Game Day
by Peter Bean on Mar 30, 2008 9:08 AM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Basketball
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PrintKA-THUMP-KA-THUMP-KA-THUMP.... [FLATLINE]
I might well have a heart attack today. Probably before tip.
And if I do, I'll tell you exactly who I hope to meet in heaven: the one with a flat screen TV tuned to CBS. And if that's not an option? I'll cut a deal with the devil faster than you can spell 'e-t-e-r-n-i-t-y'.
This entire season has built towards this game. We've known for months that a monster season could send Texas to Houston. And we've known for months that big, bad Memphis was the odds on favorite to be Houston's top seed.
How good is Memphis?
- The Tigers were AW's preseason pick to cut down the nets in San Antonio.
- Michigan State went on a 17-0 second half run against Memphis... and still never got closer than 14 points.
- They blocked 7 shots, had 4 dunks, 11 layups, and drew 28 fouls against a big, physical Tom Izzo team.
- They're 36-1, with regular season wins over tournament teams Oklahoma, Connecticut, Austin Peay, USC, Georgetown, Arizona, Siena, and Gonzaga.
- Despite being a team that flies around the court like an exhibition team, they have the 10th best turnover rate in the entire country.
- What's that? You love defense and rebounding? This team's got that, too: Top 30 in offensive and defensive rebounding, 4th in Effective FG%, 7th in 3-Point FG%, 8th in Block Percentage.
I could go on, but I think that's quite enough to make the point: this team is a juggernaut.
There's good news, of course. If I were a Memphis blogger, I'd be cautioning Tigers fans about Texas' eye-popping resume:
- The Longhorns own regular season wins over tournament teams Tennessee, UCLA, Oral Roberts, St. Mary's, Baylor (twice), Oklahoma (three times), Kansas, Texas A&M, and Kansas State.
- They make Memphis look downright careless with the basketball, leading the nation with a ridiculous 14.2 turnover percentage.
- They're extremely dangerous with the three ball (38.2%), with five starters who must be defended 20 feet from the basket.
- Memphis' bread and butter on offense? Two-point baskets? Texas holds opponents to just 42.8% shooting inside the arc, 15th best in the country.
- And that Tennessee team that gave Memphis its only loss of the season? Texas whipped those Vols by 19 points. On a neutral floor.
This time of year, the juggernauts come in pairs.
We're four hours from tip and I have no idea what I'm going to do with myself. Like I said, I might just have a heart attack.
Hook 'Em.
--PB--
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I'm a huge fan of the word "trounce"
this is exactly what I will be doing to anyone that tells me to sit down and/or be quiet today. Best of luck today Horns, you can definitely do this
keeping busy
i am in the same boat, just jonesin' for tip off. everything comes down to today, as it will in the next game, and the next game after that.... this is why i love march madness... and its even more exciting when our team is so close to doing something amazing! i'm keeping myself busy working on an essay thats due tuesday, but my mind, and my internet browser keep drifting to all things longhorns. hooooooooook'em!
by canadian on Mar 30, 2008 9:58 AM CDT reply actions
lots of dreams
I kept dreaming over and over about the game- my dreams never had game action, just results about who won or lost over and over last night. Clearly, I can't wait either!
The key- I agree with those that say it'll be huge if we can get Connor and/or James hot from outside. That will help open up the paint for DJ and anyone else looking to drive.
I think we'll have to rock the zone today, and hope Memphis is cold from the outside. I just don't see how our guards could match up with theirs based on that height disadvantage.
I'm feeling a 5 point game. I'm just hoping that we are the ones who come out on top!
Go Horns
I'll be digging out my one, old Horns hat out of the closet today, throwing up the hook-'em hand sign, and singing along with all your songs today. Go Big 12!
Davidson and healthy hearts
Don't forget we also beat elite eight team Davidson, at least we might have. We played them, I know.
Bean, please don't have a heart attack. I know exactly how you feel. I woke up and immediately calculated tip time to the minute.
We can do this.
I remember screaming bloody murder at Fiesta Palace during the games, wasn't that our 03 Final Four year?
AJ needs to go off.
Oh God
I think you're right. Actually I know you are. That was definitely 2002-03.
(That was also the year a certain ex-girlfriend not to be named popped a champagne bottle in the 8th inning of Game 6 of the World Series. After which the Giants predictably collapsed.)
((Also, that was the greatest deal in the history of apartments. $400 each, 1100 square feet, furnished. Plus, Bonnie.))
well, time to order the chicken wings
if anyone is open
by anonyMoose on Mar 30, 2008 12:18 PM CDT reply actions
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