I’m starting to pine for College Gamenight, as weird as that may seem to you. But there’s something so soul-fulfilling to me about sipping on some hot cocoa in my bed, with the lights off, and watching Jay Bilas break down college basketball at 12:00 in the morning. I tend to be a sucker for the small stuff. Come soon, please.
–No. 3 Kansas 71, Georgia Tech 66. This game didn’t need to be this close, but both teams really didn’t play their best basketball here. Unfortunately, we were all deprived a last-second three-point attempt from Georgia Tech, as they threw an errant pass that was stolen by Sherron Collins, which provided the proverbial nail. It was refreshing to see Kansas in a bit of a tight spot as the second half drew to a close, as well. Brandon Rush=completely healthy.
–No. 4 Texas 66, Oral Roberts 56. ORU has had some big game experience (being a recent Tournament guest), but the margin was a little smaller than you’d think, considering this was a home game for Texas. The 11 p.m. SportsCenter, and Scott Van Pelt specifically, made the point that UT’s Achilles’ Heel may be the fact that they don’t really have a bench. Interesting point, and it’s one I hadn’t considered, to be honest. Think about what felled many high-hoped Duke teams in the past, it was the fact that they simply didn’t have enough quality bodies on the pine. Something to consider a little further down the road.
–No. 8 UCLA 77, Western Illinois 52. Kevin Love shows up big against the small school. The now famous (yes) freshman had 16 points and didn’t miss a shot he took the entire night. I don’t know why, but I’m still a skeptic as to how he’ll play against tough Pac-10 competition in February. I hope he proves me wrong. Anyway, the Bruins seem to be getting consistent, solid play from Love, Darren Collison, Russell Westbrook and Josh Shipp. Things are OK in L.A. right now.
Notable:
Tulsa 75, Charlotte 63. Charlotte (6-4) was expected to be a little better than this, but it appears they might be an also-ran inside of the Atlantic 10.
Houston 83, Kentucky 69. My God does Kentucky look horrible. The Houston Cougars, however, looked very, very able and willing to be a Top 25 team. I won’t waste any more words on the Wildcats for the next two weeks. That’s a guarantee.
