Open Game Day Thread: (1) Texas vs (2) Kansas Big XII Championship
#2 Kansas (30-3, 13-3) vs. #1 Texas Longhorns (28-5, 13-3)
Sunday, March 16, 2008 · 2:00 p.m. CT
Sprint Center (18,795) · Kansas City, MO
Television: ESPN
Radio: 98.1 FM / 1300 AM (Austin)
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Alarm clock
Someone be sure to wake up Conner. I have a feeling we're going to need he and Mason big time on defense and especially rebounding.
by anonyMoose on Mar 16, 2008 12:57 PM CDT reply actions
Inigo...
What Fezzik?
I hope we win.
Worked for us last time, can't stop now.
Like many of you I'm sure, I'm trying to keep my emotions in check right now. I really, really want to win today. It's just time we got off the Big XII Tourney Championship shnide and I know losing to KU in the final game 3 years in row would just eat at me.
Then again, I'd gladly trade a conf. tourney title for a deep run in the Dance and a shot at the overall title.
Can't we have both...I hope so.
ESPN360.com
For those without cable but with AT&T DSL internet (or another cooperating high-speed provider), you can watch the game live on ESPN360.com. You can also replay past games including yesteday's win over OU.
please clemson and unc
dont go into ot
it's good to be back
i've had weekend obligations for almost a month
that was a travel on the kansas rebound
I suck
I'm sitting in Washington-Reagan airport right now, with a 5:20 ET flight looming menacingly in front of me. I'm all but assured to miss the last bit of this game, as well as the entire selection show, which will surely make this upcoming flight the longest in the history of mankind.
Home Game for KU
Classy Jayhawk fans booing us as we come on the court. Real nice...
Come on, Damion!
Hook 'em!
BIG XII CHAMPS!
this is torture,,,
im going to have to channel flip the entire game between this and the rockets game.
its great that this is the worst problem i've had all week.
Stroking the 3's
but missing the bunnies inside. Any word on Johnson? I'm assuming he won't play, but didn't see anything pregame due to the ACC game.
KU's defensive RBs
are feeding them.
Good TO Texas.
It's gonna be a horse race early.
Mason having an amazing game
Great start for J
Mason with good shooting, already 10 points in the first half. We need to rotate a little better on D so Kansas doesn't keep getting these wide open 3 looks.
We have gotten a few nice turnovers and converted. AJ needs to hit a jumper.
we dont ever run pick and rolls well...
the guy setting the pick is usually open (JAMES!!!) easy buckets....come on dj...
I see RIck with a longer term game plan.
Victimizing them with Mason, opening up other shooters. The zone saves a little energy, too.
It isn't that KU is hitting threes, it's that they're wide open.
Take it to the rack
Get into the bonus early.
by anonyMoose on Mar 16, 2008 2:37 PM CDT reply actions
KU - UT
It's by far my favorite match-up of the basketball season. Shaves years off my life every time.
Holly just said lower leg.
He warmed up but couldn't go today.
Outstanding
Great, great stretch of basketball from the 'Horns over the last 3-4 minutes. 24-21 good guys.
I would want someone to punch him
I'm afraid it would make him prettier.
by anonyMoose on Mar 16, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Two fouls on Connor. Wang in.
This may force us out of the zone.
Must maximize possessions.
Sometimes Horns get too fast for own good.
wow
kansas looks so much taller when they have a "home" crowd
There are some shots being made. wow
Might be a slow shooting second half.
RICK BARNES
are you kidding freaking go to MAN TO MAN
by TEXASFIGHT on Mar 16, 2008 2:50 PM CDT reply actions
wow cant play zone against these guys
man defense is not good for texas...we might get into foul trouble in the second half
i'm gonna assume
kansas is going to cool down sometime in this game. they're raining down threes
I suspect they will.
As subtle as it may be, Texas is conserving energy. It's almost a rope-a-dope. I doubt if many here agree, but I think it's all about the second half.
There's something to be said for that
But you've got to be careful of letting the game get out of hand. 5 straight treys - some sick shooting from DJ keeps us close.
by DisplacedTexan on Mar 16, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Barnes
is trying to lose the game without it being obvious, because he wants the #2 seed in Houston?
seriously?
he's trying to just keep pace with stamina and fouls
until the second half
we lost our sixth man
dex is great but he's not in the fastest of shapes
barnes is doing a really good job of just hanging in till we can get conner back
gotcha
i just saw other comments saying the same thing
this has been a great coaching half
look at the score
and our depth
and their shooting percent
it's not JUST the zone
these guys are hot right now
and we're right there
barnes is obviously thinking the second half
because going with man in the first half...we are just gonna rack up fouls...
barnes has to want to lose this game
playing a zone like this. we might as wellwalk off the court
by TEXASFIGHT on Mar 16, 2008 2:52 PM CDT reply actions
The energy in the last 8 minutes is the key.
That's what this is about. A gamble; sure. But Rick ain't doing this to lose. That's dumb.
zone was somewhat
effective the last game against UK. The way they are shooting you have to bet they will cool down.
never want to go to the dance with
losing mentality....#2 seed houston sounds tempting...but this team is built to play anyone!!!!
Great block by Mason.
Fine championship level of play.
46=45 despite everything.
GREAT!!!...
Both DJ's
Both DJ's are playing rediculous. And Mason just came up with a nice block.
Any thoughts that either shouldn't be a #1
has been blown to shit. Nobody wants to play these teams, no one.
63% shooting by Kansas??? wow
i think horns are playing a great defense...wow
"we might play a little more man"
thats it rick. just a little more. how about 75 percent of the time????
by TEXASFIGHT on Mar 16, 2008 3:00 PM CDT reply actions
That's was a big bass lure.
He's playing for the last 8 minutes. Period. He's sucked them into to expending a ton of energy and attention and we still lead 46-45.
Anyone see Deloss wrap his arm around Rick?
Thats probably because he already knows where we're headed.
by the other Andrew on Mar 16, 2008 3:01 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah, and he needs to be listening to what Rick
has to say.
Holy Shit
This is some of the best basketball I've ever seen. I'm not saying that DJ is for sure better than TJ, but it's definitely one hell of a conversation.
Rivalries
I dare someone to tell me that KU-UT isn't one of the three best basketball rivalries in the country right now. I can't think of two teams that consistently play such close amazing games.
I'd argue it's the best one. Better than Duke-UNC lately.
In terms of these two teams this year...
yes.
But OU and A@M are still our biggest rivals.
Not even this year
The last 5 years KU-UT has been an amazing game. Rivalries can shift with the sport.
by DisplacedTexan on Mar 16, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
3 words....What A Game
Has any game this year lived up to the hype that the first half of this one provided so far? If the second half is anything like the first, this will easily be the Game of the Year. I just don't see both teams staying this hot.
We need to pick it up on the defensive end and be careful with the fouls during the second half. These two teams are looking like National Champs today.
The key now is AJ and Dr. A getting hot
James to continue his steady shooting, Mason to chip away, DJ to feed the team and victimized the D as necessary (but lay off the threes somewhat).
They are honed to an extremely sharp edge. Nice.
You are 4 of 4 from three point land
you dont lay off the three
by anonyMoose on Mar 16, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Things change in second half.
We'll know pretty quickly if he's still on or not.
With Mason playing strong, KU can't lay off him. That opens up some areas.
With DJ staying out of the point a decent portion of the time, he's been given a little more rest, too, as well as time to see the floor for the next attack.
I suspect DJ won't run the point completely until the last 10 minutes or so.
Mason
There's my boy... What a half!!! He has what? like 12 points, block, steal... DJ with 18.. shhhhheeeezzzzzz I LOVE THIS TEAM!!!
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 3:07 PM CDT reply actions
haha
we wont see that guy anytime soon.
by the other Andrew on Mar 16, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey SelimSivad..
thanks for sending my son that stuff last year... no bad thoughts about my Mason... :)
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I know..
my fingers are getting tired switchin back and forth... GO LAKERS!!! (don't hate) :)
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, Rockets game is entertaining also
It's interesting how similar Texas and the Rockets teams are. They both have great team chemistry and keep each other accountable on the floor. Not to mention, they both have a big star leading them and a Coach of the Year.
National Championship and NBA Championship in the same year? I can dream.
Halftime
Horns lead 46-45. DJ is red hot from the field. Mason had his best offensive half of bball since the Tenn game.
Both teams shooting over 58% from the floor. This game is going to come down to the wire. Even if we can get UK to come back to earth, it will be hard for us to maintain our shooting.
We need Connor to have a solid half and AJ to contribute offensivley. Otherwise, just repeat the effort from the first half.
Heart beating outside chest
If I don't post a comment after the game, somebody call the paramedics...I am litteraly about to go through the roof. Can not believe we still have the lead after that 3pt onslought.
I guess Barnes stayed in zone to try to preserve our energy for the second half. Man I hope we have a repeat of the last two games...play it close in the first half and then unleash hell.
Little bit of trivia for ya...
"Did you know Bill Self was Ned Beatty's understudy in Deliverance?"
Did you know Sasha Kahn's middle name is Hussein?"
Let's go Horns!!!
I can
never hear them say Sasha Kahn without thinking Chaka Kahn.. Chaka Kahn... damn he is ugly!!
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions
See, the level of play is less
More mistakes, poorer shooting, less energy.
Great charge taken by DJ. We're attacking short paint.
He is
Flipping awesome!!!! Who was talking smack about him a few months ago????
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
That looked
like Arthur had him around the neck!!
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 3:26 PM CDT reply actions
basket is closed
need to take it to the hoop
by anonyMoose on Mar 16, 2008 3:29 PM CDT reply actions
AJ
Finally!!! damn chalmers.. uggggggggghhhhh
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 3:30 PM CDT reply actions
Bench is playing pretty well right now
They will need to keep it up. No way our starters can play without resting some in a high intensity game like this.
Barnes is just too good
He runs a play to get Mason a drive at the basket to manufacture some points at the line. We have the best coach in the nation hands down.
Under 12 Timeout
Fuck Kansas. They are such little bitches.
Horns are still in great position, but they have to take advantage of any more offensive rebounds. The refs have finally realized that UK is molesting us on every drive.
The 3 point onslaught continues. Weather the storm.
That's it. Weather the storm.
Our time is coming and our storm hits.
WTF??!
How did KU score 100 points vs. Baylor this year and not hit a single 3 pointer?!?
This is a heavyweight bout and the Horns are going toe to toe in a road game. I love it.
The ability to play championship ball
is never to be underestimated.
There are few games on a schedule where this can happen. Texas has done great this year in that respect.
He never flops.
He does help sell calls, as the announcers pointed out. But he doesn't flop. Flopping is what the Aggies did in their first year under Turdgeon.
and AGAIN!!!!
about time he started heating it up!!! AJ
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 3:43 PM CDT reply actions
I'm starting to think...
... Maybe I was right in my roundtable. Until AJ woke up, we've been lucky to keep this close. Plus, he's getting fouled on nearly every three attempt after the shot. This will pay dividends.
Under 8 timeout
UT up 67-64. AJ finding his stroke and Damion starting to take over the boards. Every time it looks like Kansas is going on a run we climb back into the game.
Our defense gets better and UK has their hands all over us. I think the fouls will start going our way. We may be in the best shape of any team in the country.
DJ is the man.
the 3 point shooting percentage this game
is unbelievable (both teams collectively)
Yeah, they all do. That is important.
That means they'll find a way.
Damn. Connor picks up fourth.
Now is the time a youngster must grow it. This moment is what the whole season of teaching is about.
He thinks he can block everything...
...so it's a double-edged sword. I like his attitude, but you're right...he needs to mature and use his brain in those situations.
How awesome would that be?
If you left a scent of french toast when you ran?
by DisplacedTexan on Mar 16, 2008 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
what a well played game
Its so refreshing to see two teams that always seem to play well against each other. I guess its because they are the top two basketball programs in the Big 12 and they dont try to junk things up and win ugly like Okie St and A&M.
Mason's stock is rising
I don't know if any pro scouts are looking at him but if he keeps playing like this he can expect a reasonable payday one day.
So sickening
How pro-KU this crowd is. They are obviously feeding off the crowd.
This is exactly why we need to be in Houston if we want to get to the Final Four.
Even if we lose today, I am proud of the team. To survive an onslaught of three after three after three.
We're like a cockroach who's getting smashed by a shoe but staying alive!
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 3:57 PM CDT reply actions
connor needs to be careful
he has to stay in the game
Also, I just can't see DJ not going pro
He is going to be the best PG in the draft. Top 5 pick at least.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 3:58 PM CDT reply actions
Love the ball movement...
We need to make every trip down the floor count. Time to show the nation what a champion looks like.
Under 4 minutes
Horns are still in it. Need to execute on the offensive end. Tough miss for AJ, but don't worry he'll get another look.
J Mason is having such a good game. We are only a Connor away from having a total game.
What a play by Collins
just handed them a possession.
And Chalmers is absolutely killing us. He is a Texas killer.
Too bad Kansas, you won't have this fan support in the tournament. If it takes a ridiculous 3pt shooting % to beat us, then it shows we're the better team on a true neutral court.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:02 PM CDT reply actions
Lets go Mooney
go on a fouling frenzy.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:04 PM CDT reply actions
Moonie to the rescue.
To foul Kahn, if it works.
I've got to say...
even if Rush really crossed that line, it's a really random call to make. How is the ref even paying attention to that at this point in the game?
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:05 PM CDT reply actions
Really unnecessary shot
Look at the clock. Almost a minute to go. We don't have to make up for the whole deficit now. One possession at a time. A two would've made it a one possession game.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:07 PM CDT reply actions
wow
not a very good time tto turn it over
by burntorangenance on Mar 16, 2008 4:08 PM CDT reply actions
not a big deal
we beat them at our place and they beat us at thiers. however they do own us in b12 championship
by TEXASFIGHT on Mar 16, 2008 4:09 PM CDT reply actions
I'm tired of losing this game to KU
I think our legs finally gave out on us in the last 5 minutes. Just weren't taking good shots and couldn't drain the ones we took.
4:42 Texas went cold, no baskets since then.
That's the crucial difference. You always have to hit the shots.
you better cut that talk boy
dont be hating on re states.
by TEXASFIGHT on Mar 16, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
next year we have to win
the big twelve championship. we have to.
by TEXASFIGHT on Mar 16, 2008 4:10 PM CDT reply actions
Where is the tournament next year?
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
OKC
is what I heard earlier in the week...
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions
You know they wrote a book about this
What's wrong with Kansas?
by DisplacedTexan on Mar 16, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Heh. One of things not wrong is basketball.
Or football, for that matter this year.
KU will always have the advantage
as long as they have crazy depth. Remember that both teams are play the third game of a back-to-back-to-back. Clearly this favors Kansas.
14-3 run to end the game for KU. We couldn't finish the game. DJ looks exhausted.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:14 PM CDT reply actions
So Kansas
hired Super Mario's dad just so he would come to school there?
Tough loss for the Horns. It should put us in Houston, but I wanted a win in the Big XII champ game. Next year.
Excited for the tournmanet
Our boys just ran out of gas, and KU rained bloody murder from outside the arc. Nothing to be ashamed of in this game. Maybe better shot selection at the end, but I'd chalk that up to pure exhaustion.
Well played game by both teams. A lot of respect shown. And two ball clubs no one wants to see in the tourny.
And remember that we're still without Gary
He needs to be healthy and prepared for the tournament.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:17 PM CDT reply actions
nothing to be down about
They played well and run into a buzz saw today. I still think a 2 in the south is the perfect scenario for this team. I def didnt want them to be 1 in Detroit. Who in the world would ever wanna go to Detroit?
Damn it!!!!
Not again, please tell we didn't just lose to them for the 3rd straight year.
I've got to believe Barnes stayed in the zone because his team just didn't have enough gas left to go man to man.
This team just wasn't built for 3 games in 3 days. We knew that coming in.
Let's hope it turns into a positive with a 2 seed in the south.
This just hurts.
Congrats to KU, they did what they had to do.
Why do this?
Did anyone care enough to come bother 12thmanchild with cheers for the Jayhawks last night? This is adorably little-brother of you.
great game
A great game by two great teams. I'll be perfectly satisfied with a 2 in the south. Let's hope it happens!
Also, maybe this is Mason's offensive breakout game. It's been a while, but it was nice to see him even looking for his shot a bit in this game. If Atch could just get untracked again, watch out!
Why do we suffer?
We should have won that game, but we just couldn't make a few wide open shots towards the end that would have kept us from having to foul. I hope we make this hurt less with a deep tourney run, but until we win a Big XII title, this is going to sting.
We feel down
but if we're #2 in Houston, everyone better be rejoicing.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:25 PM CDT reply actions
Give it up for the Kansas Defense
They locked the horns down for the last 4 minutes and never let them get a good shot.
b-ball
So, who are the Big 12 Champs? Texas won the regular season, and Kansas won the tournament. College sports are really messed up. I don't even want to start on football.
I hope this doesn't hurt Texas' mentally. We can say what we want, but that was another kick in the groin by Kansas.
Considering what we expected in the beginning
This has been a wonderful season. Like driving along a mountain road and no guardrails at times (with Horns lack of depth), but always exciting. And generally well played.
We got a lot of bang for the buck when we started with just a pocketful of change.
Looks like Memphis
If you go by the S-curve
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
What makes me mad if KU gets a #1
is "who has KU beat???" Aren't we the only top ten team they have beat? We still have a better resume..
by LadyLonghorninOK on Mar 16, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I have to laugh at Bilas
not only is he pro-KU, all he basically says when he compliments Texas is how Connor is a matchup problem for other teams since he can take opponents' big man out with his great 3pt shooting.
Well today, Atchley did not hit a single three and was the only starter not to get into double figures.
DJ and Abrams combined for 34 of our 64 shots. Hopefully this changes if Johnson gets some shots.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:32 PM CDT reply actions
the SEC Tourney is about to go to a 4-12 team
UGA went 4-12 in conference, and is sewing up an automatic bid to the Dance.
Wow.
What are you guys going to do?
Watch ESPN or CBS at 5pm?
by goingforthecorner on Mar 16, 2008 4:35 PM CDT reply actions
Fuck Uga
i cant stand them, and of course im gonna have to hear a bunch of shit from their obnoxious fans here in atlanta...
Great game
If ya gotta lose, that's the way to do it. Kansas played their best game of the year and we hung with them almost to the end. Of all the other Big 12 teams, they're the only one I can really root for. Let's hope we get to play them one more time for the big prize.
I don't mind the loss so much. Both teams...
...are Final Four (if not championship) caliber. I would have liked to have seen us win a tournament championship for once, but Kansas made good adjustments during the half and really stepped up their D intensity.
Great game by both teams. Good luck to KU in the NCAAs. Maybe we will see you guys again :)
Rockets win with McGrady going for only 11 pts
Rafer Alston had a huge game and Shane Battier held Kobe to just 24 points. What an outstanding defensive performance by Battier and a well-balanced offensive attack by the Rockets offense today.
22 in-a-row!

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