Originally Posted by cmh6476:
did they show on tv that the veep was in attendance for our throttling of her alma mater?
There was a really awkward interview where the person interviewing was basically answering her own questions ("isn't this such a special moment for Howard" (while they're down 15))... and what's her name with rambling awkward responses trying to remember the buzz phrases she was supposed to hit on. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bearcat:
There was a really awkward interview where the person interviewing was basically answering her own questions ("isn't this such a special moment for Howard" (while they're down 15))... and what's her name with rambling awkward responses trying to remember the buzz phrases she was supposed to hit on.
There have been just six one seeds favored by four points or fewer in the second round and only two won the game - Missouri over Wisconsin in 1994 and Ohio State over Georgia Tech in 1991. Missouri was the only one of the six to cover.
This is it. Arguably the most difficult second round tournament game a 1 seed has ever faced. Everything about tomorrow’s game suggests an Arkansas victory is likely, if not inevitable. KU will need to be at its absolute best to keep the game close at the end and even that may not be enough given the length, athleticism and talent that Arkansas possesses (every rotation player Arkansas has is 6’4 or taller, think TCU on steroids) and the foul trouble KU is certain to be in.
There are several alarming elements to Arkansas offensively but the biggest is their propensity to draw fouls. They are 25th in the country in FTA/FGA and are adept at getting teams into foul trouble with their incredible physicality on both ends. With KU’s inadequate depth (putting it lightly) this is what concerns me the most. We are only one call or two from Bobby Pettiford needing to play a very meaningful role in tomorrow’s game and that can only end in one way: disaster.
Defensively, though, is where Arkansas excels at the highest level (13th in the country in defensive efficiency and 20th in effective FG% against). They are one of the most physical and aggressive teams in the tournament, particularly in forcing teams from the 3 point line (where they are 15th in the country in limiting those attempts and 22nd in the country in limiting 3P%). They do this because they have a pair of twin brother bigs (the Mitchells) protecting the basket who are among the best shot blockers in the country that they willingly send actions into. With KU’s lack of size and finishing ability, this is a tremendous issue. If they don’t let you take threes and they have a pair of bigs who protect the rim at the same time, how do you score? It’s a question I can’t easily answer.
We are in tough tomorrow. There’s just no getting around that. Better be ready. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Lzen:
Any word on whether Bill will be able to coach tomorrow?
I doubt he does. Would love to be wrong but I’ve seen no indication to this point that he’s going to coach at all in this tournament. Norm has taken on all the mandatory media stuff (including again today). It’s unfortunate for us and our chances, but he needs to do what is best for his health. Doing what he does in these games is a lot of work, responsibility and stress. [Reply]