While I didn't stay up for all 24 hours; I did manage to get in about 13 hours. Miami vs Memphis, Kent St vs Robert Morris, Northeastern vs Southern Illinois, La Salle vs Baylor, Virginia tech vs Kansas State, Ohio St vs Florida, and Butler vs Louisville.
Quick Hits
Miami vs Memphis: The Hurricanes are not going to repeat a 4 win ACC regular season as they did in 2009-2010. Reggie Johnson was trouble for the tigers all night. He had 12 points and more importantly 12 rebounds, 6 of them offensive. Durand Scott had a decent game scoring 20 points but, his 5 TO's stood out to me. If he cleans up the TO's this sophomore duo of Johnson and Scott will be a tough one each night come conference play. Memphis won 72-68.
Kent St vs Robert Morris: I caught the second half of the game, Kent was down 12 at half. Robert Morris is coached by the youngest coach in the NCAA, Andrew Toole, he had his players ready to go at 8 am for tip off. Kent State woke up in the second half; lead by Justin Greene and Randal Holt. Kent St and Robert Morris should both be in the top 3 in there respective conferences this year. Final score 62-59 Kent.
Northeastern vs Southern Illinois: Chris Webber anyone? Southern Illinois called a time out in overtime with 6 seconds left. Southern Illinois didn't have a time out left. Northeastern makes one of two free throws game over. Kari Black didn't have a great game but, I see a lot potential in the sophomore forward. Fun fact, Jim Calhoun was the head coach of northeastern and took them to 4 NCAA tournament appearances. Final score 63-62 Northeastern.
La Salle vs Baylor: This game really intrigued me because of the match up of; Aaric Murray, a 6'10 Sophomore for La Salle vs Perry Jones and Quincy Acy of Baylor. The match up did not dissapoint Aaric held his ground having 17 points and 9 rebounds. Quincy Acy had 25 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman sensation Perry Jones added 12 points 11 rebounds 4 blocks. Baylor won the game 74 to 64.(without LaceDarius Dunn)
Virginia Tech vs Kansas State: I have always enjoyed watching K-State home games since Bob Huggins coached there for a year. The place is always packed and Frank Martin has not missed a beat, K-State faithful should thank Bob Huggins forever. This game was exciting from the start; two top 25 teams with Pullen and Delaney. Delaney scored 22 points but his 9 turnovers were costly. This was a tough environment and it was a good experience for the future of VT. K-state had an all around effort and in the end the K-State effort pulled through with a 73-57 win.
Ohio State vs Florida: The best match up of the day. Both teams have high hopes this season with all 5 starters returning for the Gators. For the Buckeyes, seniors are back and a slue of highly regarded freshman are in. One of those freshman Jared Sullinger made his present felt early and often. Sullinger was ranked the number 1 center in 2010 coming out of high school. I had my worries for big men at Ohio State since Greg Oden. B.J. Mullen's(#1 center 2008) and Kosta Koufos(#3 center 2006) never got to there potential and left to early. But Sullinger lives up to all the expectations. Hes got a big body an use's it well with his back to the basket. Florida will be a solid team even though they lost by 18. Ohio State was a mismatch for the Gators. Ohio State wins 93-75 in Gainesville.
Butler vs Louisville: The opening of the new KFC YUM! Center did not disappoint Louisville fans. Louisville came out hot and didnt look back from there. Butler seemed to struggle to find players to step up and score besides Shelvin Mack. Another, problem for the Bulldogs, when Matt Howard gets in foul trouble this team struggles. They lose there best post presence with him on the bench. Louisville took advantage of Howard being out. Buckles and Jennings combine for 30 points and 19 rebounds. Louisville opens the new arena with a 88-73 win.
First Team
Quick Hits
Miami vs Memphis: The Hurricanes are not going to repeat a 4 win ACC regular season as they did in 2009-2010. Reggie Johnson was trouble for the tigers all night. He had 12 points and more importantly 12 rebounds, 6 of them offensive. Durand Scott had a decent game scoring 20 points but, his 5 TO's stood out to me. If he cleans up the TO's this sophomore duo of Johnson and Scott will be a tough one each night come conference play. Memphis won 72-68.
Kent St vs Robert Morris: I caught the second half of the game, Kent was down 12 at half. Robert Morris is coached by the youngest coach in the NCAA, Andrew Toole, he had his players ready to go at 8 am for tip off. Kent State woke up in the second half; lead by Justin Greene and Randal Holt. Kent St and Robert Morris should both be in the top 3 in there respective conferences this year. Final score 62-59 Kent.
Northeastern vs Southern Illinois: Chris Webber anyone? Southern Illinois called a time out in overtime with 6 seconds left. Southern Illinois didn't have a time out left. Northeastern makes one of two free throws game over. Kari Black didn't have a great game but, I see a lot potential in the sophomore forward. Fun fact, Jim Calhoun was the head coach of northeastern and took them to 4 NCAA tournament appearances. Final score 63-62 Northeastern.
La Salle vs Baylor: This game really intrigued me because of the match up of; Aaric Murray, a 6'10 Sophomore for La Salle vs Perry Jones and Quincy Acy of Baylor. The match up did not dissapoint Aaric held his ground having 17 points and 9 rebounds. Quincy Acy had 25 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman sensation Perry Jones added 12 points 11 rebounds 4 blocks. Baylor won the game 74 to 64.(without LaceDarius Dunn)
Virginia Tech vs Kansas State: I have always enjoyed watching K-State home games since Bob Huggins coached there for a year. The place is always packed and Frank Martin has not missed a beat, K-State faithful should thank Bob Huggins forever. This game was exciting from the start; two top 25 teams with Pullen and Delaney. Delaney scored 22 points but his 9 turnovers were costly. This was a tough environment and it was a good experience for the future of VT. K-state had an all around effort and in the end the K-State effort pulled through with a 73-57 win.
Ohio State vs Florida: The best match up of the day. Both teams have high hopes this season with all 5 starters returning for the Gators. For the Buckeyes, seniors are back and a slue of highly regarded freshman are in. One of those freshman Jared Sullinger made his present felt early and often. Sullinger was ranked the number 1 center in 2010 coming out of high school. I had my worries for big men at Ohio State since Greg Oden. B.J. Mullen's(#1 center 2008) and Kosta Koufos(#3 center 2006) never got to there potential and left to early. But Sullinger lives up to all the expectations. Hes got a big body an use's it well with his back to the basket. Florida will be a solid team even though they lost by 18. Ohio State was a mismatch for the Gators. Ohio State wins 93-75 in Gainesville.
Butler vs Louisville: The opening of the new KFC YUM! Center did not disappoint Louisville fans. Louisville came out hot and didnt look back from there. Butler seemed to struggle to find players to step up and score besides Shelvin Mack. Another, problem for the Bulldogs, when Matt Howard gets in foul trouble this team struggles. They lose there best post presence with him on the bench. Louisville took advantage of Howard being out. Buckles and Jennings combine for 30 points and 19 rebounds. Louisville opens the new arena with a 88-73 win.
First Team
- G Shelvin Mack
- G Joe Jackson
- F David Lighty
- F Qunicy Acy
- C Jared Sullinger