Official 2009-10 College Basketball Thread

[Radii]

Yeah, and there it is. It was 36-35 Texas, now its 57-41. Tired of seeing these massive lapses in consistency/concentration!

[Chief Rum]

UCLA falls to the Irish in a fairly close one (for UCLA, the way they have been this season). Missed the final score, but it was something like 82-73 last I checked.

Outside of the abysmal Miss State game last week, the Bruins now have three games where you can say they didn't embarrass themselves and are clearly getting better. Played Kansas tough at home, obliterated New Mexico State at home, played the Irish tough on the road. Hopefully they can build back some more confidence with the next two home games against Colorado State and Delaware as they go into conference play.

Malcolm Lee looked terrific today.

[BishopMVP]

Heading in to UMass-Memphis. Could be a massacre, so let's hope Memphis' outside shooting is cold.

[whomario]

Texas absolutely destroyed North Carolina on the boards, wow. Seldomly was the key to a win this obvious.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC is up by 13 over Tennessee with 12 minutes to go.

[Eaglesfan27]

Unexpected result as USC is blowing out Tennessee, 72-51 with 2 minutes to go. Having a legit PG is a nice change.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Unexpected result as USC is blowing out Tennessee, 72-51 with 2 minutes to go. Having a legit PG is a nice change.

It helps when you're playing a team with a remarkable ability to look like they've never seen a fucking basketball before in their lives. Wayne "I'm 1-7 from behind the arc & even though I'm the team's tallest player I'll just stand out here & crank up shit I can't fucking hit" Chism still has the lowest basketball IQ I've ever seen on a player in college.

They didn't bother to show up today, probably didn't smoke enough weed on the flight out.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by whomario

Texas absolutely destroyed North Carolina on the boards, wow. Seldomly was the key to a win this obvious.

Just embarrassing. There shouldn't be anything wrong with losing to Texas in Dallas, but the way UNC lost this one really bugs me. Outrebounded by 20, allowing Texas 26 offensive boards is just shameful. UNC is supposed to boast the deepest set of quality big men but that has been proven to be fraudulent at this point of the season. Ed Davis is a beast and Deon Thompson is a fine player, but that's the end of ability to legitimately bang inside. Henson weighs 15 pounds or so, the Wear brothers are only good on the perimeter, and Tyler Zeller plays like a 6 footer on defense and on the boards, not a 7 footer.

The turnover difference was "only" 16 for UNC/13 for Texas, but way more of UNC's turnovers led to layups. Ginyard, one of the senior leaders, turns it over twice at midcourt just trying to blindly push the ball up the court. Deon Thompson, another senior leader, can't execute an inbounds pass in the final seconds of the first half. Larry Drew turns it over 5 times. In their wins against Ohio State and Michigan State their turnovers came by the freshmen,lots of bad interior passes by all the new guys. Turnovers by the point guards and seniors today really stood out.

And as I'd mentioned early in the second half, UNC goes ice cold and loses their composure yet again for another 5-7 minute stretch and allows a 21-6 run by Texas. They cut it to four late, but hey guys, if you can play a full 40 minutes instead of just 30 then you don't have to come back.

Texas bigs are good, and I still have high hopes that all these early tests will benefit the Tar Heels in March, but I'm not seeing improvement yet. All the mistakes they made vs Syracuse(their first big test that they lost) they are still making today with the same frequency.




Hopefully Cartman had fun at the game, despite my annoyance over UNC's play, I want a trip report from the stadium!!!

[Butter]

Nice night for the A10 again as UMass takes down Memphis, Richmond beats top-15 Florida, and Temple beats previously unbeaten Seton Hall.

Xavier loses to Butler, which is not all that personally disappointing to be honest.

[Scarecrow]

So, does a 13 point dominating win over the #10 team in the country push Texas to the #1 spot over 'the mighty' U of KS, who played a sloppy 11 point win over a .500 Michigan team?

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Scarecrow

So, does a 13 point dominating win over the #10 team in the country push Texas to the #1 spot over 'the mighty' U of KS, who played a sloppy 11 point win over a .500 Michigan team?

Nope. KU is #1 til they lose.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Radii

Hopefully Cartman had fun at the game, despite my annoyance over UNC's play, I want a trip report from the stadium!!!

It was awesome! I didn't expect the game to turn into the track meet it became. I'd never been to a game announced by Vitale before, and you could easily hear him over the rest of the crowd, it was unreal.

As for the stadium, they had the upper two decks blocked off, so it made the place seem a lot smaller than it looked like on TV for football games. There was also a smaller scoreboard suspended below the massive Jumbotrons.

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

Heading in to UMass-Memphis. Could be a massacre, so let's hope Memphis' outside shooting is cold.

Fantastic win on a last second layup by Terrell Vinson. The most fun I've had a UMass game since the win over UConn in 2004. Hopefully they can produce a repeat performance Wednesday @BC.

Oh, and the throwback uniforms were great as well.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Radii

Nope. KU is #1 til they lose.

Kansas deserves it until they lose a game, IMO. Unless Missouri beats a good opponent on the road then Anderson's squad should be #1

[MJ4H]

lol wut

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Kansas deserves it until they lose a game, IMO. Unless Missouri beats a good opponent on the road then Anderson's squad should be #1

[the_meanstrosity]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Unless Missouri beats a good opponent on the road then Anderson's squad should be #1

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

Nice night for the A10 again as UMass takes down Memphis, Richmond beats top-15 Florida, and Temple beats previously unbeaten Seton Hall.

Xavier loses to Butler, which is not all that personally disappointing to be honest.

Richmond has been awfully impressive thus far. I watched them against Mizzou earlier in the year and was impressed. Really well-coached team.

[cartman]

Gonna be at the Texas-Michigan State game tomorrow night. Should be another great game between two strong programs.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

Gonna be at the Texas-Michigan State game tomorrow night. Should be another great game between two strong programs.

How were the sightlines at Texas Stadium with the court in the center? I've been to a couple of Final Fours before, but both times they had the court at one end rather than in the middle.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Any Mizzou fans heading to the Braggin' Rights game tomorrow? I'd love to go, but I'm a bit tied down with the new baby.

Oh, and congrats to the UTEP fans on the board. Certainly picked a good year to play OU given how bad they are, but it's a win over a name school, which is always good for the tournament resume.

[hoopsguy]

Based on what I've seen from the Illini so far this year, Mizzou should have a good shot at this game. Illinois just is not getting any kind of cohesive play on road/neutral courts, and it does not take much imagination to see the wheels coming off against the Mizzou press.

Maybe they'll find the form they had in the second half against Clemson, or just remember that Mizzou does not beat Illinois in basketball. But if I was thinking about wagering on this game I would go against my own team.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by hoopsguy

Based on what I've seen from the Illini so far this year, Mizzou should have a good shot at this game. Illinois just is not getting any kind of cohesive play on road/neutral courts, and it does not take much imagination to see the wheels coming off against the Mizzou press.

Maybe they'll find the form they had in the second half against Clemson, or just remember that Mizzou does not beat Illinois in basketball. But if I was thinking about wagering on this game I would go against my own team.

Mizzou hasn't been any better on the road/neutral setting. Unbeatable at home, but iffy elsewhere. Someone's going to get a good neutral floor win. Mizzou is the better defensive team and hopes that Tiller and Taylor's defense can rattle those young guards.. But if someone gets ridiculously hot on Illinois (see last year's game when that one guard couldn't miss and scored 20 in the first half), then Mizzou will be in trouble.

[cschex]

Originally Posted by cartman

Gonna be at the Texas-Michigan State game tomorrow night. Should be another great game between two strong programs.

I'll be there tonight too. Though not a UT fan, I love college basketball and always try to make it to at least a couple of games a year and the seats are cheap. This will be my 3 yr old daughter's first live sporting event and she's excited, though a little miffed that we aren't actually going to PLAY basketball, just watch it.

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Oh, and congrats to the UTEP fans on the board. Certainly picked a good year to play OU given how bad they are, but it's a win over a name school, which is always good for the tournament resume.

Thanks. Shoulda beat Ole Miss earlier in the week and had a win over a Top 25 team under out belt as well, but we folded down the stretch. We still have a couple more chances to impress, with Texas Tech and BYU still on our schedule, and Memphis too, of course.

[RainMaker]

I know it's early but Northwestern is off to a 9-1 start. As some may know, they've never been to the NCAA Tournament ever. Their only loss is one to Butler. Schedule hasn't been real tough but they do have wins against NC State, Stanford, Notre Dame, and Iowa State. They are doing this without their two best players too who are out for the year.

They only have one real Senior who gets playing time and their best players should be back next year at 100%. Could be seeing Northwestern become a contender in the Big 10 next season and a potential tournament team this year.

[MJ4H]

Arkansas finally gets a big win beating undefeated Missouri State (I know, but I'm taking what I can get right now) 66-62 in overtime. Hard fought game, good to see the energy and fighting through a lot of adversity in this one.

Better days may actually be ahead. I am hearing rumors that Courtney Fortson may be back for the Baylor game, too. If that's true, who knows.

[cartman]

Helluva game at the Erwin Center tonight. After Gary Johnson got the steal and alley-oop, that was probably the loudest I've ever heard it there. Too bad the attendance is reported by tickets sold.

This has been a great two game stretch by the 'Horns, beating last season's championship game participants by double digits. It is a shame we won't know just how good they are, since they evidently ducked Oral Roberts.

The glaring weakness I see is free throw shooting. I have a feeling that will come back to haunt them later this season if they don't find a way to turn it around. That game against Kansas in February just might be a matchup of unbeatens.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Braggin' Rights time! REALLY need a win tonight. Haven't had a Christmas after a Braggin' Rights win since the last century.

Both teams have a lot to gain. Should be fun.

Oh, and for those that didn't see Derrick Roland get injured last night in the A&M/Washington game........don't watch the video. I'll summarize by saying that legs are not supposed to bend at 90 degree angles. The entire A&M bench was in tears. It was BAD.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

This has been a great two game stretch by the 'Horns, beating last season's championship game participants by double digits. It is a shame we won't know just how good they are, since they evidently ducked Oral Roberts.

Keep crackin'. Awful lot of smack talk about a program (Mizzou) that Texas hasn't beat in nearly three years now. We'll see what happens when the Horns waltz into Columbia on February 17th. Here's a refresher course in case your memory is failing you..........

Tigers Tip No. 16 Texas, 69-65 - MISSOURI OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Tigers Upend No. 12 Longhorns in Big 12 Opener - MISSOURI OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

[cschex]

Originally Posted by cartman

Helluva game at the Erwin Center tonight. After Gary Johnson got the steal and alley-oop, that was probably the loudest I've ever heard it there. Too bad the attendance is reported by tickets sold.

This has been a great two game stretch by the 'Horns, beating last season's championship game participants by double digits. It is a shame we won't know just how good they are, since they evidently ducked Oral Roberts.

The glaring weakness I see is free throw shooting. I have a feeling that will come back to haunt them later this season if they don't find a way to turn it around. That game against Kansas in February just might be a matchup of unbeatens.

Staying out of the snark-fight, I was remarking to my brother at the game that I had never seen the Erwin Center actually full before, especially for a non-conference game. Not only that, it was legitimately loud for much of the game. It'll never be Cameron Indoor or anything, but I guess I won't be able to make as much fun of UT basketball fans now.

The FT issue will be a problem in close games. As usual, you can tell Barnes focus so much time on defensive coaching that he just doesn't seem to care about offense. With their defense and depth though (Avery Bradley is pretty incredible), they remind me of a more disciplined '07 Memphis team.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cschex

I was remarking to my brother at the game that I had never seen the Erwin Center actually full before, especially for a non-conference game. Not only that, it was legitimately loud for much of the game. It'll never be Cameron Indoor or anything, but I guess I won't be able to make as much fun of UT basketball fans now.

The FT issue will be a problem in close games. As usual, you can tell Barnes focus so much time on defensive coaching that he just doesn't seem to care about offense. With their defense and depth though (Avery Bradley is pretty incredible), they remind me of a more disciplined '07 Memphis team.

It was a great atmosphere for college basketball and great to see the support for the program. KU's atmosphere last night was excellent as well. I think they got a bit nervous that California was hanging with them in the 2nd half and were glad to see the team pull one out.

I'd personally never question Barnes' coaching abilities. Defense wins games and he focuses on that. I've heard that he spends 65-70% of practice on defense and it's hard to argue with the overall results.

[cartman]

Texas A&M suffered a horrific injury to a key senior last night in their game against Washington. Derrick Roland's season is done after suffering a compound fracture in one of his legs.

The video below is not for the squeamish. You can see and hear the injury.

[bhlloy]

How did that even happen? He just land wrong coming down or did he step on the other guys foot or something?

Very sad for a senior to go out like that, and his teammate was obviously devastated.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

Texas A&M suffered a horrific injury to a key senior last night in their game against Washington. Derrick Roland's season is done after suffering a compound fracture in one of his legs.

LOL.....I think we can safely assume that cartman is now blocking my posts.

[cartman]

No, just you are so myopic you failed to notice or acknowledge that Michigan State had also beaten Texas the past three seasons. I'd have to go out on a limb and say that the Spartans have had a little more success over that period of time than the Tigers.

The open letter to you from a couple of pages back is still valid.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

No, just you are so myopic you failed to notice or acknowledge that Michigan State had also beaten Texas the past three seasons. I'd have to go out on a limb and say that the Spartans have had a little more success over that period of time than the Tigers.

Uh, I was referring to the fact that you posted something about the injury a few hours after I posted it. I just assumed you had tuned me out.

I'd certainly agree. The Tigers and Spartans have had their way with Texas over the past couple of years. Hopefully for the Horns fans this is the start of casting aside some demons from previous years.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Hopefully for the Horns fans this is the start of casting aside some demons from previous years.

ROFL

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Does anyone after last night actually think that KU should be rated above Texas? KU has been pretty rough around the edges thus far. Barnes has Texas looking very good even with their occasional offensive struggles. If KU is still #1 after this week, you've got to wonder if the voters are even watching the games.

[MrBug708]

Why should the defending champion lose their hold on the #1 spot for not losing? That makes zero sense

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Why should the defending champion lose their hold on the #1 spot for not losing? That makes zero sense

Which is more of the old school train of thought on polling. I don't think there's any question thus far that Texas is the better of the two teams at this time strictly based on performance. Thankfully, we don't have the same issues in basketball that we do in football, so this is little more than discussion and everything will be settled on the court eventually.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Why should the defending champion lose their hold on the #1 spot for not losing? That makes zero sense

Except that Kansas isn't North Carolina.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

Except that Kansas isn't North Carolina.

Last year's championship game was pretty forgetable for everyone except UNC fans because it was such a blowout. I could see how someone could skip back to the last competitive championship game.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by cartman

Except that Kansas isn't North Carolina.

Ah yes..my bad..have a bit of the flu

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Last year's championship game was pretty forgetable for everyone except UNC fans because it was such a blowout. I could see how someone could skip back to the last competitive championship game.

Im surprised you responded to my question since you gloss over the other comments

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Im surprised you responded to my question since you gloss over the other comments

I've got a 3 week old baby. I'm lucky to find my way to a keyboard. But I'm glad to know you value my opinion so highly.

[MrBug708]

Shouldnt be so down on yourself

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Shouldnt be so down on yourself

Get back with me around 11:00 PM tonight. I'll either be flying high or ready to throw a rock through someone's window. Just don't encourage me to jump if I'm standing on a ledge.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Does anyone after last night actually think that KU should be rated above Texas? KU has been pretty rough around the edges thus far. Barnes has Texas looking very good even with their occasional offensive struggles. If KU is still #1 after this week, you've got to wonder if the voters are even watching the games.

I'm fine with Texas #1. They've played a much tougher schedule and have looked better.

The nice thing about basketball is the novelty that these sort of rankings don't matter nearly as much as they actually settle things on the court.

SI

[the_meanstrosity]

Originally Posted by cartman

Texas A&M suffered a horrific injury to a key senior last night in their game against Washington. Derrick Roland's season is done after suffering a compound fracture in one of his legs.

That's a huge blow to Texas A&M. Turgeon has had them playing some pretty good basketball this season and would have been a force in the Big 12.