login | Register

Snowflakes: C-USA/Big East Hoops

by Patrick Snow

* Could this week finally bring the contest where #1 Memphis actually loses a conference game? The last time that happened was at UAB on March 2nd, 2006. On Wednesday night, the undefeated Tigers travel to Houston to battle the 15-3 Cougars. After Memphis beat Gonzaga on Saturday, Coach John Calipari said that he believed his team will lose at least one or two conference games. I think Coach Cal is just trying to build up C-USA so national voters won’t hold it against his Tigers if they do lose those games. While I think Memphis should prevail, it will definitely be a great atmosphere at Hofheinz Pavilion.

* West Virginia had won four in a row before losing a heartbreaker last Saturday against Georgetown. I thought Bob Huggins did a good job of not losing his cool after the Mountaineers game-winning attempt appeared to be goaltended by Patrick Ewing Jr. West Virginia did not get the call, and Huggins chose to accept missed free throws as the cause for the loss instead of the ending no-call. If WVU can score in the 60s or even 70s each game, their halfcourt defense will continue to make them the surprise team in the rugged Big East.

* Louisville was expected to challenge Georgetown for the conference crown, but the Cardinals have already lost 3 conference games. Coach Pitino’s clubs have always been known for their firepower, but this year’s squad is in the lower half of the league in scoring and shooting percentage. Pitino has shuffled lineups in and out this season, but he must find a go-to guy for critical baskets late if the Cardinals are going to achieve their postseason goals.

related tags

Sports,
Alabama,
Florida,
Kentucky,
Louisiana,
Mississippi,
North Carolina,
Oklahoma,
Texas,
West Virginia,
Memphis,
New Orleans,
Tulsa,
River,
Coastal,
Mountain,
Urban,
Tribal Fever,

Related Dispatches