My Beloved 105 Bloggees:
The Gators begin their journey in the tourney this evening at 5:50 CDT on TBS against the Gauchos of UCSB. Interesting story on Orlando Johnson, their leading scorer at 21.1 and rebounder at 6.3 http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20110316/COLUMNISTS/110319502/1044?p=3&tc=pg .
I know there are going to be a few bloggees in attendance rooting for the Orange and Blue. For a preview of the game, check out bloggee Kevin # 1 at http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20110317/ARTICLES/110319498/1136?Title=Gators-ready-for-a-run-. NEXT
All-BB (Barry's Blog) Tu Holloway and his regular season champs Xavier Muskateers are well-rested after their early exit in the Atlantic 10 tournament. Holloway's 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds should lead Xavier to the Sweet Sixteen. His 87 % free throw shooting percentage down the stretch will be key to them holding on leads late in the game. (He is not Samford's Emily London with her Division I leading 93.4 % among men and women, as she will be leading her Bulldogs against the FSU Lady Seminoles on Sunday at 4:15 CDT on ESPN 2 in first round NCAA action.). NEXT
Chris Singleton is a special player for FSU (their best defender and scorer) but has not played since February 12 because of a fractured foot. There is talk he may play on Friday against Texas A & M. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college_fsu/2011/03/chris-singleton-status-remains-in-doubt-for-florida-state’s-trip-ncaa-tournament.html Go with the Aggies. Even if Singleton plays, the odds are that he won't be effective immediately. NEXT
Kudos to former Florida assistant Shaka Smart (he looks a bit like Kobe Bryant to me http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics/200/RA/RAEDGYICSRYEELK.20090402172220.jpg) for leading the much-maligned VCU Rams to a 69 - 54 victory over USC http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103160609 . Sorry, I am not the biggest Kevin O'Neill fan as a coach. His "Billy Martin" interaction with an Arizona supporter last weekend is indicative of why I feel that way. I read a lot about basketball and can't recall seeing much positive written about him. We have a number of Tennessee supporters who are bloggees. I wonder if they echo my sentiments about their former head coach.
Back to VCU, they are led by 5th year senior and Wake Forest transfer (bloggee John, I found a way to get your alma mater some air time in this tough year for the Demon Deacons) , 6 ' 9 240 lb Jamie Skeen who had 16 points and 9 rebounds against USC last night, just above his season averages. I also like senior point guard Joey Rodriguez who had 5 assists just above his average. Watching him convinces you he has the critical leadership needed at the point.
I understand on Friday Georgetown will have their starting point guard, Chris Wright, back in the starting lineup after sitting out about 3 weeks with a broken hand. But I say, go with the seasoned Rams! NEXT
The last few weeks have had some positives in being a Samford basketball supporter. Of course, the women's team going to the NCAA tournament is a plus. Last night was another. On December 20th, Samford's men's team traveled to San Antonio and defeated UTSA 74 - 73. Last night the Roadrunners advanced past the First Four with its 70 - 61 win over the Hornets of Alabama State http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103160008 . Melvin Johnson III scored 29 points, 25 in the first half. Against Samford Johnson only had 13 points (ok, he came off the bench and only played 18 minutes versus the 31 he played last night....but I still like savoring the Bulldogs' road win against an NCAA team). THAT'S IT.
Enjoy.....we are just a few minutes away from early tipoffs.....may your upsets come through.....will ODU make me a hero?
Barry
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