Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[gbs3769]

Now you will remember when that jerk McNamara hit that 3-pointer vs. UC to catapult the Orangemen to 4 wins in 4 days, and a Big East Championship. There was a traveling violation on McNamara that should have been called, and the shot should not have counted.
:lorraine :lorraine

- Primo

[gbs3769]

What a great game on Saturday. The Dome was packed 32,000 strong and it was as loud as it has been in a while.

- Primo

[GavMan33]

#1 has nothing to do with it, its a number, unless youre talking tourney time

:thumbsup :thumbsup

[GavMan33]

:lorraine :lorraine

- Primo

Yeah Primo, I added that part in just for you :lol . I assume you live in Syracuse, since your earlier post said you were in the Dome for the game? Go to school there?

I'll give this to you since I've been telling you I'd give an explanation for the last few days, and still haven't. I was brought up a St. Bonaventure fan by my father, who graduated from there. I'm not sure the year, but many, many, years ago (early in the Boheim-era), Syracuse and the Bonnies were the two premiere teams in New York State, and they always played home-and-home, once at Syracuse, the next year at St. Bonaventure. Well Boheim brought his team down to Olean one year, and they got beat. Boheim said that he would never play in Olean ever again. And he hasn't. And now, halfway due to the fact St. Bonaventure is awful, and halfway due to Syracuse's "scheduling philosophy", they play a 2-for-1, but the 1 is always on a neutral court.

I'm sure you know about this, but it's very similar to the former Syracuse vs. Penn State football rivalry. It used to be very very big time. But then Penn St. got greedy and moved to the Big Ten in football, thus ending the rivalry. You get the picture.

Now let's talk about "scheduling philosophy". First of all, I think there seems to be a tremendous amount of pride in the fact that they've beaten (I think) 47 teams in a row from inside New York State. So who does that include? As we said earlier, that includes the Bonnies. Who else? Canisius, maybe Niagara, maybe Buffalo. Oh yeah, Albany and Binghamton. Stony Brook maybe. Siena :lol I mean this is Syracuse man! The 2003 National Champs! And they're playing Albany and Binghamton in their nonconference season? Give me a break.

Now I'm well aware of how "buy" games work. Most big schools do it, as do some mid-majors. But ALL of Syracuse's games are "buy" games! Even Wichita St. made like $60,000 to go to Syracuse this year, and then the Shockers beat them! Ditto for Drexel! Who else did they pay to come to the Dome this year? St. Francis (NY), UTEP, Penn, Northeastern, Holy Cross, Colgate, Baylor, Hofstra. I agree, EVERYBODY needs to play these "buy" games. I'm gonna call Wichita St. a good game (even though they are still very mid-major, and not a great team this year); that's still NINE "buy" games that they play, ALL at the Dome!

Now they don't play in any nonconference tournaments. My fault, they did have a tournament this year; but they HOSTED it, of course at the Dome. Where else did they travel this nonconference season? They went to NYC for a game vs. Okla. St., which I believe they did last season as well. THAT's a good game, even if it's still in New York State. Where else? Buffalo, to play Canisius? AGAIN on a neutral court? Where Canisius led for most of the game? PLEASE, Syracuse should beat the hell out of all these teams!

I know it's a "luck of the draw" and regional type thing, but don't you think it's a little eerie that the year Syracuse wins the National Championship, their first/second round games were in Boston, MA, and then the regional finals were in Albany, NY? I know it's not their fault, I just find it funny that again, they hardly had to travel once again. It's too bad the Final Four wasn't in East Rutherford, NJ!

Let's look at some other teams' nonconference schedule just for comparison's sake, who I would consider "on par" with Syracuse's level. Georgetown-@ Vandy, Old Dominion, Oregon, @ Duke, @ Michigan. Those are five games that are better than ANYTHING Syracuse plays. They went on the road, traveled a little bit; then played some "buy" games at home, not too bad.

Let's look at the great Duke. Granted they were all at home, but they played Air Force, Marquette, Indiana, Georgetown, and Gonzaga (in NYC). That's a good schedule.

I'm looking at Wisconsin's schedule. This is shocking, for ANY big school, and is that big school's worst nightmare (and this is exactly Coach Boheim's fear of going to a school like St. Bonaventure-when they were OK). Wisconsin went TO Missouri St., and LOST! That's why teams don't like to go on the road, especially for a game like that. Now to me, if I'm on the selection committee, yeah, it's a loss. But it's not a horrible loss. And the fact that they went on the road and played a decent team, to me, doesn't hurt them that much.

So that, Primo, in a nutshell, is why I hate Syracuse. Not a personal attack on you or anybody else in here, just how I feel. Feel free to come back at me, I don't mind some good college hoop discussion....

[gbs3769]

So that, Primo, in a nutshell, is why I hate Syracuse. Not a personal attack on you or anybody else in here, just how I feel. Feel free to come back at me, I don't mind some good college hoop discussion....
I went to Syracuse and graduated in 2003, I just bought a house in the city back in September and should be here for a while. 2003 was a hell of a year to be a Senior at Syracuse, that is for damn sure. Basically your problem with Syracuse is their schedule? If that is really all that bothers you about them and makes you feel so strongly about them, you are just singing the same old tired tune that some people love to sing about Syracuse.

There was a great article about scheduling at the beginning of this season where it described the scheduling of some of the premier programs in the country. There are some programs that will go out there and play road games, but a lot of teams, like Syracuse and Duke and UConn are not going to play away from home when they don't have to. The Universities make way too much money from those home games to give up the revenue. Syracuse makes at least $500,000 each home basketball game. How else do you think they can afford all of the other sports that the University has?

I don't know any Syracuse fans that actually have a sense of pride about the fact that we have won X amount of games in a row against in state opponents (although we lost to St. John's this year so that streak is out the window). We know all the other in state programs are horrible and don't care about beating them. It is a problem if we do lose to them, but we don't put a lot of weight into beating the Canisius' or Niagara's of the state. Now, if there is someone who puts some weight behind it, besides just mentioning it in a newspaper article then they really have no clue what the season is about. Playing those squads is all about bringing in revenue because they are going to come here and preparing for the real season, the Big East season.

Syracuse plays in a non-conference tournament every year that they are eligible to play in one. I believe the rule is still that you can only in a pre-season tournament in 2 of every three years. I belive that we will not be playing in one next year because of this rule.

This year it was the BCA Invitational. 2005-2006 it was the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic where we manhandled Texas Tech and lost to Florida. 2004-2005 was the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. 2003-2004 we didn't play in one because of the 2 of 3 rule. 2002-2003 we played in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic and 2001-2002 we won the Preseason NIT. I can continue if you would really like....

As far as the 2003 National Championship, I am not going to argue that the lack of travel helped Syracuse. The East Regional was essentially a home game for Syracuse. But then again, this has happened many times with other teams.

A prime example would be Michigan State in the 1999-2000 season. They played their first and second round games in Cleveland (less than 4 hours from East Lansing). They played their Regional games at The Palace in Auburn Hills (less than an hour and a half from East Lansing). And finally they played the Final Four in Indianapolis (4 hours from East Lansing).

- Primo

[SatelliteEyes]

Wisconsin #1 in both the coaches' and AP polls.

It may be short-lived with games @ Michigan State an @ Ohio State this week, but it feels good!

[dmb71687]

Wow, SOMEBODY FROM THE POLLS MUST BE READING THE BOARDS!!@!@@!@:lol

I'm really shocked to see this, ESPN basically already gave OSU the #1 spot in all their articles yesterday. I'm happy, very happy!

[SatelliteEyes]

Wow, SOMEBODY FROM THE POLLS MUST BE READING THE BOARDS!!@!@@!@:lol

I'm really shocked to see this, ESPN basically already gave OSU the #1 spot in all their articles yesterday. I'm happy, very happy!

Sorry, my intelligence was wrong. Wisconsin is #1 in the AP, OSU is #1 in the Coaches/ESPN poll. That's fine, because the game will be on CBS and they use the AP poll.

So it's a split #1.

[UNC41]

Who is ranked #1 in which poll will have absolutely no impact on the game.

[Tiduwho]

:lol :lol :lol

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! I hope Wisconsin beats the fuck out of Ohio State this weekend. Oh man will I laugh so hard. I'm so sick of OSU hype. They already beat them once! And yet the "experts" won't get off OSU! CRUSH THEM AGAIN.

[dmb71687]

Sorry, my intelligence was wrong. Wisconsin is #1 in the AP, OSU is #1 in the Coaches/ESPN poll. That's fine, because the game will be on CBS and they use the AP poll.

So it's a split #1.

Pretty positive the games on ESPN.

Who is ranked #1 in which poll will have absolutely no impact on the game.

Who's saying it will?

[dmb71687]

Nope nevermind you were right, it's on CBS.

[UNC41]

Who's saying it will?

Did you forget the discussion you had yesterday?

[dmb71687]

Did you forget the discussion you had yesterday?

No I didn't, I assumed we were talking about today. And it probably won't matter since they are a split #1, but generally speaking, a unanimous #1 would definitely add more pressure on that team.

[UNC41]

No I didn't, I assumed we were talking about today. And it probably won't matter since they are a split #1, but generally speaking, a unanimous #1 would definitely add more pressure on that team.

I don't buy for a minute that a #1 team has more pressure when it is playing the #2 team for a conference title and almost assured top seed in the NCAA tournament.

[willthethrill]

A prime example would be Michigan State in the 1999-2000 season. They played their first and second round games in Cleveland (less than 4 hours from East Lansing). They played their Regional games at The Palace in Auburn Hills (less than an hour and a half from East Lansing). And finally they played the Final Four in Indianapolis (4 hours from East Lansing).

Let's not forget Illinois in 2005, playing in Indianapolis, Rosemont, IL, and St. Louis, MO where they wo.....oh wait. :D

[unccrombie]

Let's not forget Illinois in 2005, playing in Indianapolis, Rosemont, IL, and St. Louis, MO where they wo.....oh wait. :D
i knew from the beginning of the year unc was going to win that game. call it a gut instinct, usually im right im my predictions, though i was convinced we were gonna lose @ BC this year

[Tiduwho]

Geez, there's too many UNC avatar'd posters on Ants...so confusing sometimes.

[unccrombie]

Geez, there's too many UNC avatar'd posters on Ants...so confusing sometimes.
you're lucky we're not nazi germany

[zdaddy]

you're lucky we're not nazi germany
you're lucky im not Dick Cheney;)

[unccrombie]

you're lucky im not Dick Cheney;)
at least i wouldnt have to be worried about you being able to aim a gun

[zdaddy]

touche:lol

[GavMan33]

There was a great article about scheduling at the beginning of this season where it described the scheduling of some of the premier programs in the country.

I read that one too, it was on espn.com right? I thought it was funny how that article deemed Syracuse the "standard" for homer scheduling, and that other teams were nearing them. But as I pointed out with Georgetown and Duke, they still play good teams.

I'm well aware of the business side of college hoop, trust me. I don't know about Syracuse, but I know at Xavier, men's basketball is basically the only revenue-sport at the school, and we rely on men's basketball to support the entire athletics program. I'll ask you; what is lacrosse like at Syracuse? Does it generate a lot of money? I have to assume football at Syracuse can bring in some money (for those of you that don't know, Xavier doesn't have football). Women's hoop? Again, I don't know, so any help is appreciated.

Any bigtime Division I coach in his right mind is scared to death of going on the road, especially to a place like St. Bonaventure (not now, but circa 5 years ago). A few years ago I would put College of Charleston in the list of "places you WILL NOT play under any circumstances" list. So I'm well aware of Coach Boheim's thoughts here. But the only time Syracuse ever goes to an opponent's home court is in the Big East conference, and very rarely goes to an opponent's home court in the nonconference. All the tournaments you mentioned are on neutral courts.

That said, although I do not like Syracuse or Coach Boheim at all, I have to give lots of props to him. Because let's face it; I don't like his scheduling procedures. But do I matter? Of course not. The people that matter accept it for what it is, and they move on. So good for him to be able to work the system like that, and put himself in a great position to win every year.

So maybe I am "singing the same old, tired tune" as you mentioned in your post. I could bash on Syracuse all day long, and you could tell me I'm wrong and give me legit reasons why. But it's like arguing politics, religion, or Yankees vs. Red Sox. Minds are not gonna be changed, and you just end up pissing people off. So now that you know how I feel, I promise I will keep the bad-Syracuse talk to a minimum. Of course, as I said before, I'm always up for good logical college hoop talk, so bring it at me.....

[unccrombie]

^ SU lacrosse is pretty big and football use to be big, we've been on the down swing for ages now

[GavMan33]

^ SU lacrosse is pretty big and football use to be big, we've been on the down swing for ages now

Well I'm aware that the lacrosse team is very good, and the football team hasn't been since McNabb. But do they bring in a lot of money? Still lots of attendence for football games? And I have no idea what kind of a crowd you would expect at a lacrosse game....

[HolyCow]

KSU may take down KU.

[mizzoudmbfan]

KSU may take down KU.

Only until kU decides to show up...if.

As much as I like to see kU get beat by inferior opponents(and I really do), I kind of like the streak that kU has in AFH West. Also a kU victory helps Missouri more than a kU loss.

edit: and wtf is up with KSU fans wearing black?

[GavMan33]

Only until kU decides to show up...if.

As much as I like to see kU get beat by inferior opponents(and I really do), I kind of like the streak that kU has in AFH West. Also a kU victory helps Missouri more than a kU loss.

edit: and wtf is up with KSU fans wearing black?

Where's Seekupig at? I was gonna go to bed, but this game is too good to walk away from. There's a helluva lot of excitement in that arena right now. If you're not watching, I suggest you turn on ESPN right now for the final 10 minutes....

[seekupig]

edit: and wtf is up with KSU fans wearing black?

Bobby Thuggins thinks it's intimidating..... as if recruiting from the local prisons doesn't scare people enough.....

[GavMan33]

Bobby Thuggins thinks it's intimidating..... as if recruiting from the local prisons doesn't scare people enough.....

Speak of the freakin devil....

PS-I know all about BHugg after his crazy antics in Cincinnati....

[seekupig]

Where's Seekupig at? I was gonna go to bed, but this game is too good to walk away from. There's a helluva lot of excitement in that arena right now. If you're not watching, I suggest you turn on ESPN right now for the final 10 minutes....

just got home from work.... this game had me worried the other night, and it hasn't let me down so far. should be a good finish...

Rock, Chalk.....

[GavMan33]

I just want to blog that KU just had an OUTSTANDING defensive possession only to screw it up by fouling on a 3-pointer. Made 2 out of 3....

EDIT: That was at the 9:55 mark.

[GavMan33]

Bob Huggins is JACKED UP!

[seekupig]

Bob Huggins is JACKED UP!

he should be, that was a terrible no call. that being said, he should know better than to give KU a chance to get extra points and the ball out of bounds.....

[GavMan33]

he should be, that was a terrible no call. that being said, he should know better than to give KU a chance to get extra points and the ball out of bounds.....

Agreed, on both points. Anyway, I got two things. This Collins kid can play. Never heard of him until tonight. I know these two announcers are all over him, but he's worth all the praise. Seekupig or anybody else, you ever been to this arena? Looks like a great place to watch a game....

[seekupig]

This Collins kid can play. Never heard of him until tonight. I know these two announcers are all over him, but he's worth all the praise. Seekupig or anybody else, you ever been to this arena? Looks like a great place to watch a game....

yeah, he's a badass. still doesn't start, but he's always in at the end of games when it matters.

[mizzoudmbfan]

Seekupig or anybody else, you ever been to this arena? Looks like a great place to watch a game....

Never been, but don't view this game as the norm for Bramlage. The last 20 years or so they couldn't come near a sellout unless Kenny Chesney was performing at halftime.

That being said the hiring of Bob Huggins(along with the recent decline of their football program) seems to have magically converted the school into a hotbed for basketball fans kind of like Bill Snyder did in football 15 or so years ago. We shall see how long it lasts.

[seekupig]

Seekupig or anybody else, you ever been to this arena? Looks like a great place to watch a game....

no, never been to a game at K-State. would be a great place to watch a game though, especially if you're a KU fan. they've never lost in that building.... if they hold on tonite, it'll be 24 years in a row winning AT K-State... :lol

[unccrombie]

no, never been to a game at K-State. would be a great place to watch a game though, especially if you're a KU fan. they've never lost in that building.... if they hold on tonite, it'll be 24 years in a row winning AT K-State... :lol
it's going to suck to be the team to break that

[seekupig]

it's going to suck to be the team to break that

it'll happen soon, just hopefully not tonite.

[GavMan33]

Never been, but don't view this game as the norm for Bramlage. The last 20 years or so they couldn't come near a sellout unless Kenny Chesney was performing at halftime.

That being said the hiring of Bob Huggins(along with the recent decline of their football program) seems to have magically converted the school into a hotbed for basketball fans kind of like Bill Snyder did in football 15 or so years ago. We shall see how long it lasts.

First of all, I hate country. So I pity the former students at KSU for going to a hoop game ONLY to see him perform. I am aware of all the Bob Huggins hoopla going on down there in Manhattan, Kansas. So for 20 years it was rough going. I really like the form that it's only one level, and it goes REALLY high up. It looks neat, from TV anyway. I've seen a lot of college basketball in my day, but the best environment I've ever been in was a Xavier vs. Illinois game two years ago at the United Center in Chicago. The Illini fans are incredible. But I gotta say, this KSU-KU game I'm watching has gotten me excited, for a game where I really don't care who wins. What a great college hoop game.

Unfortunately, it seems like the tide turned on the no-call that KSU took, followed directly by the Technical on Huggs. Although KU missed both FTs, then they hit a 3 off the inbound, making it 55-47. You wonder what would have happened if the foul is called, and it becomes 52-49....

[seekupig]

24 in a row..... :D

[Trippin4136]

I don't buy for a minute that a #1 team has more pressure when it is playing the #2 team for a conference title and almost assured top seed in the NCAA tournament.

Totally agree. The Wisconsin fans in here have been saying that Ohio State will face more pressure as the #1 team in the upcoming game on Sunday. But it does not matter. The winner will win the Big Ten regular season, get the #1 seed in the Big Ten Tourney and very likely a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Why does it matter who the #1 seed is?

[UNC41]

Polls by 5:00 pm central.

[Trippin4136]

Bucky better be very careful tonight @ East Lansing. Michigan State is a fiesty little bastard at home and they are definitely on that bubble.

[HolyCow]

Must win for the Sooners at Mizzou tonight. Probably no shot to get in the tourney, but if we are to have any hope at all, we have to win this game.

[SatelliteEyes]

Totally agree. The Wisconsin fans in here have been saying that Ohio State will face more pressure as the #1 team in the upcoming game on Sunday. But it does not matter. The winner will win the Big Ten regular season, get the #1 seed in the Big Ten Tourney and very likely a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Why does it matter who the #1 seed is?

I'll tell you why it matters. It matters because Wisconsin has never been ranked No. 1 in any poll (polls didnt exist when they won the Nat'l title in 1941) and because I expect them to lose either @ Michigan State or @ Ohio State this week, and we wont be #1 next week.

So just for one week, it matters....

until April, when we'll be number one after winning it all. :D

[Trippin4136]

I'll tell you why it matters. It matters because Wisconsin has never been ranked No. 1 in any poll (polls didnt exist when they won the Nat'l title in 1941) and because I expect them to lose either @ Michigan State or @ Ohio State this week, and we wont be #1 next week.

So just for one week, it matters....

until April, when we'll be number one after winning it all. :D

Ok so it matters b/c its personal to Wisconsin on a personal level. It has no bearing on the game. It puts no added pressure on Ohio State.

And for the record, Wisconsin is #1 in this week's AP Poll.

[unccrombie]

I'll tell you why it matters. It matters because Wisconsin has never been ranked No. 1 in any poll (polls didnt exist when they won the Nat'l title in 1941) and because I expect them to lose either @ Michigan State or @ Ohio State this week, and we wont be #1 next week.

So just for one week, it matters....

until April, when we'll be number one after winning it all. :D
if you cant win both those games, how you going to win in march ;)

[SatelliteEyes]

if you cant win both those games, how you going to win in march ;)

Ummmm the games in March wont be at Ohio State's arena?

[unccrombie]

Ummmm the games in March wont be at Ohio State's arena?
still a big game, the inability to win big games will cost you ;)

[dmb71687]

still a big game, the inability to win big games will cost you ;)

You're not even making sense. What inability to win big games? Is the national champion suppose to go undefeated?:confused

[GavMan33]

So the games I got on tonight:

Texas Tech @ Texas, 9pm EST
Wisconsin @ Michigan St., 7pm EST, ESPN
Depaul @ Notre Dame, 7pm, ESPN2
LSU @ Kentucky, 9pm, ESPN

I will be watching Wisconsin/MSU, and Texas Tech/Texas. I will be checking on the other two as the night goes on. I heard (maybe it was on this board?) that Depaul still has a shot at an at-large? Any truth?

Jumping in on the #1 vs. #2 thing, it shouldn't matter. And even if Wisconsin was #1 in both polls or Ohio St. was #1 in both polls, it wouldn't matter come Saturday. It would be two great teams playing each other. Hopefully the game lives up to the hype....

[dmb71687]

So the games I got on tonight:

Texas Tech @ Texas, 9pm EST
Wisconsin @ Michigan St., 7pm EST, ESPN
Depaul @ Notre Dame, 7pm, ESPN2
LSU @ Kentucky, 9pm, ESPN

I will be watching Wisconsin/MSU, and Texas Tech/Texas. I will be checking on the other two as the night goes on. I heard (maybe it was on this board?) that Depaul still has a shot at an at-large? Any truth?

Jumping in on the #1 vs. #2 thing, it shouldn't matter. And even if Wisconsin was #1 in both polls or Ohio St. was #1 in both polls, it wouldn't matter come Saturday. It would be two great teams playing each other. Hopefully the game lives up to the hype....

I'm a huge Depaul fan, and I definitely feel they still have a shot at an at-large. They have an above 500 record in the Big East, and definitely have some marquee wins, however, their losses overall is somewhat high, and they have had some bad ones too.

[dmb71687]

Tucker hits his first 2 three balls, I'd be scared MSU, very scared. :)

[dmb71687]

Only 13 minutes in but this one has all the makings of a great game. Both teams are at the top of their game. Neitzel and Tucker are shooting the lights out.

[HolyCow]

Anyone else notice how our lone O-State fan disappeared when his team started to disappear?

Not being a douche, just noticing we have one less Big 12er.

[clayj41]

Only 13 minutes in but this one has all the makings of a great game. Both teams are at the top of their game. Neitzel and Tucker are shooting the lights out.

I've never seen a team get so many offensive rebounds as MSU!!!

[UNC41]

Week 16 Ants Poll

1. Wisconsin (4)
2. Florida
3. Ohio St.
4. UNC
5. UCLA
6. Kansas
7. Texas A&M
8. Memphis
9. Washington St.
10. Georgetown
11. Nevada
12. Pitt
13. Southern Illinois
14. Air Force
15. Butler
16. Marquette
17. Vanderbilt
18. Texas
19. Duke
20. BYU
21. West Virginia
22.(tie) Virginia
Louisville
24. Oregon
25. Notre Dame

Also Receiving Votes: Alabama, Virginia Tech

Participating Voters: UNC41, clayj41, willthethrill, GavMan33

[dmb71687]

I've never seen a team get so many offensive rebounds as MSU!!!

I know, I'm flipping out over here, this has never, even close to ever, happened before. There's definitely been 1 or 2 questionable over the back calls, but you'll get that at home in the Big Ten.

Tucker 4 threes in the first half, I don't know if he's had more than 2 in an entire game all season...

[clayj41]

Week 16 Ants Poll

1. Wisconsin (4)
2. Florida
3. Ohio St.
4. UNC
5. UCLA
6. Kansas
7. Texas A&M
8. Memphis
9. Washington St.
10. Georgetown
11. Nevada
12. Pitt
13. Southern Illinois
14. Air Force
15. Butler
16. Marquette
17. Vanderbilt
18. Texas
19. Duke
20. BYU
21. West Virginia
22. Virginia
23. Louisville
24. Oregon
Notre Dame
24. Alabama
Virginia Tech


Also Receiving Votes: Kansas St., Oklahoma St., Notre Dame, Alabama

Participating Voters: UNC41, clayj41, HolyCow, willthethrill


That seems about right...

[unccrombie]

You're not even making sense. What inability to win big games? Is the national champion suppose to go undefeated?:confused
no, but winning tough road games is

[unccrombie]

That seems about right...
i really dont like memphis in the top 10

[GavMan33]

i really dont like memphis in the top 10

Yeah, neither do I. But to go to Washington and win a big game on the road against a decent team like Gonzaga is a great win for them....

[dmb71687]

What a buzz kill.

[Trippin4136]

I had a feeling about this game. Those dreaded games at Michigan State. We lost our trip there last year.

[zdaddy]

wow, butch sucked his penis all night, and somehow popping three after three with the lead is suddenly a good idea. Good job boys:thumbsdow

plus Neitzel had the game of his life

[SatelliteEyes]

Like I mentioned earlier, the reason I wanted #1 this week is because I was fairly certain we wouldnt be in the running for number 1 next week.

Drew Neitzel?

Oh well.

[clayj41]

Here's hoping that Wisconsin rebounds and beats Ohio State on Sunday.

[clayj41]

i really dont like memphis in the top 10

Eh, you can only beat the teams they put on your schedule.

[SatelliteEyes]

Here's hoping that Wisconsin rebounds and beats Ohio State on Sunday.

Well, I'll drink to that...we've had OSU's number in football and basketball for the past 5 years or so...let's hope it keeps going Sunday, but this loss is discouraging.

[zdaddy]

Like I mentioned earlier, the reason I wanted #1 this week is because I was fairly certain we wouldnt be in the running for number 1 next week.

Drew Neitzel?

Oh well.
I give props to Neitzel. He played out of his mind.

As for the Badgers, that last 5 minutes was seriously some of the most brain dead basketball ive seen in quite a while. Terrible defense, rebounding, and shot selection.

[cityondown5]

FUCK YES!!! FUCK YES!!!

Go Green! Go White!!!

MSU! MSU! MSU!

[justinandimcool]

Congrats man. Neitzel was UNREAL. Looks like some Big Ten teams are digging themselves out of their grave. I didn't think Michigan State had a shot a week ago.

[cityondown5]

Congrats man. Neitzel was UNREAL. Looks like some Big Ten teams are digging themselves out of their grave. I didn't think Michigan State had a shot a week ago.

I always thought they would make the tournament, then again, I'm very biased. I still don't think they are a for sure yet, but they definitely have a legit resume.

[siouxsiesue]

FUCK YES!!! FUCK YES!!!

Go Green! Go White!!!

MSU! MSU! MSU!

Woot! :bounce



Nietzel rocks. :cool

[cityondown5]

Nietzel + Izzo = God

[zdaddy]

Nietzel + Izzo = God
we'll see about that in a week and a half;)

[justinandimcool]

I always thought they would make the tournament, then again, I'm very biased. I still don't think they are a for sure yet, but they definitely have a legit resume.

Yeah, but before tonight that 4 game losing streak just looked UGLY on their resume. With tonight's win and Indiana next, then two HUGE games next week.....pretty exciting eh?

[GavMan33]

So, after further review of the Big Ten Conference:

I got 5 teams that are either "In", or I believe will play themselves "In" to the NCAAs by the end of the regular season. Wisconsin, Ohio St., and Indiana, obviously. I believe Michigan State will "out". I also believe Michigan will be "out". So that leaves Illinois and Purdue. Purdue, as I said above, will be able to play themselves in. What about the Illini? Their schedule to finish out is not too bad either, as they play Northwestern and Michigan at home, then finish @ Penn St. and @ Iowa. Since I don't have a lot of respect for Iowa and their 7-5 record in the conference, I guess I forgot to include them :lol A sixth team could possibly get in as a result of the Big Ten Tournament, but I believe the 5 will be Wisconsin, Ohio St., Indiana, Purdue, and Illinois....

Hm, who was the idiot who wrote this?

[justinandimcool]

And I'm pretty pissed I'm not getting the Texas Tech/Texas game tonight. Damn :(

[cityondown5]

Yeah, but before tonight that 4 game losing streak just looked UGLY on their resume. With tonight's win and Indiana next, then two HUGE games next week.....pretty exciting eh?

Very. With how they are playing now, they can (obviously) beat the best in the country. Izzo should start getting more national recgonition as one of the best coaches in college basketball.

BTW, I always felt Izzo would get it done down the stretch, somehow. The guy won't let a team of his miss the NCAA tournament.

[GavMan33]

So, after watching Spartans storm the floor in East Lansing, I flipped over to the end of the West Virginia @ Providence game. Providence won it, 64-61. The W gets them to 7-6 in the Big East, and 17-9 overall. Their final 3 are home vs. Cuse, @ South Florida, and @ St. John's. If they can find a way to beat the Orangemen this weekend, can we consider PC as good as "in"? Or do they have more work to do in the Big East tournament?

[cityondown5]

With wins over WV, BC, and Marquette...yeah, I would say so.

[thehoss]

good story tonight...

just got out of the harlem globetrotters show at the glens falls civic center, always a good time..

its been 6-7 years since i've seen them last, so i didn't really know who currently played with them. being a huge st johns fan, as soon as willie shaw was introduced, i couldn't believe it. what a player he was. he led the red storm for 4 great years with marcus hatten, and kyle cuffe, some great seasons. i also saw him play in high school when his team came and played in the state and federation tournys (gavman, i know you remember his playing days at the civic center) went down after the game shook hands, and asked how it felt to be back. i was wearing my st johns hoodie, and he mentioned he was very proud, and very much still keeps track of their progress.

some great games tonight i see.. gavman, if they beat cuse, id say they are a shoo-in. they have been pretty convincing.

[GavMan33]

Giving some more stats on Providence after some research:

They are only 3-6 vs. teams 1-50 in the RPI, not good. They lost in the second game of the year to RPI #240 Brown, then four days later beat Boston College. The more I look at them, the more I don't like them so much. It looks as if they've beaten the lower tier of the Big East, and lost to the upper tier (with the exception of a home win vs. Marquette, but that balances out with a loss to Seton Hall).

[SmoothD41]

slumping Hoosiers VS a hot Michigan State team on Saturday night in Lansing.....huge game for both teams. Barring a monumental collapse at home VS Minnesota tomorrow and at home VS Penn State on March 3, IU is pretty much a lock.....but since IU can't win shit on the road, I'm ready to concede victory to Michigan State on saturday and that just might get them in.

[GavMan33]

good story tonight...

just got out of the harlem globetrotters show at the glens falls civic center, always a good time..

its been 6-7 years since i've seen them last, so i didn't really know who currently played with them. being a huge st johns fan, as soon as willie shaw was introduced, i couldn't believe it. what a player he was. he led the red storm for 4 great years with marcus hatten, and kyle cuffe, some great seasons. i also saw him play in high school when his team came and played in the state and federation tournys (gavman, i know you remember his playing days at the civic center) went down after the game shook hands, and asked how it felt to be back. i was wearing my st johns hoodie, and he mentioned he was very proud, and very much still keeps track of their progress.

some great games tonight i see.. gavman, if they beat cuse, id say they are a shoo-in. they have been pretty convincing.

I haven't thought about his name in quite a long time. Go figure. Here's another name drop for you. Erick Barkley is a teammate of one of my buddy's for the CBA team in Indianapolis. How bout that for the Johnnies when they were good?

[thehoss]

I haven't thought about his name in quite a long time. Go figure. Here's another name drop for you. Erick Barkley is a teammate of one of my buddy's for the CBA team in Indianapolis. How bout that for the Johnnies when they were good?

wooooaaa, E-bark, good lord. its a shame coach jarvis had to go out the way he did, he was a good man, and a good coach. i just hope this outlook we're getting this year is a sign of the next decade or two.

[UNC41]

i really dont like memphis in the top 10

To quote P. Diddy, "Vote or Die."

What a buzz kill.

Yeah, I hated that feeling earlier this year after moving up to #1. Ohh well, win at tOSU this weekend and the Badgers are still in line for a 1 seed.

Very. With how they are playing now, they can (obviously) beat the best in the country. Izzo should start getting more national recgonition as one of the best coaches in college basketball.

BTW, I always felt Izzo would get it done down the stretch, somehow. The guy won't let a team of his miss the NCAA tournament.

I think it'd be hard to find someone who doesn't think Izzo is one of the elite NCAA basketball coaches.

[UNC41]

Do you New York boys remember Lenny Cooke. I remember watching him play on tape a few times in high school, and he was just sick. I really, really wanted him to sign with North Carolina, who was on Cooke's short list, back then. Think of how much different his life would be these days if the "one year" rule were in place.

[seekupig]

To quote P. Diddy, "Vote or Die."

i'll have to start sending you my poll on monday night. i've been working a little later on tuesday's and haven't been getting home until after six, EST. :BANG

[GavMan33]

This Texas/Texas Tech game is a huge disappointment to me. 59-35 Texas with 12:39 left. And I'm forced to watch the SEC :shrug Out of curiosity, anybody know what happened to Glen Davis? I didn't see him out there....

[seekupig]

This Texas/Texas Tech game is a huge disappointment to me. 59-35 Texas with 12:39 left. And I'm forced to watch the SEC :shrug Out of curiosity, anybody know what happened to Glen Davis? I didn't see him out there....

from ESPN....

BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU forward Glen Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=22261) did not travel with the team to Lexington, Ky., for Tuesday night's Southeastern Conference game against Kentucky.
Davis continues to be bothered by a strained muscle in his right leg that he sustained against Arkansas on Feb. 10, LSU said. Although he played against Mississippi and Mississippi State last week, he did not complete all the practices before either game.

[GavMan33]

Do you New York boys remember Lenny Cooke. I remember watching him play on tape a few times in high school, and he was just sick. I really, really wanted him to sign with North Carolina, who was on Cooke's short list, back then. Think of how much different his life would be these days if the "one year" rule were in place.

I can't say that I know that name, maybe Jon will. But I will drop this one. Sam Perkins. Went to high school at Shaker High, which is in the Albany area....

[GavMan33]

from ESPN....

BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU forward Glen Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=22261) did not travel with the team to Lexington, Ky., for Tuesday night's Southeastern Conference game against Kentucky.
Davis continues to be bothered by a strained muscle in his right leg that he sustained against Arkansas on Feb. 10, LSU said. Although he played against Mississippi and Mississippi State last week, he did not complete all the practices before either game.

Nice, thank you very much. I believe he's a Junior? It's too bad he's had to endure this awful season with LSU after such a great year last year. Just goes to show how good Tyrus Thomas was, and he could flat-out play. Hopefully he will be back for a successful Senior campaign....

[thehoss]

Do you New York boys remember Lenny Cooke. I remember watching him play on tape a few times in high school, and he was just sick. I really, really wanted him to sign with North Carolina, who was on Cooke's short list, back then. Think of how much different his life would be these days if the "one year" rule were in place.

was that the kid from northern valley in jersey?

[thehoss]

I can't say that I know that name, maybe Jon will. But I will drop this one. Sam Perkins. Went to high school at Shaker High, which is in the Albany area....


god damn, THE cream of the crop right there. sam perkins, kenny anderson, marbury, mullin, honestly, i really haven't looked back in a long time, to see who we've been able to see the last decade so locally..

i mean christ, just check out some of these names..

http://www.nysbasketball.net/nysfssaa/boys-records.htm

[GavMan33]

Do you New York boys remember Lenny Cooke. I remember watching him play on tape a few times in high school, and he was just sick. I really, really wanted him to sign with North Carolina, who was on Cooke's short list, back then. Think of how much different his life would be these days if the "one year" rule were in place.

It seems that you're better suited directing all your New York State high school hoop questions to Jon. He sure knows a helluva lot more than I do, I think he's been to every high school state tournament game in Glens Fall for the last 20 years :lol

Let me vent here. Texas Tech is very much on the bubble to go dancing, and they need a good showing every time out. How can you possibly go out and play like this?!?!?! It's not like this is Wisconsin vs. Savannah State! This is a NCAA bubble team vs. a Top 20 team, NOT a top 3 team! How can you go out and play like this, when you know you need a great effort? Unbelievable!

[thehoss]

fyi, for all you florida gator fans, keep your eye on jonathan mitchell, from amityville, ny. he will be your key the next 2-3 years, after noah is gone

[GavMan33]

Screw this man, I'm going to bed. This Texas vs. Texas Tech game is horrible! And I hate the SEC, so I can't stand to watch that stuff. So the biggest win of the night comes from Michigan State. More to come....

[HolyCow]

Goodbye tournament hopes.

[thehoss]

It seems that you're better suited directing all your New York State high school hoop questions to Jon. He sure knows a helluva lot more than I do, I think he's been to every high school state tournament game in Glens Fall for the last 20 years :lol

Let me vent here. Texas Tech is very much on the bubble to go dancing, and they need a good showing every time out. How can you possibly go out and play like this?!?!?! It's not like this is Wisconsin vs. Savannah State! This is a NCAA bubble team vs. a Top 20 team, NOT a top 3 team! How can you go out and play like this, when you know you need a great effort? Unbelievable!

eh, since 1990, so 16 years, state and fed tournys :lol im a junkie when it comes to high school/college ball. ive sat next to coach calhoun and coach boeheim several times, when they were flown in for a game that day to watch a player (ben gordon in 2001 with calhoun, paul harris in 05 with boeheim) and gone back for their respective game the next day. when you're from a small city, seeing high school basketball being played like its played in the city with players at that calibur is very cool.

tech, i have no idea. durant is making a name for himself right now though. i'd hate to see him leave after this season..

[GavMan33]

One more thing....

Tomorrow night will be the biggest A-10 game EVER played at the 7-year old Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University. The game between Xavier and Rhode Island on Wednesday night is for sole possession of first place in the conference, and the winner will have the inside track to take the Regular Season Championship. HUGE game tomorrow night for the Musketeers. Unfortunately I will not be able to listen in because it is the first round of New York State Sectionals tomorrow night, and I'm coaching. But please, if possible, leave love for the X-Men tomorrow night, you can be damn sure I will be reading tomorrow night when I get home to see the thoughts. PS-If you're a nerd like me, you can listen into the game. Go to www.700wlw.com (http://www.700wlw.com), and hit Listen Live, or something like that. Go X!

[thehoss]

One more thing....

Tomorrow night will be the biggest A-10 game EVER played at the 7-year old Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University. The game between Xavier and Rhode Island on Wednesday night is for sole possession of first place in the conference, and the winner will have the inside track to take the Regular Season Championship. HUGE game tomorrow night for the Musketeers. Unfortunately I will not be able to listen in because it is the first round of New York State Sectionals tomorrow night, and I'm coaching. But please, if possible, leave love for the X-Men tomorrow night, you can be damn sure I will be reading tomorrow night when I get home to see the thoughts. PS-If you're a nerd like me, you can listen into the game. Go to www.700wlw.com (http://www.700wlw.com), and hit Listen Live, or something like that. Go X!

goodluck man, let me know how you guys do :thumbsup

[unccrombie]

Yeah, neither do I. But to go to Washington and win a big game on the road against a decent team like Gonzaga is a great win for them....
the zags? decent? talk a bout a team that self destructed

[justinandimcool]

Do you New York boys remember Lenny Cooke. I remember watching him play on tape a few times in high school, and he was just sick. I really, really wanted him to sign with North Carolina, who was on Cooke's short list, back then. Think of how much different his life would be these days if the "one year" rule were in place.

Last time I checked he was playing in the Philippines. Hopefully he's moved on from that :lol

[cityondown5]

I think it'd be hard to find someone who doesn't think Izzo is one of the elite NCAA basketball coaches.

(Besides my roommate, but he's an idiot:lol)

I'm not questioning that, but he seems as if he doesn't get much recognition on the national level.

[zdaddy]

(Besides my roommate, but he's an idiot:lol)

I'm not questioning that, but he seems as if he doesn't get much recognition on the national level.
He does a very good job, and does a pretty decent job recruiting, seeing that he consistently has good teams.

Izzo makes the program what it is, unlike *cough* Roy Williams *cough* who just milks the programs history

[SteelerMan]

Izzo makes the program what it is, unlike *cough* Roy Williams *cough* who just milks the programs history

That's a pretty unfair accusation.

[Trippin4136]

Do you New York boys remember Lenny Cooke. I remember watching him play on tape a few times in high school, and he was just sick. I really, really wanted him to sign with North Carolina, who was on Cooke's short list, back then. Think of how much different his life would be these days if the "one year" rule were in place.

was that the kid from northern valley in jersey?

Yes, he was the kid from Northern Valley/Old Tappan. He played in the same league as the high school I went to. He tore through the NBIL in Northern Jersey. His story is unfortunate. He really should have gone to college but he already had a kid while in high school and was as dumb as a sack of rocks.

[seekupig]

Izzo makes the program what it is, unlike *cough* Roy Williams *cough* who just milks the programs history

while both of the teams he's coached may have a lot of history, they were both in pretty rough shape when he took them over. he made Kansas what it is today and has UNC back where it was when Dean retired....

[thehoss]

while both of the teams he's coached may have a lot of history, they were both in pretty rough shape when he took them over. he made Kansas what it is today and has UNC back where it was when Dean retired....

:thumbsup

[UNC41]

That's a pretty unfair accusation.

Unfair, idiotic, jealous, dumb. Take your pick.

while both of the teams he's coached may have a lot of history, they were both in pretty rough shape when he took them over. he made Kansas what it is today and has UNC back where it was when Dean retired....

Ding, ding, ding we have a winner.

[thehoss]

Unfair, idiotic, jealous, dumb. Take your pick.



Ding, ding, ding we have a winner.

all of the above. id like to add unknowledgeable to that please.

[dmb71687]

Can we fast forward to March Madness yet please?

[Trippin4136]

You already want to skip Sunday? And the Big Ten Tournament?

[willthethrill]

all of the above. id like to add unknowledgeable to that please.
Yea. I wish I could "milk" programs to an easy-shmeezy .800 career winning percentage.

What's Tubby's problem? Obviously not much of a "milker."

[UNC41]

Can we fast forward to March Madness yet please?

You want to skip Wisconsin at tOSU, Duke at UNC, conference tournaments and someone from Florida taking a swipe at either a cheerleader or fan?

[unccrombie]

You want to skip Wisconsin at tOSU, Duke at UNC, conference tournaments and someone from Florida taking a swipe at either a cheerleader or fan?
i want to burn noah's hair....oh...heh...basketball moments

[UNLTrpt]

He does a very good job, and does a pretty decent job recruiting, seeing that he consistently has good teams.

Izzo makes the program what it is, unlike *cough* Roy Williams *cough* who just milks the programs history

Izzo didn't make Michigan St.

Roy Williams made Kansas.

[unccrombie]

bc blows another one, woohoo

[tyler1389]

Oklahoma State needs to quit basketball for the rest of the season.

[unccrombie]

Oklahoma State needs to quit basketball for the rest of the season.
so does clemson, but hey

[SmoothD41]

Oklahoma State needs to quit basketball for the rest of the season.

i thought they already did?

[UNC41]

The Virginia loss puts UNC one game ahead in the ACC. The Heels do have by far the toughest remaining schedule, but it's theirs to lose.

[snow1868]

Oklahoma State needs to quit basketball for the rest of the season.

Needs to quit? They already have. I just got back from the game tonight and we are playing with no heart. They looked completly lost at times and kept trying to force the three. It is so frustrating to be a Cowboy fan sometimes.

There is no way we're making the NCAA this year. Two years in a row. I say we decline an NIT bid to show these players they don't deserve to play in any kind of postseason.

[GavMan33]

So a few things:

First of all, big win for La Salle Institute in the first round of Sectional play tonight in New York State. We were down 51-39 with 4:30 left to go, and won the game 58-56. Apparently we know how to finish games :lol

Next, I get home, and hear that Xavier won by 26 points, 98-72! Wow. The win moves X to 20-7 overall, and 10-3 in the A-10. The Muskies have won their last 5 games by an AVERAGE of 25.8 ppg. VERY difficult game this weekend, having to go up to Dayton to play. That's ALWAYS a tough game up there. Given we win that game, I will make the case to be a Top 25 basketball squad....

One other thought, and one reaction. Purdue's NCAA Tourney hopes took a horrible hit tonight with a 20-point loss @ Iowa tonight. As I said last night about Texas Tech, how can you possibly play a game like that knowing that you NEED to play well to get an at-large? I really don't understand that.

And regarding the Tom Izzo/Roy Williams "debate" on the last page, wow. That initial comment was uncalled for. Yeah, North Carolina has a great basketball history. But they also have a great coach, a Hall of Fame coach. Now Tom Izzo is also a great coach. No reason to downplay what either one of them has done as a head coach....

[tyler1389]

No they don't deserve to play in the post-season.

I have no idea what is wrong, but it really bothers me that we aren't fixing the mistakes that we are seeing every game: dribble penetration, half court traps... even inbound plays.

I have never seen an Oklahoma State basketball team get worse like this. Sure, we've had our meltdowns in games... but not total season meltdowns. Its really concerning. I'm not saying that its neccessarily Sean's fault. But, he has a team that acts like they don't want to be on the court. They keep having chances to make a statement, but instead they would rather get embarrassed on national television.

[chiznaz]

I would give Sean Sutton another season to work things. If everything looks the same, I say you go get another coach.

A&M was looking solid tonight. Donald Sloan has really grown this season and is becoming a real threat. He is our future at PG as of now, and he's looking great.

[UNC41]

Next, I get home, and hear that Xavier won by 26 points, 98-72! Wow. The win moves X to 20-7 overall, and 10-3 in the A-10. The Muskies have won their last 5 games by an AVERAGE of 25.8 ppg. VERY difficult game this weekend, having to go up to Dayton to play. That's ALWAYS a tough game up there. Given we win that game, I will make the case to be a Top 25 basketball squad....

And regarding the Tom Izzo/Roy Williams "debate" on the last page, wow. That initial comment was uncalled for. Yeah, North Carolina has a great basketball history. But they also have a great coach, a Hall of Fame coach. Now Tom Izzo is also a great coach. No reason to downplay what either one of them has done as a head coach....

ESPN has differing takes on your boys. Glockner says Xavier has work to do, while Lunardi has them in as a 10 seed. The next couple weeks are going to be big for them.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch?id=46

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

As for the whole Roy/Izzo statement, I think everyone in this thread agrees that was absolutely stupid.

[willthethrill]

Good win boys. A typical win for this year's team, playing a too-close first half followed by a second half that shows why it's nice to be the deepest team in the nation. Nice to put State back where they belong, too.

[UNC41]

Good win boys. A typical win for this year's team, playing a too-close first half followed by a second half that shows why it's nice to be the deepest team in the nation. Nice to put State back where they belong, too.

I didn't get to see the game, but from the Heels message board I read here is a couple of takes I get.

- Brandan played one of those games where it's clear he could be one of the best five players in the nation right now if he truly wanted to be.
- Danny Green played like an absolute stud once again. The dropoff from Rey to him will be slim to none to UNC being better at the SF.

[willthethrill]

I didn't get to see the game, but from the Heels message board I read here is a couple of takes I get.

- Brandan played one of those games where it's clear he could be one of the best five players in the nation right now if he truly wanted to be.
- Danny Green played like an absolute stud once again. The dropoff from Rey to him will be slim to none to UNC being better at the SF.
You got it. Brandan was a force, and Danny and he both had tremendous blocks. Bobby and Q both played better than Ty tonight. I'm encouraged by that though since Ty's been playing so much lately.

Side note: Dean Smith recognized at halftime (finally) for being inducted into the inaugural class of that bball half of fame (don't remember the name) last year. Typical situation with Dean motioning to the announcer to wrap it up. After a video montage they handed him a mic and he said "I was out here two weeks ago and they told me I had to come out again. Let's beat state." One of the most humble and unselfish men ever.

[willthethrill]

One of the most humble and unselfish men ever.
Self-effacing, that's the word I was looking for.

[UNLTrpt]

we lost to baylor :monkey we lost to baylor :monkey

:lorraine

[mizzoudmbfan]

we lost to baylor :monkey we lost to baylor :monkey

:lorraine

We lost to a team that lost to Baylor.

:lorraine

[chiznaz]

we lost to baylor :monkey we lost to baylor :monkey

:lorraine

The Bear Pit was just too much ;)

Don't worry though, A&M struggled there and so did t.u.

Baylor is a horrible team, but the get up for some games every now and then.

[snow1868]

we lost to baylor :monkey we lost to baylor :monkey

:lorraine

With the way we play on the road, I'm sure I'll joining you in this cry later.

[HolyCow]

With OSU falling so hard, it still gives me a ray of hope to make the tournament. If we win out (long shot) we may get taken. I think the committee will take 5 Big XII teams, especially if we finish 9-7 in conference.

[snow1868]

With OSU falling so hard, it still gives me a ray of hope to make the tournament. If we win out (long shot) we may get taken. I think the committee will take 5 Big XII teams, especially if we finish 9-7 in conference.

That has to be the tiniest ray of hope. Your biggest win is over us, and we're slumping hard. If, and I say if, you beat KU and UT at home and get to the semis in the Big XII tourney, then your ray can be a little bigger. You should be happy none the less, as the Sooners deserve to play in a postseason tourney this year.

[HolyCow]

That has to be the tiniest ray of hope. Your biggest win is over us, and we're slumping hard. If, and I say if, you beat KU and UT at home and get to the semis in the Big XII tourney, then your ray can be a little bigger. You should be happy none the less, as the Sooners deserve to play in a postseason tourney this year.
I am encouraged at the way we have played, save Iowa St.

A&M, we fought hard with them to the finish. Mizzou... we should have won that game. It isn't like we aren't competing. And at home, OU is historically very good. So we might be able to get UT and KU and then ride that momentum to beat KSU.

Then a little run in the conference tourney, we might have a shot. You guys faltering is what gives us a chance because it frees up another slot.

[mizzoudmbfan]

Mizzou... we should have won that game.

Based off of what? Don't get me wrong, it was a good game, but I didn't remember it being a situation where you guys handed us a W or the refs making a slew of pro-MU/anti-land theif calls.

Like I said though, good game and Capel seems like a great hire for you guys.

On that note I am really impressed with all the new coaches in the XII(with one glaring exception). I think that Anderson certainly has Mizzou headed in the right direction, assuming he has moderate recruiting success I think we will definitly be a force in the coming years(possibly even next year, only losing one player and adding DeMarre Carrol Anderson's nephew and transfer from Vandy).

I certainly think Capel and Doc are already doing good things at their schools. Time will tell about about McD in Ames, he has proven himself at the mid-major level but who knows if he will be able to translate that to long term success at a slightly higher level. We'll see about Sutton in the coming years, despite the fall off in the second half of the season, I'm not ready to write him off quite yet.

Then there is Huggins...basically my take on Huggins is that he will either not have success at KSjUco and he will fade into oblivion or he will clean up his image and promptly take a job at a more prestigious basketball school. I don't see him being Bill Snyderesque.

just my .02

[HolyCow]

Based off of what? Don't get me wrong, it was a good game, but I didn't remember it being a situation where you guys handed us a W or the refs making a slew of pro-MU/anti-land theif calls.

Like I said though, good game and Capel seems like a great hire for you guys.

On that note I am really impressed with all the new coaches in the XII(with one glaring exception). I think that Anderson certainly has Mizzou headed in the right direction, assuming he has moderate recruiting success I think we will definitly be a force in the coming years(possibly even next year, only losing one player and adding DeMarre Carrol Anderson's nephew and transfer from Vandy).

I certainly think Capel and Doc are already doing good things at their schools. Time will tell about about McD in Ames, he has proven himself at the mid-major level but who knows if he will be able to translate that to long term success at a slightly higher level. We'll see about Sutton in the coming years, despite the fall off in the second half of the season, I'm not ready to write him off quite yet.

Then there is Huggins...basically my take on Huggins is that he will either not have success at KSjUco and he will fade into oblivion or he will clean up his image and promptly take a job at a more prestigious basketball school. I don't see him being Bill Snyderesque.

just my .02
We are one of the top free throw shooting teams in the league and 84% Michael Neal misses the front end of a 1-1, then Taylor Griffin misses the front end of a 1-1 and then we couldn't finish a rebound opportunity in which Taylor was raked across his arms.

We should have won that game.

[UNLTrpt]

We lost to a team that lost to Baylor.

:lorraine

:lol

I don't care who you are, that's funny right there.

[GavMan33]

we lost to baylor :monkey we lost to baylor :monkey

:lorraine

:lol :lol :lol That's freakin funny man, nice touch with the monkeys :lol :lol

[rconverse]

Hey NCers.....We're coming for ya!


Go Duke!

Seriously, what is with either team not being able to win at home over the past few years?

[GavMan33]

ESPN has differing takes on your boys. Glockner says Xavier has work to do, while Lunardi has them in as a 10 seed. The next couple weeks are going to be big for them.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch?id=46 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch?id=46)

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

As for the whole Roy/Izzo statement, I think everyone in this thread agrees that was absolutely stupid.

I'd already seen bracketology, but I hadn't seen the other article. That article was written before the 26-point pasting last night of URI. I don't know. I wish I could be completely at-ease like some of you guys, though maybe I shouldn't be. It's like going into a bar when you're underage, and got a fake ID. You just don't know; am I gonna get served? Am I not gonna get served? Am I gonna get thrown out the bar? You just don't know. Turning 21 is the worst, because then all the fun is gone. You walk into a bar and you're positive you're gonna get served. :lol

So you know what? Screw you North Carolina, Duke, and Michigan State! I'd rather be Xavier and Oklahoma (but Xavier rather than Oklahoma :lol ), because we just don't know what's gonna happen on Selection Sunday. Good for us!

[justinandimcool]

I'd already seen bracketology, but I hadn't seen the other article. That article was written before the 26-point pasting last night of URI. I don't know. I wish I could be completely at-ease like some of you guys, though maybe I shouldn't be. It's like going into a bar when you're underage, and got a fake ID. You just don't know; am I gonna get served? Am I not gonna get served? Am I gonna get thrown out the bar? You just don't know. Turning 21 is the worst, because then all the fun is gone. You walk into a bar and you're positive you're gonna get served. :lol

So you know what? Screw you North Carolina, Duke, and Michigan State! I'd rather be Xavier and Oklahoma (but Xavier rather than Oklahoma :lol ), because we just don't know what's gonna happen on Selection Sunday. Good for us!


:freak :lol

Xavier has a share at the top of the A10 though. How bout you win that tournament and you'll be just like Duke and UNC on Selection day. :)

[GavMan33]

:freak :lol

Xavier has a share at the top of the A10 though. How bout you win that tournament and you'll be just like Duke and UNC on Selection day. :)

That's a very valid point. It was nice sitting back watching CBS last Selection Sunday, knowing FOR SURE that our name was coming up. And it was even better that the 3-seed we were playing was Gonzaga and that douchebag Morrison. That was the best draw a 14-seed has ever drawn in NCAA Tournament history. We led all game, but lost the lead with about 4 minutes to go, and lost by four....NOT THIS YEAR!!!

[thestand]

What an amazing Oregon/WSU game right now.

[thestand]

DUCKS WIN. Finally a good win for Oregon. Haven't had one in awhile.

[bubba40]

DUCKS WIN. Finally a good win for Oregon. Haven't had one in awhile.

Good for our SOS :thumbsup .

[willthethrill]

Hey NCers.....We're coming for ya!


Go Duke!

Seriously, what is with either team not being able to win at home over the past few years?
Better play better than they did last night. Shit's weak if brought to the Dean Dome.

[Trippin4136]

Hey NCers.....We're coming for ya!


Go Duke!

Seriously, what is with either team not being able to win at home over the past few years?

:eek Duke??

You mean go Duke b/c a UNC loss is good for the Buckeyes right?

[UNC41]

I'd already seen bracketology, but I hadn't seen the other article. That article was written before the 26-point pasting last night of URI. I don't know. I wish I could be completely at-ease like some of you guys, though maybe I shouldn't be. It's like going into a bar when you're underage, and got a fake ID. You just don't know; am I gonna get served? Am I not gonna get served? Am I gonna get thrown out the bar? You just don't know. Turning 21 is the worst, because then all the fun is gone. You walk into a bar and you're positive you're gonna get served. :lol

So you know what? Screw you North Carolina, Duke, and Michigan State! I'd rather be Xavier and Oklahoma (but Xavier rather than Oklahoma :lol ), because we just don't know what's gonna happen on Selection Sunday. Good for us!

I'd rather have a legit shot for a national championship. Just saying. :D

[rconverse]

Better play better than they did last night. Shit's weak if brought to the Dean Dome.

Wait, are you saying you weren't impressed with the double digit first half lead followed by the patented complete drop-off in the second half?

Because surrendering double digit leads game in and game out is not all that easy you know.

[rconverse]

:eek Duke??

You mean go Duke b/c a UNC loss is good for the Buckeyes right?

In the fall I bleed Scarlet and Gray, but in the winter it swtiches to Dukie blue. In the summer I cheer for the Cubs and that usually sucks most of the life out of me. :shrug

[UNC41]

Wait, are you saying you weren't impressed with the double digit first half lead followed by the patented complete drop-off in the second half?

Because surrendering double digit leads game in and game out is not all that easy you know.

North Carolina prefers to lead by about 5 at half and then start the route in the second.

[mizzoudmbfan]

:eek Duke??

You mean go Duke b/c a UNC loss is good for the Buckeyes right?
:lol:lol:lol

[Trippin4136]

In the fall I bleed Scarlet and Gray, but in the winter it swtiches to Dukie blue. In the summer I cheer for the Cubs and that usually sucks most of the life out of me. :shrug

That's funny. One of my best friends from school grew up loving Duke (his folks went there). He still roots for Duke as his #1 team but always pulls for Ohio State no matter what also. You can't be possibly rooting against the Buckeyes can you?

[seekupig]

That's funny. One of my best friends from school grew up loving Duke (his folks went there). He still roots for Duke as his #1 team but always pulls for Ohio State no matter what also. You can't be possibly rooting against the Buckeyes can you?

who's ranked higher?

here's my favorite team.....

http://www.tshirthell.com/store/product.php?productid=476

[UNLTrpt]

1 post all day today?

Nebraska gets the win over mizzery 82-77 in OT

[bubba40]

Hoya. Saxa.
You had better believe we're national championship contenders.

[unccrombie]

Hoya. Saxa.
You had better believe we're national championship contenders.
or that pitt's been over rated all year ;) good game though

anywho, fla loses again. solid

[UNC41]

A couple of interesting things today.
- Florida's no longer a lock for a 1 seed.
- Georgetown is clearly the class of the Big East.

[chiznaz]

Look out Kansas.... ISU might start a 40-0 run here to go up by 3. :lol :lol

[UNLTrpt]

where have I seen a score like that...oh yeah...I've seen it twice:rolleyes

[HolyCow]

Well, today was fun attending one of the worst officiated games I have ever seen.

I get it. Kevin Durant is a great player. But he doesn't deserve the Michael Jordan treatment of getting calls.

Somehow, someway, Texas makes 2 field goals in the second half, but still scores 26 points. Hmm....

And someone correct me if I'm wrong, it is still 10 seconds to get the ball over half court, right? They didn't change it to 12 when I wasn't looking, did they?




I am pissed.

[GavMan33]

Well, today was fun attending one of the worst officiated games I have ever seen.

I get it. Kevin Durant is a great player. But he doesn't deserve the Michael Jordan treatment of getting calls.

Somehow, someway, Texas makes 2 field goals in the second half, but still scores 26 points. Hmm....

And someone correct me if I'm wrong, it is still 10 seconds to get the ball over half court, right? They didn't change it to 12 when I wasn't looking, did they?




I am pissed.

Wow, 2 field goals in the 2nd half and still scored 26 points? I hear you man, something doesn't add up about that. I've been there before....

In other news, Xavier fights off Dayton, 65-57, and moves to 21-7, and 11-3 in the A-10. More later....

[thestand]

Another strong performance from Oregon over Washington. Everyone on the Ducks side looked strong. Another 30+ point performance from Brooks, Porter was great from outside the arc.

And can I just say- Ryan Appleby is a fucking cunt. I, as an Oregon fan, understand what Aaron Brooks did last year was a dick move. Yes. But when Aaron Brooks comes up to you before the game to shake your hand, shake his hand. Be a big man, and act like an adult. And if you act like a vagina at the beginning of the game, when the game is over, and Brooks goes to shake your hand again, don't be a dick twice in a day. It's unecessary.

[dreamingtreeIU]

im a hoosier fan and how is everyone saying were a lock??? i dont see it any more than any of the other middle of the pack big ten teams

[UNLTrpt]

im a hoosier fan and how is everyone saying were a lock??? i dont see it any more than any of the other middle of the pack big ten teams

see this is what I love. die hard fans that don't blindly look at their team and automatically assume that they're the best team in the nation. IMO, sports would be a lot better if fans would step back and look at the big picture.

This is not directed at anyone in particular in this thread, just fan-dom in general. I.E. Nebraska fans.

[SmoothD41]

im a hoosier fan and how is everyone saying were a lock??? i dont see it any more than any of the other middle of the pack big ten teams

if they beat Northwestern and Penn State, they will finish 20-9, and most likely finish 3rd in the conference. You have to think playing at a neutral site, they will win at least one game in the conference tournament. My guess is when everything is said and done, IU will finish 21-10. Our RPI is in the low 20s , our strength of schedule is solid, we have no terrible losses (on the road at Michigan is iffy), a few really nice wins and did not lose a home game all year.

I am by no means advocating how our team is playing right now, but they will be in the tournament and i'm guessing as a 7 seed.

[UNC41]

How and the hell do you give Wisconsin that many opportunities there?

[clayj41]

What a huge miss!

[UNC41]

That was a big time play by Conley. The game was exciting, but it wasn't well played by either team.

[justinandimcool]

Wisconsin, meet #2 in the NCAA tournament. #2 in the NCAA tournament, Wisconsin. :)

[willthethrill]

Big Ten, yawn.

[justinandimcool]

At least it's better than the SEC.

[clayj41]

Wisconsin, meet #2 in the NCAA tournament. #2 in the NCAA tournament, Wisconsin. :)

:thumbsup Yeah, Ohio St. really helped their own cause for a #1 seed today while dismantling Wisconsin's hopes.

[zdaddy]

Wow, most entertaining game ive seen all year. Extremely pissed UW didnt win, but this was a awesome game either way. Butch's injury though, my God that was the most disgusting injury ive seen. Really hope its just a dislocation. Hope to see these 2 teams play on a neutral court.

[UNC41]

Wow, most entertaining game ive seen all year. Extremely pissed UW didnt win, but this was a awesome game either way. Butch's injury though, my God that was the most disgusting injury ive seen. Really hope its just a dislocation. Hope to see these 2 teams play on a neutral court.

It was entertaining because it was close, but it wasn't anywhere near the most entertaining game of the year.

[dmb71687]

Wow, most entertaining game ive seen all year. Extremely pissed UW didnt win, but this was a awesome game either way. Butch's injury though, my God that was the most disgusting injury ive seen. Really hope its just a dislocation. Hope to see these 2 teams play on a neutral court.

Agreed, and I love all these ACC people acting like the game wasn't well played by either team, and was boring. Sorry teams play defense in this league, and don't score 100000 ppg. That was one of the best defensive games I've ever seen, very happy to see the Badgers keep their composure all game. Bohannaon is going to be a monster, the kid's only a freshman and he hit 4 INCREDIBLY huge shots. Why he didn't come in the game earlier, and stay in the game later, is really beyond me, and I think Bo deserves a lot of blame for that loss. Although he did do a wonderful job with his timeouts, the Badgers always seemed to get a perfect look coming out from a TO. It's depressing when a game that big gets lost because of a one in one, but what can ya do.

I will say this, Ohio State is not the better team...

[dmb71687]

It was entertaining because it was close, but it wasn't anywhere near the most entertaining game of the year.

:rolleyes

It was entertaining because it was #1 vs #1. It was entertaining because the game had more on the line then probably any conference game of the year, for any conference.

I could go on..

[dmb71687]

:thumbsup Yeah, Ohio St. really helped their own cause for a #1 seed today while dismantling Wisconsin's hopes.

I don't know, I wouldn't say "dismantling." Really, i think UW still has just as good of a chance as OSU, probably will come down to the Big Ten Championship, (which I'll be at, cough cough) if the Badgers win, there's no way someone could justify seeding OSU ahead, IMO. They completely handled them in Madison, and SHOULD have beat them in Columbus, a victory on a neutral court should definitely decipher they're the better team...

[UNC41]

Agreed, and I love all these ACC people acting like the game wasn't well played by either team, and was boring. Sorry teams play defense in this league, and don't score 100000 ppg. That was one of the best defensive games I've ever seen, very happy to see the Badgers keep their composure all game. Bohannaon is going to be a monster, the kid's only a freshman and he hit 4 INCREDIBLY huge shots. Why he didn't come in the game earlier, and stay in the game later, is really beyond me, and I think Bo deserves a lot of blame for that loss. Although he did do a wonderful job with his timeouts, the Badgers always seemed to get a perfect look coming out from a TO. It's depressing when a game that big gets lost because of a one in one, but what can ya do.

I will say this, Ohio State is not the better team...

Both teams played well defensively, but neither looked impressive at all offensively. Overall, neither team really impressed me, and it has nothing to do with the style of play. Both teams executed absolutely horrible on offense. And say what you will about no defense being played in the ACC, but three ACC teams are in the top 10 in the nation when it comes to points allowed per posession. Meanwhile, the Big 10 has two.

:rolleyes

It was entertaining because it was #1 vs #1. It was entertaining because the game had more on the line then probably any conference game of the year, for any conference.

I could go on..

I never denied the game was entertaining, but it wasn't the most entertaining game of the year.

[UNC41]

Make fucking free throws.

[UNC41]

Seriously, fucking free throws ...

Listening to a game on the radio is the most excruciating thing ever. It's far worse listening to a team blow a game than watch it. I've had two friends, one a Carolina fan and one a Duke fan, call me and say the game was horribly officiated toward Maryland. But when you shoot free throws like the Heels did you don't deserve to win.

Apparently nobody wants to be a 1 seed.

[justinandimcool]

Whoa, what a way to shake up the #1 picture even further. Wisconsin's back in this thing after they were out of it for about 2 hours :lol Looks like Maryland's gonna be dangerous in the tournament. Those guys can execute.

[justinandimcool]

Seriously, fucking free throws ...

Listening to a game on the radio is the most excruciating thing ever. It's far worse listening to a team blow a game than watch it. I've had two friends, one a Carolina fan and one a Duke fan, call me and say the game was horribly officiated toward Maryland. But when you shoot free throws like the Heels did you don't deserve to win.

Apparently nobody wants to be a 1 seed.

I only saw the last 12 minutes, and I must say it was very physical, both teams got fair calls down the stretch IMO. I don't know about the rest of the game though, but UNC indeed had their chances.

[willthethrill]

I love it when we play well for an entire game only to blow it in the last 5 minutes. We better learn how to win close games in about a week or I might tie a noose to my door.

UNC41, it was a fair called game I think. I didn't feel it slanted one way or the other, for once in the ACC.

[UNC41]

Whoa, what a way to shake up the #1 picture even further. Wisconsin's back in this thing after they were out of it for about 2 hours :lol Looks like Maryland's gonna be dangerous in the tournament. Those guys can execute.

Right now tOSU and UCLA are the only ones I'd think are clearly 1 seeds. After that it's a pick two between UNC, Florida, Kansas and Wisconsin.

[DMBCubs25]

ohio state should definetely be considered the overall #1 after today, havent had a bad loss all season

[SteelerMan]

Good for Maryland. As much as I love UNC, you can't say they deserved to win when they missed that many free throws down the stretch. Maryland made some huge shots. I watched the entire game and didn't think the officiating was skewed in either direction. Just a very physical game inside.

The fact that UNC seems to only win when they're blowing out their opponents has me worried. They need to figure out how to win close games (making free throws would be a nice start).

[zdaddy]

anyone else feel extremely nausiated after seeing Brian Butch's injury?

[UNC41]

Good for Maryland. As much as I love UNC, you can't say they deserved to win when they missed that many free throws down the stretch. Maryland made some huge shots. I watched the entire game and didn't think the officiating was skewed in either direction. Just a very physical game inside.

The fact that UNC seems to only win when they're blowing out their opponents has me worried. They need to figure out how to win close games (making free throws would be a nice start).

Although tonight's meltdown isn't good at all, don't forget the BC and Duke games.

[unccrombie]

i still say unc is out after the 2nd/3rd round

[clayj41]

i still say unc is out after the 2nd/3rd round

I hate to agree with you, but it's highly possible. They're just so inconsistent!

[bubba40]

Apparently nobody wants to be a 1 seed.

By March 10, Georgetown will have a solid case for one.

[seekupig]

Right now tOSU and UCLA are the only ones I'd think are clearly 1 seeds. After that it's a pick two between UNC, Florida, Kansas and Wisconsin.

of the four left, Kansas is clearly playing better than any of them right now. they seem to be hitting their stride at the right time for a change, not to mention the head to head edge over Florida. but if the last week is any indication, KU will move up to #4 tomorrow and follow that with a loss tomorrow night at OU.... :lol

[seekupig]

By March 10, Georgetown will have a solid case for one.

they still need a few teams to play poorly down the stretch to have a legit case at a #1. i think they're a long shot for a #1 right now....

[chiznaz]

of the four left, Kansas is clearly playing better than any of them right now. they seem to be hitting their stride at the right time for a change, not to mention the head to head edge over Florida. but if the last week is any indication, KU will move up to #4 tomorrow and follow that with a loss tomorrow night at OU.... :lol

I have a feeling (assuming both A&M and KU win out) that the winner of the BigXII tourny (again, assuming KU or A&M win it) will get a #1 seed.

I'm heading to Austin Wed. night for the A&M vs t.u. game. It's going to be good. I'm real nervous about it because it's the longhorns, but if we can win in Allen Field House, I know we can win in Austin.

[justinandimcool]

I have a feeling (assuming both A&M and KU win out) that the winner of the BigXII tourny (again, assuming KU or A&M win it) will get a #1 seed.

I'm heading to Austin Wed. night for the A&M vs t.u. game. It's going to be good. I'm real nervous about it because it's the longhorns, but if we can win in Allen Field House, I know we can win in Austin.

Agreed. You better hope Texas Tech isn't a #8 seed though if you know what I mean ;)

[seekupig]

Agreed. You better hope Texas Tech isn't a #8 seed though if you know what I mean ;)

luckily, the seeding rules don't allow for teams from the same conference to meet until the sweet 16 at the earliest, so Tech wouldn't be in the same bracket as KU or A&M if they end up as 1 seeds....

[justinandimcool]

luckily, the seeding rules don't allow for teams from the same conference to meet until the sweet 16 at the earliest, so Tech wouldn't be in the same bracket as KU or A&M if they end up as 1 seeds....


Really? Shit, I never knew that. Thanks for the info :)

[seekupig]

Really? Shit, I never knew that. Thanks for the info :)

i'm pretty sure. i guess they want to avoid teams playing for the third and possibly fourth time if at all possible. if they go deep, then it can't be stopped, but i can't remember ever seeing two teams from one conference meet in the first two rounds....

[justinandimcool]

Nope, you're right, I looked and no teams from the same conference met until the sweet 16 :thumbsup