Chalk Talk at Sundown

Posted: March 21st, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

Geez what a boring afternoon so far.

Okay, Washington is coming back on Purdue, but, sigh, so what?

UConn beats Texas A & M, 92-66. Maybe the Aggies will want Billy Clyde back. Nah, word is they were way glad he was gone. “Don’t slam the door on your way out,” is what I heard they told him.

Memphis State batters Maryland, 89-70. Yeah we hate, really loathe, as in can’t stand the Tigers, perhaps still Louisville’s biggest rival besides UK even though we don’t play anymore, but . . . Calipari has built himself a solid program there. Whether he spent dirty money to do it or not. They can ball. And they are serious national title contenders. Damn it.

Villanova bashes UCLA 89-69. The game was never, even at the opening tip, that close. To reiterate what several wags opined in the media room: Ben Howland, get some friggin’ offense. I mean, defense is important, but you gotta have a plan when you have the ball. The Bruins have none.

So I’m sitting in the bar here at the hotel and they switch to the the LSU/ Carolina game. Lo and behold, the Bayou Tigers are winning. The Dayton station switches back to Michigan/ Oklahoma. So I come to my room and download the player I need to watch the games online, and by the time I get the game I want to see on, the Tar Heels are comfortably ahead. They win 84-70. The difference: That Guy Who Used To Have Turf Toe, Ty Lawson. If he’s healthy, Roy Williams team is a contenda.  If not, they’re not. Simple as that.

Point to Ponder: Can the basketball nation’s new fave — that would be Andre McGee — stop Ty Lawson. We’d love to see that, wouldn’t we?

Purdue just held off Washington. Love those Hoosier ballers. 76-74 is the final.

Oklahoma is going to beat Michigan. Yawn.

I’m ready for a barn burner. Ya know, when your forced to eat hotel pizza and order too many glasses of soda water so you can hold your spot in front of the HD TV in the bar, the least you can get for your effort is some real ball. Let’s pray that the Toppers and Longhorns provide it.

If not, we will all go to sleep tonight wondering what the hell has happened since we sat down in the recliner at 1:00 this afternoon? We’ll have a stomach full o’ junk, oozing butt sores the size of Dickie V’s head and one more week of hearing Digger talk about the Blue Devils and Tar Heels.

Plus the spectar of Siena will strike. We’ll know we’d have rather been facing the underwhelming Buckeyes tomorrow even if they would be playing so close to home.

— Seedy K


The Daze Between

Posted: March 21st, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

The four teams playing tomorrow at UD Arena each had allotted practice time Saturday afternoon. Unlike the dog and pony shows on Thursday, these were work sessions, closed to press and public. Afterward, there’s a press conference for each and the locker rooms are open.

U of L’s was jammed with cameras and my brethren trying to get a scoop. Which is impossible, because everybody else can hear everything, but it’s so loud in such a close space that little registers.

The most salient observation I can offer is how many of the players were iced up. Earl Clark had both knees on ice. Andre McGee had his right knee and left calf iced. Terrence Williams’ vexatious wrist and hand were on ice.

Meanwhile Jerry Smith stood off to the side when not being inundated with questions, watching the Memphis State game. Jared Swopshire was walking in circles, looking for some space amid the tumult. He was not successful.

At the official press conference, it was stunning that Smith knew so many of Siena’s stats. That their point guard has a 4 to 1 assist to TO ration. That the Saints had 24 offensive boards against Ohio State. He expressed hope that the Cards will have a homecourt advantage and that lots of fans will drive up for the game.

Other than that, he and cohort Preston Knowles added little to what we already know. Knowles did explain, rather articulately, how they tweak their press, depending on how the opponent attacks it.

During his time at the mic, The Rick confirmed that all stayed up and watched the overtime games that ended CBS’s Friday night coverage. He said the fact that Siena played two overtimes will be “no factor.” He offered how similar both teams are in their method of attack and that Siena reminds him of Villanova, and would be a middle of the pack team if they played in the Big East. He extolled the virtues of hero Ronald Moore, who, he said, “has the same assist to turnover ration as Levance Fields, and he is a lot faster.”

He talked bout the recuitment of Samardo Samuels and TWill. How the former lived in abject poverty near Montego Bay, and learned the game on an uneven cement court with baskets of varying height but neither correct.

He talked about how TWill’s life was chaotic during high school, and that he lived with different people from week to week. He first encountered the U of L star at an AAU tournament in Vegas. That he was tipped off about the kid with “Jordan like athleticism.” That in the first game he saw, Williams was awful. But the next time, he was “blown away.” He called his senior star a “freak athlete,” and said his hand and wrist were okay.

He lamented that U of L is “not a real good free throw block out team.”

— Seedy K


Conference Standings, Part Uno

Posted: March 21st, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

After the first round of the NCAA, here’s how the BCS leagues stack up (Not that the BCS has anything to do with basketball. Or football, for that matter.):

Big 12: 6-0

BEast: 6-1

Pac 10: 5-1 (Doesn’t the league that nobody sees during the regular season because of time zone differential always “overachieve” come tournament time?)

Big 10: 4-3

ACC: 3-4 (Where is Billy Packer now that we really need him? Oh, that’s right, he changed his name to Seth Davis.)

SEC: 1-2 (However the judges advise it should be tossed out since there aren’t enough numbers to be statistically significant.)

— Seedy K


Saturday Afternoon Dance Party

Posted: March 21st, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

Injury Update, Sort Of. Don’t want to spoil the party just as we’re getting started, but . . . a physician friend back home noticed the same thing in last night’s win over Morehead that I have in recent games. At one point while he was sitting on the bench, TWill was cradling the wrist he injured awhile back. Trainer Fred Hina with a concerned look on his face appeared to be asking Williams about it?

Apparently some post-game locker room footage also indicated the same thing — Williams with a minor pained expression on his face, massaging his wrist. Several other scribes covering the Cards have noticed the same thing. Let’s hope it’s nothing, but I’ll see if I can find something out and report back.

No Cream Cheese Necessary. Meanwhile, in today’s first game, the Lox Men are holding steady with a lucky 13 point lead over UCLA. For those of you not of the Hebrew persuasion, the reference is to the Wildcats shortened name, ‘Nova. It’s also a type of mild salmon favored by many on bagels with cream cheese. Thus, as it has evolved among some hoopaholic pals o’ mine, Villanova is the Lox Men.

Kentucky Connection. Siena’s Ronald Moore, the fellow who hit not one but two big shots last night in the Saint’s W over Ohio State, is the nephew of former Kentucky Colonel Eugene Moore.

Zebra Watch: Two technicals on dunks were called in yesterday’s games here in Dayton. One when an Okie State kid — Marshall Morris — slapped the board after his shot. Another when a player held on the rim too long after the flush. And Ted Valentine made a call I haven’t seen in years. A kid stepped over the endline on an inbounds play. Whistle. Goin’ the other way. E5, a serial violator, pay attention. Plus I also saw a three second call. Talk about old school.

— Seedy K


Symptoms of Bracketosis

Posted: March 21st, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

In case you’re wondering, my bracket is as ravaged as yours.

I picked 21 games correctly out of 32. Uh, not so good. But about what I usually do. It’s better than the president’s, so I got that going for me.

(Aside: By the by, Coach K, get off your friggin’ high horse. Chastising Obama for going public with his picks and hoops infatuation, telling him to work every second on the country’s issues like the economy. Gimme a break. What we need at the top is a real human being, somebody who shows the country that life is to be enjoyed even when there is stuff to deal with. Yet one more reason why I/we absolutely loathe Duke.)

Back to the task at hand. I had Cleveland State and Siena. In fact, I picked Cleveland State all the way to the Sweet Sixteen for a rhumba with U of L.

But I also picked Utah, West Virginia, Boston College, BYU, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Florida State, Minnesota, Butler, Temple and Clemson.

And, sigh, I had the Mountaineers winning again in the 2d round. I’d forgotten that Huggy Bear is a major underachiever come tournament time.

So too, Florida State, to the regionals. Shoulda realized they had never been to cotillion before.

And, what was I thinking, Clemson all the way to the regional final. Geez. I thought this was the year Ollie Purnell — not from the country sausage Purnells — would break on through to the other side. But nooooooooooo!

The SEC giveth and the SEC taketh away. Mississippi State, what was I thinking? Tennessee simply has no discipline, certainly on the offensive end, and on D also. Oklahoma State was eminently beatable, but the Cowboys were much steadier. I was so hopeful for Orlando Smith. But the former Wildcat mentor let me down.

Anyway, my Final Four picks are still alive — the Cards, Memphis State, Villanova and Carolina. Of those, ‘Nova remains the shakiest. Though the Tar Heels will stumble if Ty Lawson doesn’t return at full strength or close to it.

Go Toppers. I’d love to scratch the Zags off my bracket. I ain’t winning any pools anyway.

— Seedy K


Friday at the Dance

Posted: March 21st, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

After a long day at UD Arena, I came back to my room at halftime of Siena’s win. So I missed seeing that compelling double OT thrilla live and in person. And, frankly, I missed most of the second OT on TV. I nodded out and only realized what happened when my pal Ben called from home to talk about that game and his Badgers, who beat Florida State in OT.

Pretty compelling stuff, all that. Thank the Lord for SportsCenter highlights.

My bracket is ravaged. But . . . I did have Cleveland State over Wake Forest. I thought the Demon Deacons were more Elmer Gantry than Billy Graham all year. Too young. Didn’t hit the floor for loose balls and errant rebounds. So, hey, Seth Davis, how ’bout that team you had in the Final Four? Cleveland State, remember, won at Syracuse, last second mid-court shot for the W it may have been. Gary Waters is a good coach, as well as a snappy dresser. Bet the folks at Rutgers wishthey’d have been a might more patient.

Pitt played wary. Jamie Dixon did not look like a confident coach. Levance Fields is out of shape. He had to come out of the ETSU game periodically for blows. Plus it was here in Dayton last season that he broke his leg — or was it his foot — in a regular season tilt against the Flyers. The Flyers who, by the by, knocked out West Virginia yesterday, much to the glee of everybody in this burg.

Ohio State’s pep band plays the most staid version of “Pinball Wizard” imaginable. Get funky, dudes. It’s rock & roll we’re talkin’ about here.

As if there was any doubt that Money Talks, Nobody Walks, look who was sitting right behind the U of L bench at UD Arena? The Trager family, you know, long time legit Card fans, but also the banking family that underwrote several athletic facilities on the Belknap Campus.

LSU is the only SEC team standing. But, if Ty Lawson is sitting, they gotta chance against the Tar Heels.

Siena’s only two wins in the last year over BCS schools have come in the Dance. Ohio State last night. Vandy last year.

The Peaking at the Right Time Trophy goes to . . . Southern Cal. Guess they don’t miss that O.J. Mayo guy so much after all.

How dangerous is a wounded Wildcat? Well, keep your eye on Arizona. (And, if you care, those other Cats playing out in Nebraska or somewhere.)

Big 12 teams didn’t lose a game in the first round. The BEast is 6-1. What happened Huggy Bear?

Ten lower seeded teams won in the opening round. 30% – that’s not bad. Makes for compelling TV.

Okay, I’m goin’ back to bed. Mo’ later.

— Seedy K


The Morning After

Posted: March 21st, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

In the post game press conference, neither The Rick nor several of the players seemed to be concerned about the performance againstMorehead State. They praised the Eagles. Coach thought his team played well but just had to kick it up a bit in the second half.

The numbers bear him out. The Cards hit half their shots in the first half. Only gave them a two point lead. So they went 17-26 in the second half, kicking it off with that 22-6 run that buriedMorehead. U of L won the rebounding battle.

Of concern are the Cards 19 TOs to go along with that many assists. E5 and Sosa had five apiece. Though it seemed as if Edgar was tossing it in the stands every time he touched the ball. Knowles had his first really bad shooting night in awhile, going 1-6 from the field.

Now for the broken record: Louisville was 6-11 from the line. Have I mentioned before that this flaw looms as a real roadblock to the title? Yes, I believe so.

Louisville has now won 21 of the last 23. The Rick’s record in post season play is now 36-12.

Siena is next. The Cards catch a break in that, with Ohio State out, a lot more tickets will be available to fans who want to drive up for Sunday’s game. The flip side is that Siena is a lot better team than the Buckeyes, perhaps the best offensive rebounding squad I’ve seen all season. Plus they are quick, and simply have that not gonna lose look about them.

— Seedy K


Saturday in Dayton – Detour?

Posted: March 21st, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

Just a note about posting. I had major connectivity problems Friday night. Let’s hope they are over.

Until I’m sure, and probably for the duration I shall post at both this site and score.leoweekly.com, to make sure that you my loyal readers can get all the latest from Dayton as U of L continues its quest for a national title.

Thanks for your indulgence.

— Seedy K


Observations from Dayton

Posted: March 20th, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | 1 Comment »

I know I love the Cards too much and see every flaw, but, even during the second half tonight against Morehead, with the game in hand, I said to myself, “This doesn’t look like a national championship team.”

I sure hope I’m wrong.

Ahead by but a deuce at the half, Louisville outscored the Eagles 22-6 in the first 8 minutes of the second to take control of the game. The Cards hit 65% in the second half.

The fly in the ointment — have you heard it before? — six for 11 from the line.

The official box score shows Sosa with only 5 TOs. I know he had at least half as many again.

Defense wins. The Cards showed up at that end of the court in the second half.

Other Random Musings:

I’ve never seen anybody stand at attention quite as still and resolute as weight coach, Ray Ganong.

U of L, unlike other 1 seed Pitt, started the game and played with a lot of energy. Just not very well for a half.

For the second time this season, Jerry Smith took a shot off a dribble in the first stanza.

The PA announcer kept advising people to sit down. Does he think this was the opera or something?

Earl Clark is necessary.

I like that the Pep Band plays “One Way or Another.” That’s a great goal.

The Morehead Eagle mascot is named Beaker. The name reminds me of a parrot I had once that I named Pecky. It died after three days when it flew into a window after escaping from the new cage we bought it.

All in all, a win is a win is a win. Okay, that’s not true. It really only counts as one win, but it’s still a good thing.

Every school prepares a tournament package cheat sheet for the media. Once again, Kenny Klein has brought one that is far and away more informative than any other.

— Seedy K


Card in a Dog Fight against Morehead

Posted: March 20th, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

The question that now can be answered is whether there’s a Cardinal besides TWill whose presence can make a significant difference on the court?

Yes, E5.

My pals back in Louisville called during a timeout, and I think the wondered why Terrence Jennings isn’t playing much? It was hard to hear them. Uh, me too. I haven’t a clue. The Rick works in mysterious ways.

Not as mysterious as Edgar Sosa, who can make a bit three, then make three horrible drives to the hoop, each resulting in a turnover.

Free throws. I swear, they shall be the Cards’ undoing.

Louisville is hitting 50% at the half against a team that beat by, what, 39 points or something. And they’re only up by a deuce.

Survive and advance. Let’s get this one over with and, hopefully, play again on Sunday.

— Seedy K


Welcome Again, LEO Readers: Cards PreGame

Posted: March 20th, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

Sorry for the cybergalactic detour. Sometimes this computer internet thing doesn’t work like it’s supposed to. So I’m here at my own site doing the things that ought to be at the LEO site. Hopefully, it will all be well tomorrow.

As I said, Pitt escaped. The Panthers didn’t look good, but that is of no consequence. They’ve advanced to the second round, and, like I’ve said before, they don’t award style points in the NCAA. Pitt was tight. So was their coach, Jamie Dixon. The arena was electric as the underdogs kept it close. The same jolt will occur, should the Cards find themselves in a barnburner against Morehead State.

ETSU played a gutsy game and might have won, had the Bucs shown the least bit of patience or discipline on offense. But they didn’t. And they missed FTs. So that’s the name of that tune.

Dayton beat West Virginia making all the home folks happy here. Marquette barely escaped its game. So the BEast is looking more Least as of lately. Let’s hope the Cardinals aren’t part of that malaise.

— Seedy K


Orange Win, Panthers Escape & Musings

Posted: March 20th, 2009 | Filed under: Sports | No Comments »

This is also posted at score.leoweekly.com where all this is supposed to be, but computer glitches have me running betwixt and between sites. Thanks for your indulgence.

Cowboy orange, that is. Okie State survives 77-75 and advances.

This was a classic 8 vs. 9 game. Didn’t I write that before?

Exciting, but not very well played. Lots of orange turnovers. I prefer apple or peach. But it was a tasty beginning to the day in Dayton.

Unfortunately I’ve had computer problems all afternoon since I first started to post this after Oklahoma State’s win.

Since then, Pitt escaped ETSU. The Panthers played as tight as they looked in yesterday’s press conference. Jamie Dixon did not appear to be in command. Can you say, deer in the headlights?

ETSU might have won the thing had the team showed any discipline at all. The Bucs philosophy is obviously, I Got The Ball I Shoot It This Time Down The Court. Plus they missed FTs.

The prelims are over. U of L is on the court for pregame shootaround before official warmups.

More later, either here or culturemaven.com, or both.

— Seedy K