No muss, no fuss. It's Tournament Mode and we here at BOTC are just looking to survive and advance, so hit the jump for a no-frills open game thread.
The game's at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU, if you didn't already know. Might be on ESPN360, too, but I wouldn't bet on it -- I looked for the Dayton-Villanova game on there at work today and they didn't have it.
0 recs | 161 comments
Well, make that 7:45 or 7:50
Boston and Indiana are running late.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
I'm a little disappointed
Indiana didn’t win. My brothers and sister-in-law all went there. It would have been a fun topic of conversation at Thanksgiving.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
Man, Indiana really blows
Bet they lose to Mason, too.
They’re just a name right now.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Kelvin Sampson
really did them over. He wiped them clean.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
Enjoy it while they're a name.
Crean will have them top 25 in two years.
Warden11 - November 20, 2009
Yeah, probably
But I haven’t really seen the recruiting kick up there yet.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Good, because it feels like
the Akron/BGSU game is never going to end.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Thank Goodness
the clock is running down in the football game…Bring on the Cats!
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
I HATE MAC FOOTBALL
I don’t care about Bowling Green or Akron. I really don’t.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
THE GAME IS OVER!
WHO CARES! Seriously.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
This is the first time
I am hearing about Freddy Barnes. Who know he could break the single season reception record?
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
*knew
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
These are things we all need to know.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Not on ESPN360
The sporting gods hate me.
GO CATS. The game should be tipping in six minutes.
Wenders - November 20, 2009
The guy sitting next to Hubert Davis
has one amazing shirt on. Wow.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
He was wearing a shirt?
I couldn’t get past his hair.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Kind of a lame foul on Kelly...
Did he really get him with the body, or do we have pussy refs again?
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
It was a lame foul
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Slow start for the good guys...
7-2 Ole Miss.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
There's a shock.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Yeah, I don't get it either...
This team does have offensive firepower. We just continue to struggle when we aren’t running 100 MPH, and it’s hard to do that in the beginning when you trade blows and get into the rhythm of the game.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Jake with the deep three...
Nice shot bra.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Can someone fix the goddamn clock?
Jesus Hubert Christ. Doesn’t someone there own a Timex we can use?
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Notice how it's always when we have a fast break?
Things that make you go, “Hm”…
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Not a very exciting game so far.
The clock issues aren’t helping.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
9-7 Ole Miss...
Not bad. The team isn’t playing “bad” per se. The shooting is less than to be desired, but they’re getting inside pretty good.
I love Wally Judge’s athleticism, but come’on son…you commit some stupid fouls.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
We got lucky what White stepped on the line...
You guys need to block out…
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Jamar...you complete me.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I'm serious. I haven't had this kind of man crush on an athlete since "The Beaz".
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
It's about time Ole Miss got another foul...
They’re getting away with a lot of contact. Us? Not so much.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
And I'm not trying to whine...it's just sloppy, obvious contact. It's not even good defense.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Apparently the refs heard you.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Well, it's pretty obvious.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Love the energy from Kelly so far
he is really working.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Gotta hit those free throws. That's gonna cost us a couple of games this year. Maybe even this one.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Oooooh. Death stare from Frank.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
It's because he heard the announcer call him a Puerto Rican
Good way to get popped in the nose, calling a Cuban that.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
You mean a Porto...Puerta....Puerto. There we go. I got it. Puerto Rican.
Geez..
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
So far, we're the fundamentally better team
No turnovers, no stupid fouls, no travel calls.
The only difference is, they’re hitting shots and we’re not. But I think that will flip around to us if we keep up the D.
I feel better about this game than I did 10 minutes ago.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Alright, halfway through the 1st...my thoughts...
I’m kind of upset at how we’re playing. Don’t get me wrong; Ole Miss is a good team. However, Kennedy’s team plays like a traditional Huggins team. They’re overly physical, sloppy, and are basically turning this game into a slap fight. It’s not attractive basketball. But we need to take advantage of that more. I feel we’re playing better than Ole Miss, but it’s not reflected because we’re not finishing.
If I’m Frank, the first thing I do next week is force every one of these guys to shoot 1000 free throws. I mean, shit, it’s not like we need a lot of practice time to beat IUPUI.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Jake. Coast. 2. Coast.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
And a missed free throw. Obviously. 0-3 tonight as a team.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Pullen!
Nice drive
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
Be-a-uuuuuu-tiful pass to a wiiiiiiiiide open Kelly. Slam finish. Clean. Unlike Jake's beard.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
One the guards on Ole Miss
has made the same mistake. I don’t understand it…
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
ESPN tidbit of the night (courtesy of the ticker)
Texas can clinch the North win a win tomorrow…….
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
The worldwide leader in sports.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Well, we're in the bonus. Now hit these, Jake.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
1-2
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
7:59 left in the first. KSU shooting 20% from the FT line. Shooting 20% from 3pt. Lackluster for sure.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
We suck at free throws and we suck at boxing out
I know what we need to work on next week…
In the meantime, get the ball to Jam Sam!
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
So, I'm not really "concerned" right now...
Ole Miss doesn’t really want to go down low because they’re having a hard time in there. I think they really want to chuck up a bunch of threes. I don’t think that bodes well over the course of the game. I also think Ole Miss will wear down a bit in the second half. Some of them look kind of tired right now to be honest.
We’re just shooting like shit.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Not to mention foul trouble
I agree with your analysis. If we make FTs, we’re winning already.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Another great feed by Jake to Sutton, and Dom makes a sweet left handed finish.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
That's what we need out of him
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
That was a foul there. Yeah, he got all ball, but he kind of humped Jake.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
same foul they called on Dom
at the other end, he just didn’t get a block.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Alright, can anyone confirm that the guy I hear screaming like a madman is Frank?
I assume it is, but I just want to know for sure.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Among others
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Update...
1-6 FT
1-7 3pt
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Seriously.
Make a free throw. This is getting ridiculous.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
That was nice hustle, but shit, we're missing bunnies.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Keep it up y'all
Wishing I was watching the game instead of at work.
Wenders - November 20, 2009
OH MY GOD, WE HIT A FREE THROW!!!
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
And we missed the next one.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Jake with a nice drive...off the glass for two.
29-25 Ole Miss.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
KSU is dominating the paint right now...
Ole Miss is just hitting some threes, and they’re hitting their charity shots.
We, obviously, are not.
2-8 FT
1-8 3pt
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Hopefully they'll start to miss
and we’ll start to hit
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
I'm glad we're only down 4
It could be a lot more considering how poorly we are shooting beyond the arc and at the charity stripe.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
McGruder got absolutely hacked on that drive
What the fuck?
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Let them lay physical, or call ticky tack.
Just be consistent.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I say that, and Kelly got flattened. No foul.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I give up after that exchange. We're missing point blank shots.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
It's not really great defense by Ole Miss either. We're just rebounding over each other and blocking our own damn shots.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Kelly with some really nice interior passing. Two straight assists.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Okay, Ole Miss has six blocked shots this half...
Question…how many of those were actually blocks, and how many should be classified as tackles?
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Several
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
God damn. Clemente 1-2 FT on that trip.
End of the first half: 32-30 Ole Miss.
KSU stats:
13-34 FG
1-8 3pt
3-10 FT
That’s just sad. It’s amazing we’re only down two.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
That half was perfect for us
We’re in the game, but we’re losing. Should make for some good halftime motivation.
Mark my words: Jam Sam’s been cooling his heels for 10 minutes now. He’s absolutely gonna blow up in the second half.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
1st half thoughts:
-I need more beer. 2 is not going to do it.
-Like the play of Kelly. Need to get him involved every play. He should be able to set up outside shooters.
-Denis needs to wake up. This game and last game his shot has been left in the U.S.
-I like the turnovers. This is helping us stay in the game.
-I want Jake to drive more.
-I want to see JamSam posterize somebody. I don’t care if he gets charged with the charge. Make it happen.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
Whatcha drinkin' tonight?
I just bought some Paulaner and Schlafly Winter ESB.
TB - November 20, 2009
Just poured my last bottle of
Kona’s Pipeline Porter. Good stuff.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
Schlafly Winter ESB...
Sounds like it has potential. Won’t be able to find that in Texas though.
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
It's rated 92
So I figured it’s worth a shot. With the weather turning colder, it’s time for some winter brews.
TB - November 20, 2009
Welcome to the party.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Thanks
Won’t be around a lot. Still have to help clean the house a little with company coming this weekend.
Hey Bracket, thanks for posting that Q&A. Here’s the link to the Ole Miss blog, Ghost of Chucky, in case anyone’s interested. Also, check out SB Nation’s Ole Miss blog (it’s hilarious), Red Cup Rebellion.
TB - November 20, 2009
Sam Adams Winter Lager
Not as good as Oktoberfest, but still yummy.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Off-Topic: Why is Hubert Davis calling this game?
What law says that these networks have to hire former players as announcers? Why can’t we just get good people who understand basketball?
I know that I’m overly critical of announcers, but Hubert isn’t very good. Hell, Mike Clark is better and he was a baseball coach.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Hubert Davis
has had a bunch of appearances on ESPN and does a few segments for their gameday shows. We should feel honored? I’m Ron Burgandy?
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
It's Hawaiian shirt day on ESPNU.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I'm pleased with the interior passing thus far.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Nice start to the second half
TB - November 20, 2009
1-2 on free throws again. I guess that's progress because it's higher than the evening's average.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Kelly's starting to feel it. Feed him.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I'm not gonna sugar coat it. Clemente is playing like shit.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Pressing in front of the home crowd
TB - November 20, 2009
3 of 20 don't lie
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Well, I'm not agreeing with that steal...
But I guess they’re allowing a lot of contact now, so you may as well play knowing that.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Time to rally, baby.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Hey, Jamar may as well join the "We're going to miss all of our free throws" club.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I can't figure out why...
…we start out the season so slow. These guys have been shooting free throws since they started playing the game. It’s not a new skill.
TB - November 20, 2009
4-14 on FT's...
I’ve never seen it this bad. That’s just…I don’t even have the words for it.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Man
1-10 3PT
4-14 FT
It stings just to look.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
WTF? Pullen has been raped all night
yet no foul. I repeat WTF?
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Well, this game can be written off as a learning experience...
I don’t think we can win unless some sort of miracle happens. We’re down nine, and this is the worst shooting performance I’ve seen.
The officiating is inconsistent, the team looks frustrated, and we’ve devolved into some sloppy, sloppy play.
Not a good day.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Three by Ole Miss...49-36
They’re heating up, and we’re getting run out of the gym.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
You all know that I love Frank, but I'm not impressed by this performance.
I know that you can’t do much when the team shoots like this, but shit. We always start off slow, and it kills us come bubble time.
Obviously, what we’ve done to prepare for the season doesn’t work. Time to rethink that strategy coach.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Jesus, the officiating this whole tournament...
…not just our games…is driving me crazy. Its f-ing terrible.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
need I say more?
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Okay, Ole Miss just turned the ball over. Let's get this thing back to 10.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Atta boy, Wally. Now hit a fucking free throw.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
And he missed it.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
And to make matters worse, Kelly was hit in the face by the ball.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Ha!
Like we expect anything else.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
On a side note, Duke Edsall....
…looks just like his brother.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
...who will be KU's next football coach.
TB - November 20, 2009
Sign me up.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
4-15 on free throws. I'm not trying to belabour the point, but I HATE missed free throws.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
You know, when I used to shoot baskets in the driveway, I always ended by shooting free throws.
I had to make several in a row before I went inside.
It’s what you do. Is it fun? Not always. But you just do it because you have to.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
As someone put it best last night...
…I could do that drunk.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
I'll take credit for that one...
…and it goes again tonight. Except with 4-14, I think I could do that at twice the legal limit.
TB - November 20, 2009
It's not hard. I understand the pressure, and it's a mental thing, but the mentality is easy...
It’s all about repetition. Set your feet. Line up your elbow. Dribble, dribble, shoot.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
If were not careful,
Frank is going to go all Oregon on us…
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
I'm okay with that...
We’ve had some serious defensive lapses in the second half, and we’re missing easy shots and free throws.
I told my wife that I couldn’t be a college coach. I’d probably go all Mangino after a game like this.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Lets get this under 10
There is still a lot of time left, despite all the crap we have put up with thus far.
And somehow Wally’s shot doesn’t go down.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
hey guys
They can shoot the three. I’m just sayin
Catfan33 - November 20, 2009 via mobile
Clemete just got picked so bad...
God, can we just sit him until he gets back to the mainland?
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
No...
…and for as bad as he can be, that is why we need him.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Denis hits a three. See? Motivation. Mangino style.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Ha!
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Again, a nice interior pass by JHR means an easy two. KSU down 8.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I really want to swear profusely right now after Clemente's shot, but my pregnant wife is asleep in the living room...
A horrible shot and decision leads to a fast break for Ole Miss with a bonus shot at the end.
God damn it. Jesus Christ. Fuck me.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
If we could ever get a stop on D
this would be a game.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Our guards sound like they're getting eaten alive. surprising.
ohiocats84 - November 20, 2009
Well, they're setting a lot of high picks and screens, and our help defense isn't great.
Denis gets picked, Kelly comes to help, then a pass goes inside or something and we get killed.
It’s simple, basic stuff.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Also, Miss is more physical than we are.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Denis heating up!
He’s on FIRE!
Is is the shoes?
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
The formula for beating Kansas State is easy right now.
Play zone. Foul a lot.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Denis driving me crazy...
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Rebounding fundamentals are bad...
Our guys let themselves get too far under the basket. They need to step back a foot so they can get a better angle.
They have hops. They have long arms. We lose a lot of boards to long caroms.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Spoken like a coach. I'm incorporating your comments for my 12 year olds!
ohiocats84 - November 20, 2009
Also, I have to give some props to Ole Miss. They've played well the second half.
They are a good shooting team, and they’ve hit 80% of their free throws. That’s how you win games against good teams.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Memo to Frank...
I like Rodney. We still need more shooters though.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I repeat...
…if we could get a stop of any sort on D……………………………………………….
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Well, credit to Warren...
…consider the zone, busted.
gw1754 - November 20, 2009
Beasley would only be a jr. this year. Can you imagine if we still had him?
ohiocats84 - November 20, 2009
You know what player I miss more than anyone? Cartier.
If he had one more year under Huggins, he would have been amazing. We’ve missed a pure shooter like him so much.
This team is a Cartier Martin away from being a really, really, really good team.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
Is he still in the NBA?
ohiocats84 - November 20, 2009
Euroleague.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
For you football fans: Boise up by 14 over USU. Weird stripes on their pants.
ohiocats84 - November 20, 2009
Moral of the story...
this team lives and dies by Denis Clemente. That’s not good considering how streaky he is.
I don’t want to use young as an excuse, but I now think this team is one year way from being a top 25 team. I think we need to take this last freshman class and see at least one more year of development.
Also, I think we’d be steadier with Pullen at the point.
Night all. See you tomorrow for fooseball.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I think you're overreacting slightly
It’s way too early to make that assessment. There’s a lot of season left and frankly, they needed a loss. That was clear the last three games. Maybe now they will get their heads straight in practice.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
I'm just looking ahead...
When I look at certain players on this team, I see improvement. Sutton has improved his awareness and is growing into his role. Samuels is a given. Kelly gets better every game. Pullen continues to improve and is becoming the best pure guard we’ve had here since Anthony Beane.
Clemente, in the last four games, is playing like a guy who wants to prove that he’s really good. He’s pressing. Good players let the game come to them. They take what’s given to them and make the most of their opportunities because, good players find opportunities.
Denis just wants to make something happen even when it’s not there. I can vividly remember there at the end of the game, when we were chipping away, he drove and threw up a piss poor shot which led to a transition layup +1 on the other end. That’s what he does.
If the kid isn’t feeling it, he’s not helping us. He’s not very solid defensively, and you can’t run a halfcourt set with with because he can’t drive like Jake; he just tries to get by you really, really fast and shoot some prayer.
I mean, hey, I like the kid. I think he’s a good player. He’s just streaky. You don’t give streaky players all of those minutes and make them the focal point of your team because if you do, you’ll be streaky.
Panjandrum - November 20, 2009
I'm just saying it's early
I had Sutton written off after the first few games but he showed drastic improvement toward understanding his role tonight. Things can change quickly when you have this much talent.
Hell, McGruder had three open looks. Last night he knocked ‘em down. Tonight he didn’t. Simple as that.
If they take the day off and get their heads straight, maybe they come out and knock off Dayton, and then we will all feel a hell of a lot better. You never know.
But even if we come out of this thing 1-2, we’re still way ahead of where we were after Vegas and Oregon last year because Boston, Ole Miss and Dayton are way better teams.
And we can still get better and go beat UNLV, Xavier, Alabama and Wazzu and have a steller resume, not to mention Big 12 play will do more for us this year than last (certainly beating Texas would do more for us, anyway).
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Hmm...Not a good game.
But, being the first game that I’ve been able to really watch I am a little excited.
Wally Judge is going to be a great player. The more touches he gets earlier, the better. Pan’s got a man-crush on JamSam. I’ve got a man-crush on Judge.
Curtis Kelly has changed our offense. I like what he does with the ball. Consider me a fan.
Jake and Denis…..ugg…
mystman995 - November 20, 2009
Well...
that game sucked. we did not play well at all the second half. im very disappointed. i hope none of the football players watched the game. we cant suck it up like that again this weekend.
KSUfan4Life - November 20, 2009
My insight tonight...
Okay rewind my comments from the BU game…just look back at my free throws comment and repeat. The team needs to shoot near .800 from the line or they are no better than a Sweet 16 squad. The young guys have to learn that when you receive the ball down in the post you don’t go up immediately…give the head fake and then lean in…consistently will draw a foul and not the blocked shots I saw tonight. We can’t box out to save our life. ESPNU coverage was one-sided to say the least…from the opening tip…must be the SEC contract. Twice we were stopped on fast breaks by clock issues including a wave off basket. The referees were so inconsistent…ticky tack one minute…bodies littering the floor the next. K-State gave themselves very few solid looks from beyond the arc. Whatever happened to setting a pick and letting Pullen or Clemente having a full second to line up a decent shot? I hope we don’t play anyone with three strong guards in the Big 12. We really seem to struggle against the zone we need to fix that as soon as possible. Lots of promise but more practice is needed. Anyone know what ESPN was talking about in terms of Colon? They mentioned the injury and then something about KSU checking into his off court issues? Anyone?
Catbacker98 - November 20, 2009
Wow, what kind of expectations did you have?
I would KILL for a Sweet 16 berth. That always was my goal — go one round further than last time.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
Something that might make him ineligible to play
So they’re not taking the risk.
Probably grades.
BracketCat - November 20, 2009
I am sorry our fans aren't as in to basketball
as you Wildcats are. Also, this is a big football weekend so basketball was on the back burner. Best of luck to your cats for this season.
Whiskey Wednesday - November 21, 2009
Nice win over LSU
TB - November 23, 2009
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