March 7, 2024 • 54 mins
This week, Devin 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 Combine Trials for Reed and Corley, WKU Baseball and Lady Topper Softball updates, discuss the frustrations of losing to La Tech and FIU, finally we discuss our chances for the Lady Tops and Men’s Basketball programs in CUSA.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Devin Stewart (00:02):
Welcome into another readout, podcast Devin here, Matt. And we've got a lot of news to talk about today. We've got combine talk, Austin, Reed and Malachi Corley.
you know.
trying to figure out where they may go in the draft. It's kinda interesting to think about that softball news baseball news bask, Lady Topper news and men's basketball.
(00:27):
I guess at the top of the list, Matt, let's talk about the comb button.
So what did you think?
Matthew McCay (00:36):
Yeah. So we kind of talked about quarterly last week? Some. So I'm just kinda updating there. I mean, he he hasn't done anything to kind of screw up where he's looking to project so that's kind of his task right now. It's just like no bad news.
because he pretty much projects is like a kind of a
(00:56):
late second round pick. So obviously, that means he, you know, somebody could try to reach for him. Maybe in the first round. Probably not
but typically in most the way that the draft should play out, he should end up in maybe the second round.
really the lowest that he could possibly end up as the third round. Really going forward. It just kind of depends on how he does it pro day. He and Austin both are kind of electing to
(01:24):
to really show out on pro day and not do a ton at the Combine. They did some interviews and stuff. Austin ran the 40,
but really, they didn't do much at the Combine, but kind of show up and say, Hey, so I mean. Austin ran a decent 40, which is a good plus for for him. I mean.
(01:44):
we were talking about this before we came on. You know. Brandon Dowdy ran like a
5 one or some outrageously terrible 40 times that really damaged his draft stock and almost got him undrafted just because he was so
so slow. but He! He had so much else going for him that he he was still able to be drafted. But for Austin
(02:08):
he needed a good 40 time to just kind of show people that he is athletic and everything he projects
as kind of a maybe seventh round, maybe type of pick, really probably undrafted free agent. And he should get kind of his pick of where he wants to go. But
Devin Stewart (02:27):
you know, undrafted free agent isn't bad, though, like we said
Matthew McCay (02:31):
we talked about it last week. Undirected free agents. They get the carpet rolled out for them, you know. Everything is
Devin Stewart (02:37):
nice, you know. They're gonna show you the best time. That is, probably
if he's not drafted. That's a best case scenario for Austin Reed. Malachi Corley. I believe we said last week, and maybe the week before I don't remember. But you know it was possibly second to third round. You know we'll have to see.
(02:59):
Are you still thinking that?
Matthew McCay (03:01):
Yeah, I mean, like one thing to certainly clear up is he's gonna get drafted like he's
he's a high-end, like legitimate prospect that people think he could be
a really good receiver in the League. So he he's gonna get drafted somewhere, barring complete catastrophe like injury or or something. He may, even even if he was injured, may possibly still be.
(03:29):
He's one of those like sure fire. He's he's getting drafted. We just don't know where I would say the lowest that he could possibly like right now, the lowest that he could possibly go, given what we know would be like, maybe the fourth round, if like in a disaster scenario. But he's really should be drafted the first 3 rounds pretty much
(03:50):
consensus. There's almost no way. He's not drafted in the first 3 rings from what we know so far. and let me see.
Pardon the cough stone. Yes.
Devin Stewart (04:04):
yes, Matt's got the clap. So Thursday, April 20, fifth, 2024, through Saturday, April twenty-seventh, 2024 is draft day definitely. You know. Stay here and stick around. Tyler will update you what happens to those guys?
as far as summer schedule, we're gonna try and do at least an episode a month
(04:28):
at least once a month, or, you know, watch your social media as we'll try and do a short or something to let you know as far as what's going on Western sports wise because
it's kind of dead in the summer, truth be told, and it's hard to update stuff besides recruiting and the pot. And the thing that always kills me with summer news is, it's like
(04:50):
you basically are postulating everything. Well, this could happen, or this could happen, or this could happen. Well.
Matthew McCay (04:57):
we also have lives. So some other podcasts may have plenty of free time to just do whatever they feel like.
Devin Stewart (05:05):
They don't do anything, anyway. So you know.
I mean, at least Matt will have time to get the Elmo colored behind his head.
Are you making fun of my daughter's artwork. No, Nope, because my daughter does the same thing. She'll take a carry on and go swipe, swipe, and that's done. Here you go. Dad put it on the fridge. And you're like.
(05:28):
I don't want to be an art man, but
Matthew McCay (05:31):
a black crayon up, up and down does not make that hard. But okay.
Devin Stewart (05:36):
But yeah, at least it was on.
Matthew McCay (05:38):
I had somebody say it was cookie monster, I'm like, no, it's not freaking cookie monster.
Know your Sesame Street characters.
Devin Stewart (05:47):
It's very upsetting. There we go. Yes, exactly. What are you people thinking?
so quick, supple news? So Western had a little
event. We'll say this weekend they were supposed to play Dayton on Friday that got cancelled, but they ended up playing Dayton Saturday
(06:07):
and beat them 2 nil
then Western played Northern Illinois on Saturday as well. Beat them 5 to one, and then on Sunday.
Western beat Northern Illinois, 10 to 2 and 5 innings and then lost to Southern Illinois, Saluki 0 to 2 after 8 innings.
and then yesterday the Fifth
Matthew McCay (06:30):
Western was supposed to play Indiana, and that game was postponed. So we'll see how that gets updated. Yeah, interesting wolf. It looks like we were up 2 to nothing in the third. But it's considered, quote unquote, no contest.
So I mean, we're winning. But
it doesn't count. So I guess you get to. Usually it's till you get to 5 innings. So I assume
(06:53):
it just doesn't count. But we were beating in the end.
Devin Stewart (06:57):
Well, hey, that's that's yeah. I'm sure the the big 10. We're gonna change that around Western is going to have a their first conference series, this weekend for the lady toppers.
Actually, I'm being goofy.
I've got these to show you all real quick, so we'll
I will do these as we're going.
(07:20):
He
so oh.
there we go!
Matthew McCay (07:29):
Go ahead! No, you're good softball scores
Devin Stewart (07:35):
go ahead.
Matthew McCay (07:37):
I was just gonna say, I noticed,
like we play a New Mexico state on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. It looks like they actually have softball on the radio here in Bowling Green on 91 5. So that's what I've got.
Yeah. Yeah. But I don't know where is the Varsity network
Devin Stewart (07:58):
varsity network radio. How do people listen to that? Do you have any idea?
Matthew McCay (08:02):
I believe you have to pay a subscription for it? You can listen on if it's on the radio, or if they have a a audio feed it will be on the Wk. Use sports app. So
if there's radio.
You can always check out the Wk sports app.
I always do that. Always have that available in case like something screwing up for basketball or or baseball, or whatever I wanna listen.
(08:30):
Got the Wk sports app that I can always listen to.
So so yes.
Devin Stewart (08:36):
Western has got a series with New Mexico State. If you're in that area of the lost cruise, crochets, Cruces whatever. If you're in that area.
there you go. If you're in that area. Go check out the, you know. Go check out the game. If you're not, you can listen on 91.5 FM. Crux for all the updates on that. And
(08:58):
then, of course, Western is supposed to play Eku next Wednesday
at 3 Pm. Central Standard time. So we'll update you all on that score as well. Now, baseball news.
one more slide back.
Stop sharing that, and let's find my baseball. Baseball actually did fairly well. It was a little concerning
(09:26):
baseball.
had a little hiccup against West Virginia on last Friday and lost 0 to 4. But then, and Western lost Saturday morning to West Virginia. 3, 8, and then we won 7 to 6,
and then on Sunday we beat em again, 4 to 3,
now on the fifth, as in yesterday, or whenever you're listening to this, it'd be Tuesday.
(09:51):
and W. Ku's game versus Bellerman was postponed. I assume that's due to weather cause we did have some storms come through the Louisville area at that time. And then
baseball will be playing Milwaukee. They're gonna have a series this weekend with Milwaukee that's at home at Nick Dennis Field. and then and of course, all of those are gonna be on 102.7 Espn radio, and then next Tuesday. Western will be playing Austin P.
(10:19):
In Clarksville, Tennessee. So
if you want to have a nice little trip down to Austin P. And watch a baseball game go for it.
Matthew McCay (10:28):
They got a golden corral over.
Devin Stewart (10:30):
I got a golden corral. Oh, my goodness, I can't stand golden corral! Truth be told.
everything tastes the same to me. I just honestly, I just can't stand it just tastes you're like hmm fried chicken tastes like fried chicken, and then the the fried. Other thing tastes like fried other thing.
And then this tastes like something else that tastes like fried chicken. Okay, let's go on to something else. So Western girls, basketball
(11:00):
had a fairly rough time in the last week.
They've had a rough time the past several weeks, actually. But Western played law tech
and lost 45 to 41. That sounds like a football score.
Matthew McCay (11:18):
Yep, it was. It looked like a football game.
There's a lot of tackles.
Yeah, it was. I don't know. I mean they they continue to
to struggle.
you know this, of course we mentioned the the Fi you one yet. That was this Saturday, but I mean it. Find it kind of got my hopes up. Look like we had some offense. And then
(11:45):
the same thing happened where they just kinda
they were up 16 in the second half, and somehow found a way to lose. Latte hits a 3 with 10 s left and takes the lead, and then we
looks like we have no clue. What we're doing in the last possession and ended up losing my 3 the law tech game, I mean.
(12:08):
You know, our our defense has been solid enough the last little bit like we haven't allowed
more than we've added. We've allowed in the seventies a few times the last few games. But since, in case you haze went down Fei, February third
you know we haven't allowed more than like 73. So like the defense has been
(12:32):
good enough to function, it's just the offenses has not scored 70, and before occasion went down. I think I was looking at. It was like 9 out of 22 games that we scored over 70 points.
And they've had 0 since she was out. So it's a huge
offensive blow to to not have her around.
(12:54):
you know what's frustrating is.
you know, with the law tech game. I mean, obviously 45 to 41 like you held them to what you needed to defensively. They just couldn't do anything offensively at all. Yeah, there's just
frustrating to watch.
If I look back and let's see.
(13:17):
II feel like basically we were kind of hanging around. But we, you know, we never were able to to really do anything to
to take control of the law tech and moves back and forth
generally. Lautech was in charge. It was tied at halftime.
(13:39):
I mean, we did have less. We did have less turnovers
Devin Stewart (13:43):
then long tech. We had 6 less. They had 20 where we had 14.
And then Another point that I would say is, we did have more fowls.
which did not help us in the long run. I mean that. And that that's gonna and when they're a team is shooting better on their free throw percentage than you know you are. I mean, that's 3 points right there.
Matthew McCay (14:05):
Yeah. So that's not gonna help you. And then, actually, II remember this wrong a little bit.
Western was up on low tech 9 at the end of the third quarter. So Western kind of taking control of the game in the third. yeah, once again, was especially in like a 30 to 40 point kind of game.
(14:29):
That 9 point lead is huge.
and so I mean it was. I think it was 34 to 25 at 1 point, and you could see the score there. I mean, obviously, Lottext scored 20 and scored 7 to to finish the game.
I think we went like one for 20 and the in the fourth quarter, and didn't shoot a free throw. You don't win very many games doing that. So it was just like
(14:56):
this is very frustrating, like they keep finding ways to lose
instead of finding ways to win, you know. Then you follow up the law tech game with a game at home. They finally look like
they belong like they've they've figured out how they're gonna play.
you know, without acacia, which, by the way, occasion could come back potentially, we don't know, but it seems like
(15:22):
her recovery has been doing. She's been doing pretty well with her recovery. So she might be back during conference tournament, but
regardless they look like for 37 min of that fi you game. They look like the better team. And Fi you is, you know, second or third and conference. U.S.A. is what they're gonna end up
(15:43):
so good team. And we look like the much better team, has 16 point lead on them, and just completely.
you know. The last couple minutes just threw the ball away like 4 or 5 times. not even like giving ourselves a chance to throw up a terrible basket like just just completely threw it away several times in a row, and it was just
(16:05):
now you can see there we only had 19 turnovers. Well, 4 or 5 of that was at the very end of the game. The last couple of minutes.
So if you take that into account like it would have been a respectable, you know, outcome in terms of turnovers. But just all about a quarter of the turnovers can last like 2 min.
Devin Stewart (16:26):
And yeah, I mean. course, we had 3 more files than they did, too.
So
Matthew McCay (16:32):
that's you know, that's 3 opportunities. Right there, that's 3 extra points. That's Todd game, that's overtime, and that's
Devin Stewart (16:38):
and overtime with Fi, you with the way, if I use been playing this season is a really good thing. I mean. nobody ever wants to go into overtime, but you know
overtime would at least show me. Hey? We are making strides towards, you know, a better team here. you know, and this team has, as we were talking earlier.
(17:01):
Kind of before the show started. You know they've lost, you know we've lost 5 in a row. We, the last one we had was against Jacksonville State and then before that we'd be law tech. And then we had 3 losses. I mean, we've had since we've started conference play.
which was back first game against liberty.
Matthew McCay (17:22):
That game was January sixth.
Devin Stewart (17:26):
You know we've lost so many. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8 games. I mean. you take 8 games and push em in the other column.
You know, we're doing really well. But this team right now has got, you know, they're looking at a 500 season
right now. And I mean technically.
(17:47):
unless we win a game in. If we went against liberty and maybe one more in conference play, you know, we finished positive. If we lose the liberty.
go to conference, play and lose again, we're negative. We're under 500,
and to me that is a horrible season.
Matthew McCay (18:06):
Well, especially given like how they looked at the beginning. We talked about this whole bunch, so I don't wanna just keep saying with the same thing over and over again. but like this season, started
looking and even finishing last year, finishing second or third in conference and and making it to the Conference championship, even though we got fairly dominated by middle. It wasn't a complete disaster, like there was hope.
(18:33):
You know, we held our own. We thought whatever we lost a few pieces.
but we brought back the core. And then you come into this season and things look like, okay, this, we could actually be a decent team here we could be, you know, competing for a championship.
And and then and then you come into conference plan. You back it up and you start form one against quality teams.
(18:57):
And then you just like I mean, it just started melting, and it didn't make any sense like there was. No, there was no rhyme or reason to why
they went from. You know.
you know, winning 2 thirds of their games, winning 20% of their games the last 10 games like
it doesn't make any sense. So we're sitting in.
(19:18):
you know, 500 now, it's 15 to a 15 to 15 record overall and losing record and conference. But this team had so much potential. And now it's like God. I don't even know if we're gonna make it.
I mean Crap. If we lose. If we lose the liberty and then have some bad luck. We can end up the 8 seed plan on Tuesday.
(19:39):
Yeah. So it's possible like it. There have to be like 5 out of 6 things happen.
for for wk didn't end of the 8.
But it could happen. And I mean, that's crazy. Yeah, that's a disaster. And
I don't. I can't explain it. I don't. I don't know what the explanation is.
Devin Stewart (20:03):
So upcoming games for the lady toppers they have got.
They've got liberty. And of course, this game is in digital arena. So we need the lady tops to finish strong. That game is gonna be on the ninth, which I believe is Saturday. Is that right?
Matthew McCay (20:18):
Yes.
Devin Stewart (20:20):
that's a 3 Pm. 3 pm. Eastern 2 Pm. Central. You know. go support the lady tops. That game is on espn plus
cause. We need the ladies up to finish strong so that they can do really. Well. Now, conference U.S.A. tournament.
Matt. Of course, in my own little notes here I put, you know, outlook not too hot. But what are you thinking as far as Conference U.S.A.
Matthew McCay (20:45):
Well, I mean
II would like to think that we have a chance to to at least win a game or something.
When I started looking at going to Huntsville in January, I was thinking, like one of these 2 teams is gonna make the championship game. And hopefully, one of them is gonna win it. That's what I was thinking when I started
(21:06):
kind of looking at book in the trip down Hunsel. Well, now, I'm not even sure. really, with either of them. If if we're definitely gonna win a game, or even to make the championship, and either one
the girls
you know, I'd love to say that they could. But now.
yeah, let's say they beat liberty.
(21:27):
They end up in the 4 or 5 seed. That means they play middle of the semi finals.
most likely. And
that's probably about gonna be off, she wrote. But you know, if we end up the 6 or 7 seam we avoid middle, but then that means we play their liberty or fi you and the first game.
(21:50):
So you're probably not, really. And then you have to play the other one the game after. So you're really not
looking at at much of a chance to do anything. And of course we end up the 8 9. Then you plug middle in the quarters. So yeah, it's just
I'd love to say that they have a chance. WI will say this, though, if a case shows back.
(22:15):
I mean Western was playing like one of the better teams in conference. U.S.A. Now, can she come back and drop in 2025 a game, and really make a difference? I don't think she could probably immediately do that
But she could help
psychologically, just kinda helping the late Topper's belief.
(22:38):
But the thing is that they are good enough to show to guess if I use that they can do something.
Oh, they just have to finish it. And they just didn't get set by you. And they haven't the last month. So they're gonna have month and a half.
So they're gonna have to overcome that. But like
in in theory, I mean, they could make a run, you know, you only have to win 3 games. So it's not like it's this outrageous
(23:04):
past for them. But it's just. It doesn't seem very positive.
Devin Stewart (23:08):
Well, I mean, especially with the way that things have gone so far. The season for the lady tops, you know
it would be different if Lady Tops had, you know, had a couple of slip ups and won the majority of their games, especially conference games. But
it's almost like they melt down.
and I don't know what the issue is with it, or how things are working out that way. But they do seem to have some kind of meltdown.
(23:37):
whether it's maturity issue, or what I know we kind of go back to that on some things, but we are dealing with young athletes, who, you know, young ladies who.
for whatever reason are, you know, maybe don't have the maturity to handle playing. You know, having the maturity to overcome certain things in this instance, I'll say.
(23:57):
will that change? I hope so. It depends on leadership.
and we'll just have to see how things that progress in the off season.
Matthew McCay (24:08):
Yeah, I mean, you talked about kind of the meltdown type of thing. I'm just looking just real quick, and then I'll we can move on 3 out of the last 5 games the tops of had
the well, the Lottech, and they had a 9 point lead. Then 2 other games. They had double digit leads and melted them down to lose.
(24:29):
So 3 on the last 5 games
they should have won, basically. And then if you win those 3 games, you're completely looking at everything different. You're probably in the running for the 3 C or so.
and then your your phone a little more positive about things. But they they found ways to lose instead of win last little bit. That's that's unfortunate.
Devin Stewart (24:52):
Yeah, I mean, it's it's very frustrating. And
you know, it's just something that either will. They'll have to work on in the off season, or what? I am positive for Western to do. Well, in conference U.S.A.'s tournament, but
I don't see it. I hate to be like that. But
Matthew McCay (25:10):
take a lot. It is. It's it's it's it's a hard fact.
Devin Stewart (25:15):
Now, are they? Gonna lose the first game. I don't know I would say so, but I don't want. If I had to put money on it, I wouldn't, but depending on who they get
exactly.
Matthew McCay (25:29):
I, for example, say.
yeah, for sure. No, you're good. You're good. Go ahead. Just I mean, they've.
you know, like, if they ended the 16, they play like a liberty or something.
you know. Then then I mean they've already beaten liberty before this year. You might take some confidence from that
(25:49):
you know.
if I you, whatever I mean you. You had 37 min of really good basketball before you. You kind of handed them the game, so
I mean they can. They can. Certainly they're capable. They have the talent. They have several players that can. They could drop 2025 points, so I would certainly not count them out in the short term. I just don't trust them to win 3 in a row.
Devin Stewart (26:16):
Excuse me, so if you were a degenerate gambler, you definitely wouldn't want to put money there. Huh?
yeah, maybe not.
So men's gambler. You can't help it, though, right
to share
Matthew McCay (26:32):
which it doesn't sound like a bad bet then.
Devin Stewart (26:35):
No, it's a Western men's basketball. You know, a lot of times this season the men's basketball has been the opposite side of the coin
for from the lady toppers where the lady toppers would struggle, the men would, would, you know, overcome their issues. But that is not the case for this past week, and it's kind of frustrating.
(27:01):
But here we go. I've got a couple of stats for you real quick.
So Western played law. Tech lost 90 to 84. You know.
Course it was. It was at home right that wasn't at home.
Matthew McCay (27:17):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (27:19):
because of the cause the girls were in rustin.
I always get it switched in my head. I don't know why, but you know, law tech basically dominated from about midway in the first.
you know, the guys kind of came back a little bit there towards the end. But you know, when you shoot 55% from 3 point land. it's hard to kind of hold on and do well.
Matthew McCay (27:40):
what are your thoughts, bud yeah, I mean the the one thing that I would say that Wk has struggled with.
especially since Jalen Jackson went down
was defense. I mean
(28:00):
giving up 90 points to law tech you know the fi you gave as well. It was in the eighties. They got several games like the previous fi! You gave the needed
105 you know, if I you had 91
Western 1105 to 91, I mean they there was the the utep game that was 93 to 87, like
(28:26):
Western defense, like 1. One thing about the high pace is like you. You end up having to keep up with your own pace, and if you can't, another team is able to to make some shots.
you could really be in trouble. The fact that Wk. Doesn't have any lockdown defender that you could just put on anybody and doesn't matter what the matchup is. You know that guy's gonna be taken care of
(28:49):
Western doesn't have anybody like that. And so you have some guys that are decent in certain match ups that could shut down like we've seen Landers shut it shut some people down.
We see Newman do a good job at times, but then there's also the other games. or they just look terrible against certain players that they go up against. And so
(29:11):
it's just a it's a major issue that. Well, we'll if if Wk. Doesn't win the conference championship, it's gonna be because they don't play consistent defense.
you know, and they have. They have lapses on both sides of the ball for extended periods of time like I said this on Facebook, and somebody keeps the same like, Oh, well, you you can't expect them to play 40 min.
(29:40):
Well, no, I'm not saying that part of the game
right? But excuse me, I'm sorry.
but I mean you. Okay. Yes, like you can expect.
you know, 21 year olds to be able to focus for 40 straight minutes completely, that they never make a mistake.
(30:01):
That's not the standard, but like when they completely fall asleep. And you have 23 point meltdowns when you have several double digit leads that you lost
early in the year, and later. That tells me that there's a little bit of a consistency problem game to game
and half a half.
(30:22):
I mean we. It's well documented. We know that Western has taken halves off this year and still found ways to win, and occasionally they get bit.
Well, I guess. Law tech
they allow lotx offense, and especially their 3 point shooting to go crazy. They shot 55% from 3. And that was really your difference in the game was there shooting, and especially their outside shooting. Everything else. Western was fairly even in like you could nit pick at some
(30:52):
extra free throws, and, you know, losing the rebound battle and stuff like that. But, like. Ultimately it was down to the fact that in the first half
they allow them to shoot lights out. And then you you didn't have the ability to come back in the second half enough
to be able to overcome a really good team.
Devin Stewart (31:15):
Yeah, it's, you know.
just looking at stats. Lawtech did everything right? I mean, it's hard to beat somebody who shoots over half. It makes half over half of their threes.
you know. So I mean, and they're shooting literally 2% less than 2%,
you know. Basically every other shop they threw up anywhere on the court they were hitting.
(31:39):
Now, Western was shooting a little bit out of 4 out of 10 ish, but you know it's hard to beat that. And you, when everything else is the same.
You had about the same amount of files you had about the same amount of rebound you had about zoom amount of turnovers. The only thing is is law tech had more free throws
and they hit more free throws.
(32:01):
and that's hard to compete with. You can't do that. Now.
FIU, just real quick here. you know Western
course, I highlighted the 33.3, you know. You hit one out of 3 threes and the other teams hitting half their threes like, I'm almost blaming the defense. If this is 2 games in a row where we're having issues like this, something's up.
Matthew McCay (32:27):
What do you think. yeah, I mean it. It's here's the thing Fi you has now has 10 wins. Okay, they're 10 and 19.
Okay, if you're a team that is trying to to compete for a championship
that was to be serious
at all cereal about winning a championship you can't lose
(32:53):
to a team that you should absolutely be late in the season, and you certainly shouldn't look like you don't really care to be there like. That's what's concerning to me, is, it seemed like, just kind of a lackadaisical like, oh, well, type of effort, yeah, you know. And if I you look like they wanted to be there. They were engaged. They were the ones fired up. They were the ones screaming every time they made a basket, you know, like
(33:19):
there's something to be said for how engaged they were. It was their senior night. They were all fired up. They had a bunch of seniors, their their big center that usually seems pretty useless.
You know he's not completely useless. He's a decent player, but he's not like.
And the late center well, he went and had. I don't remember how I think he had like 1718 points.
(33:42):
you can't. You can't let guys do that, or you can't not match their energy
like he had. Okay, he didn't have as much as I thought. but
I thought for sure you had more than
but he had 3 blocks. II thought he scored way more, but he only scored 6 points. But he had 3 blocks. He was. He was a big presence. and they had. They had another guy that came off the bench
(34:14):
scored 15. Javonte Hawkins is a senior. He's their sharpshooter. They were without their point guard.
It's inexcusable. It's inexcusable to show up
and they'll be down. They're down 3 starters. They've had 2 other injuries.
and you show up. And yeah, it's on the road and all that stuff, and they're plenty talented. but you allowed them to get a foothold. You allowed them to have momentum and allow them to have the lead, and then you had to call back to even have a chance to try to win it at the end. You just didn't.
(34:50):
We shouldn't have been in that position to be down. It should have been us with the lead, and then they should have been trying to claw back, and instead, we were trying to claw back the whole second half.
and didn't have enough in Tank to be able to do it. And that's what's frustrating, especially after losing 2 other games
and and slipping at the end of the year. That's the effort you come out with the second and last game of the year, like II don't care that it's on the road, or whatever or there. It's their single night, or it's a team that's only got 9 wins. So you better come out
(35:27):
looking like you're on a mission, or it just tells everybody that we have our issues.
And I think that's
Devin Stewart (35:35):
I agree. I mean, I think I think basketball, and you know other sports in particular are definitely like
are like this in the fact that you can never take a team for granted. You know you have to come out every night as if you are playing the
top team. You know you do not take anybody for granted, because if you do. You're gonna get paid.
(35:58):
You know you cannot underestimate anybody, or you know you have to. Do. You know, you have to play your best, and a. And honestly like at this point in the season I am fine. If Western would beat somebody
by 50 points
if we beat liberty by 50 points going into conference. U.S.A. tournament like, yeah, people are going to be like, well, they ran up the score. Yeah, they did.
(36:20):
But they're playing to themselves. You know they're playing to show this is what's going to happen in conference tournament. I have to play better than you, because I expect to go further than you
Now.
I don't know how Matt feels, but how do you feel as far as coach? Let's first season
Matthew McCay (36:44):
well, overall. I mean.
I will say that 3 losses on a row at the end of the year taints some of the of the the greatness of the season
19 and 6 versus 19 and 9 is a big difference. It's still a quality season.
(37:07):
We still should get to 20 plus wins. Which was kind of the idea when you had another season like. Come on, let's get to 20 wins. We have a
pretty week out of Conference schedule conference. U.S.A. Should be manageable that we can find.
you know, a a way to go 500 and conference or more.
(37:28):
you know, and that's what it's gonna end up being
So in terms of like how he's done overall. Sure it's been. It's been fun. but it is a it's a definite disappointment to end the season especially.
you know you go to middle
and you spot them several large leads, and then you come back. You know. And then.
(37:53):
law, tech, you know you. You make every effort to sell out Doodle and all that stuff that they, you know they had a nice
Devin Stewart (38:02):
every effort.
Well.
Matthew McCay (38:07):
they didn't have a ladies of the night out there trying to attract everybody into the stadium.
Devin Stewart (38:14):
Hey? You wanna come to the tops game.
Matthew McCay (38:17):
I'll take off my tops. I'll go if you keep it on, please keep it on.
Thanks, grandma. I'll see you at home.
She's yeah. She never knows when to hang it up, anyway.
(38:41):
it's frustrating. It's 2 teams
to the last 3 games like a lot of tech was understandable. It was predictable that you could possibly lose that game.
(39:03):
Okay, what about middle? And fi, you middle, you spot them tons of points. You give up over 50% shooting.
You know the Lottech. Okay, they yes, they were the better team. But you gave up 55% free point shooting. And then, fi you same thing. You give up a ton of
threes against the team that was missing their their point guard and their guy that gets all their steals
(39:30):
and all that, like the number once stealer in the in the whole country
was out. Verify you? I mean, it's a big factor.
Guy scores double digit points a game, whatever. and you still
brick and lose. Anyway, it's just you know, it's just it's disheartening.
Devin Stewart (39:50):
II don't necessarily blame the coach for that. I think he's put these guys in a really good position, considering the you know, Western is essentially third
in conference, U.S.A. Right now, and this is his first season.
So you know, I mean. And and the thing is is like, we're not hearing anything about toxic locker rooms, any issues like that. Nobody's like
(40:15):
you can't do the workouts, you know stuff like that that came up at the end of last season when we were all kinda looking around going really? But you know, looking at liberty right now. The Espn intern has got it at 84.6% in favor of liberty
now that is, gonna be at liberty at the Liberty Liberty bowl, liberty, liberty arena. So
(40:39):
then that game is on conference on Espn. Plus if you can't make it to Lynchburg, Virginia.
But you know, Western is averaging about 80 points per game 74 points against, you know, shooting around 46%,
40 rebounds, 13 assists 3 blocks, 7.2 steals, and we've got a 3 lost streak. And liberty is actually, what's funny is is they're averaging 74 points per game, which is about what we
(41:07):
have against us. And it points against they're getting 64, so
that could average out hypothetically. You know, things happen. But in a very, very close. you know. 71 75 point game, you know, to finish out
you know, they they do a lot of things similar as far as on paper, you know, with us they've actually got 2 losses that 2 losses, too.
(41:32):
So you know, this could be a very interesting way to finish up and hypothetically, Matt.
if we lose this game going into Conference, U.S.A. tournament time.
do? Where do we stand on in the conference seating?
Matthew McCay (41:49):
Yeah. So let me pull that up. But basically.
Devin Stewart (41:54):
we're looking at a file right?
Matthew McCay (41:57):
It's possible. Yes, now.
liberty has. I think it's a 4. I think we're at a 3 or 4, no matter what, because liberty lost if liberty hit one
against who did I play last time? They played
(42:17):
and I played middle. Actually
Well, either way, it would have been a 4. So
liberty lost. So there's 6 and 9 westwards, 8 and 7. There's only one game left so that liberty cannot catch Wk.
Ntsu could catch Western if they beat latte and Western beats their Western loses to liberty. Okay.
(42:42):
so, and that depends on tie breakers. It really does depend on who ends up at what seed.
which is what the tiebreaker would be between Western and Middle, because Western split with middle. They have the same records. They would have the same records against Sam Houston Lottech.
a Liberty
(43:04):
and maybe some other team. So it really wouldn't
possibly be very close. Who would get the tie breaker between western and middle the middle needs to be law tech at low tech. So that's kind of a huge
that's a big app for them. I mean, there, you know, you talk about the Espn interns. Well. the Espn interns like law tech to the tune of. I'm not even looking at it yet. But I bet you, yeah, 97.2%.
Devin Stewart (43:34):
So you know, there's a lot of things in life. If you told me I had a 97.2% chance of winning the lottery.
I'm going to the gas station. Give me a ticket right now. So I'm just saying.
Matthew McCay (43:46):
absolutely but yeah, 2.8% chance to be law tech. This is a little higher than that. But I mean. that's a that's a big ask. And then you still could have Western finish ahead of them, depending on the time recorders of who else finishes, and what spot?
So Western is likely to to answer your question. Western is likely the 3 seed
(44:09):
regardless, but I think the bigger picture like I don't even care about the seat honestly, like the top.
First of all, the top 2 teams are about equal, you know, Sam Houston versus law tech. So you're gonna have to face one of them in the semis.
Either way, whether the 3 or the 4
to me the main thing is. have some momentum coming into tournament when this last game have a good performance.
(44:37):
feel good about yourselves, whatever
and even if we lose like, if you. You know, if liberty plays lights out, we play lights out. It's a great game. And you, you feel like, okay, we're playing good basketball. Yeah, it sucks to have a 4 game losing streak, but you feel better about yourself than if we just get blown out by 40,
you know so
Devin Stewart (44:59):
well. I will say, I'll say, and I'm sure you can agree with this. The close losses are the worst losses.
Matthew McCay (45:07):
If if you lose about one or 2 points it. You might as well get kicked in the gut man.
Devin Stewart (45:12):
So
when Western, you know, and I don't know, I'm hoping if we beat Liberty, maybe it'll give us a little bit of confidence and swagger so that we can go into Conference U.S.A.'s tournament, you know, with the chip on our shoulder, saying, Yeah, these guys ain't got nothing on us.
whereas if we lose the liberty, you know, maybe it has a has an effect where they come in and they're mad. And we're gonna be this, you know, we're gonna beat these guys, you know. Yada Yada.
(45:42):
But it also could have that detriment of
oh, man you know we lost.
We're just gonna keep losing, you know, and you're just hoping that mindset's not kicking in
But you know, and that's coaching. We guys gotta make sure these guys stay up on it and stay very positive about things, especially in conference time. So I mean, II definitely have way, more confidence, and let's than I do Greg Collins, in terms of being able to to navigate this. I mean, one thing is that let's has done it before. He did it with the team, then
Matthew McCay (46:18):
had a 500 record and conference ended up winning a conference championship, and he did it with a team that had I think there were the 2 or the 3 C. But they weren't the favorite
they still won 2 years in a row, and so he obviously has some kind of ability to be able to navigate even. I think we looked at it. He I believe he lost the second, the last game of the year and one of the years that he won.
(46:42):
So I mean, things happen at the end of the year. You're gonna have losses. It's just how do you deal with it? And so
I feel
confident that we have a team
that even though we haven't won the last 3 games.
We've still had moments where we look like the best team in the conference. And I think
(47:06):
I think that
if if wk you could just put 40 min together. they would be the best team to cover. To say the issue is, sometimes they can't or they haven't, and that's the weakness of this team
is taking naps in the middle games, and that's
that's been the issue
every back at some point, and it was at least 5 or 6 min of just
(47:30):
foolishness. Not like, Oh, yeah, whether they, you know, they're missing shots or something. It's just like, what are we doing? So eliminate some of that, and I think
sky's the limit I have. I have way, more confidence in the guys. Even if they lose to liberty. I still feel more confident that the guys can make a run.
(47:51):
None of the the the men's teams are terrifying to play like, yeah, there's some good teams Sam Houston has given us trouble. Law tech is very good, but I wouldn't be freaking out against any of the teams in U.S.A.
Devin Stewart (48:08):
I'm I'm I kind of agree with that. I think Western has a very good shot. Depending on the path, and how everything works out.
You know. And I know you talked about Coach Collins a little bit there, but
it's it's kind of a flip side of a coin, because whereas the lady tops have had their struggles and issues, you know, on the team.
(48:29):
They have the big bad in their conference tournament with Middle Cause. Middle is the big, bad wolf. In this aspect.
You know, they are dominating teams. They are doing really, really well, whereas in you know, the men side of things, there's not really the big, bad wolf.
Matthew McCay (48:46):
you know there's a lot of you know. This is a you know. If this is a royal rumble. Western has a chance.
Devin Stewart (48:53):
you know, and honestly like starting a basketball season.
You know, we have a lot of hype for basketball, and it's actually kind of lived up to it in a way we've had hiccups. We've had speed bumps, but Western has. And Coach Lutz has gotten these guys to the point where
they are. I mean, they're doing really well, and I mean, it actually just makes me happy to see next season how we're gonna how everything's gonna work out
Matthew McCay (49:19):
for sure. Yeah, yeah, I like the future.
Devin Stewart (49:23):
I do, too. 100%. Let me pull up so we could talk upcoming events here.
Softball, baseball, basketball
make sure I hit the right ones. Baseball basketball.
(49:46):
Nope, that's an old one. There we go. Okay. So softball like I said, they've got a series at New Mexico State. Listen on 91.5 crooks. and then on the Varsity network. There's Western versus Eku.
and I think that one is at home. But I'll have to double check that
Matthew McCay (50:05):
Richard is
Devin Stewart (50:08):
baseball wise. Western has a series against Milwaukee at home, and then next Tuesday they're gonna be playing Austin P. In Clarksville, Tennessee. You can listen to all of those on 102.7 Espn. Radio.
The lady tops have liberty, liberty, liberty in the diddle arena, and so go up. Show out for lady Tops.
(50:29):
If you're not able to go watch on Espn, plus the support, will help either way
and excuse me. Finally. Saturday, the men are gonna be playing. They're gonna be at liberty. That game is at one Pm. Eastern Espn. Plus if you can go to lunchbox, Virginia. Great good on you
if you're a regular Joe, like Matt and I, who can't go to Liberty on the on a whim, you know, support Western that way and support them there. But next week we're gonna be talking Conference, U.S.A. Attorney. We will be updating.
(51:01):
I'll try to do a couple of Youtube shorts or Tiktoks, or something to talk about, when who Western has and what all is going on there. But if you've made it this far in the episode, make sure to like, share and subscribe. We appreciate all your support.
and, you know, share it on your socials or whatever it helps us out. It helps you helps you out because
(51:22):
it just passes through the universe and helps somehow. So yes, good Karma, good vibes and it helps us out. And we appreciate it as always. This is a hobby podcast
so we appreciate our listeners and we appreciate each other. Thank you, Matt, for coming, even though you've been sick.
Matthew McCay (51:44):
Yeah. Had a couple of coughs.
Yeah. I tried to tried to minimize the sorry off. You had to hear all that.
Devin Stewart (51:51):
No, you're good. I didn't even notice it until towards the end. You're good, but it happens when you talk, and you coughing and everything. You start getting hoarse, but no worries but we will be back next week talking conference, U.S.A. Attorney, you know, and like I said over the summer, we'll be trying to do at least an episode a month to kind of keep people updated and stuff like that. So we appreciate you all go and do wanna say one thing. Stay tuned into the towel rack this coming week.
Matthew McCay (52:18):
We will have 4 people down there in Huntsville trying to provide you as much as we can in the action. We will be broadcasting somewhere from Huntsville or on the road or something. When we when we have the podcast, next week. So I'm excited it should be fun, and hopefully we we have a reason to be there till Saturday. But we'll be down there and excited to bring you all cover. So stay tuned in to red out
(52:47):
whatever, and we're gonna bring as much coverage as we can.
Devin Stewart (52:50):
That sounds exciting. Don't get arrested.
So you know, I mean, listen, I'm a passionate man.
Matthew McCay (53:00):
Oh, man! The fashion
legend has it allegedly just remember, the term is allegedly.
Devin Stewart (53:13):
That's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's
his hilltop or hype is a hundred percent natural.
Yes, check back next week. We will be updating and doing all that good stuff and you know, hopefully, like, Matt said, we'll be going all the way to the Saturday on Conference, U.S.A. Attorney and end of March. March. Madness! I'm excited. I can't wait to see it.
(53:44):
It'll be great. And then we're gonna have to get the tow rack to go to
wherever we end up in March madness, so we'll see how that goes.
Matthew McCay (53:52):
We'll see.
Maybe they'll give us a press passes.
Devin Stewart (53:57):
Oh, heck! Yeah, there you go. Sign up for them
alright guys we appreciate you check back next week watch all this games and stuff on Espn, plus if you can't make it. And as always, go tops.
Matthew McCay (54:12):
Go tops.
Be liberty, vivity.
Devin Stewart (54:18):
Appreciate you, man.
Welcome into another readout, podcast Devin here, Matt. And we've got a lot of news to talk about today. We've got combine talk, Austin, Reed and Malachi Corley.
you know.
trying to figure out where they may go in the draft. It's kinda interesting to think about that softball news baseball news bask, Lady Topper news and men's basketball.
(00:27):
I guess at the top of the list, Matt, let's talk about the comb button.
So what did you think?
Matthew McCay (00:36):
Yeah. So we kind of talked about quarterly last week? Some. So I'm just kinda updating there. I mean, he he hasn't done anything to kind of screw up where he's looking to project so that's kind of his task right now. It's just like no bad news.
because he pretty much projects is like a kind of a
(00:56):
late second round pick. So obviously, that means he, you know, somebody could try to reach for him. Maybe in the first round. Probably not
but typically in most the way that the draft should play out, he should end up in maybe the second round.
really the lowest that he could possibly end up as the third round. Really going forward. It just kind of depends on how he does it pro day. He and Austin both are kind of electing to
(01:24):
to really show out on pro day and not do a ton at the Combine. They did some interviews and stuff. Austin ran the 40,
but really, they didn't do much at the Combine, but kind of show up and say, Hey, so I mean. Austin ran a decent 40, which is a good plus for for him. I mean.
(01:44):
we were talking about this before we came on. You know. Brandon Dowdy ran like a
5 one or some outrageously terrible 40 times that really damaged his draft stock and almost got him undrafted just because he was so
so slow. but He! He had so much else going for him that he he was still able to be drafted. But for Austin
(02:08):
he needed a good 40 time to just kind of show people that he is athletic and everything he projects
as kind of a maybe seventh round, maybe type of pick, really probably undrafted free agent. And he should get kind of his pick of where he wants to go. But
Devin Stewart (02:27):
you know, undrafted free agent isn't bad, though, like we said
Matthew McCay (02:31):
we talked about it last week. Undirected free agents. They get the carpet rolled out for them, you know. Everything is
Devin Stewart (02:37):
nice, you know. They're gonna show you the best time. That is, probably
if he's not drafted. That's a best case scenario for Austin Reed. Malachi Corley. I believe we said last week, and maybe the week before I don't remember. But you know it was possibly second to third round. You know we'll have to see.
(02:59):
Are you still thinking that?
Matthew McCay (03:01):
Yeah, I mean, like one thing to certainly clear up is he's gonna get drafted like he's
he's a high-end, like legitimate prospect that people think he could be
a really good receiver in the League. So he he's gonna get drafted somewhere, barring complete catastrophe like injury or or something. He may, even even if he was injured, may possibly still be.
(03:29):
He's one of those like sure fire. He's he's getting drafted. We just don't know where I would say the lowest that he could possibly like right now, the lowest that he could possibly go, given what we know would be like, maybe the fourth round, if like in a disaster scenario. But he's really should be drafted the first 3 rounds pretty much
(03:50):
consensus. There's almost no way. He's not drafted in the first 3 rings from what we know so far. and let me see.
Pardon the cough stone. Yes.
Devin Stewart (04:04):
yes, Matt's got the clap. So Thursday, April 20, fifth, 2024, through Saturday, April twenty-seventh, 2024 is draft day definitely. You know. Stay here and stick around. Tyler will update you what happens to those guys?
as far as summer schedule, we're gonna try and do at least an episode a month
(04:28):
at least once a month, or, you know, watch your social media as we'll try and do a short or something to let you know as far as what's going on Western sports wise because
it's kind of dead in the summer, truth be told, and it's hard to update stuff besides recruiting and the pot. And the thing that always kills me with summer news is, it's like
(04:50):
you basically are postulating everything. Well, this could happen, or this could happen, or this could happen. Well.
Matthew McCay (04:57):
we also have lives. So some other podcasts may have plenty of free time to just do whatever they feel like.
Devin Stewart (05:05):
They don't do anything, anyway. So you know.
I mean, at least Matt will have time to get the Elmo colored behind his head.
Are you making fun of my daughter's artwork. No, Nope, because my daughter does the same thing. She'll take a carry on and go swipe, swipe, and that's done. Here you go. Dad put it on the fridge. And you're like.
(05:28):
I don't want to be an art man, but
Matthew McCay (05:31):
a black crayon up, up and down does not make that hard. But okay.
Devin Stewart (05:36):
But yeah, at least it was on.
Matthew McCay (05:38):
I had somebody say it was cookie monster, I'm like, no, it's not freaking cookie monster.
Know your Sesame Street characters.
Devin Stewart (05:47):
It's very upsetting. There we go. Yes, exactly. What are you people thinking?
so quick, supple news? So Western had a little
event. We'll say this weekend they were supposed to play Dayton on Friday that got cancelled, but they ended up playing Dayton Saturday
(06:07):
and beat them 2 nil
then Western played Northern Illinois on Saturday as well. Beat them 5 to one, and then on Sunday.
Western beat Northern Illinois, 10 to 2 and 5 innings and then lost to Southern Illinois, Saluki 0 to 2 after 8 innings.
and then yesterday the Fifth
Matthew McCay (06:30):
Western was supposed to play Indiana, and that game was postponed. So we'll see how that gets updated. Yeah, interesting wolf. It looks like we were up 2 to nothing in the third. But it's considered, quote unquote, no contest.
So I mean, we're winning. But
it doesn't count. So I guess you get to. Usually it's till you get to 5 innings. So I assume
(06:53):
it just doesn't count. But we were beating in the end.
Devin Stewart (06:57):
Well, hey, that's that's yeah. I'm sure the the big 10. We're gonna change that around Western is going to have a their first conference series, this weekend for the lady toppers.
Actually, I'm being goofy.
I've got these to show you all real quick, so we'll
I will do these as we're going.
(07:20):
He
so oh.
there we go!
Matthew McCay (07:29):
Go ahead! No, you're good softball scores
Devin Stewart (07:35):
go ahead.
Matthew McCay (07:37):
I was just gonna say, I noticed,
like we play a New Mexico state on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. It looks like they actually have softball on the radio here in Bowling Green on 91 5. So that's what I've got.
Yeah. Yeah. But I don't know where is the Varsity network
Devin Stewart (07:58):
varsity network radio. How do people listen to that? Do you have any idea?
Matthew McCay (08:02):
I believe you have to pay a subscription for it? You can listen on if it's on the radio, or if they have a a audio feed it will be on the Wk. Use sports app. So
if there's radio.
You can always check out the Wk sports app.
I always do that. Always have that available in case like something screwing up for basketball or or baseball, or whatever I wanna listen.
(08:30):
Got the Wk sports app that I can always listen to.
So so yes.
Devin Stewart (08:36):
Western has got a series with New Mexico State. If you're in that area of the lost cruise, crochets, Cruces whatever. If you're in that area.
there you go. If you're in that area. Go check out the, you know. Go check out the game. If you're not, you can listen on 91.5 FM. Crux for all the updates on that. And
(08:58):
then, of course, Western is supposed to play Eku next Wednesday
at 3 Pm. Central Standard time. So we'll update you all on that score as well. Now, baseball news.
one more slide back.
Stop sharing that, and let's find my baseball. Baseball actually did fairly well. It was a little concerning
(09:26):
baseball.
had a little hiccup against West Virginia on last Friday and lost 0 to 4. But then, and Western lost Saturday morning to West Virginia. 3, 8, and then we won 7 to 6,
and then on Sunday we beat em again, 4 to 3,
now on the fifth, as in yesterday, or whenever you're listening to this, it'd be Tuesday.
(09:51):
and W. Ku's game versus Bellerman was postponed. I assume that's due to weather cause we did have some storms come through the Louisville area at that time. And then
baseball will be playing Milwaukee. They're gonna have a series this weekend with Milwaukee that's at home at Nick Dennis Field. and then and of course, all of those are gonna be on 102.7 Espn radio, and then next Tuesday. Western will be playing Austin P.
(10:19):
In Clarksville, Tennessee. So
if you want to have a nice little trip down to Austin P. And watch a baseball game go for it.
Matthew McCay (10:28):
They got a golden corral over.
Devin Stewart (10:30):
I got a golden corral. Oh, my goodness, I can't stand golden corral! Truth be told.
everything tastes the same to me. I just honestly, I just can't stand it just tastes you're like hmm fried chicken tastes like fried chicken, and then the the fried. Other thing tastes like fried other thing.
And then this tastes like something else that tastes like fried chicken. Okay, let's go on to something else. So Western girls, basketball
(11:00):
had a fairly rough time in the last week.
They've had a rough time the past several weeks, actually. But Western played law tech
and lost 45 to 41. That sounds like a football score.
Matthew McCay (11:18):
Yep, it was. It looked like a football game.
There's a lot of tackles.
Yeah, it was. I don't know. I mean they they continue to
to struggle.
you know this, of course we mentioned the the Fi you one yet. That was this Saturday, but I mean it. Find it kind of got my hopes up. Look like we had some offense. And then
(11:45):
the same thing happened where they just kinda
they were up 16 in the second half, and somehow found a way to lose. Latte hits a 3 with 10 s left and takes the lead, and then we
looks like we have no clue. What we're doing in the last possession and ended up losing my 3 the law tech game, I mean.
(12:08):
You know, our our defense has been solid enough the last little bit like we haven't allowed
more than we've added. We've allowed in the seventies a few times the last few games. But since, in case you haze went down Fei, February third
you know we haven't allowed more than like 73. So like the defense has been
(12:32):
good enough to function, it's just the offenses has not scored 70, and before occasion went down. I think I was looking at. It was like 9 out of 22 games that we scored over 70 points.
And they've had 0 since she was out. So it's a huge
offensive blow to to not have her around.
(12:54):
you know what's frustrating is.
you know, with the law tech game. I mean, obviously 45 to 41 like you held them to what you needed to defensively. They just couldn't do anything offensively at all. Yeah, there's just
frustrating to watch.
If I look back and let's see.
(13:17):
II feel like basically we were kind of hanging around. But we, you know, we never were able to to really do anything to
to take control of the law tech and moves back and forth
generally. Lautech was in charge. It was tied at halftime.
(13:39):
I mean, we did have less. We did have less turnovers
Devin Stewart (13:43):
then long tech. We had 6 less. They had 20 where we had 14.
And then Another point that I would say is, we did have more fowls.
which did not help us in the long run. I mean that. And that that's gonna and when they're a team is shooting better on their free throw percentage than you know you are. I mean, that's 3 points right there.
Matthew McCay (14:05):
Yeah. So that's not gonna help you. And then, actually, II remember this wrong a little bit.
Western was up on low tech 9 at the end of the third quarter. So Western kind of taking control of the game in the third. yeah, once again, was especially in like a 30 to 40 point kind of game.
(14:29):
That 9 point lead is huge.
and so I mean it was. I think it was 34 to 25 at 1 point, and you could see the score there. I mean, obviously, Lottext scored 20 and scored 7 to to finish the game.
I think we went like one for 20 and the in the fourth quarter, and didn't shoot a free throw. You don't win very many games doing that. So it was just like
(14:56):
this is very frustrating, like they keep finding ways to lose
instead of finding ways to win, you know. Then you follow up the law tech game with a game at home. They finally look like
they belong like they've they've figured out how they're gonna play.
you know, without acacia, which, by the way, occasion could come back potentially, we don't know, but it seems like
(15:22):
her recovery has been doing. She's been doing pretty well with her recovery. So she might be back during conference tournament, but
regardless they look like for 37 min of that fi you game. They look like the better team. And Fi you is, you know, second or third and conference. U.S.A. is what they're gonna end up
(15:43):
so good team. And we look like the much better team, has 16 point lead on them, and just completely.
you know. The last couple minutes just threw the ball away like 4 or 5 times. not even like giving ourselves a chance to throw up a terrible basket like just just completely threw it away several times in a row, and it was just
(16:05):
now you can see there we only had 19 turnovers. Well, 4 or 5 of that was at the very end of the game. The last couple of minutes.
So if you take that into account like it would have been a respectable, you know, outcome in terms of turnovers. But just all about a quarter of the turnovers can last like 2 min.
Devin Stewart (16:26):
And yeah, I mean. course, we had 3 more files than they did, too.
So
Matthew McCay (16:32):
that's you know, that's 3 opportunities. Right there, that's 3 extra points. That's Todd game, that's overtime, and that's
Devin Stewart (16:38):
and overtime with Fi, you with the way, if I use been playing this season is a really good thing. I mean. nobody ever wants to go into overtime, but you know
overtime would at least show me. Hey? We are making strides towards, you know, a better team here. you know, and this team has, as we were talking earlier.
(17:01):
Kind of before the show started. You know they've lost, you know we've lost 5 in a row. We, the last one we had was against Jacksonville State and then before that we'd be law tech. And then we had 3 losses. I mean, we've had since we've started conference play.
which was back first game against liberty.
Matthew McCay (17:22):
That game was January sixth.
Devin Stewart (17:26):
You know we've lost so many. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8 games. I mean. you take 8 games and push em in the other column.
You know, we're doing really well. But this team right now has got, you know, they're looking at a 500 season
right now. And I mean technically.
(17:47):
unless we win a game in. If we went against liberty and maybe one more in conference play, you know, we finished positive. If we lose the liberty.
go to conference, play and lose again, we're negative. We're under 500,
and to me that is a horrible season.
Matthew McCay (18:06):
Well, especially given like how they looked at the beginning. We talked about this whole bunch, so I don't wanna just keep saying with the same thing over and over again. but like this season, started
looking and even finishing last year, finishing second or third in conference and and making it to the Conference championship, even though we got fairly dominated by middle. It wasn't a complete disaster, like there was hope.
(18:33):
You know, we held our own. We thought whatever we lost a few pieces.
but we brought back the core. And then you come into this season and things look like, okay, this, we could actually be a decent team here we could be, you know, competing for a championship.
And and then and then you come into conference plan. You back it up and you start form one against quality teams.
(18:57):
And then you just like I mean, it just started melting, and it didn't make any sense like there was. No, there was no rhyme or reason to why
they went from. You know.
you know, winning 2 thirds of their games, winning 20% of their games the last 10 games like
it doesn't make any sense. So we're sitting in.
(19:18):
you know, 500 now, it's 15 to a 15 to 15 record overall and losing record and conference. But this team had so much potential. And now it's like God. I don't even know if we're gonna make it.
I mean Crap. If we lose. If we lose the liberty and then have some bad luck. We can end up the 8 seed plan on Tuesday.
(19:39):
Yeah. So it's possible like it. There have to be like 5 out of 6 things happen.
for for wk didn't end of the 8.
But it could happen. And I mean, that's crazy. Yeah, that's a disaster. And
I don't. I can't explain it. I don't. I don't know what the explanation is.
Devin Stewart (20:03):
So upcoming games for the lady toppers they have got.
They've got liberty. And of course, this game is in digital arena. So we need the lady tops to finish strong. That game is gonna be on the ninth, which I believe is Saturday. Is that right?
Matthew McCay (20:18):
Yes.
Devin Stewart (20:20):
that's a 3 Pm. 3 pm. Eastern 2 Pm. Central. You know. go support the lady tops. That game is on espn plus
cause. We need the ladies up to finish strong so that they can do really. Well. Now, conference U.S.A. tournament.
Matt. Of course, in my own little notes here I put, you know, outlook not too hot. But what are you thinking as far as Conference U.S.A.
Matthew McCay (20:45):
Well, I mean
II would like to think that we have a chance to to at least win a game or something.
When I started looking at going to Huntsville in January, I was thinking, like one of these 2 teams is gonna make the championship game. And hopefully, one of them is gonna win it. That's what I was thinking when I started
(21:06):
kind of looking at book in the trip down Hunsel. Well, now, I'm not even sure. really, with either of them. If if we're definitely gonna win a game, or even to make the championship, and either one
the girls
you know, I'd love to say that they could. But now.
yeah, let's say they beat liberty.
(21:27):
They end up in the 4 or 5 seed. That means they play middle of the semi finals.
most likely. And
that's probably about gonna be off, she wrote. But you know, if we end up the 6 or 7 seam we avoid middle, but then that means we play their liberty or fi you and the first game.
(21:50):
So you're probably not, really. And then you have to play the other one the game after. So you're really not
looking at at much of a chance to do anything. And of course we end up the 8 9. Then you plug middle in the quarters. So yeah, it's just
I'd love to say that they have a chance. WI will say this, though, if a case shows back.
(22:15):
I mean Western was playing like one of the better teams in conference. U.S.A. Now, can she come back and drop in 2025 a game, and really make a difference? I don't think she could probably immediately do that
But she could help
psychologically, just kinda helping the late Topper's belief.
(22:38):
But the thing is that they are good enough to show to guess if I use that they can do something.
Oh, they just have to finish it. And they just didn't get set by you. And they haven't the last month. So they're gonna have month and a half.
So they're gonna have to overcome that. But like
in in theory, I mean, they could make a run, you know, you only have to win 3 games. So it's not like it's this outrageous
(23:04):
past for them. But it's just. It doesn't seem very positive.
Devin Stewart (23:08):
Well, I mean, especially with the way that things have gone so far. The season for the lady tops, you know
it would be different if Lady Tops had, you know, had a couple of slip ups and won the majority of their games, especially conference games. But
it's almost like they melt down.
and I don't know what the issue is with it, or how things are working out that way. But they do seem to have some kind of meltdown.
(23:37):
whether it's maturity issue, or what I know we kind of go back to that on some things, but we are dealing with young athletes, who, you know, young ladies who.
for whatever reason are, you know, maybe don't have the maturity to handle playing. You know, having the maturity to overcome certain things in this instance, I'll say.
(23:57):
will that change? I hope so. It depends on leadership.
and we'll just have to see how things that progress in the off season.
Matthew McCay (24:08):
Yeah, I mean, you talked about kind of the meltdown type of thing. I'm just looking just real quick, and then I'll we can move on 3 out of the last 5 games the tops of had
the well, the Lottech, and they had a 9 point lead. Then 2 other games. They had double digit leads and melted them down to lose.
(24:29):
So 3 on the last 5 games
they should have won, basically. And then if you win those 3 games, you're completely looking at everything different. You're probably in the running for the 3 C or so.
and then your your phone a little more positive about things. But they they found ways to lose instead of win last little bit. That's that's unfortunate.
Devin Stewart (24:52):
Yeah, I mean, it's it's very frustrating. And
you know, it's just something that either will. They'll have to work on in the off season, or what? I am positive for Western to do. Well, in conference U.S.A.'s tournament, but
I don't see it. I hate to be like that. But
Matthew McCay (25:10):
take a lot. It is. It's it's it's it's a hard fact.
Devin Stewart (25:15):
Now, are they? Gonna lose the first game. I don't know I would say so, but I don't want. If I had to put money on it, I wouldn't, but depending on who they get
exactly.
Matthew McCay (25:29):
I, for example, say.
yeah, for sure. No, you're good. You're good. Go ahead. Just I mean, they've.
you know, like, if they ended the 16, they play like a liberty or something.
you know. Then then I mean they've already beaten liberty before this year. You might take some confidence from that
(25:49):
you know.
if I you, whatever I mean you. You had 37 min of really good basketball before you. You kind of handed them the game, so
I mean they can. They can. Certainly they're capable. They have the talent. They have several players that can. They could drop 2025 points, so I would certainly not count them out in the short term. I just don't trust them to win 3 in a row.
Devin Stewart (26:16):
Excuse me, so if you were a degenerate gambler, you definitely wouldn't want to put money there. Huh?
yeah, maybe not.
So men's gambler. You can't help it, though, right
to share
Matthew McCay (26:32):
which it doesn't sound like a bad bet then.
Devin Stewart (26:35):
No, it's a Western men's basketball. You know, a lot of times this season the men's basketball has been the opposite side of the coin
for from the lady toppers where the lady toppers would struggle, the men would, would, you know, overcome their issues. But that is not the case for this past week, and it's kind of frustrating.
(27:01):
But here we go. I've got a couple of stats for you real quick.
So Western played law. Tech lost 90 to 84. You know.
Course it was. It was at home right that wasn't at home.
Matthew McCay (27:17):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (27:19):
because of the cause the girls were in rustin.
I always get it switched in my head. I don't know why, but you know, law tech basically dominated from about midway in the first.
you know, the guys kind of came back a little bit there towards the end. But you know, when you shoot 55% from 3 point land. it's hard to kind of hold on and do well.
Matthew McCay (27:40):
what are your thoughts, bud yeah, I mean the the one thing that I would say that Wk has struggled with.
especially since Jalen Jackson went down
was defense. I mean
(28:00):
giving up 90 points to law tech you know the fi you gave as well. It was in the eighties. They got several games like the previous fi! You gave the needed
105 you know, if I you had 91
Western 1105 to 91, I mean they there was the the utep game that was 93 to 87, like
(28:26):
Western defense, like 1. One thing about the high pace is like you. You end up having to keep up with your own pace, and if you can't, another team is able to to make some shots.
you could really be in trouble. The fact that Wk. Doesn't have any lockdown defender that you could just put on anybody and doesn't matter what the matchup is. You know that guy's gonna be taken care of
(28:49):
Western doesn't have anybody like that. And so you have some guys that are decent in certain match ups that could shut down like we've seen Landers shut it shut some people down.
We see Newman do a good job at times, but then there's also the other games. or they just look terrible against certain players that they go up against. And so
(29:11):
it's just a it's a major issue that. Well, we'll if if Wk. Doesn't win the conference championship, it's gonna be because they don't play consistent defense.
you know, and they have. They have lapses on both sides of the ball for extended periods of time like I said this on Facebook, and somebody keeps the same like, Oh, well, you you can't expect them to play 40 min.
(29:40):
Well, no, I'm not saying that part of the game
right? But excuse me, I'm sorry.
but I mean you. Okay. Yes, like you can expect.
you know, 21 year olds to be able to focus for 40 straight minutes completely, that they never make a mistake.
(30:01):
That's not the standard, but like when they completely fall asleep. And you have 23 point meltdowns when you have several double digit leads that you lost
early in the year, and later. That tells me that there's a little bit of a consistency problem game to game
and half a half.
(30:22):
I mean we. It's well documented. We know that Western has taken halves off this year and still found ways to win, and occasionally they get bit.
Well, I guess. Law tech
they allow lotx offense, and especially their 3 point shooting to go crazy. They shot 55% from 3. And that was really your difference in the game was there shooting, and especially their outside shooting. Everything else. Western was fairly even in like you could nit pick at some
(30:52):
extra free throws, and, you know, losing the rebound battle and stuff like that. But, like. Ultimately it was down to the fact that in the first half
they allow them to shoot lights out. And then you you didn't have the ability to come back in the second half enough
to be able to overcome a really good team.
Devin Stewart (31:15):
Yeah, it's, you know.
just looking at stats. Lawtech did everything right? I mean, it's hard to beat somebody who shoots over half. It makes half over half of their threes.
you know. So I mean, and they're shooting literally 2% less than 2%,
you know. Basically every other shop they threw up anywhere on the court they were hitting.
(31:39):
Now, Western was shooting a little bit out of 4 out of 10 ish, but you know it's hard to beat that. And you, when everything else is the same.
You had about the same amount of files you had about the same amount of rebound you had about zoom amount of turnovers. The only thing is is law tech had more free throws
and they hit more free throws.
(32:01):
and that's hard to compete with. You can't do that. Now.
FIU, just real quick here. you know Western
course, I highlighted the 33.3, you know. You hit one out of 3 threes and the other teams hitting half their threes like, I'm almost blaming the defense. If this is 2 games in a row where we're having issues like this, something's up.
Matthew McCay (32:27):
What do you think. yeah, I mean it. It's here's the thing Fi you has now has 10 wins. Okay, they're 10 and 19.
Okay, if you're a team that is trying to to compete for a championship
that was to be serious
at all cereal about winning a championship you can't lose
(32:53):
to a team that you should absolutely be late in the season, and you certainly shouldn't look like you don't really care to be there like. That's what's concerning to me, is, it seemed like, just kind of a lackadaisical like, oh, well, type of effort, yeah, you know. And if I you look like they wanted to be there. They were engaged. They were the ones fired up. They were the ones screaming every time they made a basket, you know, like
(33:19):
there's something to be said for how engaged they were. It was their senior night. They were all fired up. They had a bunch of seniors, their their big center that usually seems pretty useless.
You know he's not completely useless. He's a decent player, but he's not like.
And the late center well, he went and had. I don't remember how I think he had like 1718 points.
(33:42):
you can't. You can't let guys do that, or you can't not match their energy
like he had. Okay, he didn't have as much as I thought. but
I thought for sure you had more than
but he had 3 blocks. II thought he scored way more, but he only scored 6 points. But he had 3 blocks. He was. He was a big presence. and they had. They had another guy that came off the bench
(34:14):
scored 15. Javonte Hawkins is a senior. He's their sharpshooter. They were without their point guard.
It's inexcusable. It's inexcusable to show up
and they'll be down. They're down 3 starters. They've had 2 other injuries.
and you show up. And yeah, it's on the road and all that stuff, and they're plenty talented. but you allowed them to get a foothold. You allowed them to have momentum and allow them to have the lead, and then you had to call back to even have a chance to try to win it at the end. You just didn't.
(34:50):
We shouldn't have been in that position to be down. It should have been us with the lead, and then they should have been trying to claw back, and instead, we were trying to claw back the whole second half.
and didn't have enough in Tank to be able to do it. And that's what's frustrating, especially after losing 2 other games
and and slipping at the end of the year. That's the effort you come out with the second and last game of the year, like II don't care that it's on the road, or whatever or there. It's their single night, or it's a team that's only got 9 wins. So you better come out
(35:27):
looking like you're on a mission, or it just tells everybody that we have our issues.
And I think that's
Devin Stewart (35:35):
I agree. I mean, I think I think basketball, and you know other sports in particular are definitely like
are like this in the fact that you can never take a team for granted. You know you have to come out every night as if you are playing the
top team. You know you do not take anybody for granted, because if you do. You're gonna get paid.
(35:58):
You know you cannot underestimate anybody, or you know you have to. Do. You know, you have to play your best, and a. And honestly like at this point in the season I am fine. If Western would beat somebody
by 50 points
if we beat liberty by 50 points going into conference. U.S.A. tournament like, yeah, people are going to be like, well, they ran up the score. Yeah, they did.
(36:20):
But they're playing to themselves. You know they're playing to show this is what's going to happen in conference tournament. I have to play better than you, because I expect to go further than you
Now.
I don't know how Matt feels, but how do you feel as far as coach? Let's first season
Matthew McCay (36:44):
well, overall. I mean.
I will say that 3 losses on a row at the end of the year taints some of the of the the greatness of the season
19 and 6 versus 19 and 9 is a big difference. It's still a quality season.
(37:07):
We still should get to 20 plus wins. Which was kind of the idea when you had another season like. Come on, let's get to 20 wins. We have a
pretty week out of Conference schedule conference. U.S.A. Should be manageable that we can find.
you know, a a way to go 500 and conference or more.
(37:28):
you know, and that's what it's gonna end up being
So in terms of like how he's done overall. Sure it's been. It's been fun. but it is a it's a definite disappointment to end the season especially.
you know you go to middle
and you spot them several large leads, and then you come back. You know. And then.
(37:53):
law, tech, you know you. You make every effort to sell out Doodle and all that stuff that they, you know they had a nice
Devin Stewart (38:02):
every effort.
Well.
Matthew McCay (38:07):
they didn't have a ladies of the night out there trying to attract everybody into the stadium.
Devin Stewart (38:14):
Hey? You wanna come to the tops game.
Matthew McCay (38:17):
I'll take off my tops. I'll go if you keep it on, please keep it on.
Thanks, grandma. I'll see you at home.
She's yeah. She never knows when to hang it up, anyway.
(38:41):
it's frustrating. It's 2 teams
to the last 3 games like a lot of tech was understandable. It was predictable that you could possibly lose that game.
(39:03):
Okay, what about middle? And fi, you middle, you spot them tons of points. You give up over 50% shooting.
You know the Lottech. Okay, they yes, they were the better team. But you gave up 55% free point shooting. And then, fi you same thing. You give up a ton of
threes against the team that was missing their their point guard and their guy that gets all their steals
(39:30):
and all that, like the number once stealer in the in the whole country
was out. Verify you? I mean, it's a big factor.
Guy scores double digit points a game, whatever. and you still
brick and lose. Anyway, it's just you know, it's just it's disheartening.
Devin Stewart (39:50):
II don't necessarily blame the coach for that. I think he's put these guys in a really good position, considering the you know, Western is essentially third
in conference, U.S.A. Right now, and this is his first season.
So you know, I mean. And and the thing is is like, we're not hearing anything about toxic locker rooms, any issues like that. Nobody's like
(40:15):
you can't do the workouts, you know stuff like that that came up at the end of last season when we were all kinda looking around going really? But you know, looking at liberty right now. The Espn intern has got it at 84.6% in favor of liberty
now that is, gonna be at liberty at the Liberty Liberty bowl, liberty, liberty arena. So
(40:39):
then that game is on conference on Espn. Plus if you can't make it to Lynchburg, Virginia.
But you know, Western is averaging about 80 points per game 74 points against, you know, shooting around 46%,
40 rebounds, 13 assists 3 blocks, 7.2 steals, and we've got a 3 lost streak. And liberty is actually, what's funny is is they're averaging 74 points per game, which is about what we
(41:07):
have against us. And it points against they're getting 64, so
that could average out hypothetically. You know, things happen. But in a very, very close. you know. 71 75 point game, you know, to finish out
you know, they they do a lot of things similar as far as on paper, you know, with us they've actually got 2 losses that 2 losses, too.
(41:32):
So you know, this could be a very interesting way to finish up and hypothetically, Matt.
if we lose this game going into Conference, U.S.A. tournament time.
do? Where do we stand on in the conference seating?
Matthew McCay (41:49):
Yeah. So let me pull that up. But basically.
Devin Stewart (41:54):
we're looking at a file right?
Matthew McCay (41:57):
It's possible. Yes, now.
liberty has. I think it's a 4. I think we're at a 3 or 4, no matter what, because liberty lost if liberty hit one
against who did I play last time? They played
(42:17):
and I played middle. Actually
Well, either way, it would have been a 4. So
liberty lost. So there's 6 and 9 westwards, 8 and 7. There's only one game left so that liberty cannot catch Wk.
Ntsu could catch Western if they beat latte and Western beats their Western loses to liberty. Okay.
(42:42):
so, and that depends on tie breakers. It really does depend on who ends up at what seed.
which is what the tiebreaker would be between Western and Middle, because Western split with middle. They have the same records. They would have the same records against Sam Houston Lottech.
a Liberty
(43:04):
and maybe some other team. So it really wouldn't
possibly be very close. Who would get the tie breaker between western and middle the middle needs to be law tech at low tech. So that's kind of a huge
that's a big app for them. I mean, there, you know, you talk about the Espn interns. Well. the Espn interns like law tech to the tune of. I'm not even looking at it yet. But I bet you, yeah, 97.2%.
Devin Stewart (43:34):
So you know, there's a lot of things in life. If you told me I had a 97.2% chance of winning the lottery.
I'm going to the gas station. Give me a ticket right now. So I'm just saying.
Matthew McCay (43:46):
absolutely but yeah, 2.8% chance to be law tech. This is a little higher than that. But I mean. that's a that's a big ask. And then you still could have Western finish ahead of them, depending on the time recorders of who else finishes, and what spot?
So Western is likely to to answer your question. Western is likely the 3 seed
(44:09):
regardless, but I think the bigger picture like I don't even care about the seat honestly, like the top.
First of all, the top 2 teams are about equal, you know, Sam Houston versus law tech. So you're gonna have to face one of them in the semis.
Either way, whether the 3 or the 4
to me the main thing is. have some momentum coming into tournament when this last game have a good performance.
(44:37):
feel good about yourselves, whatever
and even if we lose like, if you. You know, if liberty plays lights out, we play lights out. It's a great game. And you, you feel like, okay, we're playing good basketball. Yeah, it sucks to have a 4 game losing streak, but you feel better about yourself than if we just get blown out by 40,
you know so
Devin Stewart (44:59):
well. I will say, I'll say, and I'm sure you can agree with this. The close losses are the worst losses.
Matthew McCay (45:07):
If if you lose about one or 2 points it. You might as well get kicked in the gut man.
Devin Stewart (45:12):
So
when Western, you know, and I don't know, I'm hoping if we beat Liberty, maybe it'll give us a little bit of confidence and swagger so that we can go into Conference U.S.A.'s tournament, you know, with the chip on our shoulder, saying, Yeah, these guys ain't got nothing on us.
whereas if we lose the liberty, you know, maybe it has a has an effect where they come in and they're mad. And we're gonna be this, you know, we're gonna beat these guys, you know. Yada Yada.
(45:42):
But it also could have that detriment of
oh, man you know we lost.
We're just gonna keep losing, you know, and you're just hoping that mindset's not kicking in
But you know, and that's coaching. We guys gotta make sure these guys stay up on it and stay very positive about things, especially in conference time. So I mean, II definitely have way, more confidence, and let's than I do Greg Collins, in terms of being able to to navigate this. I mean, one thing is that let's has done it before. He did it with the team, then
Matthew McCay (46:18):
had a 500 record and conference ended up winning a conference championship, and he did it with a team that had I think there were the 2 or the 3 C. But they weren't the favorite
they still won 2 years in a row, and so he obviously has some kind of ability to be able to navigate even. I think we looked at it. He I believe he lost the second, the last game of the year and one of the years that he won.
(46:42):
So I mean, things happen at the end of the year. You're gonna have losses. It's just how do you deal with it? And so
I feel
confident that we have a team
that even though we haven't won the last 3 games.
We've still had moments where we look like the best team in the conference. And I think
(47:06):
I think that
if if wk you could just put 40 min together. they would be the best team to cover. To say the issue is, sometimes they can't or they haven't, and that's the weakness of this team
is taking naps in the middle games, and that's
that's been the issue
every back at some point, and it was at least 5 or 6 min of just
(47:30):
foolishness. Not like, Oh, yeah, whether they, you know, they're missing shots or something. It's just like, what are we doing? So eliminate some of that, and I think
sky's the limit I have. I have way, more confidence in the guys. Even if they lose to liberty. I still feel more confident that the guys can make a run.
(47:51):
None of the the the men's teams are terrifying to play like, yeah, there's some good teams Sam Houston has given us trouble. Law tech is very good, but I wouldn't be freaking out against any of the teams in U.S.A.
Devin Stewart (48:08):
I'm I'm I kind of agree with that. I think Western has a very good shot. Depending on the path, and how everything works out.
You know. And I know you talked about Coach Collins a little bit there, but
it's it's kind of a flip side of a coin, because whereas the lady tops have had their struggles and issues, you know, on the team.
(48:29):
They have the big bad in their conference tournament with Middle Cause. Middle is the big, bad wolf. In this aspect.
You know, they are dominating teams. They are doing really, really well, whereas in you know, the men side of things, there's not really the big, bad wolf.
Matthew McCay (48:46):
you know there's a lot of you know. This is a you know. If this is a royal rumble. Western has a chance.
Devin Stewart (48:53):
you know, and honestly like starting a basketball season.
You know, we have a lot of hype for basketball, and it's actually kind of lived up to it in a way we've had hiccups. We've had speed bumps, but Western has. And Coach Lutz has gotten these guys to the point where
they are. I mean, they're doing really well, and I mean, it actually just makes me happy to see next season how we're gonna how everything's gonna work out
Matthew McCay (49:19):
for sure. Yeah, yeah, I like the future.
Devin Stewart (49:23):
I do, too. 100%. Let me pull up so we could talk upcoming events here.
Softball, baseball, basketball
make sure I hit the right ones. Baseball basketball.
(49:46):
Nope, that's an old one. There we go. Okay. So softball like I said, they've got a series at New Mexico State. Listen on 91.5 crooks. and then on the Varsity network. There's Western versus Eku.
and I think that one is at home. But I'll have to double check that
Matthew McCay (50:05):
Richard is
Devin Stewart (50:08):
baseball wise. Western has a series against Milwaukee at home, and then next Tuesday they're gonna be playing Austin P. In Clarksville, Tennessee. You can listen to all of those on 102.7 Espn. Radio.
The lady tops have liberty, liberty, liberty in the diddle arena, and so go up. Show out for lady Tops.
(50:29):
If you're not able to go watch on Espn, plus the support, will help either way
and excuse me. Finally. Saturday, the men are gonna be playing. They're gonna be at liberty. That game is at one Pm. Eastern Espn. Plus if you can go to lunchbox, Virginia. Great good on you
if you're a regular Joe, like Matt and I, who can't go to Liberty on the on a whim, you know, support Western that way and support them there. But next week we're gonna be talking Conference, U.S.A. Attorney. We will be updating.
(51:01):
I'll try to do a couple of Youtube shorts or Tiktoks, or something to talk about, when who Western has and what all is going on there. But if you've made it this far in the episode, make sure to like, share and subscribe. We appreciate all your support.
and, you know, share it on your socials or whatever it helps us out. It helps you helps you out because
(51:22):
it just passes through the universe and helps somehow. So yes, good Karma, good vibes and it helps us out. And we appreciate it as always. This is a hobby podcast
so we appreciate our listeners and we appreciate each other. Thank you, Matt, for coming, even though you've been sick.
Matthew McCay (51:44):
Yeah. Had a couple of coughs.
Yeah. I tried to tried to minimize the sorry off. You had to hear all that.
Devin Stewart (51:51):
No, you're good. I didn't even notice it until towards the end. You're good, but it happens when you talk, and you coughing and everything. You start getting hoarse, but no worries but we will be back next week talking conference, U.S.A. Attorney, you know, and like I said over the summer, we'll be trying to do at least an episode a month to kind of keep people updated and stuff like that. So we appreciate you all go and do wanna say one thing. Stay tuned into the towel rack this coming week.
Matthew McCay (52:18):
We will have 4 people down there in Huntsville trying to provide you as much as we can in the action. We will be broadcasting somewhere from Huntsville or on the road or something. When we when we have the podcast, next week. So I'm excited it should be fun, and hopefully we we have a reason to be there till Saturday. But we'll be down there and excited to bring you all cover. So stay tuned in to red out
(52:47):
whatever, and we're gonna bring as much coverage as we can.
Devin Stewart (52:50):
That sounds exciting. Don't get arrested.
So you know, I mean, listen, I'm a passionate man.
Matthew McCay (53:00):
Oh, man! The fashion
legend has it allegedly just remember, the term is allegedly.
Devin Stewart (53:13):
That's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's that's
his hilltop or hype is a hundred percent natural.
Yes, check back next week. We will be updating and doing all that good stuff and you know, hopefully, like, Matt said, we'll be going all the way to the Saturday on Conference, U.S.A. Attorney and end of March. March. Madness! I'm excited. I can't wait to see it.
(53:44):
It'll be great. And then we're gonna have to get the tow rack to go to
wherever we end up in March madness, so we'll see how that goes.
Matthew McCay (53:52):
We'll see.
Maybe they'll give us a press passes.
Devin Stewart (53:57):
Oh, heck! Yeah, there you go. Sign up for them
alright guys we appreciate you check back next week watch all this games and stuff on Espn, plus if you can't make it. And as always, go tops.
Matthew McCay (54:12):
Go tops.
Be liberty, vivity.
Devin Stewart (54:18):
Appreciate you, man.
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