Offensive balance, tenacity on the boards and gritty defense were the key elements in Maryland's 85-75 win over Virginia--a crucial win in the team's quest for an NCAA Tournament berth (3-3 in the ACC with back to back road games up next)...
For the second straight game Maryland shot better than 50%. Four early three pointers gave the Terps a double digit lead and softened the Cavaliers' zone. Five players would finish in double figures while the team committed 9 turnovers after giving up the ball 22 times against Duke.
Although the Terrapins technically lost the battle of the boards (31-30), they outrebounded Virginia 7-3 over the final four minutes--including three huge offensive rebounds turned into baskets by Landon Milbourne (on back to back possessions) and Bambale Osby for the team's only field goals in the final 3:46 of regulation.
Just as important was the Terps ability to nullify Virginia's 3 point shooting--the Cavaliers entered the game leading the ACC in made threes per game but hit just 6 of 21 from outside the arc.
Virginia in the ACC cellar?...hard to imagine after Sean Singletary opted out of the NBA Draft but the Cavaliers-less than a year after tying North Carolina for the regular season title-find themselves bringing up the conference rear.
While covering the Terps and Cavaliers, I kept an eye on the rest of the Beltway Basketball Bonanza:
Sixth rated Georgetown held St. John's without a field goal for the first fifteen minutes in their 74-42 rout of the Red Storm (or is it Redstorm?--much like the Ottawa Rough Riders and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL)...it was St John's worst-ever loss in Big East play... it's a shame one of the schools that provided the foundation for the Big East is in such bad shape--the league is more compelling when a NYC team is relevant (even when Seton Hall is good, they're still Seton Hall)...
George Washington slips at home to St. Josephs 61-59...despite 20 points and 10 rebounds from Rob Diggs (before fouling out). As has often been the case this winter, many of the pieces of the puzzle were present--it just seemed as though they couldn't get everything to fit for 40 minutes. As we enter the fourth month of the season, GW is still searching for its first road win-- the best shot will come either February 13th at St. Louis (they held the Billikens to 20 points in January) or February 16th at St. Bonaventure (Bonnies are 0-6 in the A-10).
American misses another opportunity to move up the Patriot League standings, losing 77-66 to Navy (first win for the mids at AU since 1991) despite outrebounding the Midshipmen 47-31. The Eagles drop back to back home games to teams below them in the conference--not ideal when you're visiting league leading Lafayette Saturday.
One last thought from the other night's George Mason game with Virginia Commonwealth-- Rams forward Kirill Pishchalnikov, makeshift mullet and all, bears a striking resemblance to Saturday Night Live's "Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer" from the late 1980's...
I can almost hear the late Phil Hartman now:
"I am just a caveman and your ways frighten me-I hear a whistle and think 'is that a Pterodactyl?'-if anything you should reward me for attacking the striped shirt man..."
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Patriots Prevail--ACC elimination game?
Big win in Mason Nation Tuesday--the fans at the Patriot Center (a record student crowd of 2,061) stormed the court after George Mason's 63-51 win over CAA-leading Virginia Commonwealth; a win that moves GMU within a game of the Rams in the conference race.
Keys to victory--the Patriots were able to hold preseason CAA Player of the Year Eric Maynor to 3 second half points (1-4 FG with 3 turnovers after intermission) and a lineup shift to Will Thomas and four guards powered a 20-4 second half run. Thomas shouldered the burden of being not just the primary post presence, but the only inside player for GMU (21 points on 8-of-9 shooting, 15 rebounds). Coach Jim Larranaga's team meets James Madison Saturday before a crucial three game roadtrip (Drexel, Old Dominion and Towson are a combined 11-16 in the CAA--but GMU's 2-3 league road record includes a loss to Georgia State).
Maryland meets Virginia in a clash of Potomac River Rivals--something that seems to mean a lot on the football field but little on the basketball court. But both schools have quite a bit at stake-- the Cavaliers can ill afford to start 1-5 in the ACC (last 1-5 team to make the NCAA's--Maryland in '86)--coach Dave Leitao's team has lost three conference games by less than three points or in overtime. The Terps, meanwhile, would drop to 11th place in the league with a loss--and three of their next four are away from College Park.
Not only does Maryland have to contend with Sean Singletary (3rd in the ACC in scoring and tops in assists) but a Virginia team that will let loose from outside: their 9 three-pointers made per game paces the conference and they take quite a few of those threes in transition, creating plenty of matchup problems for coach Gary Williams (good thing his team is 2nd best in the ACC in 3point defense).
The Terps have a huge advantage inside with James Gist and Bambale Osby both coming off stellar games against Duke (combining for 46 points and 20 rebounds against the Blue Devils). Last year Virginia swept Maryland, getting quality performances from supporting players like Mamadi Diane (26 points in Charlottesville) and Tunji Soroye(13 points in College Park)...will we be saying the same about Cliff Tucker or Mike Scott after tonight?
Keys to victory--the Patriots were able to hold preseason CAA Player of the Year Eric Maynor to 3 second half points (1-4 FG with 3 turnovers after intermission) and a lineup shift to Will Thomas and four guards powered a 20-4 second half run. Thomas shouldered the burden of being not just the primary post presence, but the only inside player for GMU (21 points on 8-of-9 shooting, 15 rebounds). Coach Jim Larranaga's team meets James Madison Saturday before a crucial three game roadtrip (Drexel, Old Dominion and Towson are a combined 11-16 in the CAA--but GMU's 2-3 league road record includes a loss to Georgia State).
Maryland meets Virginia in a clash of Potomac River Rivals--something that seems to mean a lot on the football field but little on the basketball court. But both schools have quite a bit at stake-- the Cavaliers can ill afford to start 1-5 in the ACC (last 1-5 team to make the NCAA's--Maryland in '86)--coach Dave Leitao's team has lost three conference games by less than three points or in overtime. The Terps, meanwhile, would drop to 11th place in the league with a loss--and three of their next four are away from College Park.
Not only does Maryland have to contend with Sean Singletary (3rd in the ACC in scoring and tops in assists) but a Virginia team that will let loose from outside: their 9 three-pointers made per game paces the conference and they take quite a few of those threes in transition, creating plenty of matchup problems for coach Gary Williams (good thing his team is 2nd best in the ACC in 3point defense).
The Terps have a huge advantage inside with James Gist and Bambale Osby both coming off stellar games against Duke (combining for 46 points and 20 rebounds against the Blue Devils). Last year Virginia swept Maryland, getting quality performances from supporting players like Mamadi Diane (26 points in Charlottesville) and Tunji Soroye(13 points in College Park)...will we be saying the same about Cliff Tucker or Mike Scott after tonight?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Anthem Issues, Terps tumble-plus a Hoyas Bench Boost...
Maryland's 93-84 loss to third ranked Duke saw the Terrapins waste a nine point halftime lead--their advantage almost evaporating in the first two minutes after intermission. More thoughts on a major moment ruined at the end of the blog.
Defense was the difference--Duke as always fiercely guarded the ball --notching 13 steals (Terps would turn the ball over 22 times). The Blue Devil big men came through in clogging up the post as well-giving Bambale Osby less room to work with and pushing James Gist away from the cylinder consistently in the second half. Maryland, meanwhile, couldn't cool down Gerald Henderson and DeMarcus Nelson (the Blue Devil backcourt duo combining for 50 points on 19 of 31 shooting).
Rebounding reversed--Maryland carved out its early lead thanks to a 22-14 advantage on the glass. The second half was almost the exact opposite--Duke dominating the boards 23-14 and outrebounding the Terps 9-2 over the final four minutes. Credit goes to Henderson and Nelson for more than holding their own outside.
What went right--the team shot a season-high 54% and garnered 48 points in the paint; Cliff Tucker played well (4 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists) played well again in limited minutes. The team more than held its own against two of the top five teams in the nation; now they prepare for a Wednesday meeting with 1-4 in the conference Virginia.
Saturday's thrills, chills and spills saw #9 Georgetown rally past West Virginia-thanks to a last-second block by Patrick Ewing Jr...as the Hoyas continue to lead a charmed life in Big East play (3 of their 6 conference wins have come by 3 points or less). Ewing's role off the bench (5 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists) can't be emphasized enough--the senior consistently provides energy off the pine and gives coach John Thompson III a defender who can handle both perimeter and post players.
Tough conference losses for local teams:
American fell to Holy Cross 66-64...a chance for standings separation saw the Eagles give the Crusaders their first Patriot League win-at Bender Arena. This team has the potential to play well into mid-March, yet losses like this and their defeat at Bucknell betray AU's possibilities.
George Mason wasted another halftime lead at UNC-Wilmington (always tough to win on the road in the CAA) in the Patriots 71-68 loss to the Seahawks...Folarin Campbell and John Vaughan combine for 36 points but the rest of the team shoots 10-for-29 from the field (1-7 from three-point range). Still, the biggest game standings-wise in the area this week is Tuesday's tilt between the Patriots and CAA-leading Virginia Commonwealth.
George Washington lost at Duquesne 92-67. The Colonials continue to struggle offensively (28 turnovers) as well as away from the Smith Center (they're winless on the road this year)...and it doesn't get any easier when second in the league St Joseph's drops by Wednesday.
Attending all the basketball games I get to hear a wide array of Star-Spangled Banners, from the Georgetown Chimes (vocal ensemble) to the guy who does the hockey games in operatic fashion at Verizon for Hoya games, from the solo student at Maryland games to the Green Machine Band (with the previously mentioned Doc Nix) at George Mason games. At Syracuse's Carrier Dome in the 90's they would put the lyrics on the jumbotron and one of my roommates would get misty-eyed reading about the siege of Fort McHenry.
That said, it's extremely irritating to hear during a powerful rendition of the National Anthem to hear the Comcast faithful shout "O!" ... I know Baltimore isn't too far from College Park, but must we desecrate the fine words of Francis Scott Key to proclaim the Orioles? Do they shout "C's" in Boston? "Braves" in Atlanta? And Key was from Baltimore! Why don't they wake the ghost of Edgar Allen Poe by retitling Ravens Stadium "The House of Usher"? (hold on, that sounds good)
Defense was the difference--Duke as always fiercely guarded the ball --notching 13 steals (Terps would turn the ball over 22 times). The Blue Devil big men came through in clogging up the post as well-giving Bambale Osby less room to work with and pushing James Gist away from the cylinder consistently in the second half. Maryland, meanwhile, couldn't cool down Gerald Henderson and DeMarcus Nelson (the Blue Devil backcourt duo combining for 50 points on 19 of 31 shooting).
Rebounding reversed--Maryland carved out its early lead thanks to a 22-14 advantage on the glass. The second half was almost the exact opposite--Duke dominating the boards 23-14 and outrebounding the Terps 9-2 over the final four minutes. Credit goes to Henderson and Nelson for more than holding their own outside.
What went right--the team shot a season-high 54% and garnered 48 points in the paint; Cliff Tucker played well (4 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists) played well again in limited minutes. The team more than held its own against two of the top five teams in the nation; now they prepare for a Wednesday meeting with 1-4 in the conference Virginia.
Saturday's thrills, chills and spills saw #9 Georgetown rally past West Virginia-thanks to a last-second block by Patrick Ewing Jr...as the Hoyas continue to lead a charmed life in Big East play (3 of their 6 conference wins have come by 3 points or less). Ewing's role off the bench (5 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists) can't be emphasized enough--the senior consistently provides energy off the pine and gives coach John Thompson III a defender who can handle both perimeter and post players.
Tough conference losses for local teams:
American fell to Holy Cross 66-64...a chance for standings separation saw the Eagles give the Crusaders their first Patriot League win-at Bender Arena. This team has the potential to play well into mid-March, yet losses like this and their defeat at Bucknell betray AU's possibilities.
George Mason wasted another halftime lead at UNC-Wilmington (always tough to win on the road in the CAA) in the Patriots 71-68 loss to the Seahawks...Folarin Campbell and John Vaughan combine for 36 points but the rest of the team shoots 10-for-29 from the field (1-7 from three-point range). Still, the biggest game standings-wise in the area this week is Tuesday's tilt between the Patriots and CAA-leading Virginia Commonwealth.
George Washington lost at Duquesne 92-67. The Colonials continue to struggle offensively (28 turnovers) as well as away from the Smith Center (they're winless on the road this year)...and it doesn't get any easier when second in the league St Joseph's drops by Wednesday.
Attending all the basketball games I get to hear a wide array of Star-Spangled Banners, from the Georgetown Chimes (vocal ensemble) to the guy who does the hockey games in operatic fashion at Verizon for Hoya games, from the solo student at Maryland games to the Green Machine Band (with the previously mentioned Doc Nix) at George Mason games. At Syracuse's Carrier Dome in the 90's they would put the lyrics on the jumbotron and one of my roommates would get misty-eyed reading about the siege of Fort McHenry.
That said, it's extremely irritating to hear during a powerful rendition of the National Anthem to hear the Comcast faithful shout "O!" ... I know Baltimore isn't too far from College Park, but must we desecrate the fine words of Francis Scott Key to proclaim the Orioles? Do they shout "C's" in Boston? "Braves" in Atlanta? And Key was from Baltimore! Why don't they wake the ghost of Edgar Allen Poe by retitling Ravens Stadium "The House of Usher"? (hold on, that sounds good)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Folarin gets the point...Doc Nix has the perfect prescription...
George Mason's 86-53 rout of Old Dominion was the Patriots' fourth straight CAA victory, the fourth consecutive game with a different leading scorer, and seventh game with . One major reason for GMU's offensive efficiency has been the shift of Folarin Campbell to point guard-- the senior played both forward positions and a little shooting guard before being given the keys to the offense.
Coach Jim Larranaga said it took a while for Campbell to adjust to his new role-- at first the senior passed up most of his scoring opportunities to involve his teammates; since settling in Campbell's averaged 14 points and 4 assists the past seven games (an increase of 2 points and an assist over his first 11 contests). Last night the senior didn't neglect his game nor his teammates, finishing with 25 points and 6 assists (both CAA highs for Campbell this year) against ODU.
Defensively the Patriots did a decent job of containing the Monarch's Gerald Lee to 11 points on 4 of 9 shooting; as a whole they limited ODU to 27% from the field while building a 23 point halftime lead--and just as crucial they came out strong in the second half (both of their league losses have come after letting halftime leads dissolve).
GMU continues its attempted climb to the top of the standings with a trip to UNC-Wilmington Saturday (Seahawks are a game behind GMU in the league standings) and a home game with conference-leading Virginia Commonwealth Tuesday. I saw the Ram backcourt of Jamal Shuler and Eric Maynor go off against Maryland at the BB&T in November; with GMU's attack on all cylinders this will be one enjoyable game to watch.
By the way, throughout the next few months I'll be looking at little things involved in the gameday experience for fans and media at various arenas across the beltway--and nobody tops DOC NIX and the Green Machine Pep Band. Decked out in a very dapper emerald green or gold outfit, bandleader Nix is all about style--and the band is all about knocking the tar out of every song they play (I personally like the key-shaking during opponents free throws in the second period). Well worth the price of admission.
Coach Jim Larranaga said it took a while for Campbell to adjust to his new role-- at first the senior passed up most of his scoring opportunities to involve his teammates; since settling in Campbell's averaged 14 points and 4 assists the past seven games (an increase of 2 points and an assist over his first 11 contests). Last night the senior didn't neglect his game nor his teammates, finishing with 25 points and 6 assists (both CAA highs for Campbell this year) against ODU.
Defensively the Patriots did a decent job of containing the Monarch's Gerald Lee to 11 points on 4 of 9 shooting; as a whole they limited ODU to 27% from the field while building a 23 point halftime lead--and just as crucial they came out strong in the second half (both of their league losses have come after letting halftime leads dissolve).
GMU continues its attempted climb to the top of the standings with a trip to UNC-Wilmington Saturday (Seahawks are a game behind GMU in the league standings) and a home game with conference-leading Virginia Commonwealth Tuesday. I saw the Ram backcourt of Jamal Shuler and Eric Maynor go off against Maryland at the BB&T in November; with GMU's attack on all cylinders this will be one enjoyable game to watch.
By the way, throughout the next few months I'll be looking at little things involved in the gameday experience for fans and media at various arenas across the beltway--and nobody tops DOC NIX and the Green Machine Pep Band. Decked out in a very dapper emerald green or gold outfit, bandleader Nix is all about style--and the band is all about knocking the tar out of every song they play (I personally like the key-shaking during opponents free throws in the second period). Well worth the price of admission.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Hoyas defense does not rest...Hokies extend, Patriots contend...
Impressions after digesting #9 Georgetown's 64-62 overtime win over Syracuse:
Hoyas have hoop kismet this year--for the second time in four games, they rallied from at least five points down late in regulation to post a thrilling victory...this time Jesse Sapp was the hero, scoring the last five points in regulation to send the game into OT and then giving the Hoyas a lead they'd never relinquish with a pair of free throws in the extra session.
Nice defensive presence by the Hoyas on Jonny Flynn--Jeremiah Rivers handcuffed Flynn late in the game-holding the Orange's leading scorer to and 0-for-7 finish from the floor.
Rebounding is still an issue--the Hoyas were beaten on the boards by ten after getting outrebounded 42-34 two days earlier by Notre Dame...it's tough to see how a team with a 7 footer playing center gets bested on the glass consistently.
Virginia Tech extended coach Seth Greenberg to a contract extension throught the 2012-13 season...solid move by the Hokies; Greenberg is 78-63 during his tenure and he's made what has primarily been a football school a force to be reckoned with on the court from the moment they joined the ACC (just look at wins in Cameron over Duke and in Chapel Hill over North Carolina last winter). Fresh off their first NCAA Tournament berth in a decade, Greenberg is making a team riddled by graduation into one of the league's toughest outs.
Tonight on the Beltway Basketball Bonanza--George Mason entertains Old Dominion in a huge CAA test: the Patriots are part of a three-way tie for second place one game behind Virginia Commonwealth, ODU has struggled against a rough pre-conference slate that included three top ten teams over one week...and the Monarchs have lost four of their last five road games.
Hoyas have hoop kismet this year--for the second time in four games, they rallied from at least five points down late in regulation to post a thrilling victory...this time Jesse Sapp was the hero, scoring the last five points in regulation to send the game into OT and then giving the Hoyas a lead they'd never relinquish with a pair of free throws in the extra session.
Nice defensive presence by the Hoyas on Jonny Flynn--Jeremiah Rivers handcuffed Flynn late in the game-holding the Orange's leading scorer to and 0-for-7 finish from the floor.
Rebounding is still an issue--the Hoyas were beaten on the boards by ten after getting outrebounded 42-34 two days earlier by Notre Dame...it's tough to see how a team with a 7 footer playing center gets bested on the glass consistently.
Virginia Tech extended coach Seth Greenberg to a contract extension throught the 2012-13 season...solid move by the Hokies; Greenberg is 78-63 during his tenure and he's made what has primarily been a football school a force to be reckoned with on the court from the moment they joined the ACC (just look at wins in Cameron over Duke and in Chapel Hill over North Carolina last winter). Fresh off their first NCAA Tournament berth in a decade, Greenberg is making a team riddled by graduation into one of the league's toughest outs.
Tonight on the Beltway Basketball Bonanza--George Mason entertains Old Dominion in a huge CAA test: the Patriots are part of a three-way tie for second place one game behind Virginia Commonwealth, ODU has struggled against a rough pre-conference slate that included three top ten teams over one week...and the Monarchs have lost four of their last five road games.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The sport that can't shoot straight...
What's the deal with all the offensive offenses this winter? I saw St Louis put up a shot-clock era record-low 20 points on the board in their game with George Washington a few weeks ago...and while the Billikens shooting woes (15 % from the field against the Colonials) appears to be an abberation (coach Rick Majerus' team is 44% on the season), it brings to mind a numbing quantity of games where teams score in the 30's and 40's--and I'm not talking about interconference mismatches (Virginia Tech 68, George Washington 36) but actual league play (Georgetown 58, Rutgers 46 and George Mason 85, Drexel 38)...
It was my assumption that Division I College Basketball games operate like the SAT's: akin to getting 400 points for signing your name--don't you automatically get 50 points for rolling the balls out on the floor?
It was my assumption that Division I College Basketball games operate like the SAT's: akin to getting 400 points for signing your name--don't you automatically get 50 points for rolling the balls out on the floor?
Monday, January 21, 2008
One Wild Weekend...
A college basketball season can turn on a dime--what I enjoy about the sport is that there are plenty of opportunities to improve without the season lasting too long (82 games-ugh)...
Saturday inside and outside the beltway there were plenty of turning points...
Georgetown 84, Notre Dame 65--Roy Hibbert has his first Monster Offensive Game of the season (21 points) while the Hoyas hold the Fighting Irish to 33% shooting and took control of the game midway through the first half on a 15-0 run. Hibbert gets plenty of help on both ends of the floor from Dejuan Summers inside and Austin Freeman on the perimeter. John Thompson III's crew looks like they're a month ahead of the rest of the Big East--a 15-3 conference mark is not unlikely.
Maryland 82, North Carolina 80--the Terrapins took another step towards salvaging their season with a huge upset on the road...proving once again you can NEVER count out a Gary Williams coached team (it's Gary Williams 7th career victory over a #1 team, most by any active coach).
The elements of upset:
A stingy defense that held Tyler Hansborough and Wayne Ellington to 12 of 31 shooting. Defensive effort and execution have been on a different level this year; the fact they were able to slow down the high-flying Tar Heels (averaging 98 points a game at home) was nothing short of staggering.
James Gist's emergence. In December coach Williams asked former Terp Johnny Rhodes to speak with the senior; since then Gist has taken charge and his 22 points and 13 rebounds against UNC was a major statement for the team's lone 4th year player.
Tar Heels have talent, but are oh so soft. I saw Maryland upset a top-five North Carolina team last February, an what amazed me was how few Terps I though could make their roster (Strawberry, Gist and Vasquez) as well as how Roy Williams's team seemed to lose focus and/or intensity for significant stretches. It didn't cost them in the ACC Tournament, but killed them in the East Regional Finals against Georgetown.
Xavier 74, George Washington 66. The Colonials came up short in their upset bid against the 20th ranked Musketeers despite staying within a few possessions for most of the game. Perimeter defense was problematic (Xavier shot 39% from three point range, more than a few coming at pivotal points), but on the positive side coach Karl Hobbs received solid efforts from Maureece Rice (22 points and 5 assists while running the offense) and Damian Hollis (12 points and 12 rebounds). At 5-8, the Colonials play three of their next four games away from the Smith Center--and they're winless on the road this year.
Elsewhere --nice wins by George Mason and American. The Patriots got 34 points from Dre Smith (including 10 for 10 from three point range) in their 96-75 win over James Madison--improving to 5-2 in the CAA; they have games against Old Dominion and Virginia Commonwealth (both tournament teams in 2007) looming in Fairfax. The Eagles shook off a tough loss at Bucknell by beating Colgate 65-57--the backcourt of Derrick Mercer and Garrison Carr continues to hum, with the duo combining for 35 points. Jeff Jones's team has a three game stretch against Army, Navy and Holy Cross (combined 2-7 in the Patriot League) before facing conference co-leader Lafayette.
Saturday inside and outside the beltway there were plenty of turning points...
Georgetown 84, Notre Dame 65--Roy Hibbert has his first Monster Offensive Game of the season (21 points) while the Hoyas hold the Fighting Irish to 33% shooting and took control of the game midway through the first half on a 15-0 run. Hibbert gets plenty of help on both ends of the floor from Dejuan Summers inside and Austin Freeman on the perimeter. John Thompson III's crew looks like they're a month ahead of the rest of the Big East--a 15-3 conference mark is not unlikely.
Maryland 82, North Carolina 80--the Terrapins took another step towards salvaging their season with a huge upset on the road...proving once again you can NEVER count out a Gary Williams coached team (it's Gary Williams 7th career victory over a #1 team, most by any active coach).
The elements of upset:
A stingy defense that held Tyler Hansborough and Wayne Ellington to 12 of 31 shooting. Defensive effort and execution have been on a different level this year; the fact they were able to slow down the high-flying Tar Heels (averaging 98 points a game at home) was nothing short of staggering.
James Gist's emergence. In December coach Williams asked former Terp Johnny Rhodes to speak with the senior; since then Gist has taken charge and his 22 points and 13 rebounds against UNC was a major statement for the team's lone 4th year player.
Tar Heels have talent, but are oh so soft. I saw Maryland upset a top-five North Carolina team last February, an what amazed me was how few Terps I though could make their roster (Strawberry, Gist and Vasquez) as well as how Roy Williams's team seemed to lose focus and/or intensity for significant stretches. It didn't cost them in the ACC Tournament, but killed them in the East Regional Finals against Georgetown.
Xavier 74, George Washington 66. The Colonials came up short in their upset bid against the 20th ranked Musketeers despite staying within a few possessions for most of the game. Perimeter defense was problematic (Xavier shot 39% from three point range, more than a few coming at pivotal points), but on the positive side coach Karl Hobbs received solid efforts from Maureece Rice (22 points and 5 assists while running the offense) and Damian Hollis (12 points and 12 rebounds). At 5-8, the Colonials play three of their next four games away from the Smith Center--and they're winless on the road this year.
Elsewhere --nice wins by George Mason and American. The Patriots got 34 points from Dre Smith (including 10 for 10 from three point range) in their 96-75 win over James Madison--improving to 5-2 in the CAA; they have games against Old Dominion and Virginia Commonwealth (both tournament teams in 2007) looming in Fairfax. The Eagles shook off a tough loss at Bucknell by beating Colgate 65-57--the backcourt of Derrick Mercer and Garrison Carr continues to hum, with the duo combining for 35 points. Jeff Jones's team has a three game stretch against Army, Navy and Holy Cross (combined 2-7 in the Patriot League) before facing conference co-leader Lafayette.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Commonwealth Clash, plus two opportunities missed for GW and AU...
Virginia Tech topped Virginia in a 70-69 overtime thriller Wednesday. The basket at the buzzer provided not by junior standout A.D. Vassallo or freshman sensation Jeff Allen but by Deron Washington-- a slashing layup that gave the Hokies their first win in Charlottesville since 1968.
(okay--major caveat there--for years the Cavs and Hokies met off-campus at neutral sites, so naturally they couldn't win in Charlottesville because they didn't play there)
Big win for an overachieving Hokie team ravaged by graduation and the unexpected departure from freshman recruit Augustus Gilchrist; this scrappy bunch might just grind their way to 9 league wins-- and with the rest of the ACC looking rather middling, Virginia Tech could "little engine that could" their way into the NCAA's.
Tough loss for the Cavaliers--Dave Leitao's team drops to 0-2 in league play and hasn't looked good since a December 22nd win over Elon (last win over a BCS conference team came against Northwestern in November)...can Sean Singletary and company turn things around with 4 games over a 12 day span to end the month?
George Washington and American University both lost road conference games Wednesday...the Colonials were outscored 21-8 in the last 7:30 of regulation while the Eagles blew an 11 point halftime lead.
Minus the injured Travis King at point guard, GW's offense has been a hodge-podge this season and Wednesday was no different (10 assists to 15 turnovers, 1-10 three-point shooting). The Colonials are also still looking for their first road win of the year--and Karl Hobbs's crew plays 3 of 4 outside the district after Saturday's game with #20 Xavier.
Wednesday was more disappointing for AU--not only did they fall despite outrebounding the Bison by 15, the Eagles lost for the 8th straight time to a the Patriot League's gold standard. In a one-bid league, you need to beat the big dog--or at least shock them once in a while. This looked like a season where the Bison might be vulnerable (the perennial contenders are 7-9 overall) and instead of sneaking out of Lewisburg with a win, the Eagles have to refocus on playing for standings seperation--at 1-1 in the conference they're tied for 3rd in the league and three of their next four games come against schools AU is tied with in the standings.
(okay--major caveat there--for years the Cavs and Hokies met off-campus at neutral sites, so naturally they couldn't win in Charlottesville because they didn't play there)
Big win for an overachieving Hokie team ravaged by graduation and the unexpected departure from freshman recruit Augustus Gilchrist; this scrappy bunch might just grind their way to 9 league wins-- and with the rest of the ACC looking rather middling, Virginia Tech could "little engine that could" their way into the NCAA's.
Tough loss for the Cavaliers--Dave Leitao's team drops to 0-2 in league play and hasn't looked good since a December 22nd win over Elon (last win over a BCS conference team came against Northwestern in November)...can Sean Singletary and company turn things around with 4 games over a 12 day span to end the month?
George Washington and American University both lost road conference games Wednesday...the Colonials were outscored 21-8 in the last 7:30 of regulation while the Eagles blew an 11 point halftime lead.
Minus the injured Travis King at point guard, GW's offense has been a hodge-podge this season and Wednesday was no different (10 assists to 15 turnovers, 1-10 three-point shooting). The Colonials are also still looking for their first road win of the year--and Karl Hobbs's crew plays 3 of 4 outside the district after Saturday's game with #20 Xavier.
Wednesday was more disappointing for AU--not only did they fall despite outrebounding the Bison by 15, the Eagles lost for the 8th straight time to a the Patriot League's gold standard. In a one-bid league, you need to beat the big dog--or at least shock them once in a while. This looked like a season where the Bison might be vulnerable (the perennial contenders are 7-9 overall) and instead of sneaking out of Lewisburg with a win, the Eagles have to refocus on playing for standings seperation--at 1-1 in the conference they're tied for 3rd in the league and three of their next four games come against schools AU is tied with in the standings.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Bowie provides boost off the bench...
Maryland could ill afford an 0-3 ACC start with #1 North Carolina and 5th ranked Duke on the horizon...making their contest with Wake Forest all the more crucial. And did we mention they'd be minus Eric Hayes for the third straight game?
The Terps rallied from an early 13-4 deficit to take a five point lead into halftime--and fought off several Demon Deacon charges to prevail 71-64...and found themselves a new folk hero, if just for one evening. Freshman Adrian Bowie won the Comcast Center crowd with 32 strong minutes, scoring 10 points (including a pair of clutch free throws midway through the second half), grabbing 8 rebounds (more on that later) while tallying 2 assists and 3 steals. And more than a few fist-pumping moments for the College Park faithful.
Bowie's ability to handle the ball in the halfcourt set gave Greivis Vasquez a chance to breathe offensively, and the sophomore responded with 22 points on plenty of strong drives to the basket (6 of 9 shooting from inside the 3-point stripe).
Rebounding was a teamwide effort- after losing the battle of the boards for three straight games, the Terps outrebounded the Demon Deacons 24-16 after halftime...while Bambale Osby notched 11 boards, coach Gary Williams credited his guards with taking care of the perimeter--and there were plenty of loose balls outside with Wake missing 25 of 30 three-pointers.
What happens now? The Terps prepare for #1 North Carolina--and fans should temper their expectations for Bowie; many a freshman has shined against Wake Forest before falling flat against UNC--at the Smith Center. But there is reason for optimism with Bowie, Tucker and Braxton Dupree all contributing over the first few months of their college careers.
The Terps rallied from an early 13-4 deficit to take a five point lead into halftime--and fought off several Demon Deacon charges to prevail 71-64...and found themselves a new folk hero, if just for one evening. Freshman Adrian Bowie won the Comcast Center crowd with 32 strong minutes, scoring 10 points (including a pair of clutch free throws midway through the second half), grabbing 8 rebounds (more on that later) while tallying 2 assists and 3 steals. And more than a few fist-pumping moments for the College Park faithful.
Bowie's ability to handle the ball in the halfcourt set gave Greivis Vasquez a chance to breathe offensively, and the sophomore responded with 22 points on plenty of strong drives to the basket (6 of 9 shooting from inside the 3-point stripe).
Rebounding was a teamwide effort- after losing the battle of the boards for three straight games, the Terps outrebounded the Demon Deacons 24-16 after halftime...while Bambale Osby notched 11 boards, coach Gary Williams credited his guards with taking care of the perimeter--and there were plenty of loose balls outside with Wake missing 25 of 30 three-pointers.
What happens now? The Terps prepare for #1 North Carolina--and fans should temper their expectations for Bowie; many a freshman has shined against Wake Forest before falling flat against UNC--at the Smith Center. But there is reason for optimism with Bowie, Tucker and Braxton Dupree all contributing over the first few months of their college careers.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Hibbert's 3 the highlight-but Gtown's defense the difference...
Georgetown's 72-69 win over UConn wrapped up with quite an exclamation point-- a three-pointer by Roy Hibbert with four seconds left. And while the big bucket by the big man provided the winning points, there are several other things I saw at Verizon that will make this team very tough to beat in March:
Shutdown ability. The Hoyas rallied from six points down with three and a half minutes remaining thanks to a defense that held the Huskies without a field goal for the remainder of regulation. Defense seperates the pretenders from the contenders in the Big East- and the Hoyas took a major step in cementing their status as the team to beat Saturday.
Patrick off the pine. For the last few games, Austin Freeman has started in place of Patrick Ewing Junior and while the freshman has produced in his new role-Patrick Ewing Jr's ability to come off the bench and provide a punch has given the team a major lift since the beginning of January.
Improved rebounding. After being outrebounded 43-26 by Rutgers in their league opener, the Hoyas won the battle of the boards against DePaul and the Huskies... while coach John Thompson III grades the team with a "needs improvement", tonight's game with #16 Pitt will provide another major test (the Panthers are 2nd best in the Big East in rebounding margin) for the Hoyas.
Shutdown ability. The Hoyas rallied from six points down with three and a half minutes remaining thanks to a defense that held the Huskies without a field goal for the remainder of regulation. Defense seperates the pretenders from the contenders in the Big East- and the Hoyas took a major step in cementing their status as the team to beat Saturday.
Patrick off the pine. For the last few games, Austin Freeman has started in place of Patrick Ewing Junior and while the freshman has produced in his new role-Patrick Ewing Jr's ability to come off the bench and provide a punch has given the team a major lift since the beginning of January.
Improved rebounding. After being outrebounded 43-26 by Rutgers in their league opener, the Hoyas won the battle of the boards against DePaul and the Huskies... while coach John Thompson III grades the team with a "needs improvement", tonight's game with #16 Pitt will provide another major test (the Panthers are 2nd best in the Big East in rebounding margin) for the Hoyas.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
GIBBS GONE...let there not be forgot-for one brief shining moment...
Joe Gibbs' second tenure as head coach came to a close Tuesday when the 67 year-old hall of famer announced his retirement. For the second time in fifteen years the face of the Burgundy and Gold walks off into the sunset...
What exactly did Joe Gibbs deliver this time around? He departs with a 31-36 record and two playoff appearances but a mixed bag of in-game and personnel decisions--a shadow of his first tenure (eight playoff appearances and three Super Bowl titles) if you look solely at the ledger.
But Gibbs gave the franchise direction and stability, two qualities that were lacking during the years before his return. The front office, despite the relapse in 2006 (Adam Archuleta, Brandon Lloyd, TJ Duckett) appears to be going in the right direction when it comes to building a roster.
Just as important, Joe Gibbs' return made the Redskins a serious entity again...do you remember the days after Steve Spurrier's departure? It wasn't a question of who the Skins would hire, but who would take this job. Joe Gibbs back on the sidelines made one dismiss the Spurrier era, the Schottenheimer experiment and the Turner endgame all at the same time.
The question now facing Dan Snyder and his brain trust: where do you go from here? Will they bring in a general manager or keep the personnel decisions amongst the committee? And will their coaching search remain in-house (Gregg Williams) or might ownership aim for a big-name (Bill Cowher) coach?
Regardless of whether the Redskins are able to maximize or squander the goodwill and progress gained in the last four years, thanks Coach Gibbs for giving Redskins Nation one last glimpse of Burgundy and Gold Camelot...
What exactly did Joe Gibbs deliver this time around? He departs with a 31-36 record and two playoff appearances but a mixed bag of in-game and personnel decisions--a shadow of his first tenure (eight playoff appearances and three Super Bowl titles) if you look solely at the ledger.
But Gibbs gave the franchise direction and stability, two qualities that were lacking during the years before his return. The front office, despite the relapse in 2006 (Adam Archuleta, Brandon Lloyd, TJ Duckett) appears to be going in the right direction when it comes to building a roster.
Just as important, Joe Gibbs' return made the Redskins a serious entity again...do you remember the days after Steve Spurrier's departure? It wasn't a question of who the Skins would hire, but who would take this job. Joe Gibbs back on the sidelines made one dismiss the Spurrier era, the Schottenheimer experiment and the Turner endgame all at the same time.
The question now facing Dan Snyder and his brain trust: where do you go from here? Will they bring in a general manager or keep the personnel decisions amongst the committee? And will their coaching search remain in-house (Gregg Williams) or might ownership aim for a big-name (Bill Cowher) coach?
Regardless of whether the Redskins are able to maximize or squander the goodwill and progress gained in the last four years, thanks Coach Gibbs for giving Redskins Nation one last glimpse of Burgundy and Gold Camelot...
Monday, January 7, 2008
Basketball Bonanza--Terps on track...
It's amazing how a 6-6 record in college football might mean postseason while a the same mark in college hoops provides panic. Maryland has moved back from the ledge in the last two weeks, winning three straight since their 67-59 loss to American University December 22nd.
Some keys to the Terrapin turnaround...
James Gist has answered the challenge of senior leadership-on and off the floor. Last year Maryland had a plethora of seniors to rely on; James is the only 4th-year player on a team filled with freshmen...coach Gary Williams says Gist is taking his role as the leader of this year's team seriously-- and it's translated into improved play on the court: he's averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds during the streak-his best 3 game stretch of the season.
Offensive intensity...coach Gary Williams credited the team's lack off zip in attacking with the basketball as a major problem in December; the aggressive feel to the Terps offense has returned--the team's shot better 45% their last three games--in their first 12 games they hadn't even reached that mark in back to back outings.
Maryland wraps up pre-ACC play Tuesday by hosting Holy Cross--the Crusaders play a very deliberate style of offense that maximizes its possessions (47.5 shots a game-by contrast the Terps average 58 field goals per contest)...their main weapon is 6-11 center Tim Clifford (18 ppg on 60% shooting), whom they like to use a lot in the high-post.
Defensively coach Ralph Willard's team plays a matchup-zone, always a challenge for teams to prepare for (think Herb Sendek's NC State teams). The test Tuesday-- how patient will the Terps be against a constantly morphing defense (think Terminator 2). Eric Hayes and Greivis Vasquez need to keep their cool in directing and redirecting sets if they want to break down the Crusaders.
Other stops inside the Beltway this week: George Washington (St Louis) Thursday, Georgetown (UConn) Saturday.
Some keys to the Terrapin turnaround...
James Gist has answered the challenge of senior leadership-on and off the floor. Last year Maryland had a plethora of seniors to rely on; James is the only 4th-year player on a team filled with freshmen...coach Gary Williams says Gist is taking his role as the leader of this year's team seriously-- and it's translated into improved play on the court: he's averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds during the streak-his best 3 game stretch of the season.
Offensive intensity...coach Gary Williams credited the team's lack off zip in attacking with the basketball as a major problem in December; the aggressive feel to the Terps offense has returned--the team's shot better 45% their last three games--in their first 12 games they hadn't even reached that mark in back to back outings.
Maryland wraps up pre-ACC play Tuesday by hosting Holy Cross--the Crusaders play a very deliberate style of offense that maximizes its possessions (47.5 shots a game-by contrast the Terps average 58 field goals per contest)...their main weapon is 6-11 center Tim Clifford (18 ppg on 60% shooting), whom they like to use a lot in the high-post.
Defensively coach Ralph Willard's team plays a matchup-zone, always a challenge for teams to prepare for (think Herb Sendek's NC State teams). The test Tuesday-- how patient will the Terps be against a constantly morphing defense (think Terminator 2). Eric Hayes and Greivis Vasquez need to keep their cool in directing and redirecting sets if they want to break down the Crusaders.
Other stops inside the Beltway this week: George Washington (St Louis) Thursday, Georgetown (UConn) Saturday.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
College Football Corner--Cardiac Cavaliers Collapse...
Virginia was four minutes away from wrapping up a rare 10 win season...before coughing up 17 points to Texas Tech in their 31-28 loss to the Red Raiders. After going 6-1 in games decided by less than a touchdown during the regular season, the Cavaliers came up short when Alex Trlica kicked a last-second field goal.
UPSIDE--Mikkell Simpson's coming back in 2008... the sophomore finished with a career high 170 yards rushing (including a 96 yard scamper for a score) in defeat--and he's a solid receiving threat (he averaged six and a half catches a game since stepping into the lineup)... it'll be intriguing to see Simpson paired with Cedric Peerman next fall--ACC, be prepared for an all-out ground assault.
DOWNSIDE--Lack of downfield passing game hurt the Cavs again--96 yards in 17 completions (with a long gain of 12) isn't going to scare any secondary...after dodging a major bullet when Texas Tech threw incomplete on 4th and 1 with 7:54 remaining, the Cavs offense went three and out, fumble and three and out to finish the game--giving Tech ample opportunity to rally.
UPSIDE--Mikkell Simpson's coming back in 2008... the sophomore finished with a career high 170 yards rushing (including a 96 yard scamper for a score) in defeat--and he's a solid receiving threat (he averaged six and a half catches a game since stepping into the lineup)... it'll be intriguing to see Simpson paired with Cedric Peerman next fall--ACC, be prepared for an all-out ground assault.
DOWNSIDE--Lack of downfield passing game hurt the Cavs again--96 yards in 17 completions (with a long gain of 12) isn't going to scare any secondary...after dodging a major bullet when Texas Tech threw incomplete on 4th and 1 with 7:54 remaining, the Cavs offense went three and out, fumble and three and out to finish the game--giving Tech ample opportunity to rally.
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