Three games left. And after last night's BC-Nova game I'm thinking our chances against the Huskies are better than against the Wildcats. And, for the record, I think our chances of beating UConn are slim to none.
When most of the other teams in the league are peaking, we're dropping like a stone. I think we're going to have a very disappointing end to the season.
10 comments:
Nova sure looked good. Their victory last night would make a win over them ever sweeter. Mike, I think you are overly pessimistic because you haven't actually seen how good we can be. Remember we beat that same Nova team in that same sold out facility in front of a pumped up crowd. Why can't we beat them in our house? Yes, they are playing well but this is college basketball. Our guys will be up for it; evidently there is going to be a huge pep rally tomorrow on campus. We need this game a lot more than Nova does. Hopefully that will give us the edge.
I'm trying to fight the pessimism too, but let's pause and appreciate where we are at this point. We are 4th in the league (tied with Nova and Pitt but with wins over them). That is great. This team was picked to finish 11th!
1. Boston Coll. (3) 11-2 22-2
2. Connecticut (17) 10-3 18-6
3. Syracuse (15) 10-4 23-5
4. Villanova (23) 8-5 18-6
4. Pittsburgh (18) 8-5 18-6
4. Georgetown 8-5 16-8
7. Notre Dame 8-6 16-8
8. West Virginia 7-7 17-8
9. Seton Hall 3-10 11-13
10. St. John's 3-11 9-15
11. Providence 2-11 12-15
12. Rutgers 2-11 9-15
Jester, I don't think you're being pessimistic. I too share your sentiments. What are the odds that the Big East gets 7 bids? Right now, BC, SU, Pitt, UConn, and Nova are locks. So between the Irish and the Hoyas, factoring in the way both teams have played as of recent as well as remaining games, the Irish appear to be better off.
Having said that, Diamond Mike brings up a valid point. When GU is working right, they play tough (the early games against 'Cuse & UConn). Hopefully the rally on campus and JTIII will fire them up. Whereas I don't think Nova has anything to lose by losing this game, we have everything to lose.
I don't mean to sound overly pessimistic. To be honest, I'm very happy with where our team is overall. We were picked to suck, and we have not sucked. I just feel into the trap of getting my hopes up.
I, unlike the Diamond, have not had an opportunity to see the Hoyas play "good" basketball. All I've seen is their crappiness (which seems more prevalent as of late). I'm not saying that they can't win, I'm just saying that I'm not thinking that they are definitely going to win.
I also agree with the Stallion's assessment that if the Big East gets 7 bids it's because teams are playing like they deserve a 7th bid. I don't think the selection committee will give a slot to a team that is in free fall towards the end of the season. The key to seven league bids is all of the teams beating the crap out of each other, so know one knows who are really the best teams. That's why a win over UConn or Nova is a must--it helps establish league wide parity.
Agree with your point about us not sucking. Being on the bubble for the Dance is much better than being on the bubble for BE tournament. Not to sound defeatist, but regardless of the outcome of the final 3 games, a non-losing conference record is guaranteed w/ an overall winning record. it's been a great season to watch. I for one have become a believer & backer in JTIII's ability whereas 4 months ago, I was still very skeptical here. As a co-worker said, you have to admire what & where he's taken a team with no star.
Most commentators are now saying that seven teams from the Big East is almost guaranteed. The question is which seven. At this point, West Virginia is still in it with another good win over Pitt. Remember, it is also significant that other leagues aren't having very strong years. There are only three teams in the ACC that are guaranteed spots, although they may get two more; the PAC 10 will get three at the most; CUSA is looking at 4; the A-10 will only get 1; etc. If we do end up on the bubble, i.e., we lose to Nova and UConn, beat Providence and win one in the Big East tourney, our fate will probably be determined by how many bubble teams fade in the end and if any teams that wouldn't have made the tourney at large win their conference tournaments (e.g., UMD last year). BTW: Why does everyone think Pitt is a lock? They don't have a much stronger resume than we do and we beat them on their home court. Their final three games are against BC, UConn, and Notre Dame!
I just can't believe that no one has posted a comment to my "who wants to sex Mutumbo" post!
C'mon people. That was the stuff of urban legend when we were at GU, and now it's being discussed in the national media (of course, when you refer to ESPN.com's Page 2, you're using the term "media" quite liberally).
One of the Hoya sports writers from our time on the Hilltop writes for page 2. I wonder if the story got passed along.
I forgot to pass along this recruiting note: GU is now involved with swingman Brandon Rush whom Rival rates as the #4 player in the country. He hasn't picked a school yet b/c he is still eyeing the NBA. We hadn't been on him until recently. This was the quote from his coach: "Georgetown, UNLV, Oklahoma, Wake Forest and Illinois are the five schools that are really recruiting Brandon right now." Naturally, we're only one of five and he'll probably opt for the NBA anyway, but clearly JTIII sets his sights high when it comes to recruiting. It would be great to add Carmelo-type top 10 talent in with a class of solid top 100/150 guys. The reality is, to move past Sweet 16/Elite 8 level to the Final Four, you usually need an Anthony, Wade, Okafor, etc.
Just responded to the Mutumbo posting w/ my own additional favorite GU stories.
Post a Comment