they cannot come back to diddle 4 and 6,
but Espn only gives us a 32.9% chance of winning. So
not good. No, sir.
Devin Stewart (58:19):
Yeah, they don't have the spread set up yet for Jacksonville State.
Matt McCay (58:23):
But I mean, I think, Western, it would be a definite possibility to win that one. So yeah, there's definitely more on the table for that one than low tech and low tech is on the table. But.
you know, when you're favored, you're when you're expected to lose by double digits. You're probably not gonna end up winning that game.
Devin Stewart (58:41):
Yeah, it would be very, very difficult to do but yes, come back next week if you want to support the towel rack or red out, you can subscribe on the towel racks.
Do, Hickey, and you can go on patreon.com and support us there as well. We appreciate your support and like. Always guys go tops.
Matt McCay (59:02):
Go tops.
Devin Stewart (59:05):
Thanks, Buddy. I appreciate you.
Matt McCay (59:07):
You're welcome
but.
Well, welcome in everyone. New feature for the podcast we are now video. So this will be interesting. I hope you all are enjoying seeing us instead of just hearing us. You may want us to go back the other way. I don't know
but we'll see so welcome
do what's right? I could change the podcast to the average. Joe's the not fan fans or something like that. And I got my skittle, skittle water, and
Matt McCay (00:41):
there you go, ready to talk some Western sports.
Devin Stewart (00:46):
So I guess first off wk, you've has announced the 2024 football schedule. What did you think of that schedule so far, Matt?
Matt McCay (00:57):
Let's take a look at it.
I think it's actually, I think I thought it was pretty competitive and
with key pieces coming back, I mean, I guess it gives you a chance. If you have a some great luck and everything to
you know, have a
(01:18):
solid strength of schedule, you know. Things go right like this year where there were not very many teams that really could make a case for the New Year 6. I mean, you get one thing. You gotta have a strength of schedule or a schedule. You can run the table with.
obviously you have Alabama.
Yeah.
So that's unlikely to be any kind of opportunity. But make savings gone. And then Boston College is interesting. I don't think we've ever played Boston College.
(01:46):
That's just kind of an interesting game, and
Toledo is a solid group of 5. So I think it's a interesting schedule along with the Conference. U.S.A. Schedule as well.
Yeah, that Toledo games at home, too. So
Devin Stewart (01:58):
move. Let me move my my notes over here. So I'm actually facing you instead of looking off the side.
so yes, Alabama actually is, I think, a chance to run the field for Western, you know Nick Saven's gone. Gonna have a new head coach.
I don't know who that is. Maybe Mike Sanford. But we'll have to see I have it. I don't. I don't do Alabama. So
Matt McCay (02:32):
I don't love my cousin. So I don't follow Alabama. So role. Tad, baby, yeah. Yeah. So yeah, I mean, of course.
Devin Stewart (02:43):
and something else that was kind of pointed out was that the the hey? Come in, here we go. Is that the home games are all, even while the away games are all odd.
Matt McCay (02:55):
That's true. I never. I don't know if I've ever seen a schedule exactly like that where it literally alternates game by game home way home away.
Devin Stewart (03:04):
Yeah, that was that was funny to me. It was. It's very Ocd. And I don't know who did that. But it's very funny.
Matt McCay (03:12):
very balanced.
Devin Stewart (03:13):
evidently.
so Boston College. Have they done anything in the past?
Matt McCay (03:22):
No, not really. Yeah. What was the it. Was it Doug Flutey, or something? Did the
the miraculous helm area, or whatever?
I think you're right, I think you're right. I think that was Boston college. That was their last like big moment that, and having the honor of losing to Western Kentucky and the nit a few years ago, that was a big momental arena.
Devin Stewart (03:51):
You're welcome. Yes, yes.
I mean, but honestly like who was the biggest like name they've had in the past 20 years.
Matt McCay (04:01):
They've had a Qb, that was a big name. I'm pretty sure. If I hadn't
thought to look that up
State College.
Let's see.
(04:24):
let's see, they had
well, say flowers was a big player for the ravens this year.
Devin Stewart (04:33):
Okay.
I was like, the only one I can think of is Lamor. Wait a second here go!
Oh.
Matt McCay (04:43):
they actually have some names in here.
let's see
Harold Landry, I guess.
Was he Boston College? That's interesting. He plays for the Titans. I recognize his name. I didn't realize he was Boston College.
Devin Stewart (05:01):
didn't either.
Matt McCay (05:03):
I feel like they had a big QB.
Matt Ryan. That's who it was Matt Ryan, 2,008 Boston College.
Devin Stewart (05:12):
They had some big names.
Matt McCay (05:15):
but they haven't. Luke Kaekley was another big one. He's a huge big time linebacker.
So they have some players they just. I don't think they've done much as a program.
Devin Stewart (05:27):
I don't. I don't think so either. I mean they haven't. I couldn't tell you the last time they've been to a New Year 6 bowl. I mean, it's just kinda like, it's kind of like Nebraska or Miami back in the nineties like, that's the last time they've actually been relevant. So
or Indiana football. So
Matt McCay (05:46):
yeah, let's see, they
see if they got like a season by season thing here
trying to get it to pull up on my computer. And it's not. It just keeps loading. So so about 500 cents.
2,006. It looks like.
Devin Stewart (06:08):
okay.
Matt McCay (06:11):
Tom O'brien was 75, and 45 from 97 to 6, and then
in 2,708. They were pretty good. That was when they had Matt Ryan.
They've been about 500 or less
with every coach.
so not super strong to traditionally.
Devin Stewart (06:35):
Yeah.
Matt McCay (06:36):
what an interesting opponent, nonetheless.
Devin Stewart (06:39):
Yes, very interesting. And sorry. I'm trying to get my there we go.
I just need my timer. So I can keep up with you know what's going on. And so we can do our
didn't mean for everybody to see it.
Yeah, we're we'll look back at this episode and live. That's all I can do right now. So we'll turn that off. Okay, alright. So anyway, so yeah, I mean, it's it's pretty interesting, you know, having Alabama first game of the year coming off their attempted you know, College National Championship.
(07:19):
and you know, losing their head coach. We got Boston college like we were talking about, and then the Midweek games start October tenth versus Utip, and that is a home game
this year, so it's not gonna be at 100'clock at night, 90'clock at night for Easter, West or central time. So that'll be interesting. And then we've got Sam Houston State on the sixteenth.
(07:41):
And of course we've got
Matt McCay (07:44):
I was. Gonna say, we've got the bi-week, and then October thirtieth.
Devin Stewart (07:49):
Wk, you is gonna be facing Kennesaw State at Bowling Green. I think it was funny to me that out of the 5 new editions.
That is the fourth team to play in Bowling Green.
I didn't really realize that, but II mean, I guess I didn't think about it, but that's only a number 4. So who would be the fifth who has not played in polling green Jack state?
Matt McCay (08:14):
I think so, because, yeah, they're playing here this year
leave. We've yeah. We played at Jack state, I think. Yes. yeah. It was at at their place.
Devin Stewart (08:26):
Yeah, they beat us. What? 17 to 10 or something awful like, it was a horrible game.
Matt McCay (08:31):
Yeah, we were up. And then they just came back and steam rolled us in the second half.
Devin Stewart (08:36):
Yeah,
so oh, and actually.
I did not realize this until I read the article that Fletcher did for the Towerack. Is that fi you got left off the schedule.
Matt McCay (08:51):
Oh.
yeah.
Devin Stewart (08:54):
fi, you we've got 10 games. Obviously, we have 10 opponents. We've got 2
Well, more than 2
out of conference games. And Fi, you has been omitted from the schedule. That is the third time since 2,008. That's happened.
Matt McCay (09:10):
Interesting. Yeah, I mean that honestly, that's kind of a crappy draw for Western, because fi! You football sucks.
I mean, you take. Yeah, like somebody is gonna end up not having to play liberty.
Yeah? Who who lucked out on that one like, obviously, that helps shade things in the right direction for you. You're pretty much gonna have a guaranteed loss. If you play Liberty or
(09:37):
one of the upper end
team. Yeah.
Devin Stewart (09:40):
yeah. And that's that's gonna be rough. maybe we'll see how liberty is this year, you know. They could be there, you know they could be going down. They could be going up. I don't know. I mean, it's a lot of speculation going into
Matt McCay (09:53):
lot of people transfer out, so might be an opportunity. Western once again seems to have
done a pretty good job keeping who they could for the most part.
You know we obviously Corey and Reed are gone. But I mean you've got
viable options. You know, coming in and and staying.
(10:16):
So people come back from injury. So I'm interested to see it.
We'll see if maybe we can make them move towards liberty a little bit.
Devin Stewart (10:24):
Yeah, I mean it. It's definitely a possibility. and I mean, we'll just have to see how Western is coming into the season. You know Finley could be a star. It could be a bust.
Matt McCay (10:36):
I don't know. We could be going Bell Camp in the fall. Yeah, I can't believe they done recruited over Kayden.
you know. Now, South war, you know. I don't think if you want fans and stands.
Jake Homer. Oh, sorry, Bell Cam.
Devin Stewart (10:58):
Come on, people. II don't know. We'll see how competition friendly competition ain't gonna hurt nothing. It's completely fine. They also brought in another freshman, 3 Star. I'm scared of him. He might jump over Caden, too.
So speaking of draft stock, Malachi Quarterly.
(11:19):
his draft stock is going up.
and honestly, I had a viewer or a listener. Send us a send me a little bit of the podcast that from Espn's first draft
from Mel Kuiper talking about Corley.
And I mean he is. He is having some corely correlations going on over there. He is loving it. I was I was pretty excited, you know. I mean especially to hear about. You know one of Western guys doing so well. And
(11:50):
you know, they're picking him second round, ish? So he's what? 33 to
64, or something like that. I'm just doing quick numbers. The highest draft pick we've had so far was
forest lamp. He was picked 38 and 2017. Yeah. Matt. And I was just talking about this. I tried to see how high, like
(12:14):
Coach Fikes had been picked when he was drafted by the giants. I can't find it anywhere, so if anybody can find that, just send that over, I'll take a look at it. I looked it up in the 52 53 and 54 on the football hall of Fame.
And I don't know because of his preseason injury. If they were just like. Yeah. try again. Or maybe he was a free agent. I don't know and they just got the details wrong that he wasn't drafted. I don't know.
(12:40):
You know. That's history as far as I'm concerned. But if one of our listeners can find that that'd be great. But Forest Lamp was drafted in the thirtieth pick in the 2817 draft.
And, as you know, he is. Where is he now?
Matt McCay (12:56):
He works with
Devin Stewart (13:00):
he was with that lighting company, I know, but
looks like 21 to 22 he was with the saints.
Matt McCay (13:13):
It wasn't
felt like he went somewhere else. He's it. Says he's a free agent.
Devin Stewart (13:21):
He was released October 20, fifth of 2,022,
so he's out there somewhere, hoping I hope he's doing well, I hope. You know.
whatever he's doing, he's enjoying it so.
Yes. But you know, what was that? A few years back.
Matt McCay (13:42):
No, I did not. He was Post Devon. So okay, he was a nice kid, a nice guy for real he was. I really hope he's doing well he was. He's always approachable. He always wore socks with
like the rocks
with props. Now.
(14:02):
I forget what kind of shoe it is, but it's like a like a black sandal. So it was like the slides or something. Yeah, I think it was slides. Yeah. And his br Brandon. Daddy always talked about him wearing his socks and slots. It's just kind of a funny look like that was just it is. It is definitely laid back like.
(14:22):
not super fashionable, but definitely Forrest lamp.
Look, that is that that's funny, though. That's really funny, non football. It was white socks like up to his knees and slides.
Devin Stewart (14:37):
I will. Yeah, II think that. But that's like a offensive alignment thing, too. like I don't know. There's several offensive line, and that would just wear socks with slides, or whatever, because it was just comfortable.
baseball is going to be firing up soon. Baseball and softball. There's been a lot of interviews with Coach Reardon and
(15:02):
I really don't follow baseball. So I'm sorry, guys, but we've got yeah, I know I'm awful. And I
fully admitted I have no problem admitting that because I just
Matt McCay (15:16):
I have no interest in baseball. The magic of Mark
catches fire on the hill.
Devin Stewart (15:25):
Oh, yeah, I'm just waiting
World series.
That'll be fun, and when we do I will make.
Would I put my pants? I would probably, anyway. But
hey.
no judging, no judging. We don't judge here. But so
(15:46):
you know, baseball, you stop playing that judger redo but anyway, they, you know, baseball starting off. I hope they do. Well this season. They've got a lot of new kids coming in.
And they had several leave last year.
And
Matt McCay (16:04):
yeah, it's it's interesting.
Devin Stewart (16:09):
It's interesting. We've heard. We've heard murmurs of it
of the reasons, but
I haven't heard anything said about it at Western. For sure. Western is not a place to talk about that stuff. They don't. They're not gonna talk about it, whether it is true or not.
So I think it's, you know, I've tried to get somebody I've I've actually tried to get people to go on the record
(16:31):
and say, Would you come on and talk about it, and they won't talk about it. It's just it's just like it's gone. They're just
they're gone. They don't even talk anymore, which people names of people that wouldn't go on the record.
Well, there was no but no they
Honestly, there was a lady who meant who had messaged us on Facebook
(16:55):
and was talking about it. And I was like, you know, can you give me some other names to cooperate? You know what you're saying? And blah blah blah blah blah nothing else.
Yeah yuch.
So you know, it's one of those things. It's whatever.
Matt McCay (17:09):
You know.
I don't want to touch on on the
the baseball stories that Fletcher put out.
And we're just kinda like, like, kind of what we're talking about. Western has been
oddly nearly radio silent on the baseball front.
(17:31):
For some reason. Hmm! I don't know. could be that they covered up scandal whatever. Anyway.
no, but I mean there was some like weird. Then this was public information. There was like some weird comments from players, parents, and some of the people that kind of got
(17:53):
kindly removed from the team. There was some
some oddball things going on behind the scenes last year, with with coach reared in and stuff. So anyway,
I guess it's good strategy the Wk use kind of said nothing, and just let the season come up on us. And now
it's time for baseball. And hopefully we put all this in the past.
(18:16):
and whatever actions were. Hopefully, everybody landed softly where they where they landed as far as the transfers and maybe we'll have a good roster and
have a good year.
However, I
question if he
perhaps doesn't have as much success if he's this is gonna come back to buy them
(18:39):
with. How, with how it was handled a little bit as far as
removing the players from last year. So cause we only return. What? Like 8 people or something? It's something like ridiculously low.
Devin Stewart (18:52):
Yeah. And II think that was.
that was some of the talk was that he may or may not have done as well as he did, because it wasn't his players last year.
Matt McCay (19:04):
That's that was his talk, and it's
Devin Stewart (19:07):
I mean. Mike Sanford had 2 years to get his guys and it he didn't do so well, so this guy could do well, I'm I'm I'm no, no, I'm not saying. But I mean, like
you know, Katrina had one year, and he was back to Louisville, and those weren't his guys.
So I'm just saying. maybe it's a different sport. Maybe it's whatever. But you can have success, and you don't have to run everybody out of town, but
(19:34):
we'll see. We will see. Well, we can watch and see how everything goes down with Western and
all that good stuff. So when when does baseball start? I know it's within the next couple of weeks, isn't it? Let's see. February sixteenth. We can handle. There you go.
February sixteenth.
Matt McCay (19:53):
yeah. See here. Yeah, we'll start out with Bradley.
Devin Stewart (19:57):
Okay? Sure.
Matt McCay (20:00):
Yeah. I got it pulled up here. Teams like lipscum. We play Uk during the week.
Yeah, that you have West Virginia, for some reason, has agreed to come to Western March first
through the third and play 4 games.
(20:21):
So that's a huge for us, including a double header on March second.
Then you got like Bellerman. So a lot of times in baseball, you have these regional teams like Austin P. And Eastern, and whatever that you kind of play. You know, everyone wants some other in the week to just kind of have a quick game
Milwaukee comes to Bowling Green, Austin P. Like I said, Southeast Missouri State. We play in Missouri. Southern Indiana again, midweek game. Then we get into Conference, U.S.A. Play
(20:56):
and comments. U.S.A. Baseball is very good for those that don't know.
Lots of good teams will play Vanderbilt later in the year by Murray
Dallas bad. This is always going to be probably the favorite in Conference, U.S.A. Louisville layer in the year.
looks like we've added Usi as kind of a
(21:18):
opponent Southern Indiana, that I don't think we've played them very often in baseball.
Uzi Asheville
is randomly in the middle of May
but U.S.A. Series. So I don't know how that came about.
That might have been commented on. I really don't know
(21:40):
but that's a random series they have late in the year.
Devin Stewart (21:43):
Yeah, that's that's interesting, though.
Matt McCay (21:46):
Looks like a solid
ish schedule. We'll see how they do in it
Devin Stewart (21:52):
now on the softball side of things. Western is going to be playing
dogs getting restless, and the in in Fca lead off classic first games against Missouri State.
and that'll be February ninth
Iowa army. Also be playing, and Nc. State and Kansas will be in those
(22:16):
and I'm assuming they're playing like a round robin. Best of.
Because they've got all 4, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
they've got all 5 of these teams scheduled. So it's not tournament style, to my knowledge. It's just round Robin. Best one gets it. So I thought it'd be. And it's kind of interesting. They're going to be playing Kansas in this invitational.
(22:38):
and then they'll be going on February sixteenth, to the Chattanooga, Chattahoochee. I'm kidding. It's called the Chattanooga challenge
They'll be facing North Alabama, Chattanooga, North Alabama again, and Murray State and Ball State. So we'll we'll talk about that a little bit more
as those games get closer to time. Well, next week will be the sixteenth. So we'll be talking about that next week and kind of updating you on how the challenge, how the the Nfc. A lead off classic went for the ladies, for the softball side of things.
(23:11):
sorry I'm making notes on what we've talked about, so I can try and add this in. I don't know if we'll have chapters on this episode. We'll see And then, of course, talking about Lot. Let's talk a lady tops real quick on law tech side of things. Where? What do you think of tonight, Matt? Is it pretty good, or is it gonna be pretty grim?
Matt McCay (23:33):
Well, I hope it it better be pretty good. I mean latte women's basketball. Is not that great?
I think there are 2 and 5 in conference. I hadn't pulled up my women's basketball standings by heart, Devin back for the women.
(23:57):
We are 3 and a half now. So we've gone down
Devin Stewart (24:01):
like, that's a couple.
Matt McCay (24:03):
Yeah. So here's the thing is like.
you know, obviously, you hope that that the lady top should in theory should be the team that is near the bottom of the conference.
However. You know they've lost 4 out of 5, and including
freaking, disastrous loss
(24:25):
to Sam Houston. Who had not won a division one game since December first.
They were 1 6, and now they are one and 7
Sam Houston. Because they they use the lady tops to get off this. Not and here's the worst part is Western Head. Let me look back. I can't remember if it was 18 or 19 point lead but it was like it was horrifying end up losing an overtime. I mean, they had multiple chances to make this thing right.
(25:00):
I just didn't do it. It was
Devin Stewart (25:04):
to behold. Let me see
Matt McCay (25:08):
when exactly how bad it was. They were up 11 in the second half 13, with 3 38 left, and the third I'm pretty sure up 14
up 14 at the end of the third. Oh, my gosh! I don't realize it got that late that they were in double digits. Oh, man, yeah, okay. So I wasn't following this fully.
(25:34):
because I you know, we had other. I think the other game was going on. But yeah, it was. The the boys are playing at the same time. Obviously, we're in diddle and stuff.
It was 68 to 50
was 7, 57 left in the game against a team that had not won
in 2 months against division. One opponent. meltdown, lead. go to overtime.
(26:00):
had a chance to figure stuff out and overtime screw that up and end up losing by 6 to attain the 6 and 13 overall. And now one and 7.
Yeah, really, really bad loss.
Really bad timing. Because now I feel like. you know, Collins, heading into the Greg Collins. Of course that coach Lady Tops heading into the season was. you know, he done a good job last year. He pulled the team together and was able to get them to finish second
(26:30):
you know pretty much well behind Middle.
you know, Middle, we're best team. But it was like, Okay, this is a positive step. We made the championship
good things going on. But he still has kind of that undercurrent of like
Umhm, massive under achievement.
you know, he took over a good program. He was the assistant on Michelle Clark Hertz staff.
(26:56):
He takes straight over for her, and hasn't won a championship and market on 6 years.
Get forward.
Only got second last year, and only made the championship last year.
So not a lot of achievement going on. He's had some wn it runs like they went to the round of 16 once won a game
(27:19):
once, I think
and so. But other than that, there was really no significant success in his tenure. Well, he was looking like this team was looking like a legit contender
3 or 4 weeks ago, and then it's just completely disintegrated. We were 3 and one conference now with 4 and 4.
That includes some home losses, and that includes the loss of Sam Houston.
(27:44):
There were excusable losses to middle. Obviously Middle blew us out, but they blow everybody out. It's I'm not saying, I'm thrilled with that, but it's understandable that you lose to middle.
but also losing the fi you, after having a chance in that game and just not really pulling it off.
Barely beat Utah. That would. That's the only when they've had
(28:08):
in the last 5 games, and they had to get a buzzer beater from destiny salary to even make that happen. So just really bad signs losing into Mexico state and sworn 44 really bad signs. So hopefully.
yeah, you asked if it should be glorious, and if it should be a good game.
or if it's gonna be a misery.
I sure hope that they get their act together.
(28:31):
Take care of business and get back on the right track. But there's no guarantees when you lose to a team that hadn't won in 2 months
law tech is second to last. Right now.
Western could easily establish themselves as the probably the third best team in conference, U.S.A. Or fourth with liberty.
Who's now? 5 and 3 on conference.
(28:53):
But God, they got to pull it together. It's getting in rough, is is there an issue with. Maybe it's a toxic locker room or something like that that could be causing this. I mean, I know you said a few weeks ago they were arguing, but during the New Mexico State game there was visible.
infighting with several
(29:16):
players and staff, most of it surrounded not to like name names, or whatever. But I think it's fair to say it was obvious
that a lot of it centered around destiny salary. I don't know why
she might just been pissed off, you know she might just had a bad day, I don't know. Got a bad grade in one of our classes, I don't know, but like there was visible like
(29:39):
they were like jabbering with each other the whole game. and, like, you know, making those live motions, and you know, pointing and
whatever. And so
yeah, it was. It was weird to see like, you don't see that in the middle games between teammates and staff. And that's that's fair to say that it's weird
(30:00):
to like know that that's going on.
and it kind of continued the whole game so. But I haven't seen any of that since then
I was told that maybe it was squashed, you know, the day after, and practice and make them run, and they get over it.
But obviously there's no explanation for why a team that
(30:22):
was playing well together all of a sudden has no injuries and nobody that's really sitting out.
There was there were a few people that have set out, but it wasn't like major
disaster type of stuff. And then all of a sudden, they just lose 4 out of 5, and you have full invite, and I don't know what the deal is.
but they need to get it together and move on.
Devin Stewart (30:43):
Yeah, I agree, you've got a
yeah. You've gotta definitely
you know. Figure out how to move forward as a team. And I think that's part of the coach's job is to. you know, either squash it or make them put on some gloves and
punch it out and get it over with and be done with it, you know. Yeah, cause I mean.
(31:05):
you know, coaches want to complain to us about, or you know, complain about us, you know. Well, you are the one that got me fired, and I mean at some of us mostly Matt. But anyway, doesn't long time ago, anyway. So
you know, but you don't. You don't have anything to complain about. If you don't do something about it is what I'm saying. Coaches have to do stuff if they want to keep their jobs. This is part of your job. Is making sure that you know, teams have good cohesion
(31:40):
make things work, you know. Yeah, you can have all 5 stars, and if they can't get along, and they all try to play the game by themselves. It's not gonna work.
you know. Basketball is a very individualistic sport, but at the end of the day you have to be able to pass.
Matt McCay (31:55):
You have to be able to do the small things and win so well, I think last week
stats last week, and I think you pointed out exactly what the issue is rebounding and turnovers.
You know you can't. You can't play good basketball without some fundamentals and basketball.
(32:15):
and not being able to get the basketball off the class
to either extend your possession, or to end the possession
kind of makes it difficult to win.
Devin Stewart (32:26):
Yeah. But the I mean that worked for last week. But this week, like stats are saying other stuff.
You know we should have beaten same Houston. We should have put just metaphorically put your foot on the throat and be done with them now, Middle, it doesn't look like we could have hit a 3 pointer if they had the little toddler goals.
(32:48):
so
is just really good. I mean, it's just. It's frustrating how big of a gap there is, and there shouldn't be.
Matt McCay (33:00):
Unfortunately, Rick and Brad is a good coach.
But we'll keep laurel fellow, and is oddly this operation.
But oh, Lord!
But anyway
I mean, it's just frustrating to see that kind of gap between Western and middle. The bottom line is like, I want to see improvement. I want to see the continuing of what looked like a positive like this was like looking like a group that could do something. In March
Devin Stewart (33:29):
I started making plans to go
Matt McCay (33:32):
to to Huntsville, and I'm going. But like part of the big reason why was the girls.
I'm thinking, like one of these 2 teams is gonna make a championship now, fast forward. 2 weeks from when I basically committed doing that.
Devin Stewart (33:49):
Yeah, no, if either one is gonna make a championship run. Yeah, yeah, it's
I mean, it's I mean.
the funny thing is, I mean, it's not funny. But looking at the stats lady tops versus Mtsu, we shot 16% from 3 point land. We shot 30% from Phil. Feel Phil gold in general.
We had 13 turnovers and 34 rebounds. Now. on middle side, they shot 45%. So that's almost 50% of their shots went in. and then they shot 36.3 or so, 36% from 3 point land. They only had 8 turnovers.
(34:26):
and they had 42 rebounds
like that's like amazingly good. It's just. It's just blows me away. How well they played, evident how well Middle played, and I hate complimenting them. But when you beat a team by nearly 40 points, what do you expect to happen?
This is what we're looking at. So this is interesting. I was looking at their minutes. They played basically 5 players just about the whole game.
(34:53):
Wow! That's amazing.
Matt McCay (34:55):
They played 2 girls the full 40 min. Another girl was out. For 22 s
another girl played 37, another girl played 33, 47. Then they had 3 players that played less than 5 min each. So that basically just said.
Screw you. And we're not resting anybody. And we're going to kill you by 40.
(35:21):
And they did it.
Devin Stewart (35:23):
Yeah.
evidently they they weren't going to let off the gas, that's for sure.
Matt McCay (35:29):
And
Devin Stewart (35:31):
it's probably cause their assistant coach heard you say that is there? The coach heard you say is something look like a creeper. So
Matt McCay (35:39):
yeah, blame it on me.
Devin Stewart (35:45):
So Western is going to be playing law tech tonight at 7 30 pm, eastern so you know, obviously, we're not gonna be talking about that game on this episode. But we will be talking about it next week, and then we will be playing
lady tops. Have Jacksonville state.
Both of these games are going to be in diddle Arena, and so tonight, 7, 30 pm, so you should have been there and then then Jacksonville state is gonna be on Saturday. I'm assuming the tenth
(36:17):
at 3 Pm. Eastern. Let me see if I get my mouse over here.
Matt McCay (36:22):
They do have like a sports clinic before on Saturday. It's 11 to one. I don't know if you have that in your notes. I do not. But I will make a note. That's okay. But before the lady tops
and so we were talking about maybe taking our girls over there. But I think it's like 2 h, and they're doing like a all sports clinic type of thing, and should be pretty fun, so maybe bring your kids out and then come to the Lady Topper game right after, and hopefully watch this be Jack's real State.
(36:53):
Get back off of the off the Shannon.
Devin Stewart (36:58):
Just making a note real quick of your lady tops clinic.
Matt McCay (37:02):
Yeah. Should be some links on the website, and they should be able to find on Twitter, etc.
Devin Stewart (37:08):
Okay, that should be. That'll be really interesting. And then, of course, next week they play you tip on the on that. That's a Thursday, the fifteenth.
and we can talk about that one. Then we will recap against Law Tech and Jacksonville state. So
men's basketball little bit brighter over on the men's side of things as we talk about basketball.
(37:29):
And you know
Western did lose to same Houston State 79, 77, and Western did beat Western did beat. Sorry MTSU. 88 to 65, which you've gotta love that.
Matt McCay (37:46):
Oh, yeah, I'm sorry. Anytime you meet them. It was nice, and it was all in the second half. So western half time.
And it went, am i. 23, and it was the largest margin over middle, since, like 1,983,
Devin Stewart (38:00):
which, by the way, the only thing that would make that better is if we scored a hundred points against middle. I'm just saying
that's the only thing that would make that game so much sweeter.
Matt McCay (38:10):
II wish that
we could put together 2 halves, you know, like it was honestly like they were sleepwalking through the first half. II I don't know if it's completely that way. But there were definitely times where it's like.
Come on like we're sitting here. We're at home
middle sucks.
Devin Stewart (38:29):
And it was.
Matt McCay (38:32):
And they really do suck. They're terrible this year. They do. And the effort wasn't
really. They're like, it wasn't like they weren't playing hard, but they weren't playing their best.
They weren't locked in. It was just kind of like going through the motions, and Middle was playing pretty well for
how bad they are, and you know they were. They were pretty engaged, and they were the
(38:55):
harder playing team, and consequently they go in tied to half.
Then in the second half we woke up and shut them the heck down. But I just wish that
you could.
You could bottle that energy that you have at spurts
and spread out over the whole game.
Devin Stewart (39:15):
I agree, I mean. and the thing is with again, especially against like Sam Houston, you've got.
you know, Western essentially dominated the first half, basically. And then they.
the majority of the same Houston game they dominated. Except for you know, there was a smidge right there early in the second half. Like 15 min ago, where
(39:38):
same Houston kind of tied it up, and then Western kind of took off again. Had another little spurt, and then, like you said right there towards the end, right at the 59 s mark. Same. Houston pulled away.
Matt McCay (39:49):
Umhm. Yeah. And Where was it? It was a oh, right the end of this, the first half was like. It was a key moment for me.
because Western had a double digit lead. I think it may have been as much as 13 in the first out. I can't remember.
Is it 13 or 11, or whatever but
(40:10):
a double-digit, half, a double-digit lead, and the half. and
right at the end Sam Houston made a little spurt and ended up being down only for half time. and I thought that was a huge moment, because
Western clearly outplayed. Sam Houston clearly
deserved, or whatever to be up by more than 4. Yet Sam Houston found some way to kind of claw back in where it's basically even.
(40:36):
And then from there it was a dogfight.
Well, if Western had been able to come to go and have time in with an 8, 9 10 point lead.
It changes the dynamic of the whole game where Sam Houston has to come out. Make a run to be in the game versus you come out at Halftime western scores 4 or 5, and they take complete control.
(40:57):
And so it was a big moment where? like I think I don't remember the breakdown of who had one in the first and second half.
But you know, Western had some guys that played well in the first half. but nothing was really there to show for it but a 4 point lead.
When you have guys play well, you want that to translate on the scoreboard, or it kind of makes you be like -oh, like, for example, against middle. Dom Mchenry had 2 points at half time, and it's like, Okay, if Mchenry goes off, it's gonna be hard for middle win this game. Well, guess what. He went off for 20 points and second half
(41:33):
western winds by 23.
You have guys that played well in the first half, and you still only go up in up for
that kind of sends off alarm bells like we're gonna have to really buckle down here in the second half, or they're gonna find a way to overcome this.
And what happened? Their guy that had not scored all game
(41:54):
douche bag? How is his name? Number 3 Lamar, Wilkerson, Wilkerson, 0 points. The whole freaking game ends up with 6.
All 3 buckets. Help them take leads. At the end of the game he had 3 straight shots to end the game after doing nothing.
(42:14):
It doesn't matter what they did before. It matters that they explode when they need to. If, when when they're able to just come out and
drop in the points that they need at the right moment. It doesn't matter if they had a crappy game. The man came in credit to him, dropped in and won the game form.
Devin Stewart (42:34):
Yeah. and that's that's frustrating, because it's that late charge that you're not really expecting. Like you said that guy. It really doesn't do a lot, but
that's where you're, you know, and he was 3 for 15 on the game.
Matt McCay (42:49):
Add 3 game-changing place
that ended up deciding the end of that game. Unfortunately, what shouldn't have happened is they shouldn't have been that close, and Western should have already been up by 10 when he started making that run. Then they wouldn't have lost.
So that was kind of the
certainly the carryover from the road games and everything, and I had the same issue. Middle. It was nice to see against a rival.
(43:18):
They got a lead in the second half, and they stomp on their throat and didn't look back.
Devin Stewart (43:22):
Yeah. and that's that's what always makes it feel good
is beating middle and sending them back to Murphy's borough, which is the 130 fifth worst town in college athletics. I mean, honestly, it makes you feel good to know that the back fat of middle is continuing. But I mean, if you look at the stats against Middle
(43:45):
Western shot, 50 from the field legitimately, 52% from 3 point land, 9 turnovers, 38 rebounds. So you really can't beat those numbers, especially the 9 turnovers. That is really really good.
the only thing that would. And of course, you know Western pulled away at half
(44:05):
legitimately, and that's the one of those things you wish you could have seen against Sam Houston, because
Matt McCay (44:11):
I feel like same. Houston has called in a voodoo priest or something, and that's the only way they beat us in that game. I'm just saying there, I'll tell you what it is
their interior defense.
It is really hard for us to get inside, and then it makes life difficult. And I think, Bob, a car really struggles against Sam Houston. They're physical.
(44:33):
and they just they just really give him in particular tough time. Rod didn't have it as let me see, let me look for put my foot in my mouth.
He didn't have as big of a game. He's had some big games.
and he's been really good lately.
but just for all attrition of having a really good interior defense just makes it hard
(44:56):
to to get over the hump against them.
and also what I was talking about. I remember the thing that stuck out my mind. We had 3 turnovers in the first half
3 against Sam Houston. and only went away with a 4 point lead.
Tell me how often you're going to have a 3 turnover half and not be way ahead against whoever it is.
(45:22):
and to also tell me how you're gonna come out second half and not have 7, 8, 9 turnovers
to even that out. And you've got to find a way to not give up 4 points on the opponent who really is. You're gonna need some luck to overcome that issue.
So yeah, that's overcoming.
Devin Stewart (45:40):
That's tough. Those are really tough, I mean, and like you said you know, being that low on turnovers and then having to. I mean.
normally like you said normally you'd be in really good shape.
You know. You've got that low turnovers at half. You're in good shape. and when this flip is the when the switch is flipped, and you're like this isn't making a difference at all.
(46:05):
Then we're, you know. Then you gotta go okay where we at. Otherwise.
you know, what do we lead to? What do we need? What do we need? What are we at here?
but we've got law tech. which
I did not realize until somebody said it earlier that law tech is a 10 point favorite in this game, as well as the fact that we have not won it. Law tech in 25 years.
(46:31):
That is wild, I mean, I guess I just didn't realize it's been that long
which for those of you wondering? No, that is not 1989. That is 1999.
But yeah, that's that is a very crazy step for me that you know. It's been since 1,999 since the before y, 2 k.
(46:53):
that western is one against law tech at law tech
Matt McCay (46:58):
and messing around. Okay?
Because sometimes they don't have
tons of fans. They don't. They don't have like the 10,000 people. They're just rocking the roof off.
(47:18):
It's just a tough place to play, and they do get loud, for however people they have there.
and they're this year, they're really good. So part of it is just. They're they're undefeated at home.
But it's just because they're really good this year, and I think they're probably the class of the League. They've they're one of the few teams that's one some legit row games against anybody that's any good.
(47:40):
They've only got one lost in conference right now. Everybody else has at least 2
but obviously, we know Western is capable of winning this game. It's not impossible.
Devin Stewart (47:50):
They don't have Lander.
Matt McCay (47:53):
They've played well enough in some of these games that you could say they could beat anybody in conference. U.S.A. Even
what's potentially the best, the best team. the I think the thing that's made locked stand out this year
is they have a legit power. 5. Transfer and his last name, Stacco.
(48:14):
forget his first name. Like Jonathan or something.
Devin Stewart (48:18):
Okay?
Matt McCay (48:21):
Oh, no, they're my botcho. I'm sorry, Daniel Somethingacho Botcho what you know.
anyway, Daniel Botcho, this guy
has a him and Isaiah Crawford. They're both presences down low. Crawford is 6 6. Bacho is 6 11
(48:43):
They're both shooting over 50% on the year.
Asia Crawford can shoot threes as well. They shoot free throws well enough. They both score 15 points a game they both rebound at least 6 a game, and Botcho gets 10 and a half.
They both block at least one and a half times a game. Botcho blocks over 2 times a game.
(49:07):
Crawford is 6 6 and has 45 steals on the year he gets more than 2 steals. A game
Devin Stewart (49:13):
is a positive assist to turnover, so they have 2 legit like
Matt McCay (49:18):
player. The year type of
players on their squad, and Crawford was the pre-season player of the year. Pacho was probably the favorite
to actually win it.
but they're both legit, both big bodies that I think we're gonna have real trouble matching up with both of them. I think we could handle one of them.
Devin Stewart (49:40):
Yeah, we have both on the core.
Matt McCay (49:42):
How do you put out enough bodies and not have them fall out?
To to handle these 2, these 2 guys. So I think that's gonna be
one of your keys to watch out for is.
can we find some way to not get in falterable A and B to slow them down a little bit like
(50:02):
if they go for more than 30 combined.
That's gonna be tough for Western to overcome. That's what they average go above their average. They're the better team. It's probably unlikely that they're gonna have other stuff go that bad that they can't figure out a way to win when their when their guys play. Well.
So Wendy struggle.
Devin Stewart (50:23):
I will tell you. I was just looking. I was trying to find some like Stat leaders for certain teams and stuff on Espn. But what I found was, I'm gonna pull this over here so I can actually face our viewers.
fun. Fact
I'll get. I'll let you guess. Who do you think is the offensive leader in conference? U.S.A. Right now.
Matt McCay (50:45):
and like points scored
Devin Stewart (50:47):
points per game.
And this is this is a team, not a individual player. Specifically.
Matt McCay (50:55):
Oh. the team is. I know, Westerns up there.
Devin Stewart (51:01):
It is western 80.7 points. Number 2 is law tech at 76.2. Liberty is 75.3. Florida International for and Utep is 5 defensive leaders.
This is points allowed for a game not Western. It's not Western Western's not in the top. 5
(51:22):
it is law tech at 62 points. Number 2 is liberty.
So another interesting one, and then number 5 again, is the Utah minors, and then Middle Tennessee is number 4. I don't know that one. I don't know how that one worked out for him.
Matt McCay (51:40):
Google percentage tops are leading that one
tops leading the physical percentage and tops are leading the rebounds at 40.
Devin Stewart (52:01):
I mean, basically, the field goal percentage is pretty even too.
So
I am going to try to get this episode up for our patrons. So if you're a member of the Patreon. You can get a little bit of early access to this. Do you think the money line is good to put on Western tonight, not over under just money line
(52:22):
Westerns plus 400.
Matt McCay (52:25):
So that means $100 in you get 400 back betting that Western is gonna win out right?
Oh, you know the crazy Western Co kid Fan, and you is going, did it? But the Durham game?
Devin Stewart (52:39):
Oh, tops! Gosh
Matt McCay (52:46):
it! Hmm! I
I want it with all my heart. I would love for Western to be latte. I just
there's none. This economy, not in this economy. Yeah, I mean with all my heart I would love to just be confident and pick Western.
(53:08):
But I just don't. I don't think it's
reasonable. I mean you could you could pick Western
and say that it's gonna happen, but not with confidence. I mean, especially if Landers out.
That's just another layer of difficulty where you're missing 2 guards. The 2 guards could honestly help outweigh the the issue. You might have download
(53:34):
you know. You could probably win on the perimeter if you had, Lander.
But if you don't, then you're
kind of more even with them on the perimeter and then down low. You're rely on Rodney Howard to continue shooting 90% from the field
and avocar
to to go crazy to to go crazy, too, or you're gonna have
(53:56):
a mismatch
there. I mean you. It's just a tough match up for me
when you have, like your thin down low anyway. And then you've got 2 guys that are, gonna make it so stressful down low that you're probably gonna have some people get in file trouble.
And then who do you play down little to deal with
(54:19):
2 superstars.
Yeah.
So another thing that needs to happen, Brandon Newman cannot disappear for 0 like he middle.
Yeah, you won by 23 against middle.
You ain't gonna come close to beating Lotte without your guys like you can't have a starter that does 0.
(54:39):
Yeah. He had a couple of assists, and he had a couple of other things going on. But you gotta have your guys do something offensively if you're gonna pull off an upset on the road.
Yeah. Trouble.
Devin Stewart (54:52):
Yeah, it it could be trouble.
so short short answer. There, don't bet the tops over under spread could be interesting, but I might consider
Matt McCay (55:06):
taking the you know the plus 9 and a half, or 10, or whatever it ends up being
I might consider that one.
Not not betting Western outright. No, I don't think so.
Devin Stewart (55:22):
Okay. So Lady Tops, just to recap that game is at diddle tonight. 7 30 pm. Eastern
6 30 Central, and it's on Espn. Plus for those of you who cannot make it. And then on Saturday the girls are gonna be playing Jacksonville State. As Matt told already, there is a clinic beforehand that game is gonna be at 3 Pm. Eastern on Espn. Plus. So check that out. If you are not able to make it to the game, support the ladytops best you can. And then the guys are gonna be playing law tech tonight.
(55:54):
7 pm. That's a 10 point spread. Essentially, it's 9 and a half now. So it has come down.
That game is on Espn. Plus 7 Pm. Eastern only true fans. Go to the game, don't forget that, and
let's see, it doesn't matter if it's in Rustin, Louisiana or not. You should go.
(56:18):
God! No, I went to we've been to Monroe, and we've been to. I was at Lafayette, and we landed in Bacon Rouge and New Orleans. We drove by New Orleans. When I was at Western Stephanie. I went to that game
Matt McCay (56:46):
59 to 10. We go all that way. Yeah, this will be a great game, and you're like, well, let's go to the car. I think it's over now. Oh, my gosh, right
Devin Stewart (57:05):
and of course. Like I said Westerns playing Jacksonville State on Saturday, that is, in Jacksonville, Alabama, the big metropolis of Jacksonville, Alabama. It's
Matt McCay (57:16):
you want any quick comments on that
Devin Stewart (57:19):
sure go for it.
Matt McCay (57:21):
Okay, since we didn't talk about it really at all.
Devin Stewart (57:24):
Yeah. Well, add, yeah, we run out of time there. So with the new format, I was kind of worried about it.
Matt McCay (57:31):
Well, I was worried. We're gonna get cut off. But we're actually past the hours, mark. So I think we're okay. Go ahead. Yeah, hey? So anyway, it's another rogue. Hopefully, we can
split this. Honestly, II assume we're probably gonna lose against law tech, I mean, just being honest.
But Jacksonville State should be a winnable issue game. It's another tough one, though, and I don't think we're favored. Yeah. So I mean it, you know. But you you really, if Western is gonna remotely keep pace.
(58:06):
they cannot come back to diddle 4 and 6,
but Espn only gives us a 32.9% chance of winning. So
not good. No, sir.
Devin Stewart (58:19):
Yeah, they don't have the spread set up yet for Jacksonville State.
Matt McCay (58:23):
But I mean, I think, Western, it would be a definite possibility to win that one. So yeah, there's definitely more on the table for that one than low tech and low tech is on the table. But.
you know, when you're favored, you're when you're expected to lose by double digits. You're probably not gonna end up winning that game.
Devin Stewart (58:41):
Yeah, it would be very, very difficult to do but yes, come back next week if you want to support the towel rack or red out, you can subscribe on the towel racks.
Do, Hickey, and you can go on patreon.com and support us there as well. We appreciate your support and like. Always guys go tops.
Matt McCay (59:02):
Go tops.
Devin Stewart (59:05):
Thanks, Buddy. I appreciate you.
Matt McCay (59:07):
You're welcome
but.
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