Sometimes writers block happens. For me it's frequent yet today I was woken up by a large burst of thunder. Sure did charge me up! AAA OOOOOO. Last weekend single digit temps to thunderstorms and 70 degrees today. Awesome.
Arizona is number one for a reason, obviously. Thursday night in Pauley was the first time I sat down and really watched them. Top to bottom endless talent no question. What stood out to me was their ability to recover. Up 13 with 5 minutes left UCLA made a run to take a one point lead. Pauley going nuts(but do they), missed front ends of one and ones from the line, and some disorganization had me questioning the Wildcats resolve. Would they finish after playing poorly for a stretch? Arizona didn't waver when it came down to the final minute and were able to prevail. The difference in this years Arizona squad, I think is having a "true" point guard. Look Nick Johnson probably could run the point again but having the luxury with McConnell at point is an advantage that most squads don't have. A major difference in fact. Something to savor for UofA fans because previous Miller teams didm't have that "true" point guard.
Southern Cal lost at home to Arizona State thursday night, play host to Arizona. By the looks of it Trojans should lose by 30. Miami beats UNC in Chapel Hill playing zone. UNC going up to Syracuse but Hyde may show up. But nobody plays better zone than the Orange. Right? Hopefully a good game to watch. Great bounce back game for Memphis. The yum center isn't tasty for most visitors and kudos to Pastner for getting the Tigers focused after getting handled at home by Cinicinatti the previous game. Rumors abound in Ames about how long the mayor will remain at the helm before bolting to the NBA. I have no idea why you'd want to leave but just ask Brad Stevens. Regardless the Cyclones having a solid season crushing Baylor by 15 the other night. Very interesting test today for the Cyclones on the road in Norman. Decent reclamation project performed by Kruger so far with the Sooners. Perhaps an overlooked Oklahoma basketball team? Florida Gulf Coast off to a 4-0 start in Atlantic Sun play and judging by their play should remain the favorite coming out of their league. Plus Comer is just as solid as any point guard in the country. Weber State fumbled at Northern Colorado to lose their first Big Sky contest. Win for the 49ers of Charlotte on the road in El Paso. UTEP will be referred to as UTIP on modblog for the remainder of the season.
http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-01-07/fbi-investigation-utep-basketball-players-mckenzie-moore-jalen-ragland
Impressive showing for the Crimson against UConn. Didnt't come up with the win but if there was a definition of "good loss" leave it to Harvard to provide a good example. Tough loss for the 49ers of Long Beach State at home by 2 points to the Anteaters of Irvine. Tricky when you think the Beach plays in my opinion, the toughest non conference schedule in America. Just hope for Monson that this year they break into the NCAA tournament. Same said for Weber State. For Monson and Rahe they can't quite get over that hurdle. I can't trust Georgia State right now. Western Kentucky still my Sun Belt favorite. Same came be said about the Southland. Despite 2 conference losses, Northwestern State still my Southland favorite. To show the craziness of the polls I thought this was a good read from Parrish: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24400583/poll-attacks-you-guys-realize-uconn-is-no-longer-undefeated-right
Sidebar: Intresting to note that Under Armour has inked with Notre Dame next year, their biggest program signing no question. Speaking of Under Armour, Northwestern has gotta do whatever they can. The ugly uniforms they will be wearing is a brand new line but will it help the longest NCAA drought?
Looking forward to a solid day of College Basketball. I finish the entry by reminding myself of what Coach Cravens always said (aside from getting the ball to a 3rd side) "the team that makes more shots probably will win. Take all the stats and analysis somewhere else We ain't reinventing the wheel!" Enjoy your day.
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