Throughout the game I'll be throwing updates onto this post as the game requires. All you need to do to keep up with the latest goings-on is simply hit refresh.
Here's yesterday's version for reference.
Click below for today's live-blog
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Big XII Tournament Day #2 Preview
Whew, that was too close. By beating ISU 77-75 earlier today, the Buffs stay in Tournament discussion, and move on to face Kansas State tomorrow. The Buffs have been winning a lot of close ball games over the past month, going 4-1 in games decided by 3 points or less since the beginning of February. It's enough to strain my cardiovascular system to the limit.
This particular heart-stopping game featured one of the most cold-blooded, "I refuse to lose," performances I've ever seen a Buffalo produce. With the season's success on the line, super-sophomore Alec Burks heaved the Buffs on his back, and dragged them kicking a screaming into victory. Al finished with 29 points, 25 of which came in the second half, a career-high 15 boards, and 6 assists. He got contact when he needed it, hit some huge jumpers, and made some ridiculous off-balance shots in the lane; it was the kind of game you expect from a premier talent in the month of March. As fantastic as his performance against Texas was, this was even better. It mattered more, and it was more dominant.
Additionally, freshman Andre Roberson had another fantastic game. Grabbing a career high 15 rebounds, the lanky Texan shut down the Cyclones inside, helping the Buffs finish with a +12 rebounding margin. That rebounding margin wasn't the only stat to be proud of. As a team, CU held the streaky shooting 'Clones to under 40% shooting. This, combined with Burks' performance and the rebounding edge, should've been enough to spell victory. However, CU committed a nearly back-breaking 15 turnovers. They seemed to come constantly out of nowhere to stall the offense.
On the other side, ISU featured the seemingly unstoppable Jake Anderson. It felt like every ISU possession in the second half had Anderson driving right to the rack and getting a lay-up. 33 points on 13-20 shooting. It was painful to watch, especially since CU was determined prior to the game to stop ISU from penetrating. It was a performance that, without Burks refusing to quit, should've meant a CU loss.
But, it didn't.
A win is a win. It's what I always say, and I'm sticking by it. It doesn't matter how ugly that first half was, or how discombobulated the offense looked before Burks took over, the point is the Buffs survived, and will at least be in the conversation come Selection Sunday. 20 wins is a mile-post number, and it looks a whole hell of a lot better than 19, but it's yet to be determined if 20 will get CU into the Tournament. Better win a 21st just to be sure...
Click below for my 3rd KSU preview and the rest of Day 2's action...
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| It hurt a little bit, but the Buffs powered past ISU in first-round action. From: the BDC |
This particular heart-stopping game featured one of the most cold-blooded, "I refuse to lose," performances I've ever seen a Buffalo produce. With the season's success on the line, super-sophomore Alec Burks heaved the Buffs on his back, and dragged them kicking a screaming into victory. Al finished with 29 points, 25 of which came in the second half, a career-high 15 boards, and 6 assists. He got contact when he needed it, hit some huge jumpers, and made some ridiculous off-balance shots in the lane; it was the kind of game you expect from a premier talent in the month of March. As fantastic as his performance against Texas was, this was even better. It mattered more, and it was more dominant.
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| Burks was triumphant today. When it mattered the most, there he was taking the game over. From: the BDC |
Additionally, freshman Andre Roberson had another fantastic game. Grabbing a career high 15 rebounds, the lanky Texan shut down the Cyclones inside, helping the Buffs finish with a +12 rebounding margin. That rebounding margin wasn't the only stat to be proud of. As a team, CU held the streaky shooting 'Clones to under 40% shooting. This, combined with Burks' performance and the rebounding edge, should've been enough to spell victory. However, CU committed a nearly back-breaking 15 turnovers. They seemed to come constantly out of nowhere to stall the offense.
 |
| 'Dre and the Buffs shored up that defense, and mostly kept Godfrey and the non-Anderson 'Clones off the board. From: the BDC. |
On the other side, ISU featured the seemingly unstoppable Jake Anderson. It felt like every ISU possession in the second half had Anderson driving right to the rack and getting a lay-up. 33 points on 13-20 shooting. It was painful to watch, especially since CU was determined prior to the game to stop ISU from penetrating. It was a performance that, without Burks refusing to quit, should've meant a CU loss.
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| Anderson almost killed CU's season. Almost. From: the BDC |
But, it didn't.
A win is a win. It's what I always say, and I'm sticking by it. It doesn't matter how ugly that first half was, or how discombobulated the offense looked before Burks took over, the point is the Buffs survived, and will at least be in the conversation come Selection Sunday. 20 wins is a mile-post number, and it looks a whole hell of a lot better than 19, but it's yet to be determined if 20 will get CU into the Tournament. Better win a 21st just to be sure...
 |
| It was nerve-wracking, but the Buffs survived and will advance in their final Big XII tournament. From: the BDC |
Buffs vs ISU live-blog
Throughout the game I'll be throwing updates onto this post as the game requires. All you need to do to keep up with the latest goings-on is simply hit refresh.
Here's last year's version for reference.
Click Below for today's live-blog
Here's last year's version for reference.
Click Below for today's live-blog
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Big XII Tournament Day #1 Preview
So here's the plan for the next few days. I'll be previewing each day of tournament action. As long as the Buffs are still in it, those previews are going to be a little more focused. I will also "live-blog" to the best of my abilities each Buffs game.
#5 Colorado vs #12 Iowa St. - 1pm - While the Buffs aren't the first game of the day, where else could I begin? It's almost theatrically dramatic that CU gets another shot at the Cyclones. It was only 6 days ago that ISU put the Buffs backs up against the NIT wall, and beat CU in Ames 95-90. Considering the hard work that the Buffs put into setting themselves up on the bubble, to have had it all seemingly taken away over the course of 40 minutes in a back-water Iowa hamlet must have been excruciating. It's that memory that the Buffs take into the game tomorrow. The team has one chance to erase that memory, and possibly play themselves into the Tournament; I hope-to-God they're ready.
Last week, it certainly wasn't a lack of offensive output that doomed the Buffs. ISU was able to use a stellar performance from freshman Calvin Godfrey (23/11 in only 23 minutes, 10-11 shooting), who was suspended for the first meeting, and 70% second-half shooting to blow past the Buffs porous defense. In order to beat the 'Clones this time, that defense has to be shored up.
While 70% is an outlier, as Thorburn would point out, it's not exactly unprecedented for CU to have a defensive letdown over a half. CU's defense has allowed at least one half of over 50% shooting from their conference opponents on 11 occasions, and in those games they are 4-7. If the 'Clones are able to shoot over 50% in either half tomorrow, the Buffs are putting their Tournament hopes on very shaky ground. This, more than anything else, is what I'll be paying attention to tomorrow afternoon.
For reference my first two previews are here and here.
In the end, I expect this final meeting between CU and ISU to be high scoring. In each of the two previous games this season, the winner has dropped 95 on the loser. Continuing that theme, I expect CU to win by flat outscoring the 'Clones. The defense holds just enough, and CU stays inside the bubble for one more day.
CU 95 - ISU 83.
GO BUFFS!
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Other first day action in KC
#8 Nebraska vs #9 Oklahoma St - 10:30 am - In the first of two "bubble" games that CU fans should pay attention to, the Huskers are clinging to Tournament hopes. In all reality, Nebraska would have to at least appear in the final to potentially claim an at-large bid. The Cowboys have some battle-tested talent (Marshall Moses, Keiton Page) that could challenge the Huskers. In the teams previous meeting this season, the Huskers got a 9 point win in Lincoln. I think it could be closer than that this time around, but Nebraska should still win.
#7 Baylor vs # 10 Oklahoma - 5 pm - The other "bubble" game involves the Baylor Bears. Baylor crashed down the ranks of Tournament contention down the stretch, losing 4 of their final 5 games. They're now on the outside looking in, and look to be out of gas. They still feature the Big XII's leading scorer in the form of LaceDarius Dunn, and could challenge Texas if they slip by OU. The Sooners are still waiting for next year. I like Baylor to win by more than 10 points.
#6 Missouri vs #11 Texas tech - 7:30 pm - This game would've been a lot more interesting had Tech not just fired Pat Knight. Sure he's still there, but there was always the chance that the Raider players could've played tough "for their coach." As of now I expect them to go through the motions, and for Mizzou to win easily. Speaking of the Tigers, I am thinking of picking them over A&M should they beat the Raiders...
#5 Colorado vs #12 Iowa St. - 1pm - While the Buffs aren't the first game of the day, where else could I begin? It's almost theatrically dramatic that CU gets another shot at the Cyclones. It was only 6 days ago that ISU put the Buffs backs up against the NIT wall, and beat CU in Ames 95-90. Considering the hard work that the Buffs put into setting themselves up on the bubble, to have had it all seemingly taken away over the course of 40 minutes in a back-water Iowa hamlet must have been excruciating. It's that memory that the Buffs take into the game tomorrow. The team has one chance to erase that memory, and possibly play themselves into the Tournament; I hope-to-God they're ready.
 |
| It's do-or-die time for Higgins and the Buffs. From: The BDC |
Last week, it certainly wasn't a lack of offensive output that doomed the Buffs. ISU was able to use a stellar performance from freshman Calvin Godfrey (23/11 in only 23 minutes, 10-11 shooting), who was suspended for the first meeting, and 70% second-half shooting to blow past the Buffs porous defense. In order to beat the 'Clones this time, that defense has to be shored up.
 |
| Godfrey and the 'Clones offensive explosion smacked the Buffs in the face last week. How will Burks and the Buffs respond? |
While 70% is an outlier, as Thorburn would point out, it's not exactly unprecedented for CU to have a defensive letdown over a half. CU's defense has allowed at least one half of over 50% shooting from their conference opponents on 11 occasions, and in those games they are 4-7. If the 'Clones are able to shoot over 50% in either half tomorrow, the Buffs are putting their Tournament hopes on very shaky ground. This, more than anything else, is what I'll be paying attention to tomorrow afternoon.
 |
| The defense needs to be much better if CU is to survive. |
For reference my first two previews are here and here.
In the end, I expect this final meeting between CU and ISU to be high scoring. In each of the two previous games this season, the winner has dropped 95 on the loser. Continuing that theme, I expect CU to win by flat outscoring the 'Clones. The defense holds just enough, and CU stays inside the bubble for one more day.
CU 95 - ISU 83.
GO BUFFS!
--
Other first day action in KC
#8 Nebraska vs #9 Oklahoma St - 10:30 am - In the first of two "bubble" games that CU fans should pay attention to, the Huskers are clinging to Tournament hopes. In all reality, Nebraska would have to at least appear in the final to potentially claim an at-large bid. The Cowboys have some battle-tested talent (Marshall Moses, Keiton Page) that could challenge the Huskers. In the teams previous meeting this season, the Huskers got a 9 point win in Lincoln. I think it could be closer than that this time around, but Nebraska should still win.
#7 Baylor vs # 10 Oklahoma - 5 pm - The other "bubble" game involves the Baylor Bears. Baylor crashed down the ranks of Tournament contention down the stretch, losing 4 of their final 5 games. They're now on the outside looking in, and look to be out of gas. They still feature the Big XII's leading scorer in the form of LaceDarius Dunn, and could challenge Texas if they slip by OU. The Sooners are still waiting for next year. I like Baylor to win by more than 10 points.
#6 Missouri vs #11 Texas tech - 7:30 pm - This game would've been a lot more interesting had Tech not just fired Pat Knight. Sure he's still there, but there was always the chance that the Raider players could've played tough "for their coach." As of now I expect them to go through the motions, and for Mizzou to win easily. Speaking of the Tigers, I am thinking of picking them over A&M should they beat the Raiders...
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday Grab Bag: "We're not done yet"
The Buffs basketball team held serve this past weekend, beating the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the final Big XII regular season game either team will ever play. NCAA Tournament hopes still alive, the Buffs will head to KC buoyed by a pretty strong performance against a pesky team. This week in the bag I'll recap the game, look ahead to the Big XII tournament, and quickly touch on some teams that only I care about.
Click below for the bag...
Click below for the bag...
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Quick Post: Boyle lands another 2012 instate recruit
While Coach Boyle and the Buffs were beating Nebraska Saturday evening, yet another lanky forward from Colorado Springs was committing to join the Buffs in 2012. 6-7 swing forward Wesley Gordon from Sierra High committed to the Black and Gold, joining area rival Josh Scott who committed late last week. In the span of one week Coach Boyle has locked up half his 2012 class, and added some local size and athleticism in the process. Congrats go to Coach and his staff, and welcome aboard Wesley!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday Beer Post: How to pour 56 beers in a minute.
There have been many developments in the beer world that have raised eyebrows. Innovations in the way beer is stored, transported, and consumed have made beer culture more accessible around the globe. Walk through the aisles of the GABF this fall and you'll see numerous new ideas (many of them crap), intended to better your beer experience. Innovators and entrepreneurs continually try to change the way we think of beer consumption, and, while many are gimmick based, some actually have a kernel of genius to them.
One of the more interesting ideas I've seen has a little of both. The BottomsUp beer dispenser looks to find a way to rapidly dispense beer to shorten wait times in large-crowd situations. The device uses specially designed cups that affix onto the top of a placement-mounted spigot. Beer flows through the bottom of the cup, quickly filling it with beer, and avoiding too much head. A plastic disk over a hole in the bottom of the cup both allows the pour system to work and keep the beer in the cup. It's astonishing to watch for the first time.
The system is now utilized in over 25 venues across the country, and inventor Josh Springer believe that this is a game-changing design that will eliminate the need to wait in long lines for beer at sporting events. (I thought that's what beer-men are for).
Unfortunately, at least in my mind, the system is tainted by it's association with Budweiser. As this reviewer notes, a Bud Light poured from this invention still " tastes like ass unless you’ve already had copious amounts of Bud Light." But at least there's no "bullshit foam rip-off."
Should I come across this invention while out and about, I'll certainly give it a real life try. I'm interested to see how well that disk on the bottom holds as you drink more and more of the beer. I still think it's more on the gimmick side, but it at least seems to perform as advretised.
Happy Friday!
One of the more interesting ideas I've seen has a little of both. The BottomsUp beer dispenser looks to find a way to rapidly dispense beer to shorten wait times in large-crowd situations. The device uses specially designed cups that affix onto the top of a placement-mounted spigot. Beer flows through the bottom of the cup, quickly filling it with beer, and avoiding too much head. A plastic disk over a hole in the bottom of the cup both allows the pour system to work and keep the beer in the cup. It's astonishing to watch for the first time.
The system is now utilized in over 25 venues across the country, and inventor Josh Springer believe that this is a game-changing design that will eliminate the need to wait in long lines for beer at sporting events. (I thought that's what beer-men are for).
Unfortunately, at least in my mind, the system is tainted by it's association with Budweiser. As this reviewer notes, a Bud Light poured from this invention still " tastes like ass unless you’ve already had copious amounts of Bud Light." But at least there's no "bullshit foam rip-off."
Should I come across this invention while out and about, I'll certainly give it a real life try. I'm interested to see how well that disk on the bottom holds as you drink more and more of the beer. I still think it's more on the gimmick side, but it at least seems to perform as advretised.
Happy Friday!
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