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How’s this for last minute… At 5:00pm I am writing from Boulder Café on the campus of Loyola College as I countdown to the first game of what I hope is a deep run in the NCAA Tournament for the Greyhounds. I’ve called this game the biggest on the Evergreen Campus in some years – translation – since the fall of ’04, my first semester at Loyola. Needless to say I got some energy following through the veins, then again, I’ll need it with game time temps dipping in the lower 40’s.
Attendance figures should be interesting to see, but what’s more important is that the crowd feels large. The Greyhounds always protect their turf well and here’s a little tidbit for you - Loyola has not lost on Diane Geppi-Aikens Field since October 29, 2006. Impressive stuff.
Prediction: The Greyhounds march on. This season will not end this way. UNC Greensboro has been tremendously inconsistent all season long, and I don’t think they can keep playing above their heads the way they have of late. Conversely, Loyola will be on the tops of their game and surely be refocused after a suffering their first loss of the season last time out. The home field means a load in tournament match-ups so I’ll take Loyola 2-0. Darvill and Bannister… Kocic with the shutout.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Loyola downs JMU; will face Curry, #24 Davidson tonight
Last night the Greyhounds defeated James Madison 64-54 in the consolation bracket of the Preseason NIT held in Davidson, NC. Loyola’s record now stands at 2-3 overall and they will take on Davidson and All-American guard Stephen Curry tonight, tip-off set for 8pm.
Sophomore guard Jamal Barney’s career and game high 23 points were huge, but m
ore impressive was the stretch in the second half when the Baltimore native put his teammates on his back and scored 13 straight points after JMU had taken a brief lead. Coming out of a timeout the ‘Hounds trailed 44-43 with a little over 8 minutes remaining when Barney got in the groove and put Loyola ahead 56-44 by the time his scoring spree had ended.
Barney led just 6 Greyhounds who made a mark in the scoring column. Brett Harvey had 18 points, and Marquis Sullivan returned to help his team by chipping in with 11 points off the bench. Fr. F Anthony Winbush, So. F Isaac Reid, and So. G Brian Rudolph each scored 4 points a piece. Eleven Loyola players saw action.
The Greyhounds and Dukes were even on the boards, claiming 34 rebounds each. Loyola shot 46.7% from the field and 38.5% from long range while continuing their strong effort from the charity stripe going 17-20 from the line.
Tonight’s opponent, the Davidson Wildcats, come in ranked #24 in the latest AP Poll and #25 in the Coaches’ Poll. Last year’s March Madness hero, then-sophomore guard, Ste
phen Curry is back and off to a hot start averaging an eye popping 34.0 ppg and 8.8 assts/game. Their record is 4-1 entering the game, including a 25-point victory over JMU last weekend. In case you missed it, Davidson played in a big time nationally televised game against Oklahoma earlier in the week and Curry’s squad lost a thriller 82-78, but Curry showed how good he was on a national stage when he torched the Sooners for 44 big points.
Sophomore guard Jamal Barney’s career and game high 23 points were huge, but m
ore impressive was the stretch in the second half when the Baltimore native put his teammates on his back and scored 13 straight points after JMU had taken a brief lead. Coming out of a timeout the ‘Hounds trailed 44-43 with a little over 8 minutes remaining when Barney got in the groove and put Loyola ahead 56-44 by the time his scoring spree had ended.Barney led just 6 Greyhounds who made a mark in the scoring column. Brett Harvey had 18 points, and Marquis Sullivan returned to help his team by chipping in with 11 points off the bench. Fr. F Anthony Winbush, So. F Isaac Reid, and So. G Brian Rudolph each scored 4 points a piece. Eleven Loyola players saw action.
The Greyhounds and Dukes were even on the boards, claiming 34 rebounds each. Loyola shot 46.7% from the field and 38.5% from long range while continuing their strong effort from the charity stripe going 17-20 from the line.
Tonight’s opponent, the Davidson Wildcats, come in ranked #24 in the latest AP Poll and #25 in the Coaches’ Poll. Last year’s March Madness hero, then-sophomore guard, Ste
phen Curry is back and off to a hot start averaging an eye popping 34.0 ppg and 8.8 assts/game. Their record is 4-1 entering the game, including a 25-point victory over JMU last weekend. In case you missed it, Davidson played in a big time nationally televised game against Oklahoma earlier in the week and Curry’s squad lost a thriller 82-78, but Curry showed how good he was on a national stage when he torched the Sooners for 44 big points.
Men's Basketball Notebook
The Biggest Positive in the First Four: Leading Tennessee St. by one, 71-70, Loyola made a huge defensive stop off a play where the Tigers took the ball out underneath the basket. The ball ended up in the hands of Tiger Fr. guard Parker Smith who accepted the in-bounds pass along the right baseline and was smothered on his way to the hoop and never got a shot off. Harvey controlled the loose ball, and proceeded to seal the deal with a pair of free throws to end the game and give the ‘Hounds their first W of ’08-’09. Folks, it’s very simple basketball; if you play a good sound defense down the stretch of ballgames, you’ll get the win. In the three losses, they have given up over 80 in each contest, but against Tennessee St. they closed the game out with a great defensive effort.
Coach Patsos Shows He Can Coach from Anywhere: In the span of just four gam
es, fifth year head coach Jimmy Patsos has shown he enjoys sitting all over the place during games. In the pair of games at home he stayed relatively calm (just 1 T) and in the coach’s box. But by the time the team got back from Boston, Coach Patsos was reported to be coaching from the end of the bench and even in the stands! How many other times has Loyola ever made the Top Headlines on espn.com? The links below are to the ESPN article and the Baltimore Sun’s story. By the way… in the Sun article, saying Coach P. was sitting with “scrubs,” that’s just a really poor selection of a word.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3713452
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/basketball/mens/bal-sp.patsos20nov20,0,1635343.story
Wright and Reid Show They Will Compete Down Low: One of the b
iggest questions that
still remains to be seen with this ball club is whether or not Loyola will be able to hang on the boards with their opponents. Well, in my opinion, redshirt junior F/C Jawaan Wright and sophomore power forward Isaac Reid have played pretty well in the frontcourt. Wright, the 6’8 230lb Agawam, MA native was a perfect 5-5 from the field for 11 points against Tennessee State and is averaging over 5 boars a game. Reid is Loyola’s top rebounder statistically, pulling down 7.3 per game including a career high 12 against Tennessee State. The guards will always be looked to as team’s scorers but Reid has shown a very nice jump shot going 6/12 from beyond the arc – a weapon I was not aware he possessed.
Street Clothes for Sullivan: Already the school’s all-time leading 3-point marksman, Sr. guard Marquis Sullivan’s season has not gotten off to the start he or Coach P. had hoped for. Sullivan only saw action against Mt. St. Mary’s where he played 15 minutes scoring 3 points on 1-6 shooting. Then, for Tennessee State and the whole trip to Boston he was at the end of Loyola’s bench out of uniform. Perhaps suspended for disciplinary reasons? I’ve heard he’ll be ready to go for James Madison.
Up Next: Loyola will once again be packing their bags and heading onto the road. This time it’s a southern trip to Davidson, NC where they’ll take on James Madison University tonight at 5:45 and then will take the court with the host school, Davidson and All-American candidate Stephen Curry. It should be very interesting to see whether Loyola will be able to pick up a win on the trip. Obviously, they’d best try to get it done against JMU because Stephen Curry will put 35 on the Greyhounds. No offense, Brian Rudolph, or Jamal Barney, Brett Harvey, J’hared Hall, or Tony Lewis… he’s just really good. Worth noting – a familiar face will be on the opposing sidelines for the Dukes; Matt Brady, who left the position of head coach at Marist after serving at his alma mater for 4 seasons, is in his first season at JMU head man.
Coach Patsos Shows He Can Coach from Anywhere: In the span of just four gam
es, fifth year head coach Jimmy Patsos has shown he enjoys sitting all over the place during games. In the pair of games at home he stayed relatively calm (just 1 T) and in the coach’s box. But by the time the team got back from Boston, Coach Patsos was reported to be coaching from the end of the bench and even in the stands! How many other times has Loyola ever made the Top Headlines on espn.com? The links below are to the ESPN article and the Baltimore Sun’s story. By the way… in the Sun article, saying Coach P. was sitting with “scrubs,” that’s just a really poor selection of a word.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3713452
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/basketball/mens/bal-sp.patsos20nov20,0,1635343.story
Wright and Reid Show They Will Compete Down Low: One of the b
iggest questions that
still remains to be seen with this ball club is whether or not Loyola will be able to hang on the boards with their opponents. Well, in my opinion, redshirt junior F/C Jawaan Wright and sophomore power forward Isaac Reid have played pretty well in the frontcourt. Wright, the 6’8 230lb Agawam, MA native was a perfect 5-5 from the field for 11 points against Tennessee State and is averaging over 5 boars a game. Reid is Loyola’s top rebounder statistically, pulling down 7.3 per game including a career high 12 against Tennessee State. The guards will always be looked to as team’s scorers but Reid has shown a very nice jump shot going 6/12 from beyond the arc – a weapon I was not aware he possessed.Street Clothes for Sullivan: Already the school’s all-time leading 3-point marksman, Sr. guard Marquis Sullivan’s season has not gotten off to the start he or Coach P. had hoped for. Sullivan only saw action against Mt. St. Mary’s where he played 15 minutes scoring 3 points on 1-6 shooting. Then, for Tennessee State and the whole trip to Boston he was at the end of Loyola’s bench out of uniform. Perhaps suspended for disciplinary reasons? I’ve heard he’ll be ready to go for James Madison.
Up Next: Loyola will once again be packing their bags and heading onto the road. This time it’s a southern trip to Davidson, NC where they’ll take on James Madison University tonight at 5:45 and then will take the court with the host school, Davidson and All-American candidate Stephen Curry. It should be very interesting to see whether Loyola will be able to pick up a win on the trip. Obviously, they’d best try to get it done against JMU because Stephen Curry will put 35 on the Greyhounds. No offense, Brian Rudolph, or Jamal Barney, Brett Harvey, J’hared Hall, or Tony Lewis… he’s just really good. Worth noting – a familiar face will be on the opposing sidelines for the Dukes; Matt Brady, who left the position of head coach at Marist after serving at his alma mater for 4 seasons, is in his first season at JMU head man.
Loyols Men's Hoops Report Week 1
Season Record: 1-3 (0-0 MAAC)
Last Week’s Results: L – Mt. St. Mary’s, 84-76; W – Tennessee St., 73-70; *L – Boston College, 90-57; *L – Cornell, 82-72
*Preseason NIT Tournament, Chestnut Hill, Boston, MA
The Week in Review: The Greyhounds went 1-3 to start the 2008-2009 season as they played a grueling 4 games in 5 nights, starting with a split in a pair of games at Reitz Arena, and ending in the Preseason NIT with back-to-back losses on the campus of Boston College.
The 100th season of Loyola basketball tipped off in a sold out Reitz Arena with a loss to hated rival Mt. St. Mary’s 84-76. Four Greyhounds scored in double figures led by Isaac Reid and Jamal Barney’s 14-point efforts, but it wasn’t enough in a tight game throughout that featured 4 lead changes. For the second straight year Milan Brown and his Mountaineers outplayed Loyola on the strength of a great floor game by junior point guard Jeremy Goode, who finished with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Loyola found itself down 3 with under a minute left down 3 and couldn’t get a stop as Forward Sam Atupem hit a jump hook in the lane with only 2 seconds left on the shot clock.
Only 1,035 came out to Reitz for a Sunday matinee against the Tennessee St. Tigers on a sunny, yet chilly, Baltimore Sunday afternoon. This one was even tighter than the barnburner Friday night, but they ‘Hounds came away with their first mark in the win column of the season 73-70. Brett Harvey was in rhythm all afternoon from the buzzer on as he hit for a career high 34 point on 9-19 shooting, 6-12 from beyond the line. No bigger though were the 6 free throws he hit down the stretch to finish off the Ohio Valley Conference representative from Nashville.
Loyola faced a tough task in having to immediately catch a plane from Baltimore to Bean Town after Sunday’s game to take on the Boston College Eagles. The game was nationally televised on ESPNU, but the Greyhounds didn’t give the TV audience much suspense or drama after getting off the to sluggish start in trailing big, early on. The game ended with a lopsided 90-53 score, but Jamal Barney, the sophomore eligible transfer from Providence had a nice performance with 18 points.
Loyola could not come home from Boston with a .500 record because the defending Ivy League champions from Cornell University handed them an 82-72 loss in the Consolation Game of the Boston Preseason NIT bracket. Perhaps playing with heavy legs, one Greyhound who was clearly not affected by the 4/5 stretch was redshirt-sophomore guard Tony Lewis. Lewis, in his third year with the program, all season has been more aggressive on the offensive end of the court came through with a outstanding night hitting career highs in points with 23 and rebounds with 8.
Last Week’s Results: L – Mt. St. Mary’s, 84-76; W – Tennessee St., 73-70; *L – Boston College, 90-57; *L – Cornell, 82-72
*Preseason NIT Tournament, Chestnut Hill, Boston, MA
The Week in Review: The Greyhounds went 1-3 to start the 2008-2009 season as they played a grueling 4 games in 5 nights, starting with a split in a pair of games at Reitz Arena, and ending in the Preseason NIT with back-to-back losses on the campus of Boston College.
The 100th season of Loyola basketball tipped off in a sold out Reitz Arena with a loss to hated rival Mt. St. Mary’s 84-76. Four Greyhounds scored in double figures led by Isaac Reid and Jamal Barney’s 14-point efforts, but it wasn’t enough in a tight game throughout that featured 4 lead changes. For the second straight year Milan Brown and his Mountaineers outplayed Loyola on the strength of a great floor game by junior point guard Jeremy Goode, who finished with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Loyola found itself down 3 with under a minute left down 3 and couldn’t get a stop as Forward Sam Atupem hit a jump hook in the lane with only 2 seconds left on the shot clock.
Only 1,035 came out to Reitz for a Sunday matinee against the Tennessee St. Tigers on a sunny, yet chilly, Baltimore Sunday afternoon. This one was even tighter than the barnburner Friday night, but they ‘Hounds came away with their first mark in the win column of the season 73-70. Brett Harvey was in rhythm all afternoon from the buzzer on as he hit for a career high 34 point on 9-19 shooting, 6-12 from beyond the line. No bigger though were the 6 free throws he hit down the stretch to finish off the Ohio Valley Conference representative from Nashville.
Loyola faced a tough task in having to immediately catch a plane from Baltimore to Bean Town after Sunday’s game to take on the Boston College Eagles. The game was nationally televised on ESPNU, but the Greyhounds didn’t give the TV audience much suspense or drama after getting off the to sluggish start in trailing big, early on. The game ended with a lopsided 90-53 score, but Jamal Barney, the sophomore eligible transfer from Providence had a nice performance with 18 points.
Loyola could not come home from Boston with a .500 record because the defending Ivy League champions from Cornell University handed them an 82-72 loss in the Consolation Game of the Boston Preseason NIT bracket. Perhaps playing with heavy legs, one Greyhound who was clearly not affected by the 4/5 stretch was redshirt-sophomore guard Tony Lewis. Lewis, in his third year with the program, all season has been more aggressive on the offensive end of the court came through with a outstanding night hitting career highs in points with 23 and rebounds with 8.
Men's Soccer Quest in the College Cup begins Tuesday
All the wins. All the streaks. All the goals scored. The undefeated regular season. Everything the Loyola College Men’s Soccer Team has worked for this fall has given them the opportunity to showcase themselves on their home field in late November. Greyhounds fans, this is it! Diane Geppi-Aikens Field will be the venue for the biggest on-campus event the Evergreen Campus has hosted in recent memory Tuesday evening.
Loyola (18-1-1), nationally seeded #9, will oppose UNC Greensboro in the second round of the NCAA College Cup at 9pm in North Baltimore.
The Greyhounds have enjoyed a special season form the start that
resulted in the school’s first undefeated regular-season campaign since 1986. After an 18-0-1 start to the season they owned the nation’s longest unbeaten streak at 25, a mark that dated back to last season. By season’s end, Coach Mark Mettrick’s team, whose identity has long been the play of its stubborn defense, emerged ranked #2 in the nation in goals/game at 2.4
They have gotten tremendous play on its backline from junior sweeper, Tennant McVea, who won his second consecutive MAAC Defensive Play of the Year Award and Milos Kocic, the MAAC Coaches’ choice for conference Goalie of the Year.
The offense has fired on all cylanders all season, led by Jamie Darvill, a junior forward, who has been tabbed MACC Offensive Play of the Year and has appeared on some publication’s All-America Team lists. Sophomore midfielder Phil Bannister, second on the team in points with 32, was 1 of 33 student-athletes named an Academic All-American last week.
This is UNC Greensboro’s 4th College Cup appearance in the last 5 years, but finished the season just 9-11-2. However, the Spartans are riding a major winning streak; this past Friday they went on the road and took out the favored Duke Blue Devils 2-0, and last week as the #7 seen in the SoCon Tournament they ran the table, winning the conference’s NCAA Tournament automatic qualifier bid.
Here’s really hoping the crowd is a good one. My guess is it won’t be as good as it should be. I’m not sure the cold temperatures will keep too potential spectators away as much as students who will be on their way home after classes for the Thanksgiving Holiday. It’s a real shame if the Loyola students don’t come out in large numbers. The team has had a special feel to it all season and the campus has really rallied around them, but it’s very difficult to get the student body to resist taking the first train home
Loyola (18-1-1), nationally seeded #9, will oppose UNC Greensboro in the second round of the NCAA College Cup at 9pm in North Baltimore.
The Greyhounds have enjoyed a special season form the start that
resulted in the school’s first undefeated regular-season campaign since 1986. After an 18-0-1 start to the season they owned the nation’s longest unbeaten streak at 25, a mark that dated back to last season. By season’s end, Coach Mark Mettrick’s team, whose identity has long been the play of its stubborn defense, emerged ranked #2 in the nation in goals/game at 2.4They have gotten tremendous play on its backline from junior sweeper, Tennant McVea, who won his second consecutive MAAC Defensive Play of the Year Award and Milos Kocic, the MAAC Coaches’ choice for conference Goalie of the Year.
The offense has fired on all cylanders all season, led by Jamie Darvill, a junior forward, who has been tabbed MACC Offensive Play of the Year and has appeared on some publication’s All-America Team lists. Sophomore midfielder Phil Bannister, second on the team in points with 32, was 1 of 33 student-athletes named an Academic All-American last week.
This is UNC Greensboro’s 4th College Cup appearance in the last 5 years, but finished the season just 9-11-2. However, the Spartans are riding a major winning streak; this past Friday they went on the road and took out the favored Duke Blue Devils 2-0, and last week as the #7 seen in the SoCon Tournament they ran the table, winning the conference’s NCAA Tournament automatic qualifier bid.
Here’s really hoping the crowd is a good one. My guess is it won’t be as good as it should be. I’m not sure the cold temperatures will keep too potential spectators away as much as students who will be on their way home after classes for the Thanksgiving Holiday. It’s a real shame if the Loyola students don’t come out in large numbers. The team has had a special feel to it all season and the campus has really rallied around them, but it’s very difficult to get the student body to resist taking the first train home
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Loyola Sports Talk Hosts' NFL Pick'em
Chris Bonetti’s Selections:
DENVER +6.5 @ Atlanta
SAN FRANCISCO -6.5 v. St. Louis
ARIZONA -3 @ Seattle
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
TENNESSEE -3 @ Jacksonville
ARIZONA -3 @ Seattle
PITTSBURGH -5 v. San Diego
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
DENVER +6.5 @ Atlanta
NY GIANTS -7 v. Baltimore
GREEN BAY -3.5 @ Chicago
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
NY GIANTS -7 v. Baltimore
INDIANAPOLIS -8 v. Houston
ST. LOUIS +6.5 @ San Francisco
Matt Mullen’s selections:
JACKSONVILLE +3 v. Tennessee
ARIZONA -3 @ Seattle
DALLAS -1.5 @ Washington
Standings after Last Week:
1. Crispnio (17-7)
2. Bonetti (14-10)
3. Harrington (12-12)
4. Epstein (11-13)
5. Mullen (10-14)
DENVER +6.5 @ Atlanta
SAN FRANCISCO -6.5 v. St. Louis
ARIZONA -3 @ Seattle
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
TENNESSEE -3 @ Jacksonville
ARIZONA -3 @ Seattle
PITTSBURGH -5 v. San Diego
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
DENVER +6.5 @ Atlanta
NY GIANTS -7 v. Baltimore
GREEN BAY -3.5 @ Chicago
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
NY GIANTS -7 v. Baltimore
INDIANAPOLIS -8 v. Houston
ST. LOUIS +6.5 @ San Francisco
Matt Mullen’s selections:
JACKSONVILLE +3 v. Tennessee
ARIZONA -3 @ Seattle
DALLAS -1.5 @ Washington
Standings after Last Week:
1. Crispnio (17-7)
2. Bonetti (14-10)
3. Harrington (12-12)
4. Epstein (11-13)
5. Mullen (10-14)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
National College Basketball Preview
Opening weekend in college hoops is literally just hours away and my excitement can hardly be contained. So far, we’ve taken a look at the Greyhounds’ roster and how the MAAC shapes up. Today the focus is on the rest of the college basketball landscape.
Here are a couple FAQ’s and my answers that will serve as a little season primer. If nothing else this will be very interesting to revisit come March.
Who is the best team?
The answer is plain and simple… the University of North Carolina. Maybe UCLA if Kevin Love and Luc-Richard M’bah a Moute had returned to Westwood, maybe Kansas if Brand
on Rush and Darrell Arthur came back in an attempt to defend their title, maybe even Texas or USC is D.J. Augustine and O.J. Mayo didn’t make the jump to the league – but they are all playing for pay now on an NBA Arena nearest you. Carolina had Ty Lawson, backcourt mate Wayne Ellington, and Danny Green all rescind their names from draft consideration at the last minute to come back to Tobacco Road for one last shot at the national championship. Oh, by the way, UNC also brought in the #1 ranked recruiting class in the nation, headlined by Larry Drew the nation’s #3 ranked PG and bigs Tyler Zeller and Larry David, two of the top three rated scholastic power forwards from last year. And one more thing, this guy they call “Psycho T” is back… heard he’s pretty good too.
Who are the other legit contenders for the Final 4?
My preseason picks to be National Semifinalists are UNC, Duke, Gonzaga, and Syracuse. I see tremendous upside and potential in these squads, though as the old adage goes, “po
tential gets coaches fired.” But I don’t think Coach K, Mark Few, or good ol’ Jimmy Boeheim have anything to worry about. I love that Duke has inserted Nolan Smith at the point for Greg Paulus, with the skill sets each possess the move makes perfect sense. If freshman 6’10 center Mike Pumlee, who Coach K loves, plays well and Gerald Henderson takes his game to the next level, Duke has more than enough with Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer to make a deep run. This is the best talent Gonzaga has ever had in their program’s history. The WCC POY, Jeremy Pargo, is back at the point, Josh Heyvelt is polished in the post and sophomore Austin Daye could be a first team All-American if he has the breakout year people in Spokane predict. Finally, I really like Syracuse to be a big surprise this season. One-and-done Donte Green could be addition by subtraction for the Orange who will have potentially the best PG in the Big East, Mike Flynn, the best athlete in the Big East, Paul Harris, and a center in Arinze Onuako, who is not afraid to mix it up with the other big rebounders in the conference. Other teams who could have the talent to make it include, UCLA, Texas, and anyone with a winning record in the Big East.
Is the Big East “Super Conference” super enough to get 10 bids?
When March roles around that could very well be the case, but more likely I see 8 or 9 receiving bids. I expect, in no particular order, Louisville, Pitt, Marquette, Notre Dame, UC
onn, West Virginia, Villanova, and Syracuse to be in the Top 25 pretty much all season long but you could probably see as many 10 or 11 teams make an appearance in the national polls. UConn is ranked #2 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll, but I just don’t see them being that good. Pitt has had 25 wins a year for the past decade, but no appearances past the Sweet 16 to show for their consistency. Louisville got rid of biggest headache in college basketball in Derrick Caracter and replaces him with the best freshman post-player in the nation, Samardo Samuels. Notre Dame has Luke Harangody, the returning conference POY and two do-it-all combo guards in Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson. And as for Marquette they have their three-headed monster in the backcourt, Domenic James, Jerrell McNeal, and Wesley Matthews. All have a chance to make major noise in the tournament.
What about the ACC, is it just Carolina, Duke, and everyone else?
The ACC is no longer the #1 conference in college basketball and it’s for no other reason than its lack of depth on the second tier. This year is a perfect example; you have the Tar Heels an
d Blue Devils and a major drop off. The conference has not been weighed down with the conference expansion for football, heck Boston College, Virginia Tech, and Miami have made more tournaments recently then some of the good ol’ boys of the ACC, like NC State, Maryland, Georgia Tech and UVA. The conference will still get its 5 or 6 team in the big dance, but other will be NIT bound. The two teams I will be watching most closely are Maryland and NC State, two perennial programs who have fallen on tough times of late. Not all is well in Gary-land. The Terps have not capitalized on their NCAA Championship and brand new on-campus Comcast Arena the way program boosters think they should have. Maryland has no post options at all, unless Braxton Dupree has improved substantially, and Greivis Vasquez is still on of the top guards in the ACC, but he needs help. Throwing this out there - Freshman Sean Mosley will be starting by midseason and make the all-rookie team. As for Coach Derek Whittenburg’s Wolfpack squad it’s one last go around for the nucleus of Courtney Fells, Ben McCauley, and Brandon Costner. For a group that had so much promise after a run to the ACC Tournament Championship Game 2 seasons ago, J.J. Hickson really messed things up by dominating touches in his only year in red… or at least that’s what they’d like you to believe in Raleigh.
Who is this year’s crop of big time freshmen?
The trendy pick for the best freshman in the country is UCLA combo guard J’rue Holliday. I really like his chances because he’ll be playing under Coach Ben Howland and alongsi
de, coach-on-the-floor point guard Darren Collison, who will both make sure he plays the right way, right away. Louisville’s Samardo Samuels is the class’s best frontcourt player, right above Georgetown’s new pivot man, Greg Monroe, but they could both struggle a bit with the Dejuan Blair’s, Hasheem Thabeet’s, Onuako’s, and Harrangody’s of the world in the Big East. Tyreke Evans, a high scoring Philly product will have the green light in Memphis, as will the high flying wing, Demar DeRozan, USC’s top recruit from Compton. However the pick that may have the most to do with the amount of success his team has is Al-Farouq Aminu of Wake Forest, the 6’9 forward held strong on his verbal commitment to the Deacs even after the untimely death of Skip Prosser.
Lastly, whose names will we be inundated with when everyone puts out their All-American lists at season’s end?
1st Team: F Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina; F Blake Griffin, Oklahoma; G James Harden, Arizona State; G Johnny Flynn, Syracuse; G Darren Collison, UCLA
2nd Team: G Stephen Curry, Davidson; F Luke Harrangody, Notre Dame; F Earl Clark, Louisville; F Patrick Patterson, Kentucky; G Patty Mills, Saint Mary’s
3rd Team: F Austin Daye, Gonzaga; F Kyle Singler, Duke; F Sam Young, Pittsbugh; G Eric Maynor, VCU; G Nick Calathes, Florida
Here are a couple FAQ’s and my answers that will serve as a little season primer. If nothing else this will be very interesting to revisit come March.
Who is the best team?
The answer is plain and simple… the University of North Carolina. Maybe UCLA if Kevin Love and Luc-Richard M’bah a Moute had returned to Westwood, maybe Kansas if Brand
on Rush and Darrell Arthur came back in an attempt to defend their title, maybe even Texas or USC is D.J. Augustine and O.J. Mayo didn’t make the jump to the league – but they are all playing for pay now on an NBA Arena nearest you. Carolina had Ty Lawson, backcourt mate Wayne Ellington, and Danny Green all rescind their names from draft consideration at the last minute to come back to Tobacco Road for one last shot at the national championship. Oh, by the way, UNC also brought in the #1 ranked recruiting class in the nation, headlined by Larry Drew the nation’s #3 ranked PG and bigs Tyler Zeller and Larry David, two of the top three rated scholastic power forwards from last year. And one more thing, this guy they call “Psycho T” is back… heard he’s pretty good too.Who are the other legit contenders for the Final 4?
My preseason picks to be National Semifinalists are UNC, Duke, Gonzaga, and Syracuse. I see tremendous upside and potential in these squads, though as the old adage goes, “po
tential gets coaches fired.” But I don’t think Coach K, Mark Few, or good ol’ Jimmy Boeheim have anything to worry about. I love that Duke has inserted Nolan Smith at the point for Greg Paulus, with the skill sets each possess the move makes perfect sense. If freshman 6’10 center Mike Pumlee, who Coach K loves, plays well and Gerald Henderson takes his game to the next level, Duke has more than enough with Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer to make a deep run. This is the best talent Gonzaga has ever had in their program’s history. The WCC POY, Jeremy Pargo, is back at the point, Josh Heyvelt is polished in the post and sophomore Austin Daye could be a first team All-American if he has the breakout year people in Spokane predict. Finally, I really like Syracuse to be a big surprise this season. One-and-done Donte Green could be addition by subtraction for the Orange who will have potentially the best PG in the Big East, Mike Flynn, the best athlete in the Big East, Paul Harris, and a center in Arinze Onuako, who is not afraid to mix it up with the other big rebounders in the conference. Other teams who could have the talent to make it include, UCLA, Texas, and anyone with a winning record in the Big East.Is the Big East “Super Conference” super enough to get 10 bids?
When March roles around that could very well be the case, but more likely I see 8 or 9 receiving bids. I expect, in no particular order, Louisville, Pitt, Marquette, Notre Dame, UC
onn, West Virginia, Villanova, and Syracuse to be in the Top 25 pretty much all season long but you could probably see as many 10 or 11 teams make an appearance in the national polls. UConn is ranked #2 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll, but I just don’t see them being that good. Pitt has had 25 wins a year for the past decade, but no appearances past the Sweet 16 to show for their consistency. Louisville got rid of biggest headache in college basketball in Derrick Caracter and replaces him with the best freshman post-player in the nation, Samardo Samuels. Notre Dame has Luke Harangody, the returning conference POY and two do-it-all combo guards in Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson. And as for Marquette they have their three-headed monster in the backcourt, Domenic James, Jerrell McNeal, and Wesley Matthews. All have a chance to make major noise in the tournament.What about the ACC, is it just Carolina, Duke, and everyone else?
The ACC is no longer the #1 conference in college basketball and it’s for no other reason than its lack of depth on the second tier. This year is a perfect example; you have the Tar Heels an
d Blue Devils and a major drop off. The conference has not been weighed down with the conference expansion for football, heck Boston College, Virginia Tech, and Miami have made more tournaments recently then some of the good ol’ boys of the ACC, like NC State, Maryland, Georgia Tech and UVA. The conference will still get its 5 or 6 team in the big dance, but other will be NIT bound. The two teams I will be watching most closely are Maryland and NC State, two perennial programs who have fallen on tough times of late. Not all is well in Gary-land. The Terps have not capitalized on their NCAA Championship and brand new on-campus Comcast Arena the way program boosters think they should have. Maryland has no post options at all, unless Braxton Dupree has improved substantially, and Greivis Vasquez is still on of the top guards in the ACC, but he needs help. Throwing this out there - Freshman Sean Mosley will be starting by midseason and make the all-rookie team. As for Coach Derek Whittenburg’s Wolfpack squad it’s one last go around for the nucleus of Courtney Fells, Ben McCauley, and Brandon Costner. For a group that had so much promise after a run to the ACC Tournament Championship Game 2 seasons ago, J.J. Hickson really messed things up by dominating touches in his only year in red… or at least that’s what they’d like you to believe in Raleigh.Who is this year’s crop of big time freshmen?
The trendy pick for the best freshman in the country is UCLA combo guard J’rue Holliday. I really like his chances because he’ll be playing under Coach Ben Howland and alongsi
de, coach-on-the-floor point guard Darren Collison, who will both make sure he plays the right way, right away. Louisville’s Samardo Samuels is the class’s best frontcourt player, right above Georgetown’s new pivot man, Greg Monroe, but they could both struggle a bit with the Dejuan Blair’s, Hasheem Thabeet’s, Onuako’s, and Harrangody’s of the world in the Big East. Tyreke Evans, a high scoring Philly product will have the green light in Memphis, as will the high flying wing, Demar DeRozan, USC’s top recruit from Compton. However the pick that may have the most to do with the amount of success his team has is Al-Farouq Aminu of Wake Forest, the 6’9 forward held strong on his verbal commitment to the Deacs even after the untimely death of Skip Prosser.Lastly, whose names will we be inundated with when everyone puts out their All-American lists at season’s end?
1st Team: F Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina; F Blake Griffin, Oklahoma; G James Harden, Arizona State; G Johnny Flynn, Syracuse; G Darren Collison, UCLA
2nd Team: G Stephen Curry, Davidson; F Luke Harrangody, Notre Dame; F Earl Clark, Louisville; F Patrick Patterson, Kentucky; G Patty Mills, Saint Mary’s
3rd Team: F Austin Daye, Gonzaga; F Kyle Singler, Duke; F Sam Young, Pittsbugh; G Eric Maynor, VCU; G Nick Calathes, Florida
Loyola Men's Soccer featured on ESPNsoccernet.com
As the Men’s Soccer Team (17-0-1) makes its final preparations before heading to Poughkeepsie, NY for this weekend’s MAAC Tournament, they know they have already accomplished something very special. The ‘Hounds 3rd undefeated regular season in school history has not gone unnoticed in the eyes of the national college soccer media. Loyola’s tremendous on-field success this season is the subject on an article that appears on espn.com, the article’s link is below…
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=591730&sec=ncaa&root=ncaa&&cc=5901
Stay tuned for more postseason news in the coming days.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=591730&sec=ncaa&root=ncaa&&cc=5901
Stay tuned for more postseason news in the coming days.
Tuesday's Top 5 Thing I think about... College Football
I think Alabama is way better than I thought they were. They were able to play a full 60 plus minutes of almost error-free football on the road in Baton Rouge and defeated LSU
in Overtime 27-21 Saturday night. The Tide offense was able to move the ball against an aggressive Tiger defense when they needed to – to overcome an early deficit, to give them a chance to win in regulation, and to score in OT. What surprised me most about the performance was how Alabama’s O-line was able to dominate the line of scrimmage against the vaunted D-line of LSU. Nick Saban’s team can’t focus on Florida and the SEC Title game just yet, they have home games remaining against Mississippi State and in-state rival Auburn, whose beaten ‘Bama the last six times the two have tangled.
I think I would absolutely love to see a Texas Tech – Boise State bowl game. These two
teams have the most fun offenses in college football. Boise State (9-0), the titans of the trick play, had four different players throw TD passes, 2 QB’s, a wide receiver and RB Ian Johnson in their 49-14 win over Utah State. Texas Tech and Coach Mike Leitch have never seen a pass play they didn’t like. However, the chances we see this game are slim to none. If Texas Tech loses this weekend at Oklahoma and doesn’t go on to the Big XII Title game, they will most likely be shut out of the BCS altogether, even with just 1 loss. Remember, three teams from one conference cannot participate in the BCS, and it would be tough to see Red Raiders go over 1-loss Oklahoma or Texas teams.
I think Coach Charlie Weis is safe at Notre Dame at least for another season or two. The Irish are coming off a 17-0 loss in the Catholic Bowl to Boston College leaving them with a record of
5-4 overall and the Domers are not pleased. Even though ND has now dropped 15 of their last 16 contests against teams with winning records Weis is not in danger of losing his gig. If terminated at season’s end, Notre Dame would owe him in the ballpark of 18-21 million to just go away – I can’t see the athletic department and alumni association going for this option just yet. It gets no easier for Coach Weis and his players this week when they prepare for Navy. If they win, they have nothing to gain; if they lose, it would be their second consecutive loss to the Middies, something just unacceptable and unfathomable in South Bend. One more interesting note, with an Irish loss and a Texas win, the Longhorns would pass Notre Dame for second on the all-time wins list, behind Michigan.
I think, as hard as it may be to do, SEC athletic directors and fans need to take a step back and a deep breath if their programs are uncharacteristically struggling. Tennessee announced last
week that their longtime head coach, Phil Fullmer, will not return for next season. That’s right - Phil Fulmer, UT alumnus and coach of their national title winner in ’98 not to mention the coach who won them an SEC East title just last season! And word from Auburn is that Coach Tommy Tubberville’s seat has warmed considerably in the midst of a 5-5 season. It’s hard to believe that Auburn could finish bowless at 5-7 and 2-4 in conference play if they can’t register an upset over Georgia or Alabama to end their year. While the line would go around the corner with coaches with great credentials if the job opened up, Auburn needs to realize Coach Tubberville has done a great job during his tenure having beaten Alabama 6 straight seasons, sporting an 80-33 overall record, capturing 2 SEC West titles, and completing an undefeated, untied season in ’04.
I think no one in the country realizes that Oregon State, not USC, controls its own destiny to win the Pac-10 championship and play in the Rose Bowl. They’re 6-3 overall and 5-1 in confe
rence, including a big 27-21 win over the Trojans at home earlier this year. There is no Pac-10 title game, so if the Beavers take care of business in their three remaining games, home against Cal, at Arizona, and their season finale at home against Oregon they’ll be crowned champs. Good for them.
in Overtime 27-21 Saturday night. The Tide offense was able to move the ball against an aggressive Tiger defense when they needed to – to overcome an early deficit, to give them a chance to win in regulation, and to score in OT. What surprised me most about the performance was how Alabama’s O-line was able to dominate the line of scrimmage against the vaunted D-line of LSU. Nick Saban’s team can’t focus on Florida and the SEC Title game just yet, they have home games remaining against Mississippi State and in-state rival Auburn, whose beaten ‘Bama the last six times the two have tangled.I think I would absolutely love to see a Texas Tech – Boise State bowl game. These two
teams have the most fun offenses in college football. Boise State (9-0), the titans of the trick play, had four different players throw TD passes, 2 QB’s, a wide receiver and RB Ian Johnson in their 49-14 win over Utah State. Texas Tech and Coach Mike Leitch have never seen a pass play they didn’t like. However, the chances we see this game are slim to none. If Texas Tech loses this weekend at Oklahoma and doesn’t go on to the Big XII Title game, they will most likely be shut out of the BCS altogether, even with just 1 loss. Remember, three teams from one conference cannot participate in the BCS, and it would be tough to see Red Raiders go over 1-loss Oklahoma or Texas teams.I think Coach Charlie Weis is safe at Notre Dame at least for another season or two. The Irish are coming off a 17-0 loss in the Catholic Bowl to Boston College leaving them with a record of
5-4 overall and the Domers are not pleased. Even though ND has now dropped 15 of their last 16 contests against teams with winning records Weis is not in danger of losing his gig. If terminated at season’s end, Notre Dame would owe him in the ballpark of 18-21 million to just go away – I can’t see the athletic department and alumni association going for this option just yet. It gets no easier for Coach Weis and his players this week when they prepare for Navy. If they win, they have nothing to gain; if they lose, it would be their second consecutive loss to the Middies, something just unacceptable and unfathomable in South Bend. One more interesting note, with an Irish loss and a Texas win, the Longhorns would pass Notre Dame for second on the all-time wins list, behind Michigan.I think, as hard as it may be to do, SEC athletic directors and fans need to take a step back and a deep breath if their programs are uncharacteristically struggling. Tennessee announced last
week that their longtime head coach, Phil Fullmer, will not return for next season. That’s right - Phil Fulmer, UT alumnus and coach of their national title winner in ’98 not to mention the coach who won them an SEC East title just last season! And word from Auburn is that Coach Tommy Tubberville’s seat has warmed considerably in the midst of a 5-5 season. It’s hard to believe that Auburn could finish bowless at 5-7 and 2-4 in conference play if they can’t register an upset over Georgia or Alabama to end their year. While the line would go around the corner with coaches with great credentials if the job opened up, Auburn needs to realize Coach Tubberville has done a great job during his tenure having beaten Alabama 6 straight seasons, sporting an 80-33 overall record, capturing 2 SEC West titles, and completing an undefeated, untied season in ’04.I think no one in the country realizes that Oregon State, not USC, controls its own destiny to win the Pac-10 championship and play in the Rose Bowl. They’re 6-3 overall and 5-1 in confe
rence, including a big 27-21 win over the Trojans at home earlier this year. There is no Pac-10 title game, so if the Beavers take care of business in their three remaining games, home against Cal, at Arizona, and their season finale at home against Oregon they’ll be crowned champs. Good for them.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Basketball Preview: The MAAC
As we count down the days to the tip-off of 2008-2009 Men’s Basketball season let’s take a quick tour around the rest of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
During the MAAC Coaches Media Day at the ESPN Zone in New York City last week, the Siena Saints were named a unanimous preseason favorite for the conference championship and their senior guard Kenny Hasbrouck was tabbed preseason Player of the Year.
The coaches ranked Fairfield second, Rider third, Loyola fourth, followed by Manhattan, Iona, Canisius, St. Peter’s and Marist.
The preseason all-MAAC team is led by a trio of Saints from Siena, Hasbrouck, Edwin Ubiles and Alex Franklin and also includes Fairfield’s Jonathan Han, and Rider’s Ryan Thompson.
Loyola’s sophomore point guard Brian Rudolph headlines the second team along with Fairfield’s Anthony Johnson, Iona’s Gary Springer, Manhattan’s Drew Pearson, Niagara’s Tyrone Lewis, and Harris Mansell from Rider.
The third team is comprised of five high scoring perimeter players: Frank Turner of Canisius, Devon Austin of Manhattan, David Devezin of Marist, and Wesley Jenkins of St. Peter’s.
That’s how the coaches see it; I on the other hand think the MAAC standing might look a little something like this:
1) Siena
2) Niagara
3) Loyola
4) Rider
5) Fairfield
6) Iona
7) Manhattan
8) St. Peter’s
9) Marist
10) Canisius
In recent years the MAAC has proven to be a second chance for a lot of players who choose to transfer, whether its to be closer to home, or because at there original spots they weren’t getting the PT they had hoped, the MAAC has had their arms open to players looking to relocate. This season is no different. Niagara will be led by former UConn Huskie Rob Garrison, and Villanova Wildcat Bilal Benn. Chris Smith, brother of J.R., and formerly of Seton Hall will be at Manhattan. And at Loyola, Jamal Barney an ex-Providence Friar will look to shoulder some of the scoring load left by another ex-Friar, Gerald Brown.
Those guys aside, the following is a list of who I believe to be the most talented players in the conference. If there were nine blank rosters and the MAAC had a player draft, here would be a list of the most coveted guys.
1) Edwin Ubiles, F Siena: The best athlete in the conference. He’s long, 6’6, and lean 2
15lbs, and has size and skill to play the post or wing. As the case of many of his Saint teammates he’s at his best on the run in the open floor.
2) Ryan Thompson, G Rider: The Thompson brothers are finally split up. Jason is now a Sacramento King and Ryan is long last king in Lawrenceville. A phenomenal shooter, and passer, Thompson will have a big time breakout year.
3) Alex Franklin, F Siena: The most unheralded of Siena Big 3, but maybe the team’s most consistent player. Franklin uses hustle and grit to score layups in transition and finished putbacks off the offensive glass to get him points and a high field goal percentage.
4) Kenny Hasbrouck, G Siena: He’s a leader and a winner. He’s the preseason POY and deserved to be. Ask him to handle at the point and run the offense, OK. Ask him to defend the opposing teams best player at the 1, 2, or 3, no problem. Ask him to do anything that will help the team win, Hasbrouk will - without a doubt.
5) Brian Rudolph, G Loyola: In a conference where good point guard play is crucial in Rudolph, Loyola has the best pure passer and playmaker in the MAAC. He attacks the rim ferociously and always seems to find open guys setting up for the 3. If last year’s Rookie of the Year can hit the open shot himself, he will definitely make the first team all-MACC at year’s end.
6) Tyrone Lewis, G Niagara: The 5’11 combo guard from Philadelphia will get plenty more chances to score after Charron Ficsher’s graduation from the program. Going, into his third season, Lewis has seen the highest of highs – going to the dance and being on the all-MAAC Tourney Team as a freshman and the lowest of lows – being upset in last year’s first round as a sophmore.
7) Frank Turner, G Canisus: Turner is Canisius’ quickest player, its best defender, its best shooter, its best penetrator, and its leader. Frank Turner, a third year starter in his Junior season will once again shoulder a big load as the Golden Griff’s do-it-all guy. It would be great to see Turner get to play with a decent set of teammates… unfortunately this won’t be the season that happens.
8) Devon Austin, G Manhattan: One of the MAAC’s most exciting players. Solidly built at 6’6 he has the athleticism to finish on the run and the quickness to get to the basket in the half court. Austin’s a guy who has a nose for the ball.
9) Anthony Johnson, F Fairfield: The only post player on the list. Last year, it was Jason Thompson and everybody else. This year its… well, just everybody else. Johnson, teammate Greg Nero, and Loyola’s Isaac Reid could be this year’s best big.
10) Wesley Jenkins, G St. Peter’s: Last year as a freshman, he showed a great ability to be able to score the basketball. He can nail 3’s with the best of them, get to the lane with the best of them, and is always on the verge of scoring in waves.
During the MAAC Coaches Media Day at the ESPN Zone in New York City last week, the Siena Saints were named a unanimous preseason favorite for the conference championship and their senior guard Kenny Hasbrouck was tabbed preseason Player of the Year.
The coaches ranked Fairfield second, Rider third, Loyola fourth, followed by Manhattan, Iona, Canisius, St. Peter’s and Marist.
The preseason all-MAAC team is led by a trio of Saints from Siena, Hasbrouck, Edwin Ubiles and Alex Franklin and also includes Fairfield’s Jonathan Han, and Rider’s Ryan Thompson.
Loyola’s sophomore point guard Brian Rudolph headlines the second team along with Fairfield’s Anthony Johnson, Iona’s Gary Springer, Manhattan’s Drew Pearson, Niagara’s Tyrone Lewis, and Harris Mansell from Rider.
The third team is comprised of five high scoring perimeter players: Frank Turner of Canisius, Devon Austin of Manhattan, David Devezin of Marist, and Wesley Jenkins of St. Peter’s.
That’s how the coaches see it; I on the other hand think the MAAC standing might look a little something like this:
1) Siena
2) Niagara
3) Loyola
4) Rider
5) Fairfield
6) Iona
7) Manhattan
8) St. Peter’s
9) Marist
10) Canisius
In recent years the MAAC has proven to be a second chance for a lot of players who choose to transfer, whether its to be closer to home, or because at there original spots they weren’t getting the PT they had hoped, the MAAC has had their arms open to players looking to relocate. This season is no different. Niagara will be led by former UConn Huskie Rob Garrison, and Villanova Wildcat Bilal Benn. Chris Smith, brother of J.R., and formerly of Seton Hall will be at Manhattan. And at Loyola, Jamal Barney an ex-Providence Friar will look to shoulder some of the scoring load left by another ex-Friar, Gerald Brown.
Those guys aside, the following is a list of who I believe to be the most talented players in the conference. If there were nine blank rosters and the MAAC had a player draft, here would be a list of the most coveted guys.
1) Edwin Ubiles, F Siena: The best athlete in the conference. He’s long, 6’6, and lean 2
15lbs, and has size and skill to play the post or wing. As the case of many of his Saint teammates he’s at his best on the run in the open floor.2) Ryan Thompson, G Rider: The Thompson brothers are finally split up. Jason is now a Sacramento King and Ryan is long last king in Lawrenceville. A phenomenal shooter, and passer, Thompson will have a big time breakout year.
3) Alex Franklin, F Siena: The most unheralded of Siena Big 3, but maybe the team’s most consistent player. Franklin uses hustle and grit to score layups in transition and finished putbacks off the offensive glass to get him points and a high field goal percentage.
4) Kenny Hasbrouck, G Siena: He’s a leader and a winner. He’s the preseason POY and deserved to be. Ask him to handle at the point and run the offense, OK. Ask him to defend the opposing teams best player at the 1, 2, or 3, no problem. Ask him to do anything that will help the team win, Hasbrouk will - without a doubt.
5) Brian Rudolph, G Loyola: In a conference where good point guard play is crucial in Rudolph, Loyola has the best pure passer and playmaker in the MAAC. He attacks the rim ferociously and always seems to find open guys setting up for the 3. If last year’s Rookie of the Year can hit the open shot himself, he will definitely make the first team all-MACC at year’s end.
6) Tyrone Lewis, G Niagara: The 5’11 combo guard from Philadelphia will get plenty more chances to score after Charron Ficsher’s graduation from the program. Going, into his third season, Lewis has seen the highest of highs – going to the dance and being on the all-MAAC Tourney Team as a freshman and the lowest of lows – being upset in last year’s first round as a sophmore.
7) Frank Turner, G Canisus: Turner is Canisius’ quickest player, its best defender, its best shooter, its best penetrator, and its leader. Frank Turner, a third year starter in his Junior season will once again shoulder a big load as the Golden Griff’s do-it-all guy. It would be great to see Turner get to play with a decent set of teammates… unfortunately this won’t be the season that happens.
8) Devon Austin, G Manhattan: One of the MAAC’s most exciting players. Solidly built at 6’6 he has the athleticism to finish on the run and the quickness to get to the basket in the half court. Austin’s a guy who has a nose for the ball.
9) Anthony Johnson, F Fairfield: The only post player on the list. Last year, it was Jason Thompson and everybody else. This year its… well, just everybody else. Johnson, teammate Greg Nero, and Loyola’s Isaac Reid could be this year’s best big.
10) Wesley Jenkins, G St. Peter’s: Last year as a freshman, he showed a great ability to be able to score the basketball. He can nail 3’s with the best of them, get to the lane with the best of them, and is always on the verge of scoring in waves.
Men's Soccer finises of unbeaten regular season
5 – Scores by Loyola in Saturday’s game vs. Rider (Loyola 5 – 0 Rider)
9 – Number of wins in conference for the Greyhounds this regular season (9-0-0)
17 – Regular season victories in 18 regular season games (17-0-1)
22 – Years since Loyola’s last unbeaten regular season (1986: 15-0-4)
1 – Seed earned in the upcoming MAAC Tournament after receiving the regular season championsip
2 – Wins necessary for a 2nd consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament
The Loyola Men’s Soccer Team has completed their regular season without any defeats. The #6 ranked team will now look for a second consecutive MAAC Tournament Champions
hip next weekend in Poughkeepsie. They are seeded #1 and will face the Purple Eagles of Niagara, the #4 seed, in the semifinals Friday afternoon. In their only meeting of the season Loyola scored a 1-nil victory in western New York on a Daniel Ankrah goal with just 79 seconds remaining in regulation. On the other side of the bracket are #2 Siena and #3 Fairfield.
College Soccer News offers this about the upcoming playoff:
Prediction: Loyola (MD) has a lock on an invite to the NCAA Tourney based on what they have accomplished to date. If Loyola does win with the MAAC Tourney, they will receive an at-large bid.
It will be very interesting to see how the Greyhounds are seeded in the NCAA tournament. All the major recognized polls rank Greyhounds in the top 6 of the country. The only other school to get through the season unscathed is Wake Forest, who is the unanimous top ranked team in the nation. The ‘Hounds will get a home game at least, maybe even one or two more in further rounds, and it will be important for the Loyola community to rally around this group. There’s a good chance this team ranks among the greatest of any Greyhound athletic team in any sport ever.
9 – Number of wins in conference for the Greyhounds this regular season (9-0-0)
17 – Regular season victories in 18 regular season games (17-0-1)
22 – Years since Loyola’s last unbeaten regular season (1986: 15-0-4)
1 – Seed earned in the upcoming MAAC Tournament after receiving the regular season championsip
2 – Wins necessary for a 2nd consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament
The Loyola Men’s Soccer Team has completed their regular season without any defeats. The #6 ranked team will now look for a second consecutive MAAC Tournament Champions
hip next weekend in Poughkeepsie. They are seeded #1 and will face the Purple Eagles of Niagara, the #4 seed, in the semifinals Friday afternoon. In their only meeting of the season Loyola scored a 1-nil victory in western New York on a Daniel Ankrah goal with just 79 seconds remaining in regulation. On the other side of the bracket are #2 Siena and #3 Fairfield.College Soccer News offers this about the upcoming playoff:
Prediction: Loyola (MD) has a lock on an invite to the NCAA Tourney based on what they have accomplished to date. If Loyola does win with the MAAC Tourney, they will receive an at-large bid.
It will be very interesting to see how the Greyhounds are seeded in the NCAA tournament. All the major recognized polls rank Greyhounds in the top 6 of the country. The only other school to get through the season unscathed is Wake Forest, who is the unanimous top ranked team in the nation. The ‘Hounds will get a home game at least, maybe even one or two more in further rounds, and it will be important for the Loyola community to rally around this group. There’s a good chance this team ranks among the greatest of any Greyhound athletic team in any sport ever.
Women's Soccer Overwhelmed in MAAC Finals
The Loyola Women’s Soccer Team’s bid for consecutive MAAC Tournament Championships ended Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 loss to Fairfield in the final. The loss is a disappointing one for the ‘Hounds, who earned the #1 seed after being crowned regular season champions. Fairfield’s Ahna Johnson scored all three goals of the title match and a steady Stags defense, anchored by goalie Kelly Broudreau, did not allow a goal.
The loss marked their first set back in conference play this season and capped their overall record at 10-6-1. Lea Day, Lina Staropoli, and Heather Cooke were selected to the all-tournament team.
The loss marked their first set back in conference play this season and capped their overall record at 10-6-1. Lea Day, Lina Staropoli, and Heather Cooke were selected to the all-tournament team.
Poll: Who is college football best 1-loss team?
The two teams in line to compete for the BCS National Championship both took care of business this weekend. #1 Alabama won the Nick Saban Bowl in Baton Rouge in OT 27-21, while #2 Texas Tech maintained in control of the ultra competitive Big 12 South race coming off a 56-20 rout over a then #9 ranked Oklahoma State team. And two teams eliminated themselves from any chance of playing in the title game, Penn State with their shocking loss at Iowa and LSU with their previously mentioned loss to the Tide. That leaves us with only four teams with legitimate claims for consideration outside of squads that reside in Tuscaloosa, AL and Lubbock, TX.
This week’s poll question asks which of these four teams, all with just one lone blemish on their record, is the beast?
Is it Florida? They’re #4 in the BCS rankings and playing as good of football as they have a
ll season. Led by the defending Hesiman Trophy winner Tim Tebow they downed Vanderbilt in Nashville 42-14 this weekend and with the W clinched the SEC East, setting up a showdown with Alabama the first Saturday of December. Will it mean a title show for the Gators? After home games against #25 South Carolina and the Citadel and a trip to Tallahassee to play the ‘Noles, we will see.
Is it Oklahoma? The playoffs start this Saturday for the BCS ranked #5Sooners. They’ll pla
y host to Texas Tech, after that they play in-state rival Oklahoma St. in Stillwater, and if they do that there’s a chance for a potential Big 12 Championship Game and if they can rack up those 3 in a row… a trip to Miami could be there’s. Can Sam Bradford and his offense, which averages 51.4 ppg, lead them there?
Is it Southern California? The Trojans offense did not march on Cal they way they had hoped, but their defense is as good as any. In their last five games, they’ve
pitched three shoutouts and while allowing only 13 points total. Will the Pac-10 prove to be strong enough to send its champion to the title game? Coach Pete Carroll hopes so. There’s no doubt USC, ranked just #6 in the BCS, can beat anyone on any given day, but will they get the chance?
Or is it Texas? They’re the highest ranked 1-loss team at #3 in the BCS, with their only loss coming two weeks ago in heartbreak fashion on the road at Texas Tech. The
Longhorns, will need to take finish strong over Kansas on the road and win a home game over Texas A&M and hope that Red River Rival Oklahoma can knock off Tech leading to a 3-way tie in the South. The tiebreaker to see who represents division in the conference title game is the BCS Rankings. Can Texas hit BCS lottery twice in one year?
This week’s poll question asks which of these four teams, all with just one lone blemish on their record, is the beast?
Is it Florida? They’re #4 in the BCS rankings and playing as good of football as they have a
ll season. Led by the defending Hesiman Trophy winner Tim Tebow they downed Vanderbilt in Nashville 42-14 this weekend and with the W clinched the SEC East, setting up a showdown with Alabama the first Saturday of December. Will it mean a title show for the Gators? After home games against #25 South Carolina and the Citadel and a trip to Tallahassee to play the ‘Noles, we will see.Is it Oklahoma? The playoffs start this Saturday for the BCS ranked #5Sooners. They’ll pla
y host to Texas Tech, after that they play in-state rival Oklahoma St. in Stillwater, and if they do that there’s a chance for a potential Big 12 Championship Game and if they can rack up those 3 in a row… a trip to Miami could be there’s. Can Sam Bradford and his offense, which averages 51.4 ppg, lead them there?Is it Southern California? The Trojans offense did not march on Cal they way they had hoped, but their defense is as good as any. In their last five games, they’ve
pitched three shoutouts and while allowing only 13 points total. Will the Pac-10 prove to be strong enough to send its champion to the title game? Coach Pete Carroll hopes so. There’s no doubt USC, ranked just #6 in the BCS, can beat anyone on any given day, but will they get the chance?Or is it Texas? They’re the highest ranked 1-loss team at #3 in the BCS, with their only loss coming two weeks ago in heartbreak fashion on the road at Texas Tech. The
Longhorns, will need to take finish strong over Kansas on the road and win a home game over Texas A&M and hope that Red River Rival Oklahoma can knock off Tech leading to a 3-way tie in the South. The tiebreaker to see who represents division in the conference title game is the BCS Rankings. Can Texas hit BCS lottery twice in one year?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Loyola Sports Talk Hosts' NFL Pick'em
Chris Bonetti’s Selections:
NEW ENGLAND -3.5 v. Buffalo
ATLANTA -1 v. New Orleans
NY JETS -8.5 v. St. Louis
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
TENNESSEE -3 @ Chicago
GREEN BAY +2.5 @ Minnesota
NY GIANTS +3 @ Philadelphia
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
NEW ENGLAND -3.5 v. Buffalo
NEW ORLEANS +1 @ Atlanta
INDIANAPOLIS +3 @ Pittsburgh
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
ST. LOUIS +8.5 @ NY Jets
TENNESSEE -3 @ Chicago
CAROLINA -9 @ Oakland
Matt Mullen’s selections:
JACKSONVILLE -6.5 @ Detroit
MIAMI -8.5 v. Seattle
BALTIMORE -1 @ Houston
Standings after last week:
1. Crispnio (14-7)
2. Bonetti (11-10)
3. Harrington (10-11)
4. Epstein (9-12)
5. Mullen (8-13)
NEW ENGLAND -3.5 v. Buffalo
ATLANTA -1 v. New Orleans
NY JETS -8.5 v. St. Louis
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
TENNESSEE -3 @ Chicago
GREEN BAY +2.5 @ Minnesota
NY GIANTS +3 @ Philadelphia
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
NEW ENGLAND -3.5 v. Buffalo
NEW ORLEANS +1 @ Atlanta
INDIANAPOLIS +3 @ Pittsburgh
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
ST. LOUIS +8.5 @ NY Jets
TENNESSEE -3 @ Chicago
CAROLINA -9 @ Oakland
Matt Mullen’s selections:
JACKSONVILLE -6.5 @ Detroit
MIAMI -8.5 v. Seattle
BALTIMORE -1 @ Houston
Standings after last week:
1. Crispnio (14-7)
2. Bonetti (11-10)
3. Harrington (10-11)
4. Epstein (9-12)
5. Mullen (8-13)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Meet the 2008-2009 Loyola Men's Basketball Team
In the first installment of our ’08-’09 preview we’ll be taking a look at the entire roster and give you an idea of what to look for from each player… so without further ado, allow me to introduce to you the Greyhounds:
#1 Anthony Winbush, 6’7 180, Fr. F: A long athletic player with a ton of potential who will see time at the 3 and 4 positions this season. Sporting a good handle and range for a player his size Winbush can play on the wing as well as in the post. He is the ‘Hounds top recruit for this season, who they hope will someday be an All-MAAC performer.
#2 Isaac Reid, 6’5 225, So. F: A projected starter at the power forward or center position. He did not participate in the second half of last season, leaving the team for personal reasons, but will be looked at to fill the scoring, rebounding, and defending voids left by Omari Israel and Mike Tuck. Reid was the Texas 4A Player of the Year just two years ago and Coach Patsos hopes he will be able to use his superior athleticism and strength to make up for a lack of height to compete in the pivot with the MAAC’s best bigs.
#3 Tony Lewis, 6’2 175, So. G: He got the start as the third guard in the starting lineup vs. Catholic. Lewis is perhaps the most athletic player on the team and its best perimeter defender. He looks much more comfortable in the offense and will look to be more aggressive on that side of the ball in this his 3rd year in the program. Lewis took a medical red-shirt his first season after suffering a separated shoulder.
#4 Brett Harvey, 6’1 175, Jr. G: He has started 61 of his 64 games played in a Greyhound uniform. As a freshman he served as the team’s point guard and last year played off the ball at the 2 and has been effective in both spots. Harvey is a hard nosed on ball defender, can push the ball in transition, can take it to the rim, can find the open man, and possesses a consistent jump shot. He’s the heart and soul of the team and don’t be surprised if he leads it in scoring this season.
#5 Marquis Sullivan, 6’1 190, Sr. G: He’s Loyola’s all-time 3 point marksman, the MAAC’
s 6th Man of the Year Award recipient from last season, and without a doubt has the prettiest jump shot in the conference. Sullivan was named to the preseason 3rd team all-MAAC squad and will once again provide leadership, and instant offense off the bench. His unrelenting passion and quick release make him perfect for the role of “6th starter” as Coach Patsos would call it, assuming the spot that Shane James and Mike Tuck played so well in. Opposing coaches know, if Sullivan gets an inch off a curl screen anywhere within 3 feet off the arc, it’s 3 for the ‘Hounds.
#10 J’hared Hall, 6’2 160, Fr. G: He was a big time scholastic scorer from the basketball hotbed of Mount Vernon, NY. He’ll challenge for playing time right away, but with the abundance of guards on the roster, Hall may have to wait his turn for major minutes. He showed what he could do when he hit two 3’s and took the ball to the rim and hit a floater on 3 consecutive possessions late in the Catholic scrimmage, where he was used as the baseline shooter when the team ran its swing offense.
#11 Paolo Ivis, 6’7 225, Fr. F: A native of Fazana, Croatia, he was in street clothes for the exhibition game against Catholic. Ivis has imposing size, and could make an impact right away if he can provide serviceable defense and rebounding.
#13 Dan Ficke, 6’6 245, Sr. F: He was active on the glass in the Catholic scrimmage and looks slimmed down after a long summer of working out. With Loyola’s lack of size and depth inside, Ficke could be an option for Coach Patsos in the post.
#15 Shane Walker, 6’10 215, So. F: He will sit out this season after transferring to the program from the University of Maryland. He will have 3 years of eligibility remaining when he hits the floor and with his length and athleticism he could be a major contributor and one of the one of the premier big men in the MAAC.
#21 Jawaan Wright, 6’8 230, Jr. F: He red-shirted last season as the Greyhounds frontcourt was crowded with the likes of Israel, Tuck, and Fofana playing in front of him. Wright could be the starting center for the Greyhounds and has the tools to be amongst the MAAC leaders in blocks and rebounds if he is able fulfill his potential. If the Greyhounds are to contend for the conference championship this season, Jawaan will need to be a big factor.
#22 Jamal Barney, 6’3 185, So. G: He’s the newest Baltimore product to return home to p
lay for Loyola. Like Gerald Brown, Jamal played one season for Providence College, and like Gerald Brown, he will have to shoulder high expectations and be looked at to put the ball in the basket right away. However, his game is different than Brown’s – Gerald used his size and strength to bully his way to the basket and help out on the glass, whereas Barney will use a superior handle and lighting quick first step to fill it up. He'll see significant minutes playing as an off-guard and it will be interesting to see if he's able to duplicate what Andre Collins and Gerald Brown were able to do in their stints at Loyola.
#24 Joe Muvuna, 6’9 200, Fr. F: Really tall and really thin. Muvuna, born in Rwanda, comes to Loyola via the Worchester Academy in Massachusetts will take a medical red-shirt after a broken wrist in preseason. It could be blessing in disguise as he will look at add a little bulk to throw around when he resumes his playing career in the Green and Grey in ’09-’10.
#31 Brian Rudolph, 5’11 170, So. G: He’s Loyola’s floor leader and is a general on the court.
It was going to take a lot to move backcourt partner Brett Harvey off the ball, but with his exceptional play as a freshman he was able to and was honored as the MAAC Rookie of the Year. Rudolph is the ‘Hounds top playmaker, ballhandler, and passer and is definitely in the conversation for the title of best point guard in the MAAC. He’s a pass first PG and is at his best in Loyola’s fast paced transition game. He’s not afraid of going in and rebounding with the big boys and if he’s able to improve on his jump shot from last season, he has a chance to be the conference’s Player of the Year… he’s that good. The fact that MAAC coaches voted Rudolph on the league’s preseason 2nd team and Fairfield point guard Jonathan Han on the 1st is an absolute joke.
#33 Brad Farrell, 6’5 215, Sr. F: He returns to the program after a two season hiatus. Farrell was a member of Coach Patsos’ original recruiting class 4 years ago and struggled mightily as the team’s starting point guard that season. Playing in a role much better suited for him in his sophomore season, he excelled using his strong floor game and athleticism to be a top defender and rebounder from the 2 and 3 spots on the floor. After an ugly incident with a teammate Farrell was dismissed from the team, but to his credit has fought his way back and will play a major role on this team. Look for Farrell to play the 3 and even the 4 position when the ‘Hounds go with a small, running lineup.
#34 Garrett Kelly, 6’6 175, Jr. F: He serves the team in a thankless, yet necessary role as a gritty walk-on who uses an accurate jump shot when called on in his limited minutes.
#55 Josh Weigand, 6’9 230, Fr. C: A Whiteford, MD native with big size and a soft touch. He will provide depth in the Greyhounds frontcourt this season in his first year with the team.
#1 Anthony Winbush, 6’7 180, Fr. F: A long athletic player with a ton of potential who will see time at the 3 and 4 positions this season. Sporting a good handle and range for a player his size Winbush can play on the wing as well as in the post. He is the ‘Hounds top recruit for this season, who they hope will someday be an All-MAAC performer.
#2 Isaac Reid, 6’5 225, So. F: A projected starter at the power forward or center position. He did not participate in the second half of last season, leaving the team for personal reasons, but will be looked at to fill the scoring, rebounding, and defending voids left by Omari Israel and Mike Tuck. Reid was the Texas 4A Player of the Year just two years ago and Coach Patsos hopes he will be able to use his superior athleticism and strength to make up for a lack of height to compete in the pivot with the MAAC’s best bigs.
#3 Tony Lewis, 6’2 175, So. G: He got the start as the third guard in the starting lineup vs. Catholic. Lewis is perhaps the most athletic player on the team and its best perimeter defender. He looks much more comfortable in the offense and will look to be more aggressive on that side of the ball in this his 3rd year in the program. Lewis took a medical red-shirt his first season after suffering a separated shoulder.
#4 Brett Harvey, 6’1 175, Jr. G: He has started 61 of his 64 games played in a Greyhound uniform. As a freshman he served as the team’s point guard and last year played off the ball at the 2 and has been effective in both spots. Harvey is a hard nosed on ball defender, can push the ball in transition, can take it to the rim, can find the open man, and possesses a consistent jump shot. He’s the heart and soul of the team and don’t be surprised if he leads it in scoring this season.
#5 Marquis Sullivan, 6’1 190, Sr. G: He’s Loyola’s all-time 3 point marksman, the MAAC’
s 6th Man of the Year Award recipient from last season, and without a doubt has the prettiest jump shot in the conference. Sullivan was named to the preseason 3rd team all-MAAC squad and will once again provide leadership, and instant offense off the bench. His unrelenting passion and quick release make him perfect for the role of “6th starter” as Coach Patsos would call it, assuming the spot that Shane James and Mike Tuck played so well in. Opposing coaches know, if Sullivan gets an inch off a curl screen anywhere within 3 feet off the arc, it’s 3 for the ‘Hounds.#10 J’hared Hall, 6’2 160, Fr. G: He was a big time scholastic scorer from the basketball hotbed of Mount Vernon, NY. He’ll challenge for playing time right away, but with the abundance of guards on the roster, Hall may have to wait his turn for major minutes. He showed what he could do when he hit two 3’s and took the ball to the rim and hit a floater on 3 consecutive possessions late in the Catholic scrimmage, where he was used as the baseline shooter when the team ran its swing offense.
#11 Paolo Ivis, 6’7 225, Fr. F: A native of Fazana, Croatia, he was in street clothes for the exhibition game against Catholic. Ivis has imposing size, and could make an impact right away if he can provide serviceable defense and rebounding.
#13 Dan Ficke, 6’6 245, Sr. F: He was active on the glass in the Catholic scrimmage and looks slimmed down after a long summer of working out. With Loyola’s lack of size and depth inside, Ficke could be an option for Coach Patsos in the post.
#15 Shane Walker, 6’10 215, So. F: He will sit out this season after transferring to the program from the University of Maryland. He will have 3 years of eligibility remaining when he hits the floor and with his length and athleticism he could be a major contributor and one of the one of the premier big men in the MAAC.
#21 Jawaan Wright, 6’8 230, Jr. F: He red-shirted last season as the Greyhounds frontcourt was crowded with the likes of Israel, Tuck, and Fofana playing in front of him. Wright could be the starting center for the Greyhounds and has the tools to be amongst the MAAC leaders in blocks and rebounds if he is able fulfill his potential. If the Greyhounds are to contend for the conference championship this season, Jawaan will need to be a big factor.
#22 Jamal Barney, 6’3 185, So. G: He’s the newest Baltimore product to return home to p
lay for Loyola. Like Gerald Brown, Jamal played one season for Providence College, and like Gerald Brown, he will have to shoulder high expectations and be looked at to put the ball in the basket right away. However, his game is different than Brown’s – Gerald used his size and strength to bully his way to the basket and help out on the glass, whereas Barney will use a superior handle and lighting quick first step to fill it up. He'll see significant minutes playing as an off-guard and it will be interesting to see if he's able to duplicate what Andre Collins and Gerald Brown were able to do in their stints at Loyola.#24 Joe Muvuna, 6’9 200, Fr. F: Really tall and really thin. Muvuna, born in Rwanda, comes to Loyola via the Worchester Academy in Massachusetts will take a medical red-shirt after a broken wrist in preseason. It could be blessing in disguise as he will look at add a little bulk to throw around when he resumes his playing career in the Green and Grey in ’09-’10.
#31 Brian Rudolph, 5’11 170, So. G: He’s Loyola’s floor leader and is a general on the court.
It was going to take a lot to move backcourt partner Brett Harvey off the ball, but with his exceptional play as a freshman he was able to and was honored as the MAAC Rookie of the Year. Rudolph is the ‘Hounds top playmaker, ballhandler, and passer and is definitely in the conversation for the title of best point guard in the MAAC. He’s a pass first PG and is at his best in Loyola’s fast paced transition game. He’s not afraid of going in and rebounding with the big boys and if he’s able to improve on his jump shot from last season, he has a chance to be the conference’s Player of the Year… he’s that good. The fact that MAAC coaches voted Rudolph on the league’s preseason 2nd team and Fairfield point guard Jonathan Han on the 1st is an absolute joke.#33 Brad Farrell, 6’5 215, Sr. F: He returns to the program after a two season hiatus. Farrell was a member of Coach Patsos’ original recruiting class 4 years ago and struggled mightily as the team’s starting point guard that season. Playing in a role much better suited for him in his sophomore season, he excelled using his strong floor game and athleticism to be a top defender and rebounder from the 2 and 3 spots on the floor. After an ugly incident with a teammate Farrell was dismissed from the team, but to his credit has fought his way back and will play a major role on this team. Look for Farrell to play the 3 and even the 4 position when the ‘Hounds go with a small, running lineup.
#34 Garrett Kelly, 6’6 175, Jr. F: He serves the team in a thankless, yet necessary role as a gritty walk-on who uses an accurate jump shot when called on in his limited minutes.
#55 Josh Weigand, 6’9 230, Fr. C: A Whiteford, MD native with big size and a soft touch. He will provide depth in the Greyhounds frontcourt this season in his first year with the team.
Men's Basketball routs Catholic in preseason exhibition
In a newly renovated Reitz Arena, the Loyola Men’s Basketball Team looked impressive in Friday night’s 93-62 exhibition win over Catholic University. Brett Harvey led four double-digit scorers and all 11 Greyhounds who registered time recorded points. Coach Jimmy Patsos’ squad got off to a bit of a sluggish start, but as the game progressed the players begin to settle in and take charge over their Division III opponents from Washington D.C. Their first real test will come next Friday at 7pm as the ‘Hounds and Mt. St. Mary’s will tangle in Maryland’s most played collegiate rivalry.
For a complete game story and box score, check out loyolagreyhounds.com
Starting tomorrow, The Hound's Bark will begin previewing the upcoming year which will be Loyola's 100th season.
For a complete game story and box score, check out loyolagreyhounds.com
Starting tomorrow, The Hound's Bark will begin previewing the upcoming year which will be Loyola's 100th season.
Friday, November 7, 2008
This Weekend's 3 You Gotta See
1) #1 
n Cajun Country since Nick Saban took the ‘Bama job 2 seasons ago? Sure he left LSU for the Dolphins and those NFL dollars with a cupboard filled with talent, which Les Miles capitalized on in winning last year’s National Title, but you’re a fool if you think the Bayou Bengals and their faithful wouldn’t kill for this game. For LSU this game is purely for bragging rights as even with a victory they would need another
2) The New York Giants @ the Philadelphia Eagles – Sunday, NBC – 8:15: WARNING, if your name is Donovan McNabb or Eli Manning – lookout! When the defending Super Bowl Champion G-Men travel down I-95 to the Linc to take on their division rivals, I guarantee their will be big plays. Giants D-Coordinator, Steve Spagnolo is an Eagles D-Coordinator, Jim Johnson, disciple and thus share the same mindset… blitz, blitz, and blitz some more. And the educated football fans know, blitzes result in big hits on the quarterbacks and big plays for wide receivers facing man-to-man coverage. This is a must win for Philly if they have any hopes for an NFC East crown, a loss would put them 3 games back in the loss column. The Giants are surprising 3 point dogs in Vegas, a line I’d definitely stay away from, but if Bryan Westbrook is healthy, I look for a close win in front of a ravenous home crowd for the Eagles.
3) The Indianapolis Colts @ the Pittsburgh Steelers – Sunday, CBS – 4:15: Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning & Co. will look to get right back in the AFC playoff race in the land of the Terrible Towels. Last week Indy’s season was on the line at home against the Patriots and they fought and clawed their way to a 3 point W over the hated Patriots. The win evened their record at 4-4 and while the division race maybe already over with the Titans sitting pretty at 8-0, they needed that game to stay on playoff bubble. A win here and the Colts could be full steam ahead to Wild Card weekend. As for the Steelers, they dominated the ‘Skins in a blowout on Monday Night, but not everything is rosy in the
Bonus Selections:
#9Busy Weekend for the 'Hounds
Women’s Soccer, Volleyball, Men’s Soccer, Basketball, and the Swimming and diving and Crew Teams will all be in action this weekend in upstate New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and our very own friendly confines of the Evergreen Campus.
Most notably, the Women’s Soccer team will participate in the 4-team MAAC Tournament held on the Siena University campus in Loudonville, NY. They are the top seed in the bracket and if they can pickup a pair of wins, they’ll be crowned champions and awarded with a trip to the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row.
Men’s Soc
cer moved up to #6 in the national rankings and will play Rider in Lawrenceville, NJ in their last contest of the regular season and with a win they will secure a perfect conference record of 9-0 and will have completed their first unbeaten season at 17-0-1 since 1986. They have already clinched the MAAC regular season conference championship and will have the #1 seed in the MAAC Tournament, which will be held in Poughkeepsie, NY on the campus of Marist College, November 14-16.
And for college basketball junkies, like myself, your first chance to see the Men’s Basketball Team will be tonight at Reitz Arena at 7pm for a scrimmage against DIII power Catholic University. It will be the first opportunity to see Coach Jimmy Patsos’ newest players including Providence transfer, Jamaal Barney, who is eligible after sitting out his residency year last season. Stay tuned, for a complete game wrap-up and season preview in the coming days.
Most notably, the Women’s Soccer team will participate in the 4-team MAAC Tournament held on the Siena University campus in Loudonville, NY. They are the top seed in the bracket and if they can pickup a pair of wins, they’ll be crowned champions and awarded with a trip to the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row.
Men’s Soc
cer moved up to #6 in the national rankings and will play Rider in Lawrenceville, NJ in their last contest of the regular season and with a win they will secure a perfect conference record of 9-0 and will have completed their first unbeaten season at 17-0-1 since 1986. They have already clinched the MAAC regular season conference championship and will have the #1 seed in the MAAC Tournament, which will be held in Poughkeepsie, NY on the campus of Marist College, November 14-16.And for college basketball junkies, like myself, your first chance to see the Men’s Basketball Team will be tonight at Reitz Arena at 7pm for a scrimmage against DIII power Catholic University. It will be the first opportunity to see Coach Jimmy Patsos’ newest players including Providence transfer, Jamaal Barney, who is eligible after sitting out his residency year last season. Stay tuned, for a complete game wrap-up and season preview in the coming days.
Women's Soccer Dominates in MAAC Semis - Readies for Sunday's Title Match
Loyola’s Women’s Soccer team is in
They wasted absolutely no time getting off on the right foot. Just nineteen minutes into their semifinal match against of Canisius, the ‘Hounds had already built a 3-0 lead. Due to an aggressive Loyola attack and stingy defense, the Golden Griffens were never able to get back in the contest and found themselves on the losing end of a 4-2 result. The tallies for the Greyhounds were registered by Theresa Ferraina, Christina Gomez, Lina Staropoli, and Lea Day.
The winner of Friday’s second semifinal, either the #2 seeded Fairfield Stags or the host and 3rd seeded Saints of Siena, will face Loyola, now unbeaten in 12 straight games, Sunday afternoon at 1pm for the MAAC Tournament Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Men's and Women's Soccer pick up pairs of wins, MAAC Titles
Greyhound soccer players had everything neatly laid out in front of them heading into their last weekend of their regular season schedule. Each team would take the field twice and if they secured victories, they would each be crowned regular season Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Champions for the 2nd consecutive season.
A true credit to Coaches Mark Mettrick and Katherine Remy Vettori, both squads got the job done… in emphatic fashion.
The men defeated St Peter’s 1-nil on Friday and dominated an outclassed Siena team Sunday afternoon 3-0. The ‘Hounds will close the regular season a perfect 9-0 in conference with a win next weekend over Rider. As it stands now they are 8-0 in the MAAC and 16-0-1 overall. A #1 seed has been secured in the upcoming four-team MAAC Tournament, and they may have potentially assured themselves a couple home games in the NCAA Tournament in a few weeks.
The women’s team proved that it’s not how you start the season, but instead it’s how yo
u end it. They had a tough mountain to scale in upstate New York on their way to the summit. After Friday’s 2-0 win over Marist, it came down to a 1 game season with Siena. In the winner-takes-all final game of conference play, Loyola got 2 goals from senior Lea Day, and a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Saints. They started the season 0-5-2, but now ride an 11 game unbeaten streak where they’ve gone 9-0-2 and have ended the year with an impressive 9-5-4 record.
Upcoming for the Loyola men’s squad will be the previously mentioned Rider game in Lawrenceville, NJ this coming Saturday then a trip to Poughkeepsie, NY for the MAAC tournament to be held, November 14-16. Next up for the women is their chance to send themselves to the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. They’ll play the Golden Griffins of Canisius in the semifinals of the MAAC tournament on Friday. Looming in the finals could be a rematch with the tourny’s host, Siena, on November 9th.
A true credit to Coaches Mark Mettrick and Katherine Remy Vettori, both squads got the job done… in emphatic fashion.
The men defeated St Peter’s 1-nil on Friday and dominated an outclassed Siena team Sunday afternoon 3-0. The ‘Hounds will close the regular season a perfect 9-0 in conference with a win next weekend over Rider. As it stands now they are 8-0 in the MAAC and 16-0-1 overall. A #1 seed has been secured in the upcoming four-team MAAC Tournament, and they may have potentially assured themselves a couple home games in the NCAA Tournament in a few weeks.
The women’s team proved that it’s not how you start the season, but instead it’s how yo
u end it. They had a tough mountain to scale in upstate New York on their way to the summit. After Friday’s 2-0 win over Marist, it came down to a 1 game season with Siena. In the winner-takes-all final game of conference play, Loyola got 2 goals from senior Lea Day, and a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Saints. They started the season 0-5-2, but now ride an 11 game unbeaten streak where they’ve gone 9-0-2 and have ended the year with an impressive 9-5-4 record.Upcoming for the Loyola men’s squad will be the previously mentioned Rider game in Lawrenceville, NJ this coming Saturday then a trip to Poughkeepsie, NY for the MAAC tournament to be held, November 14-16. Next up for the women is their chance to send themselves to the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. They’ll play the Golden Griffins of Canisius in the semifinals of the MAAC tournament on Friday. Looming in the finals could be a rematch with the tourny’s host, Siena, on November 9th.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Loyola Sports Talk Hosts' NFL Pick'em
Chris Bonetti’s Selections:
TENNESSEE -5.5 v. Green Bay
NY JETS +5.5 @ Buffalo
NY GIANTS -8.5 v. Dallas
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
DENVER -3 v. Miami
PHILADELPHIA -6.5 @ Seattle
WASHINGTON -2 v. Pittsburgh
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
DENVER -3 v. Miami
PHILADELPHIA -6.5 @Seattle
INDIANAPOLIS -6 v. New England
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
BALTIMORE +1.5 @ Cleveland
PHILADELPHIA -6.5 @ Seattle
PITTSBURGH +2 @ Washington
Matt Mullen’s selections:
MINNESOTA -4.5 v. Houston
JACKSONVILLE -7.5 @ Cincinnati
CLEVELAND -1.5 v. Baltimore
Standings after the bye week:
T1. Crispnio (11-7)
T2. Harrington (9-9)
T2. Bonetti (9-9)
4. Epstein (8-10)
5. Mullen (7-11)
TENNESSEE -5.5 v. Green Bay
NY JETS +5.5 @ Buffalo
NY GIANTS -8.5 v. Dallas
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
DENVER -3 v. Miami
PHILADELPHIA -6.5 @ Seattle
WASHINGTON -2 v. Pittsburgh
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
DENVER -3 v. Miami
PHILADELPHIA -6.5 @Seattle
INDIANAPOLIS -6 v. New England
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
BALTIMORE +1.5 @ Cleveland
PHILADELPHIA -6.5 @ Seattle
PITTSBURGH +2 @ Washington
Matt Mullen’s selections:
MINNESOTA -4.5 v. Houston
JACKSONVILLE -7.5 @ Cincinnati
CLEVELAND -1.5 v. Baltimore
Standings after the bye week:
T1. Crispnio (11-7)
T2. Harrington (9-9)
T2. Bonetti (9-9)
4. Epstein (8-10)
5. Mullen (7-11)
Monday, October 20, 2008
100 Years of Loyola Basketball
Loyola Athletics will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of Greyhound Basketball during the 2008-09 season. The season-long celebration will begin with festivities on opening weekend of November 14-16, 2008. Included as part of the weekend-long event are a pair of opportunities to watch the Greyhounds play in Reitz Arena. The season opener will be held Friday, November 14 when Loyola hosts Mount St. Mary's in what will be the 164th game in the most-played rivalry in the state of Maryland. Festivities will conclude on the afternoon of Sunday, November 16 as the Greyhounds entertain Tennessee State. Sandwiched between will be a gala event for all men's basketball alumni on Saturday, November 15.
Greyhound basketball fans have the opportunity to be a part of the celebration by voting for Loyola Basketball's All-Century team. The 20-man squad will be announced and honored during the 100th anniversary weekend. The All-Century Team will be announced at the Greyhounds game vs. Tennessee State.
Fans should vote for two players from "The Early Era" (1908 to 1936), 5 players from "The Reitz Era" (1937 to 1961), 6 players from "The Classic Era" (1962 to 1981) and 7 players from "The Modern Era" (1982 to 2008).
Voting will close on November 7 – To vote visit the link below…
http://loyolagreyhounds.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/all-century-team-voting.html
Courtesy http://loyolagreyhounds.cstv.com
Men's Soccer Stays Unbeaten
As Fall is now officially upon us, Diane Geppi-Aikens Field had chilly temperatures and good crowds this past weekend to see the Loyola Men’s Soccer Team notch two more victories. Friday’s 4-1 and Sunday’s 3-1 decisions over Marist and Siena now give the Greyhounds, currently ranked #8 nationally, a record of 12-0-1.
The ‘Hounds will almost certainly see climbs in its home attendance and national ranking as wins continue to amount and streaks continue to grow. Unbeaten in their last 21 matches, Loyola, now 4-0 in conference, has won their last 11 MAAC games dating back to last season.
Tremendous success brings recognition, and Tennant McVea, after scoring his first goal of season against Siena, has been named to College Soccer News’ National Team for his outstanding performances. The junior sweeper was named to the MAAC first team last year and was honored as the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. More accolades will be bestowed upon the Greyhounds tomorrow as the NSCAA National Poll is released and the MAAC will hand out its Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week Awards.
Here’s the link to NCS’s National Team, featuring Tennant McVea…
http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page6133.htm
And last week, junior Milos Kocic was the subject of a feature profile article done by the Baltimore Sun, its link is below…
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/other/bal-sp.kocic17oct17,0,4798235.story
The ‘Hounds will almost certainly see climbs in its home attendance and national ranking as wins continue to amount and streaks continue to grow. Unbeaten in their last 21 matches, Loyola, now 4-0 in conference, has won their last 11 MAAC games dating back to last season.
Tremendous success brings recognition, and Tennant McVea, after scoring his first goal of season against Siena, has been named to College Soccer News’ National Team for his outstanding performances. The junior sweeper was named to the MAAC first team last year and was honored as the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. More accolades will be bestowed upon the Greyhounds tomorrow as the NSCAA National Poll is released and the MAAC will hand out its Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week Awards.
Here’s the link to NCS’s National Team, featuring Tennant McVea…
http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page6133.htm
And last week, junior Milos Kocic was the subject of a feature profile article done by the Baltimore Sun, its link is below…
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/other/bal-sp.kocic17oct17,0,4798235.story
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Loyola Sports Talk Hosts' NFL Pick'em
Chris Bonetti’s Selections:
TENNESSEE -9 @ Kansas City
SAN DIEGO PK @ Buffalo
NY JETS -3 @ Oakland
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
MINNESOTA +3 @ Chicago
CLEVELAND +7.5 @ Washington
SEATTLE +10.5 @ Tampa Bay
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
CINCINNATI +9.5 v. Pittsburgh
INDIANAPOLIS -1 @ Green Bay
DENVER +3 @ New Enlgand
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
INDIANAPOLIS -1 @ Green Bay
SEATTLE -10.5 @ Tampa Bay
DENVER +3 @ New England
Matt Mullen’s selections:
SAN DIEGO PK @ Buffalo
DALLAS -7 @ St. Louis
INDIANAPOLIS -1 @ Green Bay
Standings after Last Week:
T1. Crispnio (9-6)
T2. Harrington (8-7)
T2. Bonetti (8-7)
T4. Epstein (7-8)
T4. Mullen (7-8)
TENNESSEE -9 @ Kansas City
SAN DIEGO PK @ Buffalo
NY JETS -3 @ Oakland
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
MINNESOTA +3 @ Chicago
CLEVELAND +7.5 @ Washington
SEATTLE +10.5 @ Tampa Bay
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
CINCINNATI +9.5 v. Pittsburgh
INDIANAPOLIS -1 @ Green Bay
DENVER +3 @ New Enlgand
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
INDIANAPOLIS -1 @ Green Bay
SEATTLE -10.5 @ Tampa Bay
DENVER +3 @ New England
Matt Mullen’s selections:
SAN DIEGO PK @ Buffalo
DALLAS -7 @ St. Louis
INDIANAPOLIS -1 @ Green Bay
Standings after Last Week:
T1. Crispnio (9-6)
T2. Harrington (8-7)
T2. Bonetti (8-7)
T4. Epstein (7-8)
T4. Mullen (7-8)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Loyola has its very own Top 10 Team
The Loyola College Men’s Soccer Team, fresh off their trip to western New York - which produced two more shutouts, moved up in this week’s NCSAA Poll to #8. Their lofty ranking places them ahead of such traditional national powerhouses as Notre Dame, North Carolina, Virginia, UConn, and Indiana.
This past weekend the ‘Hounds picked up two more victories over a regionally ranked Niagara team, 1-0, and fellow MAAC foe Canisius, 5-0, to push their record to 10-0-1 on the season. Loyola is now only one of three schools without a blemish this year, along with #1 Wake Forest and #2 Northwestern. The two shutouts also gave them 8 blank sheets in their 11 games, and push their unbeaten streak to 19 over the last two seasons.
Baltimore will get their first chance to see their top10 team this coming weekend as the Greyhounds will take on Marist - Friday at 4:30, and Siena – Sunday at 1, both games will be played on the Evergreen Campus on Diane Geppi-Aikens Field.
This past weekend the ‘Hounds picked up two more victories over a regionally ranked Niagara team, 1-0, and fellow MAAC foe Canisius, 5-0, to push their record to 10-0-1 on the season. Loyola is now only one of three schools without a blemish this year, along with #1 Wake Forest and #2 Northwestern. The two shutouts also gave them 8 blank sheets in their 11 games, and push their unbeaten streak to 19 over the last two seasons.
Baltimore will get their first chance to see their top10 team this coming weekend as the Greyhounds will take on Marist - Friday at 4:30, and Siena – Sunday at 1, both games will be played on the Evergreen Campus on Diane Geppi-Aikens Field.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
'Hounds Lax wrap-up from Collelouri Classic
This past Saturday the Loyola Men’s Lacrosse Team’s preseason schedule concluded with its participation in Collelouri Classic. The ‘Hounds played three shortened scrimmages against Princeton, Hofstra, and St. Joseph’s… and Loyola Sports Talk’s very own Pete Crispino was on hand covering the action for Inside Lacrosse. The link to ‘Pino’s article is below, it’s a must read…
http://blogs.insidelacrosse.com/2008/10/12/colleluori-classic-early-game-observations/
http://blogs.insidelacrosse.com/2008/10/12/colleluori-classic-early-game-observations/
Koppens granted 5th year, will play for 'Hounds in '09
The Loyola Men’s Lacrosse Team got a very early Christmas gift when the NCAA granted Shane Koppens a 5th year of eligibility. Koppens, the ‘Hounds leading point producer last season, originally had his request turned down by the clearinghouse but Loyola appealed the decision and Friday’s ruling will be the final one on the matter.
Koppens was a 1st Team all ECAC selection and was named an Honorable Mention All-American after scoring 19 goals and dishing out 24 assists last spring. He will be required to sit out Loyola’s first two games of the season against Notre Dame and Towson, but will be raring to go for the rest of the year, which is shaping up as a quite a promising one for the Greyhounds.
Koppens was a 1st Team all ECAC selection and was named an Honorable Mention All-American after scoring 19 goals and dishing out 24 assists last spring. He will be required to sit out Loyola’s first two games of the season against Notre Dame and Towson, but will be raring to go for the rest of the year, which is shaping up as a quite a promising one for the Greyhounds.
Loyola Sports Talk Hosts' NFL Pick'em Week 6
Chris Bonetti’s Selections:
NY JETS -6 v. Cincinnati
INDIANAPOLIS -4 v. Baltimore
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – the WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
DETROIT +13 @ Minnesota
PHILADELPHIA -5 @ San Francisco
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – the ELIMINATED
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
DETROIT +13 @ Minnesota
CHICAGO -3 @ Atlanta
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – ELMINATED
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
DENVER -3 v. Jacksonville
PHILADELPHIA -5 @ San Francisco
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – ELIMINATED
Matt Mullen’s selections:
WASHINGTON -13.5 v. St. Louis
PHILADELPHIA -5 @ San Francisco
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – the WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Standings after Last Week
T1. Crispnio (7-5)
T1. Harrington (7-5)
T2. Bonetti (6-6)
T2. Epstein (6-6)
T2. Mullen (6-6)
NY JETS -6 v. Cincinnati
INDIANAPOLIS -4 v. Baltimore
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – the WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Peter Crispino’s Selections:
DETROIT +13 @ Minnesota
PHILADELPHIA -5 @ San Francisco
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – the ELIMINATED
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
DETROIT +13 @ Minnesota
CHICAGO -3 @ Atlanta
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – ELMINATED
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
DENVER -3 v. Jacksonville
PHILADELPHIA -5 @ San Francisco
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – ELIMINATED
Matt Mullen’s selections:
WASHINGTON -13.5 v. St. Louis
PHILADELPHIA -5 @ San Francisco
DALLAS -5 @ Arizona
Survivor – the WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Standings after Last Week
T1. Crispnio (7-5)
T1. Harrington (7-5)
T2. Bonetti (6-6)
T2. Epstein (6-6)
T2. Mullen (6-6)
Friday, October 3, 2008
"Parade of Gold" and "Star Spangled Salute" will take place Saturday
14-time Gold Medalist and Towson’s very own Michael Phelps, as well as Loyola student and fellow Beijing Olympian Katie Hoff, will be headline Saturday's “Parade of Gold.” The parade will start in Towson at 3PM at the intersection of Burke Rd. and York Road and continue south towards the city on York Road in front of the thousands expected come out for the event. Another Loyola student, Phil Scoltz, who competed in the Paralympics, will also have a part in the festivities amongst other Maryland Olympians and Paralympians. Also, on hand will be Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley and Baltimore’s Governor Shelia Dixon. No parade is complete without a few marching bands so high school students Milford Mill Academy, Loch Raven, Parkville, Towson, and Dulaney High Schools will provide entertainment.
After the parade runs its course the celebration will move downtown to Fort McHenry for the “Star Spangled Salute to Michael Phelps.” NBC’s Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush will host the event, which will include a performances by the Naval Academy’s Concert Band and the Morgan University Choir, Q&A with Phelps, and a video montage of Phelps incredible performance in Beijing followed by a fireworks display over the Harbor.
It will surely be a proud day for all of Baltimore City and County as they say thank you to those hometown heroes who made the 2008 Beijing Olympics that much more captivating with their inspiring performances.
After the parade runs its course the celebration will move downtown to Fort McHenry for the “Star Spangled Salute to Michael Phelps.” NBC’s Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush will host the event, which will include a performances by the Naval Academy’s Concert Band and the Morgan University Choir, Q&A with Phelps, and a video montage of Phelps incredible performance in Beijing followed by a fireworks display over the Harbor.
It will surely be a proud day for all of Baltimore City and County as they say thank you to those hometown heroes who made the 2008 Beijing Olympics that much more captivating with their inspiring performances.
Loyola Sports Talk Hosts' NFL Pick'em Week 5
Chris Bonetti’s Selections:
INDIANAPOLIS -3 @ Houston
CAROLINA -9.5 v. Kansas City
NEW ENGLAND -3 @ San Francisco
Survivor – the DALLAS COWBOYS
THE Ohio State University 31 – Wisconsin 13
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
INDIANAPOLIS -3 @ Houston
TENNESSEE -3 @ Baltimore
DENVER -3 v. Tampa Bay
Survivor – the GREEN BAY PACKERS
THE Ohio State University 24 – Wisconsin 17
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
BUFFALO +1 @ Arizona
CINCINNATTI +16 @ Dallas
NEW ORLEANS +3 v. Minnesota
Survivor – ELIMINATED
Wisconsin over THE Ohio State University
Matt Mullen’s selections:
INDIANAPOLIS -3 @ Houston
SAN DIEGO -6.5 @ Miami
NY GIANTS -7 v. Seattle
Survivor – the CAROLINA PANTHERS
THE Ohio State University over Wisconsin
Standings after Last Week
1. Harrington (6-3)
T2. Crispino (5-4)
T2. Mullen (5-4)
T2. Epstein (5-4)
5. Bonetti (3-6)
INDIANAPOLIS -3 @ Houston
CAROLINA -9.5 v. Kansas City
NEW ENGLAND -3 @ San Francisco
Survivor – the DALLAS COWBOYS
THE Ohio State University 31 – Wisconsin 13
Ben Epstein’s Selections:
INDIANAPOLIS -3 @ Houston
TENNESSEE -3 @ Baltimore
DENVER -3 v. Tampa Bay
Survivor – the GREEN BAY PACKERS
THE Ohio State University 24 – Wisconsin 17
Chris Harrington’s Selections:
BUFFALO +1 @ Arizona
CINCINNATTI +16 @ Dallas
NEW ORLEANS +3 v. Minnesota
Survivor – ELIMINATED
Wisconsin over THE Ohio State University
Matt Mullen’s selections:
INDIANAPOLIS -3 @ Houston
SAN DIEGO -6.5 @ Miami
NY GIANTS -7 v. Seattle
Survivor – the CAROLINA PANTHERS
THE Ohio State University over Wisconsin
Standings after Last Week
1. Harrington (6-3)
T2. Crispino (5-4)
T2. Mullen (5-4)
T2. Epstein (5-4)
5. Bonetti (3-6)
This Weekend's 3 You Gotta See
1) The Major League Baseball Playoffs: Can the Cubbies regroup and turn their luck around in Hollywood? Will the Brewers get off the mat at home after their ace was knocked out in Philly? Can the Rays keep their dream season going after a resounding Game 1 victory over Ozzie and the Sox? And will divine intervention come through and help the Angels get over the hump against the defending world champion Red Sox? This is in spite of TBS having the worst coverage in the history of baseball on TV. I have major issues with (in no particular order of annoyance) Chip Carey having no clue, Craig Sager hurting my eyes with his wardrobe, Frank TV commercials – enough said, and finally Cal, Eck, and Curtis Granderson - really good at baseball, really bad in the studio.
2) College Football - #14 Ohio State @ #18 Wisconsin, Saturday, 8:00 – ABC: Hands down the most intriguing matchup in the college game this weekend. I’ll step out on a limb and guess that beers and brats will be consumed at alarming rates at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin absolutely needs this game to stay in championship contention after a devastating loss in the Big House last weekend after leading by 19 at half, can PJ Hill bounce back in front of the hometown crowd? As for the Buckeyes, watch out America. I’ll lay this out there right now – Like it or not, Ohio State will run the table in the Big 10 and will be right there for national championship game contention. My reasoning, when they were blown out by USC in the Coliseum, it was Terrelle Pryor’s first real game and it was played without their starting tailback Beanie Wells, the best RB in the country. Last week, starting for the first time together, the Bucks ran up 250 rushing yards and I believe as Pryor gains more experience and Wells gets more healthy this team will solidify itself as the Big 10’s best. Apologies Penn State fans.
3) NFL – the Tennessee Titans @ the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1:00 – CBS: No real big time juicy games in the professional ranks this week. Last week I thought Baltimore going to Pittsburgh would be a classic – and it was. This game will be almost a carbon copy. While dominating defenses and game management offenses may be a little boring at times, they do create exciting endings. I feel as though now, after over 4 years in Baltimore, I’m finally appreciating the Ravens D and just how good it is. No one in the NFL brings it harder and more intense than its leader, Ray Lewis. Off the field, like him or not, whatever – but on the field he is a man possessed. Steelers rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall fractured his shoulder by not falling awkwardly – but by just the sheer force of a textbook shoulder-to-shoulder hit by #52… think about that and let it sink in. He broke the man’s shoulder on 1 hit, scary.
Under the Radar Bonus Upset Pick – Top 10 Big 12 Teams Going on the Road, in Conference: Last week I nailed one when I called Maryland over Clemson in Death Valley. This week I may be copping out a little taking 3 chances, but I guarantee at least 1 of 3 Big 12 heavy favorites will go down on the road on Saturday. Keep an eye on #4 Missouri @ Nebraska, #5 Texas @ Colorado, and #7 Texas Tech @ Kansas State. Like the SEC, teams in the Big 12 are cannibals and over the length of the conference schedule they will devour each other alive as the few try to make a run for a national title. Lincoln, Boulder, and Manhattan are tough places to play for anyone, especially when you’ve got a target on your back.
2) College Football - #14 Ohio State @ #18 Wisconsin, Saturday, 8:00 – ABC: Hands down the most intriguing matchup in the college game this weekend. I’ll step out on a limb and guess that beers and brats will be consumed at alarming rates at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin absolutely needs this game to stay in championship contention after a devastating loss in the Big House last weekend after leading by 19 at half, can PJ Hill bounce back in front of the hometown crowd? As for the Buckeyes, watch out America. I’ll lay this out there right now – Like it or not, Ohio State will run the table in the Big 10 and will be right there for national championship game contention. My reasoning, when they were blown out by USC in the Coliseum, it was Terrelle Pryor’s first real game and it was played without their starting tailback Beanie Wells, the best RB in the country. Last week, starting for the first time together, the Bucks ran up 250 rushing yards and I believe as Pryor gains more experience and Wells gets more healthy this team will solidify itself as the Big 10’s best. Apologies Penn State fans.
3) NFL – the Tennessee Titans @ the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1:00 – CBS: No real big time juicy games in the professional ranks this week. Last week I thought Baltimore going to Pittsburgh would be a classic – and it was. This game will be almost a carbon copy. While dominating defenses and game management offenses may be a little boring at times, they do create exciting endings. I feel as though now, after over 4 years in Baltimore, I’m finally appreciating the Ravens D and just how good it is. No one in the NFL brings it harder and more intense than its leader, Ray Lewis. Off the field, like him or not, whatever – but on the field he is a man possessed. Steelers rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall fractured his shoulder by not falling awkwardly – but by just the sheer force of a textbook shoulder-to-shoulder hit by #52… think about that and let it sink in. He broke the man’s shoulder on 1 hit, scary.
Under the Radar Bonus Upset Pick – Top 10 Big 12 Teams Going on the Road, in Conference: Last week I nailed one when I called Maryland over Clemson in Death Valley. This week I may be copping out a little taking 3 chances, but I guarantee at least 1 of 3 Big 12 heavy favorites will go down on the road on Saturday. Keep an eye on #4 Missouri @ Nebraska, #5 Texas @ Colorado, and #7 Texas Tech @ Kansas State. Like the SEC, teams in the Big 12 are cannibals and over the length of the conference schedule they will devour each other alive as the few try to make a run for a national title. Lincoln, Boulder, and Manhattan are tough places to play for anyone, especially when you’ve got a target on your back.
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