December 29 at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, OK
ESPNU
"18-game grind"
"rim protector" (3)
"the mount rushmore of college basketball"
"a nose dive into the hardwood"
"stretch four"
"ball hawk"
"create help situations"
"basketball" (17)
"they share the basketball"
"hedging ball screens"
Games 463-464: A Thursday pair
464 - Kennesaw State at Mercer
December 28 at Hawkins Arena in Macon, GA
espn3.com
Mercer is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country and I saw why Thursday.
The Bears, sixth nationally coming into the night, hit 10-of-18 from behind the arc and used a dominant second half to roll to a 89-56 win.
It was a 38-31 lead for the hosts through 20 minutes, but a blistering shooting performance in the second half - 72% (!), including 7-of-11 shooting performance from three - allowed Mercer to pull away.
Ria'n Holland is a top-20 scorer nationally and was right around his average with 20 points. Holland and Jordan Strawberry (seven assists) are a pair of really good guards that should help Mercer stay at the top of the Southern Conference all year.
Mercer had 24 assists on 35 made baskets, led by Strawberry and Holland, who added five assists.
463 - NJIT at Buffalo
December 28 at Alumni Arena in Amherst, NY
espn3.com
Wes Clark was superb in the Bulls' 86-81, overtime victory.
Clark, a senior playing just his third game with Buffalo (he's a Missouri transfer who enrolled late and was finally eligible to play last Tuesday at Syracuse), had 27 points on 8-of-11 shooting, six assists, four steals and only one turnover in 37 minutes.
Clark scored 13 straight Buffalo points during a stretch in overtime, single-handedly turning a tie game into an 84-77 lead with about a half-minute to go.
December 28 at Hawkins Arena in Macon, GA
espn3.com
Mercer is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country and I saw why Thursday.
The Bears, sixth nationally coming into the night, hit 10-of-18 from behind the arc and used a dominant second half to roll to a 89-56 win.
It was a 38-31 lead for the hosts through 20 minutes, but a blistering shooting performance in the second half - 72% (!), including 7-of-11 shooting performance from three - allowed Mercer to pull away.
Ria'n Holland is a top-20 scorer nationally and was right around his average with 20 points. Holland and Jordan Strawberry (seven assists) are a pair of really good guards that should help Mercer stay at the top of the Southern Conference all year.
Mercer had 24 assists on 35 made baskets, led by Strawberry and Holland, who added five assists.
463 - NJIT at Buffalo
December 28 at Alumni Arena in Amherst, NY
espn3.com
Wes Clark was superb in the Bulls' 86-81, overtime victory.
Clark, a senior playing just his third game with Buffalo (he's a Missouri transfer who enrolled late and was finally eligible to play last Tuesday at Syracuse), had 27 points on 8-of-11 shooting, six assists, four steals and only one turnover in 37 minutes.
Clark scored 13 straight Buffalo points during a stretch in overtime, single-handedly turning a tie game into an 84-77 lead with about a half-minute to go.
Game 462 - San Diego State at Wyoming
December 27 at Arena-Auditorium in Laramie, WY
espn3.com
Both Hayden Dalton & the broadcast team of Shawn Kenney and Richie Schueler had huge nights on Wednesday. Dalton scored a career-high 36 points to lead the Cowboys to an 82-69 win in the Mountain West opener, while Kenney and Schueler provided this list of nonsense:
"the dome of doom"
"ran out of real estate"
"court vision" (2)
"the Steve Fisher era"
"he's an absolute bulldog to the basket" (2)
"he's like a Swiss army knife, he just has so many weapons"
"Wyoming came out guns a blazing" (2)
"the main rim protector"
"road warriors"
"sharp shooting sniper uncorked"
"still trying to get his game legs"
200 Game Season legs rankings
1. road legs
2. game legs
3. young legs
4. tired legs
"high low action"
"bingo! Devin Watson splashes her in"
"hero ball"
"San Diego State not starting on the foot that they wanted to"
espn3.com
Both Hayden Dalton & the broadcast team of Shawn Kenney and Richie Schueler had huge nights on Wednesday. Dalton scored a career-high 36 points to lead the Cowboys to an 82-69 win in the Mountain West opener, while Kenney and Schueler provided this list of nonsense:
"the dome of doom"
"ran out of real estate"
"court vision" (2)
"the Steve Fisher era"
"he's an absolute bulldog to the basket" (2)
"he's like a Swiss army knife, he just has so many weapons"
"Wyoming came out guns a blazing" (2)
"the main rim protector"
"road warriors"
"sharp shooting sniper uncorked"
"still trying to get his game legs"
200 Game Season legs rankings
1. road legs
2. game legs
3. young legs
4. tired legs
"high low action"
"bingo! Devin Watson splashes her in"
"hero ball"
"San Diego State not starting on the foot that they wanted to"
Game 461 - Delaware State women at Florida
December 27 at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, FL
Gator IMG Sports Network
Not a well-played game by either team, though Florida extended to a double-digit lead late in the first quarter and was never threatened in winning 85-51.
Big day for Haley Lorenzen as the senior not only led all scorers with 18 points, but became the 24th player in Florida history to score 1,000 points, reaching that plateau with a 3-pointer midway through the second. But the hosts were sloppy, turning the ball over 21 times, and despite hitting ten 3-pointers, which was right in line with their top-15 national average of 9.8, were only 15-of-26 from the free-throw line.
Things get much tougher for Florida as they begin SEC play Sunday at Auburn.
A miserable season continued for Delaware State with Wednesday's sixth straight loss. The Hornets (1-10), already without MEAC preseason player of the year NaJai Pollard, who suffered a knee injury December 6 against Robert Morris, shot 25% (20-of-78) from the field and actually were worse in this game from three-point range (17%, 5-of-29) than their season mark of 19% coming in.
I knew Florida had a distinct advantage on the glass and had grabbed a ton of rebounds, but 68 in a 40-minute game is absurd. Nineteen of those rebounds came on the offensive end.
Gator IMG Sports Network
Not a well-played game by either team, though Florida extended to a double-digit lead late in the first quarter and was never threatened in winning 85-51.
Big day for Haley Lorenzen as the senior not only led all scorers with 18 points, but became the 24th player in Florida history to score 1,000 points, reaching that plateau with a 3-pointer midway through the second. But the hosts were sloppy, turning the ball over 21 times, and despite hitting ten 3-pointers, which was right in line with their top-15 national average of 9.8, were only 15-of-26 from the free-throw line.
Things get much tougher for Florida as they begin SEC play Sunday at Auburn.
A miserable season continued for Delaware State with Wednesday's sixth straight loss. The Hornets (1-10), already without MEAC preseason player of the year NaJai Pollard, who suffered a knee injury December 6 against Robert Morris, shot 25% (20-of-78) from the field and actually were worse in this game from three-point range (17%, 5-of-29) than their season mark of 19% coming in.
I knew Florida had a distinct advantage on the glass and had grabbed a ton of rebounds, but 68 in a 40-minute game is absurd. Nineteen of those rebounds came on the offensive end.
Game 460 - USC vs. New Mexico State
Diamond Head Classic championship game
December 25 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, HI
ESPN
Now seems as good a time as any to make a key adjustment to the Scoochie Smith All Stars. The 200 Game Season all-name team has been around since the site began more than two years ago, and we've seen several USC games, but until tonight, Bennie Boatwright was a glaring omission.
Boatwright became the 34th member of the Scoochies, then went out and poured in a career-high 33 points in USC's 77-72 victory to win its second Diamond Head Classic championship.
With the game tied at 72-72, Boatwright saved his best for last, draining a three (his sixth in 10 attempts on the night) from about four feet beyond the arc with 4.2 seconds left for the game-winner.
In the ninth year of the event, USC became the first two-time winner.
New Mexico State, which picked up a huge victory over No. 6 Miami in the semi finals, came up just short. The Aggies got 28 points on 6-of-9 shooting from long range from Zach Lofton and a near-triple-double from Jemerrio Jones (13 & 11 with eight assists), and led 72-68 with two minutes to play on an impressive Eli Chuha put back over 6-11 Chimezie Metu, but didn't score again.
Jordan McLaughlin grabbed an offensive rebound off a Metu miss & banked in a 12-footer to make it 72-70, then Metu had a huge block late in the shot clock on Lofton that led to a tying, transition lay-in by Jonah Matthews. New Mexico State missed a three, and after a time out, Boatwright hit the winner.
McLaughlin finished with 12 points and his 21st career game with at least eight assists.
December 25 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, HI
ESPN
Now seems as good a time as any to make a key adjustment to the Scoochie Smith All Stars. The 200 Game Season all-name team has been around since the site began more than two years ago, and we've seen several USC games, but until tonight, Bennie Boatwright was a glaring omission.
Boatwright became the 34th member of the Scoochies, then went out and poured in a career-high 33 points in USC's 77-72 victory to win its second Diamond Head Classic championship.
With the game tied at 72-72, Boatwright saved his best for last, draining a three (his sixth in 10 attempts on the night) from about four feet beyond the arc with 4.2 seconds left for the game-winner.
In the ninth year of the event, USC became the first two-time winner.
New Mexico State, which picked up a huge victory over No. 6 Miami in the semi finals, came up just short. The Aggies got 28 points on 6-of-9 shooting from long range from Zach Lofton and a near-triple-double from Jemerrio Jones (13 & 11 with eight assists), and led 72-68 with two minutes to play on an impressive Eli Chuha put back over 6-11 Chimezie Metu, but didn't score again.
Jordan McLaughlin grabbed an offensive rebound off a Metu miss & banked in a 12-footer to make it 72-70, then Metu had a huge block late in the shot clock on Lofton that led to a tying, transition lay-in by Jonah Matthews. New Mexico State missed a three, and after a time out, Boatwright hit the winner.
McLaughlin finished with 12 points and his 21st career game with at least eight assists.
Game 459 - Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks
December 23 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA
Fox Sports Southeast
Some really good individual performances in this one, a 112-107 Hawks' victory, but none better than Dennis Schroder.
The Atlanta guard scored 33 points, 29 of which came in the second half, including a long, go-ahead three with 1:21 to play. Schroder also had seven assists a night after sitting out a loss to Oklahoma City with an ankle injury.
J.J. Barea was outstanding as well off the Dallas bench. The diminutive guard was by far the Mavericks' best guard, handing out 12 assists to go along with 15 points in 29 minutes.
* Ersan Ilyasova added 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting for Atlanta, while Harrison Barnes scored 22 (10-of-21) for the Mavericks.
Fox Sports Southeast
Some really good individual performances in this one, a 112-107 Hawks' victory, but none better than Dennis Schroder.
The Atlanta guard scored 33 points, 29 of which came in the second half, including a long, go-ahead three with 1:21 to play. Schroder also had seven assists a night after sitting out a loss to Oklahoma City with an ankle injury.
J.J. Barea was outstanding as well off the Dallas bench. The diminutive guard was by far the Mavericks' best guard, handing out 12 assists to go along with 15 points in 29 minutes.
* Ersan Ilyasova added 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting for Atlanta, while Harrison Barnes scored 22 (10-of-21) for the Mavericks.
Game 458 - Georgia State at Chattanooga
December 23 at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, TN
espn3.com
Now that is how you close out the non-conference portion of your schedule.
D'Marcus Simonds scored right on his average at 21 points and the GSU defense was excellent in a 71-48 romp on Saturday afternoon.
Simonds already had 14 by the time his team went up 20-7 at the 8:48 mark, and it was 24-7 with 5 1/2 minutes to play. Chattanooga missed 19 of its first 22 shots and finished at 18% (5-for-27) in the opening half as GSU went into the locker room up 33-15. It got worse right away as Simonds had a runner and a foul line pull up, while Malik Benlevi and Jeff Thomas drained threes in GSU's 10-0 run to open the second half & it was a 43-15 game.
The Mocs were 30% shooters overall, while the visitors shot 60%.
Georgia State set the school record for non-conference wins in a season, moving to 9-4 with the lopsided victory.
It's disturbing, and I didn't realize it until the broadcast began, but this ended up being Georgia State's second win IN 26 ALL-TIME MEETINGS IN THE SERIES (and second consecutively, they started 0-24). The teams entered Division 1 around the same time - mid-1970s or so - and Chattanooga has had a bunch of tournament teams, including four each in the 1980s and 1990s, but good heavens that's a horrendous all-time mark against a fellow mid-major program, not to mention local rival.
A kid from southern Tennessee absolutely is considering Georgia State. Good program & not that far - 1 1/2 hours? That's a regional/local rival for recruiting players and it should be that way on the court as well. Chattanooga and Georgia State are actually natural rivals.
Hopefully Saturday's impressive win, and another victory at McKenzie in December, 2010, means the Panthers are prepared to put that putrid past behind them & keep going a winning streak against their neighbors to the north.
They play again in Atlanta December 12, 2018.
espn3.com
Now that is how you close out the non-conference portion of your schedule.
D'Marcus Simonds scored right on his average at 21 points and the GSU defense was excellent in a 71-48 romp on Saturday afternoon.
Simonds already had 14 by the time his team went up 20-7 at the 8:48 mark, and it was 24-7 with 5 1/2 minutes to play. Chattanooga missed 19 of its first 22 shots and finished at 18% (5-for-27) in the opening half as GSU went into the locker room up 33-15. It got worse right away as Simonds had a runner and a foul line pull up, while Malik Benlevi and Jeff Thomas drained threes in GSU's 10-0 run to open the second half & it was a 43-15 game.
The Mocs were 30% shooters overall, while the visitors shot 60%.
Georgia State set the school record for non-conference wins in a season, moving to 9-4 with the lopsided victory.
It's disturbing, and I didn't realize it until the broadcast began, but this ended up being Georgia State's second win IN 26 ALL-TIME MEETINGS IN THE SERIES (and second consecutively, they started 0-24). The teams entered Division 1 around the same time - mid-1970s or so - and Chattanooga has had a bunch of tournament teams, including four each in the 1980s and 1990s, but good heavens that's a horrendous all-time mark against a fellow mid-major program, not to mention local rival.
A kid from southern Tennessee absolutely is considering Georgia State. Good program & not that far - 1 1/2 hours? That's a regional/local rival for recruiting players and it should be that way on the court as well. Chattanooga and Georgia State are actually natural rivals.
Hopefully Saturday's impressive win, and another victory at McKenzie in December, 2010, means the Panthers are prepared to put that putrid past behind them & keep going a winning streak against their neighbors to the north.
They play again in Atlanta December 12, 2018.
Game 456 - Southern Miss at Florida State
December 21 at Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee, FL
ACC Network
Adrian Crawford!
Other notable "basketball" performances:
Michael Reghi & Dave Cecutti - Toledo-Akron, February, 2017
Steve Smith
ACC Network
Adrian Crawford!
Other notable "basketball" performances:
Michael Reghi & Dave Cecutti - Toledo-Akron, February, 2017
Steve Smith
Game 455 - Georgia Tech at Georgia
December 19 at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, GA
ESPN2
Georgia put together one of the finest shooting halves we've seen at 200 Game Season, a big reason it pulled away for an 80-59 victory.
The Bulldogs (8-2) went 15-of-21 from the field (71%) in the second half, including knocking down their first eight shots, and defeated their rival for the third consecutive season.
It was just a 36-34 lead at halftime for Georgia, but six different players made shots during that 8-for-8 start that lasted the first 7 1/2 minutes of the half. By that time, Georgia led 54-41 and Tech couldn't get any closer than nine points the remainder of the night.
Yante Maten is a potential SEC player of the year and showed why in this one, finishing with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting to lead Georgia.
* Mike Morgan and Sean Farnham:
"the difference in swagger for Georgia Tech"
"it deviated from the consistency in his program"
"he gets downhill on you"
"xs and os"
"hang their hat defensively"
"RPI killers"
"surveying the defense"
"style points"
Made-up nonsense
"recruitability"
"run out"
"valuing the basketball" (2)
"he's a grinder"
"just a nice rip through"
ESPN2
Georgia put together one of the finest shooting halves we've seen at 200 Game Season, a big reason it pulled away for an 80-59 victory.
The Bulldogs (8-2) went 15-of-21 from the field (71%) in the second half, including knocking down their first eight shots, and defeated their rival for the third consecutive season.
It was just a 36-34 lead at halftime for Georgia, but six different players made shots during that 8-for-8 start that lasted the first 7 1/2 minutes of the half. By that time, Georgia led 54-41 and Tech couldn't get any closer than nine points the remainder of the night.
Yante Maten is a potential SEC player of the year and showed why in this one, finishing with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting to lead Georgia.
* Mike Morgan and Sean Farnham:
"the difference in swagger for Georgia Tech"
"it deviated from the consistency in his program"
"he gets downhill on you"
"xs and os"
"hang their hat defensively"
"RPI killers"
"surveying the defense"
"style points"
Made-up nonsense
"recruitability"
"run out"
"valuing the basketball" (2)
"he's a grinder"
"just a nice rip through"
Game 454 - Elon at Canisius
December 19 at Koessler Athletic Center in Buffalo, NY
espn3.com
The broadcast team of Jay Moran and Richard Walsh had a solid night of saying the word "basketball" with a total of 23 in Canisius' 67-51 win.
Walsh led with a game-high 13, including eight in the first half.
Also, these two things were said by Walsh, though I'm not sure what either means:
"Elon's got their road legs early, they haven't gotten their game legs yet."
"This is a weight room half."
espn3.com
The broadcast team of Jay Moran and Richard Walsh had a solid night of saying the word "basketball" with a total of 23 in Canisius' 67-51 win.
Walsh led with a game-high 13, including eight in the first half.
Also, these two things were said by Walsh, though I'm not sure what either means:
"Elon's got their road legs early, they haven't gotten their game legs yet."
"This is a weight room half."
Games 452-453: Holiday tournament
Holiday Inn Express Classic
December 18 at Dorough Field House in Atlanta, GA
453 - Centenary (La.) women vs. Oglethorpe (Ga.)
Just a mismatch from the opening tip as the hosts used an extreme height advantage to roll to a 74-46 win.
The Stormy Petrels weren't particularly efficient on the offensive end, collecting those 74 points on 83 possessions, and making just 28 field goals on 82 (!) attempts (and 1-of-18 from three), but the edges in offensive rebounding (29-13) and paint points (46-16) were more than enough to cruise.
6-2 freshman Savannah LeGate and 6-0 junior Lauren Ransom each finished with 11 points & a rebound shy of a double-double (LeGate grabbed seven offensive rebounds) to lead Oglethorpe.
Freshman guard Darelzray Bellard was one of the few bright spots for Centenary, finishing with a game-high 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from three-point range.
452 - Birmingham Southern (Al.) women vs. Emory & Henry (Va.)
Emory & Henry's defense was excellent in the first game of the night as the Wasps forced 27 turnovers and allowed just 27% shooting in a 67-45 victory.
Emory had 18 steals - five from point guard Myesha Logan, who had a nice all-around game with five assists and no turnovers and nine points - & turned those miscues into 32 points at the other end.
The defense was particularly sound in shutting down Birmingham Southern's top long-range shooting threat Christian McGowan, who was just 2-of-8 from behind the arc. The Alabama school missed 14 of its 17 three-point attempts.
It wasn't the crispest outing for the Wasps, who turned the ball over 18 times themselves and were 1-of-12 from three. But long field goal droughts for Birmingham Southern, which included the last 8+ minutes of the opening quarter & the first four minutes and last three of the third, were too much to overcome.
Nice game for Emory & Henry's Sydney McKinney, whose double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds led all players.
December 18 at Dorough Field House in Atlanta, GA
453 - Centenary (La.) women vs. Oglethorpe (Ga.)
Just a mismatch from the opening tip as the hosts used an extreme height advantage to roll to a 74-46 win.
The Stormy Petrels weren't particularly efficient on the offensive end, collecting those 74 points on 83 possessions, and making just 28 field goals on 82 (!) attempts (and 1-of-18 from three), but the edges in offensive rebounding (29-13) and paint points (46-16) were more than enough to cruise.
6-2 freshman Savannah LeGate and 6-0 junior Lauren Ransom each finished with 11 points & a rebound shy of a double-double (LeGate grabbed seven offensive rebounds) to lead Oglethorpe.
Freshman guard Darelzray Bellard was one of the few bright spots for Centenary, finishing with a game-high 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from three-point range.
452 - Birmingham Southern (Al.) women vs. Emory & Henry (Va.)
Emory & Henry's defense was excellent in the first game of the night as the Wasps forced 27 turnovers and allowed just 27% shooting in a 67-45 victory.
Emory had 18 steals - five from point guard Myesha Logan, who had a nice all-around game with five assists and no turnovers and nine points - & turned those miscues into 32 points at the other end.
The defense was particularly sound in shutting down Birmingham Southern's top long-range shooting threat Christian McGowan, who was just 2-of-8 from behind the arc. The Alabama school missed 14 of its 17 three-point attempts.
It wasn't the crispest outing for the Wasps, who turned the ball over 18 times themselves and were 1-of-12 from three. But long field goal droughts for Birmingham Southern, which included the last 8+ minutes of the opening quarter & the first four minutes and last three of the third, were too much to overcome.
Nice game for Emory & Henry's Sydney McKinney, whose double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds led all players.
Game 451 - Central Connecticut State at Boston College
December 17 at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, MA
ACC Network
This was only a seven-point game early in the second half before the host Eagles went on a long run to pull away and win 84-65.
Jerome Robinson had five points and assisted on two other baskets during a 19-2 run over a 4 1/2-minute span that turned a 45-38 lead into a 64-40 advantage. The lead grew to as large as 70-43 on a Luka Kraljevic 3-pointer at the 10:39 mark. Ky Bowman, an excellent all-around player for the Eagles, assisted on that bucket (one of 17 Boston College assists on 32 made baskets).
Bowman finished with 14 points, one of five in double figures (Robinson had 13), while Steffon Mitchell had 13 points and 14 rebounds (8! offensive), Jordan Chatman led the way with 15 points & reserve Nik Popovic added 11 points and four assists.
Central Connecticut State played well in the opening half, shooting 54% from the field, including hitting eight of its first 12 shots. The long Boston College run at the start of the second half contributed heavily to the Blue Devils shooting just 31% (11-for-35) over the final 20 minutes.
Mustafa Jones had a nice night for the visitors, showcasing a soft touch around the rim and jumpers from a variety of distances to finish with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. His teammate, Tyler Kohl led all scorers with 17 points.
ACC Network
This was only a seven-point game early in the second half before the host Eagles went on a long run to pull away and win 84-65.
Jerome Robinson had five points and assisted on two other baskets during a 19-2 run over a 4 1/2-minute span that turned a 45-38 lead into a 64-40 advantage. The lead grew to as large as 70-43 on a Luka Kraljevic 3-pointer at the 10:39 mark. Ky Bowman, an excellent all-around player for the Eagles, assisted on that bucket (one of 17 Boston College assists on 32 made baskets).
Bowman finished with 14 points, one of five in double figures (Robinson had 13), while Steffon Mitchell had 13 points and 14 rebounds (8! offensive), Jordan Chatman led the way with 15 points & reserve Nik Popovic added 11 points and four assists.
Central Connecticut State played well in the opening half, shooting 54% from the field, including hitting eight of its first 12 shots. The long Boston College run at the start of the second half contributed heavily to the Blue Devils shooting just 31% (11-for-35) over the final 20 minutes.
Mustafa Jones had a nice night for the visitors, showcasing a soft touch around the rim and jumpers from a variety of distances to finish with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. His teammate, Tyler Kohl led all scorers with 17 points.
Games 449-450: Saturday night doubleheader
450 - Utah at BYU
December 16 at Marriott Center in Provo, UT
ESPN2
Elijah Bryant was magnificent for the Cougars, who won for the sixth consecutive time and snapped a three-game losing streak against their rivals.
The junior guard scored 29 points on 8-of-13 shooting (5-of-7 from three) and added nine rebounds, four assists and three steals in the 77-65 victory.
BYU, which hadn't beaten Utah since December, 2012, was excellent shooting the ball from three-point range (10-of-20) and overall (27-of-52, 52%). The Cougars are now 4-0 against the state of Utah (Utah Valley, Utah State and Weber State).
449 - Georgia State at Dayton
December 16 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
A10 Network
December 16 at Marriott Center in Provo, UT
ESPN2
Elijah Bryant was magnificent for the Cougars, who won for the sixth consecutive time and snapped a three-game losing streak against their rivals.
The junior guard scored 29 points on 8-of-13 shooting (5-of-7 from three) and added nine rebounds, four assists and three steals in the 77-65 victory.
BYU, which hadn't beaten Utah since December, 2012, was excellent shooting the ball from three-point range (10-of-20) and overall (27-of-52, 52%). The Cougars are now 4-0 against the state of Utah (Utah Valley, Utah State and Weber State).
449 - Georgia State at Dayton
December 16 at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, OH
A10 Network
Game 448 - Cincinnati Christian women at Wright State
December 14 at Nutter Center in Fairborn, OH
espn3.com
I guess the good news for Cincinnati Christian was the game ended before 1 pm. Get on the bus, get back to Cincinnati as soon as you can.
Wright State did what a good mid-major, Division 1 team is supposed to do against an NAIA team: hold that NAIA team to 22% shooting and roll to a 99-36 victory.
Wright State (9-2) scored 37 consecutive points during the first and second quarters of this late-morning contest, turning a 6-5 lead into a 43-5 advantage after Kiana Adderton's lay-up at the 2:52 mark of the second quarter. During that run, Cincinnati Christian went a staggering 15 minutes without a field goal, missing 22 straight shots and committing eight of its 21 turnovers.
The teams have now played three times in as many seasons and the average margin in three victories for the Raiders is 50 points.
The hosts had five in double figures, but I was most impressed with sophomore guard Jalise Beck, who came off the bench to score a game-high 14 points and handed out six assists with no turnovers.
espn3.com
I guess the good news for Cincinnati Christian was the game ended before 1 pm. Get on the bus, get back to Cincinnati as soon as you can.
Wright State did what a good mid-major, Division 1 team is supposed to do against an NAIA team: hold that NAIA team to 22% shooting and roll to a 99-36 victory.
Wright State (9-2) scored 37 consecutive points during the first and second quarters of this late-morning contest, turning a 6-5 lead into a 43-5 advantage after Kiana Adderton's lay-up at the 2:52 mark of the second quarter. During that run, Cincinnati Christian went a staggering 15 minutes without a field goal, missing 22 straight shots and committing eight of its 21 turnovers.
The teams have now played three times in as many seasons and the average margin in three victories for the Raiders is 50 points.
The hosts had five in double figures, but I was most impressed with sophomore guard Jalise Beck, who came off the bench to score a game-high 14 points and handed out six assists with no turnovers.
Game 447 - Charlotte Hornets at Houston Rockets
December 13 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX
ESPN
Chris Paul was outstanding throughout Wednesday's 108-96 win for Houston.
Paul was three rebounds shy of a triple-double - 31 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds - as the NBA-best Rockets won their 11th consecutive game. James Harden didn't quite match the triple-double he put together the last time these two teams played on October 27, but he still handed out eight assists to go along with 21 points. It was the 26th consecutive game in which Harden has scored at least 20 points.
During the win streak, Houston has won by an average margin of 17 points.
* It's time for some Hubie Brown We All Knows
"We all know.....
Chris Paul is a good three-pointer shooter"
Chris Paul is one of the great assist men in the game"
Dwight Howard is going to get his rebounds"
[talks about Houston's rotation]
ESPN
Chris Paul was outstanding throughout Wednesday's 108-96 win for Houston.
Paul was three rebounds shy of a triple-double - 31 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds - as the NBA-best Rockets won their 11th consecutive game. James Harden didn't quite match the triple-double he put together the last time these two teams played on October 27, but he still handed out eight assists to go along with 21 points. It was the 26th consecutive game in which Harden has scored at least 20 points.
During the win streak, Houston has won by an average margin of 17 points.
* It's time for some Hubie Brown We All Knows
"We all know.....
Chris Paul is a good three-pointer shooter"
Chris Paul is one of the great assist men in the game"
Dwight Howard is going to get his rebounds"
[talks about Houston's rotation]
that Nene's a proven guy in this league"
Games 445-446: College/pro doubleheader
446 - Philadelphia 76ers at Minnesota Timberwolves
December 12 at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
ESPN
The 76ers pulled off a 118-112 overtime victory thanks in large part to Joel Embid.
Embid was fantastic, finishing two assists short of a triple-double - 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists - and Philadelphia never trailed in the extra session. Embid can do everything offensively, including make free throws, and his pair with 15 seconds to go in regulation tied things up and were the final points of the fourth.
Embid was 11-of-12 from the line, while JJ Redick finished a perfect 11-for-11 and scored 26 points for the visitors. The 76ers overcame 24 turnovers and Jimmy Butler's huge night - 38 points - to move back over .500 at 14-13.
Butler missed a potential winning jumper at the fourth quarter buzzer to send the game into overtime.
445 - Point at Georgia State
December 12 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
I'm not a big fan of D'Marcus Simonds shooting three-pointers.
He's an excellent offensive player, but from long range he struggles (7-for-37 on 3-pointers coming into Tuesday's game). The sophomore didn't struggle tonight, though, hitting 6-of-9 for 33 points in GSU's 90-70 win.
Simonds, the reigning Sun Belt Conference freshman of the year, is averaging 21 points through 10 games.
It wasn't pretty at times - the NAIA Skyhawks, who fell to 3-13, pulled even at 25-25 with about 6 1/2 minutes to go in the first half and were within seven points on two occasions in the second half - but the hosts hit 51% of their shots and had a 50-20 advantage in the paint and pulled away.
Three others were in double figures for GSU (7-3) as Malik Benlevi (13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, nine rebounds), Devin Mitchell (12 points on 5-of-9 shooting with five assists and three steals) and freshman reserve Kane Williams (11 points, 5-of-7 shooting, six rebounds) all had efficient nights to compliment Simonds.
December 12 at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
ESPN
The 76ers pulled off a 118-112 overtime victory thanks in large part to Joel Embid.
Embid was fantastic, finishing two assists short of a triple-double - 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists - and Philadelphia never trailed in the extra session. Embid can do everything offensively, including make free throws, and his pair with 15 seconds to go in regulation tied things up and were the final points of the fourth.
Embid was 11-of-12 from the line, while JJ Redick finished a perfect 11-for-11 and scored 26 points for the visitors. The 76ers overcame 24 turnovers and Jimmy Butler's huge night - 38 points - to move back over .500 at 14-13.
Butler missed a potential winning jumper at the fourth quarter buzzer to send the game into overtime.
445 - Point at Georgia State
December 12 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
I'm not a big fan of D'Marcus Simonds shooting three-pointers.
He's an excellent offensive player, but from long range he struggles (7-for-37 on 3-pointers coming into Tuesday's game). The sophomore didn't struggle tonight, though, hitting 6-of-9 for 33 points in GSU's 90-70 win.
Simonds, the reigning Sun Belt Conference freshman of the year, is averaging 21 points through 10 games.
It wasn't pretty at times - the NAIA Skyhawks, who fell to 3-13, pulled even at 25-25 with about 6 1/2 minutes to go in the first half and were within seven points on two occasions in the second half - but the hosts hit 51% of their shots and had a 50-20 advantage in the paint and pulled away.
Three others were in double figures for GSU (7-3) as Malik Benlevi (13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, nine rebounds), Devin Mitchell (12 points on 5-of-9 shooting with five assists and three steals) and freshman reserve Kane Williams (11 points, 5-of-7 shooting, six rebounds) all had efficient nights to compliment Simonds.
Game 444 - Sacred Heart at Hartford
December 11 at Chase Arena in West Hartford, CT
espn3.com
Few things for Hartford: Hassan Attia blocked seven (!) shots, which is a crazy amount of blocks for one player at any level, Travis Weatherington was 7-of-8 from the field, 4-of-5 from three-point range and scored 18 points, while the hosts shot 57% from the field (33-for-58) in an 86-72 win.
Sacred Heart's Joseph Lopez is a really impressive post player and he finished with a team-high 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds in a losing effort.
Broadcast team of Sean Saint Jacques & Adam Finklestein, close it out....
"stick a rhythm pull up"
"traditional big"
"heat check"
"verticality"
"physicality"
"you call that rim running" (4)
"tight whistle"
"pep in his step"
"small ball lineup"
"they're gonna have to gang rebound" (3)
"the bank is open, after hours, in Hartford!"
espn3.com
Few things for Hartford: Hassan Attia blocked seven (!) shots, which is a crazy amount of blocks for one player at any level, Travis Weatherington was 7-of-8 from the field, 4-of-5 from three-point range and scored 18 points, while the hosts shot 57% from the field (33-for-58) in an 86-72 win.
Sacred Heart's Joseph Lopez is a really impressive post player and he finished with a team-high 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds in a losing effort.
Broadcast team of Sean Saint Jacques & Adam Finklestein, close it out....
"stick a rhythm pull up"
"traditional big"
"heat check"
"verticality"
"physicality"
"you call that rim running" (4)
"tight whistle"
"pep in his step"
"small ball lineup"
"they're gonna have to gang rebound" (3)
"the bank is open, after hours, in Hartford!"
Games 442-443: Sunday doubleheader
443 - Texas women at Tennessee
December 10 at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN
SEC Network
* Associated Press No. 11 Tennessee is now 10-0 after an 82-75 win over the second-ranked Longhorns. Tennessee struggled from three (2-of-13), so instead attacked the rim with post players Jaime Nared (game-high 23 points) and Mercedes Russell (15 points 7-of-13 shooting) leading the way. During an excellent fourth quarter in which the Vols made nine of their 13 shots (the visitors were 11-of-16), all 34 points came either in the paint on lay-ins (18) or at the free-throw line after penetration (16).
* For the second time in as many Texas games at 200 Game Season Brooke McCarty struggled. The talented senior guard was 2-of-15 from the field and scored just eight points Sunday. Not coincidentally, Texas lost both games.
It was the Longhorns' first loss after starting the year 7-0.
* Some basketball phrases/nonsense:
"verticality"
"sluggo route"
"taken a turn toward the chippy side"
442 - Western Kentucky at Ohio
December 10 at Convocation Center in Athens, OH
espn3.com
"run out" (4)
"that was a man-sized collection of that board"
"the Convocation Center faithful"
"sense of urgency"
"ready to square and launch"
December 10 at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN
SEC Network
* Associated Press No. 11 Tennessee is now 10-0 after an 82-75 win over the second-ranked Longhorns. Tennessee struggled from three (2-of-13), so instead attacked the rim with post players Jaime Nared (game-high 23 points) and Mercedes Russell (15 points 7-of-13 shooting) leading the way. During an excellent fourth quarter in which the Vols made nine of their 13 shots (the visitors were 11-of-16), all 34 points came either in the paint on lay-ins (18) or at the free-throw line after penetration (16).
* For the second time in as many Texas games at 200 Game Season Brooke McCarty struggled. The talented senior guard was 2-of-15 from the field and scored just eight points Sunday. Not coincidentally, Texas lost both games.
It was the Longhorns' first loss after starting the year 7-0.
* Some basketball phrases/nonsense:
"verticality"
"sluggo route"
"taken a turn toward the chippy side"
442 - Western Kentucky at Ohio
December 10 at Convocation Center in Athens, OH
espn3.com
"run out" (4)
"that was a man-sized collection of that board"
"the Convocation Center faithful"
"sense of urgency"
"ready to square and launch"
Game 441 - Southern Utah at Michigan State
December 9 at Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI
Big 10 Network
Important stuff
* First "dribble drive" - 5:49 left in second half
* More Kevin Kugler & Shon Morris:
"even though it's a mythical bird, the thunderbird, you have a couple birds on the verge of extinction!"
"showing some gumption...that was a Prius taking on an SUV!"
"he's our microwave guy, he can heat up in a hurry"
"a plethora of front line bulk"
"they can run not just bodies, but quality bodies"
Other games watched:
Wichita State at Oklahoma State
Minnesota at Arkansas
Big 10 Network
Important stuff
* First "dribble drive" - 5:49 left in second half
* More Kevin Kugler & Shon Morris:
"even though it's a mythical bird, the thunderbird, you have a couple birds on the verge of extinction!"
"showing some gumption...that was a Prius taking on an SUV!"
"he's our microwave guy, he can heat up in a hurry"
"a plethora of front line bulk"
"they can run not just bodies, but quality bodies"
Other games watched:
Wichita State at Oklahoma State
Minnesota at Arkansas
Game 440 - Montana at Georgia State
December 9 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
espn3.com
Game No. 440 for us was game No. 100 in Isaiah Williams' career and the senior guard put together a nice night to celebrate.
Williams came off the bench to equal teammate Jeff Thomas with a game-high 15 points and GSU survived blowing another large lead and won 71-68.
The Panthers led by as much as 17 points just four days after losing a 16-point cushion in an overtime loss to Liberty. Montana trailed for virtually the entire second half, but pulled even at 68-68 on a tip-in by Jamar Akoh with 1:10 to go. A minute of bad possessions followed before GSU's Devin Mitchell battled for a rebound and was fouled, making two free throws with 12 seconds to play for a 70-68 lead.
Montana's Ahmaad Rorie (game-high 22 points) dribbled into three players at the other end, leading to a turnover and another free throw at the other end providing the winning margin.
Thomas, who is turning into the Panthers' best all-around player - he can rebound, has gotten better and better defensively and can shoot the three - added eight rebounds to go along with his 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
espn3.com
Game No. 440 for us was game No. 100 in Isaiah Williams' career and the senior guard put together a nice night to celebrate.
Williams came off the bench to equal teammate Jeff Thomas with a game-high 15 points and GSU survived blowing another large lead and won 71-68.
The Panthers led by as much as 17 points just four days after losing a 16-point cushion in an overtime loss to Liberty. Montana trailed for virtually the entire second half, but pulled even at 68-68 on a tip-in by Jamar Akoh with 1:10 to go. A minute of bad possessions followed before GSU's Devin Mitchell battled for a rebound and was fouled, making two free throws with 12 seconds to play for a 70-68 lead.
Montana's Ahmaad Rorie (game-high 22 points) dribbled into three players at the other end, leading to a turnover and another free throw at the other end providing the winning margin.
Thomas, who is turning into the Panthers' best all-around player - he can rebound, has gotten better and better defensively and can shoot the three - added eight rebounds to go along with his 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
Game 439 - Loyola-Chicago at Florida
December 6 at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, FL
SEC Network
What a great win for Loyola, which defeated a top-5 team (Florida was ranked fifth coming in) for the first time since a win over No. 4 Illinois in December, 1984.
Aundre Jackson was fantastic - 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting - and the Ramblers overall hit 52% of their shots.
Couple other notes:
* Florida was dreadful from three-point range (2-of-19) and in losses this week to Florida State and now Loyola (part of a three-game losing streak after a 5-0 start), the Gators were 8-of-44 from behind the arc.
* Loyola won this game without senior guard Ben Richardson, an important player who remains out with a hand injury, and lost another guard, second-leading scorer Clayton Custer, in the second half to an ankle injury.
* Nice work by Mike Morgan & Dane Bradshaw, who like all good basketball broadcast teams artfully combined overused phrases with made-up nonsense:
"talented floor man"
"you can't change your DNA"
"the rowdy reptiles" (4)
"playing with house money"
"maturation process"
"ice in his veins"
"out-toughed"
"good character kids"
"mouse in the house, go to work young man!"
And we close with this glorious top 3:
"inconsistent intensity"
"they're igniting on all cylinders"
"they can execute you to death"
SEC Network
What a great win for Loyola, which defeated a top-5 team (Florida was ranked fifth coming in) for the first time since a win over No. 4 Illinois in December, 1984.
Aundre Jackson was fantastic - 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting - and the Ramblers overall hit 52% of their shots.
Couple other notes:
* Florida was dreadful from three-point range (2-of-19) and in losses this week to Florida State and now Loyola (part of a three-game losing streak after a 5-0 start), the Gators were 8-of-44 from behind the arc.
* Loyola won this game without senior guard Ben Richardson, an important player who remains out with a hand injury, and lost another guard, second-leading scorer Clayton Custer, in the second half to an ankle injury.
* Nice work by Mike Morgan & Dane Bradshaw, who like all good basketball broadcast teams artfully combined overused phrases with made-up nonsense:
"talented floor man"
"you can't change your DNA"
"the rowdy reptiles" (4)
"playing with house money"
"maturation process"
"ice in his veins"
"out-toughed"
"good character kids"
"mouse in the house, go to work young man!"
And we close with this glorious top 3:
"inconsistent intensity"
"they're igniting on all cylinders"
"they can execute you to death"
Game 438 - Covenant College at Emory
December 6 at Woodruff PE Center in Atlanta, GA
I'd like to start by saying what a pleasure it was to watch the first half of this game. Only one timeout was called (!) and it came with 5:15 to go until halftime. I've watched thousands and thousands of college basketball games, and despite obviously not being able to remember every one of them, can comfortably say I've never (1) watched an entire half where just one timeout was called, and (2) watched a half where the first one was called with less than six minutes to go.
Of course, Covenant, which fell 80-73, called all six of its timeouts in the second half (Emory stopped play twice).
Emory held on for the win thanks in large part to completely shutting down Patjo Twagirayezu. The senior forward made just one basket at the 11:44 mark of the second half and scored three points - 18 below his average. He was a clear focal point for the Emory defense, which did allow shooters to knock down threes - sophomore guard James Mitchell was 6-for-9 from behind the arc, while senior Berto Dryden hit three - but Twagiravezu being a non-factor was a big reason Emory won for the eighth time in nine all-time meetings between the schools.
Really nice all-around game for Christopher Avant. The senior post player came in averaging a little less than seven rebounds, but grabbed 17 Wednesday to go along with 12 points (one of five in double figures) and five steals.
Emory (5-2) recently fell out of the d3hoops.com Division III top 25 after a loss at Hampden-Sydney last weekend.
I'd like to start by saying what a pleasure it was to watch the first half of this game. Only one timeout was called (!) and it came with 5:15 to go until halftime. I've watched thousands and thousands of college basketball games, and despite obviously not being able to remember every one of them, can comfortably say I've never (1) watched an entire half where just one timeout was called, and (2) watched a half where the first one was called with less than six minutes to go.
Of course, Covenant, which fell 80-73, called all six of its timeouts in the second half (Emory stopped play twice).
Emory held on for the win thanks in large part to completely shutting down Patjo Twagirayezu. The senior forward made just one basket at the 11:44 mark of the second half and scored three points - 18 below his average. He was a clear focal point for the Emory defense, which did allow shooters to knock down threes - sophomore guard James Mitchell was 6-for-9 from behind the arc, while senior Berto Dryden hit three - but Twagiravezu being a non-factor was a big reason Emory won for the eighth time in nine all-time meetings between the schools.
Really nice all-around game for Christopher Avant. The senior post player came in averaging a little less than seven rebounds, but grabbed 17 Wednesday to go along with 12 points (one of five in double figures) and five steals.
Emory (5-2) recently fell out of the d3hoops.com Division III top 25 after a loss at Hampden-Sydney last weekend.
Game 437 - Montana State at Central Michigan
December 5 at McGuirk Arena in Mount Pleasant, MI
espn3.com
Quite a difference a year makes for the Central Michigan defense.
A year ago, the Chippewas had one of the nation's worst defenses, allowing an average of nearly 88 points, including surrendering at least that average in 20 of their 32 games. The first eight games of the 2017-18 season have been a different story.
The defense has been one of the nation's best (11th in scoring defense and tied for 12th in field goal percentage defense) and that continued Tuesday as the Chippewas held Montana State to 28% shooting, and a miserable 1-of-16 performance from three-point range in a 75-48 win.
In winning its sixth consecutive game, Central Michigan (7-1), allowed its fewest points since a 75-43 victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in November, 2014.
"I just think we got some guys that are buying in on the defensive end," CMU coach Keno Davis told espn3. "Forty-eight points to give up on the defensive end...it's nice to be able to win both on the offensive end and the defensive end."
The hosts did a tremendous job on Tyler Hall. The junior guard and Big Sky preseason player of the year came into the night top-30 nationally in scoring, but had the first scoreless outing of his career (72 games) and went 0-of-9 from the field in just 11 minutes.
* Quick set of basketball phrases/nonsense from the broadcast team of Adam Jaksa and Matt Devries:
"same page defense"
"perimeter close outs"
"run out"
"they can not find any mojo"
"bringing the juice for the Chips"
"international flavor"
"there's a lid on the bucket"
"rim protector"
espn3.com
Quite a difference a year makes for the Central Michigan defense.
A year ago, the Chippewas had one of the nation's worst defenses, allowing an average of nearly 88 points, including surrendering at least that average in 20 of their 32 games. The first eight games of the 2017-18 season have been a different story.
The defense has been one of the nation's best (11th in scoring defense and tied for 12th in field goal percentage defense) and that continued Tuesday as the Chippewas held Montana State to 28% shooting, and a miserable 1-of-16 performance from three-point range in a 75-48 win.
In winning its sixth consecutive game, Central Michigan (7-1), allowed its fewest points since a 75-43 victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in November, 2014.
"I just think we got some guys that are buying in on the defensive end," CMU coach Keno Davis told espn3. "Forty-eight points to give up on the defensive end...it's nice to be able to win both on the offensive end and the defensive end."
The hosts did a tremendous job on Tyler Hall. The junior guard and Big Sky preseason player of the year came into the night top-30 nationally in scoring, but had the first scoreless outing of his career (72 games) and went 0-of-9 from the field in just 11 minutes.
* Quick set of basketball phrases/nonsense from the broadcast team of Adam Jaksa and Matt Devries:
"same page defense"
"perimeter close outs"
"run out"
"they can not find any mojo"
"bringing the juice for the Chips"
"international flavor"
"there's a lid on the bucket"
"rim protector"
Game 436 - Liberty at Georgia State
December 4 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA
Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz hadn't even attempted a three-point shot before overtime of Monday's game, so naturally he hit both of his long range attempts in the extra session, including the game-winner at the buzzer in Liberty's 77-74 victory.
The way the second half unfolded, it was inevitable that the visitors would win it on a three. During an 11-minute stretch in the second, Liberty hit 8-of-9 from behind the arc (Lovell Cabbil hit four of his five and Ryan Kemrite three of his five during the stretch), turning a 16-point deficit into a five-point lead with 2:41 to go.
The hosts had no answer for the long-range shot and unfortunately it ended up being the difference.
Georgia State rallied thanks to D'Marcus Simonds, who had six of his career-high 35 points down the stretch of regulation, including a lay-in with 37 seconds left that were the last points of regulation & tied the game at 68-68.
Simonds hit that career high on a 13-for-24 shooting night, but turned the ball over eight times and I thought was bailed out by some shaky officiating on what could've been a couple more turnovers.
Overtime saw Simonds hit a huge three to give GSU a 74-71 lead with just over two minutes to play. But GSU failed to score again and Ortiz nailed a tying 3-pointer with 45 seconds left, and on the final possession, stopped his dribble and leaned in and knocked down Liberty's 14th trey (on 26 attempts) to send his team home to Lynchburg with a win.
21 assists on 27 made baskets by Liberty, which came into the night 216th nationally in three-point field goal percentage.
Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz hadn't even attempted a three-point shot before overtime of Monday's game, so naturally he hit both of his long range attempts in the extra session, including the game-winner at the buzzer in Liberty's 77-74 victory.
The way the second half unfolded, it was inevitable that the visitors would win it on a three. During an 11-minute stretch in the second, Liberty hit 8-of-9 from behind the arc (Lovell Cabbil hit four of his five and Ryan Kemrite three of his five during the stretch), turning a 16-point deficit into a five-point lead with 2:41 to go.
The hosts had no answer for the long-range shot and unfortunately it ended up being the difference.
Georgia State rallied thanks to D'Marcus Simonds, who had six of his career-high 35 points down the stretch of regulation, including a lay-in with 37 seconds left that were the last points of regulation & tied the game at 68-68.
Simonds hit that career high on a 13-for-24 shooting night, but turned the ball over eight times and I thought was bailed out by some shaky officiating on what could've been a couple more turnovers.
Overtime saw Simonds hit a huge three to give GSU a 74-71 lead with just over two minutes to play. But GSU failed to score again and Ortiz nailed a tying 3-pointer with 45 seconds left, and on the final possession, stopped his dribble and leaned in and knocked down Liberty's 14th trey (on 26 attempts) to send his team home to Lynchburg with a win.
21 assists on 27 made baskets by Liberty, which came into the night 216th nationally in three-point field goal percentage.
Game 435 - Dayton at Mississippi State
December 3 at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, MS
ESPNU
That was one of the uglier games we've seen in 2+ years at 200 Game Season, though it did end with a last-second basket.
Quinndary Weatherspoon's steal and driving lay-up through two Dayton players with .9 seconds to play let Mississippi State escape and stay unbeaten with a 61-59 victory.
The Bulldogs (7-0 for the first time since winning their first 11 in 2011-12) blew a 21-point lead as Dayton pulled even for the last time at 59-59 on a 1-2 trip to the free throw line by Darrell Davis (17 points, 10 rebounds) at the 1:09 mark. After MSU's 24th turnover, Dayton missed a 3-pointer, got the offensive rebound and during that second chance ended up committing its 26th and final turnover, which led to Weatherspoon's game-winner.
Mississippi State was up 43-25 before Jalen Crutcher scored seven points and Davis added a four-point play and an assist during a 13-0 spurt that got us to the 13-minute mark.
Tyson Carter led all scorers with 20 points and was an excellent 6-of-10 from three-point range. The sophomore gave the Bulldogs a 56-50 lead with a three at the 4:45 mark (assisted by Weatherspoon), then again at 59-56 with another long ball with 2 1/2 minutes left (assisted by Nick Weatherspoon).
It was the first meeting between the teams since a 56-54 MSU win on December 19, 1975.
ESPNU
That was one of the uglier games we've seen in 2+ years at 200 Game Season, though it did end with a last-second basket.
Quinndary Weatherspoon's steal and driving lay-up through two Dayton players with .9 seconds to play let Mississippi State escape and stay unbeaten with a 61-59 victory.
The Bulldogs (7-0 for the first time since winning their first 11 in 2011-12) blew a 21-point lead as Dayton pulled even for the last time at 59-59 on a 1-2 trip to the free throw line by Darrell Davis (17 points, 10 rebounds) at the 1:09 mark. After MSU's 24th turnover, Dayton missed a 3-pointer, got the offensive rebound and during that second chance ended up committing its 26th and final turnover, which led to Weatherspoon's game-winner.
Mississippi State was up 43-25 before Jalen Crutcher scored seven points and Davis added a four-point play and an assist during a 13-0 spurt that got us to the 13-minute mark.
Tyson Carter led all scorers with 20 points and was an excellent 6-of-10 from three-point range. The sophomore gave the Bulldogs a 56-50 lead with a three at the 4:45 mark (assisted by Weatherspoon), then again at 59-56 with another long ball with 2 1/2 minutes left (assisted by Nick Weatherspoon).
It was the first meeting between the teams since a 56-54 MSU win on December 19, 1975.
Game 434 - North Carolina vs. Davidson
December 1 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC
ESPN2
Good night of silliness for Roy Philpott and Jason Capel during this 85-75 North Carolina win:
"rim run"
"the first big down the floor usually eats"
"skill set" (2)
"you can't measure what was in his heart"
"ball don't lie"
"moved his feet built his wall"
"smooth operator"
"hybrid forward"
"the show and go" (2)
"take the air out of the basketball"
"the Swiss army knife for the Tar Heels"
ESPN2
Good night of silliness for Roy Philpott and Jason Capel during this 85-75 North Carolina win:
"rim run"
"the first big down the floor usually eats"
"skill set" (2)
"you can't measure what was in his heart"
"ball don't lie"
"moved his feet built his wall"
"smooth operator"
"hybrid forward"
"the show and go" (2)
"take the air out of the basketball"
"the Swiss army knife for the Tar Heels"
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