2008/2009 Big East Thread

[superjames1992]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

If WVU plays sloppy, then I see an easy Nova victory. The last couple games we've capitalized on turnovers, especially against Syracuse. Thats one of the reasons we've been putting up so many points. Also we've shooting lights out of late, but we'll see how that carries over on the road. I think I read something saying we haven't won in Morgantown in 10 years... hopefully that will change tonight!

You all haven't won in Morgantown in 10 years? That's surprising.

THIS GAME still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to this day. WVU was cruising along at 10-0, ranked for the first time in years, and WVU seemed primed to have a spectacular season (Which they ended up having, but still). Instead, WVU's trip to Philadelphia ended in a 38 point blowout, which sent WVU down a spiral as they would wind up losing five of their next six games before recovering and eventually getting to the Elite Eight (Then Louisville ended our chances of a Final Four)!

[J0nnD0ugh]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

WV is going off on Nova. 52-32 w/:19 left in the 1st half.

[superjames1992]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

Since when did WVU start actually executing on the offensive end? WVU has looked horrible on the offensive end all year long, but they're passing great, making huge shots and dunks, and just executing today. I don't know what it is. Maybe Huggins needs to get sick more often.

Maybe the young guys are finally starting to get the system. Whatever the case, it's beautiful to watch. And Da'Shaun Butler looks great! He's been playing great all year and I would tend to think that he'll get some looks from NBA scouts soon.

WVU can't let up, though. Villanova is one of the best teams in the nation and an 18 point lead isn't safe.

[windseer90]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

wtf is going on. That half was complete trash. Everything is falling for WVU and they are playing extremely well.

[crques]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

Where has the offense been all season for WVU? I knew they would be fired up for a Friday night home game against the 'Cats but I wasn't expecting this!! I just hope they keep playing with intensity and making smart decisions. Truck is actually looking to get his teammates set up for baskets tonight. Butler is on fire and everyone is hustling and scrapping for every loose ball or rebound. Villanova is capable of a 50 point half too so I just hope WVU keeps scoring and playing great defense.

[windseer90]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

Ok we've been called for how many charges? And then WVU gets a block...

[countryboy]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

lol...'Nova shot 22 free throws I think in the first half to WVU's 4 and you're questioning foul calls?

[windseer90]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

lol...'Nova shot 22 free throws I think in the first half to WVU's 4 and you're complaining about the foul calls?

lol I know I'm just mad we're playing like crap. Plus I'm writing an essay thats due at midnight sooooo I'm really frustrated.

[windseer90]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

93-72 WVU wins it. 43 points for Butler... he was amazing. WVU came to play and Nova didn't... simple as that. Congrats on a huge win to you guys.

[ryanm1058123]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

De'sean #1

what a great game he had. just couldnt be stopped. Great contributions from everyone.

[SlimKibbles]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

Thought I would post this here. This is an excerpt from an article on the Cincinnati Enquirer's webpage. (http://news.cincinnati.com/article/2...302120087/1064) Mick Cronin was responding to Joe Lunardi's latest Bracketology excluding UC and having only 7 BE teams in it:

...“To me, that’s ridiculous,” said UC coach Mick Cronin. “I would tell Joe Lunardi he needs to buy the EPSN Full Court package. Are you telling me that Syracuse wouldn’t win the A-10? Does somebody want to give me that answer? I’d like to have that argument with somebody.

“You’re going to tell me that Syracuse, with their McDonalds’s All-Americans and their talent, would not win the A-10? They’re eighth in our conference. For us to not get at least eight is only a by-product of us beating up on each other and being penalized for having too good of a conference.”...

Personally, I take exception to saying Syracuse would automatically win the A-10 if they were in it. If Mick had done his homework, he'd have seen that over the last three seasons, the 'Cuse is 5-3 against A-10 teams including two losses to UMass, one to Rhody, and close wins over St. Joe's and Richmond. How is that automatic? They would automatically have more wins in the conference than Xavier, Dayton, Temple, or St. Joe's, for example? Furthermore, why doesn't he blame the commissioner for putting together a 16-team conference as their problem with only getting 7 or 8 teams in. If the teams take care of business out-of-conference with tough schedules, I can see the argument. What was the BE's OOC record as a whole this season (I haven't looked)? I know their strength of schedules OOC weren't spectacular. Georgetown and South Florida are the only two at the moment with an OOC schedule rating under 100. (http://www.kenpom.com/conf.php?y=2009&c=BE) Anyway, just curious as to everyone's thoughts on what Cronin said.

[J0nnD0ugh]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

That schedule rating is a misleading stat sometimes. For instance, UNC's is worse this year than last season, but UNC clearly had a tougher OOC. The reason why is if you're a contender & schedule one year 3 top 10 teams, but your other 12 are below 150; the next season you have 3 teams in the top 20-30 w/none below 150. The last year, your OOC will be higher. But clearly the former was tougher because you played more teams that have a realistic chance of beating you.

Look @ the #1 OOC, Ark-PB & compare it to #196, Notre Dame. Or look @ the rankings for all of college basketball. I count, & it was a very liberal count, barely 20 serious college basketball schools in the top 100 in that catergory.

Now to Syracuse & the A10 question.....I have no idea why Cronin is responding to Lunardi in the 1st place. His brackets are a little better than a preseason ranking. I don't think the Orange would be a lock to win the A10. And I have no idea why he'd bring them up. Except the fact Lunardi works @ St.Joe's. So maybe he feels there's some favortism there. But he doesn't even have the Hawks making the tourney.

You have to let the season play through. Marquette was a 2 seed, but now that the meat of their conference is coming up, they are falling back down to earth. Nova looked to be rolling, & got thuroughly beat last night when they went on the road vs a solid team. Cuse was struggling, but the toughest part of their BE sched is over.

It all balances out if you let the season play through. All these bubble watches do is let teams know who needs to keep working & who has wiggle room.

[J0nnD0ugh]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

I went back & read the article. What does Lunardi mean Cincy hasn't beaten anyone in the field? They beat UNLV in Vegas. Otherwise, he would have made a good point. But since the main reason he eliminated the 'Cats is gone, he should put them in there. Especially over K-St.

[countryboy]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

Intriguing games today in the Big East.

'Cuse vs G'Town
Pitt vs Cincy
UConn vs Hall

Seton Hall is a team that could give UConn fits because they don't mind playing helter skelter basketball and can shoot the 3.

[justamush]

Re: 2008/2009 Big East Thread

i am hoping Pitt doesn't overlook Cincy today. This is the classic trap game because it falls between games with WVU and UConn. At least it is at home, so we should be alright. I would be terrified if it was on the road.