Don't Change Anything
Cuse won the Big East regular season championship the other night, for the first time in a decade. Someone asked me today if I stayed to watch the presentation of the trophy the other night. No; this was not the trophy I cared about. To the extent this championship was recognition for a great season of conference play, it's all well and good. But really, they've played all year for the season that's about to begin in a couple weeks. Two weeks from today, as a matter of fact.
Cuse has to play in Louisville on Saturday. It's a chance for the Cardinals to play their way into the tournament, by beating the nation's number one team; and it's a chance for the Orange to gain a little revenge, and also to finish the year undefeated on the road. If they do that, they'll be the only team in the country with that credential this year.
Right now the Orange are 28-2. Twenty-two of those wins have been double figure margins. That includes a host of double digit wins over ranked teams. They haven't lost to a ranked team this year. Who else can say that? As I pointed out in the last posting, they are on the nation's leaderboard for a variety of stats, both offensive and defensive. Their most dangerous opponent is themselves. If they don't beat themselves, teams are going to have a very tough time with them.
I thought they played uninspired ball against St. John's, with the exception of the seniors. AO was a force all night long. And Rautins was hot in the first half. But Joseph was pouting and sulking, and if not for a bunch of late free throws, he would have looked lousy in the box. Johnson was skying for rebounds, and playing good D, but his shooting touch is still off. I guess his thumb continues to bother him, but whatever the cause, he can't seem to regain his early season form. Triche was awful in the first half, better in the second, but looks a bit lost right now. And Jackson sat down for almost all the second half - Why, I don't know. Having said all that, after a lackluster performance, they finished almost twenty points up on the Johnnies. After ten minutes, the game was never close.
It will be interesting to see how Saturday goes. In a meaningless game, will they go through the motions, or does their pride compel them to remain on their number one perch? And if the latter, are they good enough to make adjustments, and overcome that frantic man defense Louisville played in the dome on Valentine's day? Boeheim was apparently close to giddy in a post-game press conference after the Nova win, but that wasn't the win we wanted either. They look great, but they have a target on their back. And we've never had a year when they entered the tournament with these kind of expectations.
So just for good luck, everyone keep doing what you've been doing. Mike says he drank Brass Monkeys for the Nova game, so from now on Mike, it's Brass Monkeys at game time. I've been wearing my Orange sweater for the last couple weeks, and the sweater stays on right through the tournament. If your socks are lucky, think about not washing them. You never know what will make the difference. Check back on Sunday; we'll see how we did.
Cuse has to play in Louisville on Saturday. It's a chance for the Cardinals to play their way into the tournament, by beating the nation's number one team; and it's a chance for the Orange to gain a little revenge, and also to finish the year undefeated on the road. If they do that, they'll be the only team in the country with that credential this year.
Right now the Orange are 28-2. Twenty-two of those wins have been double figure margins. That includes a host of double digit wins over ranked teams. They haven't lost to a ranked team this year. Who else can say that? As I pointed out in the last posting, they are on the nation's leaderboard for a variety of stats, both offensive and defensive. Their most dangerous opponent is themselves. If they don't beat themselves, teams are going to have a very tough time with them.
I thought they played uninspired ball against St. John's, with the exception of the seniors. AO was a force all night long. And Rautins was hot in the first half. But Joseph was pouting and sulking, and if not for a bunch of late free throws, he would have looked lousy in the box. Johnson was skying for rebounds, and playing good D, but his shooting touch is still off. I guess his thumb continues to bother him, but whatever the cause, he can't seem to regain his early season form. Triche was awful in the first half, better in the second, but looks a bit lost right now. And Jackson sat down for almost all the second half - Why, I don't know. Having said all that, after a lackluster performance, they finished almost twenty points up on the Johnnies. After ten minutes, the game was never close.
It will be interesting to see how Saturday goes. In a meaningless game, will they go through the motions, or does their pride compel them to remain on their number one perch? And if the latter, are they good enough to make adjustments, and overcome that frantic man defense Louisville played in the dome on Valentine's day? Boeheim was apparently close to giddy in a post-game press conference after the Nova win, but that wasn't the win we wanted either. They look great, but they have a target on their back. And we've never had a year when they entered the tournament with these kind of expectations.
So just for good luck, everyone keep doing what you've been doing. Mike says he drank Brass Monkeys for the Nova game, so from now on Mike, it's Brass Monkeys at game time. I've been wearing my Orange sweater for the last couple weeks, and the sweater stays on right through the tournament. If your socks are lucky, think about not washing them. You never know what will make the difference. Check back on Sunday; we'll see how we did.
posted by pops | 6:54 PM
4 Comments:
Excellent posting. For the record, John and Sweeny got me on the Brass Monkey's. At Johnny's suggestion, I'll also be adding cheese puffs and carrots for the Louisville game. And considering I bought new shoes that afternoon, I might be filling my closet with new purchases. Truth is, as long as they stay focused and play smart ball, they can handle the tournament.
-Homie
The two worries that have dominated my thought processes this month are: the healing of Wesley Johnson's thumb and the course of health reform - in that order.
Chipper
Don't know what I shouldn't change. I am a bit superstitious about things in general but do not have anything as far as Cuse games are concerned.
So I think I'll start one this weekend with the L'ville game I'll drink single malt during second half. This will create hardship on my part having a dram or two during a game. And I already know if the Cuse loses I'll simply change the distillery and/or age statement. The rest of you can where socks and t-shirts.
One thing for sure Pitino will have L'ville very prepared. Also I just learned that L'ville as part of their defenses use the 2-3 zone. Pitino knows if they beat Cuse twice they will be in NCAA and do not have to worry about the results of the BE. I say this because if you all are going to be wearing and doing stuff to insure Cuse win what do you do if the lose for the next game.
David you correctly point out that the Cuse must be careful not to beat themselves. I hope the team is not reading their own press and hype. For me I would like them to avenge the Valentine loss to L'ville and get a double digit win. Then lose the first game in the BE Tournament. That way they can refocus and Wes can get healthier.
BTW what's with all of the players with last names beginning with 'J'. I like it.
Go Cuse.
G-man
I'm with you with one variation. If I could plan the next two weekends, I'd make this one change. Win at Louisville to avenge the loss, and to keep the away record unblemished. Win the quarterfinal game at the BigEast tournament, and then lose in the semi-finals. That would give them thirty wins going into the NCAAs, a little more rest next week, and a bit of a chip on their shoulders. Same idea though.
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