Saturday Hoops Open Thread

Submitted by jamiemac on

There are tons of awesome, compelling hoops on today. From noon to nearly midnight.

If anyone wants to talk hoops, the college landscape and how it all impacts Michigan and the Big 10, lets chat.

I'm sure there will be an open thread or CIL once the UM/osu game starts, but if people want to rap for a while beforehand....a cyber tailgate of sorts....here goes.

Chrisgocomment

January 17th, 2009 at 2:23 PM ^

Jamie, as mentioned in another thread the 2006 UM / OSU game is on Classic College Football! You can't miss that.....

But, as far as hoops in concerned, I'm really really sick of Duke being on TV. Can't we get a Big Ten game?

To be fair though, Duke / Gtown is pretty compelling.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 2:24 PM ^

Right now, on the sets, are these games:

Duke/Gtown.....dont we want Duke in this one? Gotta think the longer Duke stays in the top 3 the more credit UM will get for splitting with them. Whatever. I pulled the trigger on GT +9.

OU/Tamu.....Blake Griffin is worth watching. Pulling for the Sooners, if only because an Aggie loss pushes them farther away from the bubble. But if they end the week with nice wins over baylor and now Oklahoma, UM and others may have more company trying to earn a tourney bid.

Okie St/Baylor.....have this on the full court package. love both team's style and should be an up and down affair. I see both these teams getting into the tourney, by the way.

Chrisgocomment

January 17th, 2009 at 2:32 PM ^

It's kinda nice to have an all UM / OSU day. I'll keep my eye on this 2006 football game in preparation for the big OSU game tonight.

Speaking of the game tonight, how do you like UM's chances? They gotta beat those A-holes.

marco dane

January 17th, 2009 at 2:42 PM ^

Michigan has to get off to a fast start. Can't allow for the stiff who plays center for the uos...to dominate on the boards. Early foul trouble,by the stiff, would go a long way helping Michigan. Which,by the way,I want to see Michigan attacking the basket tonight...and not settling for the trey somuch. Stu and Peedie need to have BIGTIME games tonight,imo...

marco dane

January 17th, 2009 at 2:36 PM ^

G Henderson a STUD!!! Would love having him in maize & blue, with his basketball IQ he would be a perfect fit.

Is D Summers the most improve baller in the land?

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 2:46 PM ^

On all accounts.

Re: Henderson. I am not sold on Duke, but they keep proving me wrong. Henderson's game in college and how he is playing this year reminds me of grant hill. If he keeps playing at that level, the Dookies are a threat.

I still think Wake and UNC runs this club out of the building.

On the other side, Summers just had an awesome, playground like bucket and one in transition.

GT back within 5.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 2:43 PM ^

Chrisgo, here are my thoughts tonight.

I really like UM to win this one. OSU comes in with a lot of good defensive numbers, but I've seen teams ranging from Butler, WVA, Minny and MSU all be able to take over games with OSU by shooting the three ball. And all of them were able to get good, open looks in their basic sets.

As long as UM does not throw up one of their coldest efforts of the season, they can win this one going away.

UM will have one major scoring explosion in the first half to give itself a cushion. Thats what did them in vs Minny and MSU and I dont expect that will change against Michigan. OSU will make a few runs in the second half, but UM will have enough answers.

I see a UM victory of at least 7 points. The lines is 3.5, so you know what I will be doing tonight (truthfully, may just spend the extra juice and play the ML).

I just think OSU struggles to score points, a problem thats been even more problematic since Lighty has been out. Last year, the team had Jamar Butler who could trade baskets with the other teams when all else fails. They dont have that option now.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 2:54 PM ^

How will UM matchup with Mullins and Lauderdale.

On paper and in the airport, OSU has the makings of an intimidating front court with those two. But, Matta never plays them together. Lauderdale gets in foul trouble a lot and sometimes he goes to the bench and becomes forgotten. I wonder if player and coach are on the same page with those two.

Mullin is like 6th in minutes, but his court time has increased in league play. Clearly Matta is bringing him along slowly.

Between the two of them, OSU has great interior D, one of the best shot blocking teams. Together, I think they hammer UM all day.....but you never have to face them together.

At some point, Matta has to go that route, IMO, because in this game and the rest of the year, its one true advantage they have over teams.

They cant score and they need to make sure other teams dont get out of the 60s.

Zone Read Left

January 17th, 2009 at 3:01 PM ^

OSU will get crushed if they play Mullens and Lauderdale a lot vs Michigan. I can't imagine either one of them chasing Novak around the perimeter for more than 5 minutes without getting worn out. Yeah, they'll get a few easy dunks, but I think Beilen will take that tradeoff. Remeber, the big stiff from IU that killed us was Peedi's man. Novak's man didn't really do anything. That's why I think Peedi may have another mediocre game going against one of the best interior defenders in the country in Lauderdale. However, I think nonconference Manny returns tonight. 74-63, good guys win.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 3:07 PM ^

about the matchup tonight with those two big guys.

I just feel over the course of the season, they should find a way to play and win with both of those guys on the floor.

They could have a poor man's version of Mourning/Motumbo and with a half court game and half court defense could clamp people down and force nothing but long jumpers.

Against UM, especially if they're hot, will kill them.....but some of these college clubs just cant shoot, so I think it might be worth it.

Watch the Matta/Lauderdale relationship. I dont think they like each other. matta always pulls him, gives him an earful and then he disappears. Seems like a waste to me.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 3:09 PM ^

....Duke can win, but not by more than 9.

Of course, GT will now need a big time run just to get it that close.

I did not think they could run away and hide from the Hoyas, but they are.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 3:19 PM ^

Lighty told the Columbus Dispatch on Tuesday night when they played Indiana that it would still be a couple of more weeks before he returns.

He broke his foot in a mid December game. Got a 6/8 week diagnosis, iirc.

He was still wearing a boot on Tuesday night.

Sounds like he needs a fast rehab or he wont even make it for the rematch on 1/28.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 3:34 PM ^

There is a great game going on between baylor and okie st.

lot of scoring. lot of up and down the floor action.

baylor had control, but okie st is on a major run taking a 7 point deficit to a 5 point lead. The two teams are going at it for the full 94 feet.

espn full court is free today.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 3:38 PM ^

WF at Clem, abc....2 undefeated teams. This Wake team has been a revelation. They are so fun to watch and have not been slurped to death by the msm....like a great rock band before they hit it big commercially. This will be a great game to watch. Line: Clem -2.5

ASU at UCLA, cbs.....two best teams in the Pac 10. Great basketball and plenty of future pros out there. Line: UCLA -6

Illin at MSU, espn......The Illini play nothing but close games. MSU is peaking right now. Winner has a nice leg up in league play, especially MSU given Wisco's loss the other night. Line: MSU -8

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 3:42 PM ^

Thats a push, nothing on, nothing lost.

Feel kinda lucky to achieve even that.

That Paulus missed FT, GTown trey was a big swing. Duke went 4-0 the rest of the way to make it a push.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 4:11 PM ^

Here's my action for this round of games:

Illini +8 over MSU
New Mex +1.5 over BYU
LSU -2 over Ole Miss
VT to win over BC

and a to win parlay with UCLA, VT and Texas....all have to win just SU....pays just under 3/1.

I put a little extra on the Illini and a little less on that parlay.

What can I say, its cold as chit outside, blowing snow everywhere and I am kinda under the weather. might as well stay in and gamble.

And, no, I have no money on this East/West Shrine game....I mean, I would have a problem if I did that, right?

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 4:27 PM ^

MSU got out strong with an 8-2 as Illini could not do anything offensively.

Then the Illini ran of eight straight; game tied at 12 at the under 12 TO in the first half.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 4:28 PM ^

LSU opening this one up early with a 21-7 lead.

Only reason why I am noting this is that its on the espn full court package and Tommy Hammond is doing the play by play.

Its bizarre.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 4:38 PM ^

The gmae of the day, IMO.

WF up 32-27 at the half. The score was stuck on this number for the final three minutes or so. Lots of chances by both teams.

Second half line: Clemmie -2.5

That means Clemson has to win the 2nd H score by 3 to cover.

For the game, Clemson was -2.5. Playing the 2nd H line, basically gives you Clemson +2.5 for the game. This is a five point swing on that line. This game is long from being over and the home team has a great shot at still winning this one.

I like that swing of points towards the home team. So I took the bait and added it to my plays.

Man, I hope I have some cash still on hand for tonight's game!

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 4:45 PM ^

great to see that Brock kid drain jumpers late in the possession against other teams?

Now, if only I get a chance to see that Tisdale kid light someone else up today other than UM, the Illini might steal this sucker.

On an 11-2 run here as the half winds down. Up 25-22

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 4:51 PM ^

Nothing like giving up 11 unanswered coming out of the break. Instantly giving me the guilt of over indulgence.

Graphic just showed five games where they came back 8 or more down to win, si I guess they're not out of it.

Wake up a dozen at the under 16 TO in the 2nd half

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 5:19 PM ^

Illini looking good at half. Really took over the last 5 minutes.

Izzo got a tech....announcers said it was the fourth time in the five games that that particular ref called a T on Izzo. Interesting.....hope he draws the UM/MSU game next month.

And because the above 2nd half pick is going so well, I might as well add another with MSU -8. Makes them a -1 play for the game.....plus just a little hedge money on my bigger Illini +8 play. I've been this comfy at half many times only to watch the home win the second half by 15-20 points.....this is more strategy than handicapping at this point.

Still, how can anyone not be impressed with how the Illini have improved this year. If they win, they will be the front runner after one third of the big 10 season.

They went 5-13 last year.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 5:43 PM ^

see the body slam. I did see the hose job on the shot clock. Illini not going away.

Been keeping my main attention on the Bruins blowing donkey down the stretch.

Scoreless for over 7 minutes, but still up 2 with 1:17.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 5:59 PM ^

Watch the Illini FT's.

One of the worst teams at shooting them last year, but they are one of the best this year.

Can they maintain that tonight on the road, to close out a game.

Just missed a pair and now MSU has a chance for the lead with 5 to go. Sparty going to the line right now for 2.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 6:03 PM ^

Pitt at Louisville.

Undefeated and #1 on the road vs a top 15 team.

Louisville is favored by 1.

Home court is so strong in college hoops. I'll throw down a bit on the Cards to give their first loss. Big East short, home favs are great investments and have cleaned up so far in the early going. Riding it out.

jamiemac

January 17th, 2009 at 6:06 PM ^

Made only one bucket the final 13 minutes of play, including OT.

Lost by 3.

And totally blew my parlay to smithereens....VT and Texas both came through.

ASU the new team to beat in this year's pac 10 race.

Sparty finally starting to get it in gear. They might just cover the -8 after all.

marco dane

January 17th, 2009 at 6:08 PM ^

UCLA finish the with only ONE basket the last thirdtheen minutes of the game. Didn't score a basket within the last eight minutes of regulation time...there basket came in ot with one minute left in the game...Arizona St won.