College Basketball 2010-2011

[skurey]

I didn't see much today because I went to the Duquesne game then went out until now. But all I'll say is Ohio State has been impressive. The win at Illinois was one I was worried about. Craft is stepping up to fill his roll and they are a legit championship contender. With Diebler and Buford lighting it up from downtown they will be touigh to beat.

Kansas losing is a little bit surprising but not shocking. Texas is a soild top 8 team. They play a lot harder than they have in a few years.

The RPI is dumb when you start looking at effiency ratings. BUT if the comittee wants to take the most deserving teams and not the best teams it isn't that dumb. Duquesne falls right into that mess. They are very deserving but they have no good wins. The computers love them tohough so who knows. I think if we win 13 A10 games we will make it regardless but at 5-0 that's a long way off.

I'll tell you something you'll love hearing, Syracuse is bad. And by bad I mean like ~15th. I'm tired of it though. I'm tired of them being pretty good and not great. I'm tired of losing in the Sweet 16. I'm tired of being dominated by Pitt Nova and Louisville and to a lesser extent lately UConn. But UConn will beat them again this year. It sucks.

[the stogs]

I'll tell you something you'll love hearing, Syracuse is bad. And by bad I mean like ~15th. I'm tired of it though. I'm tired of them being pretty good and not great. I'm tired of losing in the Sweet 16. I'm tired of being dominated by Pitt Nova and Louisville and to a lesser extent lately UConn. But UConn will beat them again this year. It sucks.
just wait for trevor motha****in cooney

[skurey]

What if he's another Fab Melo though? How can you be a McDonald's AA in HS and barely be allowed to play 5 minutes in college? I don't understand I don't understand.

[the stogs]

What if he's another Fab Melo though? How can you be a McDonald's AA in HS and barely be allowed to play 5 minutes in college? I don't understand I don't understand.
because he'd played basketball for about 2 years. cooney, carter-williams, and christmas are legit

[skurey]

I wish FC didn't hate me

[FIRE CHIEF]

Christmas stinks.

But you guys are handcuffed by the zone. Always have been and lways will be. I don't hate anybody here. I just judge you by posting and if I don't like it I tell you.

[skurey]

Christmas stinks.

But you guys are handcuffed by the zone. Always have been and lways will be. I don't hate anybody here. I just judge you by posting and if I don't like it I tell you.

I mean do you actually think that's why they lose in the tournament or are they just not very good? The Big East teams see the zone more often so it's kind of explainable as to why some of them are so good at beating it.

Remember they lost to a D2 team playing man to man the whole game last year. I don't understand how that's possible though. A team of Syracuse's caliber should be able to beat any D2 comfortably using any defense even if they've never heard of it before.

This year it's more of the guard thing that I remember you mentioning last year. Scoop just likes to chuck up deep 3's with 28 seconds left on the shot clock. Triche is more of a SG and Waiters is obviously going to make Freshmen mistakes. Joseph is starting to approach his full potential, and someone mentioned if Scoop just handed it off to him every possession then this team would be so much better.

[FIRE CHIEF]

You guys are a good program. There is nothing wrong with sweet 16s every year. If you want better you need more NBA guards and you need to switch defenses. Other than that just be happy withwhat you have.

[the stogs]

I mean do you actually think that's why they lose in the tournament or are they just not very good? The Big East teams see the zone more often so it's kind of explainable as to why some of them are so good at beating it.

Remember they lost to a D2 team playing man to man the whole game last year. I don't understand how that's possible though. A team of Syracuse's caliber should be able to beat any D2 comfortably using any defense even if they've never heard of it before.

This year it's more of the guard thing that I remember you mentioning last year. Scoop just likes to chuck up deep 3's with 28 seconds left on the shot clock. Triche is more of a SG and Waiters is obviously going to make Freshmen mistakes. Joseph is starting to approach his full potential, and someone mentioned if Scoop just handed it off to him every possession then this team would be so much better.
joseph had a 3 or 4 minutes sequence where he just started to take over the game. hit a few tough threes and willed his way into the lane for layups, then he didnt have anymore touches other than the oop with about 2:30 left. scoop jardine hasn't had a good game in a month

[skurey]

You guys are a good program. There is nothing wrong with sweet 16s every year. If you want better you need more NBA guards and you need to switch defenses. Other than that just be happy withwhat you have.

I know Syracuse fans are kind of spoiled with the fact they pretty much get to the tourney every year and win at least one game, some programs are dying to do that. But I just feel like they need to take a step forward to become like a Duke where they are always projected for a Final Four. Maybe when Hopkins takes over that will happen, but living out the same thing over and over gets frustrating after a while. They can't seem to get over that hump. Maybe it's like you said, the defense or guards. It's hard to explain to an outsider though, but I respect your opinion in all honesty.

[skurey]

joseph had a 3 or 4 minutes sequence where he just started to take over the game. hit a few tough threes and willed his way into the lane for layups, then he didnt have anymore touches other than the oop with about 2:30 left. scoop jardine hasn't had a good game in a month

During the pre-Big East play I remember everyone getting down on Joseph saying he wasn't able to take over and making the NBA was laughable. But now he's averaging like 20 a game in Big East play so I'm wondering what some of you NBA fans think about his game and where he would project in the draft.

[murphxc04]

I like Syracuse a lot in that game. The Nova guards will get chuck happy and they aren't good enough shooters to take advantage of the zone.

They got chuck happy and they got chuck lucky. Which was awesome.

Syracuse came out totally lethargically though. The fans complain about noon games but every good team in the country will have them. Jay Wright took his team up Thursday for them to practice Friday at Noon. Good move.

Maalik Wayns has really worked on his shot lately. He keeps that up and he will be scary good. We might have looked great yesterday but that type of game won't work against other top teams. We need Antonio Pena to be more involved and Yarou to remember how to make a layup.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Ya I didn't see the game but I'm assuming Nova just shot over the zone instead of working it inside or overloading one side of the court. That is actually the most effective way to beat the zone if you have good enough shooters. But most teams don't so they don't even try.

The noon excuse is lame. I don't know about you guys but I can do whatever in the morning better than in the evening just because I haven't been up walking around all day. I'd feel fresher playing at noon.

[Dyenimator]

s
d
s
u
#
4

[FIRE CHIEF]

s
d
s
u
#
4

Still haven't seen much of them yet. I cannot see how a team that didn't make the tournament last year can improve to the point that they are a final four caliber team with no stud freshman class. Sweet 16 is likely because I'm sure they're decent and will get a favorable draw to get there. From there who knows.

[Picc5455]

Still haven't seen much of them yet. I cannot see how a team that didn't make the tournament last year can improve to the point that they are a final four caliber team with no stud freshman class. Sweet 16 is likely because I'm sure they're decent and will get a favorable draw to get there. From there who knows.

Their first real test will be against BYU this week. I wanna see what these guys are really made of to get them that number 4 next to their name.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Their first real test will be against BYU this week. I wanna see what these guys are really made of to get them that number 4 next to their name.

They match up pretty well with BYU. They are long and athletic. BYU is notoriously slow.

[Picc5455]

They match up pretty well with BYU. They are long and athletic. BYU is notoriously slow.

Hopefully it's a good game. I just wanna see what they can do against a good team.

[freerun13]

I know Syracuse fans are kind of spoiled with the fact they pretty much get to the tourney every year and win at least one game, some programs are dying to do that. But I just feel like they need to take a step forward to become like a Duke where they are always projected for a Final Four. Maybe when Hopkins takes over that will happen, but living out the same thing over and over gets frustrating after a while. They can't seem to get over that hump. Maybe it's like you said, the defense or guards. It's hard to explain to an outsider though, but I respect your opinion in all honesty.

They need better guards and they need to learn how to shoot a free throw. Villanova kept the lead at the end of the game because they hit there free throws. Last year they were on track to make it over the hump but unfortunately Onuaku's injury really hurt them.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Talking about free throws being a weakness is a good way to get me to ignore you. They are irrelevant. Always have been and always will be. Getting to the line means a lot more than making free throws. Free throw percentage is basically meaningless.

[Conigs]

SDSU actually made the tournament last year as a 10 seed, lost to Tennessee in the first round.

That being said... I'm not convinced. And just because they're playing BYU doesn't mean that they're playing a huge game on the national level because BYU is overrated. Again.

[Dyenimator]

Pitt loss means the Aztecs possibly move up to #3!!

[freerun13]

Talking about free throws being a weakness is a good way to get me to ignore you. They are irrelevant. Always have been and always will be. Getting to the line means a lot more than making free throws. Free throw percentage is basically meaningless.

It isn't the most important stat obviously but if you have bad free throw shooting its hard to close out a team at the end of the game. I'm just pointing out that this could hurt them in the tournament when they have a game coming down to the wire and they don't have many reliable shooters. Villanova was able to keep the lead on SU because they made their free throws at the end of the game.

[DirtyRobe]

SDSU actually made the tournament last year as a 10 seed, lost to Tennessee in the first round.

That being said... I'm not convinced. And just because they're playing BYU doesn't mean that they're playing a huge game on the national level because BYU is overrated. Again.

Consider me a non-believer of both of these teams.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Good gameplan by Notre Dame again. I was wondering if they would go to the slowdown against Pitt. They have the guards who can hit shots deep in the clock to do it. When you play any type of elite team and you feel you can beat them at their own game then go for it. Because they are far less reluctant to get you out of what you want to do. Like if ND did that to a team like Villanova, Nova would press all game to not let them settle in. Pitt just sat back and played right into their hands.

[therunner12]

Bob Knight is the most obnoxious commentator in the game.

[skurey]

Bob Knight is the greatest commentator in the game.

agreed

[usnspecialist]

Bob Knight is the most obnoxious commentator in the game.

bobby is awesome.

[therunner12]

bobby is awesome.

All he does is say what the players are doing wrong and he is usually pretty biased.

[KenA55]

Now I suppose we have to bear with tOSU staying unbeaten until they go to Wisconsin in mid February, Purdue thinks they can beat them but probably not on the road; I thought maybe a rising Northwestern team could do at at home but the way the Badgers crumpled them up into little bits Sunday, on their home court, says it all. MN beating them at the barn on the 6th would have been a better bet with Nolen running the point, but he'll be out for at least 4 weeks and a freshman will be starting. So if the Buckeyes can avoid a home letdown tonight, they'll probably not see their streak end until the 12th at Kohl Center.

[Eva N]

Now I suppose we have to bear with tOSU staying unbeaten until they go to Wisconsin in mid February, Purdue thinks they can beat them but probably not on the road; I thought maybe a rising Northwestern team could do at at home but the way the Badgers crumpled them up into little bits Sunday, on their home court, says it all. MN beating them at the barn on the 6th would have been a better bet with Nolen running the point, but he'll be out for at least 4 weeks and a freshman will be starting. So if the Buckeyes can avoid a home letdown tonight, they'll probably not see their streak end until the 12th at Kohl Center.

I'm impressed that OSU has stayed unbeaten this far. They've got great talent, but are surprisingly small - no size whatsoever beyond Sullinger (who is awesome) and Lauderdale (who seems to be playing less and less). A loss to MN wouldn't surprise me at all.

[young money]

Now I suppose we have to bear with tOSU staying unbeaten until they go to Wisconsin in mid February, Purdue thinks they can beat them but probably not on the road; I thought maybe a rising Northwestern team could do at at home but the way the Badgers crumpled them up into little bits Sunday, on their home court, says it all. MN beating them at the barn on the 6th would have been a better bet with Nolen running the point, but he'll be out for at least 4 weeks and a freshman will be starting. So if the Buckeyes can avoid a home letdown tonight, they'll probably not see their streak end until the 12th at Kohl Center.
honestly I don't think Wisconsin can beat tOSU. They match up terribly IMO. Maybe they can if both Leuer and Nankovil go off but I think tO$U's guards will be the death of wisconsin. Wisconsin will have to play their terrible wings to try to match up size wise and athletically or be resigned to the fact that the perimeter players for tO$U will be bigger and more athletic in addition to more skilled than anyone Wisconsin can throw out there.

[skurey]

lololol Syracuse lololol

[fallout]

lololol Syracuse lololol

lololol this is the year our football team will have a better season than the bball team

[Picc5455]

That shot to send it into Double OT was ****ing awesome.

[Eva N]

lololol Syracuse lololol

Pitt on the road? Yeah, I get that...

'Nova at home? Well, OK, I guess...

Taking an ACP from Seton Effing Hall, at the Dome??? :eek:

WTF Cuse??

[young money]

i don't get why everyone is so up in arms about syracuse? they're bound to get lit up every now and then when a team can make open jumpers, that's the nature of the vaunted BOEHEIM ZONE.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

That's about as well as Purdue is going to play against a top 25 team. They are not good. I'm not sure how many games Ohio State will lose. Maybe just 1. Nobody in the Big Ten is even close to them, so it would be a fluke.

EDIT: Also, Lucious dismissed from State. I called this team was in trouble after the Cuse loss. 18 or 19 wins is a terrible season. We'll see what Izzo does.

[FIRE CHIEF]

That's about as well as Purdue is going to play against a top 25 team. They are not good. I'm not sure how many games Ohio State will lose. Maybe just 1. Nobody in the Big Ten is even close to them, so it would be a fluke.

EDIT: Also, Lucious dismissed from State. I called this team was in trouble after the Cuse loss. 18 or 19 wins is a terrible season. We'll see what Izzo does.

Please please please bet me that only two Big Ten teams win in the first round.

[Dyenimator]

Biggest game of the year in just under 2 hours!

[usnspecialist]

i still predict tom izzo will find a way to win a 1st round game and be competitive in round 2 if not win it.

[FTT]

is the SDSU-BYU game not on tv tonight?

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Please please please bet me that only two Big Ten teams win in the first round.

I know that 3 probably will. Unless Illinois plays 5-15 Illinois Chicago. OSU is the only lock. Minnesota sucks. They will lose to an 11 when they somehow get a 6 seed. State will be an 8 or 9, so they MIGHT win.

I would need to see what seeds they all get. Every Big Ten team that is a 5 or below will more than likely lose first round. It's hard upsetting a top 4 seed in general.

[mentle bentle]

is the SDSU-BYU game not on tv tonight?

It's on the CBS college channel

[Dyenimator]

You can't make a bold prediction that the Big Ten will only win 2 games and then backtrack, saying you need to see the bracket first. Just stick with what you said.

[Dyenimator]

omg omg omg it's time!!

[FIRE CHIEF]

I'm glad you are so excited for the big Mountain West game. Watch them now because they won't be on that much in March.

[Dyenimator]

dj fouled on a 3... nice!

[Dyenimator]

we gotta slow it down

[Dyenimator]

nothing better than the cbs basketball music

[Dyenimator]

plz plz plz don't double malcolm

[Dyenimator]

lolbyu... your guy is running like god and you're still losing

[therunner12]

Why is the game not on TV?

[Dyenimator]

the first time we've played a real big game and all they want to talk about is this guy from byu

[skurey]

Someone find me a link and I'll love you forever

[therunner12]

Someone find me a link and I'll love you forever

QFE

[FIRE CHIEF]

This game is why TCU and BYU and Utah are all leaving the Mountain West. They have the worst TV contract of any conference in the NCAA.

[eh000]

Every time I see BYU's "Y" logo I think "Yale" and do a double take.

[FTT]

So jimmer freddete or kemba walker?

[FIRE CHIEF]

JJ Sullinger.

[Dyenimator]

boom rahon

[Dyenimator]

lol these refs are scrubs

[skurey]

white power baby

[FIRE CHIEF]

white power baby
Ya but they're Mormons and I hate them too.

[therunner12]

Ya but they're Mormons and I hate them too.

We'll take 'em out in the first round, don't worry.

[skurey]

Ya but they're Mormons and I hate them too.

A valid point

[FIRE CHIEF]

We'll take 'em out in the first round, don't worry.

Haha. I texted ny buddy just a minute ago and asked him what he thought of BYU and his reply was don't worry, A&M will beat them in the first round.

[runningchoc]

the first time we've played a real big game and all they want to talk about is this guy from byu

And now you know why.

[DonnieDarko]

Ya but they're Mormons and I hate them too.

I thought you were pals with Mormons and liked Mitt Romney

[therunner12]

Haha. I texted ny buddy just a minute ago and asked him what he thought of BYU and his reply was don't worry, A&M will beat them in the first round.

I would fly where ever the game was if we drew them in the first round, even Cleveland. I'm afraid we won't get them this year though.

[FIRE CHIEF]

I thought you were pals with Mormons and liked Mitt Romney

I am and I do. I still will say that they suck because it's taboo.

Does anybody else think of Jippers Bronfman when they think of Jimmer Fredette?

[Dyenimator]

In tears...

[FTT]

JJ Sullinger.

i expected this from u

[Conigs]

I'm having a problem trying to reconcile which team would have a bigger problem without their star, UConn or BYU.

That being said, would somebody please guard Jimmer? This is why the MWC is useless.

[usnspecialist]

villanova goes down at providence, classic let down game after syracuse. That being said, i am happy keno davis is starting to win some games at providence (beat louisville this weekend).

[Picc5455]

villanova goes down at providence, classic let down game after syracuse. That being said, i am happy keno davis is starting to win some games at providence (beat louisville this weekend).

Being a URI student and fan I say **** Providence but I was happy to see them beat Villanova.

[phantomtofu]

I'm having a problem trying to reconcile which team would have a bigger problem without their star, UConn or BYU.

That being said, would somebody please guard Jimmer? This is why the MWC is useless.

Have you watched him play? It doesn't matter much if he's guarded, he still has little trouble draining a 30 ft trey with a hand in his face. God I hate defending BYU, though.

[eh000]

God I hate defending BYU, though.

Pun!?!?

[therunner12]

Was Jimmer this good his first three years?

[Eva N]

Was Jimmer this good his first three years?

Nah, he's improved a ton over the past 4 years. Hasn't really changed his game much, he's just better at everything he does. His last season in HS, his team lost in the state tourney to Mookie Jones's team... the same Mookie Jones who is essentially Jim Boeheim's victory cigar / white flag at Syracuse now.

[Conigs]

Have you watched him play? It doesn't matter much if he's guarded, he still has little trouble draining a 30 ft trey with a hand in his face. God I hate defending BYU, though.

Yeah I've watched 3 games this year alone. Teams aren't guarding him with the right personnel. They're putting some 6'2 guard on him who isn't tall enough to respect the shot without overplaying it, so they overplay and he does this overblown crossover to the other side and suddenly is wide open.

Remember Garrett Temple from LSU in the tournament vs Duke in JJ Redick's senior year? That's the type of defense you want to play. If you shut down Jimmer, BYU may not score 40.

[Dyenimator]

absolutely dying here...

[Dyenimator]

my poor tv will be beaten to death if we lose

[Dyenimator]

Stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[Dyenimator]

Score Here Plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[skurey]

lol msu

[Dyenimator]

stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuey

[Dyenimator]

Booooooooooooooooooooooooooom

[colls]

Typical state game. Make a small comeback with a few minutes left but cant convert their shots under 2 min. I dont know why i get my hopes up every time. seems like theyre gonna have better chemestry without Lucious out for the season. anyone agree?

[watch me walk]

Booooooooooooooooooooooooooom

Definitely needed the win. Hopefully they can carry the momentum.

[ElHollingsworth]

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=310270084

lol.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Haha enjoy the NIT, State.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Lots of good Big East action tomorrow.

West Virginia at Cincinnati
Syracuse at Marquette
Villanova at Georgetown
Louisville at UConn

[Yetí]

Lots of good Big East action tomorrow.

West Virginia at Cincinnati
Syracuse at Marquette
Villanova at Georgetown
Louisville at UConn

Predictions:

67-60 West Virgina
62-55 Syracuse
68-64 Georgetown
61-56 Louisville

- Don't know anything about any team except Syracuse, lack of cable has left me very college basketball knowledge deprived the past few months. Just giving it a shot and seeing how close I'll be.

[longview]

I am still smiling after that win last nite. 14 years of getting waxed at the Breslin no more.

[colls]

I am still smiling after that win last nite. 14 years of getting waxed at the Breslin no more.


no more lucious and a beast game from Novck helped i believe. michigan state has looked terrible the past few weeks

[Chicubsfan24]

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=310270084

lol.

Tom Pritchard for player of the year.

[Leftfielder]

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=409459818668&id=c8dc0a855fce54e0f752fabc2a9bdf8c&index=ch1&url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/thetoydepartment/Jimmer.jpg
(http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=409459818668&id=c8dc0a855fce54e0f752fabc2a9bdf8c&index=ch1&url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/thetoydepartment/Jimmer.jpg)

[murphxc04]

Lots of good Big East action tomorrow.

West Virginia at Cincinnati
Syracuse at Marquette
Georgetown at Villanova
Louisville at UConn

Fixed

[otisbhxc]

Syracuse needs to win or they will have to do some serious soul searching.

BYU is never on Tv so anyone know how good Jimmers defense is? Obviously he's amazing at the college level but he had 0 assists against San Diego State. I feel if he doesn't wanna be a scrub at the next level he needs to work on other stuff.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Predictions:

67-60 West Virgina
62-55 Syracuse
68-64 Georgetown
61-56 Louisville

- Don't know anything about any team except Syracuse, lack of cable has left me very college basketball knowledge deprived the past few months. Just giving it a shot and seeing how close I'll be.

I actually disagree with all of those picks.

West Virginia is having major chemistry problems. Guys walking off the bench in the middle of the game. Terrible shooting. Not getting into any sort of flow offensively. Plus, Cincy usually gives Huiggins trouble since he left.

Syracuse has to go on the road against a decent team. Not exactly the best time to fix what ever is the matter.

Villanova will get zoned again and I have a hunch they won't shoot as well.

Louisville is a team that has serious road issues. Plus, UConn is a lot better than I thought. They were a mid pack Big East team to me but now I think they can battle for the top 4 spots.

[longview]

I actually disagree with all of those picks.

West Virginia is having major chemistry problems. Guys walking off the bench in the middle of the game. Terrible shooting. Not getting into any sort of flow offensively. Plus, Cincy usually gives Huiggins trouble since he left.

Syracuse has to go on the road against a decent team. Not exactly the best time to fix what ever is the matter.

Villanova will get zoned again and I have a hunch they won't shoot as well.

Louisville is a team that has serious road issues. Plus, UConn is a lot better than I thought. They were a mid pack Big East team to me but now I think they can battle for the top 4 spots.

Seems to me that you both agree on Georgetown.

P.S. Oh hi I'm back.

[colls]

Big East is nasty! crazy games goin on

[FTT]

****

[Picc5455]

NW is making this an exciting game. Maybe they can knock off Ohio State. Wishful thinking but it's just a great game to watch right now.

[Picc5455]

So many teams went down today Jesus what a day of college basketball.

[TeamOrange]

So many teams went down today Jesus what a day of college basketball.

Came to post this, and Pitt is struggling vs Rutgers.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Haha Florida State is so bad. If you lose to Auburn, you are not worthy of being ranked.

Wisconsin sucks too. Best win is Marquette and after that not much.

I really feel like Xavier, Richmond, and Temple can beat these big conference teams more times than not.

[Picc5455]

Haha Florida State is so bad. If you lose to Auburn, you are not worthy of being ranked.

Wisconsin sucks too. Best win is Marquette and after that not much.

I really feel like Xavier, Richmond, and Temple can beat these big conference teams more times than not.

Wisconsin could take down Ohio State. Ohio State is going to lose to someone in the Big 10 and Wisconsin and Purdue are the next teams to get a good shot at them seeing as they both play Ohio State home. I could be wrong though seeing as I'm extremely intoxicated and I don't wanna look this **** up on espn.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Wisconsin could take down Ohio State. Ohio State is going to lose to someone in the Big 10 and Wisconsin and Purdue are the next teams to get a good shot at them seeing as they both play Ohio State home. I could be wrong though seeing as I'm extremely intoxicated and I don't wanna look this **** up on espn.

Yeah after 3 easy games (@NW, MI, @Minn) then its @Wisco, MSU, and @PU

I don't think Ohio State will lose a Big Ten game. I know they had a close win tonight and have had close games, but they are so much better than the second best team (just beat Purdue by 20+). Purdue is a good team. Jajuan is the man.

[Picc5455]

Yeah after 3 easy games (@NW, MI, @Minn) then its @Wisco, MSU, and @PU

I don't think Ohio State will lose a Big Ten game. I know they had a close win tonight and have had close games, but they are so much better than the second best team (just beat Purdue by 20+). Purdue is a good team. Jajuan is the man.

I wouldn't judge them on that Purdue game because we all know Purdue just mentally wasn't in it at all. It's gonna be a different story when they take them on in West Lafayette. I'd be shocked if Ohio State remains unbeaten heading into the tournament. If that happens then I will bet all my money on Duke taking them down.

[usnspecialist]

Yeah after 3 easy games (@NW, MI, @Minn) then its @Wisco, MSU, and @PU

I don't think Ohio State will lose a Big Ten game. I know they had a close win tonight and have had close games, but they are so much better than the second best team (just beat Purdue by 20+). Purdue is a good team. Jajuan is the man.

the kohl center in madison is a very difficult place to win.

[KenA55]

No way will tOSU get through the Big 10 road gauntlet unbeaten. Their road schedule happened to put them up against the lower tier first, though they did get a good road win in Illinois and were fortunate yesterday.

@Minn
@Wisc
@Purdue
@PSU

Figure two losses minimum and don't be shocked if they were to drop all 4.

[DonnieDarko]

No way will tOSU get through the Big 10 road gauntlet unbeaten. Their road schedule happened to put them up against the lower tier first, though they did get a good road win in Illinois and were fortunate yesterday.

@Minn
@Wisc
@Purdue
@PSU

Figure two losses minimum and don't be shocked if they were to drop all 4.

lol @PSU. any team that gets beaten by PSU this season shouldn't make the ncaa tourny. i have no idea how penn state keeps winning. it's kind of a shame they dropped a lot of games early on. What really stinks for PSU is that they only play Iowa, Indiana, and NW once, and all the solid big10 teams twice.

[KenA55]

Well then we'll have a tourney without Duquesne, MSU, Wiscy, & Illinois... and maybe without tOSU by the time it's all said and done? PSU has gotten it done at home, only conf. home loss so far was to Purdue. They played extremely close games on the road in their losses to tOSU & Purdue, and are nevertheless 5-4 at this point. While it's very difficult to see them win 20 or more and a tourney berth looks like a real stretch, what do you do if Penn State knocks off tOSU and MSU/Minn twice, finishes something like 11-7 inconf, 20-11 overall and has a respectable tourney run? I don't think you could keep them out with such a resume. Looking at their losses, there is only one where you can say they definitely should have won, and that was the home loss to Maine. Almost every team in the tourney will have at least one such loss most likely, very few really dominant programs this year.

Pomeroy says their strength of schedule so far sits at #3 in the country behind only MSU & WV.

[young money]

St. Johns is clowning on Duke right now. It's been a layup line.

[Picc5455]

St. Johns is clowning on Duke right now. It's been a layup line.

Duke needs to wake the hell up this is just bad.

[DonnieDarko]

Well then we'll have a tourney without Duquesne, MSU, Wiscy, & Illinois... and maybe without tOSU by the time it's all said and done? PSU has gotten it done at home, only conf. home loss so far was to Purdue. They played extremely close games on the road in their losses to tOSU & Purdue, and are nevertheless 5-4 at this point. While it's very difficult to see them win 20 or more and a tourney berth looks like a real stretch, what do you do if Penn State knocks off tOSU and MSU/Minn twice, finishes something like 11-7 inconf, 20-11 overall and has a respectable tourney run? I don't think you could keep them out with such a resume. Looking at their losses, there is only one where you can say they definitely should have won, and that was the home loss to Maine. Almost every team in the tourney will have at least one such loss most likely, very few really dominant programs this year.

Pomeroy says their strength of schedule so far sits at #3 in the country behind only MSU & WV.

Interesting. PSU will really have to keep it up and win close games to make the tourny IMO. Hopefully they won't get left out if win 20 and have to win the NIT again.

[young money]

Duke needs to wake the hell up this is just bad.
at this point it would be a monumental collapse for St. Johns to lose. Duke is sleepwalking on defense and just hacking their way out of the game.

[Picc5455]

at this point it would be a monumental collapse for St. Johns to lose. Duke is sleepwalking on defense and just hacking their way out of the game.

Oh it's over dude. It was over since the first half. I just like to cling to some hope.

[KenA55]

So what's the record for most missed 3pt attempts in a game by a ranked team?

Edit: LOL, they must have heard me ask that, now they go 4 for 4 after a 1 for 21 game. They actually launched 24 long-range misses in the loss to FSU earlier in the season.

[FTT]

big east>acc

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Pomeroy says their strength of schedule so far sits at #3 in the country behind only MSU & WV.

Pomeroy is almost a joke when it comes to the Big Ten. He has them so high it's not even believable.

Penn State is AWFUL. They are bad. They only thing they have is experience. In out of conference, they beat Duquesne and Fairfield. They lost to Ole Miss (who has lost to every top 100 team they have faced), Maine (haha), Maryland by 25 (at 13-7, a bubble team), and Va Tech (does anyone think Va Tech is good?).

People think MSU, Illinois, and Wisconsin are good teams. They aren't. Penn State is proof the Big Ten is not that good. Road games are tough, though. I will give everyone that.

The Big East should have 11 teams in the tourney.

[FIRE CHIEF]

I like the Big East and all but come on. They don't have one legit top 4 team. They shouldn't get more than 8 or 9. 11 is ridiculous.

Penn State is playing pretty well right now. And I hate DeChellis but he dserves some credit.

As for the A10... I'm a big fan of the league but it's not really that great. Duquesne is in first place absolutely killing teams. And we lost to George Mason at home and Robert Morris. I don't think we deserve an at large unless we win the league outright in the regular season. Even then we have no good OOC wins. Xavier is tough, nobody else is capable of winning a game in the tournament.

[TeamOrange]

I like the Big East and all but come on. They don't have one legit top 4 team. They shouldn't get more than 8 or 9. 11 is ridiculous.

Penn State is playing pretty well right now. And I hate DeChellis but he dserves some credit.

As for the A10... I'm a big fan of the league but it's not really that great. Duquesne is in first place absolutely killing teams. And we lost to George Mason at home and Robert Morris. I don't think we deserve an at large unless we win the league outright in the regular season. Even then we have no good OOC wins. Xavier is tough, nobody else is capable of winning a game in the tournament.

Temple and Richmond have wins against Purdue and Gtown.

[young money]

the A-10 is weak this year. It was overrated as hell last year too, this board nut hugs the A-10 hard for some reason.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

I like the Big East and all but come on. They don't have one legit top 4 team. They shouldn't get more than 8 or 9. 11 is ridiculous.

Penn State is playing pretty well right now. And I hate DeChellis but he dserves some credit.

As for the A10... I'm a big fan of the league but it's not really that great. Duquesne is in first place absolutely killing teams. And we lost to George Mason at home and Robert Morris. I don't think we deserve an at large unless we win the league outright in the regular season. Even then we have no good OOC wins. Xavier is tough, nobody else is capable of winning a game in the tournament.

I agree on the top 4 thing. Duke, Ohio State, Kansas, and Texas are all better than the first Big East team. But Pitt could be argued for top 4, they are really good.

I think the locks are:
Pitt
Villanova
UConn
Syracuse
Notre Dame
Louisville
Georgetown

Teams that will make it unless HUGE chokes:
Cincinnati
West Virginia

Bubble teams:
Marquette
St. Johns

I think Marquette will get the nod. St. John's will probably miss it though. I think they are better than a lot of teams though.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

the A-10 is weak this year. It was overrated as hell last year too, this board nut hugs the A-10 hard for some reason.

I only like them because Richmond took it to Purdue earlier this year.

[Conigs]

the A-10 is weak this year. It was overrated as hell last year too, this board nut hugs the A-10 hard for some reason.

Temple got a tough draw with a Cornell team that shouldn't have been a 12 seed.
Richmond had a tough draw with eventual sweet 16 team, St. Mary's.
Xavier made it to the sweet 16 and took Kansas State to 2OT.

[TeamOrange]

the A-10 is weak this year. It was overrated as hell last year too, this board nut hugs the A-10 hard for some reason.

2-3 last year with tough draws, not sure how people "overrated" them

[young money]

2-3 last year with tough draws, not sure how people "overrated" them
half the board was riding Temple to the final 4 or elite 8. Richmond was being hyped based on 1 guard. They got beat up in the tournament after everyone talked them up all year. We could even pull out the old dyestat posts to prove it. Everyone was hating on the big 10 and riding the big 12 and a-10.

And tough draws? They got slotted against mid majors and lost. Maybe they just weren't as good as you all thought.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Richmond is very soft. They play a cerebral style and you can beat them by just outmuscling them. They are lousy inside and rebounding and defending the ball.

Temple just has no scoring.

If anybody but Xavier makes the tournament out of the A10 besides Xavier I'd be moderately surprised. And if anybody does make it it will be Duquesne. Richmond and Temple cannot get automatic bids right now IMO.

My top Big East team is ranked 6th or 7th. OSU, Duke, Texas, Kansas, Washington and maybe Kentucky all have better shots at a final four and more upside then any Big East team.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Is a home win in overtime against IU a win?

[FTT]

ha duke lost to a mid pack big east team, overrated? i think so

[Picc5455]

ha duke lost to a mid pack big east team, overrated? i think so

Didn't Duke lose to Georgetown last year? How good was Georgetown last year? Didn't they end up losing to someone weak in the tournament or something along those lines and Duke went on to win another national title? I'm not trying to sound like an asshole but I think thats what happened last year. Let's not start calling Duke overrated because they aren't. They played terribly and thats a fact but I'm willing to bet money they show up in College Park and smack Maryland around because they will be fired up after taking an ass kicking like they did today.

Edit: Yeah Gtown lost in the first round to Miami of Ohio.

[skurey]

Didn't Duke lose to Georgetown last year? How good was Georgetown last year? Didn't they end up losing to someone weak in the tournament or something along those lines and Duke went on to win another national title? I'm not trying to sound like an asshole but I think thats what happened last year. Let's not start calling Duke overrated because they aren't. They played terribly and thats a fact but I'm willing to bet money they show up in College Park and smack Maryland around because they will be fired up after taking an ass kicking like they did today.

Yeah because Maryland is so good.

[Dyenimator]

Yeah because Maryland is so good.

#15 on kenpom

[Picc5455]

Yeah because Maryland is so good.

Playing in College Park isn't the easiest thing to do. Maryland may not be what they were last year but they aren't a push over team that Duke can just write off. They always give Duke a run for their money but after the beating Duke took today I'm sure they will lay down a beating on the Terps. I'm just astounded that people think Duke is overrated. If Ohio State lost to NW would you call them overrated? They almost lost to them and even if they did they would still be the number 1 team in the country. I'd rather Duke drop a few games during the regular season and then do what they do best come March/April.

[skurey]

#15 on kenpom

dayum

Playing in College Park isn't the easiest thing to do. Maryland may not be what they were last year but they aren't a push over team that Duke can just write off. They always give Duke a run for their money but after the beating Duke took today I'm sure they will lay down a beating on the Terps. I'm just astounded that people think Duke is overrated. If Ohio State lost to NW would you call them overrated? They almost lost to them and even if they did they would still be the number 1 team in the country. I'd rather Duke drop a few games during the regular season and then do what they do best come March/April.

Well I do think OSU is overrated but it's kind of hard not to put them #1 when they are the only team with 0 losses.

And obviously you rather lose games now than in March which is why you shouldn't get worked up over it. Hopefully for you Irving will come back and Duke will learn how to play defense.

[Picc5455]

dayum



Well I do think OSU is overrated but it's kind of hard not to put them #1 when they are the only team with 0 losses.

And obviously you rather lose games now than in March which is why you shouldn't get worked up over it. Hopefully for you Irving will come back and Duke will learn how to play defense.

Duke will be fine. Give me your top 10 in your world of college hoops. If Ohio State is overrated then who isn't? I mean this is probably a useless argument seeing as it happens every year because everyone is apparently overrated but out of pure curiosity what would your top 10 look like?

[KenA55]

I'd say Ohio State is rated right where they should be until they drop a game or two, anyway. A lot depends on who they lose to and where. They've had a good number of narrow escapes and are very much due for a loss.

[skurey]

Tier System:

OSU
Texas
Kansas
Pitt

Duke
UConn

Jimmer

Yeah this is tough. There are so many teams that I think would be around 15th in a normal season that I can't bring myself to include them above. Everyone knows my stance on the Big 10 and I can't figure out the Big East. Either everyone is pretty good or they're all average, wouldn't be surprised to see only 3 teams in the S16 or 6.

I'm really feeling a 3 seed to win it all this year.

[Picc5455]

Tier System:

OSU
Texas
Kansas
Pitt

Duke
UConn

Jimmer

Yeah this is tough. There are so many teams that I think would be around 15th in a normal season that I can't bring myself to include them above. Everyone knows my stance on the Big 10 and I can't figure out the Big East. Either everyone is pretty good or they're all average, wouldn't be surprised to see only 3 teams in the S16 or 6.

I'm really feeling a 3 seed to win it all this year.

Yeah we don't agree on much then based off of this. Wouldn't be surprised to see Duke repeat or Ohio State to take it all or a 3 seed like you said go for it. I am a fan of the Jimmer though.

[FIRE CHIEF]

I don't know why you guys are ignoring talented teams like Kentucky and Washington.

[skurey]

I don't know why you guys are ignoring talented teams like Kentucky and Washington.

Watching Washington right now

Lol Kentucky

[Picc5455]

I don't know why you guys are ignoring talented teams like Kentucky and Washington.

Not ignoring anyone they just never came up in discussion. In all honesty this tournament is gonna be really exciting I can't wait for March to roll around.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Watching Washington right now

Lol Kentucky

Kentucky went like 1-24 from 3 point range or they were in the final four last year. And they have a much more balanced team this year.

Right now Washington is playing pretty sloppy. But, these fouls are going to kill WSU before the end of the game.

[KenA55]

I really don't think Pomeroy has the Big 10 overrated by much though, maybe a bit but he's not off by miles. He gives the Big 10 an average .9007 rating; compare the top 11 BE teams and you're looking at a considerably superior .9201; the difference will be even greater tomorrow once his BE #11 St. Johns gets a boost for today's game. What skews his average is that the BE has teams like South Florida & DePaul tugging downward heavily on that average, while the Big 10 doesn't have anyone in that level. But the word awful has been getting thrown around pretty freely, and maybe PSU is awful viewed through a certain filter and compared to sweet 16 / elite 8 teams, thereby making South Florida even that much worse; but when push comes to shove both are teams well above average when viewed against the entire D1 field top to bottom.

[FIRE CHIEF]

I really don't think Pomeroy has the Big 10 overrated by much though, maybe a bit but he's not off by miles. He gives the Big 10 an average .9007 rating; compare the top 11 BE teams and you're looking at a considerably superior .9201; the difference will be even greater tomorrow once his BE #11 St. Johns gets a boost for today's game. What skews his average is that the BE has teams like South Florida & DePaul tugging downward heavily on that average, while the Big 10 doesn't have anyone in that level. But the word awful has been getting thrown around pretty freely, and maybe PSU is awful viewed through a certain filter and compared to sweet 16 / elite 8 teams, thereby making South Florida even that much worse; but when push comes to shove both are teams well above average when viewed against the entire D1 field top to bottom.

This board values games in November and December way too much. I get in arguments with them every year. They think Penn State stinks because they had a bad few weeks in December.

IMO the big East is the best conference. But, at the same time I don't think any of those teams are championship material. Georgetown and Connecticut are the only teams with good enough guard play. But, they don't have great size. Pitt has the best balance but they don't have an NBA guy to take over. Syracuse looks lost. I actually think Notre Dame is the best team in that league as far as potential goes.

[young money]

UK will always be underrated on this board because so many dislike Calipari that they're willing to blatently ignore talent.

the best teams i've seen are

ohio state
duke
kansas

then i have

uk
texas

followed by a lot of the big east teams which are all pretty good but none are great and they are all flawed. in the tournament its going to come down to match ups and who plays who so its hard to say for sure who is better than who right now.

oh, i also have a feeling Marquette is going to come on strong. I'm not usually tooting their horn, especially since they don't have good big guys and can have shaky point guard play, but they play hard as hell, are athletic, and can score in bunchs between crowder, djo, and butler plus their other streaky guards. they have lost some games they shouldn't have, like they usually do but they've gotten better offensively recently and i've been impressed.

[FTT]

duke hasnt played one ranked team, OSU has beaten several. thats y even if they lost to NW they wouldnt be overrated. And Duke will again lose to an average Maryland team because they cant play away from that **** hole cameron.

[Picc5455]

duke hasnt played one ranked team, OSU has beaten several. thats y even if they lost to NW they wouldnt be overrated. And Duke will again lose to an average Maryland team because they cant play away from that **** hole cameron.

??? Where were you when they played MSU and K State? No use in arguing with a Duke hater because your never going to see it any other way. Still like their chances of whooping on Maryland this week. On another note I'm really depressed with the way URI has been playing this season. We all had such high hopes for this year and they crushed them all.

[FTT]

lol at MSU and KSU. what great seasons they r having

[Picc5455]

lol at MSU and KSU. what great seasons they r having

You said they haven't played any ranked teams and when they played each other they were ranked so just proving a point really.

[FIRE CHIEF]

lol at MSU and KSU. what great seasons they r having

What's your top teams?

[Chonka10]

What the hell Washington

[FIRE CHIEF]

What the hell Washington

That was a really bad loss. They turned it over a lot and shot poorly. Couldn't capitalize on terrible foul trouble for WSU. They could have pretty much wrapped up the regular season with a win there tonight but now they'll have to win at Arizona most likely. Speaking of under the radar teams, Arizona should be in anybody's top 16 right now. I don't have a clue why they aren't ranked.

[FTT]

What's your top teams?

probably somewhere along the lines of:
OSU
Kansas
Texas
Pitt
Uconn

i would deff put duke top ten and i also think Notre dame could be a top 10 team as much as i hate both schools

[skurey]

That was a really bad loss. They turned it over a lot and shot poorly. Couldn't capitalize on terrible foul trouble for WSU. They could have pretty much wrapped up the regular season with a win there tonight but now they'll have to win at Arizona most likely. Speaking of under the radar teams, Arizona should be in anybody's top 16 right now. I don't have a clue why they aren't ranked.

Yeah Arizona was listed as a bad loss for WSU, wtf?

[FIRE CHIEF]

Yeah Arizona was listed as a bad loss for WSU, wtf?

They probably have the best player and the best coach in the country. That is a lethal combination. If Jones can give them consistent point guard play they can make a nice run.

And UConn relies way too much on Walker. Especially since I think he's played well over his head so far. They are no better than the Arizona team I'm hyping as we speak IMO.

[FTT]

They probably have the best player and the best coach in the country. That is a lethal combination. If Jones can give them consistent point guard play they can make a nice run.

And UConn relies way too much on Walker. Especially since I think he's played well over his head so far. They are no better than the Arizona team I'm hyping as we speak IMO.

they have more big wins then anyone else in the country and had 3 guys with over 20 points yesterday. plus they play 5 freshman and 2 sophs

/bias

[FIRE CHIEF]

they have more big wins then anyone else in the country and had 3 guys with over 20 points yesterday. plus they play 5 freshman and 2 sophs

/bias

Well they don't run an offense. That's usually something that turns me off when I watch a team.

[FTT]

Well they don't run an offense. That's usually something that turns me off when I watch a team.

yea they deffinately need to run more plays, too much of 4 guys standing around while the guy with the ball trys to make something happen after letting the shot clock run down

[Donkeykongrunner]

There aren't many great teams at all this year. Really struggling to put together a top 10.

As far as the Big East - Pitt UConn Cuse are all real good. Not impressed by Notre Dame as they have real trouble playing on the road so they'll get crushed in the tournament. By far the best conference in terms of depth, but they don't have any real title contenders right now. Duke without Irving is gonna keep dropping. Probably should be ranked between 10-15.

SDSU / Nova are interesting. I'm not sure how good either team is yet. Marquette is supposed to play Nova wednesday at the Pavilion but there is a lot of snow on the way. I'll have a better feel for them afterwards. Right now I think they are a bit over-rated. More of a 15-20 team especially if you shut Fisher down.

[skurey]

You obviously have missed Syracuse's last 4 games.

[Donkeykongrunner]

Cuse will be fine. I bet they go on win streak, have a good showing in the BET and have a good tournament run. Fab will turn it around and besides some bone-headed plays, Scoop is seeing the court great and knocking down the open 3. If they play defense in the first half like they did in the 2nd half of the MU game they'll beat Uconn this week.

[young money]

They probably have the best player and the best coach in the country. That is a lethal combination. If Jones can give them consistent point guard play they can make a nice run.

And UConn relies way too much on Walker. Especially since I think he's played well over his head so far. They are no better than the Arizona team I'm hyping as we speak IMO.
i'm surprised more teams don't go box and 1 against uconn, especially since they play so many young guys. walker is relied on wayyy too much, he came out hot to start the season but he's coming back down to earth. that hot start had him hyped as a top 5 pick in the draft but i think he ends up going mid lotto once teams realize he isn't an unstoppable scorer in actuality and just a pretty good pg asked to do too much for his team.

As for Arizona, Derrick Williams is somehow still underrated even though people are starting to take notice of his ability to put the ball in the hoop.

[TeamOrange]

8 Big East teams are ranked, 11 have votes

[therunner12]

Upset tonight.

[FIRE CHIEF]

i'm surprised more teams don't go box and 1 against uconn, especially since they play so many young guys. walker is relied on wayyy too much, he came out hot to start the season but he's coming back down to earth. that hot start had him hyped as a top 5 pick in the draft but i think he ends up going mid lotto once teams realize he isn't an unstoppable scorer in actuality and just a pretty good pg asked to do too much for his team.

As for Arizona, Derrick Williams is somehow still underrated even though people are starting to take notice of his ability to put the ball in the hoop.

Ya, they don't have much skilled size at all and other than Nappirt nobody seems to want to take a shot other than Walker. UConn is just a poor shooting team. If you didn't like Kentucky last year you should despise UConn's chances this year. They are just a less talented, and worse shooting team than 2010 Kentucky.

Williams reminds me a lot of Derrick Brown when he was at Xavier. They put up similar stats. Williams is a lot more talented though and could really carry Arizona. The one difference is Xavier had a bunch of solid big guys with Brown and Arizona doesn't. Or at least they are all too you. That Ukrainian dude will be nasty over the years. But he is too young now. Even if Williams left i still think Arizona is a top 5 team next year and for the foreseeable future. Miller was smart to wait for a job like that and Arizona was smart to take him over bums like Mark Few.

Just two easy wins this week for Duquesne and they set up 9-0 vs 9-0 next Sunday at home with Xavier. I think Xavier will smoke us but it will be nice to be on the national stage. The A10 is down this year but I do think if the league gets two bids we should get in over Temple at this point.

[young money]

i like williams a whole lot more than derrick brown. brown was probably a bit more athletic, but i think williams is a better and more skilled offensive player in addition to being taller/longer. he just has a knack for scoring. he really uses his body well to shield from contact and finish and gets to the FT line like a maniac. He can absolutely carry zona offensively if his jumper stays consistent. i think he's gone for sure after this year though, and i'd be shocked if he didn't go top 10.

the best comparison for UCONN i can think of is Iverson's old sixers. 4 guys who were willing to defend and iverson. never really ran anything on offense other than high screen and roll for iverson or an iso. the nights they played good enough d and held opponents around 40% shooting they'd win assuming iverson played decent enough. uconn is the same way. don't get it twisted though, i'm not comparing kemba to iverson because he isn't that level of an offensive player and is much more of a true pg who is just a victim of circumstances and asked to do too much. they just try to win games in the same fashion.

[therunner12]

I'm officially embarrassed.

[mentle bentle]

I'm officially embarrassed.

Yeah I thought it would be closer given that it is a rivalry game and all.

[therunner12]

We got cocky when we beat Missouri. We needed to be brought back down. Our game is tough, fundamental basketball, we have no room to be cocky.

[young money]

We got cocky when we beat Missouri. We needed to be brought back down. Our game is tough, fundamental basketball, we have no room to be cocky.
also, texas is more talented than you guys at every single position...

[therunner12]

also, texas is more talented than you guys at every single position...

I never said we were better than Texas. That doesn't mean that we couldn't beat them at home.

Hell, Texas has 2-3 bench players that are better than our starters.

[young money]

I never said we were better than Texas. That doesn't mean that we couldn't beat them at home.

Hell, Texas has 2-3 bench players that are better than our starters.
i wasn't saying anything like that, its just a tough match up when you're totally out classed.

[therunner12]

i wasn't saying anything like that, its just a tough match up when you're totally out classed.

Missouri and Washington out classed us and we still beat them, albeit at home in extremely close games. I had hoped we could keep them within 10 points until the last 10 minutes and make a game out of it.

I really don't know how to feel about us right now though, if we draw a 6, 7, or 8 seed we could be in trouble.

[young money]

Missouri and Washington out classed us and we still beat them, albeit at home in extremely close games. I had hoped we could keep them within 10 points until the last 10 minutes and make a game out of it.

I really don't know how to feel about us right now though, if we draw a 6, 7, or 8 seed we could be in trouble.
IMO, texas outclasses those teams too, texas is legitimately very good. Jordan Hamilton is extremely underrated somehow and they have good big guys too. Missouri isn't that great to me and they have no bigs and Washington i'll admit i haven't seen enough of to give a great assessment of.

A&M is decent, but to me they're the typical midpack power conference team that could get bounced early, it all comes down to match ups (though i guess you could say that for almost every team..)

[Donkeykongrunner]

Texas has a good shot at clearing through the Big 12 undefeated. They are looking really scary.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Good Big Ten games tonight but I'm not going to talk about them because some of you guys consider it a mid major right.

[Picc5455]

Good Big Ten games tonight but I'm not going to talk about them because some of you guys consider it a mid major right.

I'm really excited for the Purdue Wisconsin game. I just hope we keep power long enough so I can watch the whole thing or I'm gonna be pissed.

[Conigs]

Wisconsin plays far too many white guys to be good. Purdue has two good players, and the rest of the team is pretty weak. They would have been final 4 quality with Hummel.

Both Texas and Kansas have impressed me FAR more than Ohio State this year. They are my one and two teams.

[TeamOrange]

Wisconsin plays far too many white guys to be good. Purdue has two good players, and the rest of the team is pretty weak. They would have been final 4 quality with Hummel.

Both Texas and Kansas have impressed me FAR more than Ohio State this year. They are my one and two teams.

Is Hummel eligible for next year? I think he is a senior now

[Eva N]

Chris Warren just hosed Kentucky. :eek:

[Conigs]

Hummel is redshirting this year. He and the school have already announced that he would be back next year.

Ole Miss... wow. Every single time someone talks about Kentucky, they go and lose to a SEC West team.

This Vanderbilt - Florida game looks good so far. Vandy is a team that could get hot and make a really deep run.

And Kansas is currently punching Texas Tech on the road. Hard.

[freerun13]

UNC looked very impressive tonight. Harrison Barnes is finally starting to live up to his potential. I'm very excited to see them back in the top 25 after not even making the tournament last year.

[FIRE CHIEF]

DDDL me! Double Digit DeChellis Loss is back. First in a few weeks, but his list his now a few miles long in his 8 years. Penn State was never in the game. Flat, unprepared, poor shooting and Jeff Brooks looks like he might be hurt pretty badly. Oh well. Iowa and Indiana will assure him not to finish in his usual DEAD LAST position though. So his job is safe yet again.

Wisconsin held serve at home against Purdue. Pretty decent game by both teams from what I watched. I like both of those teams a lot honestly.

Conigs, I told you Xavier would be okay. What do you think of the first place showdown next Sunday? You guys have lost the last two times at Duquesne but this game is not at Palumbo, it's at the Penguins new arena. Probably an advantage for you guys even though we should get 12,000 fans or so. The place will still be a third empty.

[Conigs]

It was tough to watch this team earlier, but December was really defining for us. We learned how to defend against Butler, then we got killed against Cincinnati and lost a home game for the first time in forever against Florida, and after that it's been a refocused team.

We've played pretty well on the road in conference play. The Richmond game was the best I've seen us play on the road in a couple years.

I'm not too worried about it, honestly. We've been playing better and better as the weeks have gone. Tu Holloway should be player of the year, no question. It was a joke that Kevin Anderson won over Jordan Crawford last year.

You guys have a dirty, dirty player but we were able to defend Justin Harper well enough that I think we'll be okay.

[Donkeykongrunner]

It was tough to watch this team earlier, but December was really defining for us. We learned how to defend against Butler, then we got killed against Cincinnati and lost a home game for the first time in forever against Florida, and after that it's been a refocused team.

We've played pretty well on the road in conference play. The Richmond game was the best I've seen us play on the road in a couple years.

I'm not too worried about it, honestly. We've been playing better and better as the weeks have gone. Tu Holloway should be player of the year, no question. It was a joke that Kevin Anderson won over Jordan Crawford last year.

You guys have a dirty, dirty player but we were able to defend Justin Harper well enough that I think we'll be okay.


Must be a real treat to have a POY back to back years. You're definitely not a homer.

[Conigs]

It's actually pretty regular around these parts.

If you are a Richmond guy, fix that team please. You guys have the potential to be SO good. Just feed Harper the ball all night long. We couldn't stop him, and no one really has ever.

[Swoosh13]

Tough loss at Wisconsin, really felt like we should have won that game but took bad shots down the stretch. Last night actually reinforced my belief more that Purdue is the 2nd best team in the B10.

[Donkeykongrunner]

Tough loss at Wisconsin, really felt like we should have won that game but took bad shots down the stretch. Last night actually reinforced my belief more that Purdue is the 2nd best team in the B10.

Jujuan's shot toward the end from a step inside the 3 looked so ugly. Coupled with Moore missing 3 bunnies in the lane in the last 5 minutes - Purdue was sank. Jackson disappeared that whole game for some reason.

[freerun13]

Ok so UNC DUKE next week. Whats your prediction?
I'm going with UNC because of extreme bias of being a fan but realistically most of there team has not played in a game this big or played successfully.

[skurey]

Ok so UNC DUKE next week. Whats your prediction?
I'm going with UNC because of extreme bias of being a fan but realistically most of there team has not played in a game this big or played successfully.

I'm going with screw next week that's forever away.

Syracuse with a lead at half!

ibtheyblowit

[skurey]

UCONN UCONN UCONN

suck that and your retarded chants

[FTT]

UCONN UCONN UCONN

suck that and your retarded chants

F U

[Conigs]

And just like that, Xavier lays an egg at Charlotte, just like usual. Not concerned.

[Donkeykongrunner]

You obviously have missed Syracuse's last 4 games.

Cuse will be fine. I bet they go on win streak, have a good showing in the BET and have a good tournament run. Fab will turn it around and besides some bone-headed plays, Scoop is seeing the court great and knocking down the open 3. If they play defense in the first half like they did in the 2nd half of the MU game they'll beat Uconn this week.

Sup?


Nova is not a 12 ranked team. Fisher plays smart but he's not an all star. Yarou is much improved from last year. I'm not sure how many Big East teams deserve a 1-2 seed but there are a ton that deserve a 3-10. Ten at least.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Fisher isn't smart. None of the Nova guards are. That is why they aren't that good this year.

Connecticut is finally back to reality. Reality being they are a .500 team in the Big East.

Xavier losing is not good for the A10 as a whole. I think its a one bid league this year.

Huge road tests for Washington State and Arizona tonight. WSU has to not let down after the big upset win. Lucky for them they go to Oregon. I think Oregon's new zone defense will be good for WSU as they are a smart team and should take advantage of it.

Arizona goes to Stanford and frankly I cannot even come close to figuring Stanford out. All I know is that this is a game Washington already lost and Arizona could make themselves the conference regular season favorites down the stretch with two wins this weekend.

Oregon State gets a lot of steals and Washington has always been shaky against the zone. If Oregon State can hold their own rebounding this will be an interesting game. I definitely like OSU getting 13 points a lot here.

[Eva N]

Michigan lost, but showed the blueprint for beating Ohio State: post up their wing players. When they went away from that, OSU pulled away.

Why the **** is DePaul on national TV??

[FIRE CHIEF]

Michigan lost, but showed the blueprint for beating Ohio State: post up their wing players. When they went away from that, OSU pulled away.

Why the **** is DePaul on national TV??

Buford and Dleibler are pretty tall to post up for most teams. Doubt you can really do that on a consistent basis.

OSU shot poorly tonight. Diebler had his worst game in a while. They'll be fine.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Mark Gottfried and Dan Dakich are really good additions to the ESPN broadcasting crew. That basically just leaves Vitale and the women as the only bad commentators they have right now. Bilas is bad when he isn't with Rafftery too.

Play by play is still a little shaky. Dave O'Brien kind of stinks and Dan Schullman takes himself a little too seriously. Ron Franklin getting fired is bad too. But, Musberger doing the Big 12 with Knight is absolutely must watch. Those two together are flawless.

[usnspecialist]

Mark Gottfried and Dan Dakich are really good additions to the ESPN broadcasting crew. That basically just leaves Vitale and the women as the only bad commentators they have right now. Bilas is bad when he isn't with Rafftery too.

Play by play is still a little shaky. Dave O'Brien kind of stinks and Dan Schullman takes himself a little too seriously. Ron Franklin getting fired is bad too. But, Musberger doing the Big 12 with Knight is absolutely must watch. Those two together are flawless.

you can put a turd sandwich next to bobby knight and it would be great. I loved him as a coach and i love him as a commentator/analyst.

[FIRE CHIEF]

you can put a turd sandwich next to bobby knight and it would be great. I loved him as a coach and i love him as a commentator/analyst.

I think a lot of Ron Franklin getting fired had to do with Knight wanting to work with Musberger. They would have made him go with Franklin on the Big Monday games. Franklin was old and losing a little so they took advantage of any slip up he made and fired him after he supposedly harassed some intern during the football season. Knight and Musberger are old buddies and spend half the game talking football and baseball.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Butler has been quietly disappointing this year. Not too often that the runner up misses the tournament the following year. Hayward was the team, even though Mack is really good as well.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Butler has been quietly disappointing this year. Not too often that the runner up misses the tournament the following year. Hayward was the team, even though Mack is really good as well.

They got hot at the right time. I was unimpressed by them all season and didn't even think they deserved a 5 seed although they were rated in the top 10 most of the season. They also benefitted from Syracuse being a fraud and Kansas State being poorly coached. Had Xavier survived that triple OT game against K-State, or had Pitt made it through instead, they probably would have been beaten handily in the Elite 8 by teams that don't mind playing grinding halfcourt basketball.

[young money]

Butler has been quietly disappointing this year. Not too often that the runner up misses the tournament the following year. Hayward was the team, even though Mack is really good as well.
FC mentioned it, but they got a great draw last year and had one of the best players in the country. They also played absurdly good defense in the tournament. I still think they would have beaten Pitt or Xavier though, neither of those teams had anyone to match up with Hayward nor good enough big guys to pound them inside. Would have been great games though.

[FIRE CHIEF]

FC mentioned it, but they got a great draw last year and had one of the best players in the country. They also played absurdly good defense in the tournament. I still think they would have beaten Pitt or Xavier though, neither of those teams had anyone to match up with Hayward nor good enough big guys to pound them inside. Would have been great games though.

I think Love, McLean and Frease would have given them a lot of trouble if they ran into Xavier. Doesn't really matter now.

[Conigs]

Agreeing with Fire Chief here, it would have been a good one. With tons of emotion... http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=293532086

[FIRE CHIEF]

I have a little A10 parlay today. Charlotte -4 vs GW. Rhoody +11 at Temple. Duquesne -6 at Bonnies and UMass +2 at St. Joe's.

[murphxc04]

McDonough is the best. He pretty much spent the whole Nova-WVU game calling out the officials (rightfully so) and then when Huggins was hit just below the man region by a deflected ball he said: "Bob Huggins was a few inches from singing soprano in the West Virginia choir"

[Picc5455]

This URI game is making me depressed. ****ing Temple.

[FIRE CHIEF]

This URI game is making me depressed. ****ing Temple.

I've watched most of the game and just think Rhode Island has missed opportunities. Temple is scorching hot too so it probably wasn't your day anyways. Temple is in now way one of the best 38 teams or whatever will get at large bids. I have no idea what they have done for people to like them so much.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

I need to retract all of my Big Ten hate. I'm becoming like "Syracuse is by far without a doubt the worst team in D-1" skurey. I love it secretly. It's exactly what I would say.

I just underestimated how big the road is. Teams on the road are awful teams. Wisconsin/Illinois on the road couldn't beat Summit League teams. They absolutely suck.

One last shot on the Big Ten before I never talk about them again: Illinois isn't good. Alright I'm done. Go Syracuse!

[Picc5455]

I've watched most of the game and just think Rhode Island has missed opportunities. Temple is scorching hot too so it probably wasn't your day anyways. Temple is in now way one of the best 38 teams or whatever will get at large bids. I have no idea what they have done for people to like them so much.

Story of the year man. Shooting to many 3's not rebounding and ignoring post play.

[FIRE CHIEF]

BYU gets more calls at home than any other team gets in any building in the country. It pads their record every year and they go into the tournament overrated. Same thing will happen this year. Hopefully the committee does a good job as usual of understanding this and gives them a 6 or 7 seed like they deserve.

[TeamOrange]

This Parson's kid is impressive

[usnspecialist]

northwestern scores what seems to be their annual upset of a ranked team, beating illinois 71-70 in evanston.

[Eva N]

Even the Cavs job must be looking good to Izzo right about now. :eek:

[DonnieDarko]

GG penn state's season.

[FIRE CHIEF]

GG penn state's season.

With a little luck DeChellis can end up back where he's most comfortable. DEAD LAST. Hahahahaa. Izzo is having a rough time but he's got DEAD LAST coming to town Thursday, so times are changing. Nobody wants it less than Michigan State but nobody has less than Penn State. It's a classic battle.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Georgetown might be good this year come tournament time, which is obviously not what they are known for.

Freeman and Wright are too impressive not to get them to the Sweet 16.

[FIRE CHIEF]

Georgetown might be good this year come tournament time, which is obviously not what they are known for.

Freeman and Wright are too impressive not to get them to the Sweet 16.

Their big guys stink. They'll get killed the first time they see a good offensive rebounding team.

[TeamOrange]

Purdue seem like either a team knocked out in round 1 or a team that can go far

[Otis Moulmein]

http://nbcoutofbounds.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/matthoward.jpg

[FIRE CHIEF]

Purdue seem like either a team knocked out in round 1 or a team that can go far

I wish you guys would quit saying that teams that will end up a 2 or 3 seed won't win first round games. It's idiotic.

Kentucky looks fantastic tonight. Here's a team that just needs to put it together a little more consistently. They are really really close to being a great team.

[TeamOrange]

I wish you guys would quit saying that teams that will end up a 2 or 3 seed won't win first round games. It's idiotic.

Kentucky looks fantastic tonight. Here's a team that just needs to put it together a little more consistently. They are really really close to being a great team.

They can't rebound and who says they are going to end up a 2 or 3 seed? They got Illinois, tOSU, and Wisconsin. They have lost to both tOSU and Wisconsin already

[FIRE CHIEF]

They can't rebound and who says they are going to end up a 2 or 3 seed? They got Illinois, tOSU, and Wisconsin. They have lost to both tOSU and Wisconsin already

Look at Painter's history at Purdue. This is just off the top of my head so I may skip a year but he beat somebody as an 8 seed then lost to Florida. Beat Baylor as a 6 and then lost to 3 Xavier. Went to the sweet 16 twice as a 4 seed and lost to top seeds Duke and UConn. That's a pretty good record of beating who you should beat in the tournament. I will guarantee tonight, February 8th 2001, that Purdue wins at least one NCAA tournament game.

[freerun13]

http://nbcoutofbounds.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/matthoward.jpg

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/writers/the_bonus/12/15/rough.play/tyler-hansbrough.jpg

[usnspecialist]

scummiest coach in college basketball returned to tennessee today and who does he face? None other than arguably the 2nd scummiest coach in calipari.

[TeamOrange]

scummiest coach in college basketball returned to tennessee today and who does he face? None other than arguably the 2nd scummiest coach in calipari.

I know you are from Illinois but Calipari is by far the scummiest coach ever. Currently my 2nd least favorite person in sports.

[usnspecialist]

I know you are from Illinois but Calipari is by far the scummiest coach ever. Currently my 2nd least favorite person in sports.

bruce pearl recorded a conversation with a recruit, manipulated him into saying a rival school gave him something and proceeded to turn that tape into the NCAA. Cal is scummy but i dont think he would even resort to that level.

[young money]

bruce pearl recorded a conversation with a recruit, manipulated him into saying a rival school gave him something and proceeded to turn that tape into the NCAA. Cal is scummy but i dont think he would even resort to that level.
keep clinging to something that happened over 20 years ago. You sound like such a baby complaining about something that is old news because no one cares anymore.

[skurey]

keep clinging to something that happened over 20 years ago. You sound like such a baby complaining about something that is old news because no one cares anymore.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EkRQ-Dumyt8/TNCsAtHsuCI/AAAAAAAAA8k/Rsqx2iROQTg/s1600/baby-crying.jpg

[eh000]

keep clinging to something that happened over 20 years ago. You sound like such a baby complaining about something that is old news because no one cares anymore.

That's scummy enough that it's still quite scummy after 20 years.

[usnspecialist]

keep clinging to something that happened over 20 years ago. You sound like such a baby complaining about something that is old news because no one cares anymore.

would you rather me talk about him open faced lying to the NCAA when there was damning evidence to the contrary? Something so blatantly wrong that the university terminated his contract and the SEC suspended him for 8 games (a penalty i dont think a conference has given out before)?

[young money]

That's scummy enough that it's still quite scummy after 20 years.
illinois is just pissed they got in trouble because they got caught violating the rules. sour grapes. what pearl did was dumb and i dont condone it, but illinois still was offering cash++ to recruits. as soon as a rival school found out about it what do you think is going to happen? Recruiting is a cutthroat business.

As for the current violation in question, he got in trouble for visiting with players during their junior year. That happens at every single big division 1 program. Someone took a picture during the visit and leaked it. Of course he fessed up once he got caught after initially trying to deny it, but don't make it sound like he's a despicable human because he visited recruits during their junior year of high school. The SEC commissioner was also extremely out of line to hand out that suspension, which is why it was never done before. A conference commissioner has no business handing out a suspension when the investigation by the NCAA isn't even done.

[TeamOrange]

would you rather me talk about him open faced lying to the NCAA when there was damning evidence to the contrary? Something so blatantly wrong that the university terminated his contract and the SEC suspended him for 8 games (a penalty i dont think a conference has given out before)?

I am not going to argue, both are pretty low but the difference between the two is once Calpari sense that he is going to get in trouble he changes schools or goes to the NBA. Also the extent to how much he has cheated I doubt we have seen/will ever see to the the fullest. Most of my hate for him is speculation

[usnspecialist]

illinois is just pissed they got in trouble because they got caught violating the rules. sour grapes. what pearl did was dumb and i dont condone it, but illinois still was offering cash++ to recruits. as soon as a rival school found out about it what do you think is going to happen? Recruiting is a cutthroat business.

As for the current violation in question, he got in trouble for visiting with players during their junior year. That happens at every single big division 1 program. Someone took a picture during the visit and leaked it. Of course he fessed up once he got caught after initially trying to deny it, but don't make it sound like he's a despicable human because he visited recruits during their junior year of high school. The SEC commissioner was also extremely out of line to hand out that suspension, which is why it was never done before. A conference commissioner has no business handing out a suspension when the investigation by the NCAA isn't even done.

obviously schools are going to report on each other, but making tape recordings of unknowing recruits is just a major no-no.

[boltoncct&f]

Both are scum, but I'd put the trickery Calipari pulled with the recruits WHILE planning his exit of Memphis as pretty low down. He bailed on a good thing, that's fine, his choice, but then he pi$$ed on it too.

[chrisdiaz16]

the greatest rivalry in sports

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgnZs8m9Zl4

[skurey]

Chris Diaz is right, the best rivalry is on tonight, Syracuse vs. Georgetown.

[FIRE CHIEF]

I don't like Pearl because I think he takes away from the team with his antics. Pluys, his style doesn't really work and that has been proven over the years. He had a lucky elite 8 run but he is no more of an elite coach than a guy like Jamie Dixon or Bo Ryan. He's above average. Just think he gets way too much credit because he has a big mouth.

Calipari can flat out coach whether you like him or not. He took Kentucky to the Elite 8 in year one. How many coaches have replaced a coach who has been fired the previous year and done that? Not too many. He took UMass and Memphis to the final 4. That speaks for itself.

Back to actual basketball and the best coach in the country, Sean Miller. He has quietly won 5 in a row and taken over the PAC 10 race. Never underestimate the team with the best player in the country and the best coach in the country. If they go 14-4 or 15-3 in the PAC 10 and then make the championship or win it in their tournament they should be a 2 or 3 seed. A very dangerous place for them. Miller never gets upset in March so that's an automatic deep run.

Notre Dame is quietly sneaking up in the rankings. I think they are the best team in the Big East, even though they lack the oh so important DEPTH that people seem to love around here. Pitt to me has a huge problem. They let their opponent dictate pace. Look at their losses. Tennessee ran by them and Notre Dame crawled by them. Either game Pitt has a huge advantage if they dictate the pace. Look at their other bad performances. Rhode Island and Providence ran and almost beat them, Rutgers slowed it down and almost beat them. Pace is the most important part of a basketball game. Pitt has the ability to play fast or slow, they should dictate that based on the opposition and they simply don't.

Xavier picked up a nice win at Georgia. Now they have to win at Duquesne to take over the A10. The A10 to me is a 1 bid league but Temple has been so overvalued all year they'll get in with Xavier. But, make no bones about it, Xavier is the only team with any shot to win a game.

[Picc5455]

Not gonna be able to see the best rivalry in college sports but I'll be getting updates during the game. Let's go Blue Devils!!

[freerun13]

the greatest rivalry in sports

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgnZs8m9Zl4

So pumped for tonight!!!! UNC!!!!

[young money]

I don't think anyone thinks Pearl is an elite coach or anything, just a pretty good one. He can recruit and has had pretty good success at his coaching stops. I just think it's stupid to continually bring up old news. I feel the same way whenever anyone brings up Calipari nonsense too.

[FTT]

Calipari can flat out coach whether you like him or not. He took Kentucky to the Elite 8 in year one. How many coaches have replaced a coach who has been fired the previous year and done that? Not too many. He took UMass and Memphis to the final 4. That speaks for itself.


technically neither of those ever happened

[skurey]

Syracuse still the worst team in D1

[therunner12]

Syracuse still the worst team in D1

Well, they are...