What do you think about November? What does anyone think about November?
It's hard to completely evaluate at this point. For one thing, the Mocs were without four players for most of the month. Dante Harvey came back for the last three games, but was clearly not himself. Troy Cage, Ty Patterson, and Chris Early are all still out.
What did I expect before the month began? I expected 3-3. That's exactly where we are. So, why the disappointment? Mainly because when I said 3-3, I had the Mocs losing to ETSU and beating Texas-Pan America.
Once the Mocs beat ETSU, it was hard to not expect 4-2. We all thought that the Mocs were on their way.
They have not played well away from home yet. But this team is young. As these players come back, the Mocs will continue to improve all the way up until January. So their struggles were not completely surprising.
Still, Keegan Bell did not dominate the way many thought he would. He has yet to turn into the true offensive force that he probably needs to be to have this team be very successful. It is also obvious that Jeremy Saffore has some offensive shortcomings at this point. DeAntre Jefferson is a better offensive weapon, but he has shown a little bit of an effort problem at times that has had him sitting on the bench more than he would like. Ridge McKeither has been as good as advertised offensively, but appears to be struggling a little bit on the defensive end. Ricky Taylor has been off for the most part until the win over Longwood.
The biggest problem I saw over the course of the two games in San Padre Island was on the boards. They were outrebounded by two teams that were significantly smaller than them. That signals an effort problem to me. That's not good. That's the thing that I don't like to see. I hope the Mocs can get that turned around.
Can the Mocs turn it around? Absolutely. For the one millionth time (probably literally), there are a lot of injuries and suspensions, and ETSU has beaten College of Charleston, Appalachian State, and Arkansas. The Mocs beat the Bucs, so we should have no reason to fear any team in the SoCon. That being said, the Mocs are a long way from being where they need to be.
But if we have learned anything from John Shulman over the years, it is that they will be playing good basketball by March. This team will grow, and they will be a good team come March, even if they aren't there right now.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Post Game Shower- Longwood
Click on the title to go to the ESPN.com boxscore.
The Mocs 74-70 win over Longwood was a mixed bag. For example, let's look at the bad things first.
The Mocs were outrebounded again by a much smaller team team. This time, it was a 40-36 rebounding disadvantage. Most frustrating, they gave up 17 offensive rebounds to the Lancers. That is almost unacceptable. In fact, I again chalk that up to lack of desire and effort. While the desire and the effort were better today in a lot of ways, that is not a good indication.
Today, the Mocs did make 16 of 22 free throws, or 72.7 percent. That shows that the focus was there better today than yesterday. Yesterday they lost by 11 while making 40 percent of their free throws. If they had made 75 percent yesterday, they would have lost by just four, which would have made the final minutes at least interesting.
It was a back and forth game. It was never out of hand in either direction. In fact, Longwood's early 9-0 lead may have been the only time the whole game that either team should have really felt good about things until the end.
For all those people that thought the Mocs offense was the problem, they certainly improved on THAT today. They shot 49 percent from the field, and made 50 percent of their threes. The biggest problem was the 22 turnovers, but they narrowed that down to just nine in the second half, which is why the second half seemed so much better.
Ridge McKeither had a couple of moments that he simply took over the game. He scored eight straight at one point and ended with 19. Ricky Taylor finally had another good game, ending with 21.
Dante Harvey is pressing. He has scored just one point in three games. Also, unless there is an injury that I have not heard about yet, why did DeAntre Jefferson not play more than seven minutes? He had been the player who had been playing the best lately. He barely saw the floor today. Neither did Jasper Williams, who played just four minutes, and Dontay Hampton, who was in there just six.
Keegan Bell was not absolutely brilliant. He scored just five points. But he did dish out eleven assists and come up with three steals. He has it in him, but he is still clearly working off the rust.
Should the Mocs be pleased to beat Longwood by four? No, of course not. But this team was really struggling to play even a decent game away from home. Just coming up with a win and getting that moneky off our back was huge.
Sometimes just coming up with a win supercedes how it is done. The Mocs needed a win as badly as they have ever needed one. They got that.
If you had told me before the season that we would be 3-3 after November, I would have taken it. I was afraid of 2-4. I was hoping for 4-2. I thought we would go 3-3. Of course, I thought we would lose to ETSU and beat UTPA. Due to the different results in those two games, the 3-3 is pretty bittersweet. But I'll take it.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Mocs head to Jacksonville State on Tuesday night at 7:00. For those people that think the Gamecocks should be an easy win, Jacksonville State lost by just three at Georgia yesterday. They are 2-3, but their lone D1 win is a 22 point beatdown of Georgia Southern. Again, with the Mocs not having much success away from home, and not having won a true road game yet, this will be a very big challenge to the Mocs.
GO MOCS!
The Mocs 74-70 win over Longwood was a mixed bag. For example, let's look at the bad things first.
The Mocs were outrebounded again by a much smaller team team. This time, it was a 40-36 rebounding disadvantage. Most frustrating, they gave up 17 offensive rebounds to the Lancers. That is almost unacceptable. In fact, I again chalk that up to lack of desire and effort. While the desire and the effort were better today in a lot of ways, that is not a good indication.
Today, the Mocs did make 16 of 22 free throws, or 72.7 percent. That shows that the focus was there better today than yesterday. Yesterday they lost by 11 while making 40 percent of their free throws. If they had made 75 percent yesterday, they would have lost by just four, which would have made the final minutes at least interesting.
It was a back and forth game. It was never out of hand in either direction. In fact, Longwood's early 9-0 lead may have been the only time the whole game that either team should have really felt good about things until the end.
For all those people that thought the Mocs offense was the problem, they certainly improved on THAT today. They shot 49 percent from the field, and made 50 percent of their threes. The biggest problem was the 22 turnovers, but they narrowed that down to just nine in the second half, which is why the second half seemed so much better.
Ridge McKeither had a couple of moments that he simply took over the game. He scored eight straight at one point and ended with 19. Ricky Taylor finally had another good game, ending with 21.
Dante Harvey is pressing. He has scored just one point in three games. Also, unless there is an injury that I have not heard about yet, why did DeAntre Jefferson not play more than seven minutes? He had been the player who had been playing the best lately. He barely saw the floor today. Neither did Jasper Williams, who played just four minutes, and Dontay Hampton, who was in there just six.
Keegan Bell was not absolutely brilliant. He scored just five points. But he did dish out eleven assists and come up with three steals. He has it in him, but he is still clearly working off the rust.
Should the Mocs be pleased to beat Longwood by four? No, of course not. But this team was really struggling to play even a decent game away from home. Just coming up with a win and getting that moneky off our back was huge.
Sometimes just coming up with a win supercedes how it is done. The Mocs needed a win as badly as they have ever needed one. They got that.
If you had told me before the season that we would be 3-3 after November, I would have taken it. I was afraid of 2-4. I was hoping for 4-2. I thought we would go 3-3. Of course, I thought we would lose to ETSU and beat UTPA. Due to the different results in those two games, the 3-3 is pretty bittersweet. But I'll take it.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Mocs head to Jacksonville State on Tuesday night at 7:00. For those people that think the Gamecocks should be an easy win, Jacksonville State lost by just three at Georgia yesterday. They are 2-3, but their lone D1 win is a 22 point beatdown of Georgia Southern. Again, with the Mocs not having much success away from home, and not having won a true road game yet, this will be a very big challenge to the Mocs.
GO MOCS!
Pre-Game Meal- Longwood
LIKELY STARTERS
Longwood (0-6)
G Martiz Washington (6-0 So)
G Kevin Swecker (6-1 Sr)
G EJ Dawson (6-2 Sr)
F Dana Smith (6-5 Sr)
F Billy Robinson Jr (6-7 Sr)
Mocs (2-3, 0-0)
G- Keegan Bell (6-1 RSo)
G- Josh Odem (6-5 Fr)
F- Ridge McKeither (6-5 Jr)
F- DeAntre Jefferson (6-8 Jr)
C- Jeremy Saffore (7-1 RJr)
NOTE: I don’t see how you don’t start Jefferson at this point. He’s playing better than anyone else on the team right now. It’s a big lineup, but a combination that might be worth trying.
KNOW THY OPPONENT
Here’s a link to the Longwood Lancers men’s basketball athletic site- http://www.longwoodlancers.com/index.aspx?path=mbasket
The Lancers are being outrebounded by an average of 41-31 per game. This has been a major source of frustration for the Lancers so far this year. They are shooting just 39.4 percent from the field, and 24.3 percent from three point range.
Antwan Carter is the team’s leading scorer, despite the fact that he comes off the bench. He’s playing just under 25 minutes per game, and scoring 16.0 points per game. Dana Smith is averaging 14.5 points per game. Carter is also garnering 6 rebounds per game, while Smith is pulling down 7 per game.
Aaron Mitchell was supposed to be one of the Lancers star players. However, Mitchell has fallen on hard times and not started the last two games (being replaced by Washington in the starting five). Mitchell is shooting just 26 percent and 7.7 percent from three point range. He can not seem to find the range yet.
The best three point shooter for a player who has more than ten attempts on the season is Kevin Swecker, who is shooting 27.6 percent (8 for 29) from three point range. This team is really struggling from three point range.
The Lancers are forcing 15.3 turnovers per game, while committing 14.2. Those are better than expected numbers from a team that is 0-6.
The Lancers are a decent free throw shooting team. They are making exactly 70 percent on the season. The problem is that they do not get to the line very often, going there just fifteen times per game.
ANALYSIS
At this point, the key may be if the Mocs come up with the desire to play or not. The Mocs were outrebounded by a much smaller Texas-Pan America team. Longwood is just as outmanned in terms of height as the Broncos. The Mocs will need to dominate the boards if they want to come away with the win.
The Mocs have the size advantage. Jefferson, Saffore, and McKeither will need to be great from down low and take advantage of the edge that they have. Alexander Starling (of Bethune-Cookman) had a solid game down low in Friday’s game. The Mocs will need a similar performance.
The Mocs are shooting just 29.4 percent from three point range. That is not good. This is not a good shooting team. The Mocs are shooting 41.4 percent from the field. So they should be taking more shots from closer, where they perform much better.
The Mocs are turning the ball over 19.2 times per game. The Lancers have not been great at forcing turnovers, but the Mocs have been more than willing to give it up this year. They will need to try to keep possession of the ball.
Yesterday, the Mocs put the full court press on the Broncos, and it did not seem to work. In fact, it seemed to cause the Mocs foul problems to some degree, and the need to play a lot of different guys. Sam Watson is seeing a lot of playing time for a walk on. He did play well yesterday, however. So the questions about his playing time have been answered to some degree. Still, the Mocs full court pressure did not pay dividends and maybe they should lay off against this Lancers team and see what happens.
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERED
- Will we play with a little heart, desire, and focus, or will we take this whole trip off?
- Can the Mocs score in their halfcourt offense?
- Will the Mocs pound the ball inside? If so, will they be able to make the free throws that will inevitably come?
- Will Bell take over a game, like he should be capable of doing?
PREDICTION
Whew. I’m scared to pick this one. Yesterday’s horrific performance is still fresh in my mind. Yet, I just have a hard time imagining that the Mocs play like THAT again. This is a team that people are starting to downgrade drastically, and that may be a mistake. After all, they beat ETSU, who beat College of Charleston, Appalachian State, and Arkansas. Winning away from home is always the hardest thing for a young team to learn to do. Maybe today is the day. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Mocs 64, Longwood 63.
Longwood (0-6)
G Martiz Washington (6-0 So)
G Kevin Swecker (6-1 Sr)
G EJ Dawson (6-2 Sr)
F Dana Smith (6-5 Sr)
F Billy Robinson Jr (6-7 Sr)
Mocs (2-3, 0-0)
G- Keegan Bell (6-1 RSo)
G- Josh Odem (6-5 Fr)
F- Ridge McKeither (6-5 Jr)
F- DeAntre Jefferson (6-8 Jr)
C- Jeremy Saffore (7-1 RJr)
NOTE: I don’t see how you don’t start Jefferson at this point. He’s playing better than anyone else on the team right now. It’s a big lineup, but a combination that might be worth trying.
KNOW THY OPPONENT
Here’s a link to the Longwood Lancers men’s basketball athletic site- http://www.longwoodlancers.com/index.aspx?path=mbasket
The Lancers are being outrebounded by an average of 41-31 per game. This has been a major source of frustration for the Lancers so far this year. They are shooting just 39.4 percent from the field, and 24.3 percent from three point range.
Antwan Carter is the team’s leading scorer, despite the fact that he comes off the bench. He’s playing just under 25 minutes per game, and scoring 16.0 points per game. Dana Smith is averaging 14.5 points per game. Carter is also garnering 6 rebounds per game, while Smith is pulling down 7 per game.
Aaron Mitchell was supposed to be one of the Lancers star players. However, Mitchell has fallen on hard times and not started the last two games (being replaced by Washington in the starting five). Mitchell is shooting just 26 percent and 7.7 percent from three point range. He can not seem to find the range yet.
The best three point shooter for a player who has more than ten attempts on the season is Kevin Swecker, who is shooting 27.6 percent (8 for 29) from three point range. This team is really struggling from three point range.
The Lancers are forcing 15.3 turnovers per game, while committing 14.2. Those are better than expected numbers from a team that is 0-6.
The Lancers are a decent free throw shooting team. They are making exactly 70 percent on the season. The problem is that they do not get to the line very often, going there just fifteen times per game.
ANALYSIS
At this point, the key may be if the Mocs come up with the desire to play or not. The Mocs were outrebounded by a much smaller Texas-Pan America team. Longwood is just as outmanned in terms of height as the Broncos. The Mocs will need to dominate the boards if they want to come away with the win.
The Mocs have the size advantage. Jefferson, Saffore, and McKeither will need to be great from down low and take advantage of the edge that they have. Alexander Starling (of Bethune-Cookman) had a solid game down low in Friday’s game. The Mocs will need a similar performance.
The Mocs are shooting just 29.4 percent from three point range. That is not good. This is not a good shooting team. The Mocs are shooting 41.4 percent from the field. So they should be taking more shots from closer, where they perform much better.
The Mocs are turning the ball over 19.2 times per game. The Lancers have not been great at forcing turnovers, but the Mocs have been more than willing to give it up this year. They will need to try to keep possession of the ball.
Yesterday, the Mocs put the full court press on the Broncos, and it did not seem to work. In fact, it seemed to cause the Mocs foul problems to some degree, and the need to play a lot of different guys. Sam Watson is seeing a lot of playing time for a walk on. He did play well yesterday, however. So the questions about his playing time have been answered to some degree. Still, the Mocs full court pressure did not pay dividends and maybe they should lay off against this Lancers team and see what happens.
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERED
- Will we play with a little heart, desire, and focus, or will we take this whole trip off?
- Can the Mocs score in their halfcourt offense?
- Will the Mocs pound the ball inside? If so, will they be able to make the free throws that will inevitably come?
- Will Bell take over a game, like he should be capable of doing?
PREDICTION
Whew. I’m scared to pick this one. Yesterday’s horrific performance is still fresh in my mind. Yet, I just have a hard time imagining that the Mocs play like THAT again. This is a team that people are starting to downgrade drastically, and that may be a mistake. After all, they beat ETSU, who beat College of Charleston, Appalachian State, and Arkansas. Winning away from home is always the hardest thing for a young team to learn to do. Maybe today is the day. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Mocs 64, Longwood 63.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Post Game Shower- Texas-Pan America
Click on the title to be taken to the boxscore.
I've been struggling for the last few hours to come up with the words to express the frustration that I feel over losing this game.
This. Was. Humbling.
There's really no other way to put it. It's not that I thought we couldn't lose to the Broncos. I thought it was possible. But it's that I thought that we could come up with a way to score on them. We had a huge size advantage on them. Yet, for some reason, we couldn't score for most of the game against them. We didn't seem to be trying to pound it inside.
The foul trouble did not help matters any. In fact, it hurt matters drastically. But there are really just a few places to put this blame.
Focus. And hustle. We did not rebound well, especially given their size. We also did not shoot free throws well. That is a sign of lack of focus and lack of desire. The Broncos outrebounded the Mocs 45-38, after being outrebounded by double digits heading into the game. The Mocs had been shooting 74 percent from the free throw line, but only made 8 of 20 (40 percent) in this one.
(I know. I'm using "we" and some people don't like that. But sometimes I say we when talking positively, so I certainly don't want to stop using it now.)
Now, how carried away should we get with this? Let's remember- this bunch did beat East Tennessee State. Yes, the same Bucs team that beat College of Charleston, Appalachian State, and Arkansas. This team also has a world of injuries still. The team will look very different come January.
The Mocs have clearly not learned how to win away from home. That's something that takes time. This was a completely frustrating afternoon of basketball. I'd like to think that the Mocs can turn it around tomorrow afternoon at 12:30 against Longwood. But right now, I'm having a hard time imagining it.
If I'm looking for a bright spot, it was the first half stretch where Saffore came up with a couple of blocks and also came up with a basket. Also, DeAntre Jefferson scored 12 points with nine rebounds, and made 4 of 5 free throws.
Make no mistake- this one hurt.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Mocs will take on the Lancers in a battle of unusual team nicknames tomorrow afternoon. The Lancers are 0-6 on the season, but have played almost everyone close. The Mocs have played so poorly lately, they could desperately use just a nice solid performance. Hopefully, the focus and desire are there tomorrow afternoon. That's all I'm looking for at this point.
I've been struggling for the last few hours to come up with the words to express the frustration that I feel over losing this game.
This. Was. Humbling.
There's really no other way to put it. It's not that I thought we couldn't lose to the Broncos. I thought it was possible. But it's that I thought that we could come up with a way to score on them. We had a huge size advantage on them. Yet, for some reason, we couldn't score for most of the game against them. We didn't seem to be trying to pound it inside.
The foul trouble did not help matters any. In fact, it hurt matters drastically. But there are really just a few places to put this blame.
Focus. And hustle. We did not rebound well, especially given their size. We also did not shoot free throws well. That is a sign of lack of focus and lack of desire. The Broncos outrebounded the Mocs 45-38, after being outrebounded by double digits heading into the game. The Mocs had been shooting 74 percent from the free throw line, but only made 8 of 20 (40 percent) in this one.
(I know. I'm using "we" and some people don't like that. But sometimes I say we when talking positively, so I certainly don't want to stop using it now.)
Now, how carried away should we get with this? Let's remember- this bunch did beat East Tennessee State. Yes, the same Bucs team that beat College of Charleston, Appalachian State, and Arkansas. This team also has a world of injuries still. The team will look very different come January.
The Mocs have clearly not learned how to win away from home. That's something that takes time. This was a completely frustrating afternoon of basketball. I'd like to think that the Mocs can turn it around tomorrow afternoon at 12:30 against Longwood. But right now, I'm having a hard time imagining it.
If I'm looking for a bright spot, it was the first half stretch where Saffore came up with a couple of blocks and also came up with a basket. Also, DeAntre Jefferson scored 12 points with nine rebounds, and made 4 of 5 free throws.
Make no mistake- this one hurt.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Mocs will take on the Lancers in a battle of unusual team nicknames tomorrow afternoon. The Lancers are 0-6 on the season, but have played almost everyone close. The Mocs have played so poorly lately, they could desperately use just a nice solid performance. Hopefully, the focus and desire are there tomorrow afternoon. That's all I'm looking for at this point.
Bethune-Cookman Takes Down Longwood
Click on the article title to go to the boxscore provided by ESPN.com.
Bethune-Cookman upset Longwood on Friday afternoon 66-62. The Wildcats improved to 2-3, while Longwood dropped to 0-5.
If the Mocs win, they will face Bethune-Cookman at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon. If the Mocs lose, they will face the Lancers at 12:30.
Reed scored 21, while Starling scored 18. The Wildcats were playing a very tight game the whole way, sticking close, before pulling out the win at the end of the game.
We'll see which team the Mocs face tomorrow. Either would be a decent challenge.
Bethune-Cookman upset Longwood on Friday afternoon 66-62. The Wildcats improved to 2-3, while Longwood dropped to 0-5.
If the Mocs win, they will face Bethune-Cookman at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon. If the Mocs lose, they will face the Lancers at 12:30.
Reed scored 21, while Starling scored 18. The Wildcats were playing a very tight game the whole way, sticking close, before pulling out the win at the end of the game.
We'll see which team the Mocs face tomorrow. Either would be a decent challenge.
Pregame Meal- Texas-Pan America
LIKELY STARTERS
Texas-Pan America (0-5, 0-0)
G- Jared Maree (6-3 So)
G- Ben Smith (6-3 Sr)
G- Nick Weiermiller (6-1 Jr)
G- Julius Hearn (6-0 Jr)
F- Luis Valera (6-7 Sr)
Mocs (2-2, 0-0)
G- Keegan Bell (6-1 RSo)
G- Josh Odem (6-5 Fr)
G- Jeff Smith (6-5 RJr)
F- Ridge McKeither (6-5 Jr)
F- Jeremy Saffore (7-1 RJr)
EDIT: According to a Chattanooga Times-Free Press article, Dante Harvey will be starting today. It said that he would be starting in place of Ricky Taylor, who I had already removed from the starting lineup. If this is based on the Missouri starting lineup, that would mean Harvey is in, and McKeither is out. We'll see.
KNOW THY OPPONENT
Here is the Texas-Pan America Broncos Men’s Basketball website- http://www.utpabroncs.com/sports/m-baskbl/txpa-m-baskbl-body.html.
The Broncos have started the same five in each game so far this year. They lost to Louisiana Tech in their opener at home, then lost their road games to Lamar, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Missouri, and Mississippi State. They have been outscored by an average of 25.2 points per game, 81.8-56.6. They have been outrebounded by about twelve per game, and are shooting just 36.3 percent from the floor and 59.5 percent from the free throw line. They are shooting 30.9 percent from three point range. Opponents are shooting 54.1 percent from the floor. Of course, the Broncos only start one player over 6-3, so that can play a huge role in how their opponents have been shooting against them.
The Broncos are members of the newly formed Great West Conference. It does not currently have an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They do have an automatic bid to the CBIT, though. Nick Weiermiller was preseason first team all conference. Nathan Hawkins and Ben Smith were named to the honorable mention all conference team. The team was picked to finish last in the conference.
No player is currently scoring in double figures. Luis Valera leads the team in points with 8.4 per contest. He is shooting 52.8 percent from the floor. He also leads the team in rebounding, averaging 5.2 per game. Weiermiller has been struggling so far this year, despite the preseason expectations. He is shooting just 28.1 percent from the field and averaging 6.2 points per game. Hawkins has also not been great off the bench. He is averaging just 6.0 points per game, and has made just 2 of 13 free throws.
The Broncos are averaging just 16.6 turnovers per game, which is pretty solid given that they have already played Missouri and Mississippi State. We all know that the Tigers force a lot of turnovers. They turned the ball over just 22 times against Mizzou.
ANALYSIS
The Mocs have not played well away from home so far this year, with two underperforming losses to Richmond and Missouri. They will need to show up at South Padre Island if they want to beat Texas-Pan America.
Ricky Taylor has been in an awful slump lately for the Mocs. Everyone got excited by his first performance against Tennessee Wesleyan, and then a decent showing against Virginia Intermont. Since the D1 competition started up, he has been ice cold.
The Mocs have been outrebounding their opponents by an average of 3.5 per game, which is very good. They also have really improved their free throw shooting, as they are up to 74.1 percent from the charity stripe. The problem has been turnovers, as they have committed 19.8 per game. The Broncos defense has not forced a lot of turnovers, though. Keegan Bell should be able to control the ball better and he needs to be a force in this game.
Shulman has been messing with the starting lineup for the Mocs. Based on performance, I think the starting lineup listed above will be it. However, don’t be surprised if DeAntre Jefferson gets the start. He needed to be benched for a game after that showing against Richmond, but he played with much more enthusiasm against Missouri.
The problem for the Mocs could be if Weiermiller suddenly finds himself. He is capable of putting up big numbers and has been ice cold so far this year. If he starts shooting lights out, then the Broncos could have a shot at putting together a nice performance. It seems like the Mocs are always giving up a career night to someone, and Weiermiller could be that guy. Ben Smith made 5 of 12 from three point range against Missouri.
The key for the Mocs will be rebounding. They have a big size advantage. Not just with Jefferson, McKeither, and Saffore, but even out on the perimeter. The Mocs will need to have a big rebounding edge in this game, or else Texas-Pan America may hang around.
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERED
- Can Ricky Taylor snap out of his 4 for 25 slump over the last three games?
- Will the Mocs perform away from home?
- What will the starting lineup be?
PREDICTION
The Mocs have more talent. They certainly have more size. They are not as experienced as the Broncos though. The Mocs need to convince themselves that they are capable of winning a game away from home. The Broncos have some talented shooters that have not been hot shooting as of late. If they start heating up, then the Mocs could find themselves in some trouble. Still, even if that happens, Bell and the guys down low should be able to find their points. The Mocs should win this one fairly comfortably if they just play their game. Mocs 84, Texas-Pan America 71.
Texas-Pan America (0-5, 0-0)
G- Jared Maree (6-3 So)
G- Ben Smith (6-3 Sr)
G- Nick Weiermiller (6-1 Jr)
G- Julius Hearn (6-0 Jr)
F- Luis Valera (6-7 Sr)
Mocs (2-2, 0-0)
G- Keegan Bell (6-1 RSo)
G- Josh Odem (6-5 Fr)
G- Jeff Smith (6-5 RJr)
F- Ridge McKeither (6-5 Jr)
F- Jeremy Saffore (7-1 RJr)
EDIT: According to a Chattanooga Times-Free Press article, Dante Harvey will be starting today. It said that he would be starting in place of Ricky Taylor, who I had already removed from the starting lineup. If this is based on the Missouri starting lineup, that would mean Harvey is in, and McKeither is out. We'll see.
KNOW THY OPPONENT
Here is the Texas-Pan America Broncos Men’s Basketball website- http://www.utpabroncs.com/sports/m-baskbl/txpa-m-baskbl-body.html.
The Broncos have started the same five in each game so far this year. They lost to Louisiana Tech in their opener at home, then lost their road games to Lamar, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Missouri, and Mississippi State. They have been outscored by an average of 25.2 points per game, 81.8-56.6. They have been outrebounded by about twelve per game, and are shooting just 36.3 percent from the floor and 59.5 percent from the free throw line. They are shooting 30.9 percent from three point range. Opponents are shooting 54.1 percent from the floor. Of course, the Broncos only start one player over 6-3, so that can play a huge role in how their opponents have been shooting against them.
The Broncos are members of the newly formed Great West Conference. It does not currently have an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They do have an automatic bid to the CBIT, though. Nick Weiermiller was preseason first team all conference. Nathan Hawkins and Ben Smith were named to the honorable mention all conference team. The team was picked to finish last in the conference.
No player is currently scoring in double figures. Luis Valera leads the team in points with 8.4 per contest. He is shooting 52.8 percent from the floor. He also leads the team in rebounding, averaging 5.2 per game. Weiermiller has been struggling so far this year, despite the preseason expectations. He is shooting just 28.1 percent from the field and averaging 6.2 points per game. Hawkins has also not been great off the bench. He is averaging just 6.0 points per game, and has made just 2 of 13 free throws.
The Broncos are averaging just 16.6 turnovers per game, which is pretty solid given that they have already played Missouri and Mississippi State. We all know that the Tigers force a lot of turnovers. They turned the ball over just 22 times against Mizzou.
ANALYSIS
The Mocs have not played well away from home so far this year, with two underperforming losses to Richmond and Missouri. They will need to show up at South Padre Island if they want to beat Texas-Pan America.
Ricky Taylor has been in an awful slump lately for the Mocs. Everyone got excited by his first performance against Tennessee Wesleyan, and then a decent showing against Virginia Intermont. Since the D1 competition started up, he has been ice cold.
The Mocs have been outrebounding their opponents by an average of 3.5 per game, which is very good. They also have really improved their free throw shooting, as they are up to 74.1 percent from the charity stripe. The problem has been turnovers, as they have committed 19.8 per game. The Broncos defense has not forced a lot of turnovers, though. Keegan Bell should be able to control the ball better and he needs to be a force in this game.
Shulman has been messing with the starting lineup for the Mocs. Based on performance, I think the starting lineup listed above will be it. However, don’t be surprised if DeAntre Jefferson gets the start. He needed to be benched for a game after that showing against Richmond, but he played with much more enthusiasm against Missouri.
The problem for the Mocs could be if Weiermiller suddenly finds himself. He is capable of putting up big numbers and has been ice cold so far this year. If he starts shooting lights out, then the Broncos could have a shot at putting together a nice performance. It seems like the Mocs are always giving up a career night to someone, and Weiermiller could be that guy. Ben Smith made 5 of 12 from three point range against Missouri.
The key for the Mocs will be rebounding. They have a big size advantage. Not just with Jefferson, McKeither, and Saffore, but even out on the perimeter. The Mocs will need to have a big rebounding edge in this game, or else Texas-Pan America may hang around.
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERED
- Can Ricky Taylor snap out of his 4 for 25 slump over the last three games?
- Will the Mocs perform away from home?
- What will the starting lineup be?
PREDICTION
The Mocs have more talent. They certainly have more size. They are not as experienced as the Broncos though. The Mocs need to convince themselves that they are capable of winning a game away from home. The Broncos have some talented shooters that have not been hot shooting as of late. If they start heating up, then the Mocs could find themselves in some trouble. Still, even if that happens, Bell and the guys down low should be able to find their points. The Mocs should win this one fairly comfortably if they just play their game. Mocs 84, Texas-Pan America 71.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
San Padre Island Invitational- Longwood vs. Bethune-Cookman
The Longwood Lancers are 0-5, while the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats are 1-3. The Lancers have played very close, hard fought games against Virginia, Navy, Columbia, and Richmond, despite falling in all of them. Old Dominion hammered them pretty solidly. The Wildcats were hammered by Old Dominion and VCU, but lost a sixteen point game to Mississippi State. Their win came over Edward Waters, a non-D1 team.
So where do we begin with the first game of the San Padre Island Invitational? The game begins at 1:00 Eastern. That's where. The game is available (with Bethune-Cookman announcers) here.
LIKELY STARTERS
Longwood (0-5, 0-0)
G Martiz Washington (6-0 So)
G Kevin Swecker (6-1 Sr)
G EJ Dawson (6-2 Sr)
F Dana Smith (6-5 Sr)
F Billy Robinson Jr (6-7 Sr)
Bethune-Cookman (1-3, 0-0)
G CJ Reed (6-3 So)
G Stanley Elliott (6-3 So)
G Jerry Jones (6-2 So)
F Tyrel Adams (6-6 Jr)
C Alexander Starling (6-9 Sr)
Here's a quick look at Longwood.
Martiz Washington just took Aaron Mitchell's starting spot in the last game. Mitchell is shooting 8.3 percent from three point range and 27.3 percent from the field. That's not good. Dana Smith is averaging 14.6 points per game and 6.8 rebounds. Antwan Carter is not a starter, but he leads the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game, and 6.2 rebounds. They've been outrebounded by an average of nine per game. The Lancers are only shooting 39.7 percent from the field, and 23.2 percent from three point range, while their opponents are shooting 49.8 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three point range.
Here's a quick look at Bethune-Cookman.
The Wildcats are led by Alexander Starling. He's shooting 61 percent from the floor. He is averaging 11.8 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game. CJ Reed is the team's leading scorer, with 17.5 points per game. Reed also leads the team in assists with 16 of the team's 32. They are losing the rebound battle by just 1.5 per game, which is not too bad considering the competition. They have not been shooting well (40.6 percent), but they are holding their opponents down as well, to just 42.4 percent shooting. They have been playing slightly better than you might expect.
FINAL ANALYSIS
This should be a pretty interesting match-up. If you just casually look at the boxscores, Longwood appears to be a big favorite, but those don't seem to quite indicate everything. The stats seem to tell a little bit different story. However, Edward Waters may be helping Bethune-Cookman out a bit. Bethune-Cookman will have a hard time containing Carter. Reed could explode for Bethune-Cookman. The shooting will not be particularly good in this one, I expect. In the end, Longwood wins, in an interesting game. Longwood 71, Bethune-Cookman 64.
So where do we begin with the first game of the San Padre Island Invitational? The game begins at 1:00 Eastern. That's where. The game is available (with Bethune-Cookman announcers) here.
LIKELY STARTERS
Longwood (0-5, 0-0)
G Martiz Washington (6-0 So)
G Kevin Swecker (6-1 Sr)
G EJ Dawson (6-2 Sr)
F Dana Smith (6-5 Sr)
F Billy Robinson Jr (6-7 Sr)
Bethune-Cookman (1-3, 0-0)
G CJ Reed (6-3 So)
G Stanley Elliott (6-3 So)
G Jerry Jones (6-2 So)
F Tyrel Adams (6-6 Jr)
C Alexander Starling (6-9 Sr)
Here's a quick look at Longwood.
Martiz Washington just took Aaron Mitchell's starting spot in the last game. Mitchell is shooting 8.3 percent from three point range and 27.3 percent from the field. That's not good. Dana Smith is averaging 14.6 points per game and 6.8 rebounds. Antwan Carter is not a starter, but he leads the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game, and 6.2 rebounds. They've been outrebounded by an average of nine per game. The Lancers are only shooting 39.7 percent from the field, and 23.2 percent from three point range, while their opponents are shooting 49.8 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three point range.
Here's a quick look at Bethune-Cookman.
The Wildcats are led by Alexander Starling. He's shooting 61 percent from the floor. He is averaging 11.8 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game. CJ Reed is the team's leading scorer, with 17.5 points per game. Reed also leads the team in assists with 16 of the team's 32. They are losing the rebound battle by just 1.5 per game, which is not too bad considering the competition. They have not been shooting well (40.6 percent), but they are holding their opponents down as well, to just 42.4 percent shooting. They have been playing slightly better than you might expect.
FINAL ANALYSIS
This should be a pretty interesting match-up. If you just casually look at the boxscores, Longwood appears to be a big favorite, but those don't seem to quite indicate everything. The stats seem to tell a little bit different story. However, Edward Waters may be helping Bethune-Cookman out a bit. Bethune-Cookman will have a hard time containing Carter. Reed could explode for Bethune-Cookman. The shooting will not be particularly good in this one, I expect. In the end, Longwood wins, in an interesting game. Longwood 71, Bethune-Cookman 64.
I'm Thankful For....
Things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.
I'm thankful....
1) that the SoCon Tourney was in Chattanooga last March.
2) that College of Charleston upset Davidson, thus making us play the Cougars when they were playing their fourth game in four days.
3) that Thabeet will NOT be there to greet us when the Mocs make it back to the NCAA basketball tournament this year.
4) that Steph Curry spent time in the SoCon, thus making the whole conference profile that much higher, and make it that much easier to recruit top talent.
5) that Jimmy Fallon picked us to cheer for, for whatever reason.
6) that John Shulman is our coach.
7) that Ridge McKeither and Josh Odem picked us.
8) for all the Mocs basketball players.
9) that Jurick and Banks (not to mention Wattad) will all be here next year.
10) that we have eased up the schedule a little bit this year from the last two years.
11) that Ty Patterson, Dante Harvey, Troy Cage, and Chris Early should all be back in the fold by the time we play Georgia Tech at home.
12) for my family, especially our newest addition on this, her one week birthday.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there, whether you are a Mocs fan or not! Enjoy it and enjoy eating. Don't eat too much!
I'm thankful....
1) that the SoCon Tourney was in Chattanooga last March.
2) that College of Charleston upset Davidson, thus making us play the Cougars when they were playing their fourth game in four days.
3) that Thabeet will NOT be there to greet us when the Mocs make it back to the NCAA basketball tournament this year.
4) that Steph Curry spent time in the SoCon, thus making the whole conference profile that much higher, and make it that much easier to recruit top talent.
5) that Jimmy Fallon picked us to cheer for, for whatever reason.
6) that John Shulman is our coach.
7) that Ridge McKeither and Josh Odem picked us.
8) for all the Mocs basketball players.
9) that Jurick and Banks (not to mention Wattad) will all be here next year.
10) that we have eased up the schedule a little bit this year from the last two years.
11) that Ty Patterson, Dante Harvey, Troy Cage, and Chris Early should all be back in the fold by the time we play Georgia Tech at home.
12) for my family, especially our newest addition on this, her one week birthday.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there, whether you are a Mocs fan or not! Enjoy it and enjoy eating. Don't eat too much!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Ding Dong The Witch is Dead!
DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD! THE WICKED WITCH IS DEAD!!!
Davidson is 1-4 after their win over Fredonia State tonight. People in the SoCon are shocked! The Wildcats are dead!
Calm down everyone.
The Wildcats are far from dead. Davidson's losses were to Butler, South Florida, LaSalle, and Penn State. That is not murderer's row, but it is a decent set of losses.
The Wildcats are young and inexperienced, just as our Mocs are. They will be better. They will improve with each passing game. The Wildcats have a tough schedule still ahead. Rhode Island, Gonzaga, Massachusetts, Cornell, and Penn still are in the future for Bob McKillop's team. So this team could continue to struggle all the way into conference play.
All that being said, Davidson fans seem to be shrugging off the start and saying that there is nothing to be concerned about. The Wildcats are going to steamroll to another SoCon title. Here's the problem with that thinking- Davidson is not quite as good as they have been in recent years. The rest of the SoCon is certainly not worse, and may be better. Davidson did not win the tournament last year (and that was not Chattanooga' home court advantage fault), so how they can expect to roll to the title this year is beyond me.
Is Davidson one of the favorites come SoCon Tourney time? Absolutely. They are one of the SoCon's better teams, or will be by tournament time. Should Davidson fans be convinced that they are going to roll without any problem with the SoCon? Absolutely not.
To quote another movie, "They're only mostly dead." And that is still an overstatement.
Davidson is 1-4 after their win over Fredonia State tonight. People in the SoCon are shocked! The Wildcats are dead!
Calm down everyone.
The Wildcats are far from dead. Davidson's losses were to Butler, South Florida, LaSalle, and Penn State. That is not murderer's row, but it is a decent set of losses.
The Wildcats are young and inexperienced, just as our Mocs are. They will be better. They will improve with each passing game. The Wildcats have a tough schedule still ahead. Rhode Island, Gonzaga, Massachusetts, Cornell, and Penn still are in the future for Bob McKillop's team. So this team could continue to struggle all the way into conference play.
All that being said, Davidson fans seem to be shrugging off the start and saying that there is nothing to be concerned about. The Wildcats are going to steamroll to another SoCon title. Here's the problem with that thinking- Davidson is not quite as good as they have been in recent years. The rest of the SoCon is certainly not worse, and may be better. Davidson did not win the tournament last year (and that was not Chattanooga' home court advantage fault), so how they can expect to roll to the title this year is beyond me.
Is Davidson one of the favorites come SoCon Tourney time? Absolutely. They are one of the SoCon's better teams, or will be by tournament time. Should Davidson fans be convinced that they are going to roll without any problem with the SoCon? Absolutely not.
To quote another movie, "They're only mostly dead." And that is still an overstatement.
So, Can I Complain About Shulman?
People say that I am too high on Shulman as the coach. People complain that the Mocs lose by 40 points to teams. People complain about his substituion pattern.
I really don't. I think Coach Shulman has done a tremendous job as the head basketball coach. After Mack McCarthy left, the Mocs had not been to an NCAA Tournament since 1997. Then Shulman showed up and the Mocs went in 2005 and 2009. How can anyone complain about that?
However, it has become increasingly clear that there is one problem with Shulman coached teams. I will do more research on this as the years progress to find out if it is just my perception or if it is reality. However, I feel like the Mocs really struggle on the road or on a neutral court under Shulman.
Dating back to his first season, the Mocs are 7-12 (.368) on neutral courts. That is not good. In 2004-05, they lost to Wake Forest in their lone neutral court game. In 2005-06, they lost to Holy Cross and Davidson, but beat Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Mount St. Mary's, College of Charleston, and Appalachian State. In 2006-07, they lost to Towson and Davidson, and beat Wofford and Prairie View A&M. In 2007-08, they lost to Southern Illinois, South Alabama, and Elon, and beat UC-Irvine. In 2008-09, they lost to Memphis, USC, Fairfield, and Connecticut.
How about the road record? According to GoMocs.com, he is 23-43 (.348) in road games following the loss to Missouri. That may not be fair, though. After all, the Mocs play a lot of games like the one against Missouri where they are clear underdogs. So let's look at the SoCon road record.
2004-05 4-4
2005-06 3-4
2006-07 3-6
2007-08 4-6
2008-09 4-6
So the Mocs have never had a winning road record against the SoCon since Shulman has been there. He is 18-26 (.409). The Mocs are a combined 25-38 (.397) on neutral courts and against the SoCon on the road. These are really not good records.
His home SoCon record has been great, especially when you include the SoCon Tournaments that have been played in Chattanooga.
2004-05 9-2
2005-06 5-2
2006-07 3-6
2007-08 9-1
2008-09 10-3
That gives a total of 36-14 (.720). Clearly, that is an excellent winning percentage and should be lauded. And I give him a ton of credit for being able to win at home.
I know that winning on the road is tough and is not easy to do. Still, this is where Shulman could really turn a corner. Somehow, the Mocs seem to lack the mental punch to be able to get over the top in these road games. When they get punched, they don't seem able to get back up off the mat. At home, they do that. On the road, not so much.
So, am I complaining about Shulman? Only partially. As everyone knows that talks to me, I am a Shulman supporter. However, I have come to expect to see different teams at home than show up on the road. I'd like to see a little bit of improvement in that. I'm sure Shulman feels the same way.
If you have a question about it, the Mocs are 161-214 (.429) on the road. So Shulman is below average in road games in terms of Mocs D1 basketball history. I have not gone back and compared McCarthy of Arnold (much less Lebo or Dickerson) individually to Shulman. So there may be some facts that would be uncovered if I did that. I don't know which side of the debate they would favor.
I really don't. I think Coach Shulman has done a tremendous job as the head basketball coach. After Mack McCarthy left, the Mocs had not been to an NCAA Tournament since 1997. Then Shulman showed up and the Mocs went in 2005 and 2009. How can anyone complain about that?
However, it has become increasingly clear that there is one problem with Shulman coached teams. I will do more research on this as the years progress to find out if it is just my perception or if it is reality. However, I feel like the Mocs really struggle on the road or on a neutral court under Shulman.
Dating back to his first season, the Mocs are 7-12 (.368) on neutral courts. That is not good. In 2004-05, they lost to Wake Forest in their lone neutral court game. In 2005-06, they lost to Holy Cross and Davidson, but beat Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Mount St. Mary's, College of Charleston, and Appalachian State. In 2006-07, they lost to Towson and Davidson, and beat Wofford and Prairie View A&M. In 2007-08, they lost to Southern Illinois, South Alabama, and Elon, and beat UC-Irvine. In 2008-09, they lost to Memphis, USC, Fairfield, and Connecticut.
How about the road record? According to GoMocs.com, he is 23-43 (.348) in road games following the loss to Missouri. That may not be fair, though. After all, the Mocs play a lot of games like the one against Missouri where they are clear underdogs. So let's look at the SoCon road record.
2004-05 4-4
2005-06 3-4
2006-07 3-6
2007-08 4-6
2008-09 4-6
So the Mocs have never had a winning road record against the SoCon since Shulman has been there. He is 18-26 (.409). The Mocs are a combined 25-38 (.397) on neutral courts and against the SoCon on the road. These are really not good records.
His home SoCon record has been great, especially when you include the SoCon Tournaments that have been played in Chattanooga.
2004-05 9-2
2005-06 5-2
2006-07 3-6
2007-08 9-1
2008-09 10-3
That gives a total of 36-14 (.720). Clearly, that is an excellent winning percentage and should be lauded. And I give him a ton of credit for being able to win at home.
I know that winning on the road is tough and is not easy to do. Still, this is where Shulman could really turn a corner. Somehow, the Mocs seem to lack the mental punch to be able to get over the top in these road games. When they get punched, they don't seem able to get back up off the mat. At home, they do that. On the road, not so much.
So, am I complaining about Shulman? Only partially. As everyone knows that talks to me, I am a Shulman supporter. However, I have come to expect to see different teams at home than show up on the road. I'd like to see a little bit of improvement in that. I'm sure Shulman feels the same way.
If you have a question about it, the Mocs are 161-214 (.429) on the road. So Shulman is below average in road games in terms of Mocs D1 basketball history. I have not gone back and compared McCarthy of Arnold (much less Lebo or Dickerson) individually to Shulman. So there may be some facts that would be uncovered if I did that. I don't know which side of the debate they would favor.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A Look Ahead- Two San Padre Games...
So let's take a quick look at the three opponents that are in our bracket at San Padre Island.
Texas-Pan America is 0-5. They lost to Louisiana Tech, Lamar, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Missouri, and Mississippi State. Lamar is the only one they have come closer than eighteen points against. They lost to them by five on the road. Missouri beat them 100-44. Louisiana Tech was their lone home game, an 18 point loss.
Longwood is 0-5. They lost to Virginia, Navy, Old Dominion, Columbia, and Richmond. They lost to Richmond 65-52. Old Dominion was the only team that has beaten them by more than thirteen points, a 39 point loss. Navy was their lone home game, a three point loss.
Bethune-Cookman is 1-3. They lost to VCU, Old Dominion, and Mississippi State. They beat Edward Waters by 19 in their lone home game. VCU beat them by 26, Old Dominion by 31, and Mississippi State by 16.
So, it looks to me like Longwood may be the best team in the bunch. They certainly have played some fairly quality competition close. Of course, the only team with a D-1 win is Chattanooga's over East Tennessee State. This will not be easy for the Mocs. They should not underestimate this bracket. This is a young team still trying to feel their way out when they are playing away from home. The Mocs need two wins very badly though, for their own psyche and for the mindset of the fans back home. This is as important as two games could be at this point in the season for the Mocs.
GO MOCS!
Texas-Pan America is 0-5. They lost to Louisiana Tech, Lamar, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Missouri, and Mississippi State. Lamar is the only one they have come closer than eighteen points against. They lost to them by five on the road. Missouri beat them 100-44. Louisiana Tech was their lone home game, an 18 point loss.
Longwood is 0-5. They lost to Virginia, Navy, Old Dominion, Columbia, and Richmond. They lost to Richmond 65-52. Old Dominion was the only team that has beaten them by more than thirteen points, a 39 point loss. Navy was their lone home game, a three point loss.
Bethune-Cookman is 1-3. They lost to VCU, Old Dominion, and Mississippi State. They beat Edward Waters by 19 in their lone home game. VCU beat them by 26, Old Dominion by 31, and Mississippi State by 16.
So, it looks to me like Longwood may be the best team in the bunch. They certainly have played some fairly quality competition close. Of course, the only team with a D-1 win is Chattanooga's over East Tennessee State. This will not be easy for the Mocs. They should not underestimate this bracket. This is a young team still trying to feel their way out when they are playing away from home. The Mocs need two wins very badly though, for their own psyche and for the mindset of the fans back home. This is as important as two games could be at this point in the season for the Mocs.
GO MOCS!
Box Score and More Analysis
The box score will be taken to by clicking on the title.
Keegan Bell sounds great on the postgame show. He talked about the importance of getting better and that at some point, the team needs to grow up. They need to work harder in practice. I love the attitude Bell has.
The team has not grown up yet, but they are still gelling. He seems to think that will happen at some point. Bell is also blaming himself. He said he needs to look more to score, and that he needs to be more aggressive himself.
"We have to grow up. We have to grow up. I know we're young, but we have to grow up."
Beautiful. I love the attitude. He's turning into a real team leader.
Keegan Bell sounds great on the postgame show. He talked about the importance of getting better and that at some point, the team needs to grow up. They need to work harder in practice. I love the attitude Bell has.
The team has not grown up yet, but they are still gelling. He seems to think that will happen at some point. Bell is also blaming himself. He said he needs to look more to score, and that he needs to be more aggressive himself.
"We have to grow up. We have to grow up. I know we're young, but we have to grow up."
Beautiful. I love the attitude. He's turning into a real team leader.
Post Game Shower- Missouri
Ouch. The Mocs were hammered in this game by the Tigers. Missouri took it to them early and often. They shot lights out. So there was nothing positive to take from this game, right?
Wrong. Against Richmond, the Mocs were outhustled. In this game, there were fewer hustle mistakes. The effort was there. The results were not. Make no mistake, a 99-56 loss is not how I wanted the Mocs to head into the tournament portion of this San Padre Invitational. Still, let's not be confused about the issue- the Mocs played better tonight than they did against Richmond.
The Mocs did not shoot well from long range, but Odem and Bell both showed that they could play on this level. Saffore, McKeither, Smith and Jefferson showed flashes too. They actually had more points in the paint for the game, which is incredibly impressive. The problem is that Taylor did not look good again. Ricky Taylor is really struggling right now. The Mocs need him to be a shooter to stretch out defenses. I have not been impressed with Taylor lately.
Jefferson, who I was horribly disappointed in during the Richmond game, actually looked like a real player tonight. Ridge McKeither rebounded well, but did not shoot well.
Here's a little bright spot. The Mocs outrebounded Missouri, 33-31. That was very good. The Mocs needed that kind of showing. They needed to show that they could rebound, something that has been lacking so far this year.
Now here's the good news. The Mocs are still playing without Ty Patterson, Troy Cage, and Chris Early. Dante Harvey played, but did not look overly impressive. He will have to play himself into shape, a little bit. But the Mocs are still learning how to play. They are a far different team right now than they will be in January. The Mocs will be much much better in the near future.
As I said back before the season, these next two games will go a long way to determining just how successful the Mocs could be this year. Texas Pan-America, Bethune-Cookman, and Longwood wait for the Mocs. They need to find a way to win those two games. The Texas-Pan America game is an absolute must win for the Mocs at this point.
I'm looking for a much better show on Friday afternoon. If it is not there, then I will begin to question this team a little bit. But not yet. Not quite yet. They still beat ETSU at home, which is a solid win that I was not necessarily counting on before the season started.
GO MOCS!
Wrong. Against Richmond, the Mocs were outhustled. In this game, there were fewer hustle mistakes. The effort was there. The results were not. Make no mistake, a 99-56 loss is not how I wanted the Mocs to head into the tournament portion of this San Padre Invitational. Still, let's not be confused about the issue- the Mocs played better tonight than they did against Richmond.
The Mocs did not shoot well from long range, but Odem and Bell both showed that they could play on this level. Saffore, McKeither, Smith and Jefferson showed flashes too. They actually had more points in the paint for the game, which is incredibly impressive. The problem is that Taylor did not look good again. Ricky Taylor is really struggling right now. The Mocs need him to be a shooter to stretch out defenses. I have not been impressed with Taylor lately.
Jefferson, who I was horribly disappointed in during the Richmond game, actually looked like a real player tonight. Ridge McKeither rebounded well, but did not shoot well.
Here's a little bright spot. The Mocs outrebounded Missouri, 33-31. That was very good. The Mocs needed that kind of showing. They needed to show that they could rebound, something that has been lacking so far this year.
Now here's the good news. The Mocs are still playing without Ty Patterson, Troy Cage, and Chris Early. Dante Harvey played, but did not look overly impressive. He will have to play himself into shape, a little bit. But the Mocs are still learning how to play. They are a far different team right now than they will be in January. The Mocs will be much much better in the near future.
As I said back before the season, these next two games will go a long way to determining just how successful the Mocs could be this year. Texas Pan-America, Bethune-Cookman, and Longwood wait for the Mocs. They need to find a way to win those two games. The Texas-Pan America game is an absolute must win for the Mocs at this point.
I'm looking for a much better show on Friday afternoon. If it is not there, then I will begin to question this team a little bit. But not yet. Not quite yet. They still beat ETSU at home, which is a solid win that I was not necessarily counting on before the season started.
GO MOCS!
Apologies Apologies
Over the last week, I have not been here as much as I would like. Why? Well, I had a new addition to my family, and the birth was more eventful than I expected it to be. From here on out, I'll be here, though. So you can't stop me now! Apologies!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Post Game Coverage
I promise- extensive coverage of the Mocs-Bucs game will be coming by Thursday evening! Hold your horses!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Pre-Game Meal- ETSU
LIKELY STARTERS
East Tennessee State (1-0, 0-0)
G Justin Tubbs (6-3 Jr)
G Micah Williams (6-4 Jr)
F Tommy Hubbard (6-4 Jr)
F Isiah Brown (6-8 So)
F Adam Sollazzo (6-6 So)
Mocs (1-0, 0-0)
G Keegan Bell (6-1 RSo)
G Ricky Taylor (6-5 So)
G Josh Odem (6-5 Fr)
F Ridge McKeither (6-5 Jr)
C Jeremy Saffore (7-1 RJr)
KNOW THY OPPONENT
The Bucs Official Athletic Site- http://www.etsubucs.com/sports/mbball/
The starters listed above are based a lot on who finished the game on Saturday for the Bucs in their 62-58 win over Appalachian State. Also, it is assuming that Mike Smith, the Bucs best player, is not healthy enough to start. He played just ten minutes against the Mountaineers.
ETSU is going to try to slow the game down. They did not score a fast break point against the Mountaineers, and surrendered just four. They will rely on playing solid defense, and making just enough shots to win the game. They shot just 41 percent against Appalachian State, but made fifty percent in the second half. They made just 55 percent of their free throws for the game, which nearly cost them. However, they made 5 of 6 in the final minute to help salt the game away. They only made 3 of 15 on threes.
In other words, this team will rely on defense, and hope that the shots fall enough to win the game. They held Appalachian State to 41 percent shooting as well. They also forced 25 turnovers, while the Mountaineers had just six assists. In other words, the Bucs were playing absolutely great defense. It does not get much better than that. They were hurt by their own 20 turnovers, though.
ETSU was outrebounded by two, 36-34. However, they collected thirteen offensive rebounds. Those are the sort of hustle plays that can make a huge difference in a game. They came up with just ten second chance points on those rebounds, but getting those chances can translate into points.
Smith played eight minutes in the first half the other night, and connected for just three points, but also had three personal fouls. He played just two minutes in the second half, and had no shots…or fouls. He averaged fifteen points and seven rebounds a game last year, and that is why he was preseason All Atlantic Sun. It will be a huge blow if he cannot play in this game. It seems like he may not be healthy enough to play, as indicated by the second half minutes against Appalachian State.
No other returning player averaged more than 4.7 points per game. That was done by Brown. The newcomers are expected to play a big role on this team. Tubbs is the most notable newcomer and he played a big role in the win over Appalachian State. He made two free throws in the final minute to push the lead to 59-56.
Freshman Sheldon Cooley scored eleven points coming off the bench. He should continue to play a vital role on this team. Tommy Hubbard and Jocolby Davis both started against Appalachian State and could start against the Mocs tonight. Hubbard has seven rebounds and four points on 2 of 10 shooting in seventeen minutes. Davis had one rebound, two points and six turnovers in eighteen minutes.
BREAKDOWN AND MATCH-UPS
Brown will probably be given the responsibility of guarding Saffore. That will be an interesting match-up. Saffore did not face anyone anywhere near as physical as Brown against Virginia Intermont. That is the real question regarding Saffore. We all know he has height, but the question is if he can match up with someone who has a little muscle and bulk. That could play a huge role in the game.
Bell likes to speed up the pace of the game, and the Mocs played a fairly fast tempo against Virginia Intermont. More than likely, the Mocs will want to play a fast style. The Bucs will want to grind it out as best as they can. The team that controls the tempo will have the best chance to win.
The Mocs are undermanned without Patterson, Harvey, Cage, and Early. But the Bucs are really nursing the injury bug as well with Smith sitting out right now. Which team is better equipped to deal with that problem?
Neither team has been able to shoot free throws well during the exhibition games or in their first regular season game. However, the Bucs made pressure free throws down the stretch, which is something that the Mocs have not had to do yet. Does that play a role in this game?
Josh Odem will be playing in his first big game as a college player. He will need to show up for the Mocs to have a good chance at winning. Justin Tubbs and Sheldon Cooley are newcomers for the Bucs that could be matching up with Odem. Odem will need to hold his own against the Bucs newcomers in a key match-up for both teams.
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERED
- Will the Mocs make free throws tonight or not?
- Can Saffore do THAT against a D-1 team?
- How many fans will show up for this game?
- Will the Mocs shoot a bunch of threes in a game against a quality opponent?
THE PICK
This is going to be a very competitive game. If Smith plays and plays well, it totally changes the complexion of this game. The Bucs already beat Appalachian State, who is picked ahead of the Mocs in the Southern Conference North Division. So the Mocs will need to play well in order to win the game. However, the Roundhouse should be packed thanks to the promotion of the game and the $1 tickets. This will only help the Mocs. In a home game, the Mocs will find a way to win a close one. Mocs 77, East Tennessee State 72.
East Tennessee State (1-0, 0-0)
G Justin Tubbs (6-3 Jr)
G Micah Williams (6-4 Jr)
F Tommy Hubbard (6-4 Jr)
F Isiah Brown (6-8 So)
F Adam Sollazzo (6-6 So)
Mocs (1-0, 0-0)
G Keegan Bell (6-1 RSo)
G Ricky Taylor (6-5 So)
G Josh Odem (6-5 Fr)
F Ridge McKeither (6-5 Jr)
C Jeremy Saffore (7-1 RJr)
KNOW THY OPPONENT
The Bucs Official Athletic Site- http://www.etsubucs.com/sports/mbball/
The starters listed above are based a lot on who finished the game on Saturday for the Bucs in their 62-58 win over Appalachian State. Also, it is assuming that Mike Smith, the Bucs best player, is not healthy enough to start. He played just ten minutes against the Mountaineers.
ETSU is going to try to slow the game down. They did not score a fast break point against the Mountaineers, and surrendered just four. They will rely on playing solid defense, and making just enough shots to win the game. They shot just 41 percent against Appalachian State, but made fifty percent in the second half. They made just 55 percent of their free throws for the game, which nearly cost them. However, they made 5 of 6 in the final minute to help salt the game away. They only made 3 of 15 on threes.
In other words, this team will rely on defense, and hope that the shots fall enough to win the game. They held Appalachian State to 41 percent shooting as well. They also forced 25 turnovers, while the Mountaineers had just six assists. In other words, the Bucs were playing absolutely great defense. It does not get much better than that. They were hurt by their own 20 turnovers, though.
ETSU was outrebounded by two, 36-34. However, they collected thirteen offensive rebounds. Those are the sort of hustle plays that can make a huge difference in a game. They came up with just ten second chance points on those rebounds, but getting those chances can translate into points.
Smith played eight minutes in the first half the other night, and connected for just three points, but also had three personal fouls. He played just two minutes in the second half, and had no shots…or fouls. He averaged fifteen points and seven rebounds a game last year, and that is why he was preseason All Atlantic Sun. It will be a huge blow if he cannot play in this game. It seems like he may not be healthy enough to play, as indicated by the second half minutes against Appalachian State.
No other returning player averaged more than 4.7 points per game. That was done by Brown. The newcomers are expected to play a big role on this team. Tubbs is the most notable newcomer and he played a big role in the win over Appalachian State. He made two free throws in the final minute to push the lead to 59-56.
Freshman Sheldon Cooley scored eleven points coming off the bench. He should continue to play a vital role on this team. Tommy Hubbard and Jocolby Davis both started against Appalachian State and could start against the Mocs tonight. Hubbard has seven rebounds and four points on 2 of 10 shooting in seventeen minutes. Davis had one rebound, two points and six turnovers in eighteen minutes.
BREAKDOWN AND MATCH-UPS
Brown will probably be given the responsibility of guarding Saffore. That will be an interesting match-up. Saffore did not face anyone anywhere near as physical as Brown against Virginia Intermont. That is the real question regarding Saffore. We all know he has height, but the question is if he can match up with someone who has a little muscle and bulk. That could play a huge role in the game.
Bell likes to speed up the pace of the game, and the Mocs played a fairly fast tempo against Virginia Intermont. More than likely, the Mocs will want to play a fast style. The Bucs will want to grind it out as best as they can. The team that controls the tempo will have the best chance to win.
The Mocs are undermanned without Patterson, Harvey, Cage, and Early. But the Bucs are really nursing the injury bug as well with Smith sitting out right now. Which team is better equipped to deal with that problem?
Neither team has been able to shoot free throws well during the exhibition games or in their first regular season game. However, the Bucs made pressure free throws down the stretch, which is something that the Mocs have not had to do yet. Does that play a role in this game?
Josh Odem will be playing in his first big game as a college player. He will need to show up for the Mocs to have a good chance at winning. Justin Tubbs and Sheldon Cooley are newcomers for the Bucs that could be matching up with Odem. Odem will need to hold his own against the Bucs newcomers in a key match-up for both teams.
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERED
- Will the Mocs make free throws tonight or not?
- Can Saffore do THAT against a D-1 team?
- How many fans will show up for this game?
- Will the Mocs shoot a bunch of threes in a game against a quality opponent?
THE PICK
This is going to be a very competitive game. If Smith plays and plays well, it totally changes the complexion of this game. The Bucs already beat Appalachian State, who is picked ahead of the Mocs in the Southern Conference North Division. So the Mocs will need to play well in order to win the game. However, the Roundhouse should be packed thanks to the promotion of the game and the $1 tickets. This will only help the Mocs. In a home game, the Mocs will find a way to win a close one. Mocs 77, East Tennessee State 72.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Some Rivalry Notes
On the eve of the Mocs annual showdown with ETSU, it is an interesting time to look at the Mocs rivals.
The Mocs biggest problem at the moment is that they do not really have rivals in the Southern Conference. Appalachian State might be as close as they come, due to the fact that the share a division with them, and have a long standing history of having tough battles against good Mountaineer teams.
But, that doesn't get the blood going.
Fans still hate Marshall. But they have not played the Thundering Herd since December of 2007, in an unmemorable 57-47 win. (Now their second to last meeting in the SoCon Final on March 2, 1997, was a very memorable 71-70 OT win. Chris Mims with the putback! YES!) So, it is really hard to call them a rival anymore.
Some fans hate Davidson, but I have a hard time getting riled up about the game. I personally am beginning to dislike Elon because the Phoenix always seem to beat us when I least expect it. Samford is clearly our future rival, with their proximity to the Mocs geographically, but it is hard to really not like them yet.
College of Charleston is our current biggest conference rival probably. People, including me, really dislike the Cougars, and the feeling seems to be fairly mutual. The Cougars are 12-10 all-time against the Mocs, so it is hard to really get too excited yet about this rivalry, because they don't play twice a year every year and they just haven't been playing for long enough.
That leaves us with ETSU. It's not a conference game, and they only play once a year, and it is early in the year. Still, this may be the biggest rival the Mocs have anymore. The Mocs lead the all-time series 41-32.
The blood still gets boiling for me when the Bucs show up on the schedule. I do not like the Bucs. I miss having them as a real rival. One day, maybe Samford will take their place. I sure hope so. Because nothing gets me going like a rivalry game!
GO MOCS!
The Mocs biggest problem at the moment is that they do not really have rivals in the Southern Conference. Appalachian State might be as close as they come, due to the fact that the share a division with them, and have a long standing history of having tough battles against good Mountaineer teams.
But, that doesn't get the blood going.
Fans still hate Marshall. But they have not played the Thundering Herd since December of 2007, in an unmemorable 57-47 win. (Now their second to last meeting in the SoCon Final on March 2, 1997, was a very memorable 71-70 OT win. Chris Mims with the putback! YES!) So, it is really hard to call them a rival anymore.
Some fans hate Davidson, but I have a hard time getting riled up about the game. I personally am beginning to dislike Elon because the Phoenix always seem to beat us when I least expect it. Samford is clearly our future rival, with their proximity to the Mocs geographically, but it is hard to really not like them yet.
College of Charleston is our current biggest conference rival probably. People, including me, really dislike the Cougars, and the feeling seems to be fairly mutual. The Cougars are 12-10 all-time against the Mocs, so it is hard to really get too excited yet about this rivalry, because they don't play twice a year every year and they just haven't been playing for long enough.
That leaves us with ETSU. It's not a conference game, and they only play once a year, and it is early in the year. Still, this may be the biggest rival the Mocs have anymore. The Mocs lead the all-time series 41-32.
The blood still gets boiling for me when the Bucs show up on the schedule. I do not like the Bucs. I miss having them as a real rival. One day, maybe Samford will take their place. I sure hope so. Because nothing gets me going like a rivalry game!
GO MOCS!
SoCon This Week
So, what happened in the SoCon this past week? A lot more than you may think, given that it was the first weekend.
North
Appalachian State- The Mountaineers beat UNC-Wilmington, 69-58 on Friday and then lost 62-58 at East Tennessee State. There were a lot of good things from Appy State agains the Bucs, but nobody was able to score, really. Sims scored 14, but six of those were from the free throw line. Brand provided some senior leadership. The Mountaineers were playing less than 24 hours after their opening win, so their loss may be attributed to that. We'll have to wait and see what develops for a team picked to finish second in the North.
Chattanooga- Obviously, we've talked a lot about the Mocs on here. They went 1-0, with a 107-62 win over Virginia Intermont.
Elon- Elon beat Lipscomb 91-86 on Saturday night. The Phoenix shot 59 percent for the game. This is a total break from the way the Phoenix have played in the past, where it has been all about the defense. Bonney and Spradlin each scored 24 points. If they can score like that, Elon may be a contender in the division after all.
Samford- The Bulldogs went 0-3, but all of them were by three points or less in the Hispanic Funds Classic. The losses were to Kent State, Wisconsin-Grenn Bay, and UAB. None of those are bad losses, and since they were all so close, not a lot of negatives should be taken from this. The biggest negative is that there has to be a question about the Bulldogs mental toughness and ability to win close games.
UNC-Greensboro- Stywall shot well in the second half, but the Spartans got pounded by Duke. Very little to see here. Nothing to see here. There is no surprise, so we know very little about the Spartans that we didn't know before.
Western Carolina- The North Division favorites struggled to put away St. Catherine, before pulling away for a 65-41 win. They shot 50 percent in the second half to go from seven points up at halftime to the final margin. They shot just under 42 percent for the game. They will really need to be more consistent if they are going to fufill expectations.
South
College of Charleston- Goudelock scored 19 but it was not enough for the Cougars, the preseason favorite to win the SoCon. Their 70-59 loss to Coastal Carolina was extraordinarily disappointing. They Cougars have some distractions right now (injuries and suspensions), but still were expected to win this game. How will they respond?
Davidson- The Wildcats lost to Butler 73-62, but seemed to prove that they were not going to fall off as much as some people thought heading into the season. After all, Butler is a Top Ten team, and the Wildcats lead with under ten minutes left. Allison played tremendously well for the Wildcats.
Furman- The Paladins won 88-49 over Lees-McRae. Miller and Dehm each made five three pointers. If the Paladins shoot like that they could be this year's The Citadel, coming out of nowhere and just maturing a year to become a contender in the SoCon. The Paladins will need to show this against a real team, first though.
Georgia Southern- The Eagles dominated Reinhardt in similar fashion to the way the Mocs beat up on Virginia Intermont. The Eagles may be slightly better than first anticipated, but we need to wait and see before declaring that.
The Citadel- Joe Wolfinger lead the way in scoring, which is very important for the Bulldogs if they are going to be succcessful this year, as the Bulldogs rolled over Kenyon College, 64-45. The game was a little closer than this blog might want it to be, since the Bulldogs are the preseason favorite to win the tournament here.
Wofford- The Terriers 3 point loss to Pittsburgh was a nice performance for Wofford. They had a 13 point lead with 16 minutes left. The Terriers blew the lead from there, but that's fine. Sure, Pitt isn't as good as last year's Elite Eight team, but the Terriers, behind Dahlman, proved that they are as good as advertised. They will be a serious contender in the SoCon.
This Week's Schedule
Monday
Georgia Southern at South Carolina 7:00 SportSouth
Elon vs. UNC-Charlotte (in Durham) 9:30
Tuesday
East Tennessee State at Chattanooga 7:00
Presbyterian at Furman 7:00
Winthrop at College of Charleston 7:00
Lees-McRae at Appalachian State 7:00
Wofford at Georgia 7:00
UNC-Greensboro at Virginia Tech 7:00
Charleston Southern at The Citadel 7:00
Elon vs. TBA (in Durham) TBA
Wednesday
Georgia Southern at Florida 7:00 Fox Sports Florida
Western Carolina at Texas 9:00 ESPNU
Thursday
USF vs. Davidson (in Charleston) 7:00
Lees-McRae at Wofford 7:00
Friday
The Citadel vs. Eastern Michigan (in Springfield) 6:30
Appalachian State at Arkansas 7:00
Clemson at Appalachian State 7:00 Fox Sports South
Farleigh Dickinson at Elon 7:00
Samford at Texas A&M 8:00
Davidson vs. TBA (in Charleston) TBA
Saturday
Georgia Southern at Jacksonville State 5:30
Dartmouth at Furman 7:00
The Citadel at Missouri State 9:00
Sunday
Chattanooga at Richmond 5:00
The Citadel at Maryland-Eastern Shore 6:30
Wofford at Bradley 7:00
Davidson vs. TBA (in Charleston) TBA
GO MOCS!
North
Appalachian State- The Mountaineers beat UNC-Wilmington, 69-58 on Friday and then lost 62-58 at East Tennessee State. There were a lot of good things from Appy State agains the Bucs, but nobody was able to score, really. Sims scored 14, but six of those were from the free throw line. Brand provided some senior leadership. The Mountaineers were playing less than 24 hours after their opening win, so their loss may be attributed to that. We'll have to wait and see what develops for a team picked to finish second in the North.
Chattanooga- Obviously, we've talked a lot about the Mocs on here. They went 1-0, with a 107-62 win over Virginia Intermont.
Elon- Elon beat Lipscomb 91-86 on Saturday night. The Phoenix shot 59 percent for the game. This is a total break from the way the Phoenix have played in the past, where it has been all about the defense. Bonney and Spradlin each scored 24 points. If they can score like that, Elon may be a contender in the division after all.
Samford- The Bulldogs went 0-3, but all of them were by three points or less in the Hispanic Funds Classic. The losses were to Kent State, Wisconsin-Grenn Bay, and UAB. None of those are bad losses, and since they were all so close, not a lot of negatives should be taken from this. The biggest negative is that there has to be a question about the Bulldogs mental toughness and ability to win close games.
UNC-Greensboro- Stywall shot well in the second half, but the Spartans got pounded by Duke. Very little to see here. Nothing to see here. There is no surprise, so we know very little about the Spartans that we didn't know before.
Western Carolina- The North Division favorites struggled to put away St. Catherine, before pulling away for a 65-41 win. They shot 50 percent in the second half to go from seven points up at halftime to the final margin. They shot just under 42 percent for the game. They will really need to be more consistent if they are going to fufill expectations.
South
College of Charleston- Goudelock scored 19 but it was not enough for the Cougars, the preseason favorite to win the SoCon. Their 70-59 loss to Coastal Carolina was extraordinarily disappointing. They Cougars have some distractions right now (injuries and suspensions), but still were expected to win this game. How will they respond?
Davidson- The Wildcats lost to Butler 73-62, but seemed to prove that they were not going to fall off as much as some people thought heading into the season. After all, Butler is a Top Ten team, and the Wildcats lead with under ten minutes left. Allison played tremendously well for the Wildcats.
Furman- The Paladins won 88-49 over Lees-McRae. Miller and Dehm each made five three pointers. If the Paladins shoot like that they could be this year's The Citadel, coming out of nowhere and just maturing a year to become a contender in the SoCon. The Paladins will need to show this against a real team, first though.
Georgia Southern- The Eagles dominated Reinhardt in similar fashion to the way the Mocs beat up on Virginia Intermont. The Eagles may be slightly better than first anticipated, but we need to wait and see before declaring that.
The Citadel- Joe Wolfinger lead the way in scoring, which is very important for the Bulldogs if they are going to be succcessful this year, as the Bulldogs rolled over Kenyon College, 64-45. The game was a little closer than this blog might want it to be, since the Bulldogs are the preseason favorite to win the tournament here.
Wofford- The Terriers 3 point loss to Pittsburgh was a nice performance for Wofford. They had a 13 point lead with 16 minutes left. The Terriers blew the lead from there, but that's fine. Sure, Pitt isn't as good as last year's Elite Eight team, but the Terriers, behind Dahlman, proved that they are as good as advertised. They will be a serious contender in the SoCon.
This Week's Schedule
Monday
Georgia Southern at South Carolina 7:00 SportSouth
Elon vs. UNC-Charlotte (in Durham) 9:30
Tuesday
East Tennessee State at Chattanooga 7:00
Presbyterian at Furman 7:00
Winthrop at College of Charleston 7:00
Lees-McRae at Appalachian State 7:00
Wofford at Georgia 7:00
UNC-Greensboro at Virginia Tech 7:00
Charleston Southern at The Citadel 7:00
Elon vs. TBA (in Durham) TBA
Wednesday
Georgia Southern at Florida 7:00 Fox Sports Florida
Western Carolina at Texas 9:00 ESPNU
Thursday
USF vs. Davidson (in Charleston) 7:00
Lees-McRae at Wofford 7:00
Friday
The Citadel vs. Eastern Michigan (in Springfield) 6:30
Appalachian State at Arkansas 7:00
Clemson at Appalachian State 7:00 Fox Sports South
Farleigh Dickinson at Elon 7:00
Samford at Texas A&M 8:00
Davidson vs. TBA (in Charleston) TBA
Saturday
Georgia Southern at Jacksonville State 5:30
Dartmouth at Furman 7:00
The Citadel at Missouri State 9:00
Sunday
Chattanooga at Richmond 5:00
The Citadel at Maryland-Eastern Shore 6:30
Wofford at Bradley 7:00
Davidson vs. TBA (in Charleston) TBA
GO MOCS!
24 Hour College Basketball Tip-Off
Click the title to go to the link with the full schedule on the ESPN website.
This day ought to be a load of fun. From midnight tonight to after midnight tomorrow night, there will be 19 games (17 men's games) broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN360. Also, there will be constant discussion on ESPN.com, which is what really can make a day like this fun.
Yes, there are some really early games (hello 6 AM Monmouth-St. Peter's and 8 AM Drexel-Niagara), but all in all, this is a great promotion for smaller schools, and there are some fun match-ups for bigger schools.
The Mocs (and the Vols for those of you who might care) both play tomorrow, but are not included in this day of fun. Well, the Lady Vols are, but whatever. That's too bad. I think it would be great if the Mocs-Bucs game could get the full treatment on ESPN tomorrow. It would be a lot of fun.
I won't watch for 25 and a half hours (who could?) but I will watch plenty of the action, I imagine.
This day ought to be a load of fun. From midnight tonight to after midnight tomorrow night, there will be 19 games (17 men's games) broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN360. Also, there will be constant discussion on ESPN.com, which is what really can make a day like this fun.
Yes, there are some really early games (hello 6 AM Monmouth-St. Peter's and 8 AM Drexel-Niagara), but all in all, this is a great promotion for smaller schools, and there are some fun match-ups for bigger schools.
The Mocs (and the Vols for those of you who might care) both play tomorrow, but are not included in this day of fun. Well, the Lady Vols are, but whatever. That's too bad. I think it would be great if the Mocs-Bucs game could get the full treatment on ESPN tomorrow. It would be a lot of fun.
I won't watch for 25 and a half hours (who could?) but I will watch plenty of the action, I imagine.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Quick Notes- Future Opponents
Just wanted to quickly note that ETSU beat Appalachian State 62-58 at home last night in what was an absolutely tremendous game. I got to listen to just a little bit of that game.
I watched probably half an hour of Mississippi Valley State's loss to Gonzaga. I have to say that the Delta Devils look like they may be better than I have been giving them credit for. They hung with Gonzaga for the first thirty minutes of the game. They will not be intimidated when they come to Chattanooga to play. Sure, they got beat by twenty points, but they were unintimidated and were more athletic than I expected.
We'll see.
GO MOCS!
I watched probably half an hour of Mississippi Valley State's loss to Gonzaga. I have to say that the Delta Devils look like they may be better than I have been giving them credit for. They hung with Gonzaga for the first thirty minutes of the game. They will not be intimidated when they come to Chattanooga to play. Sure, they got beat by twenty points, but they were unintimidated and were more athletic than I expected.
We'll see.
GO MOCS!
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