Albany 67, VCU Rams 70
2/17/06
Alltel Pavilion, Richmond
16-9, 11-2 AE
Sunday afternoon-- just watched the Georgetown-Villanova game. They're ranked 17th in the country so its tough to call 'em a sleeper for the tournament, but I expect The Hoyas to make some noise come March. Oh, and since its Sunday and there's college hoops on, that means I have to suffer through more Indiana basketball.
Great to see the number of articulate and thoughtful responses to last week's TU letter. On behalf of the fans of the team, thanks to everyone who responded, printed letter or not.
More thanks to the Hawks of Hartford. Hartford's win at Binghamton yesterday reduces our magic number to one and a gives the teama a chance to clinch the regular season championship tomorrow night. As many people know by now, every regular season conference champion will receive an NIT bid, which means we are one step closer to post-season play. So, what does the Times Union do? They run an article blasting the NIT.
Etkin's arguments are decades old. Everyone knows that every team would rather lose in the first round of the NCAAs than win the NIT. There's absolutely no need for Etkin to point this out as we are one step closer to guaranteeing a post-season berth. Let the fans and the program enjoy the moment. Of course I wanna' go to The Dance, but Etkin sheds no light on the subject and diminishes the team's accomplishments in the process.
Great job by the Varsity Club and their production at Across the Street Pub for the game. The place was packed and people were really into the game. I had a chance to meet a few people from the BPF board, which was also cool to put some names to faces. I also got a call from a buddy of mine who played travel ball with Brown at Kings Park some 20-odd years ago and was watching the game at Standings in NYC-- said the event was very well attended and that the Alumni Association did a great job with giveaways and free food.
What can be said about the game-- ultimately, VCU's athleticism that helped cause 20 turnovers was the difference in the game. Nine of those 20 turnovers were steals, compared to the 2 steals Albany had on the evening. VCU committed 11 turnovers for the game. As a result, our considerable reebounding advantage, 32-19, was basically neutralized by the turnover ratio.
Jamar, initially snubbed as a candidate for the all-Bracketbuster team as voted on by the fans, put in a performance certainly worthy of consideration to such a team. Jamar played all 40 minutes, scored 28 points, and shot 4-7 from behind the arc. The 5 days off seemed to do wonders fror Brent, as he put in one of his finest performances of the season, and certainly his best game since the loss to New Hampshire. Brent shot 7-11 from the field (3-6 , 3 pts) for 17 points. As dangerous as the Danes are, they have been winning lately with a tired and banged up Brent Wilson. If Friday was any indication, Brent is better and this team is going to become that much tougher.
Aside from the Wilson bros., the rest of the team struggled from the field, shooting 6-22. Zo added 5 and 9. Jason had a tough time getting it going tonight. Despite these struggles, I expect the team to focus on what could've been, how they squandered some opportunities, and to play a very sharp game tomorrow. Remaining hungry is important here, as it is easy to get complacent, start thinking that that they can play with some bigger teams, and overlook teams in their own conference.
Speaking of tomorrow, its Senior Night and a chance to honor the Seniors who have seen some pretty rough patches here at UAlbany. Let's give 'em a huge thanks, but more importantly, let's bring 'em back for one more game in March.
When the bracketbuster schedule came out, I read a few comments how Albany did not deserve a TV game and how some of the VCU faithful felt slighted by the draw. The Danes hopefully proved themselves to VCU and to the rest of the Nation watching that they were worthy of such a game. Of course, all of this means a lot less if we lay an egg tomorrow, which would shock me. Its going to be an emotional night and I think we'll play one of our better games of the year and get revenge on UVM.
Alltel Pavilion, Richmond
16-9, 11-2 AE
Sunday afternoon-- just watched the Georgetown-Villanova game. They're ranked 17th in the country so its tough to call 'em a sleeper for the tournament, but I expect The Hoyas to make some noise come March. Oh, and since its Sunday and there's college hoops on, that means I have to suffer through more Indiana basketball.
Great to see the number of articulate and thoughtful responses to last week's TU letter. On behalf of the fans of the team, thanks to everyone who responded, printed letter or not.
More thanks to the Hawks of Hartford. Hartford's win at Binghamton yesterday reduces our magic number to one and a gives the teama a chance to clinch the regular season championship tomorrow night. As many people know by now, every regular season conference champion will receive an NIT bid, which means we are one step closer to post-season play. So, what does the Times Union do? They run an article blasting the NIT.
Etkin's arguments are decades old. Everyone knows that every team would rather lose in the first round of the NCAAs than win the NIT. There's absolutely no need for Etkin to point this out as we are one step closer to guaranteeing a post-season berth. Let the fans and the program enjoy the moment. Of course I wanna' go to The Dance, but Etkin sheds no light on the subject and diminishes the team's accomplishments in the process.
Great job by the Varsity Club and their production at Across the Street Pub for the game. The place was packed and people were really into the game. I had a chance to meet a few people from the BPF board, which was also cool to put some names to faces. I also got a call from a buddy of mine who played travel ball with Brown at Kings Park some 20-odd years ago and was watching the game at Standings in NYC-- said the event was very well attended and that the Alumni Association did a great job with giveaways and free food.
What can be said about the game-- ultimately, VCU's athleticism that helped cause 20 turnovers was the difference in the game. Nine of those 20 turnovers were steals, compared to the 2 steals Albany had on the evening. VCU committed 11 turnovers for the game. As a result, our considerable reebounding advantage, 32-19, was basically neutralized by the turnover ratio.
Jamar, initially snubbed as a candidate for the all-Bracketbuster team as voted on by the fans, put in a performance certainly worthy of consideration to such a team. Jamar played all 40 minutes, scored 28 points, and shot 4-7 from behind the arc. The 5 days off seemed to do wonders fror Brent, as he put in one of his finest performances of the season, and certainly his best game since the loss to New Hampshire. Brent shot 7-11 from the field (3-6 , 3 pts) for 17 points. As dangerous as the Danes are, they have been winning lately with a tired and banged up Brent Wilson. If Friday was any indication, Brent is better and this team is going to become that much tougher.
Aside from the Wilson bros., the rest of the team struggled from the field, shooting 6-22. Zo added 5 and 9. Jason had a tough time getting it going tonight. Despite these struggles, I expect the team to focus on what could've been, how they squandered some opportunities, and to play a very sharp game tomorrow. Remaining hungry is important here, as it is easy to get complacent, start thinking that that they can play with some bigger teams, and overlook teams in their own conference.
Speaking of tomorrow, its Senior Night and a chance to honor the Seniors who have seen some pretty rough patches here at UAlbany. Let's give 'em a huge thanks, but more importantly, let's bring 'em back for one more game in March.
When the bracketbuster schedule came out, I read a few comments how Albany did not deserve a TV game and how some of the VCU faithful felt slighted by the draw. The Danes hopefully proved themselves to VCU and to the rest of the Nation watching that they were worthy of such a game. Of course, all of this means a lot less if we lay an egg tomorrow, which would shock me. Its going to be an emotional night and I think we'll play one of our better games of the year and get revenge on UVM.
posted by L3K at 1:45 PM
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