 |
| 2013-14 ends on a sour note. From: the Prospector Daily |
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Today in the bag, I'm talking about the excellent Elite Eight action from the weekend before reminding everyone that today is Opening Day for baseball.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, March 31, 2014
Monday Grab Bag: The Final Four is Set
I'm sorry to say it, but the women's season came to an end in El Paso Friday night, as they fell 68-60 to the host Miners in front of over 8,000 fans. The ladies played well, especially considering the hostile environment. Jamee Swan came off the bench to post a monster 15/7/2 line, but it just wasn't enough to sneak past UTEP and Kristine Vitola (22/5). The wait for November has officially started in earnest across the Boulder campus.
Much like with the men's team, this is going to be a very introspective offseason for the women. They failed to live up to expectations in 2013-14, and have plenty of difficult questions to answer over the summer months. Thankfully, there is more than enough talent staying on the roster, which gives me hope that the stumbles in January and February are just a blip on the radar, and that the program will continue to reclaim their glorious past. Onwards and upwards...
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Today in the bag, I'm talking about the excellent Elite Eight action from the weekend before reminding everyone that today is Opening Day for baseball.
Click below for the bag...
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Today in the bag, I'm talking about the excellent Elite Eight action from the weekend before reminding everyone that today is Opening Day for baseball.
Click below for the bag...
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Tuesday Grab Bag: The Offseason Begins
I've been slightly ticked to see the reaction to Thursday's on-court mess in the NCAA Tournament. All of a sudden, fans who wouldn't know a pick-and-roll from a hole in their head are questioning Coach Boyle, and offering their 'insight' on what's needed to 'fix' the team (Josh should take more jump shots, that'll end the double-teams -- LOL).
I guess this comes with the territory, especially in a state with citizens as obsessed with their own righteousness as Colorado. CU Basketball is now a headline grabbing attraction, so their pratfalls will necessarily attract comments from the peanut gallery. As I've said often this year, we're now a basketball school stuck with a football fanbase. At the very least, it's going to be interesting to see how BuffNation deals with the transition to life with an actual basketball power.
Regardless, let me assure the huddled masses that the program you've all just discovered is in good hands. Remember, it was only four years ago that CU was all offense, no defense with Cory and Alec running the show. Granted a little health, the potential of a lucky attrition break, and the oncoming infusion of freshman talent, the Buffs should be back to their winning ways in 2015.
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Today in the bag, I'm talking the quick exit from the Dance, the Sweet Sixteen, and the women progressing through the NIT.
Click below for the bag...
I guess this comes with the territory, especially in a state with citizens as obsessed with their own righteousness as Colorado. CU Basketball is now a headline grabbing attraction, so their pratfalls will necessarily attract comments from the peanut gallery. As I've said often this year, we're now a basketball school stuck with a football fanbase. At the very least, it's going to be interesting to see how BuffNation deals with the transition to life with an actual basketball power.
Regardless, let me assure the huddled masses that the program you've all just discovered is in good hands. Remember, it was only four years ago that CU was all offense, no defense with Cory and Alec running the show. Granted a little health, the potential of a lucky attrition break, and the oncoming infusion of freshman talent, the Buffs should be back to their winning ways in 2015.
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Today in the bag, I'm talking the quick exit from the Dance, the Sweet Sixteen, and the women progressing through the NIT.
Click below for the bag...
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
2014 NCAA Tournament Preview: PIttsburgh
Happy Tournament, BuffNation!
I hope we never get to the point that we as fans take for granted what seeing the name 'Colorado' in the field of 68 means. This should be a joyous time for all true basketball fans, and, as the program continues to progress, and the Dance tickets become more and more common place, it would be a shame for us to lose perspective. Anytime you make the Tournament is special, even when you've strung together more consecutive appearances than anyone else in your conference (*cough*).
So, enjoy tomorrow. Take the opportunity to skip out on work and meet with your friends to cheer on the team. It's America's national sporting holiday, after all, and, even if only for the briefest of moments, everyone's attention should be on Orlando and our Buffs.
Hit it, Barry!
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Tip-off from the Amway Center in Orlando, FL is set for Thursday at approximately 11:40am MT. Televised coverage can be found on both TBS and March Madness Live, with the radio call coming on 850 KOA.
Click below for the preview...
I hope we never get to the point that we as fans take for granted what seeing the name 'Colorado' in the field of 68 means. This should be a joyous time for all true basketball fans, and, as the program continues to progress, and the Dance tickets become more and more common place, it would be a shame for us to lose perspective. Anytime you make the Tournament is special, even when you've strung together more consecutive appearances than anyone else in your conference (*cough*).
So, enjoy tomorrow. Take the opportunity to skip out on work and meet with your friends to cheer on the team. It's America's national sporting holiday, after all, and, even if only for the briefest of moments, everyone's attention should be on Orlando and our Buffs.
Hit it, Barry!
--
Tip-off from the Amway Center in Orlando, FL is set for Thursday at approximately 11:40am MT. Televised coverage can be found on both TBS and March Madness Live, with the radio call coming on 850 KOA.
Click below for the preview...
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Tuesday Grab Bag: A Ticket to the Dance
I'm finally back from Vegas, fatter and poorer for my efforts. The Pac-12 has the perfect setup at the MGM Grand, and I hope all parties involved do the right thing and keep the tournament in place for the foreseeable future. It's a great venue for both the league and the teams, and it makes for an easily justifiable trip for the fans. If you haven't been either of the past two years, I highly suggest you start making plans for next March. You won't be sorry, I promise.
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Today in the bag, I'm going to mostly talk NFL free agency... LOL, of course I'm not. It's March, so I'm talking basketball and brackets, like a true, red-blooded American should.
'Murikuh.
Click below for the bag...
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Today in the bag, I'm going to mostly talk NFL free agency... LOL, of course I'm not. It's March, so I'm talking basketball and brackets, like a true, red-blooded American should.
'Murikuh.
Click below for the bag...
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Pac-12 Tournament Teaser: Day 4
VEGAS, The Pac-12 Tournament, March 15th --
Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap.
With a trip to the Pac-12 final on the line, CU ran up against their old nemesis, the Arizona Wildcats. A frightening site on any occasion, when invested they're capable of massacring teams with their elite-level defense. With tournament progression on the line, you better believe they were invested yesterday afternoon, leaving the Buffs little opportunity to steal a win. Despite an impressive first-half effort that saw Colorado tie the game up with 36 seconds to go, it was only ever a matter of time. Given halftime to adjust their defense, it was the Giant Death Robot that emerged from the locker room, essentially putting a lid on the rim, and forestalling any hopes of a CU miracle. It quickly got out of hand, with Arizona waltzing down the stretch to a 63-43 win.
The peripherals are a white-wash. CU only shot 29% from the field for the game (under 23% for the second half), and were killed on the boards 41-25. Over a stretch of almost 11 minutes from a Josh Scott layup early in the second half to a made jumper from Askia Booker with seven and a half minutes to go, Colorado would make only one other field goal. Yes, 'third quarter' offense from CU has been inconsistent at times, and non-existent at others, but I don't know what else they could've done yesterday. There was just nothing open, nothing easy, and CU succumbed to reality.
Individually, the Buffs were lead by the duo of Booker and Xavier Johnson. Ski closed his strong performance in the tournament by providing 12/6 to lead the team in both scoring and rebounding. All told, he put up 50/16/9 this week on 44% shooting and against only four turnovers, which I think merits inclusion on the all-tournament team. XJ had a strong first half, which, coincidentally, allowed CU to have a strong first half, but let his emotions get the better of him after the break. A few quick fouls and a devastating block from Aaron Gordon all but erased the fiery Californian from the rest of the action. Josh Scott was, again, largely absent, as quick double teams from the Wildcats left him no room to operate. He's going to be getting those for the rest of his collegiate career, so his coaches and teammates are going to have to get creative in helping him make opponents pay when they send help.
There's no shame in saying this, but Arizona is just better. Frighteningly better. Even with Spencer Dinwiddie in the fold, there'd have been little chance of CU advancing yesterday afternoon. Arizona has a once-in-a-generation type of defensive juggernaut at their disposal, and Colorado isn't nearly at the level to contend with it when real money is on the line. The task of defeating the 'Cats will have to be left to better, more offensively potent competition...
... which brings me to the second semi-final of the day, when UCLA took on Stanford. Just as the Wildcats have an elite-level defense, the Bruins are sickeningly good at getting buckets. Last night they laid waste to the Cardinal, shooting a jaw-dropping 65% from the field en route to a 84-59 romp. It sets up the matchup most had wanted to see all week, with the top-two teams in the league, who had clearly separated themselves throughout the regular season, set to battle each other for the league crown. Hopefully, in a tournament that has featured a seemingly endless string of blowouts, the final has something interesting in store.
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Today's Action
- #1 Arizona vs #2 UCLA - 4pm MT - Fox Sports 1 -
It's the age-old question of what happens when an unstoppable force meets and unmovable object. Arizona's defense is the best I've seen live, and UCLA scores like an NBA team. What happens when the two meet? I guess it's fitting that the final features a matchup of such diametrically opposed styles.
These two last met all the way back on January 9th. If previous performance is any indication, we're in for a hell of a show, as the Wildcats only pulled away late in Pauley Pavilion to secure their 79-75 win. As a credit to their scoring prowess, the Bruins were able to chip in over one point per possession back then, a feat which only Oregon and, surprisingly, Oregon St have been able to accomplish since. If we're going to see an upset this afternoon, UCLA will have to put forth a similar effort.
I generally expect that the best defense will always win-out against the best offense. The trope 'defense wins championships' is known throughout the sports world, and with good reason. Accordingly, I'm picking the Wildcats to win today. They're giving six, which seems a little high to the point that I may have to get a little creative with my bets, but I'm too damn impressed by that Arizona defense to predict this one any other way.
GO BUFFS! SELECTION SUNDAY AWAITS!
Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap.
With a trip to the Pac-12 final on the line, CU ran up against their old nemesis, the Arizona Wildcats. A frightening site on any occasion, when invested they're capable of massacring teams with their elite-level defense. With tournament progression on the line, you better believe they were invested yesterday afternoon, leaving the Buffs little opportunity to steal a win. Despite an impressive first-half effort that saw Colorado tie the game up with 36 seconds to go, it was only ever a matter of time. Given halftime to adjust their defense, it was the Giant Death Robot that emerged from the locker room, essentially putting a lid on the rim, and forestalling any hopes of a CU miracle. It quickly got out of hand, with Arizona waltzing down the stretch to a 63-43 win.
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| CU had nowhere to go against the dominating 'Cats D. From: the BDC |
Individually, the Buffs were lead by the duo of Booker and Xavier Johnson. Ski closed his strong performance in the tournament by providing 12/6 to lead the team in both scoring and rebounding. All told, he put up 50/16/9 this week on 44% shooting and against only four turnovers, which I think merits inclusion on the all-tournament team. XJ had a strong first half, which, coincidentally, allowed CU to have a strong first half, but let his emotions get the better of him after the break. A few quick fouls and a devastating block from Aaron Gordon all but erased the fiery Californian from the rest of the action. Josh Scott was, again, largely absent, as quick double teams from the Wildcats left him no room to operate. He's going to be getting those for the rest of his collegiate career, so his coaches and teammates are going to have to get creative in helping him make opponents pay when they send help.
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| Booker did the best he could to attack the stifling defense. From: the BDC |
... which brings me to the second semi-final of the day, when UCLA took on Stanford. Just as the Wildcats have an elite-level defense, the Bruins are sickeningly good at getting buckets. Last night they laid waste to the Cardinal, shooting a jaw-dropping 65% from the field en route to a 84-59 romp. It sets up the matchup most had wanted to see all week, with the top-two teams in the league, who had clearly separated themselves throughout the regular season, set to battle each other for the league crown. Hopefully, in a tournament that has featured a seemingly endless string of blowouts, the final has something interesting in store.
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Today's Action
- #1 Arizona vs #2 UCLA - 4pm MT - Fox Sports 1 -
It's the age-old question of what happens when an unstoppable force meets and unmovable object. Arizona's defense is the best I've seen live, and UCLA scores like an NBA team. What happens when the two meet? I guess it's fitting that the final features a matchup of such diametrically opposed styles.
These two last met all the way back on January 9th. If previous performance is any indication, we're in for a hell of a show, as the Wildcats only pulled away late in Pauley Pavilion to secure their 79-75 win. As a credit to their scoring prowess, the Bruins were able to chip in over one point per possession back then, a feat which only Oregon and, surprisingly, Oregon St have been able to accomplish since. If we're going to see an upset this afternoon, UCLA will have to put forth a similar effort.
I generally expect that the best defense will always win-out against the best offense. The trope 'defense wins championships' is known throughout the sports world, and with good reason. Accordingly, I'm picking the Wildcats to win today. They're giving six, which seems a little high to the point that I may have to get a little creative with my bets, but I'm too damn impressed by that Arizona defense to predict this one any other way.
GO BUFFS! SELECTION SUNDAY AWAITS!
Friday, March 14, 2014
Pac-12 Tournament Teaser: Day 3
VEGAS, The Pac-12 Tournament, March 14th --
In the end, Colorado won the game that mattered. Less than a week after dropping a coulda', shoulda' affair in Berkeley, they were back on the court against the Cal Bears in search of a berth in the Pac-12 semifinals. Behind another strong performance from junior guard Askia Booker, they earned just that, holding on for a 59-56 win that sent them to their third conference final four in the brief existence of the #RollTad era. Never have I been so happy to tear up a betting slip.
What a difference a day makes. Wednesday, it was a struggle to get over the USC hump, with the Buffs playing down to the level of their opponent. Yesterday, it was a much better showing from CU, with the team proving why are tournament caliber. CU was invested from the opening tip, and it showed in their body language. No more lethargy, they were intense throughout. Two games, two identical 59-56 results, two completely different outlooks. It's a funny game, basketball.
Continuing the trend from the opening round game against the Trojans, Booker lead the team in scoring, dropping 17 on the Bears while shooting over 50% from the field. Unlike the USC game, however, Ski was supported by a solid, aggressive performance from Josh Scott, who chipped in 11/6. Not his best game, but he looked much better than he did on Wednesday. The Xaviers, Johnson and Talton, also recorded double-digit points, chipping in 10 and 13, respectively. CU needed everything those four could give, as Cal's Justin Cobbs had his own monster game, going for 21/4/5.
Unfortunately, for their efforts, the Buffs have been awarded a date with the Giant Death Robot that is the Arizona Wildcats, who disposed of the woefully disappointing Utah Utes 71-39 in the day's first quarter-final. I have never seen a team so thoroughly beaten as Utah was, failing to even crack the 40-point barrier against the nation's best defense. Even the most optimistic CU fan must be apprehensive heading into tonight's game after witnessing that beat-down.
The evening session was another string of blowouts. Both UCLA and Stanford rode tidal waves of second half scoring to coast into Friday. For UCLA, they steamrolled Oregon behind a 20-2 run that stretched from the last vestiges of the first half into the final frame, flipping a three point Duck lead on its head. From there, Oregon just spent time hucking up hasty three pointers to shoot themselves out of Vegas. The Cardinal took advantage of a nearly silent Jahii Carson to play +18 ball after halftime. I've yet to see Stanford look as good as they did yesterday evening, and they impressed the hell out of me by throwing a generally strong ASU squad into complete disarray.
In all honesty, other than CU's thrilling win over Cal, Quarterfinal Day at the Pac-12 tournament was a bust. The other three games were decided by a total of 72 points, and none were competitive after halftime. I think everyone here is a little stunned, as the assumed theme was that the league that produced a five-way tie for third place was capable of some zaniness. Hopefully, Friday has some more interesting fare in store for us.
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Today's Action
- #1 Arizona vs #5 Colorado - 7pm MT - Pac-12 Networks -
There's just no scenario I can concoct that has CU even competing with the 'Cats today. I've seen this matchup twice now, and Arizona is so distantly superior in talent and execution that I question the need for even playing this evening. While Colorado may save themselves the embarrassment incurred by Utah, behind an arena 3/4ths-full of Arizona red, the Wildcats should have no trouble with our Buffs.
Vegas has CU getting 9.5 points. I'm fully willing to plop down plenty of straight-cash-homey on the 'Zona side of that.
- #2 UCLA vs #6 Stanford - 9:30pm MT - Fox Sports 1 -
I continue to like UCLA a lot more than their aging fanbase does (seriously, I've yet to see a Bruins fan in town that is under the age of 45). They've got all the pieces, and aren't hindered by the need to rely on a single wellspring of talent to survive. While the Cardinal played about as well as they possibly could've last night, I'm not going to get caught up in the rush, and throw money their way. The Bruins are favored by three, which is a number I am comfortable giving. Give me UCLA/Arizona in the final.
GO BUFFS! PROVE ME WRONG, AND BEAT THE WILDCATS!
In the end, Colorado won the game that mattered. Less than a week after dropping a coulda', shoulda' affair in Berkeley, they were back on the court against the Cal Bears in search of a berth in the Pac-12 semifinals. Behind another strong performance from junior guard Askia Booker, they earned just that, holding on for a 59-56 win that sent them to their third conference final four in the brief existence of the #RollTad era. Never have I been so happy to tear up a betting slip.
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| The Buffs were getting after it yesterday. From: the BDC |
Continuing the trend from the opening round game against the Trojans, Booker lead the team in scoring, dropping 17 on the Bears while shooting over 50% from the field. Unlike the USC game, however, Ski was supported by a solid, aggressive performance from Josh Scott, who chipped in 11/6. Not his best game, but he looked much better than he did on Wednesday. The Xaviers, Johnson and Talton, also recorded double-digit points, chipping in 10 and 13, respectively. CU needed everything those four could give, as Cal's Justin Cobbs had his own monster game, going for 21/4/5.
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| Ski has been having a great tournament. From: the BDC |
The evening session was another string of blowouts. Both UCLA and Stanford rode tidal waves of second half scoring to coast into Friday. For UCLA, they steamrolled Oregon behind a 20-2 run that stretched from the last vestiges of the first half into the final frame, flipping a three point Duck lead on its head. From there, Oregon just spent time hucking up hasty three pointers to shoot themselves out of Vegas. The Cardinal took advantage of a nearly silent Jahii Carson to play +18 ball after halftime. I've yet to see Stanford look as good as they did yesterday evening, and they impressed the hell out of me by throwing a generally strong ASU squad into complete disarray.
In all honesty, other than CU's thrilling win over Cal, Quarterfinal Day at the Pac-12 tournament was a bust. The other three games were decided by a total of 72 points, and none were competitive after halftime. I think everyone here is a little stunned, as the assumed theme was that the league that produced a five-way tie for third place was capable of some zaniness. Hopefully, Friday has some more interesting fare in store for us.
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Today's Action
- #1 Arizona vs #5 Colorado - 7pm MT - Pac-12 Networks -
There's just no scenario I can concoct that has CU even competing with the 'Cats today. I've seen this matchup twice now, and Arizona is so distantly superior in talent and execution that I question the need for even playing this evening. While Colorado may save themselves the embarrassment incurred by Utah, behind an arena 3/4ths-full of Arizona red, the Wildcats should have no trouble with our Buffs.
Vegas has CU getting 9.5 points. I'm fully willing to plop down plenty of straight-cash-homey on the 'Zona side of that.
- #2 UCLA vs #6 Stanford - 9:30pm MT - Fox Sports 1 -
I continue to like UCLA a lot more than their aging fanbase does (seriously, I've yet to see a Bruins fan in town that is under the age of 45). They've got all the pieces, and aren't hindered by the need to rely on a single wellspring of talent to survive. While the Cardinal played about as well as they possibly could've last night, I'm not going to get caught up in the rush, and throw money their way. The Bruins are favored by three, which is a number I am comfortable giving. Give me UCLA/Arizona in the final.
GO BUFFS! PROVE ME WRONG, AND BEAT THE WILDCATS!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Pac-12 Tournament Teaser: Day 2
VEGAS, The Pac-12 Tournament, March 13th --
Well, a win is, as always, a win. But it certainly wasn't a pretty one for the Buffs yesterday afternoon in their first round tilt with the USC Trojans. They were pushed around by the bigger Trojans, allowing what should've been a fast-paced up-and-down affair devolve into a possession by possession struggle. CU came dangerously close to inviting uncomfortable questions about their Tournament competency, but correctly responded when pressed mid-way through the second half. A few heroics from Askia Booker was just what the doctor ordered, and Colorado snuck into the quarterfinals via a 59-56 scab of a victory.
Much of the difficulty surrounded the individual battle between CU's superlative forward Josh Scott, and Trojan big man Omar Oraby. While Scott had decidedly gotten the better of the matchup in the regular season games, Oraby bullied and frustrated the Colorado sophomore in Vegas. Jelly just couldn't get a shot off in the first half, and only scored a single point in the opening frame. He was so off his game that at times he would resort to basically jumping into the towering Egyptian, all but begging the refs to bail him out with a gift whistle. With none coming, the ugly vibes only deepened.
It all came to a head mid-way through the second half when USC, behind a 23-point day from Byron Wesley, opened up a five-point lead on the Buffs. Luckily, that's when Askia Booker took over. On the following possessions, Ski scored three straight baskets, grabbed a huge defensive rebound, and assisted on a game-tying bucket from Xavier Johnson. For a brief moment, it was Booker's world, we were all just living in it -- and USC was helpless to stop it. The sparkplug guard would finish with 21/7/4 for Colorado against only one turnover on 53% shooting. Just a masterful performance.
Behind Askia's example, the Buffs would close well down the stretch. Finally, after much consternation and grinding of teeth, they got some production from Scott, who scored the team's final nine points, which was enough to secure the victory. Survived, advanced, bring on the Bears.
I know that March is a unique environment, and uncomfortable performances are often the norm, but CU had better come correct today. Cal is no less desperate than USC was, and they have the added bonus of being more talented and better coached. A similar effort from the Buffs will get them bounced by double-digits.
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Today's action
- #1 Arizona vs #8 Utah - 1pm MT - Pac-12 Networks -
The prohibitive favorites have arrived, just in time for their stir-crazy horde of fans to greet them. Arizona dominates the crowds here, with thousands of Wildcats hanging around everywhere. It's expected, but still a little intimidating. With that in mind, treat their games the rest of the way as semi-neutral affairs, as the stands will be red-hued and partisan.
The thing is, Utah has traveled well, too, and easily had the second-best showing yesterday in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. What's more, the Utes played them well in both regular season contests, including the one in Tucson, where they had a lead with 11 minutes to play. As a result, I think Utah has a better shot than most at beating the 'Cats in Vegas. Behind a nice front line, and lanky, athletic wings who can stretch the dominating Arizona defense, they've certainly got the tools, and I don't sense an ounce of fear in this team. I still favor Arizona, but a loss to Utah wouldn't exactly shock me.
Give me Utah +8.
- #4 Cal vs # 5 Colorado - 3:30pm MT - Pac-12 Networks -
CU survived their Trojan scare, and now get their shot at revenge for the near-miss in Berkeley. If there's any team in the top-eight that I would want CU to see in the second round, it would be the Bears, but that doesn't mean I necessarily like the Buffs to win today. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. Cal is playing for their tournament lives, and I just do not like the way the team played down to their competition yesterday. Behind dominating performances from seniors Justin Cobbs and Richard Solomon, I expect the Golden Bears to shoot past Colorado this afternoon.
Fear not, BuffNation, the Buffs are still in the dance. Don't let anyone tell you differently, even though I'm taking Cal -1 today.
- #2 UCLA vs #7 Oregon - 7pm MT - Pac-12 Networks -
Oregon remains the sexy dark horse pick to win this thing. They're hot, they have the Vegas swagger, and they wouldn't have to play Arizona until the final. After watching them find Top Gear yesterday, I'm buying in. The Ducks are so money, baby, they don't even know it. As is the local custom, they ride the heater, and roll past the Bruins. (Cue the habitual BN meltdown in 3... 2... 1...)
A pick 'em from Vegas, give me the Ducks.
- #3 Arizona St vs #6 Stanford - 9:30pm MT - Fox Sports 1 -
I don't want to alarm anyone, or give out the impression that I like one of these teams to go all the way, but the winner of this game has won the tournament the last two years (CU was a 6 in '12, Oregon a 3 in '13)...
I'm stumped with how to view this one, as they split their set this season, and both teams were inconsistent down the stretch. If I had to make a choice, I'd lean on the fact that ASU was garbage away from Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, with their only road conference wins coming against lowly USC and an overtime road stunner against Cal. While Stanford wasn't impressive last night against WSU, they still have proven to be a more capable team away from home with four wins, including solid efforts against Cal and Oregon. That's enough of an angle for me.
The Cardinal is favored by a point and a half, I guess I'll give that if forced to make a decision, but I'm not really in a betting mindset on the nightcap.
GO BUFFS! PROVE ME WRONG, AND BEAT THE BEARS!
Well, a win is, as always, a win. But it certainly wasn't a pretty one for the Buffs yesterday afternoon in their first round tilt with the USC Trojans. They were pushed around by the bigger Trojans, allowing what should've been a fast-paced up-and-down affair devolve into a possession by possession struggle. CU came dangerously close to inviting uncomfortable questions about their Tournament competency, but correctly responded when pressed mid-way through the second half. A few heroics from Askia Booker was just what the doctor ordered, and Colorado snuck into the quarterfinals via a 59-56 scab of a victory.
 |
| Oraby muted Scott for much of the afternoon. From: the BDC |
It all came to a head mid-way through the second half when USC, behind a 23-point day from Byron Wesley, opened up a five-point lead on the Buffs. Luckily, that's when Askia Booker took over. On the following possessions, Ski scored three straight baskets, grabbed a huge defensive rebound, and assisted on a game-tying bucket from Xavier Johnson. For a brief moment, it was Booker's world, we were all just living in it -- and USC was helpless to stop it. The sparkplug guard would finish with 21/7/4 for Colorado against only one turnover on 53% shooting. Just a masterful performance.
 |
| Ski came alive in the nick of time. From: the BDC |
I know that March is a unique environment, and uncomfortable performances are often the norm, but CU had better come correct today. Cal is no less desperate than USC was, and they have the added bonus of being more talented and better coached. A similar effort from the Buffs will get them bounced by double-digits.
--
Today's action
- #1 Arizona vs #8 Utah - 1pm MT - Pac-12 Networks -
The prohibitive favorites have arrived, just in time for their stir-crazy horde of fans to greet them. Arizona dominates the crowds here, with thousands of Wildcats hanging around everywhere. It's expected, but still a little intimidating. With that in mind, treat their games the rest of the way as semi-neutral affairs, as the stands will be red-hued and partisan.
The thing is, Utah has traveled well, too, and easily had the second-best showing yesterday in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. What's more, the Utes played them well in both regular season contests, including the one in Tucson, where they had a lead with 11 minutes to play. As a result, I think Utah has a better shot than most at beating the 'Cats in Vegas. Behind a nice front line, and lanky, athletic wings who can stretch the dominating Arizona defense, they've certainly got the tools, and I don't sense an ounce of fear in this team. I still favor Arizona, but a loss to Utah wouldn't exactly shock me.
Give me Utah +8.
- #4 Cal vs # 5 Colorado - 3:30pm MT - Pac-12 Networks -
CU survived their Trojan scare, and now get their shot at revenge for the near-miss in Berkeley. If there's any team in the top-eight that I would want CU to see in the second round, it would be the Bears, but that doesn't mean I necessarily like the Buffs to win today. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. Cal is playing for their tournament lives, and I just do not like the way the team played down to their competition yesterday. Behind dominating performances from seniors Justin Cobbs and Richard Solomon, I expect the Golden Bears to shoot past Colorado this afternoon.
Fear not, BuffNation, the Buffs are still in the dance. Don't let anyone tell you differently, even though I'm taking Cal -1 today.
- #2 UCLA vs #7 Oregon - 7pm MT - Pac-12 Networks -
Oregon remains the sexy dark horse pick to win this thing. They're hot, they have the Vegas swagger, and they wouldn't have to play Arizona until the final. After watching them find Top Gear yesterday, I'm buying in. The Ducks are so money, baby, they don't even know it. As is the local custom, they ride the heater, and roll past the Bruins. (Cue the habitual BN meltdown in 3... 2... 1...)
A pick 'em from Vegas, give me the Ducks.
- #3 Arizona St vs #6 Stanford - 9:30pm MT - Fox Sports 1 -
I don't want to alarm anyone, or give out the impression that I like one of these teams to go all the way, but the winner of this game has won the tournament the last two years (CU was a 6 in '12, Oregon a 3 in '13)...
I'm stumped with how to view this one, as they split their set this season, and both teams were inconsistent down the stretch. If I had to make a choice, I'd lean on the fact that ASU was garbage away from Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, with their only road conference wins coming against lowly USC and an overtime road stunner against Cal. While Stanford wasn't impressive last night against WSU, they still have proven to be a more capable team away from home with four wins, including solid efforts against Cal and Oregon. That's enough of an angle for me.
The Cardinal is favored by a point and a half, I guess I'll give that if forced to make a decision, but I'm not really in a betting mindset on the nightcap.
GO BUFFS! PROVE ME WRONG, AND BEAT THE BEARS!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Pac-12 Tournament Teaser: Day 1
When I look at the first day of the tournament, I see a day of chalk. I think the regular season proved that there was separation between the top-eight teams and the bottom-four, leaving a series of apparent miss-matches in the first round. Yes, lines aren't necessarily a indicator of actual talent disparity, just an attempt to get equal action on both sides, but you have to sense a landslide of convention coming when every favorite is giving up at least five and a half points.
There's good news hiding in this. Assuming the chalk holds, Thursday could see some fantastic action, including the final resolution of that five-way tie for third. Sit tight, Pac-12 fans, if the action is a little staid today. This beast could get real interesting come day two.
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- #8 Utah vs #9 Washington - 1pm MT - Pac-12 Network -
The day starts with one of my favorite dark horse teams, the Utes, trying to survive to play in what could be a very interesting quarterfinal. Should Utah survive on Wednesday, I'm going to be very interested to see how they play against the tournament favorite Arizona Wildcats. First thing's first, however, taking care of the Washington Huskies.
These two played to a draw in the regular season, with each winning their home portion. You have to like Utah, however, as they've been playing some great basketball over the last few weeks. Since losing in overtime at CU, the Utes have gone 6-3, with those losses only coming at UCLA, home against Arizona in overtime, and at Stanford. Those aren't cupcakes. Conversely, the Huskies have been mostly beating up on the three teams lower than them in the standings, which is none too impressive.
Utah is favored by 5.5, which I think is fair. I say Utah barely covers behind a all-encompasing performance from Delon Wright. Utah 65 - UW 59.
- #5 Colorado vs #12 USC - 3:30pm MT - Pac-12 Network -
Obviously, the meat of the day for yours truly is CU's opening round matchup with the Trojans. Since the Buffs couldn't take care of business against Cal on Saturday, they have to go through the motions of this first round affair. Unlike the last two seasons, however, the 'easy' tournament opener won't be against a team destined to make them sweat.
Whereas Utah in '12 and OSU in '13 were fantastic at forcing uncomfortable performances from CU (read play slow, and drive the action into the mud), the Trojans are tailor-made to let the Buffs get into what they like to do best. There will be transition, there will be a fast pace... I might even get to enjoy myself! There's a reason, after all, that these two teams have played to 150 possessions in two games. Both coaches like to run, and both squads have shooters who would love to oblige with missed jumpers and outlet opportunities.
I don't want to come off as too overconfident. This is a tournament, after all, and anything can happen. I'm just really excited that a first round game featuring CU might actually be watchable. In the end, however, I find it hard to see anything but a victory for the Buffs. For the record, CU has only lost three games this season played at 70 possessions or higher, and it would be a major upset for these two teams to miss that mark today. This is a good matchup, much better than playing Washington State would've been, and there's really no excuse for the team not to be playing on Thursday.
CU is favored by 8.5, which is a lot, but still an amount I'll give. CU 79 - USC 70.
- #7 Oregon vs #10 Oregon St - 7pm MT - Pac-12 Network -
The Beaver State has the third game all to themselves, when the intra-state rivals square off for the right to play UCLA. Oregon has been the hottest team in the league over the past month, winning seven-straight to salvage their season. As a result, it's hard to envision a win from OSU, even though they managed the feat back in January.
When last they met, these two played to 176 combined points, which leaves the hope that the game should be highly entertaining. Even if it isn't, I'll be enthralled by the antics of the Beaver Basketball Band, featuring former CU conductor Dana Biggs. Since I'm picking OSU to lose, this may be Vegas' only look at what Biggsy is up to. Catch him while you can.
The Ducks are giving 6.5, and I like them to crack that in a high scoring affair. OU 85 - OSU 75
- #6 Stanford vs #11 Washington St - 9:30pm MT - Pac-12 Network -
The evening concludes with my least anticipated game of the day. This one seems destined to be a slog, with the Cougars playing some of the slowest ball in the nation. In a neutral site, against a more physically gifted opponent, I expect them to gum up the works even further, maybe even attempting to keep this thing under 60 possessions. Ugh!
The Cardinal is favored by 10.5, which seems high for me. WSU is nowhere near a good team, but they could stay within that margin just by slow-playing for the full 40 minutes. The Cougars still lose, but by single-digits. Stanford 60 - WSU 53
HAPPY MARCH! GO BUFFS! PROVE ME RIGHT, AND BEAT THE TROJANS!
There's good news hiding in this. Assuming the chalk holds, Thursday could see some fantastic action, including the final resolution of that five-way tie for third. Sit tight, Pac-12 fans, if the action is a little staid today. This beast could get real interesting come day two.
--
- #8 Utah vs #9 Washington - 1pm MT - Pac-12 Network -
The day starts with one of my favorite dark horse teams, the Utes, trying to survive to play in what could be a very interesting quarterfinal. Should Utah survive on Wednesday, I'm going to be very interested to see how they play against the tournament favorite Arizona Wildcats. First thing's first, however, taking care of the Washington Huskies.
These two played to a draw in the regular season, with each winning their home portion. You have to like Utah, however, as they've been playing some great basketball over the last few weeks. Since losing in overtime at CU, the Utes have gone 6-3, with those losses only coming at UCLA, home against Arizona in overtime, and at Stanford. Those aren't cupcakes. Conversely, the Huskies have been mostly beating up on the three teams lower than them in the standings, which is none too impressive.
Utah is favored by 5.5, which I think is fair. I say Utah barely covers behind a all-encompasing performance from Delon Wright. Utah 65 - UW 59.
- #5 Colorado vs #12 USC - 3:30pm MT - Pac-12 Network -
Obviously, the meat of the day for yours truly is CU's opening round matchup with the Trojans. Since the Buffs couldn't take care of business against Cal on Saturday, they have to go through the motions of this first round affair. Unlike the last two seasons, however, the 'easy' tournament opener won't be against a team destined to make them sweat.
Whereas Utah in '12 and OSU in '13 were fantastic at forcing uncomfortable performances from CU (read play slow, and drive the action into the mud), the Trojans are tailor-made to let the Buffs get into what they like to do best. There will be transition, there will be a fast pace... I might even get to enjoy myself! There's a reason, after all, that these two teams have played to 150 possessions in two games. Both coaches like to run, and both squads have shooters who would love to oblige with missed jumpers and outlet opportunities.
I don't want to come off as too overconfident. This is a tournament, after all, and anything can happen. I'm just really excited that a first round game featuring CU might actually be watchable. In the end, however, I find it hard to see anything but a victory for the Buffs. For the record, CU has only lost three games this season played at 70 possessions or higher, and it would be a major upset for these two teams to miss that mark today. This is a good matchup, much better than playing Washington State would've been, and there's really no excuse for the team not to be playing on Thursday.
CU is favored by 8.5, which is a lot, but still an amount I'll give. CU 79 - USC 70.
- #7 Oregon vs #10 Oregon St - 7pm MT - Pac-12 Network -
The Beaver State has the third game all to themselves, when the intra-state rivals square off for the right to play UCLA. Oregon has been the hottest team in the league over the past month, winning seven-straight to salvage their season. As a result, it's hard to envision a win from OSU, even though they managed the feat back in January.
When last they met, these two played to 176 combined points, which leaves the hope that the game should be highly entertaining. Even if it isn't, I'll be enthralled by the antics of the Beaver Basketball Band, featuring former CU conductor Dana Biggs. Since I'm picking OSU to lose, this may be Vegas' only look at what Biggsy is up to. Catch him while you can.
The Ducks are giving 6.5, and I like them to crack that in a high scoring affair. OU 85 - OSU 75
- #6 Stanford vs #11 Washington St - 9:30pm MT - Pac-12 Network -
The evening concludes with my least anticipated game of the day. This one seems destined to be a slog, with the Cougars playing some of the slowest ball in the nation. In a neutral site, against a more physically gifted opponent, I expect them to gum up the works even further, maybe even attempting to keep this thing under 60 possessions. Ugh!
The Cardinal is favored by 10.5, which seems high for me. WSU is nowhere near a good team, but they could stay within that margin just by slow-playing for the full 40 minutes. The Cougars still lose, but by single-digits. Stanford 60 - WSU 53
HAPPY MARCH! GO BUFFS! PROVE ME RIGHT, AND BEAT THE TROJANS!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Quick Post: The Pac-12 Mascots Death Match
Friend of the blog Adam Butler (@pachoopsab) is at it again, hosting a 'Deathmatch' vote-off between the Pac-12's various mascots. I was tabbed to defend Chip, which I flatly refused to do. Instead, I wrote up why Ralphie is the best mascot in the West, which is easy since she's the best mascot in the whole world.
Here's my blurb:
"I guess, ostensibly, I’m supposed to be talking about Chip, our Mickey Mouse with horns made available for the kiddies. However, if you’re going to talk University of Colorado athletics, there is only one mascot that matters – the ton of rampaging bison known as Ralphie. Often a source of confusion, let me confirm that Ralphie is, in fact, a female. It’s an important distinction, because, if we were to let a male bison loose, death would ensue; after all, a buffalo is an unstoppable goring machine when pissed off. With the lady involved, we’re only talking serious bodily harm, if you’re lucky. So, come at me with your anthropomorphic plush toys. I got a frickin’ buffalo, and you don’t."
If you agree with me that Ralphie is awesome, or at least better than USC's sorry excuse for a mascot, you should head over to Pachoops.com and vote for our favorite rampaging bison. You can do so here.
Vote early, vote often, vote Buffalo!
Here's my blurb:
"I guess, ostensibly, I’m supposed to be talking about Chip, our Mickey Mouse with horns made available for the kiddies. However, if you’re going to talk University of Colorado athletics, there is only one mascot that matters – the ton of rampaging bison known as Ralphie. Often a source of confusion, let me confirm that Ralphie is, in fact, a female. It’s an important distinction, because, if we were to let a male bison loose, death would ensue; after all, a buffalo is an unstoppable goring machine when pissed off. With the lady involved, we’re only talking serious bodily harm, if you’re lucky. So, come at me with your anthropomorphic plush toys. I got a frickin’ buffalo, and you don’t."
If you agree with me that Ralphie is awesome, or at least better than USC's sorry excuse for a mascot, you should head over to Pachoops.com and vote for our favorite rampaging bison. You can do so here.
Vote early, vote often, vote Buffalo!
Second Annual Rumblin' Awards
Yesterday, the Pac-12 released their seasonal awards (congrats to Josh Scott, by the way, for being deservedly named to the first team). Never satisfied with the musing of coaches and professional pundits, I'm going to delve into who I believe should have been honored by the conference this year.
After the jump, find my choices for the All-Pac-12 1st and 2nd teams, along with my Player, Coach, Newcomer, and Defender of the Year.
Please remember that the Rumblin' Awards are a strictly black tie affair.
After the jump, find my choices for the All-Pac-12 1st and 2nd teams, along with my Player, Coach, Newcomer, and Defender of the Year.
Please remember that the Rumblin' Awards are a strictly black tie affair.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Monday Grab Bag: Onto the Postseason
I will admit to being absolutely unable to focus on work today. I imagine the story will be the same tomorrow. We're 48 hours away from the start of the Pac-12 tournament, and I have crossed the threshold into 'can't sit still because I'm too excited' territory. I apologize to my co-workers, but my mind has checked out, and might as well already be in the MGM Grand. See you next Monday!
While work will suffer due to the basketball distraction, this blog will not. Tomorrow I'll have up my conference awards, with a tournament teaser up Wednesday morning. From there, I'll have daily reports from the action in Vegas, with a quick run-down of how I view the next day's slate of games You would also do well to keep an eye on my twitter account, as I'll be updating on the sights and sounds.
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Today in the bag, I'm talking CU's late-game stumbles against Cal, the final standings in the Pac-12, and a few notes from around the world of college basketball.
Click below for the bag...
While work will suffer due to the basketball distraction, this blog will not. Tomorrow I'll have up my conference awards, with a tournament teaser up Wednesday morning. From there, I'll have daily reports from the action in Vegas, with a quick run-down of how I view the next day's slate of games You would also do well to keep an eye on my twitter account, as I'll be updating on the sights and sounds.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking CU's late-game stumbles against Cal, the final standings in the Pac-12, and a few notes from around the world of college basketball.
Click below for the bag...
Friday, March 7, 2014
2013-14 Cal Basketball Preview
Well, this is it. The season finale. What a long strange trip it has been, but CU still controls their destiny in the pursuit of a bye in next week's Pac-12 tournament, and could finish as high as third with a win tomorrow evening. If you would've told me that back on January 12, back in the depths of post-injury despair, I'd have taken it in a heart beat. To be sure, the Buffs have grown up a lot in recent weeks, and should be commended for even being in such a position.
Now comes the point when the team needs to reach up and grab the brass ring they've climbed within reach of. There's no longer any danger - they're nominally 'in' the Tournament now, barring a spectacular run of bubble-busting performances. Just go out, play free-and-easy basketball, and rip that bye-seed down off the pole!
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Tip-off from Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, CA is set for 4:30pm on Saturday. Coverage can be found on Pac-12 Network, with Mark Johnson and the radio call coming on 850 KOA.
Click below for the preview...
Now comes the point when the team needs to reach up and grab the brass ring they've climbed within reach of. There's no longer any danger - they're nominally 'in' the Tournament now, barring a spectacular run of bubble-busting performances. Just go out, play free-and-easy basketball, and rip that bye-seed down off the pole!
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Tip-off from Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, CA is set for 4:30pm on Saturday. Coverage can be found on Pac-12 Network, with Mark Johnson and the radio call coming on 850 KOA.
Click below for the preview...
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
2013-14 Stanford Basketball Preview
For those wondering, Shldr2Shldr had a great post over on Allbuffs listing the numerous seeding breakdowns that could play out this week. With ASU losing in Eugene last night, the dream scenario which sees CU vault into third place remains alive, but they'd have to sweep in the Bay Area and have the Sun Devils choke in Corvallis on Saturday. Highly unlikely. Even without that perfect set-up, however, the Buffs could still claim a bye, but have to win at least one in San Francisco. My feeling is that the game against Cal is the likelier of the two, at least with how the teams have been playing lately, but I think CU 'matches up' better with the Cardinal. Regardless, the Buffs are underdogs this week, and some chalk could complicate the Vegas trip.
I still have faith, however. Two unsurprising losses have some reaching for the panic button, and others getting ludicrous and mumbling bullshit like 'Right now, the only teams CU may be better than are Washington State and USC.' Overreact if it makes you feel better, but this is still a strong CU team, and no one will be taking the Buffs lightly over the next few weeks. Count this bunch out at your peril - watch them surprise us all and make the 3rd-seed happen.
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Tip-off from Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, CA is set for 7pm this evening. Coverage can be found on ESPN2, with the radio call on 850 KOA.
Click below for the preview...
I still have faith, however. Two unsurprising losses have some reaching for the panic button, and others getting ludicrous and mumbling bullshit like 'Right now, the only teams CU may be better than are Washington State and USC.' Overreact if it makes you feel better, but this is still a strong CU team, and no one will be taking the Buffs lightly over the next few weeks. Count this bunch out at your peril - watch them surprise us all and make the 3rd-seed happen.
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Tip-off from Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, CA is set for 7pm this evening. Coverage can be found on ESPN2, with the radio call on 850 KOA.
Click below for the preview...
Monday, March 3, 2014
Monday Grab Bag: The Final Week
Well, we've come to the final week of the Pac-12 season, and almost everything is still up for grabs. While Arizona has locked in 1st place, and USC and WSU will be the cellar-dwellars, seeds 2-10 in Vegas are still to be decided. Laughably, CU still sits in 4th, clinging to a bye, but a tough roadtrip to the Bay Area awaits. Even a win this week, however, doesn't assure them of anything higher than 7th. Regardless of how the final week turns out, you won't be able to say it wasn't interesting.
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Today in the bag, I'm talking the loss in Utah, the Utes sudden rise up the post-season charts, and the 'olds' that the C-Unit isn't going to Vegas.
Click below for the bag...
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Today in the bag, I'm talking the loss in Utah, the Utes sudden rise up the post-season charts, and the 'olds' that the C-Unit isn't going to Vegas.
Click below for the bag...
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