Big 12 vs Big East. (week 5) #2

1. #1 UConn 50 at #9 Oklahoma 66 (week 10)
In last seasons match-up Oklahoma (toknowpepsi) won at UConn (chapelhillne) and Oklahoma is the defending National Champion. Both teams were undefeated coming in to this matchup. Oklahoma fans packed the arena ready for the battle with Huskies. UConn came out on the attack but early on it seemed to work against them as the Sooners scored the first seven points. UConn's McCary took it on his shoulders to keep the Huskies in it and his play inspired the team in a comeback. The Sooners grudgingly held on to the lead 29-28 at the half. In the second half the Sooners exploded out of the gates with a 24-6 run that left no room for doubt on the final outcome. Player of the Game SG William Hill 19 points 2 rebounds 1 steal.
2. #19 Oklahoma St 59 at Louisville 53
Oklahoma State (awhoosier) dominated the first matchup between these two teams. Louisville (jbob23) was looking for revenge. Both teams rolled in undefeated looking to make a statement to the rest of the country. Scoring was at a premium and both teams played like every possession could decide the game. It was a battle of the stars as both Oklahoma St.'s PG James Brown and Louisville's Caleb Daddario came to play. The Cardinals led 21-19 at the half. The Cowboys stunned the home crowd with a 13-6 run to start the second half before the game settled back down. With 2:20 remaining OSU's Thomas Wix nailed a big three and then stole the ball in the backcourt leading to 2 more points and a 52-46 lead. Louisville stayed methodical on offense and closed the gap to 52-50 with 26 seconds remaining. Oklahoma State would hit enough free throws to hold on for the victory. Player of the Game Oklahoma State's PG James Brown 13 points 3 rebounds 5 assists 3 steals.
3. #18 Providence 42 at #6 Texas 57
Texas (manonde01) and Providence (starrider19) both won games in the initial Big 12-Big East challenge. Both teams are fairly young and relied on limiting their opponents possessions. The Friars would pull in seven offensive rebounds in the first half but only managed 8 points from it. The Longhorns made 9/15 shots and led 22-19 at the half. It was back and forth from there and Texas barely led 32-31 until Texas's snipers began firing away from beyond the arc and opened up the Friar defensive wall with 11:30 left in the game. By the time the shooters were done Texas had pulled off a 19-4 run pulled away en route to the victory. Player of the Game Texas's C Terry Patel 9 points 7 rebounds 1 steal.
4. Kansas St 83 at St. John's 86 (week 4)
Both Kansas State (drob321) and St. John's (chaltain) advanced to the 2nd round of last years NT. By any account these are budding powers. They showed their array of athletes from the start with both coaches going uptempo to attack the defenses. By the time the first half ended The Wildcats had managed a 40-33 lead on the road. They would extend that lead to 15 after a Paul Hornig dunk made it 58-43. The Red Storm responded to the pleas of the hometown faithful and rallied for a 21-3 run and a 64-61 lead. Seniors PG Hornig (23) and C Sandifer (25) would keep the Cats in it but would be out played on this day by the Red Storm duo of PG Motley (26) and G Buffington (21). Player of the Game St. John's PG Jeremy Motley 26 points 4 rebounds 4 assists 2 steals.
5. Pittsburgh at Baylor- stockplayer (Pittsburgh) feared ftbeaglesfan (Baylor) and ran away. Game not played due to fear factor.
6. #20 Iowa St 89 at Rutgers 82 OT
Both Iowa State (Clone77) and Rutgers (alebear) look to atone for missing last season's NT. Both were undefeated. Optimism was high for Rutgers and their fans came out in force. The Rutgers zone packed the inside and dared the Cyclones to beat them from the outside. Early on it worked. Iowa State shot only 4-17 from outside and trailed the Scarlet Knights 36-32 at the half. Fans in the arena texted others and soon it seemed like all of New Jersey was tuned in for the second half. Back and forth it went with neither team able to pull away. Finally with 40 seconds left in the game it appeared to be sealed when David Grace stepped to the line and made a pair of free throws to give Rutgers a 73-67 lead. Missed free throws down the stretch would give Iowa St. a chance and they would take advantage when Lawrence Johnson would nail a three to tie it up with 19 seconds left. Rutgers had one more chance to end it in regulation but a double dribble by Darius Menke ended that hope. In overtime the Cyclone's David Peppers put on a show scoring the first 11 points (including three 3s) for Iowa State as Iowa State sealed a come from behind win on the road. Player of the Game Iowa State C David Peppers 24 points 15 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals
7. West Virginia 59 at #25 Texas A&M 78
Both Texas A&M (pjeleson) and West Virginia (cats421991) have coaches relatively new to their programs. The Aggies were heavily favored. The Mountaineers looked like they were going to pull an upset when they scored the first five points of the game. Then Texas A&M exploded for a 23-4 run that left the raucous Morgantown fans silent. West Virginia would get no closer than eight the rest of the way. Player of the Game Texas A&M SF Rafael Quiroga 15 points 9 rebounds 1 assist 2 steals
8. Missouri 71 at Cincinnati 79
Missouri (mschulte24) and Cincinnati (Sim) are building their programs in their own image. Both teams need a win in this one to turn around a slow start to the season. The Tigers packed in their zone to slow the power inside game of the Bearcats. Missouri's Joseph Berry would put up 13 points in the first 18 minutes and had his team up 33-26, Then the Bearcats got physical with Berry and his lanky 168 pound frame. He would only get 3 points the rest of the game. At the half the Tigers still led 36-34 but the game had changed. The draining of that physical FCP in the second half wore on the Tigers and the Bearcats pulled ahead and then away. Player of the Game Cincinnati PF Robert Ferguson 13 points 11 rebounds 1 assist.

Big East vs SEC (week 7) #1

1. #23 Kentucky 66 at #1 UConn 79
UConn (chapelhillne) rolled in undefeated and Kentucky (cimmy426) has been dominate since losing their opening game to Oklahoma. Huskies fans packed the arena looking forward to a great game between perennial title contenders. UConn went on the attack early but Kentucky kept their composure and led 13-11 with 8:30 left in the half. That's when UConn's Jasmin nailed a three and ignited a 20-5 Husky run. Kentucky was only able to trade baskets after that and trailed at the half 44-29. Kentucky started the second half off hot and ripped off a 16-4 run to close it to 45-48. UConn would recover with Randall Davis beginning to take over the post. A frustrated William Harrison would pick up his fifth foul with 11:13 left and shortened Kentucky's rotation to just 8 players. Kentucky would never get closer than seven the rest of the way. Player of the Game UConn's C Randal Davis 14 points 8 rebounds 1 steal 3 blocks.
2. Louisville 41 at #12 Alabama 57
Louisville (jbob23) was on a two game slide and looking to turn their season back around. Alabama (jeffdrayer) has been on a roll since being upset on the road earlier this season. Alabama fans were ready but it was Louisville that started off hot and shot out to a 7-0 lead. Alabama would recover but trailed 21-14 with six minutes left in the half. Endres would start a Tide 12-2 run that would go to the half and leave Alabama with the lead 26-23. Louisville was behind but had far bigger problems. They committed 11 fouls and star C Klaus was held scoreless in the first half. Alabama continued to play lock down defense in the second half and never let the Cardinal offense off the mat. Also Louisville couldn't find anyone who could stop Alabama's forward tandem of Clark and Dick. Player of the Game Alabama PF Darrell Dick 19 points 4 rebounds 1 steal.
3. #19 Tennessee 50 at Providence 56
Tennessee (cjok1051) entered the game undefeated and Providence (starrider19) had been battle tested by two top 25 teams (their only losses). Providence fans have come to expect success and are particularly excited about the potential of this team. Tennessee's Klein started off the scoring with an old fashioned three point play. Then Providence steam rolled the Volunteer shooters and shut them out first part of the first half. At the ten minute mark Providence held a 13-3 lead. The Volunteers would recover but could not string enough baskets together to make a run. The Friars led 28-19 at the half. In the second half Providence went inside to PF Coachman who would respond with 10 points in the half. Providence's SG combo of Pitt and Matson could be seen jawing at their SG counterparts all game and in second half it got to Turner and Klein. Turner picked up an early fourth foul and Klein picked up 3 fouls in a five minute span that ended at 12:47 mark with both guards sitting at 4 apiece. Providence stayed poised and aggressive in pulling away for the win. Player of the Game Providence PF Eric Coachman 14 points 7 rebounds 1 steal 3 blocks.
4. St. John's 58 at #16 LSU 83 (week 1)
LSU (alockwood86) and St. John's (chaltain) were looking to find out what they have this season right out of the gates. Both teams are expected to be NT teams this season. St. John's started aggressive by attacking the LSU press from the start. It backfired early when the Tigers rushed out to 7-0 lead. The Storm responded with a tip in, dunk, and open three on consecutive possessions to tie it up. The Tigers then responded with a 15-3 run to pull ahead 22-10. LSU would continue to slowly extend that lead and led 40-23 at the half behind 9 points from PF Jackson. St. John's could never close the gap enough to make it close. LSU kept the pressure on and forced 21 turnovers in the game. Player of the Game LSU SG Alfonso Gutierrez 20 points 3 rebounds 3 assists.
5.. Auburn at Pittsburgh- stockplayer (Pittsburgh) feared scottevans21 (Auburn) and ran away. Game not played due to fear factor.
6. Rutgers 56 at Miss. St. 58
Rutgers (alebear) and Mississippi State (zoomvsf) were looking to make a statement to the selection committees with a win. This could be one of those nonconference games that decides which bubble teams get in and which ones are out in the committees eyes. The Bulldogs fans were fired up. The Knights didn't care and went right at the Bulldogs from the start. The Bulldogs tried to counter with a very deliberate offense. Rutgers got off to the early 5-0 lead before Mississippi State could get on the board. The Bulldog's star Wilson scored five of the next six points to set the crowd on fire. Rutgers Menke didn't back down and had 7 points of his own in the first half. The second half started with Rutgers holding a 26-23 lead and it looking like the Menke-Wilson matchup would decide the game. Mississippi State's Griffith picked up an early third foul and the Bulldogs fans became a little nervous as Rutgers tried to take advantage inside. Backup Walter didn't let his team down and kept up the intense defense around the basket. With 16:15 left in the game Rutgers led 33-30. That's when the cracks in Rutgers young guns began to show. Walter broke free and was going for a layup when Knight's Pankowski shoved him into the stands. Walters was clearly not himself after that and missed both free throws badly. Bulldog's Travis Taylor would send a message of his own by way of a hard forearm to Pankowski's head as he tried to get around Taylor's pick. The inspired Bulldogs would rally and the game was tied after Menke made 1 of 2 free throws. The Knights quickly covered Wilson and the ballhandlers for the Bulldogs off the miss. Undaunted 7'0" center Griffith would take the rebound and lumber coast to coast to lay it in with four seconds left and was fouled. He appeared to be winded and barely touched the rim on the missed free throw. After a desperation heave the game was over and Bulldogs fans stormed the court. Player of the Game Bulldogs PG Gregory Wilson 18 points 2 rebounds 1 steal.
7. Arkansas 79 at West Virginia 54
Both teams entered the game struggling and needing a win. Arkansas (willmes) had lost two in a row and West Virginia (cats421991) had lost 4 of 6. West Virginia tried to control the ball so their nine man rotation could keep pace with Arkansas's 12 man rotation. West Virginia's physical zone kept the game close at halftime and the Razorbacks led by two 31-29. The score was 35 all when Arkansas would explode with a 26-9 run that would be too much for the Mountaineers to overcome. Player of the Game Arkansas PG Gregory Swenson 21 points 2 rebounds 3 assists 1 steal.
8. Georgia 70 at Villanova 64 (week 9)
These were two teams going in opposite directions. Georgia (panapanthers) entered the game on a seven game win streak and Villanova (Sim) had dropped 6 of 8 to open the season. Villanova's Vogelsberg would nail a three out of the gates to let the fans know the Wildcats were going to play hard for them today. After a Whitchurch tip in Nova led 12-8 and a huge upset appeared in the making. The crowd was standing on their feet when Worrell went up for a dunk shortly after that. It was not to be. Out of nowhere Bulldog Stabler came flying in and swatted the dunk attempt. The Georgia bench jumped to their feet cheering. The Bulldogs would score the next 14 points and create some distance. The Wildcats clawed their way back in and trailed 31-29 at the half. In the second half Georgia would pull away and Nova would continue to claw their way back each and every time but never able to take lead. Player of the Game Georgia SG James Hesser 18 points 1 rebound 3 assists 1 steal.
9. Seton Hall 47 at Florida 67
Seton Hall (Sim) was 5-1 and looking for their first winning season in 5 years. Florida (highcountry) was .500 with young talent everywhere. Seton Hall's star Glasper was looking unstoppable entering the game while Florida star Sanford was coming off his worst game (only 2 points) of the season. From the outset Florida threw a double team at Glasper and the Pirates and their star had no answer. However the Pirates solid defense would help them to an 8-6 lead with 12:30 left in the half. The Gators appeared to be sleep walking through the game on offense. Gator's PF Dudley took a hard foul from the Pirate's Ealy on another soft floater in the lane area. In between free throws highcountry yelled at his players to "Play tough" and "Take it basket like you mean it!". The Gators would respond and began attacking the basket with purpose. Seton Hall buckled under the onslaught and Florida went on a 25-7 run to end the half and lead 31-15. The second half was all about finishing what you started for the Gators and no matter what they tried the Pirates couldn't close the gap. Player of the Game Florida SG Tyler Sanford 15 points 2 rebounds 4 assists 2 steals.
10. South Carolina 81 at Syracuse 94
South Carolina (long_ge) rolled into the game 5-1 and looking to give another win to the Big East in this challenge. Syracuse (Sim) was only 3-3 but hopeful after 3 straight losing seasons. On paper the balanced Gamecocks are favored but Syracuse has a star in PG Furst and as any coach will tell you "If you have a star, you have a chance". The Gamecocks came out aggressively attacking the Syracuse press. 'Cuse fans on the other hand seemed more interested in their phone apps at the start of the game as South Carolina started off with a 4-0 lead in the first minute of the game. Then Furst nailed a three in the face of the defense and began jawing at his own fans as he went back up the court! This seemed to ignite the fans and both offenses as an exciting pitched scoring battle erupted on the court. With 2:30 left in the half South Carolina held a 41-38 lead. That's when a third foul on PG Jeffery Adams took the wind out of the Gamecock offense late in the half. Syracuse would take advantage with a 13-5 run to pull ahead 51-46 at the half. Orange's Furst appeared unstoppable with 13 points 2 assists 3 steals at the half. South Carolina would slow him in the second half but the inspired Orange would never give the lead back en route to a huge victory. Player of the Game Syracuse PG Roy Furst 21 points 4 rebounds 5 assists 4 steals.

Big 12 vs SEC (week 8) #2

1. #11 Oklahoma 58 at #9 Kentucky 48 (week 1)
Oklahoma (toknowpepsi) won last seasons match-up with Kentucky (cimmy426) and went on to win the National Championship. This season Kentucky had the home court and was looking for revenge. Rupp arena was rocking from the start in anticipation of a great game. The Wildcats and Sooners did not disappoint. The Sooners appeared to be out of sync on their first possession and the Wildcats capitalized. What followed was a hard push off foul by Senior William Hill that nearly cleared the benches. When things settled down the teams battled back and forth in the first half as Kentucky's bombers made 4/6 threes and their rebounders controlled the boards. Kentucky lead 25-21 at the half. Kentucky jumped out to a 40-27 lead 6 minutes into the second half and the fans were going crazy. Then the unexplained happened. Call it a curse, loss of focus, or just plain bad luck. Kentucky went ice cold from the field missing layups, dunks, and other shots they had been making all game. The Sooners did their part locking down on defense and taking advantage like Champions do in tough situations. Oklahoma roared back before a shocked crowd. Kentucky never regained momentum. Oklahoma closed out an impressive come from behind victory on the road to win 58-48. Player of the Game was Oklahoma SF Dwain Shanahan with 15 points and 5 rebounds.
2. Alabama at Oklahoma St- Cancelled Not Scheduled
3. #9 Texas 70 at Tennessee 46
Both Texas (manonde01) and Tennessee (cjok251) were coming off their first loss of the season. Tennessee fans were excited about this matchup and a chance to get revenge on the Longhorns. Early on the defenses controlled the inside swating the shots of the tentative offenses. Both teams became frustrated and began collecting fouls. The Volunteers added to their coach's frustration by turning the ball over. Texas held a slight 19-16 lead with 4:27 left in the half when it happened. Texas made a run (11-3) to end the half and quiet the crowd. Tennessee would never get closer than nine in the second half and star freshman PF Timothy Stephens would spend most of the second half in foul trouble. Player of the Game Texas PG John Williams 20 points 4 rebounds 7 assists.
4. #4 LSU 75 at Kansas St 50
Both LSU (alockwood86) and Kansas State (drob321) are coming off breakthrough seasons. LSU has maintained that pace this season while K-State is in rebuilding mode with some talented freshmen. Kansas St. fans were hoping their young Wildcats could keep it close early. Senior Paul Hornig answered the call and nailed a couple of early threes to give the Wildcats a 9-7 lead in the first four minutes. The Tigers would respond with a 10-0 run to retake the lead on the road. The Wildcats would claw their way back into it and got to within 22-20. LSU responded with a 17-9 run to end the half up 39-29. The second half was back and forth for the first 12 minutes with neither team gaining or losing much ground while LSU maintained the lead at 55-44. Then K-State went ice cold from the field even missing dunks. Tigers would capitalize and up their game to finish them off. Player of the Game LSU PF Claude Jackson 16 points 4 rebounds 3 assists
5. #23 Baylor 77 at Auburn 71
Baylor (ftbeaglesfan) and Auburn (scottevans21) kicked in the doors to national prominence last season and wanted to stay in the room with the traditional powers. Both coaches were out to prove it was no fluke. Baylor came in undefeated. Auburn has home court and looks for revenge after losing at Baylor last season. Baylor came out on the attack but Auburn was up to the challenge. The first half was close with neither team able to gain much of an advantage with the Tigers leading 33-32. At the half Auburn was hitting on 7/13 threes while the Bears countered with 12/15 free throws compared to just 2/2 for the Tigers. In the second half Bojan Zam would nail a couple from downtown to pry open a sliver of light in the paint. Auburn would hold the lead 54-52 with 6:17 left when Silver whacked Auburn's Brown across the head on a shot. scottevans21 was livid and insisted it was a flagrant foul. The refs disagreed and Brown would go on to miss both free throws and not score the remainder of the game. When Auburn's Seifert collected his fourth foul at the 4:01 mark the last domino fell. Baylor made their final move and pulled away. Player of the Game Baylor C Andrew Jaramillo 18 points 5 rebounds 2 assists 1 steal
6. Miss St. at Iowa St Cancelled Not Scheduled
7. #20 Texas A&M 86 at Arkansas 91 (2OT)
Texas A&M (pjeleson) is in the second season of implementing his system and entered the game undefeated. Arkansas (willmes) is looking to take care of business on their home court. It was a back and forth battle from the start. Neither side backing down between these old rivals from the SWAC days. Texas A&M led 18-17 when Arkansas's Hayes shoved A&M's Kim into the cameramen things got heated. No blows were thrown but pjeleson decided he needed more physicality at the point and sent in PG Harrow. The defenses took over and Texas A&M led 29-23 at the half. Arkansas star Swenson was held to 2 points in the first half. The Arkansas fans were rocking the house trying to inspire a rally by their Razorbacks. That along with the halftime speech by willmes got Arkansas moving early and closed it to 31-30. Neither team could pull away and Arkansas rebounded the ball with 11 seconds left down by two. They rushed it back up the court and Koloski found an opening to lay it in and send the game to OT. In the OT Arkansas's Hays attacked the rim relentlessly and the Razorbacks led 70-68. Then Hays picked up his fourth foul trying to block Jones's shot. Hays continued to play but it limited his aggressiveness on offense but they still had Swenson. With eight seconds left the Razorbacks led 75-73. A&M posted up the 6'7" Harrow on the 6' Swenson and it paid off to tie it up at 75-75 and force a second OT. Swenson and Glick would take over the final OT. Player of the Game Arkansas PG Gregory Swenson 19 point 4 rebounds 7 assists 2 steals.
8. Mississippi at Missouri- Cancelled Not Scheduled
9. Kansas 61 at Georgia 83 (week 7)
Kansas (Sim) has only 4 scholarship players (3 of them PGs). Georgia (panapanthers) made them pay. The Georgia fans looking for a show of force from their Bulldogs and they got it. Georgia's inside muscle dominated early as the Bulldogs out rebounded the Jayhawks 19-8 in the first half en route to a 43-26 smackdown at halftime. This game was never in doubt as the Bulldogs rolled. Player of the Game Georgia SG James Hesser 26 points 3 rebounds 4 assists 4 steals.
10. Florida 70 at Nebraska 58
Florida (highcountry) and Nebraska (Sim) entered the game around .500 and looking for a chance to build some momentum before conference play. Florida appeared to be pulling away with a 31-22 lead with three minutes left in the half when Nebraska star Scott Keeney would rally the Huskers to close it to 35-33 at the half. He kept it up in the second half as the Huskers star kept them close against the talented youth of Florida. The play of the game was Florida's Pruitt sliding into the lane and forcing Keeney to pick up his fourth foul on the charge with 10:34 left. After that the Gators took advantage and pulled away, Player of the Game Florida PF Lloyd Pruitt 16 points 7 rebounds 2 assists 3 steals
11. Texas Tech 89 at South Carolina 94
South Carolina (long_ge) and Texas Tech (Sim) entered the game with identical 5-2 records and needing to add some wins to their resumes. Both teams showed their nerves early as their high powered offense struggled to get traction. Luckily neither of their second teams had any such hangups and got their teams running. The game took off and was back and forth at a frenetic pace. South Carolina led by PF Mitchell and Texas Tech led by SF Bauer both with 11 points. Texas Tech led at halftime 40-36. Bauer couldn't keep it going in the second half but Mitchell did. The Red Raiders Perlman picked up the slack with 16 points in the second half and the Raiders led 63-54. A Pouliot bomb would ignite the Gamecocks rally. Player of the Game South Carolina PF Victor Mitchell 20 points 5 rebounds 2 steals.

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