I'm starting to get incredibly excited about the America East tournament.
Remembering how much fun we had the last couple times we hosted, I can't really think of anything I'd rather do than sit through another Saturday session. (I guess when you're 22 and single, postseason basketball's near the top of your priorities.)
I'm legitimately torn about what to do during the tournament though, which leads to the new poll question: should I do everything I can to sit courtside and blog all weekend (as I did last year), or go buy bodypaint, tons of Bearcat apparel ... and a ticket?
2.19.2008
2.18.2008
@Binghamton 80, Maine 55
Looks like I overrated Maine in my preview this afternoon.
Maine sucks. They were turning the ball over left and right, especially in the first half, which got very ugly very quickly. Sure, they were missing a bunch of guys, but nothing they did today impressed me in the slightest.
Seriously, it's hard to come up with a single positive from the Black Bears' perspective -- if you saw this game, you'd be hard-pressed to disagree with me. They simply couldn't control the ball at all, which led to countless fast breaks. The Bearcats' crisp passing, especially on the interior, made Maine look like a mystified JV squad.
Can Dwayne Jackson get some love? This may be slight homerism, but I think the kid has emerged as a prospective All-AE third-teamer -- off the bench. 26 points for DJ today.
Troy Barnies accidentally crashed into one of our cheerleaders -- which was scary for a moment, to make sure that she was ok, but once we realized everyone was alright, we razzed him pretty good about it. It's too bad Maine will probably win the play-in game and play UMBC, and of course we'll have to root against the Retrievers in that 1-8 game to sustain any hope of playing a potential final at the Events Center -- I'd really love to get on Barnies about it again. (My favorite chant today: "Say you're sor-ry," clap, clap, clap clap clap)
And I have to say, after today's surprising events around the league, that's actually looking slightly more realistic. Vermont lost to Stony Brook (huh?), while Boston U. pushed UMBC to the limit in Maryland.
Bing sits in fourth now, with a pair of SUNY matchups left on the docket. A loss to SBU would obviously be devastating, but I can't see that happening. (Unless, of course, Laz is "f*ing soft" again this year -- doubt it.) Assuming a W there, that makes the Albany game -- on Senior Day -- even bigger. Here's why.
Let's give UMBC the 1-seed. Hartford sits alone in second and is likely to stay there. But the difference between 2 and 3 is moot for the Bearcats, as both semifinal games will be held at the EC. The difference between 3 and 4 is gigantic; although you'd be okay with playing UMBC in the semis in Vestal, you'd be pretty much guaranteed a final on the road against either Albany (ehhhh ...) or Hartford (yikes).
I'm certainly not counting out Vermont. They've shown in the recent past they can win games from the bottom half of the draw. But losing to SBU this late in the season is genuinely painful. I'd really hate to have to play UVM in the playoffs; they seem to have our number. So here's the ideal situation in my mind:
UNH checks in as the six seed and we play them in the early Saturday night game (7 p.m.); UMBC squashes Maine, Hartford beats Vermont (in a hell of a game) and fourth-seeded Albany beats no. 5 Boston U. (Let's face it -- Boston cannot win a tournament game against anyone not named Al Walker.) I legit think Albany could beat UMBC on our "neutral" court (although won't it be sickening to root for UA? Ugh!). That would set up a 2/3 Hartford/Binghamton semi to host the championship, and as I've reiterated several times -- I think with a third chance against Hartford, we beat them. Of all the games that I've seen this season, I'm convinced Hartford is not better than Binghamton. (For fairness sake, and to prove to you I'm not a complete homer, I'm convinced that no matter where they play, Vermont beats Binghamton 85 out of 100 times.)
That whole situation rides on Binghamton beating Albany on Senior Day. With a loss in that one, there's zero shot at a potential final in Vestal -- although it might actually increase the Bearcats' chances of making it to the final, because they'd (theoretically) play the Retrievers at the Events Center, where I think we'd have a better shot to beat them.
More musings tomorrow, perhaps.
- - - - -
Edit: Can someone please tell the radio/TV guy that Laz's last name has a 'u' in it?
Maine sucks. They were turning the ball over left and right, especially in the first half, which got very ugly very quickly. Sure, they were missing a bunch of guys, but nothing they did today impressed me in the slightest.
Seriously, it's hard to come up with a single positive from the Black Bears' perspective -- if you saw this game, you'd be hard-pressed to disagree with me. They simply couldn't control the ball at all, which led to countless fast breaks. The Bearcats' crisp passing, especially on the interior, made Maine look like a mystified JV squad.
Can Dwayne Jackson get some love? This may be slight homerism, but I think the kid has emerged as a prospective All-AE third-teamer -- off the bench. 26 points for DJ today.
Troy Barnies accidentally crashed into one of our cheerleaders -- which was scary for a moment, to make sure that she was ok, but once we realized everyone was alright, we razzed him pretty good about it. It's too bad Maine will probably win the play-in game and play UMBC, and of course we'll have to root against the Retrievers in that 1-8 game to sustain any hope of playing a potential final at the Events Center -- I'd really love to get on Barnies about it again. (My favorite chant today: "Say you're sor-ry," clap, clap, clap clap clap)
And I have to say, after today's surprising events around the league, that's actually looking slightly more realistic. Vermont lost to Stony Brook (huh?), while Boston U. pushed UMBC to the limit in Maryland.
Bing sits in fourth now, with a pair of SUNY matchups left on the docket. A loss to SBU would obviously be devastating, but I can't see that happening. (Unless, of course, Laz is "f*ing soft" again this year -- doubt it.) Assuming a W there, that makes the Albany game -- on Senior Day -- even bigger. Here's why.
Let's give UMBC the 1-seed. Hartford sits alone in second and is likely to stay there. But the difference between 2 and 3 is moot for the Bearcats, as both semifinal games will be held at the EC. The difference between 3 and 4 is gigantic; although you'd be okay with playing UMBC in the semis in Vestal, you'd be pretty much guaranteed a final on the road against either Albany (ehhhh ...) or Hartford (yikes).
I'm certainly not counting out Vermont. They've shown in the recent past they can win games from the bottom half of the draw. But losing to SBU this late in the season is genuinely painful. I'd really hate to have to play UVM in the playoffs; they seem to have our number. So here's the ideal situation in my mind:
UNH checks in as the six seed and we play them in the early Saturday night game (7 p.m.); UMBC squashes Maine, Hartford beats Vermont (in a hell of a game) and fourth-seeded Albany beats no. 5 Boston U. (Let's face it -- Boston cannot win a tournament game against anyone not named Al Walker.) I legit think Albany could beat UMBC on our "neutral" court (although won't it be sickening to root for UA? Ugh!). That would set up a 2/3 Hartford/Binghamton semi to host the championship, and as I've reiterated several times -- I think with a third chance against Hartford, we beat them. Of all the games that I've seen this season, I'm convinced Hartford is not better than Binghamton. (For fairness sake, and to prove to you I'm not a complete homer, I'm convinced that no matter where they play, Vermont beats Binghamton 85 out of 100 times.)
That whole situation rides on Binghamton beating Albany on Senior Day. With a loss in that one, there's zero shot at a potential final in Vestal -- although it might actually increase the Bearcats' chances of making it to the final, because they'd (theoretically) play the Retrievers at the Events Center, where I think we'd have a better shot to beat them.
More musings tomorrow, perhaps.
- - - - -
Edit: Can someone please tell the radio/TV guy that Laz's last name has a 'u' in it?
2.17.2008
Maine @ Binghamton, starting shortly
Heading out to the EC shortly.
Maybe I'm the last guy in the world who's a Ted Woodward fan. I thought he drew up some excellent gameplans a few years back in the 2005 AE tournament. Of course, Maine sucks over the past few years, so maybe I've got to re-program my thinking. But I'm definitely not as down on Ted Woodward as say, the Leaster.
Today's game must be a blowout win for the Bearcats. A two-point escape, don't get me wrong, would be just as much a win as a 20-point obliteration, but I really think Richie Forbes & co. need a good old-fashioned butt-whippin' to get back on track, and Maine is just the team to deliver that.
Binghamton 72, Maine 56.
Maybe I'm the last guy in the world who's a Ted Woodward fan. I thought he drew up some excellent gameplans a few years back in the 2005 AE tournament. Of course, Maine sucks over the past few years, so maybe I've got to re-program my thinking. But I'm definitely not as down on Ted Woodward as say, the Leaster.
Today's game must be a blowout win for the Bearcats. A two-point escape, don't get me wrong, would be just as much a win as a 20-point obliteration, but I really think Richie Forbes & co. need a good old-fashioned butt-whippin' to get back on track, and Maine is just the team to deliver that.
Binghamton 72, Maine 56.
2.16.2008
UNH/Binghamton TV coverage
Just realized I did remember to set my DVR for last night's Bing/UNH game.
A couple of quick notes:
- This color guy sucks.
- I'm still not big on Roger Neel, but if nothing else, he should stick to radio. If nothing else, the man is so accustomed to doing radio that he cannot give a TV audience a moment to breathe. It seems like this color guy is just sort of jumping into what would typically be a-tad-too-long moments of silence that Rog usually leaves during his radio commentary.
- This color guy sucks.
- Jen Wegmann, the "sideline reporter," was my nutrition professor a few years ago. She's a fantastic professor, but when it comes to TV ... well ... she's learning.
- The emptiness of the Events Center makes us look pretty pathetic -- especially in the Zoo. We look like freakin' Stony Brook.
- Did I mention this color guy sucks?
Also, watching the first few minutes of the game over again reminds me how many stupid charges they called in this game, especially in the first half.
- - - - -
Edit: 10 minutes later. I'm now re-watching the last two minutes of the game. A couple more quick hits here:
- At 50-49, after Forbes missed the dagger 3, Gordon almost had an offensive rebound before a UNH player grabbed the ball and rolled over on the ground. We booed hard there, looking for a travel, but watching it again, Gordon totally fouled the guy.
- I think Herrion mis-managed his timeouts. UNH was really stuck there with no way to stop the clock late, although KB called one late.
- Looks like it was indeed a bad call on Reggie Fuller with 27.4 seconds left.
- What are these referees THINKING? Fuller was certainly NOT fouled with 9.1 seconds left, although that would've been nearly impossible for me to see from the opposite side of the court there. Looks like it was a good call on Gordon with a couple seconds remaining.
- No love for the BU Zoo from Time Warner sports. Did they think the Zoo was the crowd behind the Bearcats' bench?
- If the pep band's going to play 'The Horse,' they must come through with it at 9.1 seconds left. That, or 'The Hey Song.' (And in a related note, why the f did they play 'Barbie Girl' at halftime?!)
- Reggie Fuller claimed in the postgame that he blocked the final shot. Lie.
A couple of quick notes:
- This color guy sucks.
- I'm still not big on Roger Neel, but if nothing else, he should stick to radio. If nothing else, the man is so accustomed to doing radio that he cannot give a TV audience a moment to breathe. It seems like this color guy is just sort of jumping into what would typically be a-tad-too-long moments of silence that Rog usually leaves during his radio commentary.
- This color guy sucks.
- Jen Wegmann, the "sideline reporter," was my nutrition professor a few years ago. She's a fantastic professor, but when it comes to TV ... well ... she's learning.
- The emptiness of the Events Center makes us look pretty pathetic -- especially in the Zoo. We look like freakin' Stony Brook.
- Did I mention this color guy sucks?
Also, watching the first few minutes of the game over again reminds me how many stupid charges they called in this game, especially in the first half.
- - - - -
Edit: 10 minutes later. I'm now re-watching the last two minutes of the game. A couple more quick hits here:
- At 50-49, after Forbes missed the dagger 3, Gordon almost had an offensive rebound before a UNH player grabbed the ball and rolled over on the ground. We booed hard there, looking for a travel, but watching it again, Gordon totally fouled the guy.
- I think Herrion mis-managed his timeouts. UNH was really stuck there with no way to stop the clock late, although KB called one late.
- Looks like it was indeed a bad call on Reggie Fuller with 27.4 seconds left.
- What are these referees THINKING? Fuller was certainly NOT fouled with 9.1 seconds left, although that would've been nearly impossible for me to see from the opposite side of the court there. Looks like it was a good call on Gordon with a couple seconds remaining.
- No love for the BU Zoo from Time Warner sports. Did they think the Zoo was the crowd behind the Bearcats' bench?
- If the pep band's going to play 'The Horse,' they must come through with it at 9.1 seconds left. That, or 'The Hey Song.' (And in a related note, why the f did they play 'Barbie Girl' at halftime?!)
- Reggie Fuller claimed in the postgame that he blocked the final shot. Lie.
Flak from the Leaster
Looks like I've been called out for my 'Doomsday mentality' after the BU loss by Drake Tungsten over at America Least. And I respect that; I deserve a bit of it for burying the Bearcats before a gutsy win. Maybe I was a little bit harsh.
But remember that we were a couple of made free throws away from losing to a bad team, at home, in front of the leftovers from the fair-weather (you heard me) BU Zoo.
If DiLiegro hits a free throw or two, the late-season losing streak would've stretched to five, and the Bearcats would've fallen below .500 in conference play after bursting out to a 6-2 mark. If Mike Gordon's last-minute runner rims out (see: Binghamton vs. Boston, 2007 playoffs; UNH @ Binghamton, Jan. 18, 2007 -- the guy is human), I think you have to completely re-evaluate where the Bearcats are heading into the final few weeks.
And to reiterate that point, so it doesn't seem like I'm just taking an underhanded shot: This year's Zoo is pathetic, a group of fair-weather fans who pale in comparison to the glory years of a healthy Nick Billings and Brandon Carter. Of course, the best way to solve that problem is to win, but it sure was sad to see a paltry crowd come down last night for a pivotal (I really hate that word) Thursday night contest.
But remember that we were a couple of made free throws away from losing to a bad team, at home, in front of the leftovers from the fair-weather (you heard me) BU Zoo.
If DiLiegro hits a free throw or two, the late-season losing streak would've stretched to five, and the Bearcats would've fallen below .500 in conference play after bursting out to a 6-2 mark. If Mike Gordon's last-minute runner rims out (see: Binghamton vs. Boston, 2007 playoffs; UNH @ Binghamton, Jan. 18, 2007 -- the guy is human), I think you have to completely re-evaluate where the Bearcats are heading into the final few weeks.
And to reiterate that point, so it doesn't seem like I'm just taking an underhanded shot: This year's Zoo is pathetic, a group of fair-weather fans who pale in comparison to the glory years of a healthy Nick Billings and Brandon Carter. Of course, the best way to solve that problem is to win, but it sure was sad to see a paltry crowd come down last night for a pivotal (I really hate that word) Thursday night contest.
2.14.2008
@Binghamton 56, UNH 54
First off, my heart goes out to the victims of yet another horrifying on-campus shooting, today in Illinois. What the f--- is wrong with people??
- - - - -
Tons to talk about tonight in a game that appeared to have it all.
Expect every article you read tonight/tomorrow about this game to lead with Kevin Broadus' postgame trip into the BU Zoo. As a part of the Zoo, it was sort of exciting to see, although I have to tell you, I certainly wouldn't expect a coach to do it after a 2-point win over a poor team. (I thought it was bad when the Zoo stormed the court against Vermont a few years back!)
But back to the game; things sure seemed bad when the Bearcats AGAIN failed to box out in the last minute of the game. The go-ahead three seemed like a heartbreaker (no Valentine's Day pun intended), but as soon as you saw Mike Gordon grab the ball, you knew (or at least I knew) he was going to the hole and he was going to score (again, no Valentine's Day pun intended).
The rush of emotions in the final minute was unlike any I've felt at a Bearcats game before. We were gunna win, then lose, then win, then go to overtime, and then we had it locked up again, overtime thoughts again, and then finally the buzzer. Perhaps that whirlpool of emotions was the reason Broadus came into the crowd, but either way it was a heck of a finish.
Reggie Fuller sure had ice in his veins with those final two free throws. Proof positive that spirit fingers do work ... on the flip side, how bad does that jackass who was taunting the Zoo feel after missing TWO free throws, down one point? Way to go, buddy. And don't expect us to forget about that come tournament time ... ever heard of Seth Davis?
Continuing to move backwards through this game -- you have to feel at least kind of bad for Jaan Montgomery. He really appears to be giving an exorbitant amount of effort out on the court, and if there was an ever an opportunity for Jaan to step up and contribute, now would be the time. But he just doesn't appear to be in control of his huge body. Refs give him no benefit of the doubt, and furthermore, the coaches don't appear to be very encouraging. Jaan was called for a charge tonight, leading into a media timeout, and as he came to the bench, Lawrence Brenneman stared the young man down -- twice -- before mouthing (or perhaps saying), "What the f--- are you doing?" I swear, if I were Jaan Montgomery, I don't quite think I could respond calmly to a man who, and you're hearing this correctly, does not deserve his job. Ever wonder, LB, if failure after failure in the Al Walker era wasn't at least sort of your fault?
Perhaps the most exciting part of the night? MOE HAD 'EM PLAY THE HORSE! Stop slurping the UMBC band, Moritz, the Bearcat band is back!
But I disgress. Good effort tonight from the Bearcats tonight, even Laz Trifunovic, who looked like his dog died as he was introduced in front of relative silence. The Zoo, or what was left of it tonight, was certainly not quick to get behind the slumping 'Cats tonight, but perhaps a tight victory -- and a coach storming the crowd (!?) -- was what the fan base needed to get back on the team's side.
Laz really fought his way through tonight's game, but there's no way that he is 100%, and the way he's moving, I don't think he's capable of being 100% again this season. If I'm KB, I give him the Manhattan game off. Like I've said before, beating Manhattan isn't going to get us any closer to winning the America East, which needs to be the number one goal for as long as it takes to get there.
Sad to see Gio not in uniform. His career would be a sad tale to tell ... too bad I'm not a "real" journalist anymore ;).
(By the way, KB, try extending your arms full-length when you attempt to pump up the crowd. Maybe the local residents aren't understanding your "get up" movements as you keep your elbows tethered to your hips ...)
We've reached the point where this game was a must-win in my eyes. A five-game losing streak, including a 26-point drubbing at Boston and a home loss to UNH, would've meant utter disaster. But with a couple cupcakes left on the schedule, including an exhibition game at Stony Brook, the Bearcats may be able to scrape up enough momentum to host the most successful postseason tournament at the Events Center yet.
- - - - -
I'd like to ramp up my posting with the conference tournament approaching. Stay tuned.
- - - - -
Tons to talk about tonight in a game that appeared to have it all.
Expect every article you read tonight/tomorrow about this game to lead with Kevin Broadus' postgame trip into the BU Zoo. As a part of the Zoo, it was sort of exciting to see, although I have to tell you, I certainly wouldn't expect a coach to do it after a 2-point win over a poor team. (I thought it was bad when the Zoo stormed the court against Vermont a few years back!)
But back to the game; things sure seemed bad when the Bearcats AGAIN failed to box out in the last minute of the game. The go-ahead three seemed like a heartbreaker (no Valentine's Day pun intended), but as soon as you saw Mike Gordon grab the ball, you knew (or at least I knew) he was going to the hole and he was going to score (again, no Valentine's Day pun intended).
The rush of emotions in the final minute was unlike any I've felt at a Bearcats game before. We were gunna win, then lose, then win, then go to overtime, and then we had it locked up again, overtime thoughts again, and then finally the buzzer. Perhaps that whirlpool of emotions was the reason Broadus came into the crowd, but either way it was a heck of a finish.
Reggie Fuller sure had ice in his veins with those final two free throws. Proof positive that spirit fingers do work ... on the flip side, how bad does that jackass who was taunting the Zoo feel after missing TWO free throws, down one point? Way to go, buddy. And don't expect us to forget about that come tournament time ... ever heard of Seth Davis?
Continuing to move backwards through this game -- you have to feel at least kind of bad for Jaan Montgomery. He really appears to be giving an exorbitant amount of effort out on the court, and if there was an ever an opportunity for Jaan to step up and contribute, now would be the time. But he just doesn't appear to be in control of his huge body. Refs give him no benefit of the doubt, and furthermore, the coaches don't appear to be very encouraging. Jaan was called for a charge tonight, leading into a media timeout, and as he came to the bench, Lawrence Brenneman stared the young man down -- twice -- before mouthing (or perhaps saying), "What the f--- are you doing?" I swear, if I were Jaan Montgomery, I don't quite think I could respond calmly to a man who, and you're hearing this correctly, does not deserve his job. Ever wonder, LB, if failure after failure in the Al Walker era wasn't at least sort of your fault?
Perhaps the most exciting part of the night? MOE HAD 'EM PLAY THE HORSE! Stop slurping the UMBC band, Moritz, the Bearcat band is back!
But I disgress. Good effort tonight from the Bearcats tonight, even Laz Trifunovic, who looked like his dog died as he was introduced in front of relative silence. The Zoo, or what was left of it tonight, was certainly not quick to get behind the slumping 'Cats tonight, but perhaps a tight victory -- and a coach storming the crowd (!?) -- was what the fan base needed to get back on the team's side.
Laz really fought his way through tonight's game, but there's no way that he is 100%, and the way he's moving, I don't think he's capable of being 100% again this season. If I'm KB, I give him the Manhattan game off. Like I've said before, beating Manhattan isn't going to get us any closer to winning the America East, which needs to be the number one goal for as long as it takes to get there.
Sad to see Gio not in uniform. His career would be a sad tale to tell ... too bad I'm not a "real" journalist anymore ;).
(By the way, KB, try extending your arms full-length when you attempt to pump up the crowd. Maybe the local residents aren't understanding your "get up" movements as you keep your elbows tethered to your hips ...)
We've reached the point where this game was a must-win in my eyes. A five-game losing streak, including a 26-point drubbing at Boston and a home loss to UNH, would've meant utter disaster. But with a couple cupcakes left on the schedule, including an exhibition game at Stony Brook, the Bearcats may be able to scrape up enough momentum to host the most successful postseason tournament at the Events Center yet.
- - - - -
I'd like to ramp up my posting with the conference tournament approaching. Stay tuned.
UNH @ Binghamton, 7 p.m.
In what has become somewhat of a tradition at the Events Center over the past few years, Bearcat fans will have a chance to watch what should be a high-quality basketball game with their Valentines tonight, with what, surprisingly, could be a make-or-break matchup for the Bearcats coming down the stretch in America East play.
Reggie Fuller and Laz Trifunovic have been the keys for the Bearcats throughout conference play, and both have run into their troubles lately.
Fuller played an incredible first half against Boston, shooting 5-for-5 from the field to continue his superhuman shooting from the field that began at UMBC. But in the second half of the Boston game, Fuller didn't even get a shot off from the field.
Certainly, the Bearcats can survive without Fuller scoring double-digits. He's thrived all year long in his Sebastian Hermenier-type role, but it's been those four-to-six points deep in the paint that seem to ignite the crowd and the other Bearcat players throughout the year. Fuller's rebounding prowess on the offensive glass is crucial to the Bearcats success, and that will be no different tonight.
Laz Trifunovic, the Bearcats' other starting "big man," is the other story lately. Apparently, Laz has been saddled with some injuries that he tried to fight through lately. Now that the word is out, I think it's important to realize that this young man's health is paramount, after seeing what happened in their later years to the aforementioned Hermenier and the now-infamous Nick Billings. There should be ZERO chances taken with Laz's health, and so if he's not good to go tonight, he should not play. It doesn't matter how important KB thinks this game is.
It says a lot about this year's UNH squad that they were picked pre-season to finish behind Stony Brook. I mean, Stony Brook is just terrible. However, no one ever counts Bill Herrion out, including me.
However, I've changed my mind about my initial prediction; I think the Bearcats will win tonight's game ... we'll say by 5 points. Bearcats 70, UNH 65.
- - - - -
In related news, I have applied for a media credential for the America East tournament. I am looking forward to sitting courtside and delivering live coverage for everyone who cannot make it to Vestal for the tournament, much as I did last year in Boston.
Reggie Fuller and Laz Trifunovic have been the keys for the Bearcats throughout conference play, and both have run into their troubles lately.
Fuller played an incredible first half against Boston, shooting 5-for-5 from the field to continue his superhuman shooting from the field that began at UMBC. But in the second half of the Boston game, Fuller didn't even get a shot off from the field.
Certainly, the Bearcats can survive without Fuller scoring double-digits. He's thrived all year long in his Sebastian Hermenier-type role, but it's been those four-to-six points deep in the paint that seem to ignite the crowd and the other Bearcat players throughout the year. Fuller's rebounding prowess on the offensive glass is crucial to the Bearcats success, and that will be no different tonight.
Laz Trifunovic, the Bearcats' other starting "big man," is the other story lately. Apparently, Laz has been saddled with some injuries that he tried to fight through lately. Now that the word is out, I think it's important to realize that this young man's health is paramount, after seeing what happened in their later years to the aforementioned Hermenier and the now-infamous Nick Billings. There should be ZERO chances taken with Laz's health, and so if he's not good to go tonight, he should not play. It doesn't matter how important KB thinks this game is.
It says a lot about this year's UNH squad that they were picked pre-season to finish behind Stony Brook. I mean, Stony Brook is just terrible. However, no one ever counts Bill Herrion out, including me.
However, I've changed my mind about my initial prediction; I think the Bearcats will win tonight's game ... we'll say by 5 points. Bearcats 70, UNH 65.
- - - - -
In related news, I have applied for a media credential for the America East tournament. I am looking forward to sitting courtside and delivering live coverage for everyone who cannot make it to Vestal for the tournament, much as I did last year in Boston.
2.13.2008
@Boston U 79, Binghamton 53
... and oh lord was I WRONG.
The miserable cynicism that plagued my writing in the latter Al years is back. The Bearcats put up one of the worst performances in school history in the second half against a bad team, in front of 582 people, with nothing to play for.
Huh?
The senior leadership on this team is PATHETIC. Richie Forbes? PATHETIC. Mike Gordon? PATHETIC.
After several impressive overachievements early in the conference schedule, the Bearcats were almost set up for some sort of mid-season letdown, which materialized with an acceptable loss to Hartford, a tough loss to Vermont and what we expected all season to be a loss at UMBC.
I fully expected all along to have to weather losses in two of those three games. A three-game slide would hurt, but wouldn't be the be-all end-all for the season.
A four-game slide culminating in a 26-point loss at Boston University?
Panic time.
The most disturbing number from this loss is the -12 rebounding margin, which has to be pinned partially on Laz's injuries and partially on the team's lack of size and rebounding prowess. But it's not like we're talking about Chris Holm, Taylor Coppenrath or Kenny Adeleke here. Tyler Morris and Matt Wolff, a pair of wimpy jump-shooting guards, are the on-the-court leaders for BU, who doesn't even list a center in the starting lineup this year.
Changes are necessary. KB, if you're reading this -- I mean, I disagree, but if you think it's Richie Forbes' fault, here's what you do: BENCH Richie Forbes. If you think it's Laz, don't force him into the starting lineup. Don't crucify me for this but ... if you think it's Mike Gordon -- BENCH Mike Gordon. It's obvious that things are not working, and if it takes benching your senior "leader" to make a statement, he'll understand.
So here's the scariest part: I think this slide continues tomorrow. Everyone always points to UNH as a scary matchup. I'm doing the same right now.
UNH 74, Binghamton 63.
And -- unjustifiably, yet -- they get booed out of the Events Center.
The miserable cynicism that plagued my writing in the latter Al years is back. The Bearcats put up one of the worst performances in school history in the second half against a bad team, in front of 582 people, with nothing to play for.
Huh?
The senior leadership on this team is PATHETIC. Richie Forbes? PATHETIC. Mike Gordon? PATHETIC.
After several impressive overachievements early in the conference schedule, the Bearcats were almost set up for some sort of mid-season letdown, which materialized with an acceptable loss to Hartford, a tough loss to Vermont and what we expected all season to be a loss at UMBC.
I fully expected all along to have to weather losses in two of those three games. A three-game slide would hurt, but wouldn't be the be-all end-all for the season.
A four-game slide culminating in a 26-point loss at Boston University?
Panic time.
The most disturbing number from this loss is the -12 rebounding margin, which has to be pinned partially on Laz's injuries and partially on the team's lack of size and rebounding prowess. But it's not like we're talking about Chris Holm, Taylor Coppenrath or Kenny Adeleke here. Tyler Morris and Matt Wolff, a pair of wimpy jump-shooting guards, are the on-the-court leaders for BU, who doesn't even list a center in the starting lineup this year.
Changes are necessary. KB, if you're reading this -- I mean, I disagree, but if you think it's Richie Forbes' fault, here's what you do: BENCH Richie Forbes. If you think it's Laz, don't force him into the starting lineup. Don't crucify me for this but ... if you think it's Mike Gordon -- BENCH Mike Gordon. It's obvious that things are not working, and if it takes benching your senior "leader" to make a statement, he'll understand.
So here's the scariest part: I think this slide continues tomorrow. Everyone always points to UNH as a scary matchup. I'm doing the same right now.
UNH 74, Binghamton 63.
And -- unjustifiably, yet -- they get booed out of the Events Center.
Recaps - Part I
My apologies for falling a couple of days behind with the blog. I'm going to make it up to you with two separate and complete posts, because what happened last night completely changed all my thoughts about the season.
So here's part I - a look back at Binghamton's four-point loss to UMBC on Saturday:
I thought the Bearcats showed a lot of heart in fighting back and erasing the huge deficit they dug themselves into. Apparently Laz has a few minor injuries that he's battling, the revelation of which changed my mind significantly about what I wanted to scream -- er, write calmly -- about him and his effort lately.
But even without their best player, the Bearcats put up a valiant effort against the Retrievers. After a number of clutch shots and big defensive stops, the 'Cats put themselves in a position to win the game -- until the last minute of the game, when they had an opportunity to clamp down on defense and, in my mind, seal the game.
And then, in what felt scarily reminiscent of the Al Walker era, the Bearcats simply failed to box out. Despite a long, arduous fight to get all the way back from 20 points down, they failed to perform one of the simplest tasks in the game of basketball -- boxing out -- and it cost them the game. Because, at least in my mind, after that monumental collapse, the Retrievers were TOAST if they did not score on that possession.
So, the bottom line was, although their shot at the top seed was officially out the window, I thought the UMBC game was a good way for the Bearcats to turn things around ...
So here's part I - a look back at Binghamton's four-point loss to UMBC on Saturday:
I thought the Bearcats showed a lot of heart in fighting back and erasing the huge deficit they dug themselves into. Apparently Laz has a few minor injuries that he's battling, the revelation of which changed my mind significantly about what I wanted to scream -- er, write calmly -- about him and his effort lately.
But even without their best player, the Bearcats put up a valiant effort against the Retrievers. After a number of clutch shots and big defensive stops, the 'Cats put themselves in a position to win the game -- until the last minute of the game, when they had an opportunity to clamp down on defense and, in my mind, seal the game.
And then, in what felt scarily reminiscent of the Al Walker era, the Bearcats simply failed to box out. Despite a long, arduous fight to get all the way back from 20 points down, they failed to perform one of the simplest tasks in the game of basketball -- boxing out -- and it cost them the game. Because, at least in my mind, after that monumental collapse, the Retrievers were TOAST if they did not score on that possession.
So, the bottom line was, although their shot at the top seed was officially out the window, I thought the UMBC game was a good way for the Bearcats to turn things around ...
2.12.2008
Binghamton @ Boston, starting shortly
Sorry I'm falling a bit behind. I do still have a lot to say about the UMBC game the other day, but expect a bounce-back game from the Bearcats, and especially Laz Trifunovic, tonight. Binghamton by 8 in a game that's not as close as an 8-point spread sounds.
2.11.2008
@UMBC 63, Binghamton 59
Full update coming tomorrow afternoon, but for now, I can sum up that horrible collapse / thrilling comeback in a mere two words:
BOX OUT!
There's obviously a lot more to talk about in a game that saw the Bearcats erase an embarrassing 20-point deficit, but in the end it came down to one play -- not even, just one player's failure to get in the position he needed to be in, and another player's rebounding prowess: if Cavell Johnson is properly boxed out with the game tied, and the Bearcats come up with that simple rebound -- I think BU wins the game.
Care to disagree?
I'll post a whole lot more tomorrow before I go to work.
BOX OUT!
There's obviously a lot more to talk about in a game that saw the Bearcats erase an embarrassing 20-point deficit, but in the end it came down to one play -- not even, just one player's failure to get in the position he needed to be in, and another player's rebounding prowess: if Cavell Johnson is properly boxed out with the game tied, and the Bearcats come up with that simple rebound -- I think BU wins the game.
Care to disagree?
I'll post a whole lot more tomorrow before I go to work.
2.09.2008
Vermont @ Binghamton follow-up; Binghamton @ UMBC, today at 3:30
Sorry, I thought I wrote a real follow-up about the UVM game the other day, but here goes:
I was quite disappointed in Laz Trifunovic. I think he must've gone into the game with a poor mindset, because he was not playing like BU could win the game. He had very limited energy and did not work underneath on the boards like he usually does; Broadus was right in keeping him off the floor in the second half.
But a colleague of mine made a good point, that KB deserves at least some of the blame for not understanding how to get Laz the ball in a zone. Granted, it was not easy to figure out what scheme UVM would come down the court in, as they continually switched up their game plan, alternating between a couple types of zone and (a much more manageable) man-to-man. But despite the score, the Bearcats were really struggling in the first half.
Mike Gordon has also been a disappointment to me lately, quite possibly because opponents are keying on him but also because he's very reluctant to pull the trigger. His record-setting shooting day last month showed that he's capable of being a big-time scorer, but he just seems to prefer to shy away from that role, choosing instead to make the extra pass, even when it's not the best option. Mike needs to re-establish himself as a scorer if Binghamton's going to get off the schnide.
That being said, this afternoon's TV game is going to be rough. Since the first UMBC game, everyone's been pointing to this return game as a likely loss, as the Retrievers are very talented and sure to be inspired on their home court. Randy Monroe doesn't strike me as the ideal coach to channel that type of anger, but their lineup is chock full of experienced athletes who certainly remember their last game against the overachieving Bearcats.
Today could get ugly, although Binghamton continues to prove me wrong by keeping these losses close. I thought coming into this week that Bing could get away with winning one of three (vs. Hart, vs. UVM, @ UMBC), although I sure was hoping it wouldn't have to be this one. Three-game losing streaks in the second half of the season never bode well for the postseason, but I just have an inkling that even though they'll probably lose today, this team is good enough and smart enough to weather the storm coming down the stretch.
@ UMBC 86, Binghamton 73.
I was quite disappointed in Laz Trifunovic. I think he must've gone into the game with a poor mindset, because he was not playing like BU could win the game. He had very limited energy and did not work underneath on the boards like he usually does; Broadus was right in keeping him off the floor in the second half.
But a colleague of mine made a good point, that KB deserves at least some of the blame for not understanding how to get Laz the ball in a zone. Granted, it was not easy to figure out what scheme UVM would come down the court in, as they continually switched up their game plan, alternating between a couple types of zone and (a much more manageable) man-to-man. But despite the score, the Bearcats were really struggling in the first half.
Mike Gordon has also been a disappointment to me lately, quite possibly because opponents are keying on him but also because he's very reluctant to pull the trigger. His record-setting shooting day last month showed that he's capable of being a big-time scorer, but he just seems to prefer to shy away from that role, choosing instead to make the extra pass, even when it's not the best option. Mike needs to re-establish himself as a scorer if Binghamton's going to get off the schnide.
That being said, this afternoon's TV game is going to be rough. Since the first UMBC game, everyone's been pointing to this return game as a likely loss, as the Retrievers are very talented and sure to be inspired on their home court. Randy Monroe doesn't strike me as the ideal coach to channel that type of anger, but their lineup is chock full of experienced athletes who certainly remember their last game against the overachieving Bearcats.
Today could get ugly, although Binghamton continues to prove me wrong by keeping these losses close. I thought coming into this week that Bing could get away with winning one of three (vs. Hart, vs. UVM, @ UMBC), although I sure was hoping it wouldn't have to be this one. Three-game losing streaks in the second half of the season never bode well for the postseason, but I just have an inkling that even though they'll probably lose today, this team is good enough and smart enough to weather the storm coming down the stretch.
@ UMBC 86, Binghamton 73.
2.06.2008
Vermont @ Binghamton, tonight at 7
UVM scares me.
Of all the teams in the league, Vermont is the one team that truly intimidates me on paper. This may be slightly homer-ish, but on any given day, I'll take Laz and Mike against any other duo in the league -- except Trimboli/Blakely.
Trimboli is simply phenomenal, and I think he'll display that tonight. Mike Gordon's a better defensive player, but Trimboli's scoring ability separates him from all the other PG's in the league. He's a truly special player in this league, among the likes of Jose Juan Barea, T.J. Sorrentine, Andre Heard before him.
Between Blakely and Laz, you could make the argument for a push. But I'm still stuck giving the edge to the UVM pair because I really think Trimboli is the league's top guard.
However, let's not hand UVM the league quite yet. The reason they have not separated themselves, as a team, from the rest of the league is because their role players are simply not that good. Of course they have Kyle Cieplicki, a carryover from the Tom Brennan era. But UVM's role players pale in comparison to Binghamton's Reggie Fuller/Richie Forbes/Dwayne Jackson, and those are the guys who could make the difference tonight.
All that said, I'm sticking to UVM by 10; and I hope the Zoo brings the house down despite Saturday's loss (which I think will take a big toll on the student support, no matter what Brian Moritz and bubearcats.com say).
Of all the teams in the league, Vermont is the one team that truly intimidates me on paper. This may be slightly homer-ish, but on any given day, I'll take Laz and Mike against any other duo in the league -- except Trimboli/Blakely.
Trimboli is simply phenomenal, and I think he'll display that tonight. Mike Gordon's a better defensive player, but Trimboli's scoring ability separates him from all the other PG's in the league. He's a truly special player in this league, among the likes of Jose Juan Barea, T.J. Sorrentine, Andre Heard before him.
Between Blakely and Laz, you could make the argument for a push. But I'm still stuck giving the edge to the UVM pair because I really think Trimboli is the league's top guard.
However, let's not hand UVM the league quite yet. The reason they have not separated themselves, as a team, from the rest of the league is because their role players are simply not that good. Of course they have Kyle Cieplicki, a carryover from the Tom Brennan era. But UVM's role players pale in comparison to Binghamton's Reggie Fuller/Richie Forbes/Dwayne Jackson, and those are the guys who could make the difference tonight.
All that said, I'm sticking to UVM by 10; and I hope the Zoo brings the house down despite Saturday's loss (which I think will take a big toll on the student support, no matter what Brian Moritz and bubearcats.com say).
2.05.2008
Hartford 71, @Binghamton 62; Binghamton will head to Manhattan for Bracketbusters; Vermont @ Binghamton, tomorrow, 7 p.m.
People have to get off of the Bearcats' back about Saturday's loss against the Hawks. It's not as big a deal as everyone says.
Take a step back and look at the big picture. The Bearcats are still beating everyone's expectations and still sit near the top of the league. The goal this year was never to go undefeated (sound familiar?); it was to be playing the best basketball of the season near the end of the season. That's a familiar mantra around here, except that Al Walker always interpreted that saying as, we can suck most of the season, as long as we play alright the last few games.
Broadus has raised the expectations in Bearcat Country with his overachievements against Albany and UMBC early on. For Binghamton to lose to Hartford the way they did on Saturday -- I'm not declaring this a lost season like many people are. Here's why:
I really thought that the Bearcats, for much of Saturday's game, outplayed Hartford. Despite Kevin Broadus' awkward postgame comments about Forbes: (Courtesy the one and only Brian Moritz)
"Richie has got to trust in his teammates, Richie has got to trust in me, because I trust in him," Broadus said. "It's his last go-around, and he's got to approach every day like it's his last day. You can print this however you want - We've had our ups and downs all year, but it's come time for Richie to step up and be a man and say 'Hey, this program has got to be about the program and not about Richie Forbes.'
"Richie is a good player in our program, and he's going to be a good player in our program, but he's going to do it our way ... Richie's got to understand that guys are looking at him every day. Whether he believes it or not, they're looking at him every day. They want to see his actions every day. He's got to understand that.
"Richie's going to be fine. But this program is not solely about Richie."
... I actually thought Richie played one of the best games I've seen him play lately. He continued to do the little things that he often overlooked in the past. Yes, he missed a couple of big shots, but I thought he was well within his means to take those opportunities, because he is a senior leader and heck, he was open! Let's not forget that Forbes is naturally a scorer, and just because he's been blending into the mix lately does not mean he should not take an open shot in a big spot, as he did on Saturday.
I know this sounds sacreligious, but can we place even a little bit of blame on Mike Gordon and/or Lazar Trifunovic? Laz played, at times, like he had cement in his shoes, while Mikey couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. But the pair has become so beloved with this great start we had that everything automatically falls back on Richie Forbes. That's not fair.
Honestly, if that same exact game were played over again 100 times, Binghamton would win, I'd say, 80 of them. Hartford hit some tough, contested, step-back threes that just buried us, and I legitimately think that if we do end up facing the Hawks again come playoff time, we are still the better team.
- - - - -
Anyone complaining about Binghamton getting a sour draw at Manhattan is out of place. If you don't want to land a crummy OOC game, don't lose at Chicago State and give up 97 points to St. Bonaventure. That's all I've really got to say about that, other than I almost wish we didn't have a late OOC game to take the team's focus off of America East play. For the time being, the program's only goal should be to win an America East title. Period.
- - - - -
Tomorrow night's going to be a heck of a lot of fun, if the students come out to play. Kyle Cieplicki and Mike Trimboli are not going to have an easy night, if we have anything to say about it. As for the game itself, I'll post more later/tomorrow, but for now, I anticipate our "slide" to continue -- Vermont 78, Binghamton 66.
Take a step back and look at the big picture. The Bearcats are still beating everyone's expectations and still sit near the top of the league. The goal this year was never to go undefeated (sound familiar?); it was to be playing the best basketball of the season near the end of the season. That's a familiar mantra around here, except that Al Walker always interpreted that saying as, we can suck most of the season, as long as we play alright the last few games.
Broadus has raised the expectations in Bearcat Country with his overachievements against Albany and UMBC early on. For Binghamton to lose to Hartford the way they did on Saturday -- I'm not declaring this a lost season like many people are. Here's why:
I really thought that the Bearcats, for much of Saturday's game, outplayed Hartford. Despite Kevin Broadus' awkward postgame comments about Forbes: (Courtesy the one and only Brian Moritz)
"Richie has got to trust in his teammates, Richie has got to trust in me, because I trust in him," Broadus said. "It's his last go-around, and he's got to approach every day like it's his last day. You can print this however you want - We've had our ups and downs all year, but it's come time for Richie to step up and be a man and say 'Hey, this program has got to be about the program and not about Richie Forbes.'
"Richie is a good player in our program, and he's going to be a good player in our program, but he's going to do it our way ... Richie's got to understand that guys are looking at him every day. Whether he believes it or not, they're looking at him every day. They want to see his actions every day. He's got to understand that.
"Richie's going to be fine. But this program is not solely about Richie."
... I actually thought Richie played one of the best games I've seen him play lately. He continued to do the little things that he often overlooked in the past. Yes, he missed a couple of big shots, but I thought he was well within his means to take those opportunities, because he is a senior leader and heck, he was open! Let's not forget that Forbes is naturally a scorer, and just because he's been blending into the mix lately does not mean he should not take an open shot in a big spot, as he did on Saturday.
I know this sounds sacreligious, but can we place even a little bit of blame on Mike Gordon and/or Lazar Trifunovic? Laz played, at times, like he had cement in his shoes, while Mikey couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. But the pair has become so beloved with this great start we had that everything automatically falls back on Richie Forbes. That's not fair.
Honestly, if that same exact game were played over again 100 times, Binghamton would win, I'd say, 80 of them. Hartford hit some tough, contested, step-back threes that just buried us, and I legitimately think that if we do end up facing the Hawks again come playoff time, we are still the better team.
- - - - -
Anyone complaining about Binghamton getting a sour draw at Manhattan is out of place. If you don't want to land a crummy OOC game, don't lose at Chicago State and give up 97 points to St. Bonaventure. That's all I've really got to say about that, other than I almost wish we didn't have a late OOC game to take the team's focus off of America East play. For the time being, the program's only goal should be to win an America East title. Period.
- - - - -
Tomorrow night's going to be a heck of a lot of fun, if the students come out to play. Kyle Cieplicki and Mike Trimboli are not going to have an easy night, if we have anything to say about it. As for the game itself, I'll post more later/tomorrow, but for now, I anticipate our "slide" to continue -- Vermont 78, Binghamton 66.
2.04.2008
Best games of my lifetime
I've kept this blog very Bearcat-centric to this point, but tonight's Super Bowl was one of, if not the best, game I've been alive for. It got me thinking - what are the best games I've seen? Obviously, I'm not going to speculate on the best game ever, but just the games that immediately come to my mind (and I'm not going to specifically tag these games with date, score, etc. ... if you know sports, you know what games I'm talking about here):
In no truly particular order --
2008 Super Bowl, with the "new immaculate reception"
2001 World Series game 7, Diamondbacks de-throne Yankees
2003 Fiesta Bowl - Ohio State beats Miami in 2OT
2007 Eastern Conference Championship Game 6 - Lebron James dominates the Pistons
2006 Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 - Carolina beats Edmonton
2006 World Cup Final - Italy beats France in PKs
1998 NBA Finals Game 6 - Jordan hits the jumper on Byron Russell
2000 Super Bowl - Titans come up one yard short
I cannot omit the best individual performances I've ever seen as well; immediately coming to mind are numerous Tiger Woods wins in various majors (how about the 2005 Masters?), and the 2002 U.S. Open, when Pete Sampras proved everyone wrong and toppled rival Andre Agassi in four incredible sets.
And in the spirit of the Press & Sun-Bulletin, here's a brief list of the best games I've ever seen locally:
Fall 2004 - Meghan Taylor the hero as BU women's soccer wins Championship
March 2005 - Vermont topples Syracuse in March Madness (that's like, America East local)
Fall 2002 - Chuck Guittilla escapes a major decision to get Huntington wrestling past Islip
I wouldn't quite put them on the list, but as an honorable mention, a couple BU volleyball games come to mind: Sept. 2007 - Binghamton d. UNH in 5 games, and October 2005 - Binghamton d. Maine in 5 games.
- - - - -
I'll have a full recap of yesterday's 71-62 loss to Hartford tomorrow afternoon; I just can't think about basketball right now.
In no truly particular order --
2008 Super Bowl, with the "new immaculate reception"
2001 World Series game 7, Diamondbacks de-throne Yankees
2003 Fiesta Bowl - Ohio State beats Miami in 2OT
2007 Eastern Conference Championship Game 6 - Lebron James dominates the Pistons
2006 Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 - Carolina beats Edmonton
2006 World Cup Final - Italy beats France in PKs
1998 NBA Finals Game 6 - Jordan hits the jumper on Byron Russell
2000 Super Bowl - Titans come up one yard short
I cannot omit the best individual performances I've ever seen as well; immediately coming to mind are numerous Tiger Woods wins in various majors (how about the 2005 Masters?), and the 2002 U.S. Open, when Pete Sampras proved everyone wrong and toppled rival Andre Agassi in four incredible sets.
And in the spirit of the Press & Sun-Bulletin, here's a brief list of the best games I've ever seen locally:
Fall 2004 - Meghan Taylor the hero as BU women's soccer wins Championship
March 2005 - Vermont topples Syracuse in March Madness (that's like, America East local)
Fall 2002 - Chuck Guittilla escapes a major decision to get Huntington wrestling past Islip
I wouldn't quite put them on the list, but as an honorable mention, a couple BU volleyball games come to mind: Sept. 2007 - Binghamton d. UNH in 5 games, and October 2005 - Binghamton d. Maine in 5 games.
- - - - -
I'll have a full recap of yesterday's 71-62 loss to Hartford tomorrow afternoon; I just can't think about basketball right now.
2.02.2008
Hartford @ Binghamton, right now
So I overslept a bit today, but I expect a tight loss this afternoon. I'll take Hartford by three.
I'm gunna throw on a sweatshirt and make it down to the EC by halftime.
I'm gunna throw on a sweatshirt and make it down to the EC by halftime.
1.27.2008
Binghamton 69, @Maine 58
First place into February! Who'dve thunk it?
Binghamton's through the tougher half of its conference schedule at a 6-2 mark, with first place (with the tiebreaker over UMBC, at this point) in its pocket.
The Bearcats closed out a closer-than-it-sounded 9-point victory today with some good loose-ball play from Mike Gordon and Dwayne Jackson in the closing seconds. (That, and Maine's not very good in the clutch.)
Of course, Gordon, Jackson, Lazar Trifunovic, Reggie Fuller, and Kevin Broadus have all played pivotal roles in the team's success this season, but -- and I'm going a bit out on a limb here -- the most important Binghamton University Bearcat, right now, might just be ...
Mark Macyk.
Just hear me out.
Macyk, if you don't know, is Pipe Dream's Sports Editor, the guy in charge of reminding thousands of BU students on Tuesday that the Bearcats are coming out of winter break in first place. He's the guy in charge of previewing Saturday's big rematch with Hartford, a winnable game against a team that squeaked past us on their home court. And he's, more or less, the guy in charge of getting the BU Zoo out in droves for the team's remaining five home regular-season games.
Call me crazy, but I genuinely believe that karma and energy play more of a role in each game than most people believe. The Bearcats have been outstanding at home -- just take a look at the last few minutes of the UMBC game -- but with a rowdy student section and a pumped-up community crowd, Binghamton University's Events Center has the potential to become a truly special arena.
Joel Thirer knew it when the place was built. Lois DeFleur knew it when the place was built. Al Walker knew it when the place was built. But for four long, painfully up-and-down years, the community and the student body could never embrace a team and a coach that they did not really believe in.
Now, things have changed. People believe in Kevin Broadus. People believe in Lazar Trifunovic. And if you don't believe in Mike Gordon by now, you don't know Binghamton basketball.
There's been a sense of trepidation surrounding the Bearcats since January 31, 2004, when Brandon Carter killed Hartford with an unforgettable second half, but the crowd still said, "Ehh ... they're still the Bearcats. They'll blow it. Al will blow it."
First place, new coach, America East tournament coming to Vestal. People believe now. And if they don't believe, Macyk (and Moritz -- sorry, I'm biased toward student support) will make them believe.
- - - - -
How about that Giovanni Olomo!
Binghamton's through the tougher half of its conference schedule at a 6-2 mark, with first place (with the tiebreaker over UMBC, at this point) in its pocket.
The Bearcats closed out a closer-than-it-sounded 9-point victory today with some good loose-ball play from Mike Gordon and Dwayne Jackson in the closing seconds. (That, and Maine's not very good in the clutch.)
Of course, Gordon, Jackson, Lazar Trifunovic, Reggie Fuller, and Kevin Broadus have all played pivotal roles in the team's success this season, but -- and I'm going a bit out on a limb here -- the most important Binghamton University Bearcat, right now, might just be ...
Mark Macyk.
Just hear me out.
Macyk, if you don't know, is Pipe Dream's Sports Editor, the guy in charge of reminding thousands of BU students on Tuesday that the Bearcats are coming out of winter break in first place. He's the guy in charge of previewing Saturday's big rematch with Hartford, a winnable game against a team that squeaked past us on their home court. And he's, more or less, the guy in charge of getting the BU Zoo out in droves for the team's remaining five home regular-season games.
Call me crazy, but I genuinely believe that karma and energy play more of a role in each game than most people believe. The Bearcats have been outstanding at home -- just take a look at the last few minutes of the UMBC game -- but with a rowdy student section and a pumped-up community crowd, Binghamton University's Events Center has the potential to become a truly special arena.
Joel Thirer knew it when the place was built. Lois DeFleur knew it when the place was built. Al Walker knew it when the place was built. But for four long, painfully up-and-down years, the community and the student body could never embrace a team and a coach that they did not really believe in.
Now, things have changed. People believe in Kevin Broadus. People believe in Lazar Trifunovic. And if you don't believe in Mike Gordon by now, you don't know Binghamton basketball.
There's been a sense of trepidation surrounding the Bearcats since January 31, 2004, when Brandon Carter killed Hartford with an unforgettable second half, but the crowd still said, "Ehh ... they're still the Bearcats. They'll blow it. Al will blow it."
First place, new coach, America East tournament coming to Vestal. People believe now. And if they don't believe, Macyk (and Moritz -- sorry, I'm biased toward student support) will make them believe.
- - - - -
How about that Giovanni Olomo!
Bearcats leading @Maine, 44-37, 12:30 to go
Missed a preview for this game, sorry.
Bearcats are leading by 7 midway through the second half; let's see if BU can hold off a bad opponent.
Bearcats are leading by 7 midway through the second half; let's see if BU can hold off a bad opponent.
1.26.2008
Binghamton 67, @ UNH 58
Break up the Bearcats!
Binghamton remained in first place with an impressive win at New Hampshire on Thursday night. Lazar Trifunovic (or LT, as Roger Neel affectionately calls him these days) led the Bearcats with 19 points, but the story has to be the team effort the Bearcats put on on the offensive end.
Four Bearcats reached double-figures: two seniors (Gordon and Forbes) and two underclassmen (Jackson and LT). Reggie Fuller just missed being the fifth Bearcat with 10 points, adding 9 points and 9 rebounds.
The big difference between this Bearcat team and teams of the past is that spread-out, balanced offense. Previously, it would take one big performance from somebody to lead Binghamton to victory. This year, nobody needs to have a monster game, although Trifunovic is quickly developing as one of the best offensive forwards in the league. Even Richie Forbes is accepting his secondary role as the team continues to roll.
The spread offense allows Broadus enough options to not have to worry about one guy being shut down. Other teams would love to double Trifunovic on the block, but you can't afford to leave someone else open - the 'Cats' savvy passing will find the open man, and BU is among the league leaders in three-point shooters.
I think the other big difference this year has to be Reggie Fuller. He brings the intangibles that really hold a team together, grabbing the tough rebound or picking up a loose ball in a tight spot. Those little things make a difference in a league laden with so much parity.
I still think that it's crucial for the Bearcats to establish either Giovanni Olomo or Jaan Montgomery on the inside, but as each game goes by, Fuller continues to prove me wrong. He's certainly not your traditional back-to-the-basket big man, but LT is establishing himself as enough of a Tim Duncan/Shawn Kemp-type power forward that the team can survive without an offensive force on the post.
- - - - -
In unrelated news, there's a nice piece about me on the Huntington School District Web site here. Check it out if you've got a minute.
Binghamton remained in first place with an impressive win at New Hampshire on Thursday night. Lazar Trifunovic (or LT, as Roger Neel affectionately calls him these days) led the Bearcats with 19 points, but the story has to be the team effort the Bearcats put on on the offensive end.
Four Bearcats reached double-figures: two seniors (Gordon and Forbes) and two underclassmen (Jackson and LT). Reggie Fuller just missed being the fifth Bearcat with 10 points, adding 9 points and 9 rebounds.
The big difference between this Bearcat team and teams of the past is that spread-out, balanced offense. Previously, it would take one big performance from somebody to lead Binghamton to victory. This year, nobody needs to have a monster game, although Trifunovic is quickly developing as one of the best offensive forwards in the league. Even Richie Forbes is accepting his secondary role as the team continues to roll.
The spread offense allows Broadus enough options to not have to worry about one guy being shut down. Other teams would love to double Trifunovic on the block, but you can't afford to leave someone else open - the 'Cats' savvy passing will find the open man, and BU is among the league leaders in three-point shooters.
I think the other big difference this year has to be Reggie Fuller. He brings the intangibles that really hold a team together, grabbing the tough rebound or picking up a loose ball in a tight spot. Those little things make a difference in a league laden with so much parity.
I still think that it's crucial for the Bearcats to establish either Giovanni Olomo or Jaan Montgomery on the inside, but as each game goes by, Fuller continues to prove me wrong. He's certainly not your traditional back-to-the-basket big man, but LT is establishing himself as enough of a Tim Duncan/Shawn Kemp-type power forward that the team can survive without an offensive force on the post.
- - - - -
In unrelated news, there's a nice piece about me on the Huntington School District Web site here. Check it out if you've got a minute.
1.24.2008
Binghamton @ UNH, tonight at 7
I'm pretty torn about tonight's game. On the one hand, Binghamton's been on a big roll lately. On the other hand, they sure are due for a let down.
I've got to run to work, but I think there's been a little too much hype, a little too much purported momentum around our beloved 'Cats. Bill Herrion will figure out a way to slow down Laz tonight, and UNH will pull out a tighter-than-it-sounds 6-point victory, although I'm in no way confident about this prediction.
I've got to run to work, but I think there's been a little too much hype, a little too much purported momentum around our beloved 'Cats. Bill Herrion will figure out a way to slow down Laz tonight, and UNH will pull out a tighter-than-it-sounds 6-point victory, although I'm in no way confident about this prediction.
1.20.2008
@ Binghamton 62, UMBC 59
Who would've thought that the day after a game featuring Mike Gordon, Lazar Trifunovic and the heralded 'Transfer Trio' that I'd be writing about Giovanni Olomo?
Absolutely everybody has written off Olomo, and for fair reason -- hasn't played in weeks, hasn't reached 100 points for his career, has been a perennial disappointment and a foul machine.
Was yesterday's performance a breakout game for Giovanni Olomo?
If it was, I legitimately think the rest of the America East is in trouble.
Honestly, I thought Olomo was a candidate for America East Player of the Game (of course, Reggie Fuller certainly deserved it as well). He gathered six offensive rebounds and scored a stunning five points, including a three-point play that obviously energized all the Bearcats on the court and the bench.
When Olomo checked in, the Retrievers defensively left the middle wide open, and for good reason: Gio has never, ever been any sort of offensive threat. But Gio's persistent rebounding in the second half made UMBC pay bigtime - this was a game decided by a couple of possessions, and Giovanni Olomo made that difference.
But on to another unsung senior from yesterday's game: Richie Forbes.
Just 11 minutes from the Bearcats' outspoken back-up 2-man, and although they were 11 productive minutes, I'm more concerned about Forbes' future.
The team has already seen what happens when you mouth off about playing time to Kevin Broadus -- Devon McBride is no longer a Bearcat. And while I think that Richie Forbes will not reach that level, when the BU Zoo returns next week, one has to wonder which Richie Forbes will take the court: one who's upset about playing time and a new job as a role player, or the current Richie Forbes, who, it appears, is embracing any role as long as the team wins.
In his limited time, I think Forbes is actually playing almost as well as he ever has. Playing him in short spurts gives him a chance to go all-out on defense, as it's obvious he's trying to earn back his playing time. (Note: I realize he's also coming off of an injury, but if KB wanted him out there, he'd be out there.) Part of the reason the team is coming together so well is because Forbes is embracing his new role, and I truly believe one of the fulcrums of the team's immediate future is whether or not he can continue to enjoy winning without being a critical part of it.
- - - - -
I think it's important to keep yesterday's win in perspective. Absolutely, it was a great win, but it's still quite early in conference play, and the Bearcats will need to play as they did yesterday to continue their success in a league that's displaying more parity than I anticipated.
Binghamton 62, UMBC 59 is probably more significant to the Retrievers, to tell the truth. UMBC is a well-run program with an outstanding young coach, Randy Monroe, who will pull his team through this brief burst of adversity. But with losses now to Maine and Binghamton, there's legit proof now that UMBC is not unbeatable, not a step above everyone else in the conference.
- - - - -
There's no question in my mind that Kevin Broadus thinks that this is Lazar Trifunovic's team. Even on a day when Laz was just miserable, take my word for this, as SOON as Brian Hodges missed that free throw, Broadus grinned widely, as if he knew exactly where he wanted to go with the ball -- inside to Laz. Of course, it worked.
And I'll say this one more time, just for emphasis: If KB can get a similar performance out of Giovanni Olomo on a given day, the Bearcats will beat anybody in the conference. Not can, will.
Absolutely everybody has written off Olomo, and for fair reason -- hasn't played in weeks, hasn't reached 100 points for his career, has been a perennial disappointment and a foul machine.
Was yesterday's performance a breakout game for Giovanni Olomo?
If it was, I legitimately think the rest of the America East is in trouble.
Honestly, I thought Olomo was a candidate for America East Player of the Game (of course, Reggie Fuller certainly deserved it as well). He gathered six offensive rebounds and scored a stunning five points, including a three-point play that obviously energized all the Bearcats on the court and the bench.
When Olomo checked in, the Retrievers defensively left the middle wide open, and for good reason: Gio has never, ever been any sort of offensive threat. But Gio's persistent rebounding in the second half made UMBC pay bigtime - this was a game decided by a couple of possessions, and Giovanni Olomo made that difference.
But on to another unsung senior from yesterday's game: Richie Forbes.
Just 11 minutes from the Bearcats' outspoken back-up 2-man, and although they were 11 productive minutes, I'm more concerned about Forbes' future.
The team has already seen what happens when you mouth off about playing time to Kevin Broadus -- Devon McBride is no longer a Bearcat. And while I think that Richie Forbes will not reach that level, when the BU Zoo returns next week, one has to wonder which Richie Forbes will take the court: one who's upset about playing time and a new job as a role player, or the current Richie Forbes, who, it appears, is embracing any role as long as the team wins.
In his limited time, I think Forbes is actually playing almost as well as he ever has. Playing him in short spurts gives him a chance to go all-out on defense, as it's obvious he's trying to earn back his playing time. (Note: I realize he's also coming off of an injury, but if KB wanted him out there, he'd be out there.) Part of the reason the team is coming together so well is because Forbes is embracing his new role, and I truly believe one of the fulcrums of the team's immediate future is whether or not he can continue to enjoy winning without being a critical part of it.
- - - - -
I think it's important to keep yesterday's win in perspective. Absolutely, it was a great win, but it's still quite early in conference play, and the Bearcats will need to play as they did yesterday to continue their success in a league that's displaying more parity than I anticipated.
Binghamton 62, UMBC 59 is probably more significant to the Retrievers, to tell the truth. UMBC is a well-run program with an outstanding young coach, Randy Monroe, who will pull his team through this brief burst of adversity. But with losses now to Maine and Binghamton, there's legit proof now that UMBC is not unbeatable, not a step above everyone else in the conference.
- - - - -
There's no question in my mind that Kevin Broadus thinks that this is Lazar Trifunovic's team. Even on a day when Laz was just miserable, take my word for this, as SOON as Brian Hodges missed that free throw, Broadus grinned widely, as if he knew exactly where he wanted to go with the ball -- inside to Laz. Of course, it worked.
And I'll say this one more time, just for emphasis: If KB can get a similar performance out of Giovanni Olomo on a given day, the Bearcats will beat anybody in the conference. Not can, will.
1.19.2008
UMBC at Binghamton, starting shortly
Leaving now for the EC.
UMBC presents all kinds of matchup problems, from swingman Brian Hodges, who the BU Zoo knows all too well, to big man Cavell Johnson, who has become one of the most dominant players in the AE this season.
I see all kinds of defensive breakdowns upcoming. UMBC is just too good at this point in the season. I'll stick with my prediction from last night.
UMBC presents all kinds of matchup problems, from swingman Brian Hodges, who the BU Zoo knows all too well, to big man Cavell Johnson, who has become one of the most dominant players in the AE this season.
I see all kinds of defensive breakdowns upcoming. UMBC is just too good at this point in the season. I'll stick with my prediction from last night.
1.18.2008
UMBC @ Binghamton, 2 p.m. tomorrow
Big game tomorrow -- I'll be there. (Figured out last night that based on my current work schedule, I won't miss another home game.) Let's say, UMBC by 14. Jay Greene ("Midget") with 12 assists.
Nice win on Tuesday night on TV. Stony Brook is the worst team I've ever seen live.
Genuine update tomorrow.
Nice win on Tuesday night on TV. Stony Brook is the worst team I've ever seen live.
Genuine update tomorrow.
1.15.2008
Stony Brook @ Binghamton, 7 p.m.
So for a long time, I was very much looking forward to tonight's game, with god-awful Stony Brook coming to town for a TV game.
Last year, I wrote this controversial piece about how much I hate Stony Brook, and how pitiful their program is. (For the record, I know the piece is largely unprofessional in many ways, but remember that a college newspaper has a much different target audience than a real newspaper, and I really accomplished what I wanted to.)
I got a fierce reaction from SBU center Emanuel Neto via Facebook, who proceeded to read my "interests" and subsequently changed his Facebook 'Status' to 'Chris Strub is going down drown in Dr. Pepper!!!!" I have never been so pleased with the way an article worked out.
I certainly would have loved to go heckle the sanity out of Emanuel Neto tonight - trust me, there's nothing I'd rather do. But a couple months ago, Neto's mother passed away from a long-standing disease. He left the team for a while and obviously must be struggling emotionally throughout this whole season.
Some things are much bigger than sports, especially Binghamton University vs. Stony Brook, and so obviously absolutely ANY family references made to Neto are wildly inappropriate and should result not only in admonishment but also ejection.
That being said, we really should smoke Stony Brook tonight in front of this regional TV audience. Steve Pikiell is terrible, as are almost all of his players. SBU's 4-11 record is deceivingly positive; they rank no. 327 in RPI (for the record, Maryland-Eastern Shore still manages to sit below SBU, at no. 333).
Stony Brook is regularly the worst team in the league. If we don't beat SBU by 15, I'll be very disappointed.
Last year, I wrote this controversial piece about how much I hate Stony Brook, and how pitiful their program is. (For the record, I know the piece is largely unprofessional in many ways, but remember that a college newspaper has a much different target audience than a real newspaper, and I really accomplished what I wanted to.)
I got a fierce reaction from SBU center Emanuel Neto via Facebook, who proceeded to read my "interests" and subsequently changed his Facebook 'Status' to 'Chris Strub is going down drown in Dr. Pepper!!!!" I have never been so pleased with the way an article worked out.
I certainly would have loved to go heckle the sanity out of Emanuel Neto tonight - trust me, there's nothing I'd rather do. But a couple months ago, Neto's mother passed away from a long-standing disease. He left the team for a while and obviously must be struggling emotionally throughout this whole season.
Some things are much bigger than sports, especially Binghamton University vs. Stony Brook, and so obviously absolutely ANY family references made to Neto are wildly inappropriate and should result not only in admonishment but also ejection.
That being said, we really should smoke Stony Brook tonight in front of this regional TV audience. Steve Pikiell is terrible, as are almost all of his players. SBU's 4-11 record is deceivingly positive; they rank no. 327 in RPI (for the record, Maryland-Eastern Shore still manages to sit below SBU, at no. 333).
Stony Brook is regularly the worst team in the league. If we don't beat SBU by 15, I'll be very disappointed.
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