It's not fair to compare Mike Rhoades, in his 4th year at VCU, to any of these coaches, each of whom has been at their respective school for at least 22 years (Few; Izzo is at 26 years; K is at 41, I think). Michigan State is in 11th place in the Big 10 and Duke has lost a game to ACC bottom-feeder, Miami. So, it happens to most coaches at some point. Heck, look at Kentucky this year. Cal didn't suddenly forget how to coach and he still recruits nothing but 5-star kids. Let me emphasize the word 'KIDS'. These are mostly 18-23 year-olds. They don't always do what they are told. That's just human nature. Like the rest of us, they also have bad days. This is not to suggest that Mike bears no responsibility, but it is completely unfair to think that every loss is on the coach. The players are the ones on the floor playing the game. At some point, they bear a lot of the responsibility for any loss, as well as the credit for winning games, too.
We lost to Mason. Yes, it sucks in every way possible, but anyone could see this coming. It is hard for people at any level of sports to get up for and to maintain a high energy level for every single game, particularly when it is a middling opponent like Mason. Heck, the Lakers have lost 3 straight at home, including last night to the awful, 13th place Wizards (yes, I know AD is hurt). The 0-13 Jets went out to LA in December and beat the Rams who were fighting for the NFL playoffs. It happens.
I have no idea if we'll beat SLU tonight, but I bet our energy level is better than it was against Mason. Human nature says it will be. Doesn't mean we'll win, though, but nothing would really surprise me. If SLU wasn't coming off a horrid performance at Dayton, then I'd feel better about our chances without Bones tonight. Regardless, our effort will be better and we can certainly win this game.
