Open Game Thread: UC-Irvine at Texas
by Peter Bean on Nov 15, 2009 12:22 PM CST
in Texas Longhorns Basketball
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PrintUC Irvine Anteaters at Texas Longhorns, Nov 15, 2009 1:00 PM CST
GAME TIP: 1:00 CT
TELEVISION: ESPNU
Dual apologies for the lack of a Baylor postame piece and, now, a somewhat abbreviated hoops preview. Computer issues are to blame. (For a solid-as-always pre-game look at this afternoon's contest, check out Longhorn Road Trip.)
There will be a Baylor Postgme React (delayed to Monday evening, in all likelihood), but there's not much time to do a comprehensive preview of the hoops team's season opener against UC-Irvine today. Fortunately, both my parents teach at UCI these days and, even as the basketball team has settled into a prolonged slump of mediocrity, my poor father -- a college hoops junkie who played college ball himself -- continues to go to all the Anteaters' home games, so I know enough about UCI to offer a few quick pre-game thoughts.
The two key Anteaters to watch are 6-5 forward Eric Wise, who last year averaged a team-best 14 points and 6 boards as a freshman (All-Big West second team) and 5-10 senior guard Michael Hunter, who's not unlike the similarly diminutive AJ Abrams in that he's not great as a distributor but has an accurate, quick-release jump shot and a scorer's mentality. Hunter is comfortable looking for a quick pop beyond the arc after using a ball screen or pulling up in transition on the break. Ward-Balbay-Brown will need to keep track of Hunter, who can get hot in a hurry.
Beyond those two, the roster is pretty pedestrian. Patrick Rembert will run the point but isn't capable of breaking down a defense on his own. Texas will want to keep close 6-2 Derrick Strings, the other likely starting guard alongside Hunter and Rembert. Strings has a nice stroke from downtown and has potential to be more of a slasher/scorer this year as a sophomore.
The big trouble for UCI, if you hadn't guessed from the guard-heavy previewing thus far, will be in the frontcourt, where the Anteaters lack both size and talent. Starting center Zack Atkinson will be banging with Dexter Pittman at 6-9, 220, which is a mid-day snack for Big Sexy. The aforementioned Wise is a very nice player, but Texas' size and strength on the interior makes this a tough game for him. A +15 rebound differential for Texas wouldn't surprise me in the least.
All told, this is a squad that is not at all well-constituted to deal with Texas' size, strength, and athleticism. If Texas' perimeter defense is sloppy and the 'Eaters get hot, they might stick around for a while, but even if the 'Horns play poorly this afternoon, they're going to wear down UCI by the end. If they play well, this one will be over early.
Prediction: Texas 78 UC-Irvine 56
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Early Note
Clint Chapman did not warm up with team, at least since I walked in.
--AW--
by awiggo on Nov 15, 2009 12:47 PM CST via mobile reply actions
too good to waste his energy, letting that build up for game time
by Displaced Longhorn on Nov 15, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions
Court
Actual court has six non-UT logos. CBE, O’Reilly, and NABC— two each. It’s a little overwhelming
--AW--
by awiggo on Nov 15, 2009 12:53 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Go Horns!
It should be no problem to handle UCI and a good win to start off the new season.
Crap, I wish this game won’t start at 1pm. Cuz, I’m currently watching VY cooking the Buffalo meat.
So do we get the Soccer game first
Or does ESPNU switch over?
Please switch over!!!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
I know depressing!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
uhh, how long does soccer overtime last?
by Displaced Longhorn on Nov 15, 2009 1:04 PM CST reply actions
2 10 minute periods
Then Penalty kicks, lets just hope someone scores quickly
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
false, someone needs to change feeds
by Displaced Longhorn on Nov 15, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions
yeah i'm not sure it's golden goal
and if it’s not, this will go on till 1:30…longer if there are penalties
Dex scored the first bucket
But I can’t find a feed anywhere online
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
8-6 UC Irvine with 15:49 to play
Following it on ESPN gamecast,
http://espn.go.com/ncb/gamecast?gameId=293190251
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
8-8
I wonder how far this thing is behind
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
I like soccer. I really do.
But this is ridiculous… OT in a game tied 0-0… I don’t think anybody can score.
Man, I thought that kid made that shot!
Wish he would have
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
17-16
James at the line, DaMo really heating up
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Barnes is subbing a lot
interesting to see what group can get into a rhythm
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
J' Covan Brown hits a three
21-19 Texas
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Under 8 Timeout
Still 21-19
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Great Job soccer players!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
There ya go Dex
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Hamilton
Long, lanky, love the game.
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
DaMo
Nice Alley!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Me too!
Kid is cold!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
damion james handles the basketball like john chiles handles the football
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Nov 15, 2009 1:37 PM CST reply actions
Where is Harrison Smith?
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
yea buddy
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Nov 15, 2009 1:41 PM CST up reply actions
Dex and DaMo combined 10-13 from the field
rest of the team is 3-16
by 7Swords of Salat on Nov 15, 2009 1:39 PM CST reply actions
Yikes
Good to see those guys playing lights out though
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
for anyone who is stuck tracking gamecast
san antonio’s am station ticket 760 has the radio broad cast
not sure why it’s not on 1300 the zone
still no word on tv feeds =(
Its on 98.1 FM here in Austin
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Awesome! I get ESPNU! I didn't even know.
Time to watch the game now that i’m home.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
Bradely
Even though he through the that bad pass, he is quick!!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
we are scorching on offense and suffocating on d right now
but our passing seems to be a little below par.. lotta showboat-type passes, could hurt us in the future
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Nov 15, 2009 1:42 PM CST reply actions
ESPNU
Since the soccer game UT has been dominant. Makes me wonder what was going in early in the game.
What did Bradley's dunk look like?
I came to Plucker’s to watch the game since I don’t have ESPNU, but they won’t put it on TV because of the NFL games on. And they charged me to toss my chicken tenders. Talk about a place that loves to nickel and dime you.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Nov 15, 2009 1:43 PM CST reply actions
It wasnt't that great
Just a simple two hander
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Thanks.
This is killing me not being able to watch the game after waiting so long to see Bradley and Hamilton in burnt orange.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Nov 15, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
I have been so excited about watching this game today!
J’Covan Brown looks really good too
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Except for that last pass
:(
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
He has looked good
Going up for every board, even taking a couple away from DaMo.
Bradley looks really quick early, but you can definitely tell these guys are freshman.
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Announers said "you rarely see Texas play Zone"
Didn’t they play a lot last season?
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Yeah
A lot in the last couple of seasons. Remember Tyrus Thomas getting all those lob dunks running the baseline against the Texas zone in the Elite 8 game a couple years back? Barnes doesn’t really like to play zone, but has had to recently.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Nov 15, 2009 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
turrible passing, turrrrrrrible
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Nov 15, 2009 1:49 PM CST reply actions
Awig
Is there still space in the Ozone? I overslept this morning…by a lot.
by The Mack Attack on Nov 15, 2009 1:51 PM CST reply actions
only like 15 people at the game... too bad no one likes b ball
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Nov 15, 2009 1:53 PM CST up reply actions
There Are some seats in the sound end
by justfr1day on Nov 15, 2009 1:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
How did the defense look in the first half?
Was UC-Irvine just missing shots or was Texas really putting some serious pressure on them defensively?
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Nov 15, 2009 1:52 PM CST reply actions
To start the game, not sufficient
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
by run Bevo run on Nov 15, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions
But the last 10 minutes,
we were suffocating them.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
It looked like we were a team that was used to playing each other all summer.
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
by run Bevo run on Nov 15, 2009 1:57 PM CST up reply actions
Made a few steals
But again, look kind of rusty. Got better as the game went on though
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Chris Simms in at QB for Denver.
Go Basketball.
Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis.
Cedric out
Benson out with strained hip
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
by run Bevo run on Nov 15, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions
We look exactly like we thought pre-season
like a deep, uber-talented team that just needs to gel. Bradley and Hamilton are going to be the real deal, and Brown looks pretty good too.
Don’t think Balbay and Mason will see much action this year.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
Yea, when Balbay came in it seemed like the flow of the game got all messed up.
I think Mason will see more time, he can play defense and handle the ball.
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
That would be great
b/c Mason has always been a favorite of mine. But really, he seemed to peak year before last. Seems like he got worse last year. I hope he fits with these guys and gets to see the floor a lot.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
I am with you there.
I love the way mason plays, and I think Barnes like the way he plays too! Just my feeling.
He is explosive and can jump out of the building. There is no question he is going to have to take a cut in mintues
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
i think he was a victime of Augustin syndrome
he made some folks look really good. look at the drop-off connor had after he left.
I missed that syndrome
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
by run Bevo run on Nov 15, 2009 2:05 PM CST up reply actions
That dunk was better!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
shawn williams
i heard the radio announcer mention his name once. was he in the game or was that a mistake?
I don't think so
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Just got in the game!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Ward just got stuff bad!
Ouch
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Dex
Just throwing it down!!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Matt Hill in the game!!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Balbay takes a three
No hesitation on it either!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Dexter's weight loss story
continues to be the Colt and Jordan are roommates of Texas Basketball.
I love him, but announcers.. come on.
i just heard shawn williams again
you guys sure he’s not playing?
He is in the game now
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
The Horns are LONG
pardon the bad pun, but the point stands. Just a sea of arms on defense.
Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis.
I think the horns are doing better than they were expected to in this one
… just a bit better.
TEXAS FIGHT
Alley Oop
Tough dunk actually
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
They should get there
only 5 away with 2 and half minutes left
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Stuck at 89
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Imagine when Lucas is eligible
It’s almost unfair.
FYI, Clint Chapman has the flu according to Craig Way.
This team is going to be good!
"I don't ever miss free throws. I'm like 100-percent from the free throw line. I just don't think about missing and if you think about missing you're going to miss. I just take my time and know I'm going to make it and I do," McClellan said.
Much to work on...but exciting things to come!
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
i went to the game. Everyone has great contributions. Although I did not see Clint Chapman play. He wasnt even on the bench
Flu
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
by run Bevo run on Nov 15, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions
Looked good but more work to do
Just got home from the game. The guys with experience really made the difference. Dogus was good, Da Mo and Dex looked good and were fighting over rebounds. Varez and Justin did the hard work that doesn’t get a lot of notice. Even Gary Johnson has improved his defense.
It was fun watching the freshman try to figure it out. They said that J’Covan was just way, way too amped before the game. He finally settled in. Shawn Williams probably did the best at being in the right place. They are all going to be ridiculously good.
It’s gonna be fun! Please come out to the games! We need to fill the stadium and support the team.
are you in the ozone? Were you wearing a burnt orange shirt cause I think I saw you. (just kidding about the burnt orange shirt) Nice to see a fellow BONer in the OZone
But the home openers always have a crappy turnout. The stadium will not be loud unless its a huge non con game, A&M, kansas, or OU.
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