It looks like D-II is getting used to beating the big boys. Findlay took down Ohio State 80-78 in an exhibition last night, less than a week after Michigan State lost in double overtime to Grand Valley State. D-II Tarleton State also beat Baylor by ten last week, and hung tough with the Aggies before dropping a nine-point decision on Monday night. What is going on? The Memphis Tigers advanced to New York and the semifinals of the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament, knocking off Richmond, 80-63. Calipari’s Tigers were actually trailing the upset-minded Spiders with less than 13 minutes left in the game, but used an 18-4 run in the game’s final 6:41 to ice it away. Billy Gillispie’s defense-first mentality works just fine in blue and white, thank you. The Kentucky Wildcats absolutely shut down Central Arkansas in their season opener, cruising to a 67-40 victory. Joe Crawford led the way for the Cats, scoring 20 points off the bench. ESPNU previews the season in the Big 12 Conference tonight at 10:30 CST, following another doubleheader from the CVC tourney. They’ve also got a look at the Big East airing at 5:30 CST. Sandwiched between those conference previews is four-plus hours of hoops. UConn opens the season against Morgan State at 6 PM CST on ESPNU. If that’s not enough November basketball for you, then tune in to second-round action between Kentucky and Weber State on the U at 8 PM CST. |
One Response to “Wednesday morning Fast Break”
on 07 Nov 2007 at 9:52 am # caradoc
I think we are seeing the same upset phenomenon as in NCAA football. My theory is that the small schools are winning with inspired play and underrated talent. Overconfidence leads to poor preparation and commitment to the game, plus the feeling that you are supposed to win adds pressure when the other team is surprisingly competitive.
However, I think the underlying factor is that the smaller schools are winning with players whose talent that was not so well developed during recruiting, but came into their own after starting school. The pressure to sign players early means the big schools don’t have the flexibility to take kids with undeveloped potential — unless maybe they are physical freaks. The smaller schools get these guys, give them an opportunity to develop and sometimes come up big winners.