It was a relatively quiet night although there were some solid games. If you are interested in participating in our ATB2 feature, send in your submissions to rushthecourt@gmail.com.
Top 25 Games
- #2 Ohio State 75, IUPUI 64: “Midway through the 2nd half, it looked like the story of the night might be that IUPUI had come to Columbus and pulled off a stunner. That story would never be written, however as Jared Sullinger set an OSU freshman record pouring in 40 points on the night, including 26 in the 2nd half powering a 34-14 closing run by the Buckeyes en route to a 75-64 victory.” (Eleven Warriors)
- Temple 68, #8 Georgetown 65: “Georgetown lost its first game of the season in heartbreaking fashion. The Temple Owls led for all 40 minutes of tonight’s game and came up with crucial basket after basket, defeating the Hoyas 68-65. Last year, the Hoyas started 8-0, beating Butler, Washington and Temple in impressive fashion before losing to Old Dominion. This year, the Hoyas started 8-0 beating Missouri, NC State and Old Dominion in impressive fashion before losing tonight. Good news is that is where the similarities end. This team is different.” (Casual Hoya)
Other Games of Interest
- Xavier 51, Butler 49: “There’s no hiding the fact that Butler is struggling on the court right now, but Brad Stevens remains the ultimate Cocky Locky. He continues to put a number of players in difficult positions to either succeed heroically or fail miserably. To this point, the ratio between succeeding and failing is about 50/50… just like Butler’s 4-4 record. Against Xavier, despite a miserable shooting performance (15-of-48 FGs, 3-of-18 3pt FGs), each player fought to the bitter end. Considering they were down by ten points in the 2nd half, in front of a rabid Cintas Center crowd, having a shot at winning the game is commendable. That does not, however, replace the sting of a 51-49 defeat.” (Victory Firelight)
- Oklahoma 71, Gardner-Webb 58: “Oklahoma men’s basketball coach Jeff Capel started a bit of a different lineup Thursday night when his Sooners took the floor against Gardner-Webb. With forward Nick Thompson unavailable, due to the death of his grandmother, Capel went with the four guard of Steven Pledger, Calvin Newell, Cameron Clark, Cade Davis and Andrew Fitzgerald at forward. The result was better care of the ball (only 10 turnovers), a higher free throw percentage (82.4%) and, most importantly, a 71-58 win.” (Crimson and Cream Machine)
Pre-Game Prep
- Game Preview: Oakland vs. Michigan State: After nearly beating Illinois earlier this week (with a women’s basketball) the Golden Grizzlies could pose a challenge for a Spartan team that is performing below expectations thus far. (Golden Grizzlies Gameplan)
- Warriors seek Badger road kill: After playing against non-conference giants Duke and Gonzaga, Marquette begins their Big 10 schedule against Wisconsin. (Cracked Sidewalks)
- Tom Crean talks about Saturday’s game at Kentucky: The Indiana coach talking before what is sure to be a very difficult road game for the Hoosiers. (Inside the Hall)
- Know Thy Opponent: Kentucky Wildcats: Breaking down the Wildcats in a Q&A-style format. (Inside the Hall)
News/Analysis
- Kentucky Basketball: Statistical Thinking About UK-Notre Dame: Breaking down the Wildcats win over the Irish (A Sea of Blue)