Checking in on… Conference USA
Posted by rtmsf on January 27th, 2009Allen R of Houston Basketball Junkies is the RTC correspondent for Conference USA.
- Memphis: 15-3 (5-0)
- Houston: 12-5 (3-1)
- UCF: 13-6 (3-2)
- UAB: 13-7 (3-2)
- Tulsa: 13-7 (3-2)
- Southern Miss: 12-6 (2-2)
- Tulane: 8-10 (2-2)
- UTEP: 11-8 (2-3)
- East Carolina: 10-8 (2-3)
- Marshall: 9-10 (2-3)
- SMU: 6-11 (1-4)
- Rice: 6-13 (1-4)
There wasn’t any lack of excitement this week and in some cases that excitement was also coupled with a bit of controversy.
In fact the Houston basketball program tested the adage that “any publicity is good publicity” during this past weekend when they played Arizona. However there were other storylines from the past week of action, albeit a bit less controversial than the aforementioned incident.
1.) Stompgate ’09: The unfortunate incident that made the most headlines this past weekend began with Arizona forward Chase Budinger drawing a charge call after a collision with Houston guard Aubrey Coleman. After the conclusion of that play, Coleman stepped on Budinger’s face in an act that looked equal parts negligent and malicious. Naturally this act enraged Budinger who was assessed a technical foul for his retaliation following the stepping. But the worst punishment was saved for Coleman, who was ejected for the flagrant foul. After watching the video of the incident and the reactions of both players, I’m convinced that Coleman deserved to be ejected and could have shown a lot more remorse immediately following the act. But the act itself was in my opinion, an attempt to show dominance over Budinger by stepping over him instead of around him. Something went horribly wrong in between and now we have a major headline story. It’s worth noting that Coleman’s had no other incidents this year at Houston or on his previous team at Southwest Mississippi Junior College. In the end, before rushing to crucify the young Mr. Coleman, we all must think of the “he who is without sin” line. Following the game, Coleman gave what appeared to be a sincere and remorseful apology.
