My Beloved 105 Bloggees (Welcome David):
A tip of the hat goes to bloggee Rye, the former hoopster from Columbus State. Yesterday he warned me that Clemson would defeat UAB by at least 14 even though they were only favored by 4 to 5 points. He was right as the ACC's Tigers dominated Conference USA's Blazers in a First Four game 70 - 52 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150034 . It was similar to UAB's January game against another ACC team, Duke. In both games they were down by 20 points in the first half and even though the Blazers made a brief run in both games, cutting it to 14 at Duke and reducing the deficit to 8 last night, they could not get closer in the mismatches.
UAB was led by seniors Aaron Johnson and Jamarr Sanders who had 7 assists and 19 points (5 for 9 from deep) respectively, but each committed 6 turnovers leading to their downfall. Also, Clemson dominated the paint, led by Harvey Grant's son (twin Horace Grant's nephew), 6' 8 230 lb Jerai Grant, with his 22 points on 10 for 15 shooting and 7 rebounds. In fact, the Tigers shot nearly 60 % on its 2-point field goal attempts, 22 for 37. Just on a hunch, I have Clemson defeating # 5 seed West Virginia on Thursday. NEXT
It was a bad night for Conference USA, as its teams went 0 - 4 in postseason tournaments yesterday. Besides UAB, Marshall lost at home to Ohio 65 - 64 in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150341&old_bs=1 . UTEP lost in the Pit at New Mexico 69 - 57 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150404 in the NIT. Finally, East Carolina lost at home to Jacksonville 71 - 66 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150178 in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (congrats to bloggee Alan, Jacksonville's AD). NEXT
Alabama took out its frustration of having to play in the NIT by whipping depleted Coastal Carolina and coach Cliff Ellis 68 - 44 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150006 . Bama flexed its defensive muscles limiting the Chanticleers to 16 of 48 shooting or just 33 % and had 13 steals.
The question for a young team like Alabama is, do they benefit by playing in the NIT and playing more than one game which also means more practices? Or is it still better to have the experience of playing in the NCAA tourney, even if it is just a First Four game? I feel the NIT will help Anthony Grant and his almost certain Top 25 team next year. For UAB, the NCAA trip was better because it was a reward for its dedicated seniors, even though it was one and done. NEXT
It is now time for our regular feature, Who is that Assistant Coach ? Alabama's next opponent is New Mexico coached by Indiana favorite son, Steve Alford. His top assistant is a former point guard for Georgia Tech you can see in this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9sAMv8RyMo . Yes, Craig Neal, known as Noodles during his playing days, will be coming to Tuscaloosa for the Lobos next NIT tilt. Don't be surprised if Neal makes a quick detour to Atlanta to interview at his alma mater after Paul Hewitt was recently let go. NEXT
It is always great to see an all-BB (Barry's Blog) player excel on the court. Andrew Goudelock scored 39 points in College of Charleston's 94 - 84 home NIT victory over Dayton http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150107 . Goudelock was only 3 for 9 beneath the arc, but he was 8 for 15 beyond it along with 9 for 10 from the gift lane. Andrew also led the Cougars with 8 rebounds. Hello NBA. NEXT
I remember reading a magazine article over 25 years ago by former Marquette coach and broadcaster Al McGuire. He was giving tips to coaches going to the Big Dance for the first time. Who did he say should be given first priority when it comes to tickets allocated to a participating school? The President of the university? The coaches' families? The players' families? Large donors to the university? No, no, no and no. First give tickets to the Pep Band. They are the most important supporters you will have at that game.
I miss that guy, especially around this time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tks-SXUbKok&NR=1 (this 18 second clip is a repeat from an earlier blog but probably McGuire's greatest call in the NCAA tournament....Holy Mackarel....bloggee Kap won't forget this famous buzzer-beater by Georgia Tech's James Forrest.) NEXT
Bloggee Martin suggested the following website for sports fans http://www.fanbro.com/ . Evidently they have frequent giveaways during March Madness. NEXT
For Gator fans, longtime broadcaster Larry Vettel hosts a radio talk show from 2 - 5 CDT Monday through Friday. Usually on Tuesday and Friday, Gator Lady Basketball and Softball Play-by Play guy, Adam Schick, son of bloggee Ken, co-hosts from 2 - 4. You can call toll - free at 877-392-talk. They do talk about topics other than Gator sports, so feel free to call even if you don't wear Orange and Blue. You can listen at http://www.wruf.com/index.php?s=stream-popup . NEXT
Speaking of Larry Vettel, he is on a panel with bloggee Kevin # 1 discussing the Journey to the Tourney, in a three-part video that you can see at http://video.gatorsports.com/ . It is not just for Gator fans, giving you insight as you fill out your brackets. After viewing the three videos, I am regretting my choice of Georgia winning against Washington based on their reasoning of no guard defense against Isaiah Thomas, the Huskies hero of last weekend. However, they did confirm my Sweet Sixteen pick of Vanderbilt because both Richmond and likely next round opponent Louisville, play a zone defense. John Jenkins, is that music to your ears? THAT'S IT.
Enjoy......my Elite Eight is Ohio State vs. North Carolina, Duke vs. SDSU, Kansas vs. Purdue, and ODU vs. FL (and in my alternate bracket, Gonzaga),
Barry
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