Not a single team from the SEC made the AP Top 25 poll or the second consecutive week, even though LSU has won 9 straight in the conference. At 21-4 and 9-1, the Tigers seem almost assured of making the grade on Monday, when the latest iteration of the Top 25 is released.
The Tigers received 167 votes in last week's poll, a solid #26 right behind Florida St, which made the poll for the first time since 1998. On Saturday, the Seminoles were brought back to earth by #7 Wake Forest, taking an 86-63 beating on the road.
While losing to the high-ranked Demon Deacons may not be enough to pull down Florida State (19-6, 6-4), LSU's come-from-behind, 73-66 win over Mississippi should carry more weight with the voters.
Along with the Tigers, South Carolina seems deserving of a ranking as well. The Gamecocks, at 7-3, are in a logjam with Kentucky and Florida for the East division lead, but they hold a win over Kentucky and a split with the Gators and have won 6 of their last 7 en route to an 18-5 record.
Both the Tigers and amecocks are idle until Feb. 18 (Wednesday), so it will be interesting to see if the voters decide to include the SEC in their calculus. The SEC normally places 4 or 5 teams in the NCAA tournament, so it would be stunning to see the conference shut out of the rankings in the polls leading up to the big dance.
With #21 Utah State, #24 Ohio State and #25 Florida State all suffering losses and #23 Syracuse being taken to overtime by Georgetown (4-8 in the Big East) on Saturday, will the voters find a spot for at least one SEC squad?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
PAC-10 Madness: Struggling Bruins Drop Second Straight
After being bounced hard by #18 Arizona State on Thursday night, 74-67, #11 UCLA hit another speed bump when visiting the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday.
The Wildcats stormed out of the gate, opening up a 49-31 lead at the half, eventually winning 84-72, though the game was not nearly as close as the score indicated. Arizona led by as many as 25 points in the second half, even though the Bruins cut the deficit to 9 near the end of the game.
With the Bruins falling into a three-way tie for second place in the PAC-10, joined at 8-4 by Arizona State and Cal, the conference is up for grabs. Current leader, Washington, is 10-3 in conference play and 19-6 overall. They have the same overall record as both the Bruins and Cal.
Arizona is 18-8 overall and 8-5 in the conference, but is clearly the hottest team in the PAC-10, winning 7 straight after beginning conference play at 2-5 and being nearly written off as a contender.
The way they are playing, however, national ranking and a NCAA bid could be in their immediate future. If the Wildcats can continue playing well through the final five regular season games and perform well in the PAC-10 tourney (March 11-14 at the Staples Center in LA), they could even receive an automatic bid.
The task will be a daunting one for Arizona. Their next three games are all on the road: at Arizona St., Washington St. and Washington.
The Wildcats stormed out of the gate, opening up a 49-31 lead at the half, eventually winning 84-72, though the game was not nearly as close as the score indicated. Arizona led by as many as 25 points in the second half, even though the Bruins cut the deficit to 9 near the end of the game.
With the Bruins falling into a three-way tie for second place in the PAC-10, joined at 8-4 by Arizona State and Cal, the conference is up for grabs. Current leader, Washington, is 10-3 in conference play and 19-6 overall. They have the same overall record as both the Bruins and Cal.
Arizona is 18-8 overall and 8-5 in the conference, but is clearly the hottest team in the PAC-10, winning 7 straight after beginning conference play at 2-5 and being nearly written off as a contender.
The way they are playing, however, national ranking and a NCAA bid could be in their immediate future. If the Wildcats can continue playing well through the final five regular season games and perform well in the PAC-10 tourney (March 11-14 at the Staples Center in LA), they could even receive an automatic bid.
The task will be a daunting one for Arizona. Their next three games are all on the road: at Arizona St., Washington St. and Washington.
Pitt Rips It Up; Shoots 67% in Win over Bearcats
The Pitt Panthers set the bar high Saturday in an 85-69 home court win over Big East opponent Seton Hall.
Led by 7-for-9 shooting by both Sam Young (18 points) and DeJuan Blair (17), the Panthers shot a blistering 67% from the field, hitting 31 of 46 shots. Excluding 3-pointers (5-12), the Panthers were an astounding 26 of 34, for a 76.5% mark inside the arc.
Pitt actually had a better shooting eye from the field than the foul line (67%-61%).
The win was the 5th straight for #4 Pitt (23-2. 10-2). Despite their gaudy record, they continue to trail #1 Connecticut by a 1 1/2 games. The Huskies are 12-1 in the Big East and 24-1 overall. UConn whipped Seton Hall, 62-54 in New Jersey in preparation for hosting Pitt Monday night in a Big East showdown.
Led by 7-for-9 shooting by both Sam Young (18 points) and DeJuan Blair (17), the Panthers shot a blistering 67% from the field, hitting 31 of 46 shots. Excluding 3-pointers (5-12), the Panthers were an astounding 26 of 34, for a 76.5% mark inside the arc.
Pitt actually had a better shooting eye from the field than the foul line (67%-61%).
The win was the 5th straight for #4 Pitt (23-2. 10-2). Despite their gaudy record, they continue to trail #1 Connecticut by a 1 1/2 games. The Huskies are 12-1 in the Big East and 24-1 overall. UConn whipped Seton Hall, 62-54 in New Jersey in preparation for hosting Pitt Monday night in a Big East showdown.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Top 25 Roundball Roundup
Here are some of the highlights from Wednesday night action:
(1) Connecticut 63, Syracuse 49 - Top-ranked Connecticut buried Syracuse, sending the Orangemen to their 6th loss in their last 8 games. The Huskies won their 12th straight, and are now 23-1 overall and 11-1 in the Big East. UConn looks to be the #1 overall seed in the NCAA tourney, though they have to navigate the remainder of their Big East schedule and the conference tournament. They have six regular season games left, two with Pitt and one with Marquette.
(2) Oklahoma 78 Baylor 63 - Blake Griffin recorded his 21st double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Oklahoma improved to 24-1.
North Carolina State 82 (7) Wake Forest 76 - Unranked NC State knocked off a serious ACC foe in the night's biggest upset. The Wolfpack improved to just 3-6 in the conference and 13-9 overall, while the Demon Deacons lost for the 4th time in their last 6, looking very vulnerable as the season progresses.
(8) Memphis 63 Tulsa 37 - Robert Dozier scored 23 points, as the Tigers humiliated Tulsa. Memphis is 21-3 and undefeated in Conference-USA at 9-0.
Dayton 71 (14) Xavier 58 - Eleven different players scored for Dayton, as the Flyers overmatched #14 Xavier and tightened the Atlantic-10 race. St. Joseph's leads the conference at 7-1, with unappreciated Dayton and Xavier tied at 8-2. Dayton already holds a 69-58 win over St. Joseph's. The Flyers are flying just beneath the national radar, but could make a good deal of noise in March.
(1) Connecticut 63, Syracuse 49 - Top-ranked Connecticut buried Syracuse, sending the Orangemen to their 6th loss in their last 8 games. The Huskies won their 12th straight, and are now 23-1 overall and 11-1 in the Big East. UConn looks to be the #1 overall seed in the NCAA tourney, though they have to navigate the remainder of their Big East schedule and the conference tournament. They have six regular season games left, two with Pitt and one with Marquette.
(2) Oklahoma 78 Baylor 63 - Blake Griffin recorded his 21st double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Oklahoma improved to 24-1.
North Carolina State 82 (7) Wake Forest 76 - Unranked NC State knocked off a serious ACC foe in the night's biggest upset. The Wolfpack improved to just 3-6 in the conference and 13-9 overall, while the Demon Deacons lost for the 4th time in their last 6, looking very vulnerable as the season progresses.
(8) Memphis 63 Tulsa 37 - Robert Dozier scored 23 points, as the Tigers humiliated Tulsa. Memphis is 21-3 and undefeated in Conference-USA at 9-0.
Dayton 71 (14) Xavier 58 - Eleven different players scored for Dayton, as the Flyers overmatched #14 Xavier and tightened the Atlantic-10 race. St. Joseph's leads the conference at 7-1, with unappreciated Dayton and Xavier tied at 8-2. Dayton already holds a 69-58 win over St. Joseph's. The Flyers are flying just beneath the national radar, but could make a good deal of noise in March.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tar Heels Gallop Past Duke, 101-87
The annual face-off between Duke and North Carolina at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham was a game with meaning, as two of the top-rated teams in the country turned traded blows. Carolina pulled away late for a convincing win.
Duke, ranked #6 in the latest AP Poll, took a 52-45 lead into halftime, but the #3 Tar Heels stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Blue Devils 25-13 to start the 2nd stanza. North Carolina finally assumed the lead on a Wayne Ellington 3-pointer midway through the second half and extended their edge to 4 points on Ed Davis' short jumper.
Ellington's make was timely, being the only three made from seven he threw up. Carolina maintained their edge from there and expanded it to 78-71, when Ty Lawson hit a pair of jumpers 15 seconds apart with just over 7 minutes left. After Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough hit his only attempt at a 3-pointer at 13:58, making it 83-71, the Cameron Crazies were silenced and North Carolina had cemented their credentials as the class of the ACC.
Lawson led all scorers with 25 points on sharp 8-11 shooting and 9-9 from the free throw line. Kyle Singler led the Blue Devils with 22. Jon Scheyer had 20.
The Tar Heels had five in double figures plus Bobby Frasor with 9. Carolina improved to 22-2 overall, and first place in the ACC at 8-2. Duke dropped to 20-4 and 7-3.
Duke, ranked #6 in the latest AP Poll, took a 52-45 lead into halftime, but the #3 Tar Heels stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Blue Devils 25-13 to start the 2nd stanza. North Carolina finally assumed the lead on a Wayne Ellington 3-pointer midway through the second half and extended their edge to 4 points on Ed Davis' short jumper.
Ellington's make was timely, being the only three made from seven he threw up. Carolina maintained their edge from there and expanded it to 78-71, when Ty Lawson hit a pair of jumpers 15 seconds apart with just over 7 minutes left. After Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough hit his only attempt at a 3-pointer at 13:58, making it 83-71, the Cameron Crazies were silenced and North Carolina had cemented their credentials as the class of the ACC.
Lawson led all scorers with 25 points on sharp 8-11 shooting and 9-9 from the free throw line. Kyle Singler led the Blue Devils with 22. Jon Scheyer had 20.
The Tar Heels had five in double figures plus Bobby Frasor with 9. Carolina improved to 22-2 overall, and first place in the ACC at 8-2. Duke dropped to 20-4 and 7-3.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Spartan Defense Clamps Down on Wolverines, 54-42
Michigan State improved to 10-2 in the Big 10 and 20-4 overall, holding Michigan to 35% shooting in a 54-42 road win.
Freshman Delvon Roe scored 14 points and had 10 boards in a season-high effort. Kalin Lucas led the Spartans with 15 points.
It was Michigan State's third straight win and also the third straight game in which their opponent has tallied 47 or fewer points. The Spartans are a perfect 18-0 when holding their opponent to 67 points or less.
Michigan St. leads Ohio State and Illinois by 2 1/2 games in the conference, seeking its first Big 10 title since 2001.
Elsewhere, #25 Florida St. shot a blistering 71% in a 48-point second half, cruising past Virginia, 58-67. #12 Clemson rolled past Boston College, 87-77.
Jodie Meeks hit a pair of free throws in the final minute and banged home a three-pointer with 9.8 seconds remaining to give Kentucky a 68-65 win over the Florida Gators in a key SEC matchup. Florida's Nick Calathes poured in 33 points but misfired on all three potentially game-tying free throws with 1 second left. Meeks led the Wildcats with 23.
Freshman Delvon Roe scored 14 points and had 10 boards in a season-high effort. Kalin Lucas led the Spartans with 15 points.
It was Michigan State's third straight win and also the third straight game in which their opponent has tallied 47 or fewer points. The Spartans are a perfect 18-0 when holding their opponent to 67 points or less.
Michigan St. leads Ohio State and Illinois by 2 1/2 games in the conference, seeking its first Big 10 title since 2001.
Elsewhere, #25 Florida St. shot a blistering 71% in a 48-point second half, cruising past Virginia, 58-67. #12 Clemson rolled past Boston College, 87-77.
Jodie Meeks hit a pair of free throws in the final minute and banged home a three-pointer with 9.8 seconds remaining to give Kentucky a 68-65 win over the Florida Gators in a key SEC matchup. Florida's Nick Calathes poured in 33 points but misfired on all three potentially game-tying free throws with 1 second left. Meeks led the Wildcats with 23.
Wildcats On the Prowl; Claw Marquette, 102-84
Scottie Reynolds scored 27 points and Villanova put five players in double figures as the Wildcats downed #10 Marquette, 102-84, Monday night in Philadelphia.
Villanova took the lead with minutes remaining in the first half, heading into the break up by five and were never seriously threatened after that.
Reynolds set a personal home court season high on 10 of 17 shooting, including 5 of 11 three-pointers. He previously scored 40 at Seton Hall and 31 at Providence.
Corey Fisher scored 20; Shane Clark was a perfect 6-6 from the floor (3-3 on threes) for 16, Dante Cunningham had 15 and Dwayne Anderson added 10 points for 'Nova.
Jerel McNeil and Lazar Hayward led the way for Marquette with 23 and 20, respectively.
The win was Villanova's sixth straight, improving to 8-3 in Big East play and 15-4 overall. Marquette lost for just the second time in conference play, dropping to 9-2 and 20-4.
Villanova continues on a mini-scoring streak, notching over 100 for the thrid time this season and for the second game in a row. Over their last three outings, the Wildcats have scored 97, 102 and 102.
The Golden Eagles shot 51%, but the Wildcats were better, canning 59% in one of their best outings of the season.
Villanova took the lead with minutes remaining in the first half, heading into the break up by five and were never seriously threatened after that.
Reynolds set a personal home court season high on 10 of 17 shooting, including 5 of 11 three-pointers. He previously scored 40 at Seton Hall and 31 at Providence.
Corey Fisher scored 20; Shane Clark was a perfect 6-6 from the floor (3-3 on threes) for 16, Dante Cunningham had 15 and Dwayne Anderson added 10 points for 'Nova.
Jerel McNeil and Lazar Hayward led the way for Marquette with 23 and 20, respectively.
The win was Villanova's sixth straight, improving to 8-3 in Big East play and 15-4 overall. Marquette lost for just the second time in conference play, dropping to 9-2 and 20-4.
Villanova continues on a mini-scoring streak, notching over 100 for the thrid time this season and for the second game in a row. Over their last three outings, the Wildcats have scored 97, 102 and 102.
The Golden Eagles shot 51%, but the Wildcats were better, canning 59% in one of their best outings of the season.
Missou Tops KU in Big 12 Thriller, 62-60
The pressure that Missouri applied throughout the game finally paid off in the second half as the host Tigers rallied from a 30-16 halftime deficit to defeat reigning national champion Kansas, 62-60, Monday night.
The Tigers limited the effectiveness of the Jayhawks' leading scorers - Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins - holding the duo to just 17 points. Collins was especially put off his game by the constant trapping, hitting just 4 of 13 shots, including 0-4 from three-point range. The effects of Missouri's steady defense seemed to also accompany him to the free throw line, where he hit just one of four attempts.
This was a game of statistical anomalies. The Tigers were outrebounded by Kansas, 48-28, hit just 2 of 14 3's, but countered their poor offensive play (36% from the field) with ball-hawking that resulted in 26 KU turnovers.
Missouri's DeMarre Carroll led all scorers with 22 points. Leo Lyons chipped in with 13. They were the only Tigers in double figures.
The win puts #17 Missouri in good shape for a run at the Big 12 title. Their unique defensive style - modeled after former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson's "40 minutes of hell" - generally makes life on the Mizzou court a harrowing experience for their opponents.
The win was their 4th straight and improved their conference record to 8-2. The loss was the first in the conference for Kansas, now 8-1, trailing 9-0 Oklahoma. The biggest test for the upstart Tigers, who haven't been to the NCAA tournament since 2003, comes in March, when they play at Kansas on March 1 and then host Oklahoma on March 4 before closing out the season at Texas A&M on March 7.
Missouri improved to 21-4 overall, while the Jayhawks slid to 19-5. Both teams seem capable of making some late-winter noise.
Elsewhere, Sam Young scored 22 points to lead #4 Pitt over Big East rival West Virginia, 70-59. The Panthers improved to 9-2 in conference play and 22-2 overall while the Mountaineers fell to 5-6 in the Big East and 16-8 overall, putting them securely on the NCAA bid bubble.
The Tigers limited the effectiveness of the Jayhawks' leading scorers - Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins - holding the duo to just 17 points. Collins was especially put off his game by the constant trapping, hitting just 4 of 13 shots, including 0-4 from three-point range. The effects of Missouri's steady defense seemed to also accompany him to the free throw line, where he hit just one of four attempts.
This was a game of statistical anomalies. The Tigers were outrebounded by Kansas, 48-28, hit just 2 of 14 3's, but countered their poor offensive play (36% from the field) with ball-hawking that resulted in 26 KU turnovers.
Missouri's DeMarre Carroll led all scorers with 22 points. Leo Lyons chipped in with 13. They were the only Tigers in double figures.
The win puts #17 Missouri in good shape for a run at the Big 12 title. Their unique defensive style - modeled after former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson's "40 minutes of hell" - generally makes life on the Mizzou court a harrowing experience for their opponents.
The win was their 4th straight and improved their conference record to 8-2. The loss was the first in the conference for Kansas, now 8-1, trailing 9-0 Oklahoma. The biggest test for the upstart Tigers, who haven't been to the NCAA tournament since 2003, comes in March, when they play at Kansas on March 1 and then host Oklahoma on March 4 before closing out the season at Texas A&M on March 7.
Missouri improved to 21-4 overall, while the Jayhawks slid to 19-5. Both teams seem capable of making some late-winter noise.
Elsewhere, Sam Young scored 22 points to lead #4 Pitt over Big East rival West Virginia, 70-59. The Panthers improved to 9-2 in conference play and 22-2 overall while the Mountaineers fell to 5-6 in the Big East and 16-8 overall, putting them securely on the NCAA bid bubble.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Top 25 Breakdown: Who Fits, Who Doesn't
UConn remained #1 in today's new AP Top 25 poll, with a preponderance of #1 votes. For now, the Huskies are as good as gold for a #1 seed in the national tourney, though they'll have to survive two games with Pitt (4) and one with Marquette (8) prior to the post-season. Villanova moved up to #13 and may be better than their ranking. We'll find out tomorrow night when the Wildcats host the Golden Eagles.
Forget Syracuse. This squad simply hasn't learned the nuances of Jim Boeheim's 2-3 zone defense. Their path to the NCAA seems impeded. Five teams from the Big East in the Top 25 may not be a stretch, though Syracuse doesn't look like the likely fifth wheel.
The SEC still didn't get a team into the rankings. Apparently, neither Florida's nor LSU's 19-4 records were good enough for the voters. It's an anomaly. One or both should be in, and possibly South Carolina as well. It's a glaring oversight by the voters.
Showing similar strength, the ACC sports 4 teams in the top 12 with Florida State sneaking in at #25 to make is 5 teams. In addition to North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest and Clemson, Virginia Tech may also get a look soon though their final five games are against all those above them in the conference except Wake, including the Seminoles twice.
Staying at #2 was Oklahoma, again, as good a choice as any, though North Carolina is still an imposing presence at #3. Also from the Big 12, Kansas should be ranked higher than #16. They have the look of a team that can go deep in any tournament.
The West is a scamble, with just UCLA (11) and Arizona St. (18) making an appearance for the PAC-10 and Gonzaga (19) and Utah St. (21) the other entries. Other than the Bruins, none of these teams impress.
Butler and Memphis certainly belong. Xavier still has some sorting out to do in the A-10.
Forget Syracuse. This squad simply hasn't learned the nuances of Jim Boeheim's 2-3 zone defense. Their path to the NCAA seems impeded. Five teams from the Big East in the Top 25 may not be a stretch, though Syracuse doesn't look like the likely fifth wheel.
The SEC still didn't get a team into the rankings. Apparently, neither Florida's nor LSU's 19-4 records were good enough for the voters. It's an anomaly. One or both should be in, and possibly South Carolina as well. It's a glaring oversight by the voters.
Showing similar strength, the ACC sports 4 teams in the top 12 with Florida State sneaking in at #25 to make is 5 teams. In addition to North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest and Clemson, Virginia Tech may also get a look soon though their final five games are against all those above them in the conference except Wake, including the Seminoles twice.
Staying at #2 was Oklahoma, again, as good a choice as any, though North Carolina is still an imposing presence at #3. Also from the Big 12, Kansas should be ranked higher than #16. They have the look of a team that can go deep in any tournament.
The West is a scamble, with just UCLA (11) and Arizona St. (18) making an appearance for the PAC-10 and Gonzaga (19) and Utah St. (21) the other entries. Other than the Bruins, none of these teams impress.
Butler and Memphis certainly belong. Xavier still has some sorting out to do in the A-10.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
LSU Wins 7th Straight SEC Game, Still Not Respected
Tasmin Mitchell scored 16 points and had 12 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season as the LSU Tigers improved to 19-4 (7-1 SEC) with a 76-62 home win over Alabama, losers of 17 straight SEC road games.
Marcus Thornton added 22 points on 8 of 13 shooting, hitting 5 of 5 from the foul line.
The win was the seventh straight SEC win for LSU, keeping the Tigers in first place in the West division of the conference.
Despite their solid records, both division leaders in the SEC - Florida (19-4, 6-2) and LSU - have been left off the Top 25 lists, though, with recent multiple losses being suffered by a number of teams - particularly Syracuse and Minnesota - the voters may see fit to open a spot for one or both of the SEC teams.
South Carolina, at 17-5 and 6-3 in the conference, may also garner some attention.
Both the AP and USA Today/ESPN polls will be updated on Monday.
Marcus Thornton added 22 points on 8 of 13 shooting, hitting 5 of 5 from the foul line.
The win was the seventh straight SEC win for LSU, keeping the Tigers in first place in the West division of the conference.
Despite their solid records, both division leaders in the SEC - Florida (19-4, 6-2) and LSU - have been left off the Top 25 lists, though, with recent multiple losses being suffered by a number of teams - particularly Syracuse and Minnesota - the voters may see fit to open a spot for one or both of the SEC teams.
South Carolina, at 17-5 and 6-3 in the conference, may also garner some attention.
Both the AP and USA Today/ESPN polls will be updated on Monday.
Villanova Uprising Sinks Syracuse
Dante Cunningham scored 31 points - matching a career high - as Villanova won its 5th straight in a 102-85 dismantling of the increasingly-shaky Syracuse Orangemen.
Despite a poor 3-11 shooting performance from standout Scottie Reynolds, the Wildcats got plenty of scoring and hustle from the rest of their roster with five players - including Reynolds' 10 points - in double figures.
Corey Stokes scored 16 points, Shane Clark had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Corey Fisher had 14, Both Stokes and Fisher notched three 3s.
Villanova improved to 19-4 on the season and is now 7-3 in the Big East. Their losses have come against the most solid teams in the conference: Louisville (by one point), Marquette and Connecticut. A 67-57 win at Pittsburgh on January 28 is indicative of the Wildcats' mettle.
Meanwhile, the Orangemen are slipping quickly, having lost five of their last seven, all to Big east opponents. The Villanova loss was the second time this season that Jim Boeheim's troops have given up 100 or more points. Providence beat Syracuse 100-94, also on January 28.
Syracuse is now just 6-5 in league play and seems destined to drop out of the Top 25. That would leave the Big East with just 5 ranked teams: Villanova, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Marquette, and, of course, #1 Connecticut.
While Syracuse struggles, look for Cincinnati to fill the void. On Saturday, the Bearcats dropped Georgetown in overtime, 64-62 and are 6-5 in the conference.
Another up-and-comer is West Virginia, a winner Saturday over Providence, 86-59, though the Mountaineers already have suffered defeat at the hands of UConn, Pitt, Marquette, Syracuse and Louisville. They are 5-5 in the conference and 16-7 overall.
Despite a poor 3-11 shooting performance from standout Scottie Reynolds, the Wildcats got plenty of scoring and hustle from the rest of their roster with five players - including Reynolds' 10 points - in double figures.
Corey Stokes scored 16 points, Shane Clark had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Corey Fisher had 14, Both Stokes and Fisher notched three 3s.
Villanova improved to 19-4 on the season and is now 7-3 in the Big East. Their losses have come against the most solid teams in the conference: Louisville (by one point), Marquette and Connecticut. A 67-57 win at Pittsburgh on January 28 is indicative of the Wildcats' mettle.
Meanwhile, the Orangemen are slipping quickly, having lost five of their last seven, all to Big east opponents. The Villanova loss was the second time this season that Jim Boeheim's troops have given up 100 or more points. Providence beat Syracuse 100-94, also on January 28.
Syracuse is now just 6-5 in league play and seems destined to drop out of the Top 25. That would leave the Big East with just 5 ranked teams: Villanova, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Marquette, and, of course, #1 Connecticut.
While Syracuse struggles, look for Cincinnati to fill the void. On Saturday, the Bearcats dropped Georgetown in overtime, 64-62 and are 6-5 in the conference.
Another up-and-comer is West Virginia, a winner Saturday over Providence, 86-59, though the Mountaineers already have suffered defeat at the hands of UConn, Pitt, Marquette, Syracuse and Louisville. They are 5-5 in the conference and 16-7 overall.
Kansas wins 8th Straight
Cole Aldrich scored 12 points and hauled down 18 rebounds as the Kansas Jayhawks won their 8th straight game - all against Big 12 opponents - dumping Oklahoma State, 78-67, Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas.
Aldrich was almost completely unopposed on the defensive boards, as the Jayhawks outrebounded the the Cowboys, 46-33 for the game. With Aldrich dominating the middle, coach Bill Self's reigning national champions demonstrated a balanced scoring attack, with Aldrich, Sherron Collins and Tyshawn Taylor each putting in 12, while guard Mario Little came off the bench to lead the attack with 13 points.
As the schedule wends its way toward conference tournaments and March Madness, the 19-4 Jayhawks seem to be coming together at an opportune time. One of just three teams in the Big 12 ranked in the Top 25, Kansas has the chance to gether momentum before facing #2 Oklahoma on Feb. 23. Kansas closes out their regular season by hosting #17 Texas, who lost Saturday to Nebraska, 58-55.
Virtually assured of an at-large bid at the very least, the 2007-08 champions should settle into the NCAA tournament with a confortable seeding anywhere from a 3 to a 5, almost assuring succession through the first two rounds.
Keep an eye on the Jayhawks. If teams don't offer match ups to Aldrich, they'll be disadvantaged every minute he's on the floor and the Jayhawk backcourt is as experienced and skilled as they come. Kansas looks like an Elite Eight team come tourney time.
Aldrich was almost completely unopposed on the defensive boards, as the Jayhawks outrebounded the the Cowboys, 46-33 for the game. With Aldrich dominating the middle, coach Bill Self's reigning national champions demonstrated a balanced scoring attack, with Aldrich, Sherron Collins and Tyshawn Taylor each putting in 12, while guard Mario Little came off the bench to lead the attack with 13 points.
As the schedule wends its way toward conference tournaments and March Madness, the 19-4 Jayhawks seem to be coming together at an opportune time. One of just three teams in the Big 12 ranked in the Top 25, Kansas has the chance to gether momentum before facing #2 Oklahoma on Feb. 23. Kansas closes out their regular season by hosting #17 Texas, who lost Saturday to Nebraska, 58-55.
Virtually assured of an at-large bid at the very least, the 2007-08 champions should settle into the NCAA tournament with a confortable seeding anywhere from a 3 to a 5, almost assuring succession through the first two rounds.
Keep an eye on the Jayhawks. If teams don't offer match ups to Aldrich, they'll be disadvantaged every minute he's on the floor and the Jayhawk backcourt is as experienced and skilled as they come. Kansas looks like an Elite Eight team come tourney time.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Kansas Steals Title on Memphis Melt-Down
If your team is ahead by nine points with two minutes remaining, you are supposed to win, right?
95% of the time, you would, unless you are Memphis, playing Kansas, with the national championship on the line. Then things get a little more difficult. You know Kansas is going to foul, so the point is to get your best free throw shooters in the game (they were: Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose). Or, maybe you just want fresh legs in there?
(Memo to John Calipari: playing your two starting guards for almost the entire game is going to sap their strength, especially in the legs, and when the legs go, wave buh-bye to those formerly-easy free throws... and a national title)
Two missed free throws by Chris Douglas-Roberts, another Kansas bucket and a miss and a make from the foul line by Rose set the stage for Chalmers' history-making shot.
The overtime went the Jayhawks' way. They had the momentum, and, with Joey Dorsey sitting on the bench after having fouled out, nothing could prevent Kansas from gettng the ball inside. Quickly forging a 6-point lead, it was quickly over from there. Memphis might just as well been throwing bricks at a picture frame down the stretch. They couldn't make a shot.
Kansas deserved it. They never quit and they took advantage of the one and maybe the only Memphis weakness, sending Douglas-Roberts and Rose to the line five times in the last 1:15, where the dynamic dou (combined 40 points for the Tigers) hit exactly one shot.
Kansas 75, Memphis 68 OT
Brick, Choke, Gasp. Memphis is thwarted.
Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk. Kansas is #1.
FINAL Tournament Conference Scoreboard
(Teams entered in parentheses)
Through Monday, April 7, 2008
ACC (4): 6-4; Winners: Duke, Miami, North Carolina (4); Losers: Clemson, Duke, Miami, North Carolina
A-10 (3): 3-3; Winners: Xavier (3); Losers: Temple, St. Joseph's, Xavier
Big East (8): 11-8; Winners: Marquette, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, West Virginia (2), Georgetown, Louisville (3), Villanova (2); Losers: Connecticut, Notre Dame, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Georgetown, West Virginia, Villanova, Louisville
Big Ten (4): 5-4; Winners: Michigan St. (2), Purdue, Wisconsin (2); Losers: Indiana, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan St.
Big 12 (6): 12-5; Winners: Kansas (6), Kansas St., Texas A&M, Texas (3), Oklahoma; Losers: Baylor, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas
Conf-USA (1): 5-1; Winners: Memphis (5); Losers: Memphis
Mountain West (2): 1-2; Winners: UNLV; Losers: BYU, UNLV
PAC-10 (6): 8-6; Winners: Stanford (2), Washington St. (2), UCLA (4); Losers: USC, Arizona, Oregon, Washington St., Stanford, UCLA
SEC (6): 4-6; Winners: Tennessee (2), Mississippi St., Arkansas; Losers: Georgia, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Mississippi St., Tennessee
WCC (3): 1-3; Winners: San Diego; Losers: Gonzaga, St. Mary's, San Diego
All others (22): 7-21; Winners: Davidson (3), Western Kentucky (2), Butler, Siena; Losers: Portland St., Kent St., Oral Roberts, Cornell, Belmont, Winthrop, Miss. Valley St., George Mason, CS Fullerton, American, Drake, South Alabama, UMBC, Austin Peay, Mt. St. Mary's, Boise St., Texas Arlington, Butler, Siena, Western Kentucky, Davidson
95% of the time, you would, unless you are Memphis, playing Kansas, with the national championship on the line. Then things get a little more difficult. You know Kansas is going to foul, so the point is to get your best free throw shooters in the game (they were: Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose). Or, maybe you just want fresh legs in there?
(Memo to John Calipari: playing your two starting guards for almost the entire game is going to sap their strength, especially in the legs, and when the legs go, wave buh-bye to those formerly-easy free throws... and a national title)
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When Mario Chalmers hit the game-tying three-pointer with 2 seconds to go, it was only the greatest shot ever in college basketball history, but it was only made possible by Memphis gaffes and Kansas highlight plays, none more significant than Sherrod Collins' theft of an inbounds pass and subsequent 3-pointer that reduced the Memphis lead to four.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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Two missed free throws by Chris Douglas-Roberts, another Kansas bucket and a miss and a make from the foul line by Rose set the stage for Chalmers' history-making shot.
The overtime went the Jayhawks' way. They had the momentum, and, with Joey Dorsey sitting on the bench after having fouled out, nothing could prevent Kansas from gettng the ball inside. Quickly forging a 6-point lead, it was quickly over from there. Memphis might just as well been throwing bricks at a picture frame down the stretch. They couldn't make a shot.
Kansas deserved it. They never quit and they took advantage of the one and maybe the only Memphis weakness, sending Douglas-Roberts and Rose to the line five times in the last 1:15, where the dynamic dou (combined 40 points for the Tigers) hit exactly one shot.Kansas 75, Memphis 68 OT
Brick, Choke, Gasp. Memphis is thwarted.
Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk. Kansas is #1.
FINAL Tournament Conference Scoreboard
(Teams entered in parentheses)
Through Monday, April 7, 2008
ACC (4): 6-4; Winners: Duke, Miami, North Carolina (4); Losers: Clemson, Duke, Miami, North Carolina
A-10 (3): 3-3; Winners: Xavier (3); Losers: Temple, St. Joseph's, Xavier
Big East (8): 11-8; Winners: Marquette, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, West Virginia (2), Georgetown, Louisville (3), Villanova (2); Losers: Connecticut, Notre Dame, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Georgetown, West Virginia, Villanova, Louisville
Big Ten (4): 5-4; Winners: Michigan St. (2), Purdue, Wisconsin (2); Losers: Indiana, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan St.
Big 12 (6): 12-5; Winners: Kansas (6), Kansas St., Texas A&M, Texas (3), Oklahoma; Losers: Baylor, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas
Conf-USA (1): 5-1; Winners: Memphis (5); Losers: MemphisMountain West (2): 1-2; Winners: UNLV; Losers: BYU, UNLV
PAC-10 (6): 8-6; Winners: Stanford (2), Washington St. (2), UCLA (4); Losers: USC, Arizona, Oregon, Washington St., Stanford, UCLA
SEC (6): 4-6; Winners: Tennessee (2), Mississippi St., Arkansas; Losers: Georgia, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Mississippi St., Tennessee
WCC (3): 1-3; Winners: San Diego; Losers: Gonzaga, St. Mary's, San Diego
All others (22): 7-21; Winners: Davidson (3), Western Kentucky (2), Butler, Siena; Losers: Portland St., Kent St., Oral Roberts, Cornell, Belmont, Winthrop, Miss. Valley St., George Mason, CS Fullerton, American, Drake, South Alabama, UMBC, Austin Peay, Mt. St. Mary's, Boise St., Texas Arlington, Butler, Siena, Western Kentucky, Davidson
Super Mario Delivers Kansas a Title
Down 9 points with just over two minutes to play, the Kansas Jayhawks rallied, tying Memphis and sending the game into overtime on Mario Chalmers' 3-pointer with 2 seconds left in regulation. In the overtime, it was all Jayhawks, as Kansas quickly opened a six-point lead and captured college basketball's national championship, 75-68, over Memphis.
Memphis, which had been dogged all season by criticism over their free-throw shooting, missed four of their last five from the line in regulation. At the most critical moments in the game, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose could not convert and the Jayhawks took advantage.
The game was the 7th overtime in finals history and Kansas' third national title.
Chalmers scored 18 points and had five steals, earning him Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.
More in the morning...
Memphis, which had been dogged all season by criticism over their free-throw shooting, missed four of their last five from the line in regulation. At the most critical moments in the game, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose could not convert and the Jayhawks took advantage.
The game was the 7th overtime in finals history and Kansas' third national title.
Chalmers scored 18 points and had five steals, earning him Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.
More in the morning...
Monday, April 07, 2008
It's Kansas vs. Memphis for All the Glory
63 teams have come and gone. Now only two remain and no one can doubt that these two earned the right to the national championship.
Both Memphis and Kansas handily dispatched their Final Four opponents on Saturday. The Tigers shut down Kevin Love inside and the rest of the Bruins outside for an easy 78-63 victory over UCLA. Kansas blitzed the Tar Heels early and late - with an 18-0 first half run and a 13-0 second half finish - to slaughter a disorganized and disheveled North Carolina team, 84-66.
Both teams had their fright moments in the respective second halves. UCLA pulled to within five points of Memphis before the Tigers put them down for good and Kansas was a 28-point lead shrink to just four as the Carolinians took advantage of Jayhawk overconfidence and sloppy play.
In the end, both games were slaughterhouse variety basketball, with the better, stronger, faster, bigger players taking out the unprepared, overmatched teams which could not find answers. It sets up one of the best college basketball finales of recent memory.
Memphis (38-1) -2 vs. Kansas (36-3)
In Memphis, John Calipari has assembled and coached a team that has consistently outplayed every comer and overcome every obstacle to achieve an NCAA first: 38 wins in a season. But for a 2-point loss to Tennessee, this team would be 39-0. They'll have their chance to win a first-ever title for Memphis on Monday night.
Kansas is obviously the more storied program. College hoops starts and ends in Jayhawk territory. Kansas, however, has only two national championships to show for its efforts, in 1952 and 1988. The current squad has compiled an outstanding 36-3 record and looks poised to hang a third championship banner from the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.
In examining the two teams, both appear capable of winning, but despite being 2-point underdogs, Kansas looks like the more formidable foe because of four key factors: speed, defense, bench strength and post play.
The Jayhawks actually outran North Carolina in Saturday's semi-final, no easy task there, and are the 12th-highest scoring team in the country, at 80.7 points per game. You don't have to go far down the list to find Memphis however, at #14, with 80.2 points per outing. The Jayhawks have a better defensive presence, with active hands looking for steals constantly. The Kansas players can finish as well, though Memphis also has great finishers on the break.
In team rebounding, Memphis gets a slight edge, at 40.8, to the Jayhawks' 38.7 per game. Kansas leads in assists, 18.1 (3rd in the nation) to 16.0 for Memphis.
While the high scorers for each team - Kansas' Brandon Rush and Memphis' Chris Douglas-Roberts - will likely neutralize each other, it will be a matchup worth watching. But inside, monstrous Joey Dorsey will have his hands full dealing with the likes of Darrell Arthur, Darrell Jackson, Aldrich and Sasha Kaun. They're all big, strong and active. Expect Kansas to dominate the lane and the boards.
A couple of caveats: Davidson, which Kansas ousted to reach the Final Four, played all but one of the four finalists this season tough, losing close games to North Carolina and UCLA during the season. The one team that did not have Davidson on their schedule was Memphis, and it could have meaning one way or another. Also, when comparing stats, it should be noted that Kansas played in the rough and tumble Big 12, while Memphis dominated the relatively weak Conference-USA.
With advantages in speed, scoring, bench strength and defense, coach Bill Self should elevate himself to the elite ranks of college coaching. In five years as Kansas head coach he's proven himself a master game-planner and courtside coach.
Prediction: Kansas 82 Memphis 74
Both Memphis and Kansas handily dispatched their Final Four opponents on Saturday. The Tigers shut down Kevin Love inside and the rest of the Bruins outside for an easy 78-63 victory over UCLA. Kansas blitzed the Tar Heels early and late - with an 18-0 first half run and a 13-0 second half finish - to slaughter a disorganized and disheveled North Carolina team, 84-66.
Both teams had their fright moments in the respective second halves. UCLA pulled to within five points of Memphis before the Tigers put them down for good and Kansas was a 28-point lead shrink to just four as the Carolinians took advantage of Jayhawk overconfidence and sloppy play.In the end, both games were slaughterhouse variety basketball, with the better, stronger, faster, bigger players taking out the unprepared, overmatched teams which could not find answers. It sets up one of the best college basketball finales of recent memory.
Memphis (38-1) -2 vs. Kansas (36-3)
In Memphis, John Calipari has assembled and coached a team that has consistently outplayed every comer and overcome every obstacle to achieve an NCAA first: 38 wins in a season. But for a 2-point loss to Tennessee, this team would be 39-0. They'll have their chance to win a first-ever title for Memphis on Monday night.
Kansas is obviously the more storied program. College hoops starts and ends in Jayhawk territory. Kansas, however, has only two national championships to show for its efforts, in 1952 and 1988. The current squad has compiled an outstanding 36-3 record and looks poised to hang a third championship banner from the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.In examining the two teams, both appear capable of winning, but despite being 2-point underdogs, Kansas looks like the more formidable foe because of four key factors: speed, defense, bench strength and post play.
The Jayhawks actually outran North Carolina in Saturday's semi-final, no easy task there, and are the 12th-highest scoring team in the country, at 80.7 points per game. You don't have to go far down the list to find Memphis however, at #14, with 80.2 points per outing. The Jayhawks have a better defensive presence, with active hands looking for steals constantly. The Kansas players can finish as well, though Memphis also has great finishers on the break.
In team rebounding, Memphis gets a slight edge, at 40.8, to the Jayhawks' 38.7 per game. Kansas leads in assists, 18.1 (3rd in the nation) to 16.0 for Memphis.
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Kansas has two weapons on their bench which may prove to be telling in this final game matchup. Guard Sherron Collins and forward Cole Aldrich both made key contributions in Kansas' win over the Tar Heels. Collins scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, while Aldrich - a freshman and former McDonald's All American - was sensational with 7 rebounds (4 offensive) and 8 points in 17 minutes.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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While the high scorers for each team - Kansas' Brandon Rush and Memphis' Chris Douglas-Roberts - will likely neutralize each other, it will be a matchup worth watching. But inside, monstrous Joey Dorsey will have his hands full dealing with the likes of Darrell Arthur, Darrell Jackson, Aldrich and Sasha Kaun. They're all big, strong and active. Expect Kansas to dominate the lane and the boards.
A couple of caveats: Davidson, which Kansas ousted to reach the Final Four, played all but one of the four finalists this season tough, losing close games to North Carolina and UCLA during the season. The one team that did not have Davidson on their schedule was Memphis, and it could have meaning one way or another. Also, when comparing stats, it should be noted that Kansas played in the rough and tumble Big 12, while Memphis dominated the relatively weak Conference-USA.
With advantages in speed, scoring, bench strength and defense, coach Bill Self should elevate himself to the elite ranks of college coaching. In five years as Kansas head coach he's proven himself a master game-planner and courtside coach.
Prediction: Kansas 82 Memphis 74
Friday, April 04, 2008
Final Four Matchups and Predictions
For the first time since the NCAA tournament increased to 64 teams (now 65), all four of the regional #1 seeds have advanced to the Final Four. While North Carolina, Memphis and UCLA had relatively easy times getting to the promised land in San Antonio, Kansas, the #1 seed from the Midwest region, survived a bit of a scare from Davidson in the regional final, winning by two points, the lowest margin of any of the remaining teams.
UCLA and Memphis also had their tough games. The Bruins won by just two points over Texas A&M in the second round, while Memphis beat Mississippi State by three in their second round contest.
While the Jayhawks did struggle with Davidson, they do match up with the other number ones in other criteria. All four teams won their respective conference's regular season and post-season tournament.
Memphis, though they play in the somewhat second tier Conference-USA, went through both their regular season conference schedule and tournament without suffering a loss.
Here's the breakdown on the Final Four teams:
North Carolina Tar Heels
Record: 36-2
Conference Record (ACC): 14-2
Current streak: 15 games.
Average win margin in tournament: 25.25 points
Top Scorer, Rebounder Tyler Hansbrough, 22.8; Tyler Hansbrough, 10.3
Worst defeat: 89-78 vs. Duke, Feb.6
Kansas Jayhawks
Record: 35-3
Conference Record (Big 12): 13-3
Current streak: 11 games.
Average win margin in tournament: 15.00 points
Top Scorer, Rebounder Brandon Rush, 13.1; Darnell Jackson, 6.7
Worst defeat: 84-75, at Kansas St., January 30
Memphis Tigers
Record: 37-1
Conference Record (Conf.-USA): 16-0
Current streak: 11 games.
Average win margin in tournament: 15.07
Top Scorer, Rebounder Chris Douglas-Roberts, 17.7; Joey Dorsey, 9.6
Worst defeat: 66-62, vs. Tennessee, February 23
UCLA Bruins
Record: 35-3
Conference Record (PAC-10): 16-2
Average win margin in tournament: 18.00
Top Scorer, Rebounder Kevin Love, 17.6; Kevin Love, 10.7
Worst defeat: 71-61, at Washington, February 10
Saturday's Games:
Memphis (-2) UCLA 6:07 pm EDT
The Bruins and Tigers are going to tangle both in the lane and on the perimeter, but this game has the makings of a mismatch as Memphis has a definite size advantage inside with baby bull Robert Dozier and the monstrous Joey Dorsey. Both are capable of handling super frosh Kevin Love, who may have to move more to the outside for scoring. He has a nice touch from 12 feet in, so the short jumper could be his strong suit.
Give Memphis a huge advantage on the boards as well, although UCLA's Luc Mbah a Moute is a great leaper and plays solid positional basketball. Simply put, Dozier and Dorsey are a wrecking crew.
Outside, Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook match up well with Memphis guards Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose, but nobody's been able to adequately cover Douglas-Roberts for an entire game, and the Memphis substitution regime - which includes a 10-deep rotation of players seeing 28 or more minutes - consists of at least six players at the guard positions. UCLA only goes as deep as Josh Shipp, and that's not likely to be enough.
Memphis could turn this into a rout if UCLA isn't hitting their outside shots. While the Bruins are making their third straight trip to the Final Four, Memphis returns to the Alamodome with their loss to Ohio State in last year's regional final still very much on their minds.
Prediction: Memphis 67 UCLA 61
North Carolina (-2) Kansas 8:47 pm EDT
Roy Williams used to coach the Kansas Jayhawks and now faces the possibility of removing them from the title challenge. Since Williams left, Bill Self has done a credible job at Kansas and has finally reached the Final Four, but this looks like where the dream ends.
The Tar Heels have too many offensive weapons and are too athletic for the Jayhawks to handle for a full forty minutes. In the post, Darnell Jackson and Darrell Arthur are solid, but handling Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough may be a task better suited for three men. Hansbrough never loses his cool and will lead Carolina to a meeting with Memphis.
Kansas has had trouble maintaining offense at times, with Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Russell Robinson all running into defensive schemes or players that shut them down for considerable periods of time in recent games. They seem willing to settle for jumpers rather than slashing to the hoop, and that's going to cause some pain against the Tar Heels, who, though not noted for defense, usually do a very good job of it.
On the outside, Ty Lawson and super-sub Danny Green can light it up on either the fast break or from the 3-point line, which spells more trouble for Kansas. Once the Tar Heels get the lead, don't expect them to give it back. This one's over before it starts.
Prediction: North Carolina 86 Kansas 75
UCLA and Memphis also had their tough games. The Bruins won by just two points over Texas A&M in the second round, while Memphis beat Mississippi State by three in their second round contest.
While the Jayhawks did struggle with Davidson, they do match up with the other number ones in other criteria. All four teams won their respective conference's regular season and post-season tournament.
Memphis, though they play in the somewhat second tier Conference-USA, went through both their regular season conference schedule and tournament without suffering a loss.
Here's the breakdown on the Final Four teams:
North Carolina Tar Heels
Record: 36-2Conference Record (ACC): 14-2
Current streak: 15 games.
Average win margin in tournament: 25.25 points
Top Scorer, Rebounder Tyler Hansbrough, 22.8; Tyler Hansbrough, 10.3
Worst defeat: 89-78 vs. Duke, Feb.6
Kansas Jayhawks
Record: 35-3
Conference Record (Big 12): 13-3
Current streak: 11 games.
Average win margin in tournament: 15.00 points
Top Scorer, Rebounder Brandon Rush, 13.1; Darnell Jackson, 6.7
Worst defeat: 84-75, at Kansas St., January 30Memphis Tigers
Record: 37-1
Conference Record (Conf.-USA): 16-0
Current streak: 11 games.
Average win margin in tournament: 15.07
Top Scorer, Rebounder Chris Douglas-Roberts, 17.7; Joey Dorsey, 9.6
Worst defeat: 66-62, vs. Tennessee, February 23
UCLA Bruins
Record: 35-3
Conference Record (PAC-10): 16-2
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Average win margin in tournament: 18.00
Top Scorer, Rebounder Kevin Love, 17.6; Kevin Love, 10.7
Worst defeat: 71-61, at Washington, February 10
Saturday's Games:
Memphis (-2) UCLA 6:07 pm EDT
The Bruins and Tigers are going to tangle both in the lane and on the perimeter, but this game has the makings of a mismatch as Memphis has a definite size advantage inside with baby bull Robert Dozier and the monstrous Joey Dorsey. Both are capable of handling super frosh Kevin Love, who may have to move more to the outside for scoring. He has a nice touch from 12 feet in, so the short jumper could be his strong suit.
Give Memphis a huge advantage on the boards as well, although UCLA's Luc Mbah a Moute is a great leaper and plays solid positional basketball. Simply put, Dozier and Dorsey are a wrecking crew.
Outside, Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook match up well with Memphis guards Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose, but nobody's been able to adequately cover Douglas-Roberts for an entire game, and the Memphis substitution regime - which includes a 10-deep rotation of players seeing 28 or more minutes - consists of at least six players at the guard positions. UCLA only goes as deep as Josh Shipp, and that's not likely to be enough.
Memphis could turn this into a rout if UCLA isn't hitting their outside shots. While the Bruins are making their third straight trip to the Final Four, Memphis returns to the Alamodome with their loss to Ohio State in last year's regional final still very much on their minds.
Prediction: Memphis 67 UCLA 61
North Carolina (-2) Kansas 8:47 pm EDT
Roy Williams used to coach the Kansas Jayhawks and now faces the possibility of removing them from the title challenge. Since Williams left, Bill Self has done a credible job at Kansas and has finally reached the Final Four, but this looks like where the dream ends.
The Tar Heels have too many offensive weapons and are too athletic for the Jayhawks to handle for a full forty minutes. In the post, Darnell Jackson and Darrell Arthur are solid, but handling Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough may be a task better suited for three men. Hansbrough never loses his cool and will lead Carolina to a meeting with Memphis.
Kansas has had trouble maintaining offense at times, with Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Russell Robinson all running into defensive schemes or players that shut them down for considerable periods of time in recent games. They seem willing to settle for jumpers rather than slashing to the hoop, and that's going to cause some pain against the Tar Heels, who, though not noted for defense, usually do a very good job of it.
On the outside, Ty Lawson and super-sub Danny Green can light it up on either the fast break or from the 3-point line, which spells more trouble for Kansas. Once the Tar Heels get the lead, don't expect them to give it back. This one's over before it starts.
Prediction: North Carolina 86 Kansas 75
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Regional Results, Sunday Picks
West region
(1) UCLA 76 (3) Xavier 57
As expected, the UCLA Bruins had too many weapons for undersized Xavier and cruised to their third straight appearance in the Final Four. Kevin Love and Darren Collison each scored 19 points, and Love added 10 rebounds. Luc Mbah a Moute also put up a double-double with 13 points and 13 boards. The Bruins, who were beaten by champion Florida in each of the last two years, are looking for better results when they face the South region winner - either Memphis or Texas - next Saturday in San Antonio. UCLA has won 14 straight.
East region
(1) North Carolina 83 (3) Louisville 73
Scoring in transition throughout the first half, North Carolina built a 12-point halftime lead, saw Louisville charge back to tie the game, but then surged to victory behind Tyler Hansbrough's 28 points and 13 rebounds.
South Region
(1) Memphis -3 1/2 (2) Texas
2:20 pm ET - Memphis has withstood criticism all season long about their soft schedule and poor free throw shooting, but they've answered all questions with three dominant wins thus far in the tourney. The advantage they hold over the Longhorns is mostly inside size and strength, where Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier will be nearly impossible for Texas to handle. While the Longhorns possess speed and ability on the perimeter with D.J. Augustin, A.J. Abrams and Damian James, they're not likely to score enough to overcome Memphis. The Tigers advance, winning by 8 to 12 points.
Midwest Region
(1) Kansas -9 (10) Davidson
5:05 pm ET - Both of these teams will go up-tempo, but Kansas has superior athletes, despite the obvious talents of Davidson's super guard Stephen Curry. Additionally, Kansas holds a size advantage at a number of positions, though the most important one may be on which of the Wildcats has to guard 6'6" Brandon Rush. While the Jayhawks have all the tools, Davidson has been able to ride Curry's hot hand while getting timely contributions from the rest of the team. Kansas should win but not cover the generous spread.
(1) UCLA 76 (3) Xavier 57As expected, the UCLA Bruins had too many weapons for undersized Xavier and cruised to their third straight appearance in the Final Four. Kevin Love and Darren Collison each scored 19 points, and Love added 10 rebounds. Luc Mbah a Moute also put up a double-double with 13 points and 13 boards. The Bruins, who were beaten by champion Florida in each of the last two years, are looking for better results when they face the South region winner - either Memphis or Texas - next Saturday in San Antonio. UCLA has won 14 straight.
East region
(1) North Carolina 83 (3) Louisville 73
Scoring in transition throughout the first half, North Carolina built a 12-point halftime lead, saw Louisville charge back to tie the game, but then surged to victory behind Tyler Hansbrough's 28 points and 13 rebounds.
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The All-American was magnificent, hitting 12-17 shots from the field as the Tar Heels won their 15th straight. They will face the winner of the Midwest region, either Kansas or Davidson, on Saturday.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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South Region
(1) Memphis -3 1/2 (2) Texas
2:20 pm ET - Memphis has withstood criticism all season long about their soft schedule and poor free throw shooting, but they've answered all questions with three dominant wins thus far in the tourney. The advantage they hold over the Longhorns is mostly inside size and strength, where Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier will be nearly impossible for Texas to handle. While the Longhorns possess speed and ability on the perimeter with D.J. Augustin, A.J. Abrams and Damian James, they're not likely to score enough to overcome Memphis. The Tigers advance, winning by 8 to 12 points.
Midwest Region(1) Kansas -9 (10) Davidson
5:05 pm ET - Both of these teams will go up-tempo, but Kansas has superior athletes, despite the obvious talents of Davidson's super guard Stephen Curry. Additionally, Kansas holds a size advantage at a number of positions, though the most important one may be on which of the Wildcats has to guard 6'6" Brandon Rush. While the Jayhawks have all the tools, Davidson has been able to ride Curry's hot hand while getting timely contributions from the rest of the team. Kansas should win but not cover the generous spread.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Regional Finals: East, West Predictions
West Region
(1) UCLA -6 (3) Xavier
6:40 pm ET - The Bruins have thus far sent a loud and clear message: to win the national championship, you'll have to stop Kevin Love. The freshman center has been spot on in all three of UCLA's wins, virtually unstoppable simply because no team has been able to supply a good matchup for the big man inside. Xavier's no different, relying more on guard and perimeter play to win games than inside heft.
The only remaining question is whether Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook can penetrate on Xavier's Lavender and Burrell enough to get love open looks. The answer is that they'll likely be able to do it often enough to use Love's size advantage and distance themselves from the upset-minded Musketeers. The Bruins should win by 8 or more.
East Region
(1) UNC -5 1/2 (3) Louisville
9:05 pm ET - Any time you have a matchup of this magnitude, you look to the bench and see who's coaching. Hmmm... Rick Pitino and Roy Williams. Not much separating those two veterans of many tournaments, so the game is going to be won where? Inside? Doubtful. The Cardinals have David Padgett, Earl Clark and Derrick Caracter to go up against UNC's Tyler Hansbrough. Outside? A little different story. Nobody can match the speed of Ty Lawson, and when Danny Green gets in the game, the Tar Heels have a huge backcourt advantage. Given Wayne Ellington and Marcus Ginyard on the wings, the Cardinals will be unlikely to keep up with Carolina's offensive juggernaut and may have to opt for a three-guard look.
All of this spells trouble for Louisville, but remember, Pitino's over there on the Cardinal's bench and he won't let things get out of hand. Look for Louisville to try to post up and get Hansbrough in foul trouble.
In the end, it looks certain that Carolina will prevail by a solid margin, though it's tough to see how they could win by more than 8 or 9. Slight edge to the Heels.
(1) UCLA -6 (3) Xavier
6:40 pm ET - The Bruins have thus far sent a loud and clear message: to win the national championship, you'll have to stop Kevin Love. The freshman center has been spot on in all three of UCLA's wins, virtually unstoppable simply because no team has been able to supply a good matchup for the big man inside. Xavier's no different, relying more on guard and perimeter play to win games than inside heft.
The only remaining question is whether Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook can penetrate on Xavier's Lavender and Burrell enough to get love open looks. The answer is that they'll likely be able to do it often enough to use Love's size advantage and distance themselves from the upset-minded Musketeers. The Bruins should win by 8 or more.
East Region
(1) UNC -5 1/2 (3) Louisville
9:05 pm ET - Any time you have a matchup of this magnitude, you look to the bench and see who's coaching. Hmmm... Rick Pitino and Roy Williams. Not much separating those two veterans of many tournaments, so the game is going to be won where? Inside? Doubtful. The Cardinals have David Padgett, Earl Clark and Derrick Caracter to go up against UNC's Tyler Hansbrough. Outside? A little different story. Nobody can match the speed of Ty Lawson, and when Danny Green gets in the game, the Tar Heels have a huge backcourt advantage. Given Wayne Ellington and Marcus Ginyard on the wings, the Cardinals will be unlikely to keep up with Carolina's offensive juggernaut and may have to opt for a three-guard look.
All of this spells trouble for Louisville, but remember, Pitino's over there on the Cardinal's bench and he won't let things get out of hand. Look for Louisville to try to post up and get Hansbrough in foul trouble.
In the end, it looks certain that Carolina will prevail by a solid margin, though it's tough to see how they could win by more than 8 or 9. Slight edge to the Heels.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Kansas, Memphis Win, Lead Conference Scoreboard; Big Ten, SEC Out
Conference Scoreboard
(Teams entered in parentheses)
Through Friday, March 28
ACC (4): 5-3; Winners: Duke, Miami, North Carolina (3); Losers: Clemson, Duke, Miami
A-10 (3): 3-2; Winners: Xavier (3); Losers: Temple, St. Joseph's
Big East (8): 11-7; Winners: Marquette, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, West Virginia (2), Georgetown, Louisville (3), Villanova (2); Losers: Connecticut, Notre Dame, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Georgetown, West Virginia, Villanova
Big Ten (4): 5-4; Winners: Michigan St. (2), Purdue, Wisconsin (2); Losers: Indiana, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan St.
Big 12 (6): 9-4; Winners: Kansas (3), Kansas St., Texas A&M, Texas (3), Oklahoma; Losers: Baylor, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma
Conf-USA (1): 3-0; Winners: Memphis (3); Losers: None
Mountain West (2): 1-2; Winners: UNLV; Losers: BYU, UNLV
PAC-10 (6): 7-5; Winners: Stanford (2), Washington St. (2), UCLA (3); Losers: USC, Arizona, Oregon, Washington St., Stanford
SEC (6): 4-6; Winners: Tennessee (2), Mississippi St., Arkansas; Losers: Georgia, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Mississippi St., Tennessee
WCC (3): 1-3; Winners: San Diego; Losers: Gonzaga, St. Mary's, San Diego
All others (22): 7-20; Winners: Davidson (3), Western Kentucky (2), Butler, Siena; Losers: Portland St., Kent St., Oral Roberts, Cornell, Belmont, Winthrop, Miss. Valley St., George Mason, CS Fullerton, American, Drake, South Alabama, UMBC, Austin Peay, Mt. St. Mary's, Boise St., Texas Arlington, Butler, Siena, Western Kentucky
(Teams entered in parentheses)
Through Friday, March 28
ACC (4): 5-3; Winners: Duke, Miami, North Carolina (3); Losers: Clemson, Duke, Miami
A-10 (3): 3-2; Winners: Xavier (3); Losers: Temple, St. Joseph's
Big East (8): 11-7; Winners: Marquette, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, West Virginia (2), Georgetown, Louisville (3), Villanova (2); Losers: Connecticut, Notre Dame, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Georgetown, West Virginia, Villanova
Big Ten (4): 5-4; Winners: Michigan St. (2), Purdue, Wisconsin (2); Losers: Indiana, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan St.
Big 12 (6): 9-4; Winners: Kansas (3), Kansas St., Texas A&M, Texas (3), Oklahoma; Losers: Baylor, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma
Conf-USA (1): 3-0; Winners: Memphis (3); Losers: None
Mountain West (2): 1-2; Winners: UNLV; Losers: BYU, UNLV
PAC-10 (6): 7-5; Winners: Stanford (2), Washington St. (2), UCLA (3); Losers: USC, Arizona, Oregon, Washington St., Stanford
SEC (6): 4-6; Winners: Tennessee (2), Mississippi St., Arkansas; Losers: Georgia, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Mississippi St., Tennessee
WCC (3): 1-3; Winners: San Diego; Losers: Gonzaga, St. Mary's, San Diego
All others (22): 7-20; Winners: Davidson (3), Western Kentucky (2), Butler, Siena; Losers: Portland St., Kent St., Oral Roberts, Cornell, Belmont, Winthrop, Miss. Valley St., George Mason, CS Fullerton, American, Drake, South Alabama, UMBC, Austin Peay, Mt. St. Mary's, Boise St., Texas Arlington, Butler, Siena, Western Kentucky
Friday Night Sweet 16 Picks and Previews
Midwest Region
(3) Wisconsin -4 1/2 (10) Davidson
7:10 pm ET - The Badgers have the defensive authority to shut down any offense, though holding down the scoring of just one guy, Davidson's Stephen Curry, has proven problematic for all takers. Davidson owns the nation's longest winning streak at 24 straight, though Wisconsin hasn't lost since Feb. 9, a run of 12 in a row, and their four losses have all been to ranked teams. Few thought Davidson would beat Georgetown, but they did, so can they do it again?
The answer is yes, and the reason is that they are one of the best teams in the nation, deserve to be in at least the Top 10, play tight defense themselves and stop Wisconsin's somewhat anemic scoring. The 4 1/2 points are a bonus.
(1) Kansas -12 (12) Villanova
9:40 pm ET - The Jayhawks have cruised to easy wins over Portland St. (85-61) and UNLV (75-56) without really breaking a sweat. The Wildcats are another case, though, being a quality team from a major conference and now just one of two remaining teams from the Big East (Louisville being the other). Villanova did a nice job knocking off to quality teams - Clemson and Siena - and may just have enough firepower and heart to pull off the upset. In any case, they won't go easily, and should be able to keep pace with Kansas until the end. The large spread helps make them a pick here.
South Region
7:27 pm ET - This is going to be a standoff between Stanford's giants - twin towers Brook and Robin Lopez inside and the Longhorn's outside shooting of A.J. Abrams, Damion James and D.J. Augustin. Almost too close to call, Texas deserves the slight edge due to versatility.
(1) Memphis -4 1/2 (5) Michigan St.
9:37 pm ET - The Tigers face a significant dilemma against Michigan State in that they may not know what to expect. Tom Izzo's troops are an adaptable lot, with scoring treats inside and out. In addition, the Spartans are a fair defensive team and since the arrival of Kalin Lucas to the starting lineup, they are improved in the backcourt. More disciplined and far better at the foul line, the Spartans can take out the phonies from Conference USA.
(3) Wisconsin -4 1/2 (10) Davidson
7:10 pm ET - The Badgers have the defensive authority to shut down any offense, though holding down the scoring of just one guy, Davidson's Stephen Curry, has proven problematic for all takers. Davidson owns the nation's longest winning streak at 24 straight, though Wisconsin hasn't lost since Feb. 9, a run of 12 in a row, and their four losses have all been to ranked teams. Few thought Davidson would beat Georgetown, but they did, so can they do it again?
The answer is yes, and the reason is that they are one of the best teams in the nation, deserve to be in at least the Top 10, play tight defense themselves and stop Wisconsin's somewhat anemic scoring. The 4 1/2 points are a bonus.(1) Kansas -12 (12) Villanova
9:40 pm ET - The Jayhawks have cruised to easy wins over Portland St. (85-61) and UNLV (75-56) without really breaking a sweat. The Wildcats are another case, though, being a quality team from a major conference and now just one of two remaining teams from the Big East (Louisville being the other). Villanova did a nice job knocking off to quality teams - Clemson and Siena - and may just have enough firepower and heart to pull off the upset. In any case, they won't go easily, and should be able to keep pace with Kansas until the end. The large spread helps make them a pick here.
South Region
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(2) Texas -2 (3) StanfordGolf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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7:27 pm ET - This is going to be a standoff between Stanford's giants - twin towers Brook and Robin Lopez inside and the Longhorn's outside shooting of A.J. Abrams, Damion James and D.J. Augustin. Almost too close to call, Texas deserves the slight edge due to versatility.
(1) Memphis -4 1/2 (5) Michigan St.
9:37 pm ET - The Tigers face a significant dilemma against Michigan State in that they may not know what to expect. Tom Izzo's troops are an adaptable lot, with scoring treats inside and out. In addition, the Spartans are a fair defensive team and since the arrival of Kalin Lucas to the starting lineup, they are improved in the backcourt. More disciplined and far better at the foul line, the Spartans can take out the phonies from Conference USA.
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