December 29 at the Pavilion in Oxford, MS
ESPN2
Game 242 - Long Beach State at Eastern Michigan
December 29 at Convocation Center in Ypsilanti, MI
espn3.com
With just under 10 minutes to play in the game (Eastern Michigan won 98-72), James Thompson was fouled and hit the floor hard. Here's what his forehead looked like afterwards:
espn3.com
With just under 10 minutes to play in the game (Eastern Michigan won 98-72), James Thompson was fouled and hit the floor hard. Here's what his forehead looked like afterwards:
Game 241 - Umass at Georgia State
December 28 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
espn3.com
"Basketball" count
First half: said 15 times
Second half: 24
Total: 39
espn3.com
"Basketball" count
First half: said 15 times
Second half: 24
Total: 39
Game 240 - Michigan State at Minnesota
December 27 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, MN
ESPN2
A bunch of basketball phrases and nonsense from this one - a 75-74, overtime win for Michigan State.
"He's what you call an energy big"
"What we call a wide pin down"
"Blue bloods"
"Chess match"
"Proper hand development - PHD"
"Winning is in their DNA"/"Championship DNA"
"Dime drop"
"Feather in their cap"
"Bread and butter"
ESPN2
A bunch of basketball phrases and nonsense from this one - a 75-74, overtime win for Michigan State.
"He's what you call an energy big"
"What we call a wide pin down"
"Blue bloods"
"Chess match"
"Proper hand development - PHD"
"Winning is in their DNA"/"Championship DNA"
"Dime drop"
"Feather in their cap"
"Bread and butter"
Game 238 - Little Rock at Oral Roberts
December 19 at Mabee Center in Tulsa, OK
espn3.com
I missed a good chunk of the second half because I was watching the last bit of regulation and two overtime periods between the Citadel and Maryland-Baltimore County (the host Retrievers scored the most points in school history in winning 120-111, while the Citadel, the nation's top scoring team, attempted 104 field goals!).
What I missed was Oral Roberts finishing off its first win against a Division 1 team in 13 games so far in 2016.
The Golden Eagles, who have lost close games to unbeaten Creighton (66-65), Michigan State (80-76), Mississippi (95-88 in overtime) and were within five points early in the second half before a double-digit loss to unbeaten Baylor, held Little Rock (36% from three-point range), without a three in 15 attempts to improve to 3-10.
espn3.com
I missed a good chunk of the second half because I was watching the last bit of regulation and two overtime periods between the Citadel and Maryland-Baltimore County (the host Retrievers scored the most points in school history in winning 120-111, while the Citadel, the nation's top scoring team, attempted 104 field goals!).
What I missed was Oral Roberts finishing off its first win against a Division 1 team in 13 games so far in 2016.
The Golden Eagles, who have lost close games to unbeaten Creighton (66-65), Michigan State (80-76), Mississippi (95-88 in overtime) and were within five points early in the second half before a double-digit loss to unbeaten Baylor, held Little Rock (36% from three-point range), without a three in 15 attempts to improve to 3-10.
Game 237 - Georgia State women at Alabama
December 15 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL
SEC Network
SEC Network
Game 236 - Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
December 7 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA
ESPN
Mark Jackson "basketball" count
First quarter - said eight times
Notable
"You fall in love with his ability to shoot the basketball"
"Beautiful basketball plays"
2nd - 11
"Very unselfish basketball team"
"Taking care of the basketball" (said three times)
3rd - 10
"Loved the game of basketball"
"Pursue the basketball"
4th - 4
"Chris Paul, crafty with the basketball"
Total: 33
Also, this logo stinks
ESPN
Mark Jackson "basketball" count
First quarter - said eight times
Notable
"You fall in love with his ability to shoot the basketball"
"Beautiful basketball plays"
2nd - 11
"Very unselfish basketball team"
"Taking care of the basketball" (said three times)
3rd - 10
"Loved the game of basketball"
"Pursue the basketball"
4th - 4
"Chris Paul, crafty with the basketball"
Total: 33
Also, this logo stinks
Game 234 - Maine women at Clemson
December 2 at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, SC
ACC Network
This game was tied at halftime and Maine led 38-35 at about the six-minute mark of the third quarter, but the host Tigers used a 22-5 run to pull away in a 69-61 victory.
Clemson, which got 21 points from new Scoochie Smith All Star Nelly Perry and 20 from Danielle Edwards (each played went 3-for-5 from three-point range), is 8-0 for the first time since the 1998-99 team began 11-0.
The Black Bears must have one of the most diverse rosters in the country as nine players were born in six different countries outside the United States, including three from Spain and a pair from Croatia.
ACC Network
This game was tied at halftime and Maine led 38-35 at about the six-minute mark of the third quarter, but the host Tigers used a 22-5 run to pull away in a 69-61 victory.
Clemson, which got 21 points from new Scoochie Smith All Star Nelly Perry and 20 from Danielle Edwards (each played went 3-for-5 from three-point range), is 8-0 for the first time since the 1998-99 team began 11-0.
The Black Bears must have one of the most diverse rosters in the country as nine players were born in six different countries outside the United States, including three from Spain and a pair from Croatia.
Game 233 - Wright State at Georgia State
November 30 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
Things haven't been pretty for Georgia State through its first six games, but after Wednesday's 81-74 win, I'm OK with a 4-2 record.
Horrifying ending in West Lafayette aside, not a bad 2 1/2 weeks.
Still, the Panthers need to address one big thing: what is going on in the paint?
Who can they depend on if senior center Willie Clayton can't stay out of foul trouble (and he doesn't appear to be able to)?
It isn't Jordan Session.
It isn't.....oh no. No, no, no!
Oh goodness, there isn't anyone else.
Yikes, can we talk about more pleasant things? Like the back court, which includes my favorite current Panther, Isaiah Williams. He was fantastic Wednesday, scoring 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting (3-of-4 from behind the arc) without a turnover. That's exactly what you're looking for from your lead guard.
Jeremy Hollowell isn't considered a guard - being 6-8 doesn't help - but he only gets four or five rebounds per game and he's best when scoring (22 points, 6-of-11 shooting Wednesday). If not able to find his shot, the second-year Panther is best when utilizing his above-average passing eye. That sounds like a guard to me and if we can consider Hollowell a tall 2, then Georgia State has to have one of the best 1-2 guard combinations in the Sun Belt Conference. I'd take a Williams-Hollowell back court over any other in the league.
Things haven't been pretty for Georgia State through its first six games, but after Wednesday's 81-74 win, I'm OK with a 4-2 record.
Horrifying ending in West Lafayette aside, not a bad 2 1/2 weeks.
Still, the Panthers need to address one big thing: what is going on in the paint?
Who can they depend on if senior center Willie Clayton can't stay out of foul trouble (and he doesn't appear to be able to)?
It isn't Jordan Session.
It isn't.....oh no. No, no, no!
Oh goodness, there isn't anyone else.
Yikes, can we talk about more pleasant things? Like the back court, which includes my favorite current Panther, Isaiah Williams. He was fantastic Wednesday, scoring 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting (3-of-4 from behind the arc) without a turnover. That's exactly what you're looking for from your lead guard.
Jeremy Hollowell isn't considered a guard - being 6-8 doesn't help - but he only gets four or five rebounds per game and he's best when scoring (22 points, 6-of-11 shooting Wednesday). If not able to find his shot, the second-year Panther is best when utilizing his above-average passing eye. That sounds like a guard to me and if we can consider Hollowell a tall 2, then Georgia State has to have one of the best 1-2 guard combinations in the Sun Belt Conference. I'd take a Williams-Hollowell back court over any other in the league.
Game 231 - Presbyterian at The Citadel
November 28 at McAlister Field House in Charleston, SC
espn3.com
The Citadel leads the nation in scoring (averaging 102.7 points) and it's easy to see why after this 97-83 victory. The Bulldogs take up very little of the shot clock and shoot very well from behind the arc (second nationally in made threes per game), which includes hitting half of their 24 three-point attempts on Monday. Preston Parks and Quayson Williams knocked down four 3-pointers each while sophomore center Zane Najdawi was one off his career high with 27 points on 7-of-11 shooting.
Play-by-play man Kevin Fitzgerald on Najdawi:
"Whenever he's around the basketball, something good may happen."
Thanks, Kevin!
Scoochie Smith All Stars
We had a new addition to the team in Citadel senior guard Warren Sledge.
espn3.com
The Citadel leads the nation in scoring (averaging 102.7 points) and it's easy to see why after this 97-83 victory. The Bulldogs take up very little of the shot clock and shoot very well from behind the arc (second nationally in made threes per game), which includes hitting half of their 24 three-point attempts on Monday. Preston Parks and Quayson Williams knocked down four 3-pointers each while sophomore center Zane Najdawi was one off his career high with 27 points on 7-of-11 shooting.
Play-by-play man Kevin Fitzgerald on Najdawi:
"Whenever he's around the basketball, something good may happen."
Thanks, Kevin!
Scoochie Smith All Stars
We had a new addition to the team in Citadel senior guard Warren Sledge.
Games 229-230: MABC Classic
November 25 at Nutter Center in Fairborn, OH
espn3.com
(229) North Dakota vs. North Florida
Good win for North Florida, which got a Dallas Moore runner with 7.7 seconds left to hang on, 76-75 in the first game of the MABC Classic.
Moore, the reigning Atlantic Sun player of the year and UNF's all-time leading scorer, finished with a team-high 20 points for the Ospreys. That helped offset a fine night for another conference player of the year - Big Sky preseason POY Quentin Hooker, who poured in 29 points.
Hooker had given North Dakota a 75-74 lead when he scored the last of his points on a 1-of-2 trip to the free throw line with 18 seconds to go.
Geno Crandall finished the game with 13 points and five assists, but also four turnovers and the sophomore guard for North Dakota forced a shot he didn't really have along the baseline as time expired.
I like Crandall's game - he's quick with a nice mid-range jumper and seems to have the kind of crazy vision that all great point guards have. It was a disappointing end to my first time seeing Crandall and Hooker play, but I'll make sure and watch a couple more North Dakota games this year.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
We're excited to add our second official to the team in Owen Short.
(230) Cal State Bakersfield vs. Wright State
Despite the 68-64 win we have Sad Wright State Fan
espn3.com
(229) North Dakota vs. North Florida
Good win for North Florida, which got a Dallas Moore runner with 7.7 seconds left to hang on, 76-75 in the first game of the MABC Classic.
Moore, the reigning Atlantic Sun player of the year and UNF's all-time leading scorer, finished with a team-high 20 points for the Ospreys. That helped offset a fine night for another conference player of the year - Big Sky preseason POY Quentin Hooker, who poured in 29 points.
Hooker had given North Dakota a 75-74 lead when he scored the last of his points on a 1-of-2 trip to the free throw line with 18 seconds to go.
Geno Crandall finished the game with 13 points and five assists, but also four turnovers and the sophomore guard for North Dakota forced a shot he didn't really have along the baseline as time expired.
I like Crandall's game - he's quick with a nice mid-range jumper and seems to have the kind of crazy vision that all great point guards have. It was a disappointing end to my first time seeing Crandall and Hooker play, but I'll make sure and watch a couple more North Dakota games this year.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
We're excited to add our second official to the team in Owen Short.
(230) Cal State Bakersfield vs. Wright State
Despite the 68-64 win we have Sad Wright State Fan
Game 227 - Eastern Kentucky vs. Georgia State
November 23 at Hard Rock Riviera Maya in Cancun, Mexico
Triple Crown Sports
Really nice, 82-65 win for Georgia State, considering its best player, Jeremy Hollowell, didn't contribute much (six points) and the Panthers looked terrible early on and trailed 16-6 just 5:15 into the game.
But several players stepped up for GSU.
* Isaiah Williams was excellent, leading the way with 18 points off the bench, including a couple nice runners in the first half that helped get GSU going and grab the lead back for good before halftime.
* Justin Seymour also came off the bench and hit five of his six three-point attempts and added three assists. Not much else to say about that type of performance.
* Also coming off the bench was Malik Benlevi, who had 11 points and four assists.
* Starter Willie Clayton had 15 rebounds (nine offensive) to go along with nine points.
The Cancun Challenge was an interesting one for GSU, which lost road games to Auburn and Purdue, the last of which they led by 12 with about seven minutes to go, but were out-scored 20-0 to close the game against the nationally-ranked Boilermakers. The Atlanta school closed with a pair of double-digit wins against NJIT and Wednesday's win over the Colonels of the OVC.
Triple Crown Sports
Really nice, 82-65 win for Georgia State, considering its best player, Jeremy Hollowell, didn't contribute much (six points) and the Panthers looked terrible early on and trailed 16-6 just 5:15 into the game.
But several players stepped up for GSU.
* Isaiah Williams was excellent, leading the way with 18 points off the bench, including a couple nice runners in the first half that helped get GSU going and grab the lead back for good before halftime.
* Justin Seymour also came off the bench and hit five of his six three-point attempts and added three assists. Not much else to say about that type of performance.
* Also coming off the bench was Malik Benlevi, who had 11 points and four assists.
* Starter Willie Clayton had 15 rebounds (nine offensive) to go along with nine points.
The Cancun Challenge was an interesting one for GSU, which lost road games to Auburn and Purdue, the last of which they led by 12 with about seven minutes to go, but were out-scored 20-0 to close the game against the nationally-ranked Boilermakers. The Atlanta school closed with a pair of double-digit wins against NJIT and Wednesday's win over the Colonels of the OVC.
Game 226 - Georgetown vs. Oregon
November 21 at Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, HI
ESPN2
Bill's back with some more things he loves.
William?
"Mental discipline"
"Maui" (repeat from game 1)
"The way Georgetown is playing"/"Loved the first half"
"Rainbows"
"Waterfalls"
"Volcanos"
"Clay Jamison...love that guy"
"Turtles...I love turtles"
"Hummus"
"The way that Oregon comes completely into their press"
"Continental tires...I love my gator skins"
"I love this tournament"
And let's leave Bill in Maui, where I'm assuming at some point in the next few days he's going to rent a two-bedroom apartment with Rick Barnes.
Bill!
1. "I've had my nose broken 14 times."
2. [after a second half foul call] "I'm embarrassed for the sport...I'm embarrassed for humanity."
ESPN2
Bill's back with some more things he loves.
William?
"Mental discipline"
"Maui" (repeat from game 1)
"The way Georgetown is playing"/"Loved the first half"
"Rainbows"
"Waterfalls"
"Volcanos"
"Clay Jamison...love that guy"
"Turtles...I love turtles"
"Hummus"
"The way that Oregon comes completely into their press"
"Continental tires...I love my gator skins"
"I love this tournament"
And let's leave Bill in Maui, where I'm assuming at some point in the next few days he's going to rent a two-bedroom apartment with Rick Barnes.
Bill!
1. "I've had my nose broken 14 times."
2. [after a second half foul call] "I'm embarrassed for the sport...I'm embarrassed for humanity."
Game 225 - Tennessee vs. Wisconsin
November 21 at Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, HI
ESPN2
This was game No. 225 at this site, but amazingly, the first time we've had a chance to listen to Bill Walton.
All I can say is: wow!
Bill Walton has upwards of 400,000 thoughts going through his mind at all times, and the only thing that stops him from saying all 400,000 is that there's another announcer. Otherwise, he's the first sports announcer in history to go a perfect 400,000-for-400,000.
Walton started the game - a 74-62 Wisconsin win - by talking about the things he loves, which are as follows:
1. His bike
2. Maui
3. Rick Barnes
4. "all those guys" when referring to a bunch of authors, including
5. Robert Louis Stevenson
6. Banana bread
Throw in several mentions of Tennessee native Davy Crockett while the Volunteers erased an early, 12-0 deficit and actually led by two points early in the second half, including -
"The spirit of Davy Crockett!"
"Davy Crockett, here we come!"
- and asking play-by-play man Roxy Bernstein if he'd ever been to
- Nashville
- Canada
- the state of Tennessee
- the state of Wisconsin
- Maui
and asking him who is his favorite "Hawaii author" (?) (Bernstein chose Stevenson, perhaps out of confusion/fear)
and we've got a thoroughly enjoyable broadcast.
Well done, Bill.
ESPN2
This was game No. 225 at this site, but amazingly, the first time we've had a chance to listen to Bill Walton.
All I can say is: wow!
Bill Walton has upwards of 400,000 thoughts going through his mind at all times, and the only thing that stops him from saying all 400,000 is that there's another announcer. Otherwise, he's the first sports announcer in history to go a perfect 400,000-for-400,000.
Walton started the game - a 74-62 Wisconsin win - by talking about the things he loves, which are as follows:
1. His bike
2. Maui
3. Rick Barnes
4. "all those guys" when referring to a bunch of authors, including
5. Robert Louis Stevenson
6. Banana bread
Throw in several mentions of Tennessee native Davy Crockett while the Volunteers erased an early, 12-0 deficit and actually led by two points early in the second half, including -
"The spirit of Davy Crockett!"
"Davy Crockett, here we come!"
- and asking play-by-play man Roxy Bernstein if he'd ever been to
- Nashville
- Canada
- the state of Tennessee
- the state of Wisconsin
- Maui
and asking him who is his favorite "Hawaii author" (?) (Bernstein chose Stevenson, perhaps out of confusion/fear)
and we've got a thoroughly enjoyable broadcast.
Well done, Bill.
Game 224 - Tulsa at Wichita State
November 16 at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, KS
espn3.com
A whole bunch of basketball phrases and assorted silliness from the broadcast team of Mitch Holthus and Rich Zvosec during this 80-53 Wichita win.
1. Wichita plays in the Missouri Valley Conference, but if you didn't know that, just listen to these two for 40 minutes.
They said "the Valley" 24 total times, 11 in the first half, 13 in the second.
2. What is Mitch Holthus Talking About
[on Tulsa staying close] "they need to keep this thing at least on Google Maps through the first 20 minutes."
"Tekele Cotton was instant oatmeal."
"When [head referee] blew his whistle, everybody was waiting on the election returns."
"Two tasty games are on the horizon."
3. And speaking of deliciousness and horizons, the broadcast was sponsored by Casey's General Store, "famous for pizza".
4. Also,
espn3.com
A whole bunch of basketball phrases and assorted silliness from the broadcast team of Mitch Holthus and Rich Zvosec during this 80-53 Wichita win.
1. Wichita plays in the Missouri Valley Conference, but if you didn't know that, just listen to these two for 40 minutes.
They said "the Valley" 24 total times, 11 in the first half, 13 in the second.
2. What is Mitch Holthus Talking About
[on Tulsa staying close] "they need to keep this thing at least on Google Maps through the first 20 minutes."
"Tekele Cotton was instant oatmeal."
"When [head referee] blew his whistle, everybody was waiting on the election returns."
"Two tasty games are on the horizon."
3. And speaking of deliciousness and horizons, the broadcast was sponsored by Casey's General Store, "famous for pizza".
4. Also,
Game 223 - Georgia State at Auburn
November 14 at Auburn Arena in Auburn, AL
SEC Network
Justin Seymour (20 points, 8-of-16 shooting) and Jeremy Hollowell (20 points, 6-of-14, four assists) showed up, but unfortunately no one else did for GSU in a 83-65 loss.
The rest of the team shot just 8-of-30 from the field and the Panthers turned the ball over 18 times. They still haven't defeated an SEC team since a 77-72 win over this same Auburn program in December, 2003 (eight consecutive losses against the conference).
Auburn freshman Jared Harper, who I've covered for a long time, was great in his second collegiate game, joining Danjel Purifoy with a team-high 19 points. Harper hit four of his six three-point attempts and added three steals.
The Tigers, 2-0 for the first time since 2011-2012, should be much improved after going 11-20 a year ago.
SEC Network
Justin Seymour (20 points, 8-of-16 shooting) and Jeremy Hollowell (20 points, 6-of-14, four assists) showed up, but unfortunately no one else did for GSU in a 83-65 loss.
The rest of the team shot just 8-of-30 from the field and the Panthers turned the ball over 18 times. They still haven't defeated an SEC team since a 77-72 win over this same Auburn program in December, 2003 (eight consecutive losses against the conference).
Auburn freshman Jared Harper, who I've covered for a long time, was great in his second collegiate game, joining Danjel Purifoy with a team-high 19 points. Harper hit four of his six three-point attempts and added three steals.
The Tigers, 2-0 for the first time since 2011-2012, should be much improved after going 11-20 a year ago.
Game 222 - New Hampshire at Temple
November 14 at Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA
ESPN
We've got a handful of things to get to from this 57-52 New Hampshire win.
1. The Wildcats have been playing basketball for a long time, but didn't have a 20-win season until last year and have never been to the NCAA Tournament. So Monday's victory had to have been one of the biggest in school history. NH trailed 52-51 with just under two minutes to play, but Jaleen Smith followed with a jumper in the paint and the visitors never trailed again.
New Hampshire, which lost in the semis of the America East tournament in March, then won a game in the CIT, should once again be a factor in the league race.
2. Temple junior Obi Enechionyia led everyone with 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, and his baseline post game, which included a number of pretty jump shots, looked especially good. Keep polishing that jumper & add some more bulk and Enechionyia could be a late-first round draft pick if he decides to come out after this year.
3. The Scoochie Smith All Stars added a pair of new members in Temple sophomore guard Shizz Alston Jr., and our first referee, Doug Shows.
4. A couple other "firsts" for the new season:
* First "glue guy" came at the 9:42 mark of the first half
* First "pick and pop" at 7:07 of first half
5. Also said: "he's a long offensive product."
ESPN
We've got a handful of things to get to from this 57-52 New Hampshire win.
1. The Wildcats have been playing basketball for a long time, but didn't have a 20-win season until last year and have never been to the NCAA Tournament. So Monday's victory had to have been one of the biggest in school history. NH trailed 52-51 with just under two minutes to play, but Jaleen Smith followed with a jumper in the paint and the visitors never trailed again.
New Hampshire, which lost in the semis of the America East tournament in March, then won a game in the CIT, should once again be a factor in the league race.
2. Temple junior Obi Enechionyia led everyone with 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, and his baseline post game, which included a number of pretty jump shots, looked especially good. Keep polishing that jumper & add some more bulk and Enechionyia could be a late-first round draft pick if he decides to come out after this year.
3. The Scoochie Smith All Stars added a pair of new members in Temple sophomore guard Shizz Alston Jr., and our first referee, Doug Shows.
4. A couple other "firsts" for the new season:
* First "glue guy" came at the 9:42 mark of the first half
* First "pick and pop" at 7:07 of first half
5. Also said: "he's a long offensive product."
Game 221 - Jacksonville State women at Kennesaw State
November 14 at KSU Convocation Center in Kennesaw, GA
espn3.com
Lacey Buchanon didn't have a very memorable Jacksonville State debut, but game No. 2 went much better for the senior guard.
The Troy transfer, who sat out last year, was one of three in double figures, scoring 10 points and adding a pair of assists as the Gamecocks won 65-59.
Buchanon was held without a field goal in seven attempts and went scoreless in Jacksonville State's season-opening loss to Florida State on November 11.
Monday, Destany McLin led the way with 11 points and three assists and Rayven Pearson picked up a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) for the hosts. That helped to offset a great night from KSU sophomore Allison Johnson, who finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
espn3.com
Lacey Buchanon didn't have a very memorable Jacksonville State debut, but game No. 2 went much better for the senior guard.
The Troy transfer, who sat out last year, was one of three in double figures, scoring 10 points and adding a pair of assists as the Gamecocks won 65-59.
Buchanon was held without a field goal in seven attempts and went scoreless in Jacksonville State's season-opening loss to Florida State on November 11.
Monday, Destany McLin led the way with 11 points and three assists and Rayven Pearson picked up a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) for the hosts. That helped to offset a great night from KSU sophomore Allison Johnson, who finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
Game 220 - Thomas University at Georgia State
November 11 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
espn3.com
Yes, it was an NAIA team, and yes, it was just game No. 1 of a 30-game regular season, but it was exactly what I was hoping to see from GSU in its opener.
GSU, off a run to the Round of 32 in '14, but also a disappointing postseason-less '15, shot 51 percent from the field and held its in-state foe to just 31 percent. In a 111-69 victory, the Panthers scored their most points since collecting 115 in the 2014 opener.
Charlotte transfer Willie Clayton was huge all night (11 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks) and Jeremy Hollowell, in his second season since transferring from Indiana, led the way with 23 points.
Things get much tougher in a hurry for GSU, which travels to Auburn Monday, then visits West Lafayette on the 18th to take on Purdue.
espn3.com
Yes, it was an NAIA team, and yes, it was just game No. 1 of a 30-game regular season, but it was exactly what I was hoping to see from GSU in its opener.
GSU, off a run to the Round of 32 in '14, but also a disappointing postseason-less '15, shot 51 percent from the field and held its in-state foe to just 31 percent. In a 111-69 victory, the Panthers scored their most points since collecting 115 in the 2014 opener.
Charlotte transfer Willie Clayton was huge all night (11 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks) and Jeremy Hollowell, in his second season since transferring from Indiana, led the way with 23 points.
Things get much tougher in a hurry for GSU, which travels to Auburn Monday, then visits West Lafayette on the 18th to take on Purdue.
Game 219 - Alabama State women at North Carolina
November 11 at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, NC
espn3.com
Season 2 got underway with an 84-54 win for the host Tar Heels over the two-time SWAC champion Hornets. UNC, which got 22 points from Paris Kea (Vandy transfer) in her team debut, is trying to return to the NCAA Tournament after last year's absence.
I didn't get the play-by-play man's last name, only first (Walter), but he did have this to say in the second quarter:
"Usually the scoreboard's not working this first game of the season, but it is today."
Pardon?
espn3.com
Season 2 got underway with an 84-54 win for the host Tar Heels over the two-time SWAC champion Hornets. UNC, which got 22 points from Paris Kea (Vandy transfer) in her team debut, is trying to return to the NCAA Tournament after last year's absence.
I didn't get the play-by-play man's last name, only first (Walter), but he did have this to say in the second quarter:
"Usually the scoreboard's not working this first game of the season, but it is today."
Pardon?
Game 218 - Game 7
Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors
June 19 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA
ABC
June 19 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA
ABC
Game 217 - (1) Golden State Warriors at (3) Oklahoma CityThunder
Western Conference Finals
May 28 at Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City, OK
ABC
Good heavens, Klay Thompson.
The Warriors' guard scored 41 points and hit 11 (!) 3-pointers in a 108-101 victory that evened the best-of-seven series.
Game 7 is Monday.
Incredible what Thompson and Steph Curry were able to do as Curry just missed a triple-double (31 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists). That's 72 of the team's 108 points.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were a combined 20-for-58 (34%), though Westbrook also just missed a triple-double - 28 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.
May 28 at Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City, OK
ABC
Good heavens, Klay Thompson.
The Warriors' guard scored 41 points and hit 11 (!) 3-pointers in a 108-101 victory that evened the best-of-seven series.
Game 7 is Monday.
Incredible what Thompson and Steph Curry were able to do as Curry just missed a triple-double (31 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists). That's 72 of the team's 108 points.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were a combined 20-for-58 (34%), though Westbrook also just missed a triple-double - 28 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.
Game 216 - (8) Detroit Pistons at (1) Cleveland Cavaliers
Eastern Conference first round
April 17 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
ESPN
April 17 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
ESPN
Game 215 - (4) Syracuse women vs. (1) Connecticut
NCAA national championship
April 5 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN
April 5 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN
Game 214 - (2) Villanova vs. (1) North Carolina
NCAA national championship game
April 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX
TBS
Hard to top a national championship game that ends on a buzzer beater.
Incredible.
Kris Jenkins' 3-pointer as time expired lifted Villanova to a 77-74 win & its second national title (first since 1985), completing a phenomenal season for the Big East school.
Couple things:
* Marcus Paige made what I thought was the 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. And by "3-pointer" I mean a ridiculous few moments where the guard rose to shoot, started to adjust mid-air and did some sort of stationery bicycle move before hitting the absurd shot to pull the teams even at 74-74 with 4 1/2 seconds to go.
* Ryan Arcidiacono had a really good two games in Houston (15.5 points, 11-15 FG) and was named the final four's Most Outstanding Player. His teammates also had a good final four as Josh Hart (17.5 points, 14-21 FG, including 10-for-12 in the blowout over Oklahoma), and Jenkins (16 points, 12-21 FG) were extremely valuable. But the only difference between the three is JENKINS HIT A BUZZER BEATER TO WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
How does hitting a shot at the buzzer to win the national title not give Jenkins the edge over his teammates for MOP?
I heard some post game on the radio and John Thompson was saying Arcidiacono deserved the MOP for the two games he had & because he set up Jenkins for the winning three. Now, Arcidiacono did a fine job of getting the in-bounds pass and racing up the floor as quickly as possible, then setting up perfectly his teammate for a wide-open three.
But Jenkins was the one who MADE the three.
It's a minor thing, and I'm sure no one on Villanova cares at all, and they shouldn't because it doesn't really make any difference, but Kris Jenkins was the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.
April 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX
TBS
Hard to top a national championship game that ends on a buzzer beater.
Incredible.
Kris Jenkins' 3-pointer as time expired lifted Villanova to a 77-74 win & its second national title (first since 1985), completing a phenomenal season for the Big East school.
Couple things:
* Marcus Paige made what I thought was the 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. And by "3-pointer" I mean a ridiculous few moments where the guard rose to shoot, started to adjust mid-air and did some sort of stationery bicycle move before hitting the absurd shot to pull the teams even at 74-74 with 4 1/2 seconds to go.
* Ryan Arcidiacono had a really good two games in Houston (15.5 points, 11-15 FG) and was named the final four's Most Outstanding Player. His teammates also had a good final four as Josh Hart (17.5 points, 14-21 FG, including 10-for-12 in the blowout over Oklahoma), and Jenkins (16 points, 12-21 FG) were extremely valuable. But the only difference between the three is JENKINS HIT A BUZZER BEATER TO WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
How does hitting a shot at the buzzer to win the national title not give Jenkins the edge over his teammates for MOP?
I heard some post game on the radio and John Thompson was saying Arcidiacono deserved the MOP for the two games he had & because he set up Jenkins for the winning three. Now, Arcidiacono did a fine job of getting the in-bounds pass and racing up the floor as quickly as possible, then setting up perfectly his teammate for a wide-open three.
But Jenkins was the one who MADE the three.
It's a minor thing, and I'm sure no one on Villanova cares at all, and they shouldn't because it doesn't really make any difference, but Kris Jenkins was the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.
Game 213 - (7) Washington women vs. (4) Syracuse
NCAA Tournament national semifinals
April 3 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN2
April 3 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN2
Game 212: (2) Oregon state women vs. (1) Connecticut
NCAA national semifinals
April 3 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN
One win to go for the Huskies, who cruised past another opponent (80-51) and are now just a Tuesday victory from a fourth consecutive national title and 11th overall.
It is an absolute pleasure to watch Connecticut play basketball, and not just the stars. You can see the future of Connecticut basketball every single game because 1. plenty of underclassmen contribute; 2. plenty of 9th/10th/11th-players get their 5, 6 minutes at the ends of these routs & 3. Geno Auriemma is the best womens basketball coach of all time.
Of course, the stars are a joy to watch as well.
* Morgan Tuck is just a junior, but knowing very little about scouting or what WNBA teams currently need I would still expect her to forgo her senior year and be a first round pick.
With Breanna Stewart at two fouls just 2:05 in, Tuck took over, and honestly, this semifinal felt one-sided earlier than I expected.
* Stewart is so good that she had those two fouls and was held to just two first-half points, yet still finished with 16 points and only one more foul committed. And she played until a minute remained in the opening quarter.
I'm more impressed with Stewart each time I see her play.
* And I haven't even mentioned Moriah Jefferson, who is a phenomenal point guard with quickness and a pretty mid-range jump shot and who I expect will be an all star at the next level.
Connecticut is bad for womens basketball? No, all of the idiots who have said that, especially that one idiot.
Connecticut is a phenomenal team that wins a lot.
That's just GOOD.
April 3 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN
One win to go for the Huskies, who cruised past another opponent (80-51) and are now just a Tuesday victory from a fourth consecutive national title and 11th overall.
It is an absolute pleasure to watch Connecticut play basketball, and not just the stars. You can see the future of Connecticut basketball every single game because 1. plenty of underclassmen contribute; 2. plenty of 9th/10th/11th-players get their 5, 6 minutes at the ends of these routs & 3. Geno Auriemma is the best womens basketball coach of all time.
Of course, the stars are a joy to watch as well.
* Morgan Tuck is just a junior, but knowing very little about scouting or what WNBA teams currently need I would still expect her to forgo her senior year and be a first round pick.
With Breanna Stewart at two fouls just 2:05 in, Tuck took over, and honestly, this semifinal felt one-sided earlier than I expected.
* Stewart is so good that she had those two fouls and was held to just two first-half points, yet still finished with 16 points and only one more foul committed. And she played until a minute remained in the opening quarter.
I'm more impressed with Stewart each time I see her play.
* And I haven't even mentioned Moriah Jefferson, who is a phenomenal point guard with quickness and a pretty mid-range jump shot and who I expect will be an all star at the next level.
Connecticut is bad for womens basketball? No, all of the idiots who have said that, especially that one idiot.
Connecticut is a phenomenal team that wins a lot.
That's just GOOD.
Games 210 & 211 - Two remain
NCAA national semifinals
211 - (10) Syracuse vs. (1) North Carolina
210 - (2) Oklahoma vs. (2) Villanova
April 2 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX
TBS
When the first of the following phrases were said by the announcing team:
* Grant Hill's first time calling Bill Raftery "Coach" - 14:21 left in first half
* Jay Wright dresses well. The reason I know this is because the announcers mention it EVERY SINGLE TIME VILLANOVA PLAYS. Hill invented yet another GQ/Jay Wright nickname and it was "JQ" (9:15 left in first)
* "Blow by" - 1:10 in first
* "Dribble drive" - 18:52 in second half
Some other made-up nonsense:
"Post rubs" (said twice)
"Space dribble (2)
"Trying to body search"
"Value the ball"
"Pick and pop" (2)
* And finally, Raftery said "they gotta get into the game a little bit, Oklahoma, the sooner the better" and "a little ricochet romance!", so he wasn't getting away with either of those things.
211 - (10) Syracuse vs. (1) North Carolina
210 - (2) Oklahoma vs. (2) Villanova
April 2 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX
TBS
When the first of the following phrases were said by the announcing team:
* Grant Hill's first time calling Bill Raftery "Coach" - 14:21 left in first half
* Jay Wright dresses well. The reason I know this is because the announcers mention it EVERY SINGLE TIME VILLANOVA PLAYS. Hill invented yet another GQ/Jay Wright nickname and it was "JQ" (9:15 left in first)
* "Blow by" - 1:10 in first
* "Dribble drive" - 18:52 in second half
Some other made-up nonsense:
"Post rubs" (said twice)
"Space dribble (2)
"Trying to body search"
"Value the ball"
"Pick and pop" (2)
* And finally, Raftery said "they gotta get into the game a little bit, Oklahoma, the sooner the better" and "a little ricochet romance!", so he wasn't getting away with either of those things.
Game 209 - (6) Notre Dame vs. (1) North Carolina
MCAA Tournament regional final
March 27 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
TBS
March 27 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
TBS
Game 208 - (10) Syracuse vs. (1) Virginia
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 27 at United Center in Chicago, IL
TBS
I didn't think Syracuse deserved to even be an at-large team, and now the 10th-best team in the ACC is headed to the final four.
The path was a bit easier for the Orangemen, who were fortunate to avoid No. 2 Michigan State in the round of 32 and No. 3 Utah in the Sweet 16, but they were still an 11 seed that came back to beat Gonzaga in the regional semifinal, then erased a 16-point lead in the final nine minutes to stun top seed Virginia 68-62.
Also, after the game ended Kevin Harlan said "Syracuse, back from the dead on Easter Sunday", so we can't let him get away with that.
March 27 at United Center in Chicago, IL
TBS
I didn't think Syracuse deserved to even be an at-large team, and now the 10th-best team in the ACC is headed to the final four.
The path was a bit easier for the Orangemen, who were fortunate to avoid No. 2 Michigan State in the round of 32 and No. 3 Utah in the Sweet 16, but they were still an 11 seed that came back to beat Gonzaga in the regional semifinal, then erased a 16-point lead in the final nine minutes to stun top seed Virginia 68-62.
Also, after the game ended Kevin Harlan said "Syracuse, back from the dead on Easter Sunday", so we can't let him get away with that.
Game 207 - (7) Tennessee women vs. (4) Syracuse
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 27 at Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, SD
ESPN
Syracuse point guard Alexis Peterson is always fun to watch and she was fantastic Sunday (29 points, six assists), leading her team to an 89-67 victory and the school's first trip to the final four.
This is the first of what will become many seasons of closely following the womens tournament, so I don't have a ton of knowledge of past years. I'm still going to guess this has been the craziest in history:
1. There were a pair of 4 vs. 7 regional finals (Washington, Syracuse's semifinal opponent upset fourth-seeded Stanford to also reach the final four for the first time).
2. Top seeds Notre Dame and South Carolina were heavy favorites to the get to Indianapolis, but were eliminated in the Sweet 16 by Stanford & Syracuse, respectively.
3. A pair of No. 2 seeds (Arizona State & Maryland) were knocked out in the round of 32.
And this all happened on one side of the bracket.
* It was a big day for the Scoochie Smith All Stars as well. We'd like to officially welcome Syracuse's Isabella Slim to the team and make her a tri-captain.
March 27 at Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, SD
ESPN
Syracuse point guard Alexis Peterson is always fun to watch and she was fantastic Sunday (29 points, six assists), leading her team to an 89-67 victory and the school's first trip to the final four.
This is the first of what will become many seasons of closely following the womens tournament, so I don't have a ton of knowledge of past years. I'm still going to guess this has been the craziest in history:
1. There were a pair of 4 vs. 7 regional finals (Washington, Syracuse's semifinal opponent upset fourth-seeded Stanford to also reach the final four for the first time).
2. Top seeds Notre Dame and South Carolina were heavy favorites to the get to Indianapolis, but were eliminated in the Sweet 16 by Stanford & Syracuse, respectively.
3. A pair of No. 2 seeds (Arizona State & Maryland) were knocked out in the round of 32.
And this all happened on one side of the bracket.
* It was a big day for the Scoochie Smith All Stars as well. We'd like to officially welcome Syracuse's Isabella Slim to the team and make her a tri-captain.
Game 206 - (2) Villanova vs. (1) Kansas
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 26 at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
CBS
March 26 at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
CBS
Games 204 & 205: Final 4 & 1 more step
205 - (2) Oklahoma vs. (1) Oregon
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim. CA
CBS
204 - (5) Florida State women vs. (1) Baylor
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 26 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX
ESPN
NCAA Tournament regional final
March 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim. CA
CBS
204 - (5) Florida State women vs. (1) Baylor
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 26 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX
ESPN
Game 203 - (5) Indiana vs. (1) North Carolina
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 25 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
TBS
Not sure how much more we're going to hear from Steve Smith this season, so I thought it was important to once more count how many times he says the word "basketball".
Steve(ph?)en...
First half: said 17 times
Second half: said 9 times
Total: 26
Notable "basketballs"
"Throwing the basketball ahead"
"He's putting the basketball close to your shoulder"
"Yogi could've gotten the basketball"
Other game watched:
(11) Gonzaga vs. (10) Syracuse
(4) Stanford women vs. (1) Notre Dame
March 25 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
TBS
Not sure how much more we're going to hear from Steve Smith this season, so I thought it was important to once more count how many times he says the word "basketball".
Steve(ph?)en...
First half: said 17 times
Second half: said 9 times
Total: 26
Notable "basketballs"
"Throwing the basketball ahead"
"He's putting the basketball close to your shoulder"
"Yogi could've gotten the basketball"
Other game watched:
(11) Gonzaga vs. (10) Syracuse
(4) Stanford women vs. (1) Notre Dame
Game 202 - (7) Washington women vs. (3) Kentucky
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 25 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
ESPN
The remarkable run for the Huskies continued Friday night.
All American Kelsey Plum scored 23 points and handed out seven assists, while Chantel Osahor was fantastic (19 points, 17 rebounds, five assists). Still, the story of the night was Talia Walton.
The redshirt-senior scored 30 points on 14-of-25 shooting and Kentucky's defense, which allowed nearly 50 percent shooting overall, had no answer for her. She used the baseline like it was a comfortable spot in her driveway, often using pretty fadeaway or pull up jumpers as the seventh-seeded Huskies won 85-72.
Washington has now defeated No. 2 Maryland in the round of 32 and the third-seeded Wildcats, who absurdly were playing a regional semifinal game in Lexington (University of Kentucky location, main campus: Lexington) despite the fact that Maryland also resided in the region.
Another amazing thing about Washington, headed to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2001, is that it basically played with five players. The starters (the big three + Alexus Atchley and Katie Collier) were all on the court for what seemed like the entire 40 minutes. Two reserves got a total of a few minutes of action.
Other game watched:
(7) Wisconsin men vs. (6) Notre Dame
March 25 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
ESPN
The remarkable run for the Huskies continued Friday night.
All American Kelsey Plum scored 23 points and handed out seven assists, while Chantel Osahor was fantastic (19 points, 17 rebounds, five assists). Still, the story of the night was Talia Walton.
The redshirt-senior scored 30 points on 14-of-25 shooting and Kentucky's defense, which allowed nearly 50 percent shooting overall, had no answer for her. She used the baseline like it was a comfortable spot in her driveway, often using pretty fadeaway or pull up jumpers as the seventh-seeded Huskies won 85-72.
Washington has now defeated No. 2 Maryland in the round of 32 and the third-seeded Wildcats, who absurdly were playing a regional semifinal game in Lexington (University of Kentucky location, main campus: Lexington) despite the fact that Maryland also resided in the region.
Another amazing thing about Washington, headed to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2001, is that it basically played with five players. The starters (the big three + Alexus Atchley and Katie Collier) were all on the court for what seemed like the entire 40 minutes. Two reserves got a total of a few minutes of action.
Other game watched:
(7) Wisconsin men vs. (6) Notre Dame
Game 201 - (4) Duke vs. (1) Oregon
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 24 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
TBS
Other game watched:
(5) Maryland vs. (1) Kansas
March 24 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
TBS
Other game watched:
(5) Maryland vs. (1) Kansas
Game 200 - (3) Miami vs. (2) Villanova
NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
March 24 at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
CBS
Our 200th game turned into a night of counting how many times Grant Hill called Bill Raftery "Coach", which to me seems fitting.
Total times said: 24
First half: 14
Notable: "He's the x-factor, Coach"
Second half: 10
Notable: "They keep getting better, Coach"
It was also important to note when (certainly not "if") the announcing crew mentioned for the first time
* Jay Wright's attire/looks - 4:34 left in second half (wow! that's late) (and sadly no one said "GQ Jay", which I think if left out of a Villanova broadcast is now a $140 fine)
* The Masters - 5:31 left in first half
* How lucky Jim Nantz is to be announcing the Masters - midway through second half
* The complete nonsense term "dribble drive" - 11:00 left in second half
Other game watched:
(3) Texas A&M vs. (2) Oklahoma
March 24 at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
CBS
Our 200th game turned into a night of counting how many times Grant Hill called Bill Raftery "Coach", which to me seems fitting.
Total times said: 24
First half: 14
Notable: "He's the x-factor, Coach"
Second half: 10
Notable: "They keep getting better, Coach"
It was also important to note when (certainly not "if") the announcing crew mentioned for the first time
* Jay Wright's attire/looks - 4:34 left in second half (wow! that's late) (and sadly no one said "GQ Jay", which I think if left out of a Villanova broadcast is now a $140 fine)
* The Masters - 5:31 left in first half
* How lucky Jim Nantz is to be announcing the Masters - midway through second half
* The complete nonsense term "dribble drive" - 11:00 left in second half
Other game watched:
(3) Texas A&M vs. (2) Oklahoma
Game 199 - Georgia Tech at San Diego State
NIT quarterfinals
March 23 at Viejas Arena in San Diego, CA
ESPN
Just a quick message from commentator Sean Farnham:
"The student section is the lifeline to the energy of the building."
Wow!
March 23 at Viejas Arena in San Diego, CA
ESPN
Just a quick message from commentator Sean Farnham:
"The student section is the lifeline to the energy of the building."
Wow!
Game 198 - (9) Duquesne women at (1) Connecticut
NCAA tournament second round
March 21 at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT
ESPN2
Well, that certainly got out of hand in a hurry.
Duquesne trailed by just three early in the second quarter, but went 1-for-18 from the field at one stretch during the opening half and the Huskies cruised to a 97-51 victory.
That's 71 consecutive wins for Connecticut.
Breanna Stewart was already a phenomenal player before Monday WHEN SHE BLOCKED THREE SHOTS ON THE SAME POSSESSION. Stewart, one of three Huskies with at least 20 points, blocked two in the paint, then the third came on the perimeter as the shot clocked expired. One of the greatest single-possession defensive achievements I've ever witnessed.
Other games watched:
(5) Florida State vs. (4) Texas A&M
(7) Washington vs. (2) Maryland
March 21 at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT
ESPN2
Well, that certainly got out of hand in a hurry.
Duquesne trailed by just three early in the second quarter, but went 1-for-18 from the field at one stretch during the opening half and the Huskies cruised to a 97-51 victory.
That's 71 consecutive wins for Connecticut.
Breanna Stewart was already a phenomenal player before Monday WHEN SHE BLOCKED THREE SHOTS ON THE SAME POSSESSION. Stewart, one of three Huskies with at least 20 points, blocked two in the paint, then the third came on the perimeter as the shot clocked expired. One of the greatest single-possession defensive achievements I've ever witnessed.
Other games watched:
(5) Florida State vs. (4) Texas A&M
(7) Washington vs. (2) Maryland
Game 197 - (7) Tennessee women at (2) Arizona State
NCAA tournament second round
March 20 at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, AZ
ESPN
Other games watched:
(11) Northern Iowa vs. (3) Texas A&M (mens)
(8) St. Joseph's vs. (1) Oregon (mens)
March 20 at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, AZ
ESPN
Other games watched:
(11) Northern Iowa vs. (3) Texas A&M (mens)
(8) St. Joseph's vs. (1) Oregon (mens)
Game 196 - (14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (6) Notre Dame
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
CBS
Mute mix
Fair/Selfish, Cold and Composed - Ben Folds Five
Soul Love/Moonage Daydream/Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie
Summertime/Body and Soul - John Coltrane
All the Way from Memphis/Whizz Kid - Mott the Hoople
I Know/Dogs Got a Bone - Beta Band
It Ain't Necessarily So/When Malindy Sings - Freddie Roach
11:59/In the Flesh/Denis - Blondie
Back in my Arms Again/My World is Empty Without You - Supremes
Standing Outside the Fire/Rodeo - Garth Brooks
Coming For You/Chained To You - Von Grey
Going to California/When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin
West County/Nemo's Dream/Bonnie & Slyde - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Other games watched:
(6) West Virginia women at (3) Ohio State
(6) DePaul women at (3) Louisville
(10) VCU vs. (2) Oklahoma
March 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
CBS
Mute mix
Fair/Selfish, Cold and Composed - Ben Folds Five
Soul Love/Moonage Daydream/Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie
Summertime/Body and Soul - John Coltrane
All the Way from Memphis/Whizz Kid - Mott the Hoople
I Know/Dogs Got a Bone - Beta Band
It Ain't Necessarily So/When Malindy Sings - Freddie Roach
11:59/In the Flesh/Denis - Blondie
Back in my Arms Again/My World is Empty Without You - Supremes
Standing Outside the Fire/Rodeo - Garth Brooks
Coming For You/Chained To You - Von Grey
Going to California/When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin
West County/Nemo's Dream/Bonnie & Slyde - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Other games watched:
(6) West Virginia women at (3) Ohio State
(6) DePaul women at (3) Louisville
(10) VCU vs. (2) Oklahoma
Game 195 - (13) San Francisco women at (4) Stanford
NCAA tournament first round
March 19 at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, CA
ESPN2
This one got out of hand towards the end of the first half and into the second (Stanford won 85-58) so some Connecticut talk started.
Here's commentator Mary Murphy on how to beat the three-time national champion Huskies, who won their 70th consecutive game in Saturday's first round:
"You have to play very, very well."
Thanks, Mary.
Other games watched:
(9) Providence vs. (1) North Carolina (mens)
March 19 at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, CA
ESPN2
This one got out of hand towards the end of the first half and into the second (Stanford won 85-58) so some Connecticut talk started.
Here's commentator Mary Murphy on how to beat the three-time national champion Huskies, who won their 70th consecutive game in Saturday's first round:
"You have to play very, very well."
Thanks, Mary.
Other games watched:
(9) Providence vs. (1) North Carolina (mens)
Game 194 - (9) Butler vs. (1) Virginia
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 19 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TBS
March 19 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TBS
Game 193 - (5) Indiana vs. (4) Kentucky
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 19 at Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
CBS
Tyler Ulis was great for Kentucky - 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting, but unfortunately for the Wildcats he didn't get nearly enough help in a 73-67 loss.
Indiana, which will play in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012-13, was excellent in its two-point shooting, making 19-of-31 from inside the arc. Thomas Bryant had 19 points and Yogi Ferrell added 18.
It's been some turnaround for Tom Crean and the Hoosiers. Crean went 28-66 in his first three seasons in Bloomington, but is 120-52 in his past five seasons, which now includes three Sweet 16 appearances.
March 19 at Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
CBS
Tyler Ulis was great for Kentucky - 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting, but unfortunately for the Wildcats he didn't get nearly enough help in a 73-67 loss.
Indiana, which will play in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012-13, was excellent in its two-point shooting, making 19-of-31 from inside the arc. Thomas Bryant had 19 points and Yogi Ferrell added 18.
It's been some turnaround for Tom Crean and the Hoosiers. Crean went 28-66 in his first three seasons in Bloomington, but is 120-52 in his past five seasons, which now includes three Sweet 16 appearances.
Games 191-192: Tourney rolls on
192 - (12) Yale vs. (4) Duke
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 19 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
A nice, solid group of basketball phrases & general nonsense from the broadcast team during this 71-64 Duke win:
"Skill set"
"Leave it out here on the floor"
"Got his hand in the cookie jar"
"Feathery touch"
"Dribble drive"
"Taking the air out of the ball" (said twice)
"You have to believe in yourself"
191 - (14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (3) West Virginia
NCAA Tournament second round
March 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
CBS
After this 70-56 win by Stephen F. Austin (and with No. 11 seed Northern Iowa knocking off sixth-seeded Texas late Friday), eight teams seeded 10th or lower won first-round games.
NCAA Tournament round of 32
March 19 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
A nice, solid group of basketball phrases & general nonsense from the broadcast team during this 71-64 Duke win:
"Skill set"
"Leave it out here on the floor"
"Got his hand in the cookie jar"
"Feathery touch"
"Dribble drive"
"Taking the air out of the ball" (said twice)
"You have to believe in yourself"
191 - (14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (3) West Virginia
NCAA Tournament second round
March 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
CBS
After this 70-56 win by Stephen F. Austin (and with No. 11 seed Northern Iowa knocking off sixth-seeded Texas late Friday), eight teams seeded 10th or lower won first-round games.
Game 190 - (15) Middle Tennessee vs. (2) Michigan State
NCAA Tournament second round
March 18 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
CBS
Other games watched:
(15) Cal State Bakersfield vs. (2) Oklahoma
(12) South Dakota State vs. (5) Maryland
March 18 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
CBS
Other games watched:
(15) Cal State Bakersfield vs. (2) Oklahoma
(12) South Dakota State vs. (5) Maryland
Games 188-189: High seeds fall
NCAA Tournament second round
189 - (13) Hawaii vs. (4) California
March 18 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA
TBS
The Pac 12 ladies and gentleman!
That's five teams from the conference (Cal, Arizona, Oregon State, USC & Colorado) already eliminated from the tournament.
188 - (10) Syracuse vs. (7) Dayton
March 18 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
CBS
A lower seed - Syracuse - winning 70-51 and a Steve Smith "basketball" count. What a way to start the day.
First half: said eight times
Second half: 9
Total: 17
Notable
"That's a good basketball play."
Thanks, Steve!
"High basketball IQ play."
"Comfortable with the basketball."
Other games watched:
(10) VCU vs. (7) Oregon State
(15) UNC Asheville vs. (2) Villanova
March 18 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA
TBS
The Pac 12 ladies and gentleman!
That's five teams from the conference (Cal, Arizona, Oregon State, USC & Colorado) already eliminated from the tournament.
188 - (10) Syracuse vs. (7) Dayton
March 18 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
CBS
A lower seed - Syracuse - winning 70-51 and a Steve Smith "basketball" count. What a way to start the day.
First half: said eight times
Second half: 9
Total: 17
Notable
"That's a good basketball play."
Thanks, Steve!
"High basketball IQ play."
"Comfortable with the basketball."
Other games watched:
(10) VCU vs. (7) Oregon State
(15) UNC Asheville vs. (2) Villanova
Game 187 - (11) Gonzaga vs. (6) Seton Hall
NCAA Tournament second round
March 17 at Pepsi Center in Denver, CO
TruTV
Steve Lappas:
"What do they say, 'who brings you to the dance'?"
No. That's not what they say.
Other games watched:
(11) Wichita State vs. (6) Arizona
(9) Providence vs. (8) USC
March 17 at Pepsi Center in Denver, CO
TruTV
Steve Lappas:
"What do they say, 'who brings you to the dance'?"
No. That's not what they say.
Other games watched:
(11) Wichita State vs. (6) Arizona
(9) Providence vs. (8) USC
Game 186 - (16) Florida Gulf Coast vs. (1) North Carolina
NCAA Tournament second round
March 17 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TBS
Florida Gulf Coast was down just 41-40 at halftime, but during the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second half were out-scored 25-6 and Carolina won 83-67.
Still waiting on that first No. 16 over a No. 1.
Let's take a quick look at some Reggie Miller Nonsense from this game and Virginia-Hampton from earlier in the day:
"Loosey goosey"
"Playing with house money"
"Human pogo stick"
"Keep your head on a swivel"
Other games watched:
(14) Buffalo vs. (3) Miami
(12) Chattanooga vs. (5) Indiana
(14) Fresno State vs. (3) Utah
March 17 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TBS
Florida Gulf Coast was down just 41-40 at halftime, but during the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second half were out-scored 25-6 and Carolina won 83-67.
Still waiting on that first No. 16 over a No. 1.
Let's take a quick look at some Reggie Miller Nonsense from this game and Virginia-Hampton from earlier in the day:
"Loosey goosey"
"Playing with house money"
"Human pogo stick"
"Keep your head on a swivel"
Other games watched:
(14) Buffalo vs. (3) Miami
(12) Chattanooga vs. (5) Indiana
(14) Fresno State vs. (3) Utah
Game 185 - (12) Yale vs. (5) Baylor
NCAA Tournament second round
March 17 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
Other games watched:
(16) Austin Peay vs. (1) Kansas
(12) Arkansas Little Rock vs. (5) Purdue
(16) Hampton vs. (1) Virginia
March 17 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
Other games watched:
(16) Austin Peay vs. (1) Kansas
(12) Arkansas Little Rock vs. (5) Purdue
(16) Hampton vs. (1) Virginia
Games 183-184: Day 1
NCAA Tournament second round
184 - (9) Connecticut vs. (8) Colorado
March 17 at Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
TNT
183 - (13) UNC Wilmington vs. (4) Duke
March 17 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
We opened my favorite day of the NCAA Tournament with a "Coach K" count of seven, though just two came after halftime in Duke's 93-85 win in the West Region.
I expected much more from this announcing team & in particular, Chris Webber.
Luckily, Ian Eagle provided the first of what I'm hoping is dozens of ridiculous sentences over the next few weeks:
"Plumlee, the plumber, with the flush!"
Other games watched:
(9) Butler vs. (8) Texas Tech
184 - (9) Connecticut vs. (8) Colorado
March 17 at Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
TNT
183 - (13) UNC Wilmington vs. (4) Duke
March 17 at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
CBS
We opened my favorite day of the NCAA Tournament with a "Coach K" count of seven, though just two came after halftime in Duke's 93-85 win in the West Region.
I expected much more from this announcing team & in particular, Chris Webber.
Luckily, Ian Eagle provided the first of what I'm hoping is dozens of ridiculous sentences over the next few weeks:
"Plumlee, the plumber, with the flush!"
Other games watched:
(9) Butler vs. (8) Texas Tech
Game 182 - (11) Tulsa vs. (11) Michigan
NCAA Tournament first four
March 16 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
TruTV
Pardon me, Mike Gminski?
On Tulsa: "they just run downhill at you."
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Tulsa freshman guard Sterling Taplin
March 16 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
TruTV
Pardon me, Mike Gminski?
On Tulsa: "they just run downhill at you."
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Tulsa freshman guard Sterling Taplin
Game 181 - (11) Wichita State vs. (11) Vanderbilt
NCAA Tournament First Four
March 15 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
TruTV
Riley LaChance hit a jumper with 8:42 that got Vanderbilt to within 50-48 and it seemed like we were headed for a great finish. Instead, that turned out to be the Commodores' last field goal of the night in a 70-50 loss.
Vandy missed its final 13 shots (not that they excelled from the free-throw line down the stretch either: 2-for-5) and Wichita State will play No. 6 seed Arizona Thursday in Providence.
Wichita had a 16-0 run stretched out over the end of the first half and beginning of the second and led 41-30 at one point. Nice job by Vandy to get within two, but the Commodores disappeared over the final nine minutes.
Once again, Wichita looks like a dangerous tournament team, though the possibility of an Arizona/Miami combination of opponents to get to the Sweet 16 seems daunting.
There's a good chance that's the final time I use the word "daunting".
March 15 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
TruTV
Riley LaChance hit a jumper with 8:42 that got Vanderbilt to within 50-48 and it seemed like we were headed for a great finish. Instead, that turned out to be the Commodores' last field goal of the night in a 70-50 loss.
Vandy missed its final 13 shots (not that they excelled from the free-throw line down the stretch either: 2-for-5) and Wichita State will play No. 6 seed Arizona Thursday in Providence.
Wichita had a 16-0 run stretched out over the end of the first half and beginning of the second and led 41-30 at one point. Nice job by Vandy to get within two, but the Commodores disappeared over the final nine minutes.
Once again, Wichita looks like a dangerous tournament team, though the possibility of an Arizona/Miami combination of opponents to get to the Sweet 16 seems daunting.
There's a good chance that's the final time I use the word "daunting".
Game 180 - (3) Missouri State women vs. (1) Northern Iowa
Missouri Valley championship
March 13 at IWireless Center in Moline, IL
espn3.com
March 13 at IWireless Center in Moline, IL
espn3.com
Games 177-179: Championships won
179 - (3) Seton Hall vs. (1) Villanova
March 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
Fox Sports 1
178 - (2) Virginia vs. (1) North Carolina
March 12 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
177 - (4) Troy women vs. (2) Little Rock
March 12 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA
espn3.com
March 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
Fox Sports 1
178 - (2) Virginia vs. (1) North Carolina
March 12 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
177 - (4) Troy women vs. (2) Little Rock
March 12 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA
espn3.com
Game 176 - (3) Vermont at (1) Stony Brook
America East championship
March 12 at USB Sports Complex in Stony Brook, NY
ESPN
Stony Brook had never been to the NCAA Tournament and it looked like that drought would continue on Saturday morning.
Vermont led 48-33 about five minutes into the second half and you could hear a seawolf drop onto a catamount.
But Jameel Warney was absolutely fantastic. The senior scored 43 points - 23 of which came over the final 15 minutes - on 18-of-22 shooting, and sent the Seawolves to the NCAAs for the first time in school history.
I don't know much about translating college size into NBA size, but Warney is 6-8, 260, so small forward? He's already got an NBA post game that continues to develop and is also an excellent defender (America East DPOY). Before he graduates to the pros, though, Worley certainly gives the new America East champions (maybe a 14-seed?) a shot at a first-round upset.
March 12 at USB Sports Complex in Stony Brook, NY
ESPN
Stony Brook had never been to the NCAA Tournament and it looked like that drought would continue on Saturday morning.
Vermont led 48-33 about five minutes into the second half and you could hear a seawolf drop onto a catamount.
But Jameel Warney was absolutely fantastic. The senior scored 43 points - 23 of which came over the final 15 minutes - on 18-of-22 shooting, and sent the Seawolves to the NCAAs for the first time in school history.
I don't know much about translating college size into NBA size, but Warney is 6-8, 260, so small forward? He's already got an NBA post game that continues to develop and is also an excellent defender (America East DPOY). Before he graduates to the pros, though, Worley certainly gives the new America East champions (maybe a 14-seed?) a shot at a first-round upset.
Games 174-175 - Finding two finalists
175 - (3) Long Beach State vs. (2) Cal Irvine
174 - (4) UCSB vs. (1) Hawaii
Big West semifinals
March 11 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
ESPNU
174 - (4) UCSB vs. (1) Hawaii
Big West semifinals
March 11 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
ESPNU
Game 173 - (5) Connecticut vs. (4) Cincinnati
American quarterfinals
March 11 at Amway Center in Orlando, FL
ESPN
Not too often do I find myself agreeing with something Mike Patrick says. I don't have anything against him as an announcer, just never remember saying "you know what, Mike Patrick just might have something there!"
But at some point during the third overtime of this ridiculous, four-OT classic won by Connecticut 104-97, Patrick said "this has been special."
You know what, Mike Patrick just might have something there!
Just the end of the third overtime by itself would've made this game extremely memorable: Cincinnati snaps a tie with an Octavius Ellis offensive rebound kick out to Kevin Johnson for a go-ahead 3-pointer with .8 seconds left, then Jalen Adams banked in an absurd, running three from about 60 feet to send it to the fourth OT.
(Real quick - was just double-checking some things on the play-by-play and Cincinnati's web site has instead of Adams (jersey #2) hitting the 3-pointer it's Briana Pulido, who wears #2 on the women's team. The Connecticut women are so good they are contributing to victories by the men's team!)
Cincinnati's Troy Caupain was outstanding (37 points in a ridiculous 56 minutes), the Connecticut duo of Adams (22 points, 8-for-16 FG) and Daniel Hamilton (32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists with only one turnover in 55 minutes) were fantastic. So many big shots and defensive stops. It was a pleasure to watch & easily the best of our first 173 games.
March 11 at Amway Center in Orlando, FL
ESPN
Not too often do I find myself agreeing with something Mike Patrick says. I don't have anything against him as an announcer, just never remember saying "you know what, Mike Patrick just might have something there!"
But at some point during the third overtime of this ridiculous, four-OT classic won by Connecticut 104-97, Patrick said "this has been special."
You know what, Mike Patrick just might have something there!
Just the end of the third overtime by itself would've made this game extremely memorable: Cincinnati snaps a tie with an Octavius Ellis offensive rebound kick out to Kevin Johnson for a go-ahead 3-pointer with .8 seconds left, then Jalen Adams banked in an absurd, running three from about 60 feet to send it to the fourth OT.
(Real quick - was just double-checking some things on the play-by-play and Cincinnati's web site has instead of Adams (jersey #2) hitting the 3-pointer it's Briana Pulido, who wears #2 on the women's team. The Connecticut women are so good they are contributing to victories by the men's team!)
Cincinnati's Troy Caupain was outstanding (37 points in a ridiculous 56 minutes), the Connecticut duo of Adams (22 points, 8-for-16 FG) and Daniel Hamilton (32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists with only one turnover in 55 minutes) were fantastic. So many big shots and defensive stops. It was a pleasure to watch & easily the best of our first 173 games.
Game 172 - (8) Michigan vs. (1) Indiana
Big 10 quarterfinals
March 11 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN
It must be at any point in the Earth's history because Indiana lost early in the Big 10 Tournament.
Kameron Chatman drained a 3-pointer in the corner with .2 seconds left and Michigan stunned the top-seed Hoosiers 72-69.
Chatman's three was the 18th and final lead change (also 11 ties) in a back-and-forth game that may have put Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Indiana's league tournament woes continue as the loss dropped them to 11-19 all-time in the event and just 4-10 in the last 10 tournaments.
* Derrick Walton picked up his 12th assist on Chatman's shot, which set the single-game tournament record.
* Let's get a few quick Basketball Phrases:
"Help side fundamentals/random nonsense"
"Bracketology"
"Sit at the big boy table"
"Stretch five"
"Screen the screener"
"Use it or lose it timeout"
"Elephant in the room"
"Glue players"
March 11 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
ESPN
It must be at any point in the Earth's history because Indiana lost early in the Big 10 Tournament.
Kameron Chatman drained a 3-pointer in the corner with .2 seconds left and Michigan stunned the top-seed Hoosiers 72-69.
Chatman's three was the 18th and final lead change (also 11 ties) in a back-and-forth game that may have put Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Indiana's league tournament woes continue as the loss dropped them to 11-19 all-time in the event and just 4-10 in the last 10 tournaments.
* Derrick Walton picked up his 12th assist on Chatman's shot, which set the single-game tournament record.
* Let's get a few quick Basketball Phrases:
"Help side fundamentals/random nonsense"
"Bracketology"
"Sit at the big boy table"
"Stretch five"
"Screen the screener"
"Use it or lose it timeout"
"Elephant in the room"
"Glue players"
Game 171 - (6) Georgia State vs. (7) Texas State
Sun Belt first round
March 10 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA
espn3.com
March 10 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA
espn3.com
Game 170 - (10) Georgia Tech vs. (2) Virginia
ACC quarterfinals
March 10 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
March 10 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
Games 168-169: MAC doubleheader
MAC quarterfinals
169 - (12) Bowling Green vs. (4) Central Michigan
168 - (8) Eastern Michigan vs. (1) Akron
March 10 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
espn3.com
One of my favorite parts of this pair of MAC games - won by Akron and Bowling Green by a combined five points - was the sponsor: visitmyrtlebeach.com.
168 - (8) Eastern Michigan vs. (1) Akron
March 10 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
espn3.com
One of my favorite parts of this pair of MAC games - won by Akron and Bowling Green by a combined five points - was the sponsor: visitmyrtlebeach.com.
Game 167 - (11) Florida State vs. (6) Virginia Tech
ACC second round
March 9 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
Dan Shulman is one of the top play-by-play men around and Jay Bilas just knows a ton of basketball.
But I still had to count some of the silly things they said during this 96-85 Virginia Tech win. Let's take a look:
"Activity level" - said four times
"Paint touch(es)" - (7)
"Leaking out" - (2)
"Body seeking" - (1)
"Bouncy" - (1)
"Energy" - (6)
March 9 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
Dan Shulman is one of the top play-by-play men around and Jay Bilas just knows a ton of basketball.
But I still had to count some of the silly things they said during this 96-85 Virginia Tech win. Let's take a look:
"Activity level" - said four times
"Paint touch(es)" - (7)
"Leaking out" - (2)
"Body seeking" - (1)
"Bouncy" - (1)
"Energy" - (6)
Games 165-166 - Early afternoon hoops
166 - (7) Florida A&M women vs. (2) North Carolina A&T
MEAC quarterfinals
March 9 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
espn3.com
165 - (9) Syracuse vs. (8) Pittsburgh
ACC second round
March 9 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
MEAC quarterfinals
March 9 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
espn3.com
165 - (9) Syracuse vs. (8) Pittsburgh
ACC second round
March 9 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
Game 164 - (7) Cal State Northridge women vs. (6) Cal Poly
Big West first round
March 8 at Bren Events Center in Irvine, CA
espn3.com
Conference tournament season has brought out the best in the Scoochie Smith All Stars. Seems like we add at least one new member each day.
Please welcome Cal Poly freshman guard Breezi Holt.
March 8 at Bren Events Center in Irvine, CA
espn3.com
Conference tournament season has brought out the best in the Scoochie Smith All Stars. Seems like we add at least one new member each day.
Please welcome Cal Poly freshman guard Breezi Holt.
Game 163 - (2) Fairleigh Dickinson at (1) Wagner
Northeast championship
March 8 at Spiro Sports Center in Staten Island, NY
ESPN
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Fairleigh Dickinson freshman guard Stephan Jiggetts
The team
March 8 at Spiro Sports Center in Staten Island, NY
ESPN
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Fairleigh Dickinson freshman guard Stephan Jiggetts
The team
Game 162 - (13) Wake Forest vs. (12) N.C. State
ACC first round
March 8 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
It was nice to go from Musberger/Fraschilla to real announcers just a few short hours later.
Doris Burke is one of ESPN's best analysts and Sean McDonough is a really good play-by-play man and has been for a long time.
Let's do a comparision to see which DUO comes out on top:
Category No. 1: actually are good announcers
Burke/McDonough (1-0)
2: provide information/analysis instead of old anecdotes/cliches & high school/prep school-name-dropping
Burke/McDonough (up 2-0)
3: actual sense of humor
Burke/McDonough (3-0)
4: mentions gambling and/or point spreads during broadcasts
Musberger/Fraschilla (3-1)
5: not sexist
Burke/McDonough (4-1)
"Well you know, the total was 157!"
- fake Brent Musberger quote
March 8 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
ESPN
It was nice to go from Musberger/Fraschilla to real announcers just a few short hours later.
Doris Burke is one of ESPN's best analysts and Sean McDonough is a really good play-by-play man and has been for a long time.
Let's do a comparision to see which DUO comes out on top:
Category No. 1: actually are good announcers
Burke/McDonough (1-0)
2: provide information/analysis instead of old anecdotes/cliches & high school/prep school-name-dropping
Burke/McDonough (up 2-0)
3: actual sense of humor
Burke/McDonough (3-0)
4: mentions gambling and/or point spreads during broadcasts
Musberger/Fraschilla (3-1)
5: not sexist
Burke/McDonough (4-1)
"Well you know, the total was 157!"
- fake Brent Musberger quote
Game 161 - (3) BYU vs. (2) Gonzaga
West Coast semifinals
March 7 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV
ESPN
About midway through the first half, play-by-play old man Brent Musberger started talking about how BYU's Kyle Collinsworth learned fluent Russian. Right after the 'n' in Russian is when the idiocy began.
Fran Fraschilla, are you available for (a stupid) comment?
"Well, you know the saying - if you know three languages, you're trilingual, if you know two languages, you're bilingual and if you know one, you're American."
Idiot Brent Musberger (new full legal name): "ain't that the truth."
It's hard to find the words to respond.
Hang on, let me look again
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP.
Now, I know that response was only in one language and I am (American), but Musberger pulled off a rare/historic feat with this exchange. He managed to make the response even stupider than the original statement. I didn't think that was possible.
Also:
I would bet my Fran Fraschilla Coaching Clinic - June 8, 1992 - VHS (retail value: 7 popcorn kernels) there are at least several million people in this country who can speak more than one language. And let's not forget the millions of people here from other countries who have no doubt LEARNED ENGLISH.
IDIOT UPDATE
Musberger strikes yet again in the second half. When talking about watching Jennifer Azzi coach the San Francisco women's team into the WCC final:
"And she did a great job, Fran. It was a boy's coaching job."
And that's when you put the mute on and get rid of these sexist (Musberger), ignorant old men.
March 7 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV
ESPN
About midway through the first half, play-by-play old man Brent Musberger started talking about how BYU's Kyle Collinsworth learned fluent Russian. Right after the 'n' in Russian is when the idiocy began.
Fran Fraschilla, are you available for (a stupid) comment?
"Well, you know the saying - if you know three languages, you're trilingual, if you know two languages, you're bilingual and if you know one, you're American."
Idiot Brent Musberger (new full legal name): "ain't that the truth."
It's hard to find the words to respond.
Hang on, let me look again
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP.
Now, I know that response was only in one language and I am (American), but Musberger pulled off a rare/historic feat with this exchange. He managed to make the response even stupider than the original statement. I didn't think that was possible.
Also:
I would bet my Fran Fraschilla Coaching Clinic - June 8, 1992 - VHS (retail value: 7 popcorn kernels) there are at least several million people in this country who can speak more than one language. And let's not forget the millions of people here from other countries who have no doubt LEARNED ENGLISH.
IDIOT UPDATE
Musberger strikes yet again in the second half. When talking about watching Jennifer Azzi coach the San Francisco women's team into the WCC final:
"And she did a great job, Fran. It was a boy's coaching job."
And that's when you put the mute on and get rid of these sexist (Musberger), ignorant old men.
Game 160 - (2) East Tennessee State vs. (1) Chattanooga
Southern championship
March 7 at U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, NC
ESPN
March 7 at U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, NC
ESPN
Game 159 - (13) Norfolk State women vs. (4) Coppin State
MEAC first round
March 7 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
espn3.com
Just a few basketball phrases/weirdness from color commentator Christy Winters Scott:
"She's done a really good job of being consistent with her team"
"Pick and slip"
"Head on a swivel"
"They're coming into this tournament thinking three things: grit, grind and defense"
"Playing not to lose"
"High post presence"
And finally -
"It was a perfectly-timed pass, just not the correct pass to make"
Pardon?
March 7 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
espn3.com
Just a few basketball phrases/weirdness from color commentator Christy Winters Scott:
"She's done a really good job of being consistent with her team"
"Pick and slip"
"Head on a swivel"
"They're coming into this tournament thinking three things: grit, grind and defense"
"Playing not to lose"
"High post presence"
And finally -
"It was a perfectly-timed pass, just not the correct pass to make"
Pardon?
Games 157-158: Getting closer
158 - (3) Siena vs. (2) Iona
157 - (5) Fairfield vs. (1) Monmouth
MAAC semifinals
March 6 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY
ESPN
I think my favorite part of watching the MAAC Tournament has been the I LOVE NY commercials.
Twice the New York Islanders are shown playing hockey and each highlight they're being scored on.
It's just wonderful stuff.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
What the all stars lacked was a coach. Now they've got one in Monmouth's King Rice
157 - (5) Fairfield vs. (1) Monmouth
MAAC semifinals
March 6 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY
ESPN
I think my favorite part of watching the MAAC Tournament has been the I LOVE NY commercials.
Twice the New York Islanders are shown playing hockey and each highlight they're being scored on.
It's just wonderful stuff.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
What the all stars lacked was a coach. Now they've got one in Monmouth's King Rice
Games 155-156 - NCAA bids
156
Big South championship
(4) NC Asheville vs. (2) Winthrop
March 6 at Gore Arena in Buies Creek, NC
ESPN
155
Southern championship
(2) Mercer women vs. (1) Chattanooga (2)
March 6 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPN
Big South championship
(4) NC Asheville vs. (2) Winthrop
March 6 at Gore Arena in Buies Creek, NC
ESPN
155
Southern championship
(2) Mercer women vs. (1) Chattanooga (2)
March 6 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPN
Game 154 - (7) Portland vs. (2) Gonzaga
West Coast quarterfinals
March 5 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV
ESPN
March 5 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV
ESPN
Game 153 - (8) Austin Peay vs. (2) UT-Martin
Ohio Valley championship
March 5 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPN
That's about as impressive as it gets for a lower-seeded team in a conference tournament. No. 8 seed Austin Peay shot 51 percent (16-of-31) from three-point range, including hitting 9-of-14 in the second half, and claimed its fourth tournament victory in as many days, 83-73 to win the OVC title.
Austin Peay, which came into the tournament with a 14-17 record, then defeated the Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 seeds, now heads into the NCAA Tournament as a probable No. 16 seed and possible first-four participant, but also as a very dangerous team.
Freshman Jared Savage hit eight of his 14 three-point attempts to lead the Governors.
March 5 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPN
That's about as impressive as it gets for a lower-seeded team in a conference tournament. No. 8 seed Austin Peay shot 51 percent (16-of-31) from three-point range, including hitting 9-of-14 in the second half, and claimed its fourth tournament victory in as many days, 83-73 to win the OVC title.
Austin Peay, which came into the tournament with a 14-17 record, then defeated the Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 seeds, now heads into the NCAA Tournament as a probable No. 16 seed and possible first-four participant, but also as a very dangerous team.
Freshman Jared Savage hit eight of his 14 three-point attempts to lead the Governors.
Game 152 - Georgia State at Louisiana-Monroe
March 5 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum in Monroe, LA
ESPN
It's not often we get two STATS WE DON'T NEED in three days. But look at what we have HERE:
And we've also obtained an exclusive photo from this one, a 91-78 Louisiana-Monroe victory:
ESPN
It's not often we get two STATS WE DON'T NEED in three days. But look at what we have HERE:
And we've also obtained an exclusive photo from this one, a 91-78 Louisiana-Monroe victory:
Game 151 - (4) Eastern Kentucky women vs. (2) Belmont
Ohio Valley championship
March 5 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
OVC Digital Network
Old(er?erer? how old is a computer when it's considered 'old'?) computer, so sometimes during online STREAMING the screen freezes. It's a megahurtz problem; I'm sure of it.
Anyway, the game froze for the 11th time with a couple minutes left, so: hugs!
I'm really, really enjoying the assistant coach to the left of the almost-hug. He looks like he was cut and pasted from the other bench.
March 5 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
OVC Digital Network
Old(er?erer? how old is a computer when it's considered 'old'?) computer, so sometimes during online STREAMING the screen freezes. It's a megahurtz problem; I'm sure of it.
Anyway, the game froze for the 11th time with a couple minutes left, so: hugs!
I'm really, really enjoying the assistant coach to the left of the almost-hug. He looks like he was cut and pasted from the other bench.
Game 150 - (3) Morehead State vs. (2) UT-Martin
Ohio Valley semifinals
March 4 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPNU
This Ohio Valley Tournament is what makes college basketball, and in particular this part of the college basketball season, so fantastic.
With UT-Martin's 83-70 victory, the Skyhawks are in the OVC final for the first time in the program's Division 1 history. That's a history that began in 1992 and before coach Heath Schroyer arrived last season, there had only been three winning seasons. Shroyer is 2-for-2 in that department and UT-Martin can go its first-ever NCAA Tournament with a win in Saturday's final.
As for the other finalist, Austin Peay won a thriller, 97-96 in overtime over top seed Belmont.
The Governors, 14-17 coming into the tournament (now 17-17), are the first No. 8 seed to advance to the OVC title game. The Clarksville, Tennessee school is trying to reach the NCAAs for the first time since 2007-2008.
Now, to the nonsense
Rick Hollenberg and Mark Adams are enthusiastic announcers who both seem to love not just the sport of basketball, but in particular college basketball, especially Adams. I love that in an announcing team.
They also are prone to silliness.
* Adams said "the miracle on Martin" six different times, but thankfully only once said "he was a manimal!"
* Hollenberg: "Cinderella lives in Nash Vegas!"
I don't have any idea what/where Nash Vegas means/is.
March 4 at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN
ESPNU
This Ohio Valley Tournament is what makes college basketball, and in particular this part of the college basketball season, so fantastic.
With UT-Martin's 83-70 victory, the Skyhawks are in the OVC final for the first time in the program's Division 1 history. That's a history that began in 1992 and before coach Heath Schroyer arrived last season, there had only been three winning seasons. Shroyer is 2-for-2 in that department and UT-Martin can go its first-ever NCAA Tournament with a win in Saturday's final.
As for the other finalist, Austin Peay won a thriller, 97-96 in overtime over top seed Belmont.
The Governors, 14-17 coming into the tournament (now 17-17), are the first No. 8 seed to advance to the OVC title game. The Clarksville, Tennessee school is trying to reach the NCAAs for the first time since 2007-2008.
Now, to the nonsense
Rick Hollenberg and Mark Adams are enthusiastic announcers who both seem to love not just the sport of basketball, but in particular college basketball, especially Adams. I love that in an announcing team.
They also are prone to silliness.
* Adams said "the miracle on Martin" six different times, but thankfully only once said "he was a manimal!"
* Hollenberg: "Cinderella lives in Nash Vegas!"
I don't have any idea what/where Nash Vegas means/is.
Game 149 - (8) Rider vs. (1) Monmouth
MAAC quarterfinals
March 4 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY
espn3.com
March 4 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY
espn3.com
Game 148 - (8) Longwood vs. (1) High Point
Big South quarterfinals
March 4 at Gore Arena in Buies Creek, NC
espn3.com
High Point had a truly unique situation coming into the Big South Tournament. The Panthers have been either the No. 2 seed (2015) or top seed (2013, 2014, 2016) the last four years, yet hadn't won a tournament game since February, 2012.
Also: the Panthers lost the league's player of the year, John Brown, to an injury before the tournament began, THEN lost second-leading scorer Adam Weary to a leg injury a few minutes into Friday's game.
Despite being a top seed and expected to advance past a No. 8 seed, the 89-78 victory was a big one for High Point. Of course, color commentator Ralph Patterson said "that big elephant's off their backs," so it wasn't a perfect day.
More confusing animal talk from Patterson: "his teammates call him the billy goat because he's so tough inside."
* I've got to also mention that this "madness" madness has got to end. Before tip-off, play-by-play man Evan Lepler said "they call it 'Creek Madness'".
March Madness, Arch Madness, Midnight Madness, Motor City Madness, Music City Madness, Creek Madness
March 4 at Gore Arena in Buies Creek, NC
espn3.com
High Point had a truly unique situation coming into the Big South Tournament. The Panthers have been either the No. 2 seed (2015) or top seed (2013, 2014, 2016) the last four years, yet hadn't won a tournament game since February, 2012.
Also: the Panthers lost the league's player of the year, John Brown, to an injury before the tournament began, THEN lost second-leading scorer Adam Weary to a leg injury a few minutes into Friday's game.
Despite being a top seed and expected to advance past a No. 8 seed, the 89-78 victory was a big one for High Point. Of course, color commentator Ralph Patterson said "that big elephant's off their backs," so it wasn't a perfect day.
More confusing animal talk from Patterson: "his teammates call him the billy goat because he's so tough inside."
* I've got to also mention that this "madness" madness has got to end. Before tip-off, play-by-play man Evan Lepler said "they call it 'Creek Madness'".
March Madness, Arch Madness, Midnight Madness, Motor City Madness, Music City Madness, Creek Madness
Game 147 - (10) Drake vs. (7) Missouri State
Missouri Valley first round
March 3 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
Fox Sports
"Confidence is contagious, so is shooting!"
March 3 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO
Fox Sports
"Confidence is contagious, so is shooting!"
Game 146 - (4) Florida Gulf Coast at (1) North Florida
Atlantic Sun semifinals
March 3 at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, FL
ESPN
STATS WE DON'T NEED
March 3 at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, FL
ESPN
STATS WE DON'T NEED
Game 145 - (8) UNC Greensboro women vs. (1) Mercer
Southern Conference quarterfinals
March 3 at U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, NC
espn3.com
After an 11-0 run to start the game and a 21-16 lead after one quarter, UNC Greensboro looked ready to pull a huge upset.
But there's a reason the Spartans didn't win after December 31 and dropped their final 15 games as Mercer out-scored the No. 8 seed 24-4 in the second and cruised to a 75-53 victory.
A handful of reasons why Mercer, trying to win a conference title for the first time since 1992, rolled into the semis:
* The Bears' bench out-scored UNCG's 36-3.
* Sydni Means was outstanding for the Bears, providing 10 points, eight assists and six steals.
* Lucy Mason led the league in scoring during the regular season and is UNCG's all-time leading scorer, but the senior guard was held to 13 points on just 4-of-12 shooting.
* Kahlia Lawrence, who was second in scoring, was held to nine points on 3-of-13 shooting, yet the Bears still won by 22.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
We finish up with a pair of new all stars in Shon Kitchens from Mercer and UNCG's Jazmine Missouri.
March 3 at U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, NC
espn3.com
After an 11-0 run to start the game and a 21-16 lead after one quarter, UNC Greensboro looked ready to pull a huge upset.
But there's a reason the Spartans didn't win after December 31 and dropped their final 15 games as Mercer out-scored the No. 8 seed 24-4 in the second and cruised to a 75-53 victory.
A handful of reasons why Mercer, trying to win a conference title for the first time since 1992, rolled into the semis:
* The Bears' bench out-scored UNCG's 36-3.
* Sydni Means was outstanding for the Bears, providing 10 points, eight assists and six steals.
* Lucy Mason led the league in scoring during the regular season and is UNCG's all-time leading scorer, but the senior guard was held to 13 points on just 4-of-12 shooting.
* Kahlia Lawrence, who was second in scoring, was held to nine points on 3-of-13 shooting, yet the Bears still won by 22.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
We finish up with a pair of new all stars in Shon Kitchens from Mercer and UNCG's Jazmine Missouri.
Game 144 - Arkansas at Alabama
March 2 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL
SEC Network
We spent an evening listening to Joe Dean Jr. in early-February and he was back Wednesday in Arkansas' 62-61 win.
Joe?
"He uses the banking board!"
"Sluffing off!"
(Banking board?)
(Sluffing?)
3-pointer goes in: "Playing a little string music!"
and
"Avery Johnson a former NBA star."
NO.
Ball stuck in between the backboard and the rim, part 3!
* Now including slightly-amused guy in bottom, right corner!
SEC Network
We spent an evening listening to Joe Dean Jr. in early-February and he was back Wednesday in Arkansas' 62-61 win.
Joe?
"He uses the banking board!"
"Sluffing off!"
(Banking board?)
(Sluffing?)
3-pointer goes in: "Playing a little string music!"
and
"Avery Johnson a former NBA star."
NO.
Ball stuck in between the backboard and the rim, part 3!
* Now including slightly-amused guy in bottom, right corner!
Game 143 - (13) LSU women vs. (12) Alabama
SEC first round
March 2 at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL
SEC Network
March 2 at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL
SEC Network
Game 142 - (6) Lipscomb at (3) Jacksonville
Atlantic Sun Conference quarterfinals
March 1 at Swisher Gymnasium in Jacksonville, FL
espn3.com
What a quarterfinal round for two of the three lowest seeds in the A Sun Tournament as Lipscomb got a career-high 35 points from J.C. Hampton and won 92-89 in overtime just minutes after No. 7 seed Stetson finished off its upset of second-seeded NJIT.
This tournament seems to have opened up nicely for top seed and defending champion North Florida.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
It's taken nearly the entire season, but we were finally able to add Lipscomb's Eli Pepper to the team.
Pepper was a huge reason why the Bison were able to pull off the upset. The freshman forward took a charge with two seconds left in regulation (it was really close and could've been a block, which would've meant a go-ahead basket + a free throw for Josh Adeyeye & the Dolphins) that sent the game into overtime. Then Pepper, who scored 15 points, converted a lay-up with 1:22 to go in the extra session that put the visitors up for good.
March 1 at Swisher Gymnasium in Jacksonville, FL
espn3.com
What a quarterfinal round for two of the three lowest seeds in the A Sun Tournament as Lipscomb got a career-high 35 points from J.C. Hampton and won 92-89 in overtime just minutes after No. 7 seed Stetson finished off its upset of second-seeded NJIT.
This tournament seems to have opened up nicely for top seed and defending champion North Florida.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
It's taken nearly the entire season, but we were finally able to add Lipscomb's Eli Pepper to the team.
Pepper was a huge reason why the Bison were able to pull off the upset. The freshman forward took a charge with two seconds left in regulation (it was really close and could've been a block, which would've meant a go-ahead basket + a free throw for Josh Adeyeye & the Dolphins) that sent the game into overtime. Then Pepper, who scored 15 points, converted a lay-up with 1:22 to go in the extra session that put the visitors up for good.
Game 141 - (7) Stetson at (2) NJIT
Atlantic Sun Conference quarterfinals
March 1 at Fleisher Athletic Center in Newark, NJ
espn3.com
The finest month of the sporting year tipped off on Tuesday night as freshman Derick Newton was outstanding (28 points on 10-of-12 shooting, 11 rebounds) and Divine Myles added 21 points as Stetson pulled a huge upset, 82-67.
I'll argue with anyone at Happy China Buffet ($6.95 lunch buffet, Monday-Friday) that the NCAA Tournament is by far our country's greatest sporting event, but nearly as enjoyable and exciting is the two weeks of conference tournaments. I love four-game days, brackets, upsets, small conference championship games, the moment you turn on an ACC semifinal game and realize that, yes, that is still Dick Vitale. And Clemson somehow.
Everything that is good about sports is on display during these league tournaments.
And as much as I love watching the national championship game each year, it's also a sad day because I then have to wait seven months for college basketball and almost 11 for a conference tournament game.
But that doesn't matter now. What matters is the 11-21 Hatters won their first A Sun tournament game since 2013.
Is Hatters the best nickname in college athletics?
* One, final thing. Play-by-play man Matt Provence said "the Highlanders the last few games with more charges than American Express" so we can't let him get away with that.
March 1 at Fleisher Athletic Center in Newark, NJ
espn3.com
The finest month of the sporting year tipped off on Tuesday night as freshman Derick Newton was outstanding (28 points on 10-of-12 shooting, 11 rebounds) and Divine Myles added 21 points as Stetson pulled a huge upset, 82-67.
I'll argue with anyone at Happy China Buffet ($6.95 lunch buffet, Monday-Friday) that the NCAA Tournament is by far our country's greatest sporting event, but nearly as enjoyable and exciting is the two weeks of conference tournaments. I love four-game days, brackets, upsets, small conference championship games, the moment you turn on an ACC semifinal game and realize that, yes, that is still Dick Vitale. And Clemson somehow.
Everything that is good about sports is on display during these league tournaments.
And as much as I love watching the national championship game each year, it's also a sad day because I then have to wait seven months for college basketball and almost 11 for a conference tournament game.
But that doesn't matter now. What matters is the 11-21 Hatters won their first A Sun tournament game since 2013.
Is Hatters the best nickname in college athletics?
* One, final thing. Play-by-play man Matt Provence said "the Highlanders the last few games with more charges than American Express" so we can't let him get away with that.
Game 139 - Valparaiso at Green Bay
February 28 at Resch Center in Green Bay, WI
espn3.com
In one of the tightest games we've seen at 200 Game Season, Horizon League regular season champion Valparaiso escaped with a 70-68 victory.
There were 14 ties and an amazing 23 lead changes, four of which came in the final three minutes:
* Green Bay, who I think as a No. 4 seed has a chance to go on a bit of a run in the Horizon Tournament, got a three-point play from Jordan Fouse with 1:04 left.
* Alec Peters was fantastic for the visitors (25 points, 15 rebounds in 37 minutes) & he hit his last bucket with 44.2 seconds left, then Jamar Hurdle's lay-up 24 seconds later put Green Bay back up 68-67.
* The last lead change came on a top of the key 3-pointer from Shane Hammink with 2.2 seconds left.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
E. Victor Nickerson, redshirt senior forward, Valparaiso (new co-captain)
espn3.com
In one of the tightest games we've seen at 200 Game Season, Horizon League regular season champion Valparaiso escaped with a 70-68 victory.
There were 14 ties and an amazing 23 lead changes, four of which came in the final three minutes:
* Green Bay, who I think as a No. 4 seed has a chance to go on a bit of a run in the Horizon Tournament, got a three-point play from Jordan Fouse with 1:04 left.
* Alec Peters was fantastic for the visitors (25 points, 15 rebounds in 37 minutes) & he hit his last bucket with 44.2 seconds left, then Jamar Hurdle's lay-up 24 seconds later put Green Bay back up 68-67.
* The last lead change came on a top of the key 3-pointer from Shane Hammink with 2.2 seconds left.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
E. Victor Nickerson, redshirt senior forward, Valparaiso (new co-captain)
Game 138 - Appalachian State at Georgia State
February 27 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
espn3.com
espn3.com
Game 137 - Niagara at Canisius
February 25 at Koessler Athletic Center in Buffalo, NY
espn3.com
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Canisius junior guard Kiefer Douse, welcome.
espn3.com
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Canisius junior guard Kiefer Douse, welcome.
Game 136 - Villanova at Xavier
February 24 at Cintas Center in Cincinnati, OH
Fox Sports 1
Information we don't need
Josh Hart - Villanova
Food I hate: mashed potatoes
Fox Sports 1
Information we don't need
Josh Hart - Villanova
Food I hate: mashed potatoes
Game 135 - Virginia at Miami (Fla.)
February 22 at BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, FL
ESPN
Many years ago, I took the green pill with the hippo on it and ever since I've avoided every single minute of every single halftime show. But I still occasionally get the back-from-commercial stuff & Monday I finally figured out what "Joey Brackets" means.
And that also gives us a nice list of nonsense:
1. Joe Lunardi is a "bracketologist"
2. Again, his nickname, which I think he might've given himself (?) is "Joey Brackets"
3. Just before halftime of this 64-61 Miami win, Lunardi said "we're in the bracket bunker again."
Let's quickly move on.
* Of the college analysts I've heard on ESPN, Doris Burke is one the better ones. But Doris isn't immune to the occasional "dribble drive" or this:
"If you're Miami, you want the lead going down the stretch of this one."
Thanks, Doris!
ESPN
Many years ago, I took the green pill with the hippo on it and ever since I've avoided every single minute of every single halftime show. But I still occasionally get the back-from-commercial stuff & Monday I finally figured out what "Joey Brackets" means.
And that also gives us a nice list of nonsense:
1. Joe Lunardi is a "bracketologist"
2. Again, his nickname, which I think he might've given himself (?) is "Joey Brackets"
3. Just before halftime of this 64-61 Miami win, Lunardi said "we're in the bracket bunker again."
Let's quickly move on.
* Of the college analysts I've heard on ESPN, Doris Burke is one the better ones. But Doris isn't immune to the occasional "dribble drive" or this:
"If you're Miami, you want the lead going down the stretch of this one."
Thanks, Doris!
Game 134 - California at Washington State
February 21 at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, WA
ESPNU
Sometimes you just have to turn the announcers off and instead listen to a bunch of music.
We'd done it a number of times at the baseball site, but Sunday night's 80-62 California win was our first 200 Game Season Mute Mix.
Listened to selections from the following albums:
First half
Royal Philharmonic - Beethoven Symphony No. 6
David Bowie - Let's Dance
Willie Nelson - Stardust
Dave Matthews Band - live at Yoshi's, 5/10/95
Bangles - Different Light
Alfredo Rolando Ortiz - Harp for Quiet Moments
2nd half
Prince - 1999
The Byrds - Free Flyte
Paul Simon - Graceland
Markevitch Lamoureux Orchestra - Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Deep Purple - Fireball
Rolling Stones - Aftermath
Rush - Signals
ESPNU
Sometimes you just have to turn the announcers off and instead listen to a bunch of music.
We'd done it a number of times at the baseball site, but Sunday night's 80-62 California win was our first 200 Game Season Mute Mix.
Listened to selections from the following albums:
First half
Royal Philharmonic - Beethoven Symphony No. 6
David Bowie - Let's Dance
Willie Nelson - Stardust
Dave Matthews Band - live at Yoshi's, 5/10/95
Bangles - Different Light
Alfredo Rolando Ortiz - Harp for Quiet Moments
2nd half
Prince - 1999
The Byrds - Free Flyte
Paul Simon - Graceland
Markevitch Lamoureux Orchestra - Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Deep Purple - Fireball
Rolling Stones - Aftermath
Rush - Signals
Game 132 - Arkansas State at Georgia State
February 20 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
It has not been a good month of February for the defending Sun Belt tournament champions, but Georgia State put an end to a four-game losing streak with a 69-61 victory.
Great second half for the Panthers, now 14-11 and 7-9 in league play. Not only did GSU shoot 55 percent (17-of-31), but held ASU to 30 percent (8-for-26) over the final 20 minutes.
Defense hasn't been a problem for GSU - they're tied with two others for 19th nationally in scoring defense (64.1) and top-35 in field goal percentage defense (40%). Offense, on the other hand, has been a big problem (bottom 30 in scoring average).
Saturday was a bit better, thanks in large part to guard Isaiah Williams. The redshirt-sophomore was excellent, scoring 17 points, handing out six assists (with just one turnover) and adding three steals off the bench, and along with Jeremy Hollowell (18 points, 7-of-13) was a big reason why the losing spell finally ended.
The win also evened the season series for the Panthers after a nauseating, overtime loss in Jonesboro in late-January.
It has not been a good month of February for the defending Sun Belt tournament champions, but Georgia State put an end to a four-game losing streak with a 69-61 victory.
Great second half for the Panthers, now 14-11 and 7-9 in league play. Not only did GSU shoot 55 percent (17-of-31), but held ASU to 30 percent (8-for-26) over the final 20 minutes.
Defense hasn't been a problem for GSU - they're tied with two others for 19th nationally in scoring defense (64.1) and top-35 in field goal percentage defense (40%). Offense, on the other hand, has been a big problem (bottom 30 in scoring average).
Saturday was a bit better, thanks in large part to guard Isaiah Williams. The redshirt-sophomore was excellent, scoring 17 points, handing out six assists (with just one turnover) and adding three steals off the bench, and along with Jeremy Hollowell (18 points, 7-of-13) was a big reason why the losing spell finally ended.
The win also evened the season series for the Panthers after a nauseating, overtime loss in Jonesboro in late-January.
Game 131 - Arkansas State women at Georgia State
February 20 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
Arkansas State is an impressive team and the Red Wolves rolled to their 16th consecutive win on Saturday.
Sun Belt Conference preseason player of the year Aundrea Gamble had 31 points (three short of a career high) and 11 assists (tied career high) as the visitors from Jonesboro moved to 16-0 league play.
Gamble is about to add a postseason POY honor to that resume and the Red Wolves, now 22-3 overall and with a margin of victory in Sun Belt play of nearly 17 points, haven't lost since last December 21.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Our newest member is Arkansas State sophomore forward Ogo Obinabo.
Arkansas State is an impressive team and the Red Wolves rolled to their 16th consecutive win on Saturday.
Sun Belt Conference preseason player of the year Aundrea Gamble had 31 points (three short of a career high) and 11 assists (tied career high) as the visitors from Jonesboro moved to 16-0 league play.
Gamble is about to add a postseason POY honor to that resume and the Red Wolves, now 22-3 overall and with a margin of victory in Sun Belt play of nearly 17 points, haven't lost since last December 21.
Scoochie Smith All Stars
Our newest member is Arkansas State sophomore forward Ogo Obinabo.
Game 130 - Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder
February 19 at Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City, OK
ESPN
Let's play a quick game of Fun With ESPN Graphics.
Lookin' good, '85 Bears!
ESPN
Let's play a quick game of Fun With ESPN Graphics.
Lookin' good, '85 Bears!
Game 128 - Rockdale HS boys vs. Pebblebrook HS
February 17 at Kay Jackson Gymnasium in Mableton, GA
Pretty simple formula for Pebblebrook:
1. Run the offense and defense through your three Division 1 players
2. Move on to the next round
Auburn signee Jared Harper led the way for the Falcons, scoring 21 points in the 78-61 win.
I covered Harper one summer on the AAU circuit
** PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM 200 GAME SEASON **
Don't join/follow/cover the AAU circuit. Run!
Run!
when he was in fifth grade and not again until Wednesday night. Harper was a phenomenal player when he was 11 and nothing has changed.
Collin Sexton, an unsigned junior who has a number of SEC offers, scored a game-high 25 points, while Mississippi commitment Jatrious Smith added 15.
Pebblebrook was the state runner-up in Class AAAAAA a year ago, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Cobb County, GA school made a return trip next month.
Pretty simple formula for Pebblebrook:
1. Run the offense and defense through your three Division 1 players
2. Move on to the next round
Auburn signee Jared Harper led the way for the Falcons, scoring 21 points in the 78-61 win.
I covered Harper one summer on the AAU circuit
** PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM 200 GAME SEASON **
Don't join/follow/cover the AAU circuit. Run!
Run!
when he was in fifth grade and not again until Wednesday night. Harper was a phenomenal player when he was 11 and nothing has changed.
Collin Sexton, an unsigned junior who has a number of SEC offers, scored a game-high 25 points, while Mississippi commitment Jatrious Smith added 15.
Pebblebrook was the state runner-up in Class AAAAAA a year ago, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Cobb County, GA school made a return trip next month.
Game 127 - Rockdale HS girls vs. Douglas County
February 16 at Douglas County HS gymnasium in Douglasville, GA
Yes, Georgia Southern signee Amira Atwater (12 assists) and Amari Robinson (27 points) led Douglas County to a 72-51 win in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAAA state playoffs, but more importantly, we got our second ball stuck between the rim and the backboard photo of the month:
Yes, Georgia Southern signee Amira Atwater (12 assists) and Amari Robinson (27 points) led Douglas County to a 72-51 win in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAAA state playoffs, but more importantly, we got our second ball stuck between the rim and the backboard photo of the month:
Game 126 - Oklahoma State at Kansas
February 15 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS
ESPN
We've got to go over a few things from this Kansas 94-67 win. First, a little segment I like to call Please, Please, PLEASE, Calm Down.
(Please)
About 3 1/2 minutes into the game, play-by-play man Brent Musberger said this:
"(Kansas coach Bill) Self up and looking concerned for the first time tonight."
Brent: they've played 3 1/2 minutes.
Please, please, PLEASE, calm down.
* Some other Basketball Phrases/Assorted Nonsense to go over:
- Color commentator Fran Fraschilla: "He's a no-mistake guy." (Just say he doesn't make mistakes. You tried to invent the phrase 'no-mistake guy' and as far as I'm concerned you didn't get away with it.)
- "Joey brackets" was said.
I don't know what that means.
- And I've had enough of the phrases "Tobacco Road", "running through the gauntlet" and "floor burns".
- Kansas has an upcoming game at rival Kansas State. KU is 22-4 and ranked No. 2 in the country, KSU is 14-11 and 3-9 in the Big 12 through Monday's games. Musberger, speaking about Kansas: "they're going to be the favorite (pause), probably...but it's always tough in K-State."
Probably?!
ESPN
We've got to go over a few things from this Kansas 94-67 win. First, a little segment I like to call Please, Please, PLEASE, Calm Down.
(Please)
About 3 1/2 minutes into the game, play-by-play man Brent Musberger said this:
"(Kansas coach Bill) Self up and looking concerned for the first time tonight."
Brent: they've played 3 1/2 minutes.
Please, please, PLEASE, calm down.
* Some other Basketball Phrases/Assorted Nonsense to go over:
- Color commentator Fran Fraschilla: "He's a no-mistake guy." (Just say he doesn't make mistakes. You tried to invent the phrase 'no-mistake guy' and as far as I'm concerned you didn't get away with it.)
- "Joey brackets" was said.
I don't know what that means.
- And I've had enough of the phrases "Tobacco Road", "running through the gauntlet" and "floor burns".
- Kansas has an upcoming game at rival Kansas State. KU is 22-4 and ranked No. 2 in the country, KSU is 14-11 and 3-9 in the Big 12 through Monday's games. Musberger, speaking about Kansas: "they're going to be the favorite (pause), probably...but it's always tough in K-State."
Probably?!
Game 124 - Kent State at Eastern Michigan
February 13 at Convocation Center in Ypsilanti, MI
espn3.com
Color commentator Greg Steiner, where have you been all season?
The man is good at what he does, and what he does is shout nonsense. Let's take a look at his finest moments from Saturday's 75-70 Eastern Michigan win:
"Kent State, give them eight offensive glassers!" (don't say offensive glassers)
"He's their fifth-year bench boss!" (also, don't say bench boss)
"A big swing of events"
"The rim racker!" (I've heard rim 'rocker', but how do you rack a rim?)
"The bucket is as big as the ocean!" (yes, but which ocean, Greg? How big is this bucket?!)
"They're a little razzled!" (razzled?)
espn3.com
Color commentator Greg Steiner, where have you been all season?
The man is good at what he does, and what he does is shout nonsense. Let's take a look at his finest moments from Saturday's 75-70 Eastern Michigan win:
"Kent State, give them eight offensive glassers!" (don't say offensive glassers)
"He's their fifth-year bench boss!" (also, don't say bench boss)
"A big swing of events"
"The rim racker!" (I've heard rim 'rocker', but how do you rack a rim?)
"The bucket is as big as the ocean!" (yes, but which ocean, Greg? How big is this bucket?!)
"They're a little razzled!" (razzled?)
Games 121-123 - Region semifinals
February 12 at Harrison Activity Building in Winder, GA
123 - Salem HS boys vs. Gainesville HS
122 - Flowery Branch HS girls vs. Winder-Barrow HS
121 - Heritage HS boys vs. Cedar Shoals HS
123 - Salem HS boys vs. Gainesville HS
122 - Flowery Branch HS girls vs. Winder-Barrow HS
121 - Heritage HS boys vs. Cedar Shoals HS
Game 120 - San Jose State at UNLV
February 10 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV
espn3.com
UNLV trailed 50-39 about midway through the second half and looked headed for a loss, but the Rebels went up for good on a pair of free throws by Jerome Seagears at the 1:21 mark and escaped with a 64-61 win.
But what's really important is the first edition of What Was That, Blaine Fowler?
Blaine:
"He can throw it down any way but loose!"
* Overall, a great night for Basketball Phrases/general nonsense from both Fowler and play-by-play man Trey Bender:
"Injury bug"
"Glue guy"
"There's a teaching moment"
"Special talent"
"Muscle attitude"
"Sense of urgency" (said five times)
"Recipe for success"
"The bank is open"
"Dog fight"
"Heady play"
"Active feet"
"Heartbreak hotel for UNLV"
espn3.com
UNLV trailed 50-39 about midway through the second half and looked headed for a loss, but the Rebels went up for good on a pair of free throws by Jerome Seagears at the 1:21 mark and escaped with a 64-61 win.
But what's really important is the first edition of What Was That, Blaine Fowler?
Blaine:
"He can throw it down any way but loose!"
* Overall, a great night for Basketball Phrases/general nonsense from both Fowler and play-by-play man Trey Bender:
"Injury bug"
"Glue guy"
"There's a teaching moment"
"Special talent"
"Muscle attitude"
"Sense of urgency" (said five times)
"Recipe for success"
"The bank is open"
"Dog fight"
"Heady play"
"Active feet"
"Heartbreak hotel for UNLV"
Game 118 - Cincinnati at Central Florida
February 9 at CFE Arena in Orlando, FL
ESPN
Some solid nonsense to go over from commentator Mark Wise during this 69-51 Cincinnati win.
Let's take a look at his top 5:
5. "Catch and shoot guys"
4. "A show and go"
3. "He's owning that high rent district"
2. "Straddling the bubble"
1. "From bonus land!" (said four times)
ESPN
Some solid nonsense to go over from commentator Mark Wise during this 69-51 Cincinnati win.
Let's take a look at his top 5:
5. "Catch and shoot guys"
4. "A show and go"
3. "He's owning that high rent district"
2. "Straddling the bubble"
1. "From bonus land!" (said four times)
Game 117 - Salem HS vs. Flowery Branch HS
February 9 at Gainesville HS gymnasium in Gainesville, GA
It certainly looked as though Flowery Branch would pull the upset and keep the No. 2 seed from the state playoffs. The Falcons led 34-23 a couple minutes into the third quarter, but Salem's Brandon Smith scored 16 of his team-high 21 points in the second half and his team survived, 55-51 in the quarterfinals of the Region 8-AAAAA Tournament.
Salem secured a state tournament slot with the win, its fifth such appearance in six seasons.
Smith had to pick up a ton of slack with leading scorer Michael Green suspended for the next two games, and he did just that.
Salem went up for the first time since 2-0 when Marcell Small's put back made it a 41-39 game with six minutes to play. Smith followed with two steals, the last of which he turned into a lay-up, and later he converted an extremely-difficult fade away along the baseline for two more points.
With the game tied at 51-51, Smith hit two free throws with 25 seconds left to put Salem up for good.
Chandler Davis, a Lynchburg College (Virginia) signee in football, added 15 points for the victorious Seminoles.
* Nice night also for Flowery Branch guard John Mills, who scored a game-high 23 points. Over the final 2 1/2 minutes, Mills hit the last of his four 3-pointers and assisted on a long ball from Gabe Holston, which evened things up prior to Smith's free throws.
It certainly looked as though Flowery Branch would pull the upset and keep the No. 2 seed from the state playoffs. The Falcons led 34-23 a couple minutes into the third quarter, but Salem's Brandon Smith scored 16 of his team-high 21 points in the second half and his team survived, 55-51 in the quarterfinals of the Region 8-AAAAA Tournament.
Salem secured a state tournament slot with the win, its fifth such appearance in six seasons.
Smith had to pick up a ton of slack with leading scorer Michael Green suspended for the next two games, and he did just that.
Salem went up for the first time since 2-0 when Marcell Small's put back made it a 41-39 game with six minutes to play. Smith followed with two steals, the last of which he turned into a lay-up, and later he converted an extremely-difficult fade away along the baseline for two more points.
With the game tied at 51-51, Smith hit two free throws with 25 seconds left to put Salem up for good.
Chandler Davis, a Lynchburg College (Virginia) signee in football, added 15 points for the victorious Seminoles.
* Nice night also for Flowery Branch guard John Mills, who scored a game-high 23 points. Over the final 2 1/2 minutes, Mills hit the last of his four 3-pointers and assisted on a long ball from Gabe Holston, which evened things up prior to Smith's free throws.
Game 116 - Albany at Binghamton
February 8 at Events Center in Vestal, NY
espn3.com
A really strong Albany team won its 20th game, 69-56, thanks in large part to a great effort from its bench.
Evan Singletary scored a team-high 19 points as the Albany reserves out-scored Binghamton's 34-7.
Dusan Perovic was great for Binghamton, pouring in a game-high 24 on 7-of-12 shooting, but while Perovic hit 4-of-5 on 3-pointers, his teammates were 1-of-17 from behind the arc. The Bearcats, who lost for the fourth straight time and 15th time in their last 18 games, were also just 20-of-56 from the field.
That's 12 consecutive wins in the series for Albany, which last loss to its America East rival in February, 2010.
espn3.com
A really strong Albany team won its 20th game, 69-56, thanks in large part to a great effort from its bench.
Evan Singletary scored a team-high 19 points as the Albany reserves out-scored Binghamton's 34-7.
Dusan Perovic was great for Binghamton, pouring in a game-high 24 on 7-of-12 shooting, but while Perovic hit 4-of-5 on 3-pointers, his teammates were 1-of-17 from behind the arc. The Bearcats, who lost for the fourth straight time and 15th time in their last 18 games, were also just 20-of-56 from the field.
That's 12 consecutive wins in the series for Albany, which last loss to its America East rival in February, 2010.
Games 114 & 115 - Late night college hoops
114 - Wichita State at Illinois State
February 6 at Redbird Arena in Normal, IL
115 - Gonzaga at Pepperdine
February 6 at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, CA
ESPN
February 6 at Redbird Arena in Normal, IL
115 - Gonzaga at Pepperdine
February 6 at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, CA
ESPN
Game 113 - Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors
February 6 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA
ESPN
New rule: if the teams are still tied after one overtime, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry play one-on-one to....37? (49?) to determine the winner.
Even if it's not a Warriors-Thunder game, Durant & Curry are flown to your city to complete your game.
* Two things, Jeff Van Gundy:
1. When talking about a blocked shot, don't say "the long arm of the law"
2. "I couldn't ball at all!" HAS to be the title of a future Jeff Van Gundy coaching video (VHS only).
ESPN
New rule: if the teams are still tied after one overtime, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry play one-on-one to....37? (49?) to determine the winner.
Even if it's not a Warriors-Thunder game, Durant & Curry are flown to your city to complete your game.
* Two things, Jeff Van Gundy:
1. When talking about a blocked shot, don't say "the long arm of the law"
2. "I couldn't ball at all!" HAS to be the title of a future Jeff Van Gundy coaching video (VHS only).
Game 112 - Furman at Chattanooga
February 6 at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, TN
Put simply, the Scoochie Smith All Stars were not a complete team, functioning as Norman Dale's one single unit until Furman sophomore Geoff Beans walked into our lives.
"Beans is a 'difference-maker' with 'a next-level name'."
- Anonymous name scout, December, 2006
Put simply, the Scoochie Smith All Stars were not a complete team, functioning as Norman Dale's one single unit until Furman sophomore Geoff Beans walked into our lives.
"Beans is a 'difference-maker' with 'a next-level name'."
- Anonymous name scout, December, 2006
Game 111 - Wofford women at Chattanooga
February 6 at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, TN
Wofford came into this Southern Conference matinee last in the league in three-point percentage defense at about 32 percent and the host Mocs were able to exploit that on their way to a 65-48 win.
Chattanooga, now 16-7 and 7-2 in league play, hit 8-of-15 from behind the arc to win its third straight. Redshirt-junior guard Queen Alford knocked down three 3-pointers on her way to a team-high 18 points and Aryanna Gilbert and reserve Sydney Vanlandingham added two each for the Mocs.
1. Edgar Farmer Jr. is in his 12th season as Wofford head coach. After Saturday's loss, he's 97-249 and hasn't yet had a winning season. At 7-16, year 12 isn't going to be his first.
I just don't understand why Farmer is still the coach.
97-249?!
Things clearly aren't working.
Is Edgar Farmer Sr. available?
There's Farmer in the background (arms crossed), still stuck on 97 wins.
2. At one point in the fourth quarter, the ball did that stuck between the backboard and rim thing and hilarity ensued.
I would've preferred playing the rest of the game with the ball stuck in that spot.
Or maybe that becomes a 1/2 point basket in the future - putting an end to the weird rim-backboard-ball relationship with a wicked, wild lay-up attempt!
Wofford came into this Southern Conference matinee last in the league in three-point percentage defense at about 32 percent and the host Mocs were able to exploit that on their way to a 65-48 win.
Chattanooga, now 16-7 and 7-2 in league play, hit 8-of-15 from behind the arc to win its third straight. Redshirt-junior guard Queen Alford knocked down three 3-pointers on her way to a team-high 18 points and Aryanna Gilbert and reserve Sydney Vanlandingham added two each for the Mocs.
1. Edgar Farmer Jr. is in his 12th season as Wofford head coach. After Saturday's loss, he's 97-249 and hasn't yet had a winning season. At 7-16, year 12 isn't going to be his first.
I just don't understand why Farmer is still the coach.
97-249?!
Things clearly aren't working.
Is Edgar Farmer Sr. available?
There's Farmer in the background (arms crossed), still stuck on 97 wins.
2. At one point in the fourth quarter, the ball did that stuck between the backboard and rim thing and hilarity ensued.
I would've preferred playing the rest of the game with the ball stuck in that spot.
Or maybe that becomes a 1/2 point basket in the future - putting an end to the weird rim-backboard-ball relationship with a wicked, wild lay-up attempt!
Game 110 - Harvard at Princeton
February 5 at Jadwin Gymnasium in Princeton, NJ
ESPNU
So much more to this game - an 83-62 Princeton win - than just one sentence about free throw shooting, and yet, I found it to be the best part of my viewing experience.
Mark Wise, are you available for comment?
"It's like a virus....Harvard has a free throw virus!"
* Couple other gems from Mr. Wise (Wisegems ? Nah.):
"He's an absolute basketball magnet"
"At times they can be a crooked shooting group"
!!
ESPNU
So much more to this game - an 83-62 Princeton win - than just one sentence about free throw shooting, and yet, I found it to be the best part of my viewing experience.
Mark Wise, are you available for comment?
"It's like a virus....Harvard has a free throw virus!"
* Couple other gems from Mr. Wise (Wisegems ? Nah.):
"He's an absolute basketball magnet"
"At times they can be a crooked shooting group"
!!
Games 107-109 - GA high school regular season wraps up
107 - Rockdale HS girls at Lakeside-DeKalb
February 4 at Lakeside-DeKalb High School gymnasium in Atlanta, GA
108 (g)-109 (b) - Heritage HS at Salem HS
February 5 at Salem HS gymnasium in Conyers, GA
February 4 at Lakeside-DeKalb High School gymnasium in Atlanta, GA
108 (g)-109 (b) - Heritage HS at Salem HS
February 5 at Salem HS gymnasium in Conyers, GA
Game 106 - Arizona State at Washington
February 3 at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, WA
ESPNU
If your last name is Andrews I just don't understand why you'd do this to your son
ESPNU
If your last name is Andrews I just don't understand why you'd do this to your son
Game 105 - Cal State Northridge at UC Riverside
February 3 at Student Recreation Center in Riverside, CA
espn3
We've got a pair of UC Riverside players who deserve to be Scoochie Smith All Stars in freshman guard Koh Flippin & freshman center Menno Dijkstra.
espn3
We've got a pair of UC Riverside players who deserve to be Scoochie Smith All Stars in freshman guard Koh Flippin & freshman center Menno Dijkstra.
Game 104 - Arkansas at Florida
February 3 at O'Connell Center in Gainesville, FL
SEC Network
A couple pieces of nonsense from commentator Joe Dean Jr. in this 87-83 Gators' win:
1. "You got the Gator ball boy woppin it up."
Woppin?
2. [On a second-half dunk] "And he plays a little stuffarino!"
Joseph!
* We also added a Scoochie Smith All Star in Arkansas junior forward Moses Kingsley.
SEC Network
A couple pieces of nonsense from commentator Joe Dean Jr. in this 87-83 Gators' win:
1. "You got the Gator ball boy woppin it up."
Woppin?
2. [On a second-half dunk] "And he plays a little stuffarino!"
Joseph!
* We also added a Scoochie Smith All Star in Arkansas junior forward Moses Kingsley.
Games 101 & 102 - Newton HS at Lakeside-DeKalb HS
February 2 at Lakeside-DeKalb HS gymnasium in Atlanta, GA
girls - 101
boys - 102
Jaquan Simms and Ashton Hagans are probably the Newton boys' top two players and the duo played like it on Tuesday.
Simms scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter and Hagans, just a freshman, handed out six assists in a 53-38 win. Newton moved to 21-3 overall.
It was just a 35-31 lead for Newton early in the fourth, but Simms scored all 10 of his points and Hagans had a pair of assists during a 12-0 run that effectively put the game away.
Lakeside was the 12th Newton opponent held to 50 points or less.
girls - 101
boys - 102
Jaquan Simms and Ashton Hagans are probably the Newton boys' top two players and the duo played like it on Tuesday.
Simms scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter and Hagans, just a freshman, handed out six assists in a 53-38 win. Newton moved to 21-3 overall.
It was just a 35-31 lead for Newton early in the fourth, but Simms scored all 10 of his points and Hagans had a pair of assists during a 12-0 run that effectively put the game away.
Lakeside was the 12th Newton opponent held to 50 points or less.
Game 99 - N.C. State at Florida State
February 1 at Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee, FL
ESPNU
Let's do a quick "basketball count" for LaPhonso Ellis, who is a solid announcer. He just says the word basketball a lot.
First half - said 7 times
Notable
"Handling the basketball"
"Before he went to shoot the basketball"
Second half - 13
"Knocking that basketball out front"
"Beasley usually takes that basketball right to the rim"
"12 has to touch the basketball"
Total - 20
ESPNU
Let's do a quick "basketball count" for LaPhonso Ellis, who is a solid announcer. He just says the word basketball a lot.
First half - said 7 times
Notable
"Handling the basketball"
"Before he went to shoot the basketball"
Second half - 13
"Knocking that basketball out front"
"Beasley usually takes that basketball right to the rim"
"12 has to touch the basketball"
Total - 20
Game 98 - Quinnipiac at Fairfield
February 1 at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT
espn3
Much like the Valparaisos of the past, I've always had trouble getting "Quinnipiac" right on the first try.
Earlier attempts had produced Qunnipac, Qunnipiac, Quinnipac, Quinipac, Quinipiac, a late-night crayon drawing called "Qwimpack". It was a mess.
But, I finally got it right on the first scribbling Monday night. A truly magical/tender moment for me and my pen (Debra Fanning).
QUINNIPIAC!
* Color commentator Joe DeSantis had a couple things to say.
Joseph?
"They lost 79 percent of their scoring, 70 percent of their rebounding, so it's a little bit of a rebuilding season for Quinnipiac."
A little bit?!
"Last three minutes, you want to be aware of late-game situations. You want to have your best offensive players on the floor and your best defensive players."
Thanks, Joe!
espn3
Much like the Valparaisos of the past, I've always had trouble getting "Quinnipiac" right on the first try.
Earlier attempts had produced Qunnipac, Qunnipiac, Quinnipac, Quinipac, Quinipiac, a late-night crayon drawing called "Qwimpack". It was a mess.
But, I finally got it right on the first scribbling Monday night. A truly magical/tender moment for me and my pen (Debra Fanning).
QUINNIPIAC!
* Color commentator Joe DeSantis had a couple things to say.
Joseph?
"They lost 79 percent of their scoring, 70 percent of their rebounding, so it's a little bit of a rebuilding season for Quinnipiac."
A little bit?!
"Last three minutes, you want to be aware of late-game situations. You want to have your best offensive players on the floor and your best defensive players."
Thanks, Joe!
Game 97 - Georgia Tech at Syracuse
January 30 at Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY
ESPNU
Saturday afternoon always seems like a good time for a nice, long list of basketball phrases/nonsense.
"Mid majors on steroids"
"Athleticism-wise"
"SPECimen"
"Draft boards"
"ACC bracketology"
"Effort plays" (said twice)
"Tournament resumes"
"The landscape of college basketball"
"Energy is contagious"
"He's had young legs today"
"Skill set"
And let's quickly play Thanks, Chris!
Here's commentator Chris Spato on
Post play:
"There's just a lot of meat down there...you get meat going after one another!"
His overall thoughts on basketball:
"Talent has to affect winning."
A Tech possession down two with 50 seconds left:
"This is a huge possession."
[all] Thanks, Chris!
ESPNU
Saturday afternoon always seems like a good time for a nice, long list of basketball phrases/nonsense.
"Mid majors on steroids"
"Athleticism-wise"
"SPECimen"
"Draft boards"
"ACC bracketology"
"Effort plays" (said twice)
"Tournament resumes"
"The landscape of college basketball"
"Energy is contagious"
"He's had young legs today"
"Skill set"
And let's quickly play Thanks, Chris!
Here's commentator Chris Spato on
Post play:
"There's just a lot of meat down there...you get meat going after one another!"
His overall thoughts on basketball:
"Talent has to affect winning."
A Tech possession down two with 50 seconds left:
"This is a huge possession."
[all] Thanks, Chris!
Games 94 & 95 - Rockdale's improbable sweep
Rockdale HS at Newton HS
January 29 at Newton HS gymnasium in Covington, GA
girls - 94
boys - 95
The boys game provided a perfect example of how the 3-pointer can change everything in a basketball game/contest/barnburner.
Rockdale had made just one from long range through the first three quarters and was down double-digits with a quarter to play, but knocked down five 3-pointers in the fourth. That wasn't even the most memorable highlight for the Bulldogs, who after going down 50-39 with 3:42 left, hit their final three shots from behind the arc & held Newton scoreless the remainder of the game to win a 52-50 thriller.
These teams have now played twice this season with Newton winning 99-94 in overtime on January 8, and Friday, Rockdale getting a Ray Washington go-ahead, foul line jumper with 13 seconds left to pull off the come back and upset.
Newton, which should get to at least the third round of the state playoffs, if not further, had its 14-game winning streak snapped with the loss.
* I'm not even sure that was the biggest shocker of the night. The Rockdale girls had lost 66-27 to Newton in the team's first meeting in early-January, but freshman Diamond Swift scored 17 points and senior Jonai Jackson handed out six assists to go along with 13 points and the Bulldogs pulled off a 58-51 stunner.
January 29 at Newton HS gymnasium in Covington, GA
girls - 94
boys - 95
The boys game provided a perfect example of how the 3-pointer can change everything in a basketball game/contest/barnburner.
Rockdale had made just one from long range through the first three quarters and was down double-digits with a quarter to play, but knocked down five 3-pointers in the fourth. That wasn't even the most memorable highlight for the Bulldogs, who after going down 50-39 with 3:42 left, hit their final three shots from behind the arc & held Newton scoreless the remainder of the game to win a 52-50 thriller.
These teams have now played twice this season with Newton winning 99-94 in overtime on January 8, and Friday, Rockdale getting a Ray Washington go-ahead, foul line jumper with 13 seconds left to pull off the come back and upset.
Newton, which should get to at least the third round of the state playoffs, if not further, had its 14-game winning streak snapped with the loss.
* I'm not even sure that was the biggest shocker of the night. The Rockdale girls had lost 66-27 to Newton in the team's first meeting in early-January, but freshman Diamond Swift scored 17 points and senior Jonai Jackson handed out six assists to go along with 13 points and the Bulldogs pulled off a 58-51 stunner.
Game 93 - Western Illinois at IUPUI
January 29 at Indiana Farmer's Coliseum in Indianapolis, IN
espn3
espn3
Game 92 - Georgia State at Arkansas State
January 28 at ASU Convocation Center in Jonesboro, AR
espn3
Well, thank goodness that finally ended.
There's nothing worse than watching your team blow a second half lead, still have a chance to win in the final seconds, not win in the final seconds & then lose in overtime.
GSU led the entire second half (and by as much as 11) until Charles Waters was inexplicably left wide open on an in-bounds play with 11 seconds left for a lay-up and a 57-56 Arkansas State lead.
Inexplicablier, Arkansas State fouled Isaiah Williams at the other end, but Williams only made the front end.
In overtime, the Red Wolves hit 5-of-7 from the field and that was all that horrible, horrible lady wrote.
The time I ran over 173,000 fire ants with a lawnmower and developed rashes over 70% of my body? Better than watching the last 13 minutes of this game.
espn3
Well, thank goodness that finally ended.
There's nothing worse than watching your team blow a second half lead, still have a chance to win in the final seconds, not win in the final seconds & then lose in overtime.
GSU led the entire second half (and by as much as 11) until Charles Waters was inexplicably left wide open on an in-bounds play with 11 seconds left for a lay-up and a 57-56 Arkansas State lead.
Inexplicablier, Arkansas State fouled Isaiah Williams at the other end, but Williams only made the front end.
In overtime, the Red Wolves hit 5-of-7 from the field and that was all that horrible, horrible lady wrote.
The time I ran over 173,000 fire ants with a lawnmower and developed rashes over 70% of my body? Better than watching the last 13 minutes of this game.
Game 91 - Samford women at Furman
January 28 at Timmons Arena in Greenville, SC
espn3
I didn't hear the color commentator's last name, but Phil had THIS to say:
"Timmons Arena, not a strawberry festival either to try and get a win."
Phil!
espn3
I didn't hear the color commentator's last name, but Phil had THIS to say:
"Timmons Arena, not a strawberry festival either to try and get a win."
Phil!
Game 89 - Cal Irvine at Cal State Northridge
January 27 at Matador Gymnasium in Northridge, CA
espn3
Irvine shot 52 percent from the field and moved to 6-0 in the Big West with a 73-63 victory.
* 7-6 center Mamadou Ndiaye was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and scored 14 points.
* Reserve center Ioannis Dimakopoulos, who is only 7-2, blocked six shots & had 13 points, part of a 30-point night for the Irvine bench.
* Guard Luke Nelson handed out eight assists for the Anteaters, who briefly moved a half-game ahead of 5-0 Hawaii in the conference race.
It was also quite a night for Basketball Phrases.
Let's take a look at the bronze medal winner:
(Northridge 13, Irvine 12, 9:25 left in first half) "If anybody's beating Irvine lately, it's Irvine"
Silver
"Energy plays"
"Posterization"
Gold
"He's out there trying to make a basketball play"
espn3
Irvine shot 52 percent from the field and moved to 6-0 in the Big West with a 73-63 victory.
* 7-6 center Mamadou Ndiaye was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and scored 14 points.
* Reserve center Ioannis Dimakopoulos, who is only 7-2, blocked six shots & had 13 points, part of a 30-point night for the Irvine bench.
* Guard Luke Nelson handed out eight assists for the Anteaters, who briefly moved a half-game ahead of 5-0 Hawaii in the conference race.
It was also quite a night for Basketball Phrases.
Let's take a look at the bronze medal winner:
(Northridge 13, Irvine 12, 9:25 left in first half) "If anybody's beating Irvine lately, it's Irvine"
Silver
"Energy plays"
"Posterization"
Gold
"He's out there trying to make a basketball play"
Games 85-88 - High school doubleheaders
87 (g), 88 (b) - Heritage HS at Loganville HS
January 27 at Loganville HS gymnasium in Loganville, GA
85 (g), 86 (b) - Cedar Shoals HS at Salem HS
January 26 at Salem HS gymnasium in Conyers, GA
Just some fabulous art work adorning the walls of the Salem High arena:
Stories from girls game and boys game
January 27 at Loganville HS gymnasium in Loganville, GA
85 (g), 86 (b) - Cedar Shoals HS at Salem HS
January 26 at Salem HS gymnasium in Conyers, GA
Just some fabulous art work adorning the walls of the Salem High arena:
Stories from girls game and boys game
Game 84 - Florida Gulf coast women at Kennesaw State
January 26 at KSU Convocation Center in Kennesaw, GA
espn3
espn3
Game 83 - Kansas at Iowa State
January 25 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, IA
ESPN
According to some pre-game footage, several hundred ISU fans camped out in tents in cold, snowy weather for a WEEK to get into Monday's game.
A week?!
Then we saw fans climbing the steps (and some of them were hustling) to the arena and reporter Holly Rowe said:
"Tells you how special this Big 12 season is, they can't wait to get into this arena."
Now back to 200 Game Season reporter Howie Lowe:
"Tells you how people have been outside in 20 degree weather in TENTS for a week and they can't wait to get inside a warm building."
Thanks, Howie!
ESPN
According to some pre-game footage, several hundred ISU fans camped out in tents in cold, snowy weather for a WEEK to get into Monday's game.
A week?!
Then we saw fans climbing the steps (and some of them were hustling) to the arena and reporter Holly Rowe said:
"Tells you how special this Big 12 season is, they can't wait to get into this arena."
Now back to 200 Game Season reporter Howie Lowe:
"Tells you how people have been outside in 20 degree weather in TENTS for a week and they can't wait to get inside a warm building."
Thanks, Howie!
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