The Emery Board: Featuring Chane Benhanan

This weekly column is in honor of BYU's Jackson Emery, who, for two straight seasons, claimed his squad would go undefeated and win the National Championship. Unfortunate for Jackson, his statements never really panned out. In 2009-2010, BYU went 30-6 and lost to Kansas State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In 2010-2011, they finished 32-5, and lost to Florida in the Sweet-16. So, in those two years, BYU lost 11 games compared to Emery's projected total of zero, won zero National Championships, and in fact, didn't even win the the Mountain West Conference Tournament.

We were going to put the Emery Board to sleep this season. But thanks to Louisville freshman Chane Behanhan, this post has been giving new life.

If you remember correctly, about a week ago, the freshman forward stated that the Cardinals would not lose a single game this season, and that his team is the best in the country.

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March.

The Emery Board: 5th Edition
Marquette dropped off the Emery Board thanks to a shaky performance at LSU. Louisville barely made it through the week undefeated, as they were given stern tests from Charleston and Western Kentucky. As conference play heats up, the Emery Board will get smaller and smaller. This week is loaded with a couple of very important games featuring undefeated teams. Will any of them suffer from the post-Holiday hangover?

No.1 Syracuse (13-0)
Next game: 12/28 vs. Seton Hall (11-1)
First realistic loss: 12/28 vs. Seton Hall (11-1)

Syracuse continues to play steady ball, easily handling Bucknell and Tulane this past week. Their game against Seton Hall should be a dandy. The Pirates have played much better than anybody expected, and have been flying way below the radar. The match-up between Herb Pope and whoever the Orange throw at him will be very interesting. I can see Fab Melo, James Southerland and Rakeem Christmas all taking shots at Pope, but I'm not sure which of the group will be able to shut him down. That being said, the Pirates don't have nearly as many weapons as the Orange, so conventional wisdom suggests that the 'Cuse should win. But this is a Big East game, so you never know what may happen.



No.4 Louisville (10-0)
Next game: 12/28 vs. No.12 Georgetown (10-1)
First realistic loss: 12/28 vs. No.12 Georgetown (10-1)

If anybody on Louisville going to make a bonehead statement, it makes sense that it was the freshman Benhanan. After all, he has yet to play a single Big East conference game. And wouldn't you know, the Cardinals get a top-15 opponent in their first conference game of the year. See Chane, this is what the Big East is like, and if your team struggled with Charleston and Western Kentucky, Georgetown might be the team to make you eat your words. But lets say Louisville does beat Georgetown, which they more then capable of doing, they get No.3 Kentucky on New Year's Ever in the only rivalry game in the country as tumultuous as the Crosstown Shootout. With what we saw from Louisville last week, I just can't put a lot of faith in them to enter the New Year with a "goose egg" in the loss column.



No.6 Baylor (12-0)
Next game: 12/28 vs. No.14 Mississippi State (12-1)
First realistic loss: 12/28 vs. No.14 Mississippi State (12-1)

The Bears are in the toughest portion of their non-conference schedule. They haven't looked uber-dominant, but they were able to beat a game BYU team in Provo, and beat Saint Mary's and West Virginia on a neutral court. Now comes their toughest test of the season: No.14 Mississippi State. The Bulldogs feature a front-court with enough size to give the bears some struggles, and back-court play could be the difference-maker in this game. If Pierre Jackson can come up large, as he did against BYU (game-clinching block) and WVU (game-winning shot), the Bears should squeak by with a victory.



No.8 Missouri (12-0)
Next game: 12/30 at Old Dominion (6-6)
First realistic loss: 12/30 at Old Dominion (6-6)

Realistically, Missouri should run through Old Dominion on New Year's Eve. But Blaine Taylor's squad is seasoned and tested. The Monarchs aren't nearly as good as they were two years ago, but this setting has all the makings of a trap game. The Tigers just defeated their "Border War" rivals Illinois last week, they had the holiday weekend off, and they start Big-XII play next week. If there was ever a time to catch Mizzou sleeping, it would be now. But let's say Missouri wins, which I expect them to do. It's possible that the Tigers are the last undefeated team standing. They start Big-XII play against Oklahoma, Kansas State, Iowa State and Texas. While that's not exactly an easy start, it's not a murder's row either. This team has showed very few weaknesses thus far, and I could totally see the Tigers being undefeated heading in to their 12/21 showdown with Baylor in Waco.



No.13 Indiana (12-0)
Next game: 12/28 at No.17 Michigan State (11-2)
First realistic loss: 12/28 at No.17 Michigan State (11-2)

The Hoosier's had cupcakes for Christmas, as they faced Howard (4-9) and UMBC (1-10). Indiana waxed the east coast teams by a combined score of 196-97. But the non-conference schedule is over, and the Hoosiers begin Big-Ten play with a murder's row: at No.17 Michigan State, No.2 Ohio State on New Year's Eve, and No.16 Michigan. The Hoosiers have been a pleasant surprise thus far, but I'm 100% confident that they will lose one of their next three games.



No.22 Murray State (13-0)
Next game: 12/30 at Eastern Illinois (6-5)
First realistic loss: 12/30 at Eastern Illinois (6-5)

So here we are. Murray State has finished their non-conference schedule and still has not been defeated, they are clearly the best team in the Ohio Valley Conference and will be the favorites in every game they play. But, like I said last week, they will be getting the best shot from every team they play. They will get more TV coverage, more publicity, more everything. I think Murray State will lose a game this year. In fact, I'm nearly sure of it. But I have exactly no idea which game it will be.



Bottom of the Barrel


Run The Floor did a good job breaking down the teams that have yet to notch a victory this year. I suggest you give their site a good-read, but not before you read our stuff first.


Binghamton (0-10)
Next game: 12/28 at Canisius (2-9)
First real chance to win: 12/28 at Canisius (2-9)

Chicago State (0-13)
Next game: 12/31 at Ball State (6-4)
First real chance to win: 1/15 vs. St. Francis (Ill) (Non-DI)

Grambling State (0-9)
Next game: 12/29 at LSU (9-3)
First real chance to win: 1/3 vs. Alabama State (2-9)

Hartford (0-11)
Next game: 12/31 at LaSalle (8-4)
First real chance to win: 1/15 at Binghamton (0-10)

Northern Illinois (0-11)
Next game: 1/2 vs. Roosevelt (Non-DI)
First real chance to win: 1/2 vs. Roosevelt (Non-DI)

Towson (0-12)
Next game: 12/30 vs. No.24 Virginia (10-1)
First real chance to win: 1/2 vs. Northeastern (3-7)

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The Emery Board: Chane Behanan Edition

Dear Louisville freshman Chane Behanan,

Thank You.

Sincerely,

Locker room bulletin boards everywhere


For now, this weekly post will remain as "The Emery Board", but a new title could be coming soon, and it's all thanks to the first-year forward.

You see, Louisville just beat Memphis this weekend in a tough non-conference affair to remain undefeated at 10-0, good enough to land them at No.4 in the AP/Coaches Poll. But according to Behanan, the Cardinals are better than that. His team is the best team in the country:
Continue reading...

The Emery Board

This weekly column is in honor of BYU's Jackson Emery, who, for two straight seasons, claimed his squad would go undefeated and win the National Championship.

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March.

The Emery Board: 3rd Edition
After a roller-coaster weekend, we are left with just nine undefeated teams. Indiana remains undefeated thanks to a game-winning three point buzzer-beater by Christian Watford. Murray State stayed in the mix with a strong road victory at Memphis. Plus, there was the Crosstown Brawl. How does that effect Xavier's unbeaten record?


No.1 Syracuse (10-0)
Next game: 12/17 at North Carolina State (6-3)
First realistic loss: 12/17 at North Carolina State (6-3)

The Orange have looked down-right impressive this season. Fab Melo has improved by leaps and bounds, and the Orange sport one of the deepest benches in the country. Plus, all the distractions with the Bernie Fine investigation have yet to rattle this bunch. But they've also yet to play a true road game, and will receive a stern test from North Carolina State this Saturday.


No.4 Louisville (9-0)
Next game: 12/17 vs. Memphis (5-3)
First realistic loss: 12/17 vs. Memphis (5-3)

The Cardinals rolled through IUPUI and FDU this past week, and have a tough non-conference game against Memphis on the horizon. Gorgui Deing has been very impressive this year, and Kyle Kuric continues to improve as one of the leaders of this team. And remember, this team continues to fight the injury bug. With games against Georgetown and Kentucky down the road, it's unlikely they will stay undefeated for long, but this team should be considered a real threat to contend for a Final-Four bid.


No.7 Baylor (7-0)
Next game: 12/14 vs. Bethune-Cookman (3-4)
First realistic loss: 12/23 vs. West Virginia (6-2)

The Bears didn't play last week, and don't face any real competition until 12/22 when they play Saint Mary's. But that starts a tough stretch against quality teams, with West Virginia, Mississippi State and Texas A&M to follow. Guard-play and coaching will continue to be the team's question-marks. Can Pierre Jackson and A.J Walton get it done? And can Scott Drew actually coach this team up during late game situations? We should have some answers once 2012 rolls around.


No.8 Missouri (9-0)
Next game: 12/15 vs. Kennesaw State (2-5)
First realistic loss: 12/22 vs. No.19 Illinois (10-0)

This team continues to impress. The Tigers have yet to score less than 80 points in a game, and while rebounding will continue to be a question, the team's chemistry and efficiency will get them by. Phil Pressey is emerging as one of the best guards in the country, and if Kim English can continue to shoot well from outside, teams will have serious match-up problems. This team has rallied behind Frank Haith, and the results thus far have been tremendous. Illinois' seven-footer Meyers Leonard will provide Missouri with a tough match-up, but if the Tigers can defeat the Illini, it's likely they remain undefeated heading into the new year.


No.9 Xavier (8-0)
Next game: 12/18 vs. Oral Roberts (6-3)
First realistic loss: 12/18 vs. Oral Roberts (6-3)

If you spent your weekend under a rock, you might be confused as to why Oral Roberts has a chance to beat an undefeated, top-10 team. But due to the Crosstown Brawl, Xavier will be without their three best players for this game. While the length of suspensions are down-right embarrassing, this team is scary-good when they have all their horses on the court. After Oral Roberts, they play Long Beach State and Gonzaga. I have to imagine Xavier will lose one of the next three games. If not, then we have to start considering this team as a legitimate Final-Four contender.


No.11 Marquette (9-0)
Next game: 12/17 vs. Northern Colorado (3-5)
First realistic loss: 12/29 vs. No.25 Vanderbilt (6-3)

The Golden Eagles may be the most entertaining team in the country. They have a variety of weapons and role players, and one of the most talented coaches in the country. But injuries have started to pile up in the past week. Center Chris Otule will miss significant time with an ACL injury. Plus, freshman Juan Anderson injured his shoulder during practice and sophomore Jamil Wilson sprained his ankle late in the week. Marquette has a tough stretch of games towards the end of the month, and probably will suffer a defeat before January first. Nonetheless, this team is really talented and should be considered a legitimate Final-Four contender.


No.19 Illinois (10-0)
Next game: 12/17 vs. UNLV (9-2)
First realistic loss: 12/17 vs. UNLV (9-2)

Did any of us expect Illinois to be undefeated at this point in the season? If your answer is no, you're clearly lying. Center Meyers Leonard has been playing inspired basketball as of late, and transfer Sam Maniscalco has stepped up as well. This is a much different team than last year. The departures of Demetri McCamey and Jereme Richmond have made this team more cohesive and while they aren't uber-talented, they are a rough, tough team that will be a difficult out.


No.20 Indiana (9-0)
Next game: 12/17 vs. Notre Dame (7-4)
First realistic loss: 12/28 at Michigan State (8-2)

Christian Watford's buzzer-beating, game-winning three pointer against Kentucky has been the signature moment of the season. Indiana came into the contest undefeated but untested, and with the victory, Tom Crean got a career-defining win. This team has a superstar center in Cody Zeller, some big-time athletes in Will Sheehey and Victor Oladipo, and a bunch of veteran leadership. A let down will come at some point, but for now, this team should be given all the praise in the world.


Murray State (9-0)
Next game: 12/15 vs. Lipscomb (6-5)
First realistic loss: 12/30 at Eastern Illinois (6-3)

The Racers passed their first real test of the season, a road victory over Memphis. With all their tough non-conference games out of the way, the Racers have set themselves up to make a run at finishing the season undefeated. That might sound ridiculous, but no team in the Ohio Valley Conference is as talented as them, and if they can avoid a significant letdown, going undefeated isn't out of the realm of possibility.



Bottom of the Barrel

Binghamton (0-7)
Next game: 12/17 at Hofstra (3-7)
First real chance to win: 1/5 vs. Stony Brook (3-5)

Chicago State (0-9)
Next game: 12/14 at Wichita State (7-2)
First real chance to win: 12/17 at Loyola (IL) (2-7)

Grambling State (0-6)
Next game: 12/18 at Texas Tech (4-4)
First real chance to win: 1/3 vs. Alabama State (2-6)

Hartford (0-10)
Next game: 1221 at Marist (4/5)
First real chance to win: 1/15 at Binghamton (0-7)

Morgan State (0-7)
Next game: 12/14 at UMBC (1-7)
First real chance to win: 12/14 at UMBC (1-7)

Northern Illinois (0-8)
Next game: 12/14 vs. DePaul (6-3)
First real chance to win: 12/17 vs. Southern Illinois (1-5)

Towson (0-9)
Next game: 12/14 at Coppin State (3-5)
First real chance to win: 12/14 at Coppin State (3-5)



Continue reading...

The Emery Board

This weekly column is in honor of BYU's Jackson Emery, who, for two straight seasons, claimed his squad would go undefeated and win the National Championship.

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March.

The Emery Board: 2nd Edition
11 of the Top-25 teams remain unbeaten, and by the end of the week, that number should be a bit smaller. But as Finals Week approach, the cupcakes get bigger and softer. After the jump we break down the remaining undefeated teams and analyze their chances of staying unbeaten.


No.1 Kentucky (8-0)
Next game: 12/10 at Indiana (8-0)
First realistic loss: 2/10 at Indiana (8-0)

Indiana is undefeated, but there is a reason they aren't ranked. Assembly Hall is likely to be the loudest it's been in years when the Wildcats roll in to town. But all signals point to a pretty big Kentucky win. The Wildcats undefeated record shouldn't be threatened until their Battle for the Bluegrass rivalry game against Louisville on 12/31.


No.2 Ohio State (8-0)
Next game: 12/10 at No.13 Kansas (5-2)
First realistic loss: 12/10 at No.13 Kansas (5-2)

If Ohio State can get past Kansas, which they should be able to do if Jared Sullinger is healthy and effective, then it could be a long time before the Buckeyes suffer their first defeat. They will be tested by Northwestern and Indiana at the end of January but realistically, it could be mid-January before Ohio State loses a game.


No.3 Syracuse (8-0)
Next game: 12/6 vs. Marshall (5-1)
First realistic loss: 12/17 at North Carolina State (5-3)

Thanks to Jim Boehim's cupcake-friendly non-conference schedule, the Orange always have a good shot at being one of the last teams in the country to remain undefeated. Marshall should serve as a stern test, but North Carolina State has a better chance to knock them off. Why? because it will be Syracuse's first true road game of the season. But it's likely that Syracuse will ring in the new year with an unbeaten record.


No.5 Louisville (7-0)
Next game: 12/8 vs. IUPUI (2-7)
First realistic loss: 12/17 vs. No.20 Memphis (4-2)

Louisville should enter it's final non-conference game without any blemishes on their record. But even if they get past Memphis, it's not likely that they stay unbeaten for long. The Cardinals finish up 2011 with games against No.19 Georgetown and No.1 Kentucky.


No.6 Baylor (7-0)
Next game: 12/14 vs. Bethune-Cookman (3-4)
First realistic loss: 12/28 vs. No.18 Mississippi State (8-1)

The question with Baylor continues to be their back-court. Pierre Jackson and A.J Walton haven't been outstanding, but they haven't been terrible either. Starting on 12/22, the Bears have four four straight games against sizable competition (Saint Mary's, West Virginia, No.18 Mississippi State and Texas A&M). As good as Baylor is, I have to imagine they will drop one of those four games.


No.8 Xavier (6-0)
Next game: 12/7 at Butler (4-4)
First realistic loss: 12/10 vs. Cincinnati (5-2)

Xavier shouldn't be undefeated. They should have lost to Purdue. But thanks to Tu Holloway's ridiculous late-game heroics, the Muskies continue on with an unblemished record. If they can get past their cross-town rivals Cincinnati, which is always a pick'em game, it could be a very long time before Xavier records a loss.


No.10 Missouri (7-0)
Next game: 12/6 vs. Villanova (5-2)
First realistic loss: 12/6 vs. Villanova (4-2)

Not many teams have gotten off to as hot a start is Missouri has. Sure, their schedule to date hasn't been grueling, but no team has gotten with-in 15-points of them, including a ranked California team. The Tigers have two more real non-conference threats, and both Villanova and Illinois have the size up front to pose a threat to the Tigers. However, I'm not sure either of their opponents have the speed and talent in the back court to keep up with Mizzou. It's possible this team is still undefeated as we approach mid-January.


No.11 Marquette (7-0)
Next game: 12/6 vs. Washington (4-2)
First realistic loss: 12/6 vs. Washington (4-2)

If Marquette can get past Washington, which they probably should be able to do with relative ease, the Golden Eagles will be able to cruise through four cupcake games until their final non-conference showdown against Vanderbilt, which, if nothing else, should be very entertaining.


No.19 Creighton (7-0)
Next game: 12/10 at St. Joseph's (5-3)
First realistic loss: 12/22 vs. Northwestern (7-1)

The Missouri Valley Conference is just too deep for any team to cruise through it undefeated. But with most of their difficult non-conference games out of the way, the Blue Jays could end up entering conference play with a zero in the loss column. But the end of 2012 will prove a stern test for the Fightin' McDermotts, with games against Northwestern, Missouri State and at Wichita State.


No.24 Illinois (8-0)
Next game: 12/7 vs. St. Bonaventure's (3-3)
First realistic loss: 12/17 vs. UNLV (8-1)

Well, I certainly didn't think we'd be seeing Illinois here this season. But Sam Maniscalco and Myers Leonard have carried the Illini early on, and have been blessed with a soft non-conference schedule so far. But with games against UNLV and at Missouri still looming, Illinois won't be undefeated for very long.


No.25 Harvard (8-0)
Next game: 12/8 at No.9 UConn (7-1)
First realistic loss: 12/8 at No.9 UConn (7-1)

Let's just say for a minute that Harvard beats UConn, which, if Harvard plays A+ ball and UConn brings their C- game, is entirely possible. If they do that, the Crimson's schedule sets up perfectly for them to go 30-0. Now, you have to imagine that they will have an off night, but on paper, it looks like a real possibility. They just have to beat the reigning National Champions before we can start talking about that.


Indiana (8-0)
Next game: 12/10 vs. No.1 Kentucky (8-0)
First realistic loss: 12/10 vs. No.1 Kentucky (8-0)

Sure they're undefeated, but there is a reason they aren't ranked. Their toughest game so far was on the road against North Carolina State, and while Tom Crean does have this program on the up-and-up, the Hoosiers are in for a rude awakening when Big Blue nation rolls into town.


Kansas State (5-0)
Next Game: 12/8 vs. West Virginia (4-2)
First realistic loss: 12/8 vs. West Virginia (4-2)

Talk to me about the Wildcats after their 12/17 game at Alabama. If they are still undefeated at that point, I'll have something to say.


Murray State (9-0)
Next game: 12/11 at No.20 Memphis (4-2)
First realistic loss: 12/11 at No.20 Memphis (4-2)

First off, three of the Racers wins have come against non-D-1 opponents. But still, being 9-0 is somewhat impressive considering they have a new head coach. True, Steve Prohm was an assistant as Murray State before his promotion, but still, I'm kinda impressed. I'll be more impressed if they can knock-off a struggling Memphis team on the road.


Tulane (9-0)
Next game: 12/6 at Wofford (4-4)
First realistic loss: 12/22 at No.3 Syracuse (8-0)

I cannot remember the last time Tulane was even relevant in basketball, let alone undefeated. It's good to see this program succeed, even if it's only for a few more weeks. Once they travel to the Carrier Dome, reality will set in.



Bottom of the Barrel

Binghamton (0-6)
Next game: 12/6 vs. Bucknell (5-4)
First real chance to in: 1/5 vs. Stony Brook (2-4)

Chicago State (0-8)
Next game: 12/10 vs. DePaul (4-3)
First real chance to win: 12/17 at Loyola (IL) (1-6)

Grambling State (0-6)
Next game: 12/18 at Texas Tech (4-3)
First real chance to win: 1/3 vs. Alabama State (1-5)

Hartford (0-8)
Next game: 12/6 vs. Quinnipiac (3-4)
First real chance to win: 1/5 vs. New Hampshire (2-3)

Monmouth (0-8)
Next game: 12/6 at Navy (3-5)
First real chance to win: 12/22 at Rider (1-8)

Morgan State (0-7)
Next game: 12/14 at UMBC (0-7)
First real chance to win: 12/14 at UMBC (0-7)

Northern Illinois (0-7)
Next game: 12/7 at Illinois-Chicago (2-5)
First real chance to win: 12/7 at Illinois-Chicago (2-5)

Towson (0-7)
Next game: 12/7 vs. LaSalle (5-3)
First real chance to win: 12/10 vs. UMBC (0-7)

UMBC (0-7)
Next game: 12/10 at Towson (0-7)
First real chance to win: 12/10 at Towson (0-7)



Continue reading...

The Emery Board

This weekly column is in honor of BYU's Jackson Emery, who, for two straight seasons, claimed his squad would go undefeated and win the National Championship.

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March.

The Emery Board: 1st Edition

More than half of the teams featured in this week's AP Top-25 are undefeated. But with a loaded slate of games this week, how many of them will still be on the Emery Board next week? Once teams start eliminating themselves from Emery Board contention, we will provide some in-depth projection on when they might suffer their first loss. But for now, you get just the basics.

No.1 Kentucky (6-0)
Next game: 12/1 vs. St. John's (4-3)
First potential loss: 12/3 vs. No.5 North Carolina

No.2 Ohio State (6-0)
Next game: 11/29 vs. No.3 Duke (7-0)
First potential loss: 11/29 vs. No.3 Duke (7-0)

No.3 Duke (7-0)
Next game: 11/29 at No.2 Ohio State (6-0)
First potential loss: 11/29 at No.2 Ohio State

No.4 Syracuse (6-0)
Next game: 11/29 vs. Eastern Michigan (4-2)
First potential loss: 12/2 vs. No.10 Florida (4-1)

No.6 Louisville (5-0)
Next game: 11/28 vs. Long Beach State (3-2)
First potential loss: 12/8 vs. No.20 Vanderbilt (5-1)

No.7 Baylor (5-0)
Next game: 11/29 vs. Prairie View A&M (2-5)
First potential loss: 12/4 at Northwestern (5-0)

No.9 Wisconsin (6-0)
Next game: 11/30 at No.5 North Carolina (5-1)
First potential loss: 11/30 at No.5 North Carolina (5-1)

No.11 Xavier (4-0)
Next game: 11/28 at No.20 Vanderbilt (5-1)
First potential loss: 11/28 at No.20 Vanderbilt (5-1)

No.12 Alabama (7-0)
Next game: 12/1 vs. Georgetown (4-1)
First potential loss: 12/1 vs. Georgetown (4-1)

No.13 Missouri (6-0)
Next game: 12/2 vs. Northwestern State (3-3)
First potential loss: 12/6 vs. Villanova (4-2)

No.16 Marquette (5-0)
Next game: 11/28 vs. Jacksonville (2-3)
First potential loss: 12/3 at No.9 Wisconsin (6-0)

No.18 UNLV (7-0)
Next game: 11/30 at UC-Santa Barbara (4-1)
First potential loss: 12/10 at No.9 Wisconsin (6-0)

No.19 Gonzaga (4-0)
Next game: 11/30 vs. Notre Dame (5-2)
First potential loss: 11/30 vs. Notre Dame (5-2)

No.23 Saint Louis (6-0)
Next game: 11/29 at Loyola Marymount (3-2)
First potential loss: 12/31 at New Mexico (4-2)

Creighton (5-0)
Next game: 11/30 at San Diego State (7-1)
First potential loss: 11/30 at San Diego State (7-1)

Harvard (6-0)
Next game: 12/1 at Vermont (4-2)
First potential loss: 12/8 at No.8 UConn (6-1)

Illinois (6-0)
Next game: 11/29 at Maryland (3-2)
First potential loss: 12/3 vs. No.19 Gonzaga (4-0)

Indiana (6-0)
Next game: 11/30 at North Carolina State (5-1)
First potential loss: 11/30 at North Carolina State (5-1)

Marshall (5-0)
Next game: 11/30 vs. Ohio (3-1)
First potential loss: 12/6 at No.4 Syracuse (6-0)

Missouri State (4-0)
Next game: 11/30 at Oral Roberts (4-2)
First potential loss: 12/3 at New Mexico (4-2)

Murray State (7-0)
Next game: 12/1 at Western Kentucky (2-5)
First potential loss: 12/4 vs. Dayton (5-1)

North Dakota State (6-0)
Next game: 12/1 at Western Illinois (2-2)
First potential loss: 12/10 at Arizona State (2-4)

Northwestern (5-0)
Next game: 11/29 at Georgia Tech (4-2)
First potential loss: 11/29 at Georgia Tech (4-2)

Tulane (7-0)
Next game: 11/30 vs. Southern (2-4)
First potential loss: 12/3 vs. Georgia Tech (4-2)

Weber State (4-0)
Next game: 11/28 at Saint Mary's (3-1)
First potential loss: 11/28 at Saint Mary's (3-1)



Bottom of the Barrel

Alabama State (0-4)
Next game: 11/29 at Evansville (2-2)
Next real chance to win: 12/30 vs. Reinhardt (Non-D1)

Austin Peay (0-7)
Next game: 11/28 at Lipscomb (3-3)
First real chance to win: 12/5 vs. Arkansas State (1-4)

Binghamton (0-5)
Next game: 12/3 vs. Army (2-4)
First real chance to in: 12/3 vs. Army (2-4)

Chicago State (0-6)
Next game: 11/30 at Illinois State (4-2)
First real chance to win: 12/17 at Loyola (IL) (1-4)

Florida A&M (0-6)
Next game: 12/3 at Bethune-Cookman (2-4)
First real chance to win: 12/3 at Bethune-Cookman (2-4)

Grambling State (0-5)
Next game: 11/30 at Washington State (2-4)
First real chance to win: 1/3 vs. Alabama State (0-4)

Hartford (0-6)
Next game: 11/29 vs. Yale (3-2)
First real chance to win: 1/5 vs. New Hampshire (1-2)

Louisiana-Monroe (0-6)
Next game: 11/28 at Nicholls State (1-5)
First real chance to win: 11/28 at Nicholls State (1-5)

Monmouth (0-6)
Next game: 12/1 at St. Francis (PA) (0-5)
First real chance to win: 12/1 at St. Francis (PA) (0-5)

Morgan State (0-6)
Next game: 12/3 at Ohio (3-1)
First real chance to win: 12/14 at UMBC (0-5)

Northern Illinois (0-5)
Next game: 11/28 at Utah Valley (3-3)
First real chance to win: 12/3 vs. Nebraska-Omaha (2-4)

St. Francis (PA) (0-5)
Next game: 12/1 vs. Monmouth (0-6)
First real chance to win: 12/1 vs. Monmouth (0-6)

SIU-Edwardsville (0-4)
Next game: 11/30 vs. Robert Morris (IL) (Non-D1)
First real chance to win: 11/30 vs. Robert Morris (IL) (Non-D1)

Towson (0-5)
Next game: 11/30 at UMass (5-2)
First real chance to win: 12/10 vs. UMBC (0-5)

UC-Irvine (0-6)
Next game: 12/3 vs. San Diego (4-2)
First real chance to win: 12/10 vs. Vanguard (Non-D1)

UMBC (0-5)
Next game: 11/28 at Rutgers (3-3)
First real chance to win: 12/10 at Towson (0-5)

UNC-Wilmington (0-4)
Next game: 11/30 at Toledo (4-1)
First real chance to win: 12/6 at Liberty (2-5)

Western Michigan (0-6)
Next game: 11/30 vs. Hope (Non-D1)
First real chance to win: 11/30 vs. Hope (Non-D1)



Continue reading...

The Emery Board: Week 13

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March. BYU's senior guard Jackson Emery, has made the bold prediction that his team, a Cougar squad that finished with a 27-4 record last season, will in fact go undefeated this season.

We have decided that, in honor of Emery's swagger, we will keep a watch on the BYU Cougar's schedule, see if they can walk-the-walk. We will also keep tabs on any other undefeated teams who try to make a run at the perfect season.

Week 11:
I must be the only one who actually took Jackson Emery seriously, because he's said only two things to the press this season, and has been wrong about both of them. I am still waiting to hear him reshuffle his predicition and proclaim that BYU will win the Mountain West Conference Tournament. But that actually is something they could accomplish, unlike his other two statements.

After suffering their second loss of the season, The Cougars bounced back with two victories, a seven point road win at Wyoming and a 14-point win against UNLV at home. Against Wyoming, Jimmer Fredette had an off night yet still managed to score 26 points, including a perfect 16-16 from the charity stripe. Against UNLV Fredette overcame more smacktalk from Tre'von Willis and finished with 29 points which made him the all-time leading scorer in Mountain West Conference history. The previous record was held by San Diego State's Brandon Heath with 2,189. For his efforts last week, Fredette received his 14th career MWC Player of the Week award, which is also a conference record. Of his 14 PoW awards, seven have come this season.

But this post isn't just about Fredette. This team continues to play well together and looks like a legitimate threat to make it to at least the Sweet-16 this season. Jackson Emery continues to be under-appreciated. he is a steady 3-point shooter and is the team leader in steals and assists. I've been really impressed lately with the play of big-man Brandon Davies. He only had four points against UNLV but was plagued with foul trouble much of the game. He has shown a nice ouch around the basket and provides the Cougars with a solid interior presence.

The Cougars take on Air Force on the road and cap off rivalry week against Utah. Neither of these games should be a real test for BYU, but they certainly don't want to overlook either team.

Next Game: 2/9 at Air Force
Next Possible Loss: 2/26 at San Diego State


Undefeated Teams

No. 1 Ohio State: 24-0 (11-0)
Last Win: 82-69 at No. 20 Minnesota
Next Game: 2/12 at No. 14 Wisconsin
Next Potential Loss: 2/12 at No. 14 Wisconsin

The Buckeyes are firing on all cylinders at the right moment because they begin their toughest stretch of conference play this week. They have to travel to the Kohl Center to take of Wisconsin, then play a collapsing Michigan State squad, then travel to Purdue, followed up with a home game against Illinois. It's entirely possible that tOSU beats all four of these teams, but it is in this stretch of games that they are most likely to suffer their first defeat.


Undefeated Conference Teams
Since only one team in the entire country has yet to lose a game, why not take a look at the small group of teams that have yet to lose a game against their conference foes? Plus it gives me something to track for the next couple of weeks.

Coastal Carolina: 22-2 (13-0 in Big South)
Next Game: 2/10 at Presbyterian (10-15,4-9)
Next Potential Loss: None

The Chanticleers have not lost since the Charleston Classic, when they were defeated by Georgetown 810-61. That was 20 games ago. It doesn't look like any team in the Big South will come close to Coastal Carolina. They already defeated the second best team, Liberty, twice, and went on the road for four straight games and won them all. Barring a shocking upset in the conference tournament, this team will be dancing.


Princeton: 16-4 (4-0 in Ivy League)
Next Game: 2/8 vs. Penn (9-9, 3-1)
Next Potential Loss: 2/8 vs. Penn (9-9, 3-1)

The Tigers we the pre-season favorites in the Ivy league, but up until this past week, it was Harvard that was looking like the Ivy league team most likely to make the NCAA tournament. Princeton defeated Harvard 65-61 on Friday to claim the top spot in the league. They followed that up with a 15-point win over Dartmouth. But Princeton now has to face Penn, who just lost their first conference game, to Harvard, in a 2OT thriller. If Princeton can defeat Penn, they will set themselves up well to pick up the automatic bid.


No. 21 Utah State: 22-2 (11-0 in Western Athletic Conference)
Next Game: 2/9 at Idaho (13-10, 6-5)
Next Potential Loss: 2/19 at No. 23 St. Mary's (BracketBusters)

Like Coastal Carolina, the Aggies have not lost since they played Georgetown some 17 games ago. They have rolled thru conference play and are 4.5 games in front of the second-place team. Utah State is home to the best home court advantages in the country and will not lose a conference game this season. They will travel to Moraga, CA to face St. Mary's in the marquee BracketBusters game.


The Bottom of the Barrel:

It would be rude of us to include the "have's" and but not the "have-not's". After all, planetary balance is very essential. For every team that hasn't lost a game, there has to be a team still fighting for their first win.



Centenary: 0-25 (0-13)
Next Game: 2/10 at Southern Utah (7-16, 3-9)
First Potential Win: 2/10 at Southern Utah (7-16, 3-9)

The Gentleman only have five more chances to claim their first victory of the year. Unfortunately they only stand a chance of doing so in one of these games. I just don't think they will get a win this season.

Continue reading...

The Emery Board: Week 12

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March. BYU's senior guard Jackson Emery, has made the bold prediction that his team, a Cougar squad that finished with a 27-4 record last season, will in fact go undefeated this season.

We have decided that, in honor of Emery's swagger, we will keep a watch on the BYU Cougar's schedule, see if they can walk-the-walk. We will also keep tabs on any other undefeated teams who try to make a run at the perfect season.

Week 11:
You know, it's kinda funny. We've been so enamored with the recent explosion of JimmerJam2011 that we lost sight of what the Emery Board was all out: playfully ripping Jackson Emery. If you recall, after BYU's first loss of the season, a head-scratcher to UCLA in Anaheim, Emery clarified that although they had lost, he still thought they could go the rest of the season without losing another game.

Well, I guess Mr. Emery forgot to remind his teams of his statements following their emotional home victory against SDSU on Wednesday. Because going into The Pit for a conference match-up against a team desperate for a signature win is not an easy thing to do. The Cougars played well, but new Mexico played better. BYU got only 9 points from their bench, all from Charles Abouo, and while Jimmer did drop 32, he did so on 12-26 shooting.

As for Mr. Emery, he had a somewhat-cold week. In the last two games, he has shot a combined 3-for-15, including 2-for-12 from behind the arc, and recorded only a mere five assists.

Things don't get much easier for the Cougars from here on out. They travel to Wyoming on Wednesday then host UNLV on Saturday night. Yes Wyoming is only 1-6 in the conference but that one win came at home against the same New Mexico squad that just beat BYU.

Next Game: 2/2 at Wyoming
Next Possible Loss: 2/26 at San Diego State


Undefeated Teams

No. 1 Ohio State: 22-0 (9-0)
Last Win: 58-57 at Northwestern
Next Game: 2/3 vs. Michigan
Next Potential Loss: 2/6 at No.18 Minnesota

"There can be only ONE!". Well no not really, but there's only one undefeated team left in the country, and it's tOSU. The Buckeyes' other sensational freshman, Aaron Craft had a big week, scoring a combined 24-points on 9-for-17 shooting and dished out nine assists in Ohio State's two wins. This team is loaded with talent from top to bottom, has experience, size, great coaching, and well, pretty much everything a team needs to win six consecutive games in March. The Buckeyes have shown they can win close games on the road, and can win games in which the opponents force them to play a different style of basketball. And to think I just wrote an entire paragraph about tOSU and didn't even mention Jared Sullinger. That's how good the Buckeyes are.


Drop-Outs

No. 6 San Diego State: 21-1 (6-1)
First Loss: 59-71 at No.9 BYU

"They have been weighed, they have been measured, and they have been found wanting." Or you could just say they lost a hard-fought game on the road in one of the toughest arenas to play at in the entire country. But on the plus side, Kawhi Leonard was battling flu-like symptoms prior to the game and still had a large night. Circle Saturday the 26th on your calenders, because that's when the SDSU fans get to return the favor to BYU.


The Bottom of the Barrel:

It would be rude of us to include the "have's" and but not the "have-not's". After all, planetary balance is very essential. For every team that hasn't lost a game, there has to be a team still fighting for their first win.



Centenary: 0-23 (0-3)
Next Game: 2/3 vs. North Dakota State (10-11, 5-6)
First Potential Win: 2/10 at Southern Utah (6-15, 3-6)

Another week, and another couple of losses for the Gentlemen. They capped-off a four-game road trip by getting smacked by Summit League leaders Oakland 100-70, and finally get a chance to play in front of their home crowd, if they have one. With only seven games left, it's looking less and less likely that they will get that elusive-W.





Continue reading...

The Emery Board: Week 11

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March. BYU's senior guard Jackson Emery, has made the bold prediction that his team, a Cougar squad that finished with a 27-4 record last season, will in fact go undefeated this season.

We have decided that, in honor of Emery's swagger, we will keep a watch on the BYU Cougar's schedule, see if they can walk-the-walk. We will also keep tabs on any other undefeated teams who try to make a run at the perfect season.


Week 11:
Jimmer Fredette continued on his path of swag-destruction, this time dropping 42-large on Colorado State. Jimmer continues to keep his name in the discussion for National Player of the Year. How can you not vote for him when he hits shots like these:



The Cougars got past the trap game and now face SDSU in the Mountain West game of the year on Thursday. Will Jimmer be able to drop 30? I'm not sure, but I bet a lot of people will tune in to find out.

Next Game: 1/26 vs. No.5 SDSU
Next Potential Loss: 1/26 vs. No.5 SDSU


Other Undefeated Teams

No. 1 Ohio State: 20-0 (7-0)
Last Win: 73-68 at No.22 Illinois
Next Game: 1/25 vs. No.13 Purdue
Next Potential Loss: 1/25 vs. No.13 Purdue

Can anybody stop Jared Sullinger and the Buckeyes? I'm not sure anybody in the Big-10 can. The Buckeyes' next game is against Purdue, and the match-up between Sullinger and Ja'Juan Johnson is going to be the key to victory for both teams. If tOSU can win, it's likey that they stay undefeated until mid-February, when they hit their toughest stretch of the season (at No.19 Minnesota, at No.17 Wisconsin, vs. No.18 Michigan State, vs. No.22 Illinois).


No. 6 San Diego State: 20-0 (5-0)
Last Win: 68-55 vs. Air Force
Next Game: 1/26 at No.9 BYU
Next Potential Loss: 1/26 at No.9 BYU

I think it's safe to say that nobody, not even die-hard Aztec fans thought they would be undefeated at this point in the season. But the 20 wins they have amassed doesn't matter anymore because they have their biggest game of the season on thursday, when they travel to the Marriott Center to take on BYU, in that marquee game-of-the-week. The question on everybody's minds is: how can they shut down Jimmer Fredette? I'm not sure you can shut him down. Your best bet is to try and contain him, and the Aztecs have a couple of different guys they can put on Fredette. This game is of must-watch status.


Drop-Outs

No. 2 Kansas: 17-0
first loss: 63-74 vs. No.11 Texas

Kansas lost their first home game in 69 tries against a hot Texas team. The Jayhawks got out to a quick lead, but were couldn't keep up with the Longhorns in the second half. I still think Kansas is a top-5 team, but they have shown the inability to put teams away.


No. 5 Syracuse: 18-2
First loss: 66-74 at No.4 Pitt, 72-83 vs. No.7 Villanova

Inconsistency is Syracuse's biggest problem, and was made evident in the 19-0 run, then 17-0 run that occurred in the game against Pitt. Well the same thing happened against 'Nova. Syracuse needs to find consistency in order to be considered a Final Four team. They are still a Big East contender, but that list changes virtually every week.


The Bottom of the Barrel:

It would be rude of us to include the "have's" and but not the "have-not's". After all, planetary balance is very essential. For every team that hasn't lost a game, there has to be a team still fighting for their first win.



Centenary: 0-21 (0-9)
Next Game: 1/27 at IPFW (1-7, 6-3)
First Potential Win: 2/10 at Southern Utah (6-13, 3-6)

Centenary continues to lose games and it doesn't look like it s going to change any time soon. Their bet chance will come on February 10th when they face a Southern Utah team that already beat them 88-75. Don't be surprised if Centenary doesn't win a single game this season.

Continue reading...

The Emery Board: Week 10

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March. BYU's senior guard Jackson Emery, has made the bold prediction that his team, a Cougar squad that finished with a 27-4 record last season, will in fact go undefeated this season.

We have decided that, in honor of Emery's swagger, we will keep a watch on the BYU Cougar's schedule, see if they can walk-the-walk. We will also keep tabs on any other undefeated teams who try to make a run at the perfect season.


Week 10:
BYU had a relatively light week, with just one game since last Monday. However, in that game, a 104-79 throttling of rivals Utah, Jimmer Fredette went bananas. And when i mean bananas, I mean, like b-a-n-a-n-a-s, bananas. The dude dropped 32 points in the first half, including a half-court buzzer-beater.



At the half, Utah's entire team had scored just ten more points than Fredette. He scored 15 points in the second half for a grand total of 47-points. The Cougars have two games this week, home against TCU tonight, then a road game on Saturday at Colorado State. But almost everybody in the country has circled January 26th. That's the date when the undefeated, No. 5 Aztecs of SDSU travel to the Marriott Center to face the No. 9 Cougars in arguably the biggest game of the season west of the Mississippi River.

Next Game: 1/18 vs. TCU
Next Potential Loss: 1/26 vs. No. 6 SDSU

Other Undefeated Teams

No. 1 Ohio State: 18-0
Last Win: 69-66 vs. Penn State
Next Game: 1/19 vs. Iowa
Next Potential Loss: 1/22 at Illinois

The Buckeyes claim the top spot in the rankings due to Duke's loss at Florida State. Ohio State had a tough week, squeaking past two inferior opponents. They went on the road and beat Michigan by just four and followed it up with a three-point-win at home against Penn State. Jared Sullinger provided the game-winning basket against Penn State after scoring just 12-points in the Michigan game. They get Iowa at home before playing back-to-back games against ranked opponents (at #22 Illinois, vs. #13 Purdue).


No. 2 Kansas: 17-0
Last Win: 63-60 vs. Nebraska
Next Game: 1/17 at Baylor
Next Potential Loss: 1/17 at Baylor

Just like tOSU, Kansas had a difficult week in conference play but ultimately won both the games, a five-point win at Iowa State and a three-point win against a scrappy Nebraska squad. But the next two weeks may be the toughest stretch of games for the Jayhawks all season. They play at Baylor tonight, then host No. 11 Texas five days later, followed up by a trip to Colorado to face the current Big-12 leaders. They cap off January with "The Sunflower State Showdown" against No. 24 Kansas State. I'd be very shocked if Kansas is still undefeated when we enter February.


No. 5 Syracuse: 18-0
Last Win: 67-52 vs. Cincinnati
Next Game: 1/17 at Pittsburgh
Next Potential Loss: 1/17 at Pittsburgh

Jim Boeheim's bunch put together solid week of play, blowing out two teams (St. John's and Cincinnati) that were on hot-streaks. The Orange play their biggest game of the year tonight when they travel to Pittsburgh in the marquee game of the Big East season thus far. Rick Jackson and Scoop Jardine have been playing great, but the Orange have back-to-back games against elite Big East teams in Pitt and Villanova. I don't think Syracuse will be undefeated for much longer.

No. 7 San Diego State: 18-0
Last Win: 87-77 at New Mexico
Next Game: 1/19 vs. Air Force
Next Potential Loss: 1/26 at BYU

It was a big week for the Aztecs, as they knocked off two solid MWC opponents in UNLV and New Mexico. The win against new Mexcico was especially impressive considering it was on the road at The Pit. SDSU has two tough games coming up as they face a better-than-advertised Air Force team, then the MWC showdown of the year against No. 9 BYU. I think the Aztecs could end up being the last remaining unbeaten team.

Drop-Outs

No. 1 Duke: 16-1
First Loss:66-61 at Florida State

I had a hunch that Florida State's stout defense might give Duke fits, and that's exactly what happened. They Blue Devils got little-to-no productive from their frontcourt and had trouble hitting their shots. But don;t write off the Dukies just yet. When they play well, I think they are the best team in the country.

The Bottom of the Barrel:

It would be rude of us to include the "have's" and but not the "have-not's". After all, planetary balance is very essential. For every team that hasn't lost a game, there has to be a team still fighting for their first win.



Centenary: 0-19
Next Game: 1/19 at Louisiana-Lafayette (3-14)
First Potential Win: 1/19 at Louisiana-Lafayette (3-14)

Poor poor Centenary. Last week there were four winless teams, and now, just one. It's very possible that the Gentlemen don;t win a single game this season, something that hasn't been done since N.J.I.T did it back in 2008.

Continue reading...

The Emery Board: Week 9

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March. BYU's senior guard Jackson Emery, has made the bold prediction that his team, a Cougar squad that finished with a 27-4 record last season, will in fact go undefeated this season.

We have decided that, in honor of Emery's swagger, we will keep a watch on the BYU Cougar's schedule, see if they can walk-the-walk. We will also keep tabs on any other undefeated teams who try to make a run at the perfect season.

Week 9:

The Cougars are 3-0 since the beginning of 2011 and for now, Jackson Emery's reconfirmation that his team won't lose another game is upheld. BYU's week began with a trip to UNLV, where they are winless in their last five trips. In what one of the most entertaining games of the week, the Cougars fought back from an early nine-point deficit and were able to stretch the lead to 21. but the Rebels fought back and cut the lead to ten with just two minutes left. ultimately BYU prevailed, in large part to Jimmer Fredette's 39 points which included a ballsy three-pointer from deep left-field.



The win over UNLV was big, as it will likely be there toughest competition before they face No. 6 San Diego State on January 26th, which will likely be the best west coast game of the season.

Over the weekend, the Cougars defeated Air Force by ten even though Fredette scored only 22-points, his fifth lowest output of the season. BYU's next game is a Tuesday night battle on the road against their rivals Utah. The Cougars are a much better team that the Utes, but in a rivalry game of this magnitude, anything is possible.

Next Game: 1/11 at Utah
Next Potential Loss: 1/26 vs. No. 6 SDSU

Other Undefeated Teams

No. 1 Duke: 15-0
Last Win:71-64 vs. Maryland
Next Game: 1/12 at Florida State
Next Potential Loss: 1/19 at North Carolina State

The Blue Devils earned their 15th consecutive win of the season with a victory over Maryland on Sunday night. The Terps were the last team to beat Duke, when they knocked off the Blue Devils in College Park last March. The Dukies have won 25 straight since that game. On Sunday, Kyle Singler recorded his first double-double of the season with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Think about that for a second. Duke is 15-0, hands-down the best player in the country, and their best player doesn't log a double-double until January. That's scary.


Duke got good production from guards Nolan Smith, Andre Dawkins, Tyler Thornton and Seth Curry. Thornton was particularly impressive, providing a spark off the bench which helped the Blue Devils put together it's game-breaking run late in the second half. Duke's conference schedule is set up for them to be undefeated for a long time. They face FSU on the road in their next game, and follow it up with a home game against Virginia. A game at North Carolina State on January 19th looks like their toughest to date, which isn't saying a lot. Look for this team to stay undefeated for a long time.


No. 2 Ohio State: 14-0
Last Win: 67-64 vs. No. 21 Minnesota
Next Game: 1/12 at Michigan
Next Potential Loss: 1/22 at No. 22 Illinois

The Buckeyes opened up Big-Ten play with three solid performances. The crushed Indiana on the road and gutted-out a come-from-behind victory at Iowa. Being able to overcome adversity early in league-play is very important for a team with National Championship aspirations. They finished-off their week with a close, maybe even too close, win over Minnesota when Austin Hollin's three-pointer came up short and tOSU was able to escape with their undefeated record intact.


No. 3 Kansas: 15-0
Last Win: 67-60 at Michigan
Next Game: 1/12 at Iowa State
Next Potential Loss: 1/17 at Baylor

Kansas had another scare, this time courtesy of a young Michigan squad and a rowdy Ann Arbor crowd. Kansas led by as many as 15, but the Wolverines fought back thanks to some timely three-pointers and a zone defense that gave the Jayhawks fits. But in overtime, the Jayhawks pulled away and remain unbeaten.


Kansas has been in way too many close games against inferior competition. Methinks that is isn't long before they get upset. Their next game is at Iowa State in their Big-12 opener. I would not be surprised if Kansas gets stunned. But then again, I also wouldn't be surprised if the beat the Cyclones by 15+.


No. 5 Syracuse: 16-0
Last Win: 61-58 at Seton Hall
Next Game: 1/12 at St. John's
Next Potential Loss: 1/12 at St. John's

Syracuse was able to survive against Seton Hall over the weekend, despite having it's worst offensive performance of the season. Rick Jackson had only nine points, but grabbed 14 boards. Brandon Triche and Chris Joseph combined for 32 points, but the Orange scored only 20 first half points, the lowest single-half output of the season. Things don;t gett easier for 'Cuse from here. They face St. John's on Wednesday, then have to play Cincinnati, at Pitt, and against Villanova. If 'Cuse is still undefeated by January 23rd, I'd be pretty surprised.


No. 7 San Diego State: 17-0
Last Win: 71-62 at Utah
Next Game: 1/12 vs. UNLV
Next Potential Loss: 1/12 vs. UNLV

The Aztecs remain unbeaten thanks to a strong road performance against Utah. SDSU struggled in the first half, as the lead changed hands 11 times. But the Aztecs held the Utes to just 4 points in the game's final eight minutes to remain unbeaten.


But SDSU now has their toughest stretch of the season in the next 20 days. They have to battle UNLV, travel to the Pit to face New Mexico, come back and play a decent Air Force team, then head to Utah of the biggest game of the season west of the Mississippi River, against No. 14 BYU. Like Syracuse, if the Aztecs make it to the end of January with no losses, I will be very surprised.


Drop-Outs

Central Florida: 13-0
First Loss: 76-71 at Houston

I did not think UCF would stay unbeaten much longer, but I did not see them losing to a Huston team that has loses to LSU, Texas-San Antonio and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Golden Knights had just beaten Marshall in an emotional game following coach Donnie Jones' return to the school he left last year. UCF has a week off before their next game, against fellow-Conference-USA surprise Southern Miss, and I can imagine that the Golden Knights would have loved to go into the week-off with a 2-0 conference record. Instead, they are 1-1 and have their first loss of the season.

Cincinnati: 14-0
First Loss: 72-61 at Villanova

We all knew the Bearcats wouldn't be unbeaten much longer. Their past two games were the toughest of the season, defeating Xavier in the cross-town rivalry game, then going to Philadelphia to take on one of the Big East elites. This wasn't a bad loss for the Bearcats, and although they now have a tally in the loss-column, they still have potential for Big-East success this season.

The Bottom of the Barrel:

It would be rude of us to include the "have's" and but not the "have-not's". After all, planetary balance is very essential. For every team that hasn't lost a game, there has to be a team still fighting for their first win.


Alcorn State: 0-13
Next Game: 1/10 at Grambling State (3-12)
First Potential Win: 1/10 at Grambling State (3-12)

Arkansas-Pine Bluff: 0-14
Next Game: 1/10 vs. Alabama A&M (5-7)
First Potential Win: 1/15 at Southern (2-13)

Centenary: 0-17
Next Game: 1/13 vs. Missouri-Kansas City (9-7)
First Potential Win: 1/15 vs. Southern Utah (4-11)

UNC Greensboro: 0-15
Next Game: 1/10 vs. Elon (7-8)
First Potential Win: 1/20 vs. Georgia Southern (4-13)


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The Emery Board: Week 8 The Rebirth

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March. BYU's senior guard Jackson Emery, has made the bold prediction that his team, a Cougar squad that finished with a 27-4 record last season, will in fact go undefeated this season.

We have decided that, in honor of Emery's swagger, we will keep a watch on the BYU Cougar's schedule, see if they can walk-the-walk. We will also keep tabs on any other undefeated teams who try to make a run at the perfect season.

Week 8:

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, Jackson Emery had to go do something like this... and totally redeem himself!

"When I said at the beginning of the year, 'I believe we can win every game,' I meant it. Not guaranteeing anything, just saying I see the guys we have, the schedule we have, and I believe we can win every game, and we didn't. But I still believe now that we could win every game from here on out."

After BYU lost to UCLA, ending Emery's quest for an undefeated season, I scoured the internet looking for quotes, thoughts, tidbits, etc., on his failed prediction. I found nothing. I was stunned. I didn't think it was possible for somebody to say something this outlandish, have it backfire, and then go completely unnoticed.


Then out of nowhere, this gem appeared. Not only does Emery try to justify what he originally said, but he goes and makes another ballsy prediction. Maybe there is something we don't know. Maybe Mormons have the ability to see the future, I'm not sure. But what I am sure about is that Jackson Emery is a baller. He didn't eat his words nor did he back-peddle. This kid bleeds confidence. He sweats swagger. Whatever this kid is drinking, I want some. A lot of it.

It's a bold prediction. The Mountain West Conference is having one of it's best seasons ever. Right now, there are four teams that could receive at-large bids to the NCAA tournament (San Diego State, BYU, UNLV, and New Mexico). It just does not seem possible that BYU will go undefeated in MWC play. But I have no problem being wrong, and clearly, Emery doesn't either.

Next Game: 1/5 @ UNLV
Next Potential Loss: 1/5 @ UNLV

Other Undefeated Teams

No. 1 Duke: 13-0
Next Game: 1/5 @ UAB
Next Potential Loss: 1/9 vs. Maryland

Duke is missing their best offensive threat and are still the best team in the country. That's scary. The Dukies ran through a Miami team that I thought would give them some trouble, led by 28 points from senior Nolan Smith. Smith has been terrific of late, averaging 24.5 ppg in his last four. The conference is having a down-year, but I still think there are teams that can upset the Blue Devils on a given night. As we should all be well aware, road games in conference play are never an easy win. Maryland always plays Duke tough, and although the game is being played in Durham, I like the Terrapins chances. After that, the Blue Devils head to Tallahassee to take on Florida State.


No. 2 Ohio State: 14-0
Next Game: 1/4 @ Iowa
Next Potential Loss: 1/9 vs. No. 13 Minnesota

It's scary when a freshman is considered the best player in the country. It's even more scary when he's not the only threat on his team. Ohio State is hands-down the best team in the Big Ten and, as of now, looks like a true National Championship contender. It could be a long time before they lose. If they beat Minnesota, which I expect them to do, their next true test comes at the end of the month when they play Illinois on the road.


No. 3 Kansas: 13-0
Next Game: 1/5 vs. Missouri-Kansas City
Next Potential Loss: 1/17 @ No. 23 Baylor

Its interesting to think about what Bill Self has done with Marcus Morris. He benched his star forward after Marcus was ejected from a game against Cal for a couple of elbows he sent towards Harper Kamp's head. Sure, its a statement, but would that same statement be made if Kansas was playing someone just a bit better than Miami-Ohio? Probably. Anyway, Josh Selby seems to have righted the ship after struggling against Texas-Arlington, and the Jayhawks look like they will continue rolling.


No. 5 Syracuse: 15-0
Next Game: 1/8 @ Seton Hall
Next Potential Loss: 1/12 @ St. John's

This Syracuse team scares me a lot. They have seven guys who go six-foot-seven and taller, play a lock-down 2-3 zone and have guys who can get to the basket and score. Syracuse has not been tested on the road yet, and that could hurt them down the road. But as of now, they are looking like the best team in the Big East after beating a Notre Dame team that was coming off of a win against Georgetown. No team in the conference has the size they do, and I think that could carry them a long way.


No. 7 San Diego State: 15-0
Next Game: 1/5 @ TCU
Next Potential Loss: 1/12 vs. UNLV

We all knew San Diego State was going to be good this season, but I don't think any of us could have predicted this. It will be interesting to see how much longer this undefeated run lasts, as SDSU has had some trouble putting teams away of late and the league that they play in is stacked at the top. That said, this is clearly the Aztec's best team in the history of the program.


Central Florida: 13-0
Next Game: 1/5 vs. Marshall
Next Potential Loss: 1/5 vs. Marshall

Donnie Jones has to be in the running for National Coach of the Year, right? I mean, nobody could have expected them to be undefeated at this point, with wins over Florida and Miami. Marcus Jordan has become the team's leader and go-to player, and has a solid supporting cast around him.


Cincinnati: 14-0
Next Game: 1/6 vs. Xavier
Next Potential Loss: 1/6 vs. Xavier

A month ago, there were seven unbeaten teams in the Big East. Now there are just two, and Cincinnati is one of them. The Bearcats have played a weak schedule, but they also play in the Big East, which means they will be in a dogfight on a weekly basis. I wouldn't look past their tilt with Xavier, though. The intracity rivalry is one of the most underrated ones in the country, and the Musketeers will be Cincinnati's biggest test to date.

Drop-Outs
No. 4 Connecticut: 10-0
First Loss: at #6 Pittsburgh 78-63
Next Game: 1/4 @ #15 Notre Dame

We were all waiting to see what would happen when Kemba Walker had a off-night. Yes it's true that he ended with 31 points, but he shot 10-27 and was the only Husky in double-digits. Credit Pittsburgh for playing suffocating defense and limiting open shots. I think we saw the UConn team we all expected earlier in the year. They are good, but not great. They will beat some good teams, but also lose to some good teams.


The Bottom of the Barrel:

It would be rude of us to include the "have's" and but not the "have-not's". After all, planetary balance is very essential. For every team that hasn't lost a game, there has to be a team still fighting for their first win.


Alcorn State: 0-10
Next Game: 1/4 at Prairie View A&M (3-10)
First Potential Win: 1/4 vs. Prairie View A&M (3-10)

Arkansas-Pine Bluff: 0-12
Next Game: 1/4 @ Missouri Valley State (1-12)
First Potential Win: 1/4 @ Missouri Valley State (1-12)

Centenary: 0-15
Next Game: 1/6 @ South Dakota State (10-4)
First Potential Win: 1/15 vs. Southern Utah (4-10)

UNC Greensboro: 0-12
Next Game: 1/6 vs. Samford (9-5)
First Potential Win: 1/10 vs. Elon (6-7)
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The Emery Board: Week 7

College basketball has not seen a team go undefeated since Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 in 1975-1976. The closest we have seen since then was a Jameer Nelson-led St. Joseph's team that went 27-0 in the 2003-2004 season before losing to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 tournament. Every season a team flirts with the notion of an undefeated season, but every season that notion slowly fades as January turns to February and February turns to March. BYU's senior guard Jackson Emery, has made the bold prediction that his team, a Cougar squad that finished with a 27-4 record last season, will in fact go undefeated this season.

We have decided that, in honor of Emery's swagger, we will keep a watch on the BYU Cougar's schedule, see if they can walk-the-walk. We will also keep tabs on any other undefeated teams who try to make a run at the perfect season.

Week 7:

BYU may not be competing for an undefeated year anymore, but they still have a full season of basketball to play.

The Cougars moved to 12-1 on the season with a couple of solid wins this week. They opened it up with a 72-66 win over Weber State on Tuesday. The close score is unimpressive, especially considering that the Wildcats are without their star guard Damian Lillard, who broke a bone in his foot.

BYU was up by double figures for much of the game, led by 28 points from Jimmer Fredette. But Weber State's aggressive defense eventually wore down the Cougars. They shot just 37.3% from the floor and 26.9% from three, numbers that drop to 32.6% and 15.4%, respectively, once Fredette's numbers are factored out. The Wildcats made a comeback, but never got within one possession.


On Thursday, it seemed as if BYU was going to get a tougher test, but the UTEP Miners learned the hard way the dangers of ... The Emery Board. Jackson had 23 points and hit six threes, despite the fact that he has been coming off the bench as he deals with a shin injury, as BYU cruised to an 89-68 win despite falling behind 9-0 early on.

Next Game: 12/30 @ Buffalo

Next Potential Loss: 1/5 @ UNLV


BYU might have ruined my plans for an epic "Ankiel Watch" level of prediction, but there are still nine teams left that have a shot at the undefeated season. So we might as well use this space to document their chances.


Other Undefeated Teams

No. 1 Duke: 11-0
Next Game: 12/29 @ UNC-Greensboro
Next Potential Loss: 1/2 vs. Miami

Duke won't go undefeated this year. Sorry it just won't happen. That was a sexy statement to make following the Michigan State game, but without Kyrie Irving, you can forget about 32-0. But I give Duke the best chance to be the last team in the country to get a tally in the loss column. The ACC isn't great, but teams come ready to play every night when they have Duke sitting in the visiting locker room. Circle the Dukie's first conference road game (1/12 @ Florida State) as a possible end-date for that unblemished record. If they can get past that game, it could be February before Duke loses a game. This week, they head to winless UNC-Greensboro before hosting Miami.


No. 2 Ohio State: 12-0
Next Game: 12/27 vs. UT-Martin
Next Potential Loss: 1/9 vs. Minnesota

The Buckeyes very well be the best team in America. Jared Sullinger isn't only playing like the best freshman in the country, he's playing like the best big man in the country and a potential national player of the year candidate. Their perimeter players are all capable of going off for 25 points on a given night. They have a solid freshman point guard and a big shot blocker in the paint. The thing that is so impressive about this Ohio State team is that everyone understands their role on the team and completely buys into it. It might be until February, when the Buckeyes take trips to Wisconsin and Purdue in the span of a week, before they actually lose a game.


No. 3 Kansas: 9-0
Next Game: 12/29 vs. UT-Arlington
Next Potential Loss: 1/22 vs. Texas

Kansas looks better and better as the season goes on, and with the Big XII looking weaker, especially at the top (Baylor and Kansas State have both struggled, and they were picked to be top three in the league), the Jayhawks's chances of running the table get better. Will it happen? Well, not likely, but with only one game each against Baylor, Texas, and Texas A&M, Kansas has the schedule to make it a possibility.


No. 4 Connecticut: 10-0
Next Game: 12/27 at Pittsburgh
Next Potential Loss: 12/27 at Pittsburgh

Well, we find out who the Huskies are tonight. They head to the Peterson Events Center to take on the Panthers, who many believe to be the best team in the Big East despite what rankings and records may say. To get an idea how overrated UConn appears to be, Pitt started the day as 7.5 point favorites in Vegas. I'm going to hold off comment on the Huskies until after tonight's game.


No. 5 Syracuse: 10-0
Next Game: 12/28 vs. Providence
Next Potential Loss: 12/28 vs. Providence

Like UConn, Syracuse is kicking off Big East play this week. It starts with the Friars, and continues with a New Year's Day matchup with Notre Dame. I'm not sure this team has the chops -- or the perimeter shooting -- to make it past Pitt and Villanova later in the month, but with Kris Joseph starting to round into form and Fab Melo looking healthier, the Orange defense and interior play may be good enough that perimeter shooting is rendered mute.


No. 7 San Diego State: 14-0
Next Game: 12/31 vs. Occidental
Next Potential Loss: 1/12 vs. UNLV

I love this San Diego State team, but if I'm being totally honest, I'm shocked they are still undefeated at this point in the season. Its not because I don't think they are good enough -- this is the best team on the West Coast without question -- its because they continually play down to their opponents. A six point win over Cal Poly. A six point win against San Francisco. A two point win over IUPUI. Granted, there were extenuating circumstances -- the flu has swept through the team, while the latter two games were played in a rodeo arena under less than ideal circumstances. Regardless, SDSU needs to start playing up to their potential, or eventually they are going to slip up.


Central Florida: 11-0
Next Game: 12/29 vs. Furman
Next Potential Loss: 1/15 @ Southern Miss

UCF just keeps getting better and better. This week, it was a five point win at UMass, which doesn't appear all that impressive on the surface. But consider this -- they played the first 25 minutes without Marcus Jordan, who had two bad ankles, but who convinced the coaching staff to allow him to play the last 15 minutes of the game. Impressive stuff. UCF will battle with Memphis and Southern Miss for the C-USA title this season.


Cincinnati: 8-0
Next Game: 12/28 vs. DePaul
Next Potential Loss: 1/6 vs. Xavier

Still waiting for Cincinnati to come up with an impressive win. The 68-34 shellacking of Dayton needs to be taken in context -- the Flyers were in the midst of a terrible string of basketball -- and my team in college might have beaten this year's Oklahoma team. That said, there is much to like about this team. Dion Dixon, Cashmere Wright, and Sean Kilpatrick are all playing above expectations, while Yancy Gates anchors a big, athletic front line. I'm still going to withhold judgement on this team until they actually play someone, but consider me in the process of being swayed.


Drop-Outs

Northwestern: 5-0
First Loss: 85-69 @ St. John's

Northwestern ran into a buzz saw in Madison Square Garden last week. The Johnnies shot 80% in the second half and ran away with the win. The loss was very costly for Northwestern's tournament hopes, as the Wildcats are now hanging their non-conference schedule on a win over Georgia Tech in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. To make matters worse, they start of the Big Ten season at Purdue, at home for Michigan State, and at Illinois. We could find out really soon whether or not this Northwestern team is for real.


The Bottom of the Barrel:

It would be rude of us to include the "have's" and but not the "have-not's". After all, planetary balance is very essential. For every team that hasn't lost a game, there has to be a team still fighting for their first win.


Alcorn State: 0-9
Next Game: 12/28 at Ole Miss (9-3)
First Potential Win: 1/4 vs. Prairie View A&M (2-10)

Arkansas-Pine Bluff: 0-11
Next Game: 12/29 at Akron (7-5)
First Potential Win: 12/29 at Akron (7-5)

Centenary: 0-13
Next Game: 12/28 vs. Oakland (7-8)
First Potential Win: 1/15 vs. Southern Utah (3-8)

Colgate: 0-10
Next Game: 12/29 at Stony Brook (4-6)
First Potential Win: 1/2 at Longwood (4-11)

Maryland-Baltimore County: 0-12
Next Game: 12/30 vs. Niagara (3-9)
First Potential Win: 12/30 vs. Niagara (3-9)

UNC Greensboro: 0-11
Next Game: 12/29 vs. Duke (11-0)
First Potential Win: 1/10 vs. Elon (5-7)

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