College Hoops Thread '09-'10

[The Poet]

Vandy all over the Hogs. A&M 10 better than Horns, and getting a little late. Sooners still giving Bears all they want, and Bearcats giving WVA a bit more than that. Oh, and my Heels hanging with Deacs . . . so far.

[The Poet]

Wichita State 76 - Southern Illinois 55 = This helps their at-large chance some.

Alabama is giving Ole Miss a tussle, which won't help the Rebels chance at all. And speaking of such, Heels now up 10 over Wake.

[The Poet]

Baylor 70 - Oklahoma 63 = It was a struggle, but they do what they need to do, sort of. Not very impressive, however.

Vanderbilt 89 - Arkansas 72 = Like the Commodores did here.

[The Poet]

West Virginia gets up by one over Cincy, but still about 8 left. Ariz. St./Cal a tight one at the half. Heels still haven't blown it, but there's 5 left, so there's time for that too.

[The Poet]

Longhorns down 10 with 6 left. 'Bama up 2 with 2 1/2 to go. Heels up 9, 4 minutes.

[The Poet]

UAB 76 - Tulane 55 = Here's one of your "at-large" . . . but not because of this one.

[The Poet]

Mississippi 76 - Alabama 73 = Yes, it was in Tuscaloosa, but it should not have been this hard.

Heels STILL haven't blown it, and they only have 1 1/2 left to do so.

[The Poet]

Texas A&M 74 - Texas 58 = That's quite a spanking. Now maybe you're starting to understand why I had little faith in the Longhorns earlier in this thread.

West Virginia 74 - Cincinnati 68 = Pretty much the fight I expected, and puts a hole in Cincy's hopes for a bid. Speaking of that:

UNC 77 - Wake Forest 68 = What was that? What did you say? Though the Heels tried to give it away, missing too many dang free throws in an ugly finish, the Deacs could not capitalize. This hurts them, and only helps UNC by keeping them with a winning record . . . for now.

I'm worn out. I'll talk to you Monday. Until then, enjoy.

[The Poet]

Well, my friends, if nothing else, it was an interesting weekend. Aside from all the upsets already mentioned (Irish over Hoyas, Vols over 'Cats, Heels over Deacs) there were others, big and small, as well as some other notable items - such as:

Syracuse 95 - Villanova = I'll put this first for several reasons. Imprimis, it's already been brought up prevoiusly, by Vic and the 'Freak. Secundus, if I don't, they'll both be p!$$ed at me, and I have p!$$ed off enough others in this thread already. And tertius, the win, coupled with some losses, has put the Orange #1 in the polls for the first time in 20 years, and may have just won them a #1-seed come Selection Sunday . . . if they don't blow it before then. As for 'Nova, their dreams of stealing a #1 quickly became a hope not to drop to a #3.

Oklahoma State 85 - Kansas 77 = And here's 1/2 the reason for that, with the Tennnessee win being the other 1/2. For those of you who did not believe before that this year's tourney might be up for grabs, well, you have some more evidence for that possibility now.

Kansas State 63 - Missouri 53 = A good win for K-State, and one some people think will get them a #1-seed. It won't, unless Duke gives it to them first, for at this point the field is set . . . UK, KU, 'Cuse, Dook, not necessarily in that order.

New Mexico 83 - BYU 81 = One dang good game, which might get the Lobos a 3-seed. Of course, as in all cases, that is dependent upon them not spitting the bit first.

Minnesota 62 - Illinois = Did this get the Gophers a bid. Not necessarily. Did it cost the Illini one? Again, not necessarily. But it does complicate things for the Committee, I'd imagine.

Nebraska 83 - Texas Tech 79 (OT) = And does this get the Huskers in? No way in hell. However, it may keep Tech out, since their decline from the ranked to the rank hit bottom with this loss to a team that totally sucks.

Marshall 121 - UCF 115 (3OT) = Wow. Talk about your good team struggling with one that sucks! The Herd may be in, seeing as how they are a solid 4th in the fairly solid CUSA, but they didn't need this to improve their shot, even though they did get the W . . . finally.

Cornell 68 - Pennsylvania 48 = I told you this was coming. OK, the fat lady hasn't sung yet, but Big Red has a 2-game lead in the IVY with 2 to play . . . at both Brown and Yale, both of whom have identical 5-7 and 11-18 records. Cornell will be the first team in the nation officially in the Dance.

California 62 - Arizona State 46 = The Bears now have the Pac-10 within grasp, as they have clinched at least a tie for the regular season for the first time since Pete Newell led them there 50 years ago. As for the Sun Devils . . . well, I said above that Sendek would have them ready for the game, and he did, for the first half. But they stayed in the lockerroom after the break, and only scored 16 points in the 2nd. Sheesh.

Maryland 104 - Virginia Tech 100 (2OT) = The Hokies did not make it easy on the Terps, and I expected no less of them. But, wow. Terps finally beat them back, and guess what? They get ranked for it too! They are #22 in the AP. In the RPI, they are #25, with only about ten teams above them who are worse.

N.C. State 71 - Miami 66 = Here are two who are worse, but they are NOT above Maryland in the RPI. What they are after this game is 4-10 in the ACC, and in a 3-way tie with my Tar Heels for the cellar. But hey, I'm sure Jeff enjoyed it.

And all this was just on Saturday! The fun did not stop come Sunday:

Michigan State 53 - Purdue 44 = Did this win the Spartans a 3-seed? Maybe, if they don't stumble too badly. Did it cost the Boilermakers a 1-seed? Likely, unless Duke and K-State give it back. One thing for certain . . . that was one of the ugliest, most poorly-played games I have ever seen. If that game was any true judge, NEITHER team deserves ANY bid, AT ALL!

Duke 67 - Virginia 49 = The score was about what one might expect. What one could not expect was all the other crap that went down prior to this game, which made it so big when it comes to the Devils' possible seeding.

Louisville 78 - U. Conn 76 = Does this take the Cardinals off the bubble? Could be. Does it put the Huskies on it? Should be.

Clemson 53 - Florida State 50 = Another ugly game, and an ugly dilemma for the Selection Committee. Lessee . . . Dook and the Terps are gimmes, but there are 4 ACC teams tied with 8-6 conference records now. Who's a bubble squad, and who's not? Guess we'll find out.

Marquette 84 - Seton Hall 83 (OT) = You noticing a trend here? There was a lot of extra innings played, as there were a lot of teams on one side or the other of that dastardly bubble, and nobody wanted to throw in the towel. I think the Eagles are flying. I think the Pirates are sunk.

Xavier 78 - Richmond 76 (2OT) = See what I mean? Now, in a just world, both these are at-large locks. Yet who ever said the world was just?

Penn State 79 - Northwestern 60 = Penn State sucks, and has sucked all year. Northwestern was ranked for a time, believe it or not. I didn't then, and nobody does now. PSU would have to win the Big Ten tourney to make it to the Dance, and that ain't gonna happen. Northwestern will now also, since their present 7-10 conference record won't cut it . . . or shouldn't, anyway.


There are only a couple of games to note this evening:

Oklahoma vs. Texas = In the past six weeks, ever since they got that meaningless coveted #1 ranking, the 'Horns have lost 7 games and have fallen out of the ranked altogether. They will be dancing, but not in the front rows, so the balance of their games only changes their first partners. As for the Sooners . . . well, the sooner the season ends, the better.

Georgetown vs. West Virginia = The Hoyas lost some ground, and a lot of luster, with their recent losses to South Florida, Rutgers, and Notre Dame. They can go a long way to gaining some back, and improving their seeding to a solid #4, by taking the Mountaineers in Morgantown tonight.

AR Pine Bluff vs. Jackson State = OK, I can hear you now . . . "WTF?" Well, I agree, but the NCAA Selection Committee does not. See, they seem to think not only that the wanna-bes deserve at least one bid, but that the never-weres and never-will-bes do too. Jackson State leads the Southwestern Athletic Conference (sounds impressive, doesn't it?) with a 14-1 league mark . . . and a 16-11 overall record. AR Pine Bluff is chasing them for the coveted crown with their 13-2 conference record . . . and their 13-14 overall. So between them, they have won a total of 2 games out of conference. Yeah, they deserve to be invited to the Dance.


With that in mind, enjoy.

Originally Posted by The Poet

Syracuse 95 - Villanova = I'll put this first for several reasons. Imprimis, it's already been brought up prevoiusly, by Vic and the 'Freak. Secundus, if I don't, they'll both be p!$$ed at me, and I have p!$$ed off enough others in this thread already. And tertius, the win, coupled with some losses, has put the Orange #1 in the polls for the first time in 20 years, and may have just won them a #1-seed come Selection Sunday . . . if they don't blow it before then. As for 'Nova, their dreams of stealing a #1 quickly became a hope not to drop to a #3.

Don't sound so excited Thomas, but trust me I wouldn't get pissed.

Hey,number 1 is nice and all, but it's all about tourney time. What I liked a lot better is watching the talking heads on ESPN mention what I mentioned WEEKS ago in this very thread, what makes the 'Cuse tough is the balance on the team. They've got 7 essentially interchangable starters, who all post almost identical numbers. Concentrate on one, they just shift to another. Not to mention the 2-3 zone that's so hard to prepare for cause nobody ever sees it.

In contrast you've got Purdue who loses ONE freakin player and manages to score 16 points in an entire half......are you freaking kidding me? SIXTEEN POINTS????

[The Poet]

But let me get this out of the way first:

Originally Posted by The Poet

N.C. State 71 - Miami 66 = But hey, I'm sure Jeff enjoyed it.

Jeff? JEFF?? Sorry, Jerry - I was so busy trying to get all that junk in yesterday that I had a momentary brainf@rt. Again, I'm sorry, my brother . . . but if your life's been anything like mine, I'm sure you've been called worse.

[Col. Kurtz]

Originally Posted by The Poet

But let me get this out of the way first:



Jeff? JEFF?? Sorry, Jerry - I was so busy trying to get all that junk in yesterday that I had a momentary brainf@rt. Again, I'm sorry, my brother . . . but if your life's been anything like mine, I'm sure you've been called worse.

I judge my effectiveness by the slings and arrows.

[The Poet]

Well Vic (and Bryan, for that matter), I was gonna wait on this until the pairings came out, but lemme give you a preview now:

The Orange has sufficient talent and experience to make a good run in The Dance. Plus, Boeheim certainly has plenty of tourney experience himself - albeit too much of it negative to suit most 'Cuse fans - and has also become a better coach since he's gotten older, gotten the monkey off his back, and calmed down considerably. Syracuse will not be easy to knock out, but their biggest strength is also their biggest area of concern - that vaunted 2-3 Zone. True, many teams do not see that very often, at least not for more than a few possessions at a time, but a good coach will have his players ready for it because he will know exactly what to expect. And here's also where the potential pairings come into play too. A team that has good outside shooters (Duke, Vandy, Vols, New Mexico mebbe), or has a guard who can penetrate the seams and create havoc in the lane (Spartans, 'Nova, Kentucky, Terps) can quite quickly turn that "advantage" into a distinct liability. There's where problems can start for The Orange, for if the zone is NOT working, and they fall behind, they are not nearly as comfortable playing D any other way. If they fall 'way behind, or are down several possessions with the clock running out, they may not have the ability to force the action fullcourt to force necessary turnovers, or just merely to speed their opponent out of their preferred gameplan.

Hey, I've seen it before, and if you've been around as long as I have . . . well, pity on you, but more to the point, so have you.

Regular update to follow.

[The Poet]

OK, enough post-whoring on my own thread, so let's get down to it now. Last night was truly light, full moon and all:

Texas 87 - Oklahoma 76 = As has been the case in most of the Longhorn wins of late, it's a decent enough showing, but nothing to write home about. An 11-point margin over a sub-.500 team, in Austin no less, doesn't impress me much.

West Virginia 81 - Georgetown 68 - And the freefall of the Hoyas continues. I realize they've had some illness problems, but $#!+ happens all over, and there's no point in crying about it. They have now lost 4 of their last 5, and despite their Top 20 ranking their 19-9 overall and 9-8 conference record is threatening to put them on somebody's bubble-list. As for the Mountaineers, they keep rolling along, and have some potential to upset a few teams come Madness-time . . . like Vic's Orange.

And speaking of Madness-time, do you realize that it actually starts tonight? This evening we'll see action kick of in conference tournaments . . . the Big South, Ohio Valley, and Horizon to be perzack. As this group will see few, if any, at-large bids, these games will be huge. Aside from this, we also have:

Minnesota vs. Michigan = The Logans are toast. The Gophers may not be, but they'd better get a few more Ws to avoid that notorious bubble.

Syracuse vs. St. John's = I wouldn't expect The Orange to blow their #1 . . . tonight.

Villanova vs. Cincinnati = 'Nova needs to do a little work to get their 2-seed back, and the Bearcats are on the backside of that bubble. This one could be fun.

UTEP vs. Marshall = Will the CUSA get 4 bids this year? The Miners are in, regardless. But the Herd better not depend upon that 4th invite, and thus need to help their cause tonight.

Vanderbilt vs. Florida = I don't think either of these guys need to worry about that invite, but Vandy sure could use a win to regain hopes for the 3-line. Plus, the Gators would like to remove all doubt from their equation, so expect a battle here.

Georgia Tech vs. Clemson = The Tigers have a better record, but the Wreck has more quality wins. Are these two bubble teams? One bubble team? None? Dang if I know what the Committee's thinking. As these guys don't either, both need the victory.

Missouri vs. Iowa State = These Tigers should be safely in, especially if the Big 12 gets as much respect as they brag that they deserve. As for the Cyclones, they will be blowin' inna wind come mid-March.

UNC vs. Miami = Since I don't believe either of these teams can run the table in the gran'daddy of the conference tourneys, this is a battle to get out of the basement of the ACC . . . and for the defending National Champions, to remain above .500.

Baylor vs. Texas Tech = The Bears are in, and would love to earn a 4-spot. The boys from Lubbock have gone from contenders to chum.

Ohio State vs. Illinois = A lot would have to happen for the Buckeyes to get a 1-seed, but not much for them to lose a 2-slot. A lot would have to happen for the Illini to lose an at-large. The game SHOULD mean more to OSU, but will it?

Louisville vs. Marquette = These two teams could not be much closer, in every regard, and it would take a fairly significant collapse for either to miss an at-large this late in the year. But both could sleep easier tonight with that extra W. This is another with great potential for fun.

Well, there you go. I'll leave the conference tourneys until there's something to actually report, so until tomorrow - enjoy.

[gettysburgfreak]

was at the Dome tonight for SU vs. St. Johns. SU had no trouble at all with St. Johns and I thought SU didn't play anywhere near their capability and still ended up winning by 19. Their game against Louisville should be a good one.

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by gettysburgfreak

was at the Dome tonight for SU vs. St. Johns. SU had no trouble at all with St. Johns and I thought SU didn't play anywhere near their capability and still ended up winning by 19. Their game against Louisville should be a good one.

With no offense intended to the loyal Johnnies fans - if there are any left after all these post-Carnesecca years - having no trouble with the Redmen ain't saying much.

I've a lot of work to do, so may not get to my update today - which is a shame, for there's a lot of good $#!+ tonight, like the Battle of Kansas and the Dook/Terps showdown. Oh well - it is what it is. So if I don't see you again before tomorrow - enjoy.

Getting ready to head out to the University of Maryland to watch the Terps take on Duke. It's going to be a mad house, kids have been lining up since noon to get in. Should be a great game!! GO TERPS!

[JaKaacH]

Congrats to Sherron Collins--Great Senior Night..
From SI:
This was Collins's 125th win in a Kansas uniform, which is more than any player has amassed during this program's long and storied history. Those wins include four Big 12 regular-season titles, two conference tournament championships, two Final Fours and one NCAA title. And he is not through yet.

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by JaKaacH

Congrats to Sherron Collins--Great Senior Night..
From SI:
This was Collins's 125th win in a Kansas uniform, which is more than any player has amassed during this program's long and storied history. Those wins include four Big 12 regular-season titles, two conference tournament championships, two Final Fours and one NCAA title. And he is not through yet.

I'll second your congrats, and agree he's not through yet. He has a decent shot at a second ring.

And on a more personal note, I hope Collins has not had to deal with some of the nonsense I heard last year regarding Tyler Hansbrough, for foregoing the NBA Draft to finish his college career. What am I talking about? Well, many of you know that bassmouthed load of crap who works for The FAN here in New York, Mike Francesa. He was amongst many "experts" who predicted Tyler would have no pro career to speak of, despite his college rep. OK, that's an opinion, and we will see. But he also dissed both Tyler and the Tar Heels for his staying for four years, saying at one point that the UNC/Duke rivalry had lost all its juice because Hansbrough had been there "what, seven years now? He's been there so long his SON is playing for Carolina!"

Over the years, I have heard people praise a player for staying in school. I have heard them say an underclassman is ready to come out, or that one is not yet ready and should stay in school. But I have never - NEVER! - heard any commentator condemn a player for staying until graduation. That's just stupid. Furthermore, how could Mike say, in one breath, that Tyler would not be a pro, then in the second say he should not still be in school? Hell, what did he expect - did he want Tyler to drop out, move back to Missouri, and open a used-car lot?

Sorry about that, but it's been eating at me for a year now. Besides, I can jack my own thread if I want to, JaKaacH.

Double-dip update to follow.

[The Poet]

I'm behind by two possessions, so let's put the press on a play a little catch-up. On Tuesday 3/2:

Villanova 77 - Cincinnati 73 = This may have improved 'Nova's seeding a bit, coming off their spanking by the Orange. As for the Bearcats, it likely ended their hopes for an at-large.

Vanderbilt 64 - Florida 60 = It's the same for Vandy, though I'd still give the Gators a bid.

Marquette 69 - Louisville 48 = And this should get Marquette in, plus keep L'ville out.

UTEP 80 - Marshall 76 = Does this tough loss keep the Herd out? Well, how many bids will the CUSA get? Three, for sure, but Marshall & Tulsa are fighting for that possible 4th. Can the CUSA get 5? Not my call.

Michigan 83 - Minnesota 55 = This whuppin' won't get the Logans nowhere, but it may have put the Gophers in the hole.

Ohio State 73 - Illinois 57 = The Buckeyes are hoping to steal a #1-seed late in the game. Can they? See below.

Syracuse 85 - St. John's 66 = And the Orange hold onto theirs . . . for now.

UNC 69 - Miami 62 = OK, this game meant nothing, as neither team's going anywhere. And the fact that it gave the Heels a full step out of the basement means nothing either. And that it may keep them above, or at least AT, .500 for the season means nothing much either. And the fact that it gave the Tar Heels their 2,000th overall win, becoming the 2nd in the nation (and the third this season!) to reach that landmark . . . well, that means nothing much either, since it's just a number. But hey, it's my team, my thread, so there.

There was some more interesting action Wednesday 3/3:

Kansas 82 - Kansas State 65 = Just one good ol' fashion butt-kickin' in Phog Allen. And remember I told you to "see below"? Well, here's one of the openings OSU was hoping to get. Oh, and it also put the Jayhawks at 1,998 wins overall, so I'm fairly confident in what I said above.

Maryland 79 - Duke 72 = And here's the other one. Hey, I've been telling you for weeks now that the Terps are playing some dang good ball, but does anybody ever listen to me? And Bryan, next time you decide to declare the season over . . . remember this game.

Kentucky 80 - Georgia 68 = Again, as often here, the game itself meant little, but it did give UK the SEC East. Funny thing though: Back before their loss Saturday to the Vols, Calipari told his guys that the SEC title meant nothing. Before THIS game, he reminded them how important it was, as it would win them the SEC East title. For all you guys out there with the same opinion of Cal I hold . . . well, you gotta love that.

Florida State 51 - Wake Forest 47 = Ugly as this game was, it may have given the Semi-Holes a slot . . . and taken one away from the slumping Deacs.

Notre Dame 58 - U. Conn 50 = No way this gets the Irish in the Dance. However, Carolina may not be the ONLY #1-seed from last season who's sitting at home this year.

Tonight there's a lot of continuing conference tourney action going on, but as these are the "also-ran" conferences who are lousy dancers anyway, I'll wait until something of import happens there . . . though I will advise Bryan that his Campbell Camels have already been booted from their tourney by East Tennessee State this afternoon, since they lost that 72-64 contest. And other than that, the only game involving the big boys is Purdue/Providence. This game won't keep the Boilermakers out, nor put the Friars in, so it's only significance is giving Purdue another chance to see what they can do with Hummel in streetclothes. So I'll just leave you with this, and ask you to enjoy.