Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[dmb71687]

Week 13 Ants Poll

1. Florida (2)
2. UNC (1)
3. Wisconsin (1)
4. Ohio St.
5. Kansas
6. UCLA
7.(tie) Oregon
Texas A&M
9. Pitt
10. Marquette
11.(tie) Duke
Butler
13. Memphis
14. Oklahoma St.
15. Virginia Tech
16. Nevada
17. Washington St.
18. Air Force
19. Arizona
20. Texas
21.(tie) Notre Dame
Alabama
23.(tie) Clemson
Stanford
25.(tie) Indiana
Vanderbilt

Also Receiving Votes: UNLV

Participating Voters: UNC41, clayj41, seekupig, willthethrill

Hmmm, so 3 of the 4 voters are diehard UNC fans..

Yeah those votes aren't skewed at all.:lol I like the idea though.

[unccrombie]

it is a pretty stupid cheer....oh, and did another one of devo's friends get shot? 0-11? nit is lookin pretty sweet from here
what happened to him and rauts that game?

[SteelerMan]

Hmmm, so 3 of the 4 voters are diehard UNC fans..

Yeah those votes aren't skewed at all.:lol I like the idea though.

What are you trying to suggest? That UNC isn't the second best team in the country right now?

[UNC41]

Hmmm, so 3 of the 4 voters are diehard UNC fans..

Yeah those votes aren't skewed at all.:lol I like the idea though.

It's not as outlandish as you think.

Sagarin, Pomeroy and the RPI all have North Carolina rated higher than Wisconsin. Not all the North Carolina fans who submitted polls voted the Badgers lower.

[dmb71687]

What are you trying to suggest? That UNC isn't the second best team in the country right now?

Yes

It's not as outlandish as you think.

Sagarin, Pomeroy and the RPI all have North Carolina rated higher than Wisconsin. Not all the North Carolina fans who submitted polls voted the Badgers lower.

RPI? C'monnn.

[2SteppingInVA]

Just passed Roy alone on campus. I mean I've seen him plenty of times, but never just ran into him 1 on 1 walking down the street. I said, "Hi."

Thought I'd share.

[2SteppingInVA]

Hmmm, so 3 of the 4 voters are diehard UNC fans..

Yeah those votes aren't skewed at all.:lol I like the idea though.
I wished I'd got to vote.

Though how does UNC not deserve two? I'm honestly getting bored here because the last 5 or so blowouts (games) have been shitty to watch.

[dmb71687]

I wished I'd got to vote.

Though how does UNC not deserve two? I'm honestly getting bored here because the last 5 or so blowouts (games) have been shitty to watch.

I never said they don't DESERVE two. UW just deserves it more.:)

[dmb71687]

And tonight should clear things up pretty well. If they win at Indiana, they definitely, without question, deserve #2, again if not #1. However a loss should swap them with UNC, without question.

[2SteppingInVA]

And tonight should clear things up pretty well. If they win at Indiana, they definitely, without question, deserve #2, again if not #1. However a loss should swap them with UNC, without question.
I honestly haven't watched them that much this year, but who have they beaten thusfar?

[SmoothD41]

And tonight should clear things up pretty well. If they win at Indiana, they definitely, without question, deserve #2, again if not #1. However a loss should swap them with UNC, without question.

AHHHHHHHHHH, i'm so excited!

::runs out the door, gets in car, peels out of driveway, onward to bloomington::

[dmb71687]

I honestly haven't watched them that much this year, but who have they beaten thusfar?

@Marquette, Pitt, and Ohio State would be the biggest ones. But wins @ Georgia, @ Illinois, and against Florida State, are starting to look more and more impressive as well.

[dmb71687]

AHHHHHHHHHH, i'm so excited!

::runs out the door, gets in car, peels out of driveway, onward to bloomington::

:lol I was just gonna ask you in DMBc when you were leavin. Have fun buddy, but don't get your hopes up!:D

[2SteppingInVA]

@Marquette, Pitt, and Ohio State would be the biggest ones. But wins @ Georgia, @ Illinois, and against Florida State, are starting to look more and more impressive as well.
That's pretty solid. I guess they do have about equal schedule as us so far at least in terms of teams you named, but they do have one less loss.

I don't think they don't deserve #2 since they've only lost 1, I just thinking we are the better team ;)

[SteelerMan]

And tonight should clear things up pretty well. If they win at Indiana, they definitely, without question, deserve #2, again if not #1. However a loss should swap them with UNC, without question.

How do you figure? I mean, a win at Indiana would be good, but Arizona is ranked higher than Indiana and UNC blew them out in Arizona. I can respect the argument that Wisconsin should be ranked higher than UNC, but I don't think beating Indiana would do that much to strengthen your argument.

[dmb71687]

How do you figure? I mean, a win at Indiana would be good, but Arizona is ranked higher than Indiana and UNC blew them out in Arizona. I can respect the argument that Wisconsin should be ranked higher than UNC, but I don't think beating Indiana would do that much to strengthen your argument.

I do, because it would just make their undefeated road record look more impressive. It was an impressive win and the Tarheels looked great, but lets be honest, Arizona doesn't even deserve to be ranked. Indiana is 11-0 at home this year, it would definitely be a very significant win. Not to mention this is a conference game, road victories in conference play seem harder to come by than non-conference play.

[UNC41]

Yes



RPI? C'monnn.

I'm not claiming that the RPI is the definitive source for rankings. All I'm saying is that the two major polls aren't the only, and not necessairly, the most accurate way to tell which teams are best.

I do, because it would just make their undefeated road record look more impressive. It was an impressive win and the Tarheels looked great, but lets be honest, Arizona doesn't even deserve to be ranked. Indiana is 11-0 at home this year, it would definitely be a very significant win. Not to mention this is a conference game, road victories in conference play seem harder to come by than non-conference play.

A win at Assembly Hall wouldn't be more impressive than the pasting North Carolina laid on the Wildcats. Yes, Indiana is undefeated at home, but they don't have any marquee wins there either. Southern Illinois and Michigan State are good wins, but neither are anything that makes you go "whoa." Arizona has more impressive home wins in Memphis, Stanford and UNLV. To me, there isn't much of a difference between Arizona and Indiana right now. I think there are six teams, with Oregon teetering a close seventh, that I'd call elite this year. After that I don't think there's a huge clump of teams that are all fairly close to similar. That list probably has 20-25 teams. If Wisconsin can go out and completely dominate Indiana in every phase of the game then I will think the win is AS impressive as North Carolina's on Saturday.

[twosteppn36]

what happened to him and rauts that game?


rautins hurt his knee when he tried taking that charge in the 1st half

[twosteppn36]

That was pretty awful.

To pull the comparison back to the 01-02 team, maybe Rautins is sleeping with his girlfriend...

- Primo

nichols is gonna walk in between a devo/rautins argument and get punched

[clayj41]

Getting ready to leave for the IU-Wisconsin game. Hopefully it'll be a good one!

[dmb71687]

Florida down by 12 to Vandy???

Whaaaaaaaaaat!

[UNC41]

Florida struggling with Vandy at half.

Wisconsin in a tight one with Indiana at half.

Ohio State barely edging Purdue at half.

North Carolina curb stomping Miami at half.

Damn, I wish my cousin had something other than rabbit ears on her TV right now.

[dmb71687]

Florida struggling with Vandy at half.

Wisconsin in a tight one with Indiana at half.

Ohio State barely edging Purdue at half.

North Carolina curb stomping Miami at half.

Damn, I wish my cousin had something other than rabbit ears on her TV right now.

Yep, good night of college basketball.

Please, somebody other than Tucker step up in the 2nd half...

[UNC41]

It looks like Florida and tOSU came to play in the second half, Wisconsin is still in a dogfight and the Heels are blowing the fuck out of their fifth straight opponent.

[dmb71687]

Wow, trailed by 10, HUGE 8-0 run to remain in the game.

Should be an awesome finish.

And UNC is by far in the easiest game out of the 4, lets be sure to mention.

[UNC41]

I'm not disputing that Miami is bad, but no one has come close to touching the Heels since VaTech.

Damn, damn, damn. So this is what life was like before cable.

[dmb71687]

3's are just killing us..

[Trippin4136]

Purdue has put up a good game. They killed us on the offensive rebounds and made a lot of big shots. I can definitely see why they were undefeated at home before tonight.

The score was really indicative of the game.

Nonetheless, a big road win for the Buckeyes even without large contributions by Oden offensively. Jamar Butler played real well and I think Daequan Cook deserves a little more dap.

[unccrombie]

badgers are done with it seems

[UNC41]

Biscuits tonight in Chapel Hill. :bounce :bounce :bounce

Gametracker has Wisconsin down 4 with :59 to go. Damn I wish I could see this last minute.

[dmb71687]

Booo, good game, Indiana hit to many big shots. Home court was definitely the deciding factor.

[UNC41]

Booo, good game, Indiana hit to many big shots. Home court was definitely the deciding factor.

You ready to conceed that No. 2 spot yet? ;)

[dmb71687]

You ready to conceed that No. 2 spot yet? ;)

:lol Conceeded...

for now.:)

[zdaddy]

You ready to conceed that No. 2 spot yet? ;)
lets just wait for UNC @ Duke

edit: make that at NC State and VT

[dmb71687]

lets just wait for UNC @ Duke

edit: make that at NC State and VT

NC State is terrible. But yeah, one slip up from UNC, and we should be right back in contention.

[clayj41]

To all of you Hoosiers on the boards (I know there's a lot of you), I'm going to the Bluebird to celebrate the victory! See ya there!

[unccrombie]

NC State is terrible. But yeah, one slip up from UNC, and we should be right back in contention.
not like it matters, were all #1 seeds :lol

[willthethrill]

not like it matters, were all #1 seeds :lol
All in our respective regions too. It's just a matter of having your team playing excellent basketball in March.

I'll take my chances with UNC right now. 64 2nd half points?! This is insane.

[unccrombie]

nc state over VT right now

[UNC41]

All in our respective regions too. It's just a matter of having your team playing excellent basketball in March.

I'll take my chances with UNC right now. 64 2nd half points?! This is insane.

UNC is playing the best basketball in the nation right now, and they can get better. I just hope they don't peak too early.

nc state over VT right now

Damn, VaTech going down to NC State would be huge. They are pitiful.

[zdaddy]

my only problem with UNC (yes there is no doubt in my mind that they should be a top 3 team) is that they are peaking, not necessarily too early, but they are peaking with a good chunk of the season/tournament ahead of them, and unless they are like the 1960s UCLA teams (which we most likely will never see again), my guess is that sooner or later they will begin to flop in some way shape or form.

[UNC41]

my only problem with UNC (yes there is no doubt in my mind that they should be a top 3 team) is that they are peaking, not necessarily too early, but they are peaking with a good chunk of the season/tournament ahead of them, and unless they are like the 1960s UCLA teams (which we most likely will never see again), my guess is that sooner or later they will begin to flop in some way shape or form.

The thing is there is still huge room for improvement in both perimeter defense and halfcourt offense. UNC isn't bad at either one, but they could be so much better in both. There is still a good chance the Heels will lose another game, maybe two, before the season is over. They have so much depth, however, that there are so many players on the bench who can step up if a starter or two is having an off game. It will be huge come March when a couple of key players struggling can completely derail a team.

[zdaddy]

The thing is there is still huge room for improvement in both perimeter defense and halfcourt offense. UNC isn't bad at either one, but they could be so much better in both. There is still a good chance the Heels will lose another game, maybe two, before the season is over. They have so much depth, however, that there are so many players on the bench who can step up if a starter or two is having an off game. It will be huge come March when a couple of key players struggling can completely derail a team.

yeah you basically voiced how i feel. They are a VERY VERY good team, no doubting that. And they are by no means perfect either (my refrences to old UCLA). Like every team right now they have room for improvement. And you are right in when you say how struggling players can derail a team. The one MAJOR item UNC lacks is overall experience, and that is something that cannot be taught. In comparison to Florida, Wisconsin, and EVEN Ohio State (they are young yes but they still start and play many seniors), UNC is severely lacking in the experience category, and that can be the most important part of a team in the NCAA tournament.

[RJ2kWJ]

Kevin Durant is a manster.

37 points.

23 rebounds.

And just ended the game stealing the rock, giving it to DJ, then DJ lobbed it back to Kevin for the yam. Wow.

[unccrombie]

i <3 bonus coverage

[seekupig]

ESPN's latest poll is "who is the best team in college basketball?"

the current results are .....

UNC - 30%
Florida - 28%
Wisconsin - 22%
UCLA - 10%
Ohio St. - 10%

looks like the poll was started before Wiscy fell tonite though.....

Tar Heels are on a roll right now. so is KU, but we'll know more about them after this weekends showdown with A&M. i still feel that KU is very dangerous if they can sneak out of the first round.... :lol

[willthethrill]

Kevin Durant is a manster.

37 points.

23 rebounds.

And just ended the game stealing the rock, giving it to DJ, then DJ lobbed it back to Kevin for the yam. Wow.

I just saw the statline. :eek Amazing if he's not the first pick.

[2SteppingInVA]

ESPN's latest poll is "who is the best team in college basketball?"

the current results are .....

UNC - 30%
Florida - 28%
Wisconsin - 22%
UCLA - 10%
Ohio St. - 10%

looks like the poll was started before Wiscy fell tonite though.....

Tar Heels are on a roll right now. so is KU, but we'll know more about them after this weekends showdown with A&M. i still feel that KU is very dangerous if they can sneak out of the first round.... :lol
Two words: Oral-Roberts ;)

That being said I agree KU is dangerous, but the Heels are playing better than anyone right now.

[2SteppingInVA]

The thing is there is still huge room for improvement in both perimeter defense and halfcourt offense. UNC isn't bad at either one, but they could be so much better in both. There is still a good chance the Heels will lose another game, maybe two, before the season is over. They have so much depth, however, that there are so many players on the bench who can step up if a starter or two is having an off game. It will be huge come March when a couple of key players struggling can completely derail a team.
I think the main thing is that with so many freshman, they will only get better every game.

[RJ2kWJ]

I just saw the statline. :eek Amazing if he's not the first pick.

Announcers were saying "the best single performance in Big 12 history." and the "only 30-20 game by a player in Texas history".

Thats wild. What a stat line for Kevin.

[dmb71687]

It will be interesting to see rankings 3-6 next week.

[UNC41]

yeah you basically voiced how i feel. They are a VERY VERY good team, no doubting that. And they are by no means perfect either (my refrences to old UCLA). Like every team right now they have room for improvement. And you are right in when you say how struggling players can derail a team. The one MAJOR item UNC lacks is overall experience, and that is something that cannot be taught. In comparison to Florida, Wisconsin, and EVEN Ohio State (they are young yes but they still start and play many seniors), UNC is severely lacking in the experience category, and that can be the most important part of a team in the NCAA tournament.

The thing is Terry, Q, Wes, Hansbrough, Ginyard, Green and Frasor all have the exact same, or more with some of them, than the 2005 team did. I think they'll be fine.

Announcers were saying "the best single performance in Big 12 history." and the "only 30-20 game by a player in Texas history".

Thats wild. What a stat line for Kevin.

Durant is just plain filthy. He's got the potential to do so many things with his skills and physical attributes. I just hope he doesn't pull a T-Mac and fall in love with his jumper.

[seekupig]

Two words: Oral-Roberts ;)


i remember saying the same thing about Santa Clara a few years back..... how did that work out for the Heels? :lol

[UNC41]

Bob Knight on Kevin Durant

"He's really good. Jesus, the guy is 6'9", he is mobile, he is quick, he's fast. I mean what more does he have to do? There's no secret. There's no secret thing that he drinks before the game or that they rub on his dick before the game that makes him that good. The guy is a great athlete who can really play basketball."

[seekupig]

Bob Knight on Kevin Durant

"He's really good. Jesus, the guy is 6'9", he is mobile, he is quick, he's fast. I mean what more does he have to do? There's no secret. There's no secret thing that he drinks before the game or that they rub on his dick before the game that makes him that good. The guy is a great athlete who can really play basketball."


:lol :lol :lol

[chiznaz]

Our ticket pulling system is a first come first serve basis for the games. People could get in line to pull tickets for the texas game last night starting at 11pm. Tickets would have been available this morning at 7am. This is what it looked like around 11:30pm last night.


http://www.texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=804130&forum_id=7

Ticket pull was canceled.

Here's a youtue video of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjLjyQszEeM

[willthethrill]

Bob Knight on Kevin Durant

"He's really good. Jesus, the guy is 6'9", he is mobile, he is quick, he's fast. I mean what more does he have to do? There's no secret. There's no secret thing that he drinks before the game or that they rub on his dick before the game that makes him that good. The guy is a great athlete who can really play basketball."

One of the best laughs I've had all year. You really never know what you're going to get with this guy. Where did you find that?

Our ticket pulling system is a first come first serve basis for the games. People could get in line to pull tickets for the texas game last night starting at 11pm. Tickets would have been available this morning at 7am. This is what it looked like around 11:30pm last night.


http://www.texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=804130&forum_id=7

Ticket pull was canceled.

Here's a youtue video of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjLjyQszEeM

Wow. That sucks bad.

[2SteppingInVA]

Wow. That sucks bad.
Not as bad as our Internet lottery.

[UNC41]

One of the best laughs I've had all year. You really never know what you're going to get with this guy. Where did you find that?

ESPN Motion. It bleeps out when he says dick, but I'm 95% sure that's what Knight said. That or balls or some other term referring to Durant's package.

[SmoothD41]

ESPN Motion. It bleeps out when he says dick, but I'm 95% sure that's what Knight said. That or balls or some other term referring to Durant's package.

i was thinking it was "ass," maybe not though.

[bubba40]

27-2 run by the Hoyas at one point tonight :D . We move to 16-5 overall, 6-2 in the BE.

[justinandimcool]

What a great game in Virginia. What a shot!

[RJ2kWJ]

Damn...

Ah well. I went in to this game fully expecting a loss so I'm glad it was as tight as it was. What a game.

[SteelerMan]

Seriously, could Mike Patrick please remove Duke's cock from his mouth? Even after the game, when Virginia was rushing the court, he twisted it into a compliment to Duke.

"THIS is how hard it is to beat Duke! THIS is how people react when they finally do beat Duke!"

Blech.

[RJ2kWJ]

Seriously, could Mike Patrick please remove Duke's cock from his mouth? Even after the game, when Virginia was rushing the court, he twisted it into a compliment to Duke.

"THIS is how hard it is to beat Duke! THIS is how people react when they finally do beat Duke!"

Blech.

It's true. Whenever someone beats Duke they go nuts, rush the court, etc...

[SteelerMan]

It's true. Whenever someone beats Duke they go nuts, rush the court, etc...

I agree, but that wasn't the time to point it out. How about giving Virginia credit for pulling off the upset instead of taking it as an opportunity to praise Duke? It wasn't that one comment either... Patrick had been doing it all night. I never have liked him anyway though. I admit, he does the same thing during UNC games.

[RJ2kWJ]

I agree, but that wasn't the time to point it out. How about giving Virginia credit for pulling off the upset instead of taking it as an opportunity to praise Duke? It wasn't that one comment either... Patrick had been doing it all night. I never have liked him anyway though. I admit, he does the same thing during UNC games.

Wouldnt call that much of an upset. If even an upset at all.

That little number to the left of the team name on the TV screen means jack shit.

[UNC41]

I agree, but that wasn't the time to point it out. How about giving Virginia credit for pulling off the upset instead of taking it as an opportunity to praise Duke? It wasn't that one comment either... Patrick had been doing it all night. I never have liked him anyway though. I admit, he does the same thing during UNC games.

Patrick and Elmore suck off dook more than Dookie V. It is so horrible and blatent.

Wouldnt call that much of an upset. If even an upset at all.
That little number to the left of the team name on the TV screen means jack shit.

Virginia is the kind of team that Duke will struggle with. They have good, quick guards. Paulus is a horrible defender.

[willthethrill]

Not as bad as our Internet lottery.
You speak the truth. It's one of the worst things to ever happen to UNC Athletics.

Virginia is the kind of team that Duke will struggle with. They have good, quick guards. Paulus is a horrible defender.
Can't wait for Paulus v. Ty. ohhhh man

[zdaddy]

I agree, but that wasn't the time to point it out. How about giving Virginia credit for pulling off the upset instead of taking it as an opportunity to praise Duke? It wasn't that one comment either... Patrick had been doing it all night. I never have liked him anyway though. I admit, he does the same thing during UNC games.
The media as a whole sucks off on UNC and Duke, no matter how good/bad their teams are.

[unccrombie]

You speak the truth. It's one of the worst things to ever happen to UNC Athletics.


Can't wait for Paulus v. Ty. ohhhh man
he's gonna get eaten alive :(

[UNC41]

Can't wait for Paulus v. Ty. ohhhh man

I could see Coach K putting Nelson on Lawson so Ty can't penetrate at will the entire game. That would leave Scheyer on Terry and Paulus on Ellington, both significant matchup advantages for the Heels, but it would hurt Duke less than if they left Paulus on Lawson.

[chiznaz]

Yeah so the switched to a lottery system for the tickets for the A&M-texas game this sun. There are like 16000 sports passes and 4200 student tickets. Thank goodness I got one:)

Time to focus on Kansas though. I have some friends driving up there right now. It's going to be a good game.

[UNLTrpt]

good to see the boys didn't give up after the KU game.

Nebraska 66
Mizzou 61

[dmb71687]

Uh oh, loooook out Carolina!

[UNC41]

UNC is playing like complete utter shit right now. That technical was horseshit though.

[UNC41]

Why and the hell is Ellington forcing those two shots. This has been horrid to watch.

You've got to give it to NC St. though. They played their minds out and were lights out today. With Astur they are a middle of the road ACC team.

[willthethrill]

Usually when a team shoots 60.5% from the floor and 50% 3s, they win.

[Trippin4136]

Tough road win for the Buckeyes but they got it. Winning at Michigan State is never an easy task.

[HolyCow]

O State lost to the Buffs. Ouch.

[HolyCow]

Big win tonight.

Eat is Bobby.

[chiznaz]

oh man, oh man. i am so excited right now. we just beat the most talented team in the BigXII to take the outright lead. Thank god I recorded this game. I'm freakin shaking:)

[gbs3769]

And Syracuse wins despite themselves. This team just does not know how to hold onto a lead.

- Primo

[unccrombie]

duke better stop losing :lol

[chiznaz]

big game tonight against texas. i'll be heading over in a little bit to get my spot in line outside the arena:)

[Trippin4136]

shouldn't the polls be out by now?

[UNC41]

duke better stop losing :lol

I didn't even see this until just now because of the Super Bowl. I can't even imagine when the last time UNC and Duke met with both teams coming off losses.

[unccrombie]

I didn't even see this until just now because of the Super Bowl. I can't even imagine when the last time UNC and Duke met with both teams coming off losses.
we have a lot of growing up to do in a month, im not confident in this team past the second round. 3rd at most

[41ravens]

shouldn't the polls be out by now?

that's what i'm wondering. maybe with all the crazy shit this weekend, it's taking longer than expected.

[UNC41]

we have a lot of growing up to do in a month, im not confident in this team past the second round. 3rd at most

I'm not concerned. NC St. is a competent ACC team with Astur. They are 7-2 with him this year and 6-6 without him.

That being said, I can't imagine another game where Lawson and Hansbrough are the only two players to show up. Wright and Ellington both scored in double figures, but neither player well. With a bench as talented as North Carolina has there is no way there will be another game this year where they score just 6 points. And for as bad as North Carolina's defense was, the Pack was lights out. They shot 76% in the second half and Fells hit some damn tough threes with guys in his face.

I still believe UNC can beat any team in the nation on a neutral court.

[unccrombie]

1. Florida (30) 21-2 774
2. UCLA (1) 20-2 718
3. Ohio State 20-3 714
4. Wisconsin 22-2 662
5. North Carolina 20-3 631
6. Pittsburgh 20-3 624
7. Texas A&M 19-3 618
8. Kansas 19-4 518
9. Butler 22-2 510
10. Memphis 19-3 494
11. Nevada 21-2 450
12. Marquette 20-4 433
13. Air Force 20-3 388
14. Washington State 19-4 372
15. Oregon 19-4 351
16. Duke 18-5 282
17. Oklahoma State 18-4 219
18. Kentucky 17-5 204
19. Alabama 17-5 144
20. Southern Illinois 19-5 132
21. USC 18-6 89
21. Notre Dame 18-5 89
23. Georgetown 16-5 76
24. Indiana 16-6 74
25. Texas 16-6 58

props to USC, how kentucky is moving that high is beyond me

[Trippin4136]

I knew UCLA would jump us to #2. I think voters had a tough time putting a 3-loss team at #2 even though our 3 losses were to the former #1, 2, 3 teams in the country. I'm not complaining, though it is tough to put us ahead of Wisco and UNC despite our losses to them I will admit that.

Edit: and oh yea, Duke should be lower. Losing to UVA and FSU in one week should have penalized them more than 6 spots.

Edit #2: Texas A&M, Butler, Nevada, Air Force, Washington State all in the Top 15? Wild stuff.

[chiznaz]

A&M should of jumped Pitt. I know I'm a homer, but oh well.

[dmb71687]

How you can put a 3 loss OSU team in front of a 2 loss UW team, who won the only head to head match to date, is beyond me.

[Trippin4136]

I agree dmb. But I guess voters just look on at it on that week's performance.

[HolyCow]

I know most probably don't care, but Jeff Capel may be doing one of the best coaching jobs in the country right now.

OU actually has a legitimate shot at sneaking into the tournament with a few key wins down the stretch. He is getting so much out of his mediocre players that it is ridiculous.

[zdaddy]

1. Florida (30) 21-2 774
2. UCLA (1) 20-2 718
3. Ohio State 20-3 714
4. Wisconsin 22-2 662
5. North Carolina 20-3 631
6. Pittsburgh 20-3 624
7. Texas A&M 19-3 618
8. Kansas 19-4 518
9. Butler 22-2 510
10. Memphis 19-3 494
11. Nevada 21-2 450
12. Marquette 20-4 433
13. Air Force 20-3 388
14. Washington State 19-4 372
15. Oregon 19-4 351
16. Duke 18-5 282
17. Oklahoma State 18-4 219
18. Kentucky 17-5 204
19. Alabama 17-5 144
20. Southern Illinois 19-5 132
21. USC 18-6 89
21. Notre Dame 18-5 89
23. Georgetown 16-5 76
24. Indiana 16-6 74
25. Texas 16-6 58

props to USC, how kentucky is moving that high is beyond me
Move Duke to 20 or worse and then it looks perfect to me.

[UNC41]

Wisconsin should be ahead of OSU and you can go either way with UNC. Texas A&M should be ahead of Pitt, so should Marquette and Kansas. Duke should have fallen more and Indiana should have moved up into the late teens, despite a loss at Iowa, after the big Wisconsin win.

[UNC41]

Here's to seeing a little of this on Wednesday. I love that music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSyovjblsjI&NR

[willthethrill]

I'm not concerned. NC St. is a competent ACC team with Astur. They are 7-2 with him this year and 6-6 without him.

That being said, I can't imagine another game where Lawson and Hansbrough are the only two players to show up. Wright and Ellington both scored in double figures, but neither player well. With a bench as talented as North Carolina has there is no way there will be another game this year where they score just 6 points. And for as bad as North Carolina's defense was, the Pack was lights out. They shot 76% in the second half and Fells hit some damn tough threes with guys in his face.

I still believe UNC can beat any team in the nation on a neutral court.
As always, well said and I agree wholeheartedly.

I find it hard to justify OSU at #3 over two teams that beat them. The way I see it, who do you put in as the top 4 seeds right now if the tourney started tomorrow? My opinion:

1. Florida
2. UCLA
3. Wisconsin
4. UNC

5. OSU (in UNC's bracket, yikes)

[dmb71687]

Why the hell does espn.com have a poll for who should be Nationaly POY, and Alando Tucker isn't even an option? They were praising this guy and basically already labeling him as the POY before they lost ONE GAME @ Indiana. I guess his 23 ppg and 8 rpg last week weren't enough? Tyler Hansbrough, Joakim Noah, and Greg Oden, and no Alando Tucker. Whatta joke.

[unccrombie]

Why the hell does espn.com have a poll for who should be Nationaly POY, and Alando Tucker isn't even an option? They were praising this guy and basically already labeling him as the POY before they lost ONE GAME @ Indiana. I guess his 23 ppg and 8 rpg last week weren't enough? Tyler Hansbrough, Joakim Noah, and Greg Oden, and no Alando Tucker. Whatta joke.
until oden gives me some dominate offense im not sold :lol

[Trippin4136]

I'll admit Oden is definitely NOT POY. Probably not even top 3.

Noah, Durant, Tucker definitely all in front.

[dmb71687]

I'll admit Oden is definitely NOT POY. Probably not even top 3.

Noah, Durant, Tucker definitely all in front.

And really Noah is even a stretch, it's really a 2 man race IMO. And an interesting one at that.

[gbs3769]

Mediocrity is bliss.

- Primo

[UNC41]

I'll admit Oden is definitely NOT POY. Probably not even top 3.

Noah, Durant, Tucker definitely all in front.

Noah's the most overrated in college basketball. Oden deserves to be on the list before him. If anyone is going to be on there from Florida I'd say Taureen Green.

If ESPN is going to narrow it down to four it should be Durant, Tucker, Fazekars and Brooks.

[chiznaz]

Durant is freakishly insane at bball. It was something else watching him tonight. It was also proof that one man can't force a team to win all by himself. I was pumped the way we played. We might be ahead of Kansas right now, but it's going to be damn hard to stay in front of them.

[unccrombie]

Mediocrity is bliss.

- Primo
played decent all night, just crapped out at the end there. foul trouble hurt

[gbs3769]

played decent all night, just crapped out at the end there. foul trouble hurt
I've come to terms with the fact that we are an NIT team this year because we have no one that plays with real heart.

I can not wait for 2007-2008.

- Primo

[rconverse]

duke better stop losing :lol

They have been very frustrating to watch. I am still predicting an upset tomorrow night though.

[unccrombie]

They have been very frustrating to watch. I am still predicting an upset tomorrow night though.
i wouldnt call an upset beating unc at cameron with a decent team, espcially since we've been equally inconsistant. the only upset i could've thought of would have been when QT was running the point for UNC in the dreadful season i'm trying to forget

[UNC41]

i wouldnt call an upset beating unc at cameron with a decent team, espcially since we've been equally inconsistant. the only upset i could've thought of would have been when QT was running the point for UNC in the dreadful season i'm trying to forget

What dreadful season are you referring to? The Heels won it all QTs freshman year and last year he played out of his mind in the win at Cameron.

[Trippin4136]

Ohio State - Michigan tonight!

Let's do it and hand tSUN another loss to the Buckeyes!

[unccrombie]

What dreadful season are you referring to? The Heels won it all QTs freshman year and last year he played out of his mind in the win at Cameron.
02-03, im wrong abot QT, my bad

[willthethrill]

i wouldnt call an upset beating unc at cameron with a decent team, espcially since we've been equally inconsistant. the only upset i could've thought of would have been when QT was running the point for UNC in the dreadful season i'm trying to forget
I think that's an upset. By far. Even in this rivalry.

[dmb71687]

I think that's an upset. By far. Even in this rivalry.

Definitely agree. If UNC is the "best team in America" like a lot of people claim them to be, a loss at a below average Duke team would definitely be an upset.

[unccrombie]

Definitely agree. If UNC is the "best team in America" like a lot of people claim them to be, a loss at a below average Duke team would definitely be an upset.
but theyre not, and if you still think that, then...god bless

[dmb71687]

but theyre not, and if you still think that, then...god bless

..What? I never said I did think that...

[unccrombie]

..What? I never said I did think that...
i lack the ability to read it seems :lol sheeeeeeeeeesh

[willthethrill]

i lack the ability to read it seems :lol sheeeeeeeeeesh
There is a greater disparity in this year's rankings (UNC-5, Duke-16) than last year (Duke-1, UNC-10) and I would certainly call last year an upset. I'd even contend that 16 is a little high for Duke right now.

*AP Rankings

[unccrombie]

There is a greater disparity in this year's rankings (UNC-5, Duke-16) than last year (Duke-1, UNC-10) and I would certainly call last year an upset. I'd even contend that 16 is a little high for Duke right now.

*AP Rankings
it's still really hard to pick against duke at home, espcially with both teams being inconsistent. from a betting standpoint i'd like to see things

did some looking up:

Feb. 7 N. Carolina
6 p.m. at Duke
Favorite NC
Point spread -4

[chiznaz]

Good grief where is Seekupig! I need to talk BigXII ball with someone. He hasn't been in here since the A&M-KU game (I'm pretty sure that's not why he's gone:)) Anyways, I don't know how much more UNC chat I can take.

[UNLTrpt]

Good grief where is Seekupig! I need to talk BigXII ball with someone. He hasn't been in here since the A&M-KU game (I'm pretty sure that's not why he's gone:)) Anyways, I don't know how much more UNC chat I can take.

you and me this week buddy.

[UNLTrpt]

Nebraska gets lucky and wins @ Texas Tech on a last second 3pt basket.

Nebraska - 61
Texas Tech "Bobby Knight" Red Raiders -59

[chiznaz]

you and me this week buddy.


it's going to be a good one. I know this isn't basketball, but one day I'm going to make it to Lincoln for a football game.

back to basketball. I'm not really caught up on nebraska too much, but beating a team coached by Bobby Knight is never an easy task. I didn't watch yalls game, but I'll be watching our game on saturday for sure:)

[UNLTrpt]

it's going to be a good one. I know this isn't basketball, but one day I'm going to make it to Lincoln for a football game.

back to basketball. I'm not really caught up on nebraska too much, but beating a team coached by Bobby Knight is never an easy task. I didn't watch yalls game, but I'll be watching our game on saturday for sure:)

I look at it this way.

Texas aTm beats KU

KU dismantles Nebraska

aTm and Nebraska...not very difficult.

[mizzoudmbfan]

This Missouri team continues to confound me. We can't beat tNU on our home court(no offense Dan) but then we travel to Ames and beat tISU by 22 points in Hilton Clsm(granted it's no Cameron Indoor et al but Missouri hasn't been able to win there since '99 and they claim that whole "Hilton Magic" thing etc).

Someone on tigerboard posted that we are 1-6 in games decided by 7 points or less and 13-2(one of these losses came at the hands of tKDU...that is THE Kevin Durant University) in the rest.

NIT Champs!!! You heard it here first.:lol

[unccrombie]

only the greatest game ever is on tonight.....yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeha!

[snow1868]

only the greatest game ever is on tonight.....yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeha!

Bedlam baby! Oh wait, is there another game on? ;)

[RJ2kWJ]

only the greatest game ever is on tonight.....yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeha!

Good luck to your squad. I cant wait to see how Josh handles himself with Tyler... Tyler is unreal.

Im going into this game scared as a bitch haha. Only a shat ton of our good defense will keep us in this thing, and hopefully we can catch fire like NC State did and we need the good Greg to show up, not the retarded one. :lol

:multi BIGGEST RIVALRY IN COLLEGE B-BALL TONIGHT!!!! :multi

[neumdogg]

Biggest game of the season tonight for my 19th ranked USC Trojans. We need to take down those pesky Bruins.

[UNC41]

only the greatest game ever is on tonight.....yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeha!

Played in the biggest dump ever. :D

Good luck to your squad. I cant wait to see how Josh handles himself with Tyler... Tyler is unreal.

Im going into this game scared as a bitch haha. Only a shat ton of our good defense will keep us in this thing, and hopefully we can catch fire like NC State did and we need the good Greg to show up, not the retarded one. :lol

:multi BIGGEST RIVALRY IN COLLEGE B-BALL TONIGHT!!!! :multi

I don't think Duke has the horses inside to bang with Hansbrouh, Wright, Thompson and Stepheson. I know Zoubek is about as coordinated as Surge Zwicker, but he may be needed as McEuro and Thomas will need help in the post. I also really hope Paulus is left to guard Lawson all game. Coach K will probably not deviate from his typical man to man defense and that matchup could kill the dookies. I hope Ty plays 30 minutes tonight. My prediction ...

North Carolina - 78
Duke - 69

[UNLTrpt]

This Missouri team continues to confound me. We can't beat tNU on our home court(no offense Dan) but then we travel to Ames and beat tISU by 22 points in Hilton Clsm(granted it's no Cameron Indoor et al but Missouri hasn't been able to win there since '99 and they claim that whole "Hilton Magic" thing etc).

Someone on tigerboard posted that we are 1-6 in games decided by 7 points or less and 13-2(one of these losses came at the hands of tKDU...that is THE Kevin Durant University) in the rest.

NIT Champs!!! You heard it here first.:lol

hey. no offense taken. Nebraska hadn't won there in 11 years. I'd say thats a steal for us.

:lol at tKDU :lol

[willthethrill]

Played in the biggest dump ever. :D



I don't think Duke has the horses inside to bang with Hansbrouh, Wright, Thompson and Stepheson. I know Zoubek is about as coordinated as Surge Zwicker, but he may be needed as McEuro and Thomas will need help in the post. I also really hope Paulus is left to guard Lawson all game. Coach K will probably not deviate from his typical man to man defense and that matchup could kill the dookies. I hope Ty plays 30 minutes tonight. My prediction ...

North Carolina - 78
Duke - 69
I say we foul out the entire starting lineup. We might have to wait until the Dome to do that though. ACC refs in cameron :twak

[unccrombie]

as long as we're taking score unc 70, duke 65

[seekupig]

Good grief where is Seekupig! I need to talk BigXII ball with someone. He hasn't been in here since the A&M-KU game (I'm pretty sure that's not why he's gone:)) Anyways, I don't know how much more UNC chat I can take.


i'm here. wasn't around this weekend, and have been pretty busy with work this week. good game for you guys this weekend in Lawrence. KU's lack of a go to guy at the end of games really showed in that game. hoping for a rematch in the Big XII championship game....

p.s. i'll never run from a loss, look at the past few years around here. i've always been back on the boards taking my medicine the day after KU's first round losses in the tourney.... :lol

[unccrombie]

hell of a coaching job by roy, thats how you win games

[justinandimcool]

USC leads UCLA at halftime. Pretty awesome game. We pretty much controlled the first 15 minutes pretty handly, but the Bruins being the Bruins they managed to make it close. Very nervewrecking :BANG

[unccrombie]

USC leads UCLA at halftime. Pretty awesome game. We pretty much controlled the first 15 minutes pretty handly, but the Bruins being the Bruins they managed to make it close. Very nervewrecking :BANG
im rootin for ya!

[HolyCow]

Huge win tonight.

OU is knocking on the tournament's door.

[bubba40]

Louisville set a school record with only 1 turnover, and we still won. We're at 17-5, 7-2. Mark my words, we'll make strong noise in the tournament.

[seekupig]

Mark my words, we'll make strong noise in the tournament.

it all depends on your draw in the brackets.....

i've learned that the hard way the past couple of years.

[justinandimcool]

:BANG
:BANG
:BANG

So USC loses to UCLA twice this season by a total of 6 points. FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hopefully we can get some brownie points for that. So many turnovers and blown opportunities at the end. Technical fouls and toes on the line on crucial 3 point shots. :(


To make matters worse, I lost $5 on a UCLA by 3.5 spread. They make 2 free throws with 4 tenths of a second left to win by 5. :lorraine

[HolyCow]

Any believers in the Sooners making some noise down the stretch?

And how about Jeff Capel for Coach of the Year?

[bubba40]

Any believers in the Sooners making some noise down the stretch?

And how about Jeff Capel for Coach of the Year?

I think they have strong potential to make noise, yeah.

Maybe not this year, but Jeff Capel will without a doubt be in COTY discussions in the future. Great mind.

[2SteppingInVA]

it all depends on your draw in the brackets.....

i've learned that the hard way the past couple of years.
:lol:lol:lol Those weren't the draw. You lost to sub-par teams. Deal with it.

[UNLTrpt]

Any believers in the Sooners making some noise down the stretch?

royce?!?!?!

look at that schedule:

home vs. Texas, Kansas, A&M
@ ISU, Mizzou, KSU

That's a TOUGH 6 games.

[UNLTrpt]

:lol:lol:lol Those weren't the draw. You lost to sub-par teams. Deal with it.

ouch.

[clayj41]

Ah, victory is sweet!:multi

[seekupig]

:lol:lol:lol Those weren't the draw. You lost to sub-par teams. Deal with it.

sub-par teams that matched up well with KU. not to mention they were both teams with a lot of seniors playing against Kansas teams that were seeded higher than they should have been. similar to UNC vs. George Mason last year....

[willthethrill]

Here's to Frasor, Ginyard, Green, and Hansbrough (not that he'll stay all 4) for a sweep at Cameron. Girl flashing boobs on Franklin St., I think we should do that more often.
:bounce :bounce :bounce

[snow1868]

Tough loss last night. We did play better on the road this time, but it's still not enough. Come on Pokes, let's win a road game!

[2SteppingInVA]

sub-par teams that matched up well with KU. not to mention they were both teams with a lot of seniors playing against Kansas teams that were seeded higher than they should have been. similar to UNC vs. George Mason last year....
We lost to an inferior team. We played like shit. I'm not saying we got a bad draw in the tourney just because we lost to an 11 seed.
Here's to Frasor, Ginyard, Green, and Hansbrough (not that he'll stay all 4) for a sweep at Cameron. Girl flashing boobs on Franklin St., I think we should do that more often.

Last night was crazy!

[seekupig]

We lost to an inferior team. We played like shit. I'm not saying we got a bad draw in the tourney just because we lost to an 11 seed.


i'm not saying that KU lost solely because of their draw, simply saying that there are lower seeds that you'd rather not be matched up with because of style of play. KU has always had problems with teams that play 2-3 zone on defense and shoot a lot of three's. any team like that is a team i'd want to avoid in the early rounds....

[mizzoudmbfan]

playing against Kansas teams that were seeded higher than they should have been.....

Wait a second, if you are seeded higher than you should have been then you are actually playing a lower seed and there for(in theory) a worse team, right? So you are saying that 4 kansas couldn't beat 13 Bradley but(let's say for instance) 6 Kansas could have beat 11 SDSU?:p

I'm just busting your chops.

[GavMan33]

So apparently I just found this thread. So I must ask; any Atlantic 10 fans in the spot? I see the Big XII and ACC are well-represented, and I must give my congrats to Chapel Hill for last night.

[GavMan33]

Wait a second, if you are seeded higher than you should have been then you are actually playing a lower seed and there for(in theory) a worse team, right? So you are saying that 4 kansas couldn't beat 13 Bradley but(let's say for instance) 6 Kansas could have beat 11 SDSU?:p

I'm just busting your chops.

I'll hop in and quote from the 05 Tourney. Kansas lost by 1-point to a very hot Bucknell team (I actually picked that game in my bracket that year). But maybe if they have a lower seed, they would play an at-large team, instead of a team that had to get hot to win its conference championship to get into the field of 65. Just a thought....

[HolyCow]

royce?!?!?!

look at that schedule:

home vs. Texas, Kansas, A&M
@ ISU, Mizzou, KSU

That's a TOUGH 6 games.
A guy can dream can't he?

[rconverse]

Here's to Frasor, Ginyard, Green, and Hansbrough (not that he'll stay all 4) for a sweep at Cameron. Girl flashing boobs on Franklin St., I think we should do that more often.
:bounce :bounce :bounce

Duke should win next year at home at least. They should have won last night, but they went into their second half cocoon like they have every game I have watched this year. Hell, free throws alone could have won it, not to mention Nelson throwing the ball away, dropping passes and missing layups routinely.

This has been by far the most frustrating team to watch in a long, long time.

[GavMan33]

Duke should win next year at home at least. They should have won last night, but they went into their second half cocoon like they have every game I have watched this year. Hell, free throws alone could have won it, not to mention Nelson throwing the ball away, dropping passes and missing layups routinely.

This has been by far the most frustrating team to watch in a long, long time.

Buddy whoa. You try watching Xavier Basketball for the last three years. Now that's what I call frustrating....

[SteelerMan]

Duke should win next year at home at least. They should have won last night, but they went into their second half cocoon like they have every game I have watched this year. Hell, free throws alone could have won it, not to mention Nelson throwing the ball away, dropping passes and missing layups routinely.

This has been by far the most frustrating team to watch in a long, long time.

No... no they shouldn't. If not for their miraculous shooting in the first half and Scheyer having the game of his life, it wouldn't have even been close.

[2SteppingInVA]

Duke should win next year at home at least. They should have won last night, but they went into their second half cocoon like they have every game I have watched this year. Hell, free throws alone could have won it, not to mention Nelson throwing the ball away, dropping passes and missing layups routinely.

This has been by far the most frustrating team to watch in a long, long time.
All those things that you say Duke did in the second half Carolina did in the first. However for Carolina, that is not typical.
No... no they shouldn't. If not for their miraculous shooting in the first half and Scheyer having the game of his life, it wouldn't have even been close.
Exactly. Duke was playing out of their minds at the beginning. If you watched them at all this season, that was not typcial. In the second half both teams started looking like themselves, and that was not so good for the Dookies. Also, a big reason they lost was depth. They were noticeably tired in the last few minutes, compared to a UNC team that might as well be just starting the game with all their depth.

[rconverse]

No... no they shouldn't. If not for their miraculous shooting in the first half and Scheyer having the game of his life, it wouldn't have even been close.

When you lead a team the majority of the game, you should win. That doesn't necessarily mean you deserve to win though.

First, Scheyer is a very good payer. Second, I wouldn't call the shooting 'miraculous'. They are a good shooting team. Getting those shots is difficult. You could also say that had Nelson not played the worst game of his carrer and horrible free throw shooting in the second half Duke wins by ten and the game isn't even close.

Do you seriously think Carolina is that good?

[UNLTrpt]

A guy can dream can't he?

oh yeah he can. but lets get back into reality here buddy:p

[rconverse]

All those things that you say Duke did in the second half Carolina did in the first. However for Carolina, that is not typical.

Exactly. Duke was playing out of their minds at the beginning. If you watched them at all this season, that was not typcial. In the second half both teams started looking like themselves, and that was not so good for the Dookies. Also, a big reason they lost was depth. They were noticeably tired in the last few minutes, compared to a UNC team that might as well be just starting the game with all their depth.


It's not like Carolina's second half was all that great. It was enough to win, barely.

Have you not seen Duke's last three losses? All of them with double digit leads early in the second half until they go into a scoring slump for the rest of the game. Do you propose that for every game Duke plays 'out of their mind' in the first half and then shows how 'bad' they are in the second? Not true at all. They have no scorer and no leader, so when the game gets close, they choke. They can play with any team the first 30 minutes. It's the last ten, that they suck at. They need to learn to win. They are young and teams go through that. But to say the game shouldn't have been close shows a crazy bias towards UNC and is just wrong. It really isn't even a matter of opinion.

[SteelerMan]

Do you seriously think Carolina is that good?

Yes, and it's not just because I'm a UNC fan.

[rconverse]

Yes, and it's not just because I'm a UNC fan.

That is ridiculous. They are very inconsistent. Lucky to make elite eight this year. I do not consider that good for Carolina standards.

[UNC41]

When you lead a team the majority of the game, you should win. That doesn't necessarily mean you deserve to win though.

First, Scheyer is a very good payer. Second, I wouldn't call the shooting 'miraculous'. They are a good shooting team. Getting those shots is difficult. You could also say that had Nelson not played the worst game of his carrer and horrible free throw shooting in the second half Duke wins by ten and the game isn't even close.

Do you seriously think Carolina is that good?

I'll agree that Scheyer is a good player, but he had the best game of his career. You can't expect to get that from him every night. Also, Paulus didn't turn the ball over once. That is insane. His shot selection was horrid in the second half, but zero turnovers from Greg Paulus was mindboggling. It was the first time that happened all year.

Duke's shooting was lights out early, but that was in part due to horrid North Carolina defense in the first half. They had open shots, and were knocking them down. It wasn't miraculous, but a good job of hitting open jumpers.

What was really frustrating is that the Heels played with about zero heart for the first 30 minute of the game. I honestly believe Wes Miller was the catalyst for the change in that. The game completely changed after he knocked down that three with about 10:00 left. There is no reason he should need to be in the game with all of the talent North Carolina has, but the entire team was feeding off the hustle Wes showed playing on the ball defense.

The bolded statement isn't even close to true. Henderson picked up Nelson's slack on the wing (Nelson also scored 12 of his own). I can easily counter it with Ellington playing his worst game since arriving at North Carolina and a Hansbrough, a first-team All-ACC player, giving the Heels absolutely nothing in the first half. As for the free throws, yes they missed a bunch down the stretch, but they also were perfect in the first half. Duke shot 63% for the game and are shooting 70% from the year. They shot 3/10 in the second half, and if they would have made their season average it would have been four more points and still not a win.

[SteelerMan]

That is ridiculous. They are very inconsistent. Lucky to make elite eight this year. I do not consider that good for Carolina standards.

I'd say they're actually pretty consistent for a team starting three freshmen and a sophomore. I mean, what do they have to do to prove to you that they're consistent? Win every single game? Of course they're going to have off nights. Who doesn't?

[rconverse]

I'll agree that Scheyer is a good player, but he had the best game of his career. You can't expect to get that from him every night. Also, Paulus didn't turn the ball over once. That is insane. His shot selection was horrid in the second half, but zero turnovers from Greg Paulus was mindboggling. It was the first time that happened all year.

Duke's shooting was lights out early, but that was in part due to horrid North Carolina defense in the first half. They had open shots, and were knocking them down. It wasn't miraculous, but a good job of hitting open jumpers.

What was really frustrating is that the Heels played with about zero heart for the first 30 minute of the game. I honestly believe Wes Miller was the catalyst for the change in that. The game completely changed after he knocked down that three with about 10:00 left. There is no reason he should need to be in the game with all of the talent North Carolina has, but the entire team was feeding off the hustle Wes showed playing on the ball defense.

The bolded statement isn't even close to true. Henderson picked up Nelson's slack on the wing (Nelson also scored 12 of his own). I can easily counter it with Ellington playing his worst game since arriving at North Carolina and a Hansbrough, a first-team All-ACC player, giving the Heels absolutely nothing in the first half. As for the free throws, yes they missed a bunch down the stretch, but they also were perfect in the first half. Duke shot 63% for the game and are shooting 70% from the year. They shot 3/10 in the second half, and if they would have made their season average it would have been four more points and still not a win.

I pretty much agree with everything you have written. I would expec to see more of Scheyer and Paulus scoring in the future. I also see Paulus turning the ball over less, although zero last night was unexpected.

Duke shot well early and cooled later in the first half and then was frigid in the second. That certainly allowed Carolina to string enough 'stops and scores' to tie and then eventually take the lead for good. Again though, no one for Duke was confident enough to take a shot when the game was tight. Everyone was hitting when it was early and there was no pressure. When they started to feel the pressure, they tensed up. That has been there M.O. since Jay Williams. Carolina has the players that want the ball and can take those shots and it's not just TH. If Duke had a 'go to' player, I think they win last night. But it is not like I ever saw UNC go on a run where I thought they looked like a legitimate National Champion contender.

Also, don't put off the Duke defense in this game. Watching TH get stuffed twice on an attempted drop step and shoot the 10 foot jumper is from good scouting. Duke traditionally plays very good defense for about 33 - 37 minutes of a basketball game. This year, UNC is not. I would say on good nights you are getting 30-35 minutes of good defense (against NCSt, it was probably more like 15). Once UNC starts playing 35 - 40 minutes of solid team defense, they will see how good they can be. Until then, they will have those 'drop off' games where they look like an average team.

[rconverse]

I'd say they're actually pretty consistent for a team starting three freshmen and a sophomore. I mean, what do they have to do to prove to you that they're consistent? Win every single game? Of course they're going to have off nights. Who doesn't?

Defensively, they are one of the most inconsistent teams in the country. If that were more consistent, no one would even notice 'off' nights because they would still be winning by twenty.

Do you really think NCSt was an 'off' night? I refer to an 'off' night as for wahtever reason the shots aren't falling, but you are playing hard. Therefore, IMO the NCSt game should be a little worrisome.

[GavMan33]

Forgive me for maybe overstepping my bounds, but big game in the Atlantic 10 tonight. Rhode Island @ UMass for first place in the conference. I am a Xavier fan, and we are .5 behind right now, and GW right behind X....

[UNC41]

I pretty much agree with everything you have written. I would expec to see more of Scheyer and Paulus scoring in the future. I also see Paulus turning the ball over less, although zero last night was unexpected.

Duke shot well early and cooled later in the first half and then was frigid in the second. That certainly allowed Carolina to string enough 'stops and scores' to tie and then eventually take the lead for good. Again though, no one for Duke was confident enough to take a shot when the game was tight. Everyone was hitting when it was early and there was no pressure. When they started to feel the pressure, they tensed up. That has been there M.O. since Jay Williams. Carolina has the players that want the ball and can take those shots and it's not just TH. If Duke had a 'go to' player, I think they win last night. But it is not like I ever saw UNC go on a run where I thought they looked like a legitimate National Champion contender.

Also, don't put off the Duke defense in this game. Watching TH get stuffed twice on an attempted drop step and shoot the 10 foot jumper is from good scouting. Duke traditionally plays very good defense for about 33 - 37 minutes of a basketball game. This year, UNC is not. I would say on good nights you are getting 30-35 minutes of good defense (against NCSt, it was probably more like 15). Once UNC starts playing 35 - 40 minutes of solid team defense, they will see how good they can be. Until then, they will have those 'drop off' games where they look like an average team.

Duke didn't shoot as well in the second half, but North Carolina also played much better defense. The Blue Devils had far fewer wide open jumpers. That was evident as Paulus took a number of bad shots in the second half. North Carolina has shown they need a more consistent defensive effort the past two games. It was something they had done consistently for five games after the loss to VaTech. Overall the Heels are still the second most effecient in the nation.

It was the complete opposite when it comes to Duke's defense. North Carolina shot almost 60% in the second half and over 50% for the game. Duke didn't play stiffling defense. Hansbrough was able to operate much better, nobody came close to stopping Wright and Lawson was able to penetrate at will.

North Carolina didn't look like a national title contender in the first half. They didn't play with nearly enough heart. Once they started to do so they controlled the game, which was evident down the stretch. I'm confident North Carolina team with the talent they have this year, who can go into Cameron and win, will be a national title contender at the end of the year.

People will talk about the Heels depth hindering them come March, but Wright and Lawson stepped it up late and played great basketball. You know Roy's not worried about it because he called that iso for Lawson that put North Carolina up 7 after he blew by Paulus and got three the hard way.

[zdaddy]

I dont think UNC has any problem with debth or a lacking defense. Duke just had insanely good ball movement and passing in the first half, and i would have liked to see any team guard them very well in such events. I've said it before and ill say it again, UNC's downfall will be there lack of experience in the tournament. I honestly think they will come upon a decent midmajor team and lose simply because the not so known schools have that element of surprise that younger teams tend to overlook (Kansas and UNC last year and years prior for example)

[HolyCow]

Forgive me for maybe overstepping my bounds, but big game in the Atlantic 10 tonight. Rhode Island @ UMass for first place in the conference. I am a Xavier fan, and we are .5 behind right now, and GW right behind X....
In this thread, unless you talk about the ACC, no one cares.

But good luck to Xavier. How's Drew treating you guys? I always like that kid.

[GavMan33]

In this thread, unless you talk about the ACC, no one cares.

But good luck to Xavier. How's Drew treating you guys? I always like that kid.

I saw you earlier with the Big XII, so I guess there's some Big XII love in here too. I understand, I probably look like a big douche coming in here and talking about something besides one of the Power 6, but still. I used to root for Carolina, but then I went to college and changed.

And yes, #24 Lavender has been a great pickup for us. He was A-10 Player of the Week last week, and last night I think his line read something like 7 points, 8 assists, and 0 turnovers. He's definitely been a wonderful player for us early, hopefully it continues on. So yes, we thank those of you in Norman to further his progress along, so hopefully he can lead us deep into the postseason this year.

[UNC41]

I dont think UNC has any problem with debth or a lacking defense. Duke just had insanely good ball movement and passing in the first half, and i would have liked to see any team guard them very well in such events. I've said it before and ill say it again, UNC's downfall will be there lack of experience in the tournament. I honestly think they will come upon a decent midmajor team and lose simply because the not so known schools have that element of surprise that younger teams tend to overlook (Kansas and UNC last year and years prior for example)

North Carolina did not play good defense in the second half last night. Yes, Duke moved the ball well, but they did it against poor defense. The second half was a different story.

I'm not particularly worried about youth. Hansbrough, Ginyard, Frasor, Green have as much experience as the whole 2005 team did when they won it all. Terry, Thomas and Miller have more. Go ahead and look at Florida last year. Noah had and Horford had scored a total of 0 points in the NCAA Tournament last March. Green and Brewer had scored over 10 points once collectively.

[HolyCow]

I saw you earlier with the Big XII, so I guess there's some Big XII love in here too. I understand, I probably look like a big douche coming in here and talking about something besides one of the Power 6, but still. I used to root for Carolina, but then I went to college and changed.


Yeah, there's 3 or 4 of us Big XIIers.

[GavMan33]

Yeah, there's 3 or 4 of us Big XIIers.

Well I'll give a little love for Coach Capel. Now is Oklahoma on probation? I believe they are for Coach Sampson's sins? What kind of sanctions do they have?

[UNC41]

In this thread, unless you talk about the ACC, no one cares.

But good luck to Xavier. How's Drew treating you guys? I always like that kid.

Of course most of the talk will center around UNC/Duke the week of the game, but people don't come in here too often looking to talk about other teams. I run the poll, and there is only one fan of a non-ACC team who contributes on a consistent basis. That says a little something.

[GavMan33]

Of course most of the talk will center around UNC/Duke the week of the game, but people don't come in here too often looking to talk about other teams. I run the poll, and there is only one fan of a non-ACC team who contributes on a consistent basis. That says a little something.

Hey bro, I hear you. I posted in the MLB thread all of last season, and there were very few regulars in there that didn't either back the Yankees or the Red Sox. And the talk is almost always about either the Yanks or Sawx. So I hear you about the Duke/UNC thing. I promise to talk a little Duke/UNC in here if you can talk a little A-10 with me....

EDIT: LOL you're the dude! You're on of the few over in the MLB thread, aren't you? Minnesota Twins right?? Damn, go figure.

[UNC41]

Hey bro, I hear you. I posted in the MLB thread all of last season, and there were very few regulars in there that didn't either back the Yankees or the Red Sox. And the talk is almost always about either the Yanks or Sawx. So I hear you about the Duke/UNC thing. I promise to talk a little Duke/UNC in here if you can talk a little A-10 with me....

EDIT: LOL you're the dude! You're on of the few over in the MLB thread, aren't you? Minnesota Twins right?? Damn, go figure.

Yeah, that's me. And I'd be more than happy to talk A-10 ball with you, but it's been weeks since I've seen a game. I'm living with my cousin in Minneapolis temporairly and she doesn't get cable, so they only games I've seen have been on ABC and CBS on the weekend.

[chiznaz]

Of course most of the talk will center around UNC/Duke the week of the game, but people don't come in here too often looking to talk about other teams. I run the poll, and there is only one fan of a non-ACC team who contributes on a consistent basis. That says a little something.

I'm trying to contribute more:) It's rough going to class and trying to track down a ticket for the next home game.

[rconverse]

Duke didn't shoot as well in the second half, but North Carolina also played much better defense. The Blue Devils had far fewer wide open jumpers. That was evident as Paulus took a number of bad shots in the second half. North Carolina has shown they need a more consistent defensive effort the past two games. It was something they had done consistently for five games after the loss to VaTech. Overall the Heels are still the second most effecient in the nation.

It was the complete opposite when it comes to Duke's defense. North Carolina shot almost 60% in the second half and over 50% for the game. Duke didn't play stiffling defense. Hansbrough was able to operate much better, nobody came close to stopping Wright and Lawson was able to penetrate at will.

North Carolina didn't look like a national title contender in the first half. They didn't play with nearly enough heart. Once they started to do so they controlled the game, which was evident down the stretch. I'm confident North Carolina team with the talent they have this year, who can go into Cameron and win, will be a national title contender at the end of the year.

People will talk about the Heels depth hindering them come March, but Wright and Lawson stepped it up late and played great basketball. You know Roy's not worried about it because he called that iso for Lawson that put North Carolina up 7 after he blew by Paulus and got three the hard way.


I don't see them being true contenders this year. There are too many other teams out there that can beat them on a given night.

I am just hoping Duke makes the tourny! They have a very rough schedule ahead including a trip to the Dean Dome at the end of the year that could go very badly for them.

[unccrombie]

I don't see them being true contenders this year. There are too many other teams out there that can beat them on a given night.

I am just hoping Duke makes the tourny! They have a very rough schedule ahead including a trip to the Dean Dome at the end of the year that could go very badly for them.
out in the second round IMO

[HolyCow]

Well I'll give a little love for Coach Capel. Now is Oklahoma on probation? I believe they are for Coach Sampson's sins? What kind of sanctions do they have?
No... we really weren't penalized at all.

[GavMan33]

No... we really weren't penalized at all.

Hm. My apologies then, I guess all the restrictions followed Coach Sampson to IU then.

For those that care, UMass blew out previous first-place Rhode Island tonight in the A-10. With the win, UMass moves atop the A-10 standing at 7-2, while Rhody and Xavier at .5 back at 7-3. GW is a full game back at 6-3. HUGE game with implications this weekend, Xavier @ GW, 8pm on ESPN2. I will be at the Smith Center for the game, I suggest you all tune in.

One other point of news. This year's feel-good story (in my opinion) has been the Dukes of Duquesne. After the awful events in the fall when 5 of their players were shot, and then having a bad start to their season (save their win vs. BC), they have really turned it around. Coach Ron Everhart is using a 5-in, 5-out system there, and it's working. The have now won 5 games in a row, scoring insane amounts of points. They don't play any defense, but they outscore their opponents. Their RPI has gone from like 280ish 3 weeks ago to 160. How about that? They are now 6-4 in the A-10, pretty remarkable for a squad playing lots of walk-ons.

[bubba40]

Notre Dame's bragging rights in the Big East will not be down for breakfast.

[bubba40]

From today's Washington Post:

"The rankings are such that [poll voters] rank but they don't watch," Pitino said of Georgetown's No. 22 ranking in the Associated Press poll. "There are not 20 teams better than Georgetown. Georgetown is a top seven or eight team in the country, no question. If you watch, you understand that they have two lottery picks and also some other outstanding players."

[dmb71687]

From today's Washington Post:

"The rankings are such that [poll voters] rank but they don't watch," Pitino said of Georgetown's No. 22 ranking in the Associated Press poll. "There are not 20 teams better than Georgetown. Georgetown is a top seven or eight team in the country, no question. If you watch, you understand that they have two lottery picks and also some other outstanding players."

Hmmm, for some reason I have a hard time believing Rick Pitino "watches" every top 25 game either. Sounds more like a cry out to the selection committee to defend a home conference loss come tournament time, to me anyways.

[unccrombie]

From today's Washington Post:

"The rankings are such that [poll voters] rank but they don't watch," Pitino said of Georgetown's No. 22 ranking in the Associated Press poll. "There are not 20 teams better than Georgetown. Georgetown is a top seven or eight team in the country, no question. If you watch, you understand that they have two lottery picks and also some other outstanding players."
no...but whatever. you should be higher than kentucky though, god

[UNC41]

I hate Daniel Powder, but this is a must-post. Gotta love McSoberts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHcmsui7uKM

Bubba, Georgetown is one of the teams I think could do damage in the tournament, but I don't believe Pitino has that right at this moment. Right now I think Marquette is the best team in the Big East and Georgetown and Pitt are 2/3.

[willthethrill]

I hate Daniel Powder, but this is a must-post. Gotta love McSoberts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHcmsui7uKM

Ty is so ripped.

[chiznaz]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2759957

Shelby Metcalf passed away last evening here in CS. He was everything A&M is all about. He's definitely going to be missed. His wife sits close to my parents at all the games, and she's been there every night. I'm just glad he passed knowing A&M's finally turned the corner and heading in the right direction with the program.

[justinandimcool]

West Virginia is exploding on the Bruins. :multi

[justinandimcool]

:multi :multi :multi :bounce

[thestand]

FUUUUUUUUCK. ABC isn't carrying Oregon here. Dammit.

[willthethrill]

:multi :multi :multi :bounce
Yea, I don't know that the Bruins have a national championship in them.

UNC pastes Wake by 37. Wisconsin wins in their style. Let's see what UF does in Rupp.

[bubba40]

Right now I think Marquette is the best team in the Big East and Georgetown and Pitt are 2/3.

Still think that? ;)

[HolyCow]

And the Chokes somehow win one.

[thestand]

Oregon B-ball is turning into Oregon football. Good start, and now we're in the "what the fuck is going on!?!" part of the year :lol :lorraine

[HolyCow]

Oregon B-ball is turning into Oregon football. Good start, and now we're in the "what the fuck is going on!?!" part of the year :lol :lorraine
Did the basketball team get an illegitimate win too?



;)

[snow1868]

And the Chokes somehow win one.


And yet they still won. Winning ugly is still winning last time I checked. Good four point win over Baylor, I guess the Sooners "somehow" won that one.

We can't win on the road, but sure are one hell of an overtime team. 4-0 this year. 3-0 in games with more than one overtime. If only we can sneak out a road win.

[thestand]

Did the basketball team get an illegitimate win too?
;)Actually, I think we did :lol


I'm pretty sure I remember the clock starting a good second and a half after an inbound, giving us enough time for the win. So yeah... duck luck? :p

[mizzoudmbfan]

So uh Dustin, do you know if Julian and Brandon will just send the certificate directly to me or what?

And the Chokes somehow win one.

And Royce somehow continues his fixation with all things Orange and Black.

[snow1868]

And Royce somehow continues his fixation with all things Orange and Black.

And still claims that we're not a rival. :rolleyes

[budgrove]

wahoo....another pitt win! still have tough games against georgetown and marquette though...

[bubba40]

If we're not #15 or better come Monday, I'm going to pull a gun on somebody.

[unccrombie]

If we're not #15 or better come Monday, I'm going to pull a gun on somebody.
you'll prob be 17ish, thatd be an 8 spot jump which is mucho. but why kentucky is 18 is beyond me

[HolyCow]

And Royce somehow continues his fixation with all things Orange and Black.
:confused

Just pointing out that they had a close game is a fixation?

[bubba40]

you'll prob be 17ish, thatd be an 8 spot jump which is mucho. but why kentucky is 18 is beyond me

Florida is going to hand them their ass.

[HolyCow]

And yet they still won. Winning ugly is still winning last time I checked. Good four point win over Baylor, I guess the Sooners "somehow" won that one.



Yeah, you guys know what it is like to beat Baylor by 4 too.

All I know, is that our "down year" doesn't look so down anymore.

Not to flame the OU program, but they're going to have a rough year. Capel has nothing to work with this year. Looks like the "wait 'til next year" attitude is going to come out of Norman, which is something OSU fans know all about.
Hmm. Guess not.



And how's your team looking this year? Last in the Big 12? Next to last? Tell me, what games will OU win this year?

Pretty good actually. We one a couple a games. In fact, I remember beating someone last Wednesday.

[chiznaz]

Just finished up a good win against Nebraska. A really like the look of NU's court. It's simple but not boring. A&M's court is ridiculous if you ask me :lol That place (Nebraska) was LOUD on TV. Josh Carter was draining threes, and that's probably what gave us the win.

[unccrombie]

Florida is going to hand them their ass.
without a doubt

[willthethrill]

Kentucky couldn't throw a grape in the ocean. Good thing they're playing good defense.

[justinandimcool]

Unbelievable!!!!!

[justinandimcool]

Stupidest inbound pass ever. Wow.


By the way I'm not even a KY fan, but these missed free throws make me wanna shoot myself.

[UNC41]

Here's video of the ceremony honoring the 1957 and 1982 national championship Tar Heel teams. The emotion in Jordan's eyes is priceless. I couldn't be more pround to be a North Carolina fan. It is a program like none other in the country.

http://www.wral.com/sports/video/1199730/

[willthethrill]

Makes me all the more pissed that I didn't get a ticket. Even better than what they showed on TV. God I hate our ticket system. The fact that I tear'ed up while watching that should alone guarantee me a ticket. Ugghh.

[HolyCow]

Here's video of the ceremony honoring the 1957 and 1982 national championship Tar Heel teams. The emotion in Jordan's eyes is priceless. I couldn't be more pround to be a North Carolina fan. It is a program like none other in the country.

http://www.wral.com/sports/video/1199730/

That was great. :thumbsup

[UNC41]

Makes me all the more pissed that I didn't get a ticket. Even better than what they showed on TV. God I hate our ticket system. The fact that I tear'ed up while watching that should alone guarantee me a ticket. Ugghh.

You weren't the only one with cloudy eyes.

That was great. :thumbsup

Your boys appear to be putting a nice little run together. I haven't seen them play recently, but just looked at their schedule and think they should have a solid shot to go dancing if they go 3-3, especially if they can beat one of the three Top 25 teams at home. However, the Dukie at the helm kind of makes me hope they fail. ;)

[thehoss]

all this talk about rankings, ouch. im just happy that st johns can pretty much wrap up its first appearance in the big east tourny since 2003, with 1 more win, hahaha. ill be in the house today in cuse, with my gear on. it could get rowdy. lets go red storm!