Open Game Thread: USC Trojans at Texas Longhorns
by Peter Bean on Dec 3, 2009 5:50 PM CST
in Texas Longhorns Basketball
315 comments
USC Trojans at Texas Longhorns, Dec 3, 2009 8:00 PM CST
Texas looks to improve to 3-0 in the Pac 10-Big 12 Hardwood Series tonight, when USC make its first visit to Austin since 1985. The Trojans own a 5-4 lead in the all-time series, having edged ahead with their win over the Longhorns in the second round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament. Technically, this means that USC is responsible for the end of the Kevin Durant era at Texas. So f___ them. Let's win by 35. For KD, you know.
Hell, Texas might do just that. Tim Floyd is gone, OJ Mayo is rich, and USC's already dropped two games this year, including a home contest to Loyola Marymount. The Horns, meanwhile, maintain their top spot in the Pomeroy Ratings for a 16th consecutive day, which is the longest streak ever for Texas atop KP's rankings. The previous high was zero.
Game notes and keys to the game are after the jump.
USC TROJANS AT A GLANCE
Conference: Pac 10
Record: 2-2 (USC Game Plan)
Last Season: 22-13 (9-9)
Starters Lost/Returning: 3/2
Coach: Kevin O'Neill (1st year)
Good bye Tim Floyd, and with him, three early entrants to the 2009 NBA Draft -- Taj Gibson, DeMar Derozan, and Daniel Hackett. Hello... Kevin O'Neill? Apparently so, which makes him the Kevin Bacon of basketball. What's this, his sixth coaching job?
With just two starters returning, O'Neill is basically starting from scratch, having lost the three to the NBA and all but one of Tim Floyd's incoming recruits. Senior Dwight Lewis (6-5, 215) led the team in scoring last year with 14.4 points, adding 3.3 boards, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He's a solid all-around player who does a lot of things pretty well, though nothing great. He's long and has a nice mid-range game, presenting a difficult match up if you try to guard him with a smaller guard. Sophomore Leonard Hamilton also returns, but he won't be starting tonight, or any time until later this month, when he returns from academic ineligibility.
So it's Lewis and four other starters, the most impressive of which so far has been sophomore forward Nikola Vucevic (6-10, 240), averaging 14.4 points and 10.3 boards a game. Senior (6-6, 210) Marcus Johnson is the probable starter at the other forward spot, but junior Alex Stephenson (6-9, 235) has been more productive, coming in off the bench. The UNC transfer returned home to be closer to a sick family member and has been productive, including a 13 point, 12 rebound, 3 block effort in a loss to Nebraska.
And that's pretty much it. The remaining two backcourt starters (Donte Smith and Marcus Simmons) have been terrible, scoring little and turning it over a lot.
KEYS TO THE GAME
- Halfcourt offense. The Trojans are outmanned, badly, and Kevin O'Neill will do what he's been doing all year long: grind games to a near-halt -- 61.5 possessions per game so far this year (337th nationally). Fewer possessions will amplify the cost of mistakes and wasted chances, so if you're betting on Texas to cover the spread, hope that Texas can make a post-entry pass or two tonight. Or that USC scores 40 points. Which could happen.
- Shot selection. I'm cheating here, but hey, getting the halfcourt offense caught up with the defense is all that stands between Texas and cutting down of nets, so its importance can't really be overstated. The Horns have been mixed in this regard so far this year, with some impressive runs interspersed with frustrating dead stretches when they seem to lose focus. If they ever put together a complete 40-minutes of excellence, some poor team is going to lose by 60. Literally.
- Make a @#*&$! free throw. The freshmen made all of theirs against Rice. Everyone else shot blindfolded.
PREDICTION: TEXAS 73 USC 49
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Keys to the game
We win this game no matter what, so in that sense there is hardly a key to the game.
But, my key would be to make them work for everything when USC is on offense and make them run when USC is on defense. About 5 minutes into the second half we should be scoring on pretty much every possession.
Should be a blowout
I’m a little nervous about us covering the spread since I’m not sure how well we’ll handle their sloooooow pace, but I talked myself into it. USC’s beyond thin, can’t shoot, and is on the road. After last week’s miracle cover, I feel like I can’t lose. Right?
You ain't hurt.
Laying off
For the first time this year I’m not gonna touch the spread, but with that possession stat the under (133.5) is looking more appealing.
And I was too early against Rice… Ended up at -18.5 (doh!). Although I’m happy for the rest of you that got the miracle at 17.5!
Tech hanging w/ Wash
20-20 11 mins in 1st
by Infield Elephant on Dec 3, 2009 6:27 PM CST reply actions
gotta think yes
undefeated, beat #10… I’d expect high teens maybe
by Infield Elephant on Dec 3, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions
Tech looks really good
UW obviously isn’t playing badly — shooting well. Just can’t keep up on the Lubbock court, so far.
Try Jack and some ice in a rocks glass
works everytime :)
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
Thanks for the tip.
I think my mistake was using Spiced Rum.
The more I drink the better it gets though…
I hope it's a blowout
But I’d be cool with a 41-38 finish. You know, just for memories.
"Stats are for losers, I like winning games."
Oregon v Oregon State
Oregon comes out with a uniform about as ugly as Boise’s field. How many uniforms have they worn this year?
they're doing it on purpose. I'm convinced.
3/19/2009 - Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
Every time!
"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.
Oregon turnover
OSU has the ball at the Oregon 21
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
my worst B ball nightmare
is our team having to win on FT in March
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
Wow... are they not going to review the shot?
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 8:08 PM CST reply actions
Need too!
But wow, great great shot!
"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.
Hilarious if it doesn't count
back to the stands you go fans. We have an overtime to play
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 8:09 PM CST reply actions
tortillas are flying everywhere!
3/19/2009 - Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
Score!
"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.
do we care about the civil war for any particular reason?
not sure which team i like. i actually kinda like them both
well it is college football
In a Pac-10 kind of way
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
Is premature rushing the field/floor going to be Tech's bit?
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
they should just start rushing the court after the national anthem.
3/19/2009 - Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
Arrgghhhhhh, Pirates storming court. Epic Fail!
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Dear 6lb, 70z. Baby Jesus...
Please keep Dexter healthy this year.
Your friends,
UT Fans
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
Barnes bringing in fresh legs. Gawd, we're deep.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Wash is overrated
just looked at their schedule. I see a few close wins against bad mid-major schools.
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 8:30 PM CST reply actions
Missoli just throws a freaking bomb...OR 14 OSU 10 1st qtr
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Our young guns playing a little out of control at the moment.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Lewis is playing out of his mind...hope he comes back down to earth soon.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Is it wrong to question the size of the logo at halfcourt?
Maybe it could be a bit smaller?
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
What was Balbay thinking on that garbage cut? c'mon horns.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
He left his feet at the free throw line, too.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Nice assist from James...he is ballin' 2nite!
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Balbay!!!
the offensive rebound and the layup. What athleticism.
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 8:45 PM CST reply actions
J'Covan
Anyone else have concerns about him being a selfish player?
I guess that's a better way to say it.
He seems very arrogant. I guess I can see why he had issues his final year of high school.
I don't think it's arrogance
I think he just plays overhyped…it’s great at times but he needs to learn to channel his emotions
Wow that's embarrassing Pittman
got stuffed by the rim
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 8:52 PM CST reply actions
what's his verticle? a foot?
3/19/2009 - Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
Pittman misses another point blank shot
but luckily James follows his shot.
Bradley steal, pass to James for the DUNK!
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 8:54 PM CST reply actions
James has put this team on his shoulders so far tonight.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
PITTMAN Block. Take that shit back to socal trojan.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Would be nice if we could actually get the ball back from the blocks
blocking it out of bounds isn’t really useful unless the shot clock is down.
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 8:57 PM CST reply actions
There we go Dexy
putback from Bradley’s layup. Fran just called him Sexy Dexy haha
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 8:57 PM CST reply actions
maybe he's a fellow Laker fan!
basks in hate
3/19/2009 - Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
Shawn Williams with 2 FTs
much better end to the 1st half
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 9:00 PM CST reply actions
wow... what a brick on the first FT lol
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 9:00 PM CST reply actions
Ha Ha...OR td runback called back on holding penalty. Go Beavers!
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
1st half UT stats
I guess the only thing better than horns shooting less than 39% from the floor and less than 65% from the line is trojans shooting less than 32% from the floor on 7 more shots. Ugly offensive 1st half for the horns. We have got to get bodies on their big men.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
What was the line of this game anyways?
JD’s like, "you want some fucking pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, bitches!"- RCCook
Just look at Sexy Dexy and tell me you don't care
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
PIP, DVR, 1080p, Cable modem
no need for all that other collateral.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
watch us shoot FT's
it’ll break your heart, them you can pick up the pieces and reorganize your priorities/loves.
Balbay...beautiful lefty layup. Schoolyard play right there.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
Barnburner in Eugene....OSU just scores to go up by 2 - 23-21
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
James gets his left arm caught between defenders arm and thigh...hope his injury is not severe.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
FT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Me Angry!!!!!!!!
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
Team failing to find any offensive rythm.
We need a QB on the floor and I’m afraid we have not identified him as of yet.
"We don't freestyle Texas Fight, big boy." - Coach Brown
his name is jai lucas
we’ll see him soon though
This team makes me want to drink
In fact, I’m headed to the liquor cabinet for some Jack. Taking a drink after every missed FT
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
Can't believe USC is in this game
wonder when Barnes is going to start working on the offense? We’re now 10-22 from the line.
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 9:48 PM CST reply actions
OK, time to let the Tivo take over
I’ve got a lot of work stress right now, and thanks to this game, I can now hear my heartbeat in my skull. Time for a shot and bed. I’ll watch the end tomorrow, when I know the outcome already. : )
Night and hook ’em!
Watch out, I bite.
by EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel on Dec 3, 2009 9:53 PM CST reply actions
Oregon mistakes continue..
turnovers and penalties are dooming their rose bowl hopes
Vucevic fouls out!!!
Looks like we’re going to pull away with him gone.
by goingforthecorner on Dec 3, 2009 10:01 PM CST reply actions
Saturday Depth Chart out
Maybe late, but my first glance. HERE.
by Infield Elephant on Dec 3, 2009 10:09 PM CST reply actions
FT tonight
9 of first 12 made, then..
1 of next 10, and now
8 of last 10 go in
66-48 Texas
22-7 run late in the game once again.
the offensive possessions of Texas’ opponents this year in the last 10 minutes have been a nightmare….all the credit to our full game of defense.
I wonder how many people put there
wanted USC to run play that last possession??
JD’s like, "you want some fucking pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, bitches!"- RCCook
is this the impromtu OU/OSU GD thread?
JD’s like, "you want some fucking pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, bitches!"- RCCook
We don't play Kentucky this season
Play Michigan State and North Carolina in a couple weeks, though.
You ain't hurt.
See you guys in Arlington
Will be hanging out at the Hooters in Arlington for the Fox Sports SW watch party before the game. Let’s shuck some corn. Hook ’em
TD OREGON!!!
Sorry… still hold a grudge against OSU
JD’s like, "you want some fucking pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, bitches!"- RCCook
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