Hey 1liner, I've just been busy. Here are some miscellaneous thoughts on the events of last week:
- Unfortunately, I was unable to go to either game last week due to the fact that I was in Dallas for my brother-in-law's wedding. I was at the reception during the Marshall game, and thought that it would be bad form to listen to the game on the Tune-In app during that time. I checked the score with a minute or two left, and ended up clandestinely listening to the end of the game.
- My wife and I were out shopping with the newlyweds on Saturday while the Western Kentucky game was on. This time I listened to a good portion of the first half, all of the second half, and the OT. When we went down by 19 I told myself that if the Miners didn't make a move quickly I would close the app. Fortunately they did just that. I was able to keep the fact that I was listening to the game secret (I was listening via Bluetooth) until late in regulation, when I shouted out loud at Moore's "and 1" to tie the game while I was driving to a restaurant. It was obvious during dinner that I was listening to the OT.
- The games were definitely both incredibly exciting, and I am both relieved and ecstatic that we won Saturday's game during the 50th anniversary festivities.
- While I agree with Nolan Richardson's opinion that he would rather win 119-118 than lose 59-58, I would similarly prefer to win 59-58 than lose 119-118. Winning is always exciting. Losing always sucks.
- I think that it's obvious to everyone that this team plays much better at an up-tempo pace. One thing to note, though, is that while increasing the tempo likely means that your opponent will score more due to having more possessions, it does not mean that you don't have to play defense (despite what the guys on the team may think). Truly good up-tempo teams play great defense. If we are to have any chance in the CUSA Tournament we have to keep up this style of play, and play better defensively.
- The excitement of the last couple of games does appear to change a couple of posters' opinions on Coach Floyd. This isn't surprising, as sports fans always overreact to the last game they saw. But it apparently didn't sway most voters here. Those in favor of keeping Floyd still obviously support him, while those who have him on a short leash continue to do so. This is appropriate in my opinion.
- I really would like this team to make two breakthroughs before season's end: beat a quality team at home, and beat anybody on the road. Hopefully we can do the latter twice this week.
- I never give up on player during their freshman year, but I was hopping to see something more from Jones and Thomas right now. Of the two, Jones seems to be getting more time lately, and does appear to be a better shot blocker. Thomas, however, seems better at everything else. Neither has shown me anything that makes me excited about them next year, however.
- Where has this Morris been all season?
- Like him or hate him, booing Barbee was tacky.
I've got to go. Here's to hoping that we finally break through on the road this weekend. And do it twice.
