Let's Go Knights!

UCF basketball did something their football team rarely does. Beat a BCS conference opponent. Making it even sweeter for the Knights was that it came against I-4 rival, South Florida.

Let by C-USA POY Candidate, Jermaine Taylor's 28 points, the Knights captured the 71-63 victory. The Knights move to 4-3, while the Bulls fall to 3-3.

This night could only be sweeter for Knight fans if Matt Groethe would have been beaten up at center court during halftime.

Not a bad promotion idea, come to think of it...
just don't let any UCF D-Lineman do it.
He'd get away for sure...

.

Engines Revving

Apparently not everything has slowed down in the Motor City.

Michigan blitzed the #4 Dukies 81-73, utilizing their athleticism and a tenacious 1-3-1 defense; the same defense that made UCLA look clueless less than two weeks ago.

Duke had plenty of open looks from the perimeter, but Singler (1-9 from distance) couldn’t find the range, and the Blue Devils never got in sync offensively.

DeShawn Sims threw in a career-high 28 to go along with 12 boards to spearhead the Wolverines second enormous win of the young season. In a balanced Big 10, those two wins could be what gets Michigan over the Big-10;’s second longest NCAA Tourney drought.

Super Steph

Check out this line from the NC St. game for Super Senior Steph Curry:

15-32, 44 Pts
2 Rebs, 3 Assists

Hard not to have him at the top of any POY ballot at this point. Forget stats. Just put this game and the Oklahoma game - and then the game where he took only THREE shots (and let his team win by 30, playing essentially 4 on 3).

Saturday Picks

A great day of college hoops, as well as college football. This is the kind of sit-on-your ass TV day that divorces are made of!! Enjoy!

The Kaiser's Picks:

iowa st-10 over oregon state

duke -9.5 @ Michigan
Notre Dame -4 v. Ohio St.

UNLV- 2 @ Nevada

USF -2 @ UCF

Maniac Picks:

Cleveland St +14 @ West Virginia
Cornell @ Minnesota -11
Duke -9.5 @ Michigan (LOCK)
Ohio St. @ Notre Dame -4
Miami (FL) @ Kentucky -2
Dayton -2.5 @ Akron (LOCK)
South FLA @ UCF +2
Wisconsin +5.5 @ Marquette
UNLV @ Nevada +2.5

5 to Watch

5 players to add to the second-tier POY list:

While Hansbrough, Griffin and Curry are clearly the three at the top, these five players might have a say in the POY race.

1. Kyle Singler - I wrote about him several days ago; the blend of skills that make him POY worthy. Factor in at least 2 shots on the big stage versus Carolina, and Singler could inch his way into the discussion.


2. James Harden - His stats are going to be gaudy, but his Sun Devil teammates may not be enough to keep him relevant.

3. AJ Abrahams - The Texas sharp-shooter is the best player and scorer on a Texas team that will hover around the Top 5 all season. If his Longhorns can get a pair of wins over Blake Griffin and Oklahoma, Abrahams could vault up the list.

4. Ty Lawson - Playing with Hansbrough and the pro-calibre 'Heels will split votes, but Lawson is the catalyst that makes the Heels go at high octane speed and efficiency. The clear favorite for the Cousy Award at the least

5. Luke Harangody - The lackluster performance against the Heels (mono withstanding) puts a huge dent in Haragody's chances, but lets see how the big man rebounds in the toughest conference in the nation.

Outside Shots (Some based more on team value - others on raw stats): Hasheem Thabeet, Jody Meeks (Kentucky), Eric Maynor (VCU), Chase Buddinger (Arizona), Darren Colison (UCLA), Sam Young (Pitt), Jeremy Pargo (Gonzaga), Jeff Teague (Wake), Tyler Smith
(Tennessee), LaVance Fields (Pitt), Nick Calathes (Florida)

Gettin' Buff

UConn dodged a major bullet, turning over the Buffalo Bulls with 5 seconds remaining (and hitting the 2 subsequent free throws) to sqeek out a 4 point win. Over Buffalo. In their ONLY non conference "road test."

Some pundits have already extoled the "courage" of Calhoun to schedule this game. Yes, courageous indeed. While other national title hopefuls like North Carolina, Duke and Oklahoma have taken on Michigan St, Purdue, and Notre Dame, and while Texas bided time with the aforementioned Irish and UCLA, the Huskies tested their mettle against... Buffalo.

In a performance remincent of recent tourney no-shows against George Mason, UConn again showed the inability to focus against lesser competition. It is a long season, but an early sign that the Huskies are Final Four talented, but not quite Final Four tough.

Nuts About Blake!

Wow - I am sure this will be all over SportsCenter and YouTube soon - I will add a link to this post. But how about the Christmas "Nutcracker" delivered on Blake Griffin!!

In the fine tradition of Tony Shinn (George Mason, '06 -pictured on right) and Chris Paul ('05) - the punch to the nuts lives on and remains one of the most dickless chickenshit moves in sports...

Call Waiting

Yesterday the NCAA ruled that IU transfer Jordan Crawford would have to sit out the season before being eligible to play next Fall for Xavier. Meanwhile Kelvin Sampson is on the bench with the Milwaukee Bucks and serving the first year of his 5 Year NCAA ban.

Of course this ban doesn't do anything to help Crawford, and fellow hopeful transfer Armon Bassett (UAB). I can understand the NCAA's hesitancy to open the floodgates on transfer regulations, but can strongly empathize with the player's desire to flee Indiana.

Yes, player choose a "school" not a coach.

But consider this: You are one of the most promising scientists in the nation. Dozens of schools are competing for you (some even texting you incessantly...) You make your selection after becoming enamored with the teachings of a particular professor; the one you believe can provide the best tutiledge for helping you achieve your dream career...

Then, suddenly, and under the cloud of scandal, that professor is dismissed from the university. Naturally, you are confused, disspointed; betrayed. SO you decide to revist some of the multitude of options you had just 12 months ago... and select another option that can best help you reach your goals and aspirations - since it is now apparent your original selection (and your fired/disgraced "mentor") can not.

Sound rational? Logical? Even sensible?

It is. Unless you are a collegiate "student-athlete." In which case, YOU pay for your coaches indiscretion. The NCAA has it's rules, and by the letter of the law, made the correct ruling on Crawford.

But that doesn't mean it is fair for Jordan. He has every right to be dissapointed in the NCAA. He even has the right to call Kelvin Sampson and complain... several hundred times.

Something stinks here...

Ok, We Love Northwestern Too!

Apologies to the Northwestern fan(s). (should that be plural??) Anyhow - it appears Northwestern can compete with the Noles on AND off the court...

Smart too! Don't hold it against her...

Hot Streak Continues!

Another prescient evening for the Maniac, accurately pegging the Xavier and UNC games to a T (slight whiff on the FSU tilt...go Northwestern!)

Let the soothsaying continue tonight with a trifecta of picks.

Connecticut -16 @ Buffalo (LOCK)
USC +8.5 @ Oklahoma
UCLA @ Texas -6.5
Oklahoma St @ Washington -5

Lions & Spartans - Oh My!

Yet another thrashing at Ford Field, only this time the Lions weren't playing. Instead, taking center stage on the elevated court were the Spartans hosting # 1 North Carolina. Make that NUMBER ONE Carolina.

What followed was a thirty five point thrashing that silenced all the "maybe Duke?" talk that bubbled up the night before from their impressive victory over Purdue.

The thing that makes Carolina scary, is that they didn't appear to be playing that well in the first half. Yet, every time you looked up the lead stretched. Easy buckets came quickly and often, and MSU had no answer for the incredible depth, size, quickness and tenacity of the Heels.

Wayne Ellington said in a post-game news conference that, "the only team that can beat us is ourselves." It sounds cocky. It also sounds incredibly accurate.

Maniac's Picks

Six of his last seven, the Maniac looks to continue his sage soothsaying today...

Indiana @ Wake Forest -23
Penn St @ Georgia Tech - 7
Miami (OH) +5.5 @ Temple
Auburn +14 @ Xavier

LOCKS OF DAY:

Florida St -2 @ Northwestern
North Carolina -10 @ Michigan St. (Ford Field)


I love Xavier, but substantial injuries (Derrick Brown, Holloway) will keep this game closer than expected. X wins, but not by 14.

UNC is the biggest lock of the season. This team dismantled Notre Dame last week, and had time to rest and get healthier. Michigan St. was the most overrated team in the nation (along with UCLA) in preseason polls. UNC will continue rolling, the Maniac says by 20+.

Ditto for FSU. Yes, it has been a while since they have gone to the big dance - but that is because of what they do in FEBRUARY. Their Decembers have always been nice. Northwestern is in the midst of a tourney drought as well... like an infinite one. Not sure HOW FSU is only laying 2.

Seriously, What's Not to Love about the Noles??

Duke @ Purdue

Best team in the country? It isn't as far off as you might think...


Click for Full Slide Show:

Boiler Up!

Last night had the thrill of catching Duke @ Purdue from the second row. A buddy of mine met the ref on a flight, and was given two amazing seats. Talk about generous! So - a big thanks to my new favorite official! (Other than my brother-in-law's Pop... big ups to Mr. Rose)

Three quick observations from the Duke game:

1. Duke is the best man-to-man defensive team I have ever seen live. They never get caught on screens. Their guards play phenomenal help-side defense. Not once was the lane left open for an easy layup. Not once. They pressure the ball, give up next to no second shots and contest every shot. If you are a coach or a young player, watch a tape of the Duke v Purdue game. An absolute man-to-man defensive clinic.

2. Kyle Singler is in the mix for National POY. Versatile, good shooter, good ball handler. Very very underrated defender (ask Robbie Hummel), excellent rebounder and absolutely gutty and fearless. One of the best sophomores in the nation, and on the short list (adding him along with James Harden) for POY.

3. John Scheyer is much much more than a shooter. His defensive effort last night was impressive. This kid can handle the rock, defend and is still LETHAL if given daylight. He is not quite JJ Reddick squeeze of a shot in a phone-booth lethal, but is a better player in a lot of other areas of the game.

Maniac's Picks

Tonight the Maniac takes the Road less traveled, picking three road dogs to emerge victorious.

Ohio St. +8.5 @ Miami (FL)
Clemson +1 @ Illinois
Duke +1.5 @ Purdue
Virginia +8.5 @ Minnesota

And Another One

Cue Biggie "and another one, uh...and a another one..."

Has any man known more buzzer-beating heartbreak than Seth Greenberg? Last night he got his second dagger of the young season at the hands of Wisconsin's Trevor Hughes.

Best Games You Might Not Be Able to See...

A look at some of the top tilts that may not be broadcast in your neck of the woods. Don't worry - the Maniac has you covered.

Tuesday:

Miami (OH) @ Ohio St - Yes, the Redhawks are 2-3, but their losses are UCLA, Pitt & Xavier. Only the Pitt game wasn;t competitive. Don't be surprised if the 'Hawks get a big-name win Tuesday night.

Georgia @ Western KY - Felton returns home to find a team fresh off a Sweet 16 appearance and a dismantling of #3 Louisville.

Wednesday:

Winthrop @ VMI - VMI has already beaten Kentucky. Winthrop has become kind of "Butler-lite" over the past three years, but is off to a 1-5 start. They need to right the ship quickly to keep their NCAA tourney appearance streak running.

DePaul @ Cal - DePaul is one of the Big East's forgotten sons, lost in the "nine-bid" hype (I heard one ESPN pundit claim 10 is possible. Of course, he is a dipshit...) but the Demons can not afford any missteps pre-conference and keep slim tourney hopes a flutter. Cal is 5-1 and gearing up for a very up-for-grabs middle of the Pac-10 pack.

Kaiser So-Says

Va Tech -3 vs Wisconsin

Always go with coach Seth!!!

Seth says "lay the points"

3 Intersting Starts

Three teams that are on the Maniac's Radar...not ready to slot them in Bracketeering, but they have made interesting blips.

Florida State (7-0)

Seven wins, including victories over Cal and Cincinnati make for a solid start. A closer look at some of the scores makes them an intersting team to track. 2 Point win over Jacksonville, 4 points over LaSalle, by two over STETSON. Then by 11 over Cincy and a 3-point margin over Cal. It seems no matter the quality of the opponent, FSU beats 'em close... Let's see if they can keeo it up against Wake, Miami and Duke (UNC intentionally ommited.)


Jacksonville St. (4-1)

Agreed, they are not a Top 25 team, but if you want a team to keep on your radar as a possible 14 or 15 seeded roll-of-the-dice, consider the Gamecocks. They opened with a 13 point loss to the "Gamecocks"; meaning the one's you HAVE heard of at USC. They rebounded with wins over Georgia St, UMass, and a 28 point drubbing of VMI... who beat Kentucky...who beat West Virginia and Kansas St on back-to-back nights.... I'm just saying....

Dayton (6-0)

A perfect 6-0 start with wins over Auburn and then #15 Marquette. The Flyers hope to avoid a repeat of last year's injury plagued second half swoon.

Maniac picks

* Gonzaga (-2) over Tennessee
* Wake Forest -1 over Baylor (really good "under the radar" game)
* Vandy -1 over VCU




Pargo and the Zags are Final 4 Strong...

On 'Top

What Has 2 Thumbs and Loves an Upset Win Over Louisville?

THIS Guy!

Bracketeering - Nov 30th

Take it or leave it - the Maniac's second edition of Bracketeering for 08-09

FINAL FOUR:

1. UNC - Thrashings of Notre Dame and Kentucky looked routine. Is there any doubt they do the same thing to Michigan St. this Tuesday?

2. UCONN - Wins over Miami and Wisconsin. UConn will have some competition for certain, but appears to be ready to tangle with a tough Big East.

3. Duke - We'll find out how tough Duke is this week against Purdue. My guess? Tough enough.

4. Oklahoma - Played a tough Davidson squad last week in what had the feel of a "third round" tourney game. Took care of Purdue this week in a "Regional Final."

ELITE EIGHT:

5. Gonzaga - This is written before their tilt with #12 Tennessee. I think the Zags win it, and gear up for the Duke tilt later this month.

6. Notre Dame - Yes, Carolina had their way with them, but they are going to make a lot of good teams look very pedestrian. Notre Dame's win over Texas and steady play in 08 are enough to erase the memory of the Ty Lawson track meet in Maui.

7. Pitt- OK, I give in. This is one of a small handful of the best teams in the country. For now.

8. Xavier - Originally an admitted homer pick, but with every team around them taking losses or ducking competition, the Muskies hang on to the 8th slot for another week. Upcoming games against Butler, Cincinnati, Auburn, Virginia and Duke will settle whether they belong.

Sweet and lurking: The next tier
Texas, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Davidson, Tennessee, Baylor, LSU, Louisville, Michigan St, Villanova

Bracket Busts: Some early season disappointments
Lousiville, USC, Marquette, Southern Illinois

Half Court Heaves: Long shots worth keeping an eye on
Dayton, Seton Hall, Minnesota, Cincinnati, St. Mary's, Air Force, Kentucky (forget the VMI game, this will be a tourney team) and Western Kentucky (bad 28-pt. loss to Murray St last week, but gets a temporary nod after dismantling the 'Ville in Freedom Hall)

Not as big as last year's tourney run, but a nice win for the 'Toppers in Louisville.

Flyin' High

Dayton stockpiled an important non-conference scalp by taking down #15 Marquette yesterday. It is also a big win for a A-10 conference that has disappointing early (Charlotte, St. Joes, UMass) other than Xavier.

Dayton was led by a surprising scoring outburst from junior guard Rob Lowery. Prior to the Marquette game, he had scored: 5,9,2,5 and 2 points respectively.