2013-14 Arizona State Basketball Preview

Well, it could've been worse.  Running up against a world-class defense in foreign territory, the Buffs were blitzed by the Arizona Wildcats in the early going of Thursday's game.  They kept their heads down, however, and found some traction in the second half, keeping the score from appearing to be a complete blowout.  The 69-57 final isn't an ideal, but it's a suitable result for where the team is at this moment.

I'm a little frustrated by the large number of turnovers.  CU coughed up the ball 16 times, all from their top-six players.  You could really see the absence of Spencer Dinwiddie here. Without the calming influence of the regular point guard, the Buffs struggled to find avenues of attack against the vaunted Arizona defense, and played -15 basketball in the first half.  Settled down at halftime, they played much better after the break, but the damage was done.

Arizona corralled CU far too easily in the opening minutes on Thursday.  From: the BDC

Of course, the game wasn't the big story yesterday morning.  CU losing by 12 at McKale was never going to make waves, one way or the other.  I think anyone looking at this objectively knew that CU was going to lose, it was just a matter of degree.  What did make some waves were the post-game comments uttered by star CU forward Xavier Johnson.

Now, Xavier had a good game.  He scored 21 points on 7-12 shooting, leading all scorers on the evening. It's understandable that he'd be individually encouraged by his effort, but he let the moment get the better of him once retired to the media room.

It started off innocently enough.

"They are the No. 1 team and they just beat us, so I can't really talk." 

Had Johnson ended it there, everyone, from players to fans to media, would've woken up yesterday focused on ASU.  Instead, the press conference continued.  

"[...] but everybody has their lapses, you know? We have better players than them, I think, even down a player - two great players."  

They're the number one team in the nation, Xavier.  I think you're good, too, but you've now lost three of four.  Combined with what I saw last night, I think reality contradicts your argument.  *sigh* Oh, but he continues... 

"We were playing the No. 1 team in the nation, but they're not that good."  

*rolls eyes* Sure, why not?  It only took the 'Cats a media timeout to wipe the floor with you guys, but sure, 'they're not that good.' 

"We didn't come with the right mindset."  

At least some humility after a defeat.  Anything else for the class? 

"The good news is we get another crack at these guys, at our place. That'll be a 20-point blowout."

GAH!

SOMEONE, PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, CUT HIS MIC!  WHELAN, HOWELL, ONE OF YOU MAKE YOURSELVES USEFUL AND CAUSE A DISTURBANCE! I'LL GET SKI TO RUN IN THERE AN YANK 'X' OFF THE STAGE! QUICK! GET ME ONE OF THOSE 'MEN IN BLACK' THINGIES!  Now, *cough* everyone just look in here...

Huh?  What comments by Xavier?  Nope, nothing to see here... *sticks hands in pockets, whistles*

Wow, sure glad no one said anything monumentally stupid after that Arizona game.  I think we have a good shot at beating them in a month, and I'd hate for anyone to undermine that opportunity by giving the Wildcats a hearty helping of bulletin board material...

Anyways, today's game with Arizona State is huge.  While beating Arizona was too much to ask for, the Sun Devils offer a more reasonable proposition.  It won't be easy, however.  ASU has proven to have Colorado's number since the conference shift, winning three of the four meetings, including a sweep last season.  A win in Tempe would be a well-earned, and much-needed scalp.

Tip-off from the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Arizona is set for 5pm this afternoon.  Televised coverage can be found on Pac-12 Network, with the radio call on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...

Watch as I react to the news that CU is 3.5 point underdogs to CSU...

*Golden Nugget releases lines for over 200 college football games*
*Installs CSU as 3.5 point favorites over CU*

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Cal Preview #2

I'm a big fan of dark comedies.  Cohen Brothers?  Hell yeah.  Wes Anderson?  Bring it on.  Dr Strangelove? That's my shit!

Last night's game against Stanford stands amongst the the best of them.  CU couldn't hit a layup, and the Cardinal was even hitting school-yard bullshit when they didn't even care. It was a perfect storm of fail. 

If you can't laugh watching a team fail as spectacularly as the Buffs failed last night, then you take this shit too seriously.  A failure as complete as that effort deserves a defense mechanism, and laughter is the best mechanism... or medicine, I can never keep that one straight.

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It's twice now that Stanford has put the Kai-bosh on the Buffs, making them look like a high school team in the process.  I'm astonished that the team put forth such a half-assed effort, and I'm astonished that the coaching staff allowed them to do it.  I guess at some point, everything catches up to you.

Stanford whupped CU, and good.  Beat CU by 20 once, shame on you, do it again, in CU's home gym no less, and the whole mess falls squarely on the Buffs shoulders.

I guess it's time to ask, how will the Buffs respond?

Last post-Stanford debacle was afforded a soft landing through the blessing of a home game against Arizona State.  Not so lucky this time.  Sunday is still set for the previously un-spoiled CEC, but the opponent has a lot more bite.  Enter my continuing favorite to win the league: the California Golden Bears.  There's not a more veteran, tough, capable team in the conference.

By far the most "Tournament-acceptable" team in the Pac-12, Cal has been playing up to the standard of a team capable of beating anyone, anywhere.  What's more, they're still playing for a conference title, even if the Buffs no longer are.  This is not the kind of team you want to be searching for confidence against.

After last night, this Michael Scott .gif properly portrays my feelings about having to play Cal after getting boat-raced by the Cardinal.

But hey, that's why they play the games, right?  Tip off from the sold out CEC is set for 3:30 (please do remember that this game will be played on Sunday).  If you aren't one of the 11,000+ to hold a ticket, you can catch the broadcast on ROOT Sports.  Mark Johnson can be heard on 850 AM.

My preview of the first game can be found here.

Click below for my preview of the rematch...