2010 College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon Live-Blog

Yes, it is that time folks.

Well, let me take that back. The Tip-Off Marathon doesn't officially start until midnight tonight when Miami heads to Memphis to take on the Tigers. But starting at 7:00 pm, there will be hoops for 30 straight hours. The brains behind BIAH figured that, since there will be a solid five hours of good basketball on before the Tip-Off marathon officially begins (including games involving UCLA, Nevada, and Pacific, who will be playing the last game in the actual marathon), we should go ahead and live-blog that too.

Why not, right?

I mean, we're already destroying our sleep cycle for the week and ingesting an incredibly unhealthy amount of Red Bull, chips, and this delicious dip that my girlfriend found at Trader Joe's made out of wing sauce and blue cheese (she got +10 points for that discovery).

But our cholesterol be damned, we are determined to provide the best coverage of this college hoops marathon. So read this preview, then hit the jump and join us for what is sure to be a wild night. There may be some basketball involved as well.




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Title Game Live-Blog

Yup, it is here. The national title game. And once again, BIAH will be in attendance.

One of the most interesting things about today has been how quiet the city has felt. The last two days, there were people everywhere, decked out in Green and different shades of blue. But today, nothing. I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the dismal weather outside, but you would think that a city whose team is about to win a title would be a little bit more enthused.

As I wrote that, the sun has begun to peek through the clouds and a group of four guys wearing Go Green shirts walked by outside my hotel. Through the glass, I could hear them chanting "Go Green, Go White".

Maybe I spoke too soon.

One thing that can't be stressed enough is that this is the perfect storm, so to speak, of title game storylines. You have Michigan State, the team that has been slept on all season. The "little guys", playing for a city and a state that the economy has left in a heap and who have already beaten Big East beasts Louisville and UConn, will be taking on the best team - the most talented team - in the country in UNC. Add to that that the game is going to be played in Detroit in front of 72,000 fans (probably 50,000 of which will be wearing green), and you get one of the most intruiging finals in recent memory.

Did I mention that they have already played this season, with the juggernaut beating the underdog by 35?

As always, follow along after the jump.

- The last six minutes of this game has had absolutely no pace and has been extremely boring to watch, especially since the game has not been in doubt. Let's get this over with.

Izzo is now emptying his bench. Congratulation Tar Heels.

- You cannot stop Ty Lawson. You just can't. Twice tonight he has split two defenders with a behind the back dribble. One ended in a lay-up, and the other ended with a gorgeous no-look pass through traffic to Hansbrough for a lay-up. As good as T is, the difference tonight (all season long as well) has been Lawson.

- State fans are already filing out. Too soon, as they have the lead down to 15 points. UNC needs to stop putting the Spartans on the line.

- UNC might have just put the seal in this game. They have pushed the lead back to 19 points with under eight minutes left.

Do they show One Shining Moment here?

- MSU has gotten it down to 16. The biggest reason is that they are finally attacking offensively, especially in transition. They have reallÝ started to get out and run the floor.

- Lawson has set the record for steals in a title game tonight with eight.

- MSU is trying to make a run, but another steal on an outlet pass puts a damper on that push. MSU hasn't been closer than 18 in a very long time.

- More important than the score, more important than UNC's shooting percentage, the biggest stat of this game is that MSU has 14 turnovers. When a team puts up 55 points in a half on you, you can't waste possessions like that.

- So far tonight they have honored Magic, Bird, Stockton, David Robinson, and Jordan at center court. Imagine having those five on a team.

- UNC is just better than Michigan State. They don't have a weakness. There is nothing for Izzo to exploit. For example, against UConn Izzo could make it a fast paced game, and take out the Thabeet effect. With the Heels, you can't do that.

- 55 points is a record for points in a half in a title game.

- MSU is starting to heat up offensively, but they need to start getting stops. Everytime they cut it to 18, UNC answers with a bucket.

- Here is what UNC does. They get a lead on you by pushing the ball and getting points in transition. When they build up the lead, they then start to slow it down a bit. But their half court offense is so efficient that they can score just about every time they have the ball. There is nothing more demoralizing than playing 25 seconds of good defense before giving up a bucket.

- MSU has finally woken up a bit, as Lucas is getting more aggressive. But it is too little too late. They were down 23 when they woke up.

- MSU needs to take better shots on the offensive end. They are forcing so many tough threes. Lucas has been an complete non factor. I don't think he has even shots.

- UNC's MO of late has been to jump out big leads early. They have done it again, getting up 13 at the under 12 timeout. Sparty needs to start slowing down Lawson, which is proving impossible. A good analogy for Lawson's style is that he is a north-south running back. He doesn't dance around, he doesn't play with the ball by crossing over and putting it between his legs a bunch. When he sees space, he attacks it. And since he is so quick, defenders cannot stay in front of him.

- The weirdest part of this game is that the rim is micced up to the PA system in Ford Field. So loud too.

- Two straight possessions where UNC fouls a jump shooter. They may be up 24-8, but don't do the Spartans any favors. You don't want them to get hot.

- UNC is so good offensively. I hope everyone out there can appreciate how good this team is. They are absolutely incredible too watch. 17 points in 4:36? That's 70 points in a half pace. Watch how well this team moves the ball around. Every pass they throw is the right pass, and it is always on the money. When they swing the ball, they just zip it around the perimeter.

I could wax poetic all day, but I'll spare you for now.

- Three possessions for UNC, three baskets on tough shots. Not a good sign for MSU. The Spartans are already falling into a trap of forcing it offensively.

- Is anyone surprised that Hansbrough hit the floor 3 seconds in?

- And here we go. The atmosphere in here is incredible.

- It is so loud in here that you cannot here Jim Nantz finish the names of the players due to cheering (for State) and/or booing (for UNC).

- Here is the difference between Jay Bilas and Dick Vitale: during pre-game warm-ups, Vitale was out shaking hands and joking around with some fans. Bilas? He was intently watching the lay-up lines, trying to get any piece of information he could.

- Memphis has just announced that they have promoted Josh Pastner to head coach.

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Big East Tournament Live-Blog Session 6

Tonight, we get two more possible #1 seeds as Pitt takes on West Virginia in the first game, and UConn gets Syracuse in the nightcap. Pitt-West Virginia may end up being a dog fight, as both teams rely heavily on getting points off of offensive rebounding and defense. UConn-Syracuse should be packed, as both teams draw very well here in NYC.

As always, if you have questions or comments, feel free to email me at ContactBIAH@gmail.com.

- 127-117. 6 ot. What a game. G'night.

- 120-112 Cuse. 1:47 left.

- Buffalo Wild wings doesn't want it to end

- Harris gives the Cuse a 118-110 lead.
- first Cuse lead of OT.

- Harris, Price, Rautins, and Adrien all have 4.

- 6 OT's. This is absurd. I can't believe I am here for this.

- UConn brings in Haralson, who hits a jumper to give UConn the lead. Flynn is fouled. Hits both.

- Devendorf has fouled out. 106 104 with 2 minutes left.

- 5 OT. Price starts the scoring with a jumper. 3 left.

- Unreal sequence there. Not even going to try to type it. 40 seconds, tie game, uconn ball. These kids are exhausted.

- Rick Jackson and Thabeet have fouled out. UConn up two.

- Price makes the second but Rautins ties it with a three. YOU HAVE TO FOUL THERE!!! Don't let them get the three off. I know the Huskies have been missing free throws, but still. Have confidence in your team.

- an adrien turnover leads to a dunk, but after he misses two ft's, walkker grabs an offensive board and the throw. Austrie grabs one after he misses a three. Price to the line up 2 with 21.3 left. Misses first.
- A Thabeet putback and a Harris putback keeps the lead at four. 1:37 left. The Cuse press is killing the Huskies right now.

- Harris, Jackson, Price, Adrien and Thabeet all have four fouls. After four Cuse free throws and a UConn turnover against the press, price hits two. 95-91.

- Stanley Robinson fouls out. 2:59 left.

- After a Price floater with 3:00 left, UConn is up six and Boeheim calls a timeout.

- Price starts the OT off with a three. After a Thabeet free throw it is 91-87
- 3 OT. I have no idea what to say about this right now. UConn misses three lay-ups before Flynn misses a three with 4 seconds, only For Walker to hit the back rim on a hal court prayer.

- Onuaku fouls out. 1:18 left.

- Flynn ties it with a three point play.

- After 3 free throws UConn up 3.

- The happiest people in the gym are from West Virginis, who plays the winner tomorrow.

- They are playing Oh What A Night by The Four Seasons.

- sticks hits 1-2 and Uconn takes a two point lead, but Flynn takes it to the rack and drops it off for a Rick Jackson dunk. 2 OT

- why is Rautins taking the big shot? Why not Flynn or Devo?

- Every single person is standing in this gym.

- Fitting. In his best game as a Husky, Robinson knocks down a three with 1:23 left to put UConn up 4. The Orange aren't out of it yet as Rautins answers with his own triple.

- this is incredible. Someone starts a chant, and it immediately turns into all husky fans screaming Let's go Huskies and Cuse fans yelling Let's go Orange. No matter how it started.

- Robinson starts the OT with two FT's, then Thabeet dives on the floor to gather a loose ball and calls a timeout.

- No good. Ot!!!!

- Kemba Walker ties it up with a second left, but the Cuse throws the ball the length of the court where it lands in Devo's hands and he hits a three at the buzzer. The refs are reviewing it. Stay tuned.

- I hope everyone at home is loving this. Basketball doesn't get any better than this. UConn down one to the Orange, their biggest rival, in a packed house in MSG with 1 minute left. Enjoy it. I am.

- Onuaku was 1-19 before those two free throws.

- Stanley Robinson has been the best player on the floor for the Huskies. He has 22 and 8 boards.

- Price is not getting shots. Why? Its a good question.

- Hugwe finish by Onuaku. UConn just doesn't seem to have much court sense. Case in point, Austrie blocked the Flynn jumper, but neither Edwards or Thabeet reacted quick enough to get the loose ball. Ongenaet knocks it to Flynn who finds Onuaku for the lay-up and the foul. UConn is in big trouble because they are down 64-57 with 3:56 left and are struggling to score.

- This place has turned into a home court for the Cuse. Every Pitt fan in my section is cheering for the Orange.

- Free throws are killing the Huskies. 7-15 after Robinson missed two.

- Jonny Flynn is taking this game over. Great move in the paint to draw the foul. 59-56 with 6:35 left on the clock.

- Huge three by Rautins as the Cuse have come back to take a 54-51 lead. UConn is struggling to get good looks offensively right now.

- Rick Jackson does not get enough touches. He is very good when he gets it on the block.

- Sticks with another big dunk. He is playing great today. When he is active defensively and on the glass he is such a difference maker. Not many people have a kid with his tools.

- We are at the under 12 timeout and UConn is up 46-42. Neiother team seems to be in rhythm offensively right now. Boeheim has gpotten such a quick leash with Paul Harris in this tournament. He is not afraid to pull him a minute into jis rotation.

- Sorry. Technical difficulties. Why would AJ Price ever try to pass to Thabeet running at full speed?

- What a first half of basketball. UConn takes a 37-34 lead into the break. Price and Robinson both have 11 for UConn, who is killing the Orange in the paint offensively. But the Huskies cannot get back on the defensive end as the Cuse transition game is clicking. This is going to be an amazing second half.

- First fight of the night. Some UConn in a Cuse section threw a punch and was escorted out by about 10 security guards ... all about 15 rows below me.

- What makes the Cuse so difficult to stop in transition is their best rebounder (Harris) can get out and lead the break. When he does, Flynn and Devo get out on the wings and its off to the races.

- Harris is leading the Orange with 8 and 4 while Price has 8 to lead the Huskies.

- Wow. Stanley Robinson is a bit athletic. He threw down a vicious windmill.

- Price hits a three to tie it at 20.

- UConn is crashing the glass with everyone, and as soon as the Orange secure the board they are out running. They didn't do that in the first half.

- The Orange zone is working well right now because UConn is not moving well in it. Thabeet and Adrien are standing too much. Offensively, Syracuse is clicking. They are pushing the ball very well, and running crisply off of screens.

- Devo with five straight points, but Price responds with a three.

- We are at the under 16 timeout, and the Orange are up 8-7. UConn, as usual, is missing free throws left and right. The Huskies need to keep getting the ball into the high post to beat this zone. Once they get a couple hi-lo's, the threes and pwerimeter lanes will start to open up.

- The Cuse fan next to me, every time Paul Harris touches the ball, says "holy sh*t Paul, what are you doing!!". You may have to be hearing it, but it is pretty funny.

- Three times to Adrien at the high post, two baskets and three foul shots.

- UConn alreasy O-3 from the line.

- Great pass by Adrien too Thabeet. And-1 dunk. UConn has to get the ball to Adrien at the high post to beat this zone.

- Definitely a decided advantage for UConn in the crowd, although I have a feeling Pitt and WVU fans will begin rooting for the Cuse before too long. This place is rocking right now.

- Ebanks now has 20 and the WV faithful rise as this one is over. Butler finishes with 16 and Ruoff ends up with 18 as WV wins 74-60.

- Blair is gone. 14 points but only about 10 minutes of floor time. 68-60 with 1:17 left.

- Butler just got his fourth on a Sam Young drive. It was Youngs first basket in like 15 minutes.

- The Garden is absolutely packed right now. This place is going to be crazy for tonight's game.

- That might be the dagger. Butler knocks down a three to put WV up 68-53 with a little over 5 minutes left. My new rule is ALWAYS pick WV in every tournament for at least one up set. Remember last year? They knocked off UConn as a sixand then beat Duke in the tourney as a seven.

- 6:52 left and WV is still up 10. Ruoff is back in the game. Huge miscommunication as Flowers gets a wide open layup. Blair just picked up his fourth on an illegal screen.

- Where is Sam Young this half? He has been very quiet.

- Two great plays by Gibbs back to back. Beautiful pass for a layuo then a great pull up in transition.

Ruoff took a shot to the face. Can't see what happened, but it looks like he lost a contact.

- And he is hitting jumpers now? 17 for Ebanks as WV has opened up a 12 point lead. WV is back in the zone. In theory, it is great. They are running a 1-3-1 with 6 9 Ebanks at the top. But that was their first stop in it.

- Devin Ebanks is going to be a star. Yesterdayan he had 18 boards and 5 assists. Today, he has 14 points, a couple pretty post moves, and a HUGE dunk. Check youtube for it later.

- Blair just picked up his third via a tech. I didn't see what it was for. Any help?

- It is the under 12 timeout. 53-45 WV. The Mountaineers really are battling inside. They are doing a solid job battling with Blair. He has 12 points and 4 boards.

- There are some real battles going on under the basket. For a big strong guy, Blair gets a lot of ticky tack fouls. Maybe he is so big a big hit lloks liks nothing.

- Ebanks is the best player on the floor right now, with 15 points and 5 boards. But Blair is starting to assert his dominance. He has two buckets and just drew a foul on the last possession. 47-41 WV.

- I saw a stat the other day. DeJuan Blair gets 25% of the Panthers misses. That is more than seven TEAMS. Ridiculous.

- Beautiful fast break led by Bryant finished with a huge one-handed dunk by Ebanks on Dixon. WV is up 45-37 and taking it right at Pitt. The issue is and always will be keeping Blair and co. off the o-boards, and as long as they can keep it up, they should be in good shape.

- Bryant bangs a three and WV is up six.

- Smith picks up his third foul guarding Blair. He is a loas on the block.

- And the second half begins with Ebanks getting a bucket in the paint.

- So we head into halftime with WV seemingly up 36-34 after a tip-in at the halftime buzzer by Flowers. Butler leads WV with 9 while Ebanks has 9 as well. Young is leading Pitt with 8 points. West Virginia missed a golden opportunity with Blair picking up two early fouls. WV has had trouble keeping the Panthers from penetrating, either in man or in the zone they were playing (which was completely ineffective - three possession, three baskets). Pitt had seven first half o-boards, but WV has five of their own. Fields struggled at the start, but finished with an outstanding half, ending with 6 assists.

- Butler just picked up his third foul. WV has switched to a 1-3-1 zone, but it has not been all the effective yet.

- Biggs picked up his third. The Panthers go small, lining up Gibbs and Fields in the backcourt with Young at center.

- We are at the under 4 timeout, and Pitt is up 29-28.

- Butler picks up his second foul trying to front Young 17 feet from the hoop.

- Gorgeous touch pass from Fields to Brown for a dunk. Pitt scored seven quick points to take the lead. Pitt is really trying to push the ball right now with Blair out of the game.

- Wanamaker with a tough drive to the rim, drawing a foul and-1 against Ruoff. 26-25.

- Classic screen the screener out of bounds play. Ruoff wide open three. Pitt has to know that play.

- Fields to Young oop. They are good for one of those a game. Under 8 timeout and it is 24-20 WV. The mountaineers want to build up a lead right now with Blair on the bench.

- Da'Sean Butler hits another three and WVU goes up four. Biggs has two fouls now too for Pitt.

- This game is very physical on both ends. Both teams are really battling out there.

- WVU is outscoring Pitt 15-7 since Blair went out. WV is really clicking offensively right now as they have scored the last six possessions. It is 19-17 at the under 12 timeout. Levance Fields is not playing very well. He has missed a number of drives to the rim, and has a couple bad turnovers. With Blair out, the Panthers need him to step up.

- what a pass from Bryant to Ebanks.

- And Blair picks up his second foul. Huge. The big fella makes such a difference for this Pitt team. When he is on the bench it is a huge hole in the middle. I don't know why you try and take that charge you are Blair.

Pitt has a 9-4 lead and Blair has five points and four boards. Ruoff to the line for the Mountaineers.

- and we're back, as Pitt has taken an early 6-4 lead. Blair has 2 points and 3 boards already, but more importantly 1 foul.

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Big East Tournament Live-Blog Session 5

Session 5 of the Big East tournament, and the games are really going to pick up today. We start with the Louisville Cardinals taking on the Providence Friars. The Friars carry with them the league's last hope for getting in eight teams. Win and they are dancing. Lose and they are headed to the NIT. Louisville, on the other hand, is just trying to ensure themselves a #1 seed come Sunday.

The second game is going to be even more entertaining as Villanova takes on Marquette in the 4-5 game. Both teams are overloaded with guards, have a ton of athletes on the wings, and play aggressive defense. It is going to be a fun day to watch.

Remember, come check in while you are at work. We will be live-blogging throughout the day and the tournament. Any questions, comments, or issues, email me at ContactBIAH@gmail.com.

- they are checking in on the monitor, and it counts. What a game. Marquette needs to keep their heads high, they fought hard.

- Reggie Redding finds Dwayne Anderson under the rim for a lay-up at the buzzer. Game over, Nova wins 76-75.

- Nova needs to try and get a turnover in the backcourt, then foul immediately across the timeline.

- Stokes travels! Marquette ball, up 75-74 with 40 seconds left.

- McNeal misses a pull-up three, Nova board.

- Reynolds with a driving lay-up, but Marquette responds with McNeal finding Hayward for a three at the top of the key. Marquette with their first lead in a long time.

What an atmosphere. What a game. This is what the BET is all about.

- Acker with another three ti cut it to 72-71, Butler blocks Reynolds then gets fouled. One of two. We are tied.

- The intensity in this arena is palpable right now. There are probably more Nova fans, but Marquette has a decent showing. It is 70-67 right now, and Butler is going to the line with a chance to cut the lead to 1. There have been a ton of free throws today, as the teams have combined to go 53-61.

- Acker picked up his fourth. He, Burke, and McNeal all have 4.

- Dwight Burke picked fouls on either end of the court going for boards against Reynolds. Butler got fouled for Marquette, shooting 1-and-1 to cut it to 2. Marquette is 31 -35

- McNeal with a three to cut it to 69-65.

- Marquette is hanging around down seven. If you are Nova you want this lead at 10 or 12 because of hoqw quickly Marquette can put up points.

- Jimmy butler scored his 15th point on a drive to the rim, but Stokes hit another 3. He has scored 13 points in about 4 minutes to keep Villanova in the lead. 67-58 and Nova ball with 7:34 left. McNeal has not played well today. He just turned the ball over again.

- Stokes answers with another jumper. He has 10 this half and 17 on the game.

- Acker has hit two straight threes, and the lead is back to six at 62-56. Things are coming much easier for Marquette offensively this half.

- Under 12 timeout, and it looks like Williams is leaving McNeal in. It is a good decision as the Eagles are down 60-48. When Williams pulled McNeal in the first half with four, that is when the Wildcats pushed the lead because there was not anyone on the floor for Marquette who could score.

- Huge call. McNeal just picked up his fourth fouling Corey Stokes on a three. Stokes has the last 8 for the Wildcats, who open up a 60-48 lead.

- Marquette cuts the lead to 52-46. They are 25-29 at the line. Stokes with a hugwe three off the dribble to answer.

- Cunningham just picked up his third on a cheap one deep in the corner covering Hayward.

- Under 16 timeout, and the score is 51-42.

- Marquette starts the half with an 11-2 run, hitting three three's. Two of them came off of a half court set, both of which came from the corner off of back-screens.

- Quick five points for the Eagles, including a three off of a set playy nice start.

- Foul trouble all around - Cunningham, Anderson, Clark and Reynolds all have two. Matthews, Cubillan, Acker, have two for Marquette, McNeal three.

- Corey Fisher ends the half going coast to coast in four seconds, finishing with a gorgeous spin move to beat the buzzer. Nova dominated the half with defense. Marquette was completelÿ ineffective in any type of halfcourt set (21% from the field), and as a result, the Wildcats were able to get out and run the floor. Reynolds was awesome. He held McNeal to just 9 points and an assist, while scoring 18 points and drawing McNeal's third foul. The two Corey's combined to add 15 points.

- This is where Marquette really misses James. They have no one that can get them into their offense.

- Huge foul. Jerel McNeal just picked up his third foul on a ticky tack call on the perimeter. Reÿnolds hits two - 41-25.

- Under 4 timeout and Nova is up 38-25. Reynolds has 13 and is doing everything - defense, hitting shots, setting up teammates. Jimmy Butler is keeping the Eagles close. Hayward has just four, Matthews just three, but Butler has nine, all on garbage points.

- Marquette is shooting just 15% from the field. Great look by Reynolds for a Redding lay-up as well. He is the best player on the floor right now 36-22 Nova.

- Marquette has it down to 30-22, but Matthews a cheapy 25 feet from the rim. Reynolds jumps a passing lane and it is quickly back to 12.

- When Marquette is able to beat the Nova defense down the floor, they score or gwt fouled everytime. When they don't, they struggle to get a good shot.

- Hayward with back to back turnovers trying to lead the break, and Stokes bangs Nova's fourth three of the half to give the Cats a ten point lead. Nova is just executing offensively better - getting better shots and making better decisions, especially in the half court. Marquette has been unable to do anything against Nova's set defense.
- Acker just picked up his second as well. Reynolds hits both ends as Marquette is already in the bonus. 22-15. 9:30 left.

- Burke just picked up his second foul for the Eagles. That is a big foul because they are so thin up front.

- McNeal takes a board and goes coast to coast with it. And-1. 17-15.

- Marquette was called for a foul on a renound, and Marquette picked up a tech. Didn't see who it was on, but Stokes hit both. 17-10.

- Under 12 timeout, and it is clear that Nova has game planned well for Marquette. They aren't givind McNeal or Matthews much room at all to operate. The three that McNeal hit earlier was the only good look either has gotten at the rim. Matthews does have a game-high 5 boards.

- Nova has opened up a 15-9 lead. Both McNeal and Mattheqws are cold early. Not a good sign.

Villanova is getting a lot of goodlooks at the rim early.

- 8 straight for Nova ended by two straight threes from Corey Fisher.

- Under 4 timeout, and it is 3-2 Marquette. So far the two teams have combined for 2-13 shooting and 4 turnovers.

- McNeal three-ball answers a Cunningham 15 footer.

Sloppy start to this one. Bunch of turnovers and mised open shots and we are scoreless 2:30 in.

- Cunningham's shorts are huge. Enormous. Parachutes.

- Nova Marquette is about to tip. The arena is, once again, about 2/3 filled right now, although a number of people are still filing back in.

- This one's over. Louisville advances to the Big Easy semis with a 73-55 win over the Friars. Clark finished with 24, 10, and 6 assists and Samuels added 22 points and 7 boards. Efejuku led the Friars with 17.

- We are ar the under 4 timeout, and Louisville has kept this lead right around 12-15 points for most of the second half. 66-52 now. Clark and Samuels have been fantastic. Combined, they have gone for 43, 14 boards, and 11 assists. Everytime it looks like PC is going to make a run at them, the Cards respond with a basket. What has helped them extend this lead has been their defense. They are si active and so long in their 2-3 zone. It is very tough for PC to get a good look against the zone right now because the Cards are long and quick enough to get a hand up on the shot.

- The Cards had opened up a 15 point lead, but Curry hit a three and was fouled. 61-50 5 minutes left.

- T-Will has not played well today. He has not been all that active on the defensive end, has not shot all that much offensively, and right now has just 2 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists. Clark haas been great. He has 21, 6, and 5. 58:44 with 7:26 left.
- The pace is really starting to pick-up right now. Louisville is asserting their size inside on the offensive end with three o-boards in the last two possessions. They also are starting to run Clark up the middle of the floor in transition and against the PC press. Twice they have found him for a 1-on-0 lay-in.
- Williams with his first points of the game with a huge one-handed dunk along the baseline.

- Two more turnovers and a missed three for PC. They are terribly out of sync offensively. 30% from the floor and 8% from three for a very good shooting team.

- Louisville's press is starting to have a bigger effect on PC. The Friars are getting forced into playing at a faster pace, and as a result have turned the ball over the last two possessions. The Cards are now up 49-36.

- PC just can't buy a jump shot. They are shooting just 31% from the floor and 10% from three. We are at the under 12 timeout, and Louisville is up 45-36. After a little push at the start of the half by PC, the Cards are starting to regain control of this thing. They just need to avoid silly turnovers in the back court.

- Louisvile could be in trouble with fouls. McGee and Williams both have three and Clark and Samuels both have two.

- A charge on Jerry Smith takes us to the under 16 timeout, and the score is 38-32. PC has been pounding the ball in the paint to McDermott this half, and it has paid off. McDermott isn't going to score a ton of points, but he is such a good passer out of the post that PC is almost guaranteed to get a good shot when they get the ball to him inside.

- PC has cut it to 38-32 after two buckets by Kale. Another o-board on their next possession.

- PC opens the half by pounding the ball inside to McDermott, but the Ville responds with hoops by Clark and Jennings. 38-28.

- Kyle Kuric tips in an o-board at the end of the first half, and L'Ville takes a 34-24 lead into the break. I'll be back five, the Ladybirds dance team is on. Smokeshows.

- Efejuku has been so active defensivelý. He is a one man press right now. He has forced three or four turnovers in the backcourt, and has gotten two buckets and three fouls off of them. He now has 12 points to lead PC.

- PC is fighting. They have yo have 10 o-boards right now, and they have been forcing L'Ville into turnovers in the backcourt. Clark and Samuels are too much up front right now, however. Combined they have 23 points. It is 28-19 with 2:57 left in the half.

- T-Will just picked up his second foul. For those streak for the cashers out there, both T-Will and Curry are scoreless.

- And we have our first real highlight of the tourney as Clark caught a half court oop from Sosa. But Efejuku responded with a three point play. PC is killing the Cards on the o-glass. McDermott with a follow. 26-15.

- A Samuels o-baord, oiutworking PC for it, leads to a three from Earl Clark. 24-10

- Louisville's size advantage = 10 early points for Samuels.

- PC is down 21-10 at the under 8 timeout. They are playing hard, hitting the glass, but they are not hitting their shots. Part of it is that L'Ville is defending well, forcing PC into rushing offensively, but the Friars have had some quality looks during this first half and simply aren't hitting them.

- Louisville is lucky PC is missing shots today. They have gotten a number of good looks from the perimeter. They are shooting 24% from the floor. Louisville is shooting much better (just 1-8 from deep), but they are utlizing their decided advantage in the post.

- 9;00 left in the half and it is 17-10. PC is really battling on the offensive glass.

- Jeff Xavier is down after getting hit on a rebound by T-Will. Where's his brother?

- Louisville has by far the hottest cheerleaders so far. Hotter than South Florida. And there is about 25 on the team. I like those odds.

- We are at the under 12 timeout, and it is 17-7 Louisville. I missed the first five minutes (seriously, Gotickets.com ... never) but from what I have seen, Louisville's defensive pressure has been too much for the Friars.

- 14-7 Louisvikke early. Clark and Samuels have an of the Cardinal points.

- sorry for the delayed start. Never, ever use Gotickets.com. Ever.

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Big East Tournament Live-Blog Session 3

Here we are at MSG for games five and six of the Big East tournament. The early session today features Dar Tucker and the Blue Demons of DePaul trying to win their second straight game after struggling through the Big East season winless. Providence will be looking to play their way into the dance. I wonder if Jonathon Xavier will be here today? The other game will be Marquette taking on the hometown Johnnies. I cannot wait to see Jerel McNeal play live.

Just like yesterday, we will not being using CoverItLive so follow the jump to see the live-blog. As always, if you have questions, comments, issues, or simply want to drop me a hello, send an email to ContactBIAH@gmail.com.

- It is over here at MSG. Marquette wins 74-45.
- We are under four minutes and the score is 72-37.

- Explain to me why McNeal and Hayward and Matthews are still on the floor. You are up almost 40 with five minutes left, and you are playing Villanova tomorrow, with two games in two days after that (if you continue to win). GET THEM OFF THE COURT!!
- And we have UConn chants breaking out in the crowd. They are louder than anything that has happened today. 63-27 Marquette with 8:13 left.

- Under 12 timeout, and it is 53-24 Marquette. The arena is starting to clear out. How bad is it right now? Marquette is starting to clear their bench ... with 11:13 left.

- Email from Big Treezy: is there a mercy rule like in the WBC? What are the chances they fire Roberts after the season?

I don't know. I think he has a good core group to build around right now. Kennedy, Horne, Burrell, and Evans are all sophomores and are all pretty talented. I like their PG Boothe as well. If Mason Jr is able to come back for an extra year of eligibility and they add Lance Stephenson as a freshman, is that not a tourney team? I think he deserves at least one more year, personally.

- It is incredible how poorly the Johnnies are shooting. Is missing contagious? 47-20 now, 13:16 left. SJU is shooting 24% from the floor.

- We have reached the under 16 timeout and Marquette is up 40-16. It looked for a bit like the Johnnies were getting ready to make a run at the Eagles, but for that to happen they cannot turn the ball over or foul as much as they are right now (already three fouls this half).

- Marquette heads into halftime up 38-10 and on a 23-2 run. It looks like game 2 of session 3 isn't going to be the most exciting.

- SJU finally scores, and the arena gets as loud as it as been in the three sessions. Justin Burrell breaks an X minute scoreless drought and a 16-0 Marquette run.

- We are at the under 4 time out, and Marquette is up 29-8. This is getting ugly. Marquette's defense has been unbelievable. Everything the Johnnies have tried to do has been contested. I'm not sure on the exact number, but I don't think SJU has scored in around eight minutes.

- Wesley Matthews is a bull going to the basket. He has been to the free throw line the last three possessions. Marquette has scored twelve straight and is up 27-8 as SJU misses yet another layup.

- SJU just cannot get anything to fall. They have 8 points with 5:00 left in the half, and they are a robust 13% from the floor.

- Marquette scored five in a row after the time out to take a 22-8 lead with 6:30 left. No one on the Eagles has more than 4 points.

- SJU has taken a timeout with 8:10 left in the half with the Eagles up 17-8.

- McNeal just picked up his second foul on a Horne jumper. Not a smart play.

- 11-4 Marquette. 11:38 left. Fairly boring game thus far. SJU can get nothing going offensively against the Eagle's defense. Marquette hasn't looked too good offensively themselves, but they have been able to get a couple lay-ups near the basket for their big guys.

One thing I have noticed is how much slower the games go when you have to wait for TV to be back. It is like an extra 30 seconds every commercial break.

- Paris Horne with the play of the day so far. The blocked what seemed like a wide open dunk attempt by Hayward from behind.

- 9-2 at the under 16 timeout. Burke is leading the Eagles with 4 points.

- Marquette is much more aggressive than SJU here at the start. Dwefensively, going to the glass, attacking the basket.

Also of note, Buzz Williams is going with very quick rotations - Acker and Hayward are already on the bench. His bench is very thin, and four games in four days will take a toll.

- And we are back as Marquette and SJU has tipped. Mo Acker
Opens the scoring with a 15 footer from the baseline.
- PC pulls out the win, and they will advance face Louivsille.

But not before Walker puts on a show. He has hit three straight threes.

83-74. PC wins. Sharaud Curry had 2 to lead PC, while Tucker had 30 and 8 boards and Walker added 31.

- Xavier with a Dagger. 1:00 left and he hits a three with a man in his face.

- DePaul could use Tucker hitting free throws. He is 1-2 the last four trips. 72-65 1:30 left.

- From Big Treezy: out of yesterday's winner, who has the best shot to run the table?

Notre Dame. No question. Regardless of their record we are talking about a team that has two legitimate stars in Gody and K-Mac. If those two get hot, it isn't out of the question to see them go through the BET.

- PC just scored nine straight points to take a 70-62 lead with 3:36 left in the game. It came in the form of three straight turnovers against the pressure.

- Tucker is a good enough athlete to be an NBA player, but I don't know if he makes good enough decisions. Case in point - up one with five minutes left he settled for a deep three off the dribble early in the shot clock. Not what Wainwright wanted.

- Xavier missed his first, but on the next possession he got a second straight wide open three from the corner. He hit the second, and PC has their first lead since very early in the half - 64-62.

- Again Efejuku gets into the paint, drawing a foul this time. Just so happens to be Tuckers fourth. 6:15 left, and DePaul is up 62-61.

- Efejuku can get to the rim anytime he wants too, but he isn't finishing today. As I type that he comes up with a loose ball and makes a tough lefty lay-in.

- Tucker got fouled going up to catch an oop, and hit both free throws. 59-55 with 8:32 left. And Keno Davis picked up a tech arguing an out of bounds call. Walker hit 1 of 2.

DePaul is just the better team right now. They are getting stops because PC is over penetrating and trying to force it. They have been much better against the press the last seven minutes.

- This game is really turning into a back and forth affair. DePaul has a 55-53 with 10:32 left. PC is starting to score more regularly, but, as he did yesterdat, Dar Tucker is turning into a one man fast break. He is now the game's high scorer with 22.

- Tucker hits another three, and now has 18. After a nifty Efejuku drive, Tucker answers with a lay-up beating the press. 53-48 with 12:13 left.

- Stula hits another three (this one was a good shot - off of a kick out from the post), but Tucker picks up his third foul on a Marshon Brooks three. But he only hit one. PC is 6-15 from the line.

- We are at the under 16 timeout, and it is tied at 45. Keys right now: DePaul needs to be aggressive going to the basket and getting it in the paint, whether via the drive or the post up. They are shooting too many threes right now.

For PC the key is to get into their press. DePaul has not been able to effectively handle a press these two days (save for the last 10 minutes of Cinci).

- Curry ties it at 43 with a three before a Tucker lay-up gives DePaul the lead back.

- Tucker needs to stop settling for three's. He has hit three, but he has to have taken at least 8 or 9. He is so good at getting to the rim and finishing in the lane. Why not drive?

- DePaul is completely worthless against the PC press. They just turned it over again in the backcourt. 41-36 DePaul with 17 left.
- Dar Tucker and Walker hit back to back threes as DePaul opens up a 39-35 lead.

- BIAH has its first DePaul fan. From Marsh: I am now officially on the DePaul bandwagon. I would love to see an 0-18 team riun the table in March.

- Email from Marsh: Chances DePaul wins?

About the same as yesterday, I guess. They were a banked in 25 footer away from going into the lead at halftime with their best big man on the bench with fouls. I'll tell you this - these DePaul kids certainly are playing like they believe they can win.

- Sharaud Curry banks in a three with about five seconds left to give PC the 32-31 lead going into the break. Curry finishes with 16 in the half to lead all scorers, while Walker and Tucker were stuck with 13 and 10 respectively.

- DePaul just brought in some lefty Mario Stula that didn't play yesterday. He hit back to back threes. 31-29 DePaul.

- 25-24 DePaul still. 3:00 left in the half.

- funniest moment of the tournament. Yesterday, at the under 4 timeout of each game, MSG brought a fan out to sing the freecreditreport.com song. Well, each time the crowd booed them mercilessly. So today? They had a crowd sing along and didn't bring anyone out.

- Providence has been completely ineffective in their half court, and as simplistic as it sounds, the key for PC is to score. When they score, they can get into their press, and their press has been very effective the last few minutes speeding up the Demons and getting them to turn the ball over.

- After Curry answers with a three, back-to-back turnovers lead to a layup and another Curry three. He has 11 to lead PC. 25-24.

- Walker hits another three. 25-16.

- After a Walker three, Tucker takes a charge on Efejuku to send us to the under 8 timeout with the Demons up 22-16. Walker and Tucker have 20 of the 22 points.

- After a pretty finish on a fast break lay_up, Koshwal fouled McDermott hard, picking up his second foul.

Even without the big guy on the floor, DePaul is owning the glass. They have switched to a man defense that switches screens, and it has been verý effective in flustering PC. They probably have five or six turnovers by now. 8:15 left, 19-16 DePaul.

- Dar Tucker has 10 early points for the Demons and Will Walker has 6. That is all DePaul's points.

- Marshon Brooks drives and finds Kale for a lay-up which brings us to the under 12 timeout at 14-13.
- DePaul forces a PC timeout after Dar Tucker hits another three and another PC turnover leads to a fast break lay-up. 14-11 DePaul with 13:00 left.

- Tucker hits a three and on the next possession hits a jumper and-1. He missed the FT, but a PC turnover leads to a Walker lay-up. 9-6.

- Dar Tucker hits a tough leaner off the glass to make it 4-2 as we head into the under 16 timeout. DePaul is playing a zone against Providence, a team that lives and dies with the three ball. Now I know there is a school of thought that it is easier to defend a three-point shooting team by going zone, but I think Providence is too good to try and zone. Geoff McDermott is a helluva a passer from the high post, and if PC can get him the ball there, they can get the Demons out of this zone.

- 2:30 in and we are still scoreless. Both teams have come out a little tight it looks like as they are missing shots they should be hitting. Efejuku ends that with a dunk. Kale with a bucket inside makes if 4-0.

- Be sure to check the Thursday Madness post for live updates on all the day's conference tourney action.

- There's the tip. And day two has begun.

- So DePaul comes out to 50 cent "In da Club". Must be the cd left over from last night they were in the Big East Tourney. ZINGGG.

- While there are only about 4,000 (guessing) here right now, just about everyone is wearing black Friar Fanatic t-shirts.

- We have ESPN here today, and if my eyes serve me right, it looks like folks at home are getting Len Elmore and Sean McDonough. Not bad, but BIAH will clearly have better commentary.


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Big East Tournament Live-Blog Session 1

Welcome to the first day of the Big East Tournament!! Our schedule for the first is DePaul-Cinci at noon and Georgetown-St. John's at around 2:30. The second session kicks off with Notre Dame-Rutgers at 7:00 and Seton Hall-South Florida at 9:30.

Unfortunately, due to some technical difficulties, you will not be able to comment directly onto the CoverItLive live-blog, but if you have any comments, questions, reactions, or simply want to drop me a hello, send an email to ContactBIAH@gmail.com (imagine trying to explain this to someone from the 1970's - I'm upset because I wanted to "live-blog" from the Big East Tournament, but since I will be on the "internet" from my "blackberry" I won't be able to get any "user comments" directly).

Follow the jump to read the transcript of the Big East Tournament Live-blog from session 1.

- and it is over. SJU 64-59.

- Mesherikov takes a tough, challenged three from the corner which hits the backboard, and bounces eight rows deep. 3.0 left, SJU ball, and it looks like this one is over. I guarantee that is not the shot that JT3 wanted in that situation. I have no idea what they were trying to do at the end there, because Chris Wright dribbled to the wing, and stood there for about five seconds before giving it to Nikita in the corner.

- Up three with 15.3 left. You have to foul here if you are SJU. I hate when coaches allow the three to be taken. Don't give them a chance to tie, especially if the clock gets below ten.

- Freeman hit both, and they foul Burrell with 18.8. Hits the first. And the second.

- Missed the second, and Freeman is fouled on a drive with 20.2 left.

- If G'Town loses, they can thank their inability to prevent penetration.

- With 34.9 left, Boothe drives and draws a foul, hitting the first free throw before calling a time out.

- Sapp answers with his own three from beyond the NBA line 59-57. 1:09 left. JT3 is going offense-defense with Wright and Clark. GTown, with their fouls, wants to win this in regulation.

- Play of the game. Boothe penetrates and gets into the paint, dropping it off the Burrell, who goes up and dunks on Monroe, drawing the freshman's fifth foul. Burrell hit the free throw. 59-54 1:30 left.

- Horne knocks down a three. 56-52. He has 23. 2 minutes left.

- We are now at the under 4 timeout, and St. John's has tied this one up at 52 after an and-1 by Paris Horne (who will be shooting the bonus after the break). These last four minutes are going to come down to execution. Neither team has played all that well today. Specifically two things: will the Hoyas slow down Horne and Kennedy (34 combined) and can SJU force the Hoyas into turnovers and get easy buckets.

- The Hoyas turn the ball over on their next two possessions, and after the second one, Monroe picks up his fourth on a cheapy in the backcourt. He and Wright have four now.

- SJU center Rob Thomas missed a front end, then poicked up a charge after getting the offensive rebound. DaJuan Summers, who has three fouls drew the charge. At the other end, Sapp hit a three, just G'Town's second of the game, the take a 49-46 lead

- Monroe with two free throws ties up the game with 6:30 left.

- St. John's cheerleaders > Georgetown's cheerleaders. In ability, but more importantly hotness. Summers hit one - 46-44

- DaJuan Summers was fouled going to the basket, and we head to the under 8 timeout in a three point game.

- Justin Burrell just picked up an intentional foul on a lay-up by Jason Clark (good call too), and he hits them both. It is the 4th on Burrell, and the Hoyas get the ball back.

- Another bucket by Monroe has it down to five, and a travel by SJU gives it back to the Hoyas.

- SJU has opened up a 46-37 lead after scoring off of back-to-back turnovers by the Hoyas. Monroe answers with a lay-up of his own to make it 46-39.
- The other big problem for the Hoyas right now is that they are not hitting open looks. That is what is killing them. They are now 1-9 from beyond the arc, which is terrible for a team that puts as much dependence on threeaks as the Hoyas do.

- G'Town is getting killed on the glass on the offensive end. SJU has gotten six o-boards in their last two possessions. 41-37 with 12:30 left.

- From Big Treezy, who is a full-blooded New Yorker and knows these things: The game isn't televised because of the low ticket sales. They don't want to show the Garden empty on ESPN.

- Kennedy is back in. He just hit two free throws to make it 40-34.

- Henry Sims is a human eraser this half. Three blocks already.

- So we are at the under 16 timeout, and SJU is up 36-34. The Johnnies are trying to pressure the Hoyas in the full court here in the second half, and it is working in the sense that G'Town is playing at a faster pace than they want too.

- SJU is up early in the second half 34-33. We now have a replacement ref coming out. Kennedy is on the bench, not shooting his free throws, but he looks like he is ready to check back in.

- Jesus. Scary scene right now. DJ Kennedy went in for a lay-up on a fast break and was fouled. As he went off to the side, he collided with an official who hit the ground very, very hard. He hit his head. He has been down for about three minutes. Kennedy is up now, and the ref refused the stretcher and walked off on his own power, albeit with a bloddied face.

- Email from Papa Bear: How similar are the struggles of St. John's and Maryland? Both obviously start with local recruiting - NYC kids go to places like Louisville and Pitt while the DC kids are going to the Big XII. What do both schools need to do to keep the local players local?

That is a good question and definitely something I will touch on beyond the live-chat. For SJU it is a combo of two things that killed them - the piunishments they received from the Mike Jarvis era (didn't his players beat up a stripper on a road trip? Do I remember that right?) And the fact that when a new dorm was built, it changed their classification as a commuter school (less legal money in the player's pockets - Seth Davis wrote an article on it a while back). For MD, it is more an issue of Gary Williams not being a recruiter, and losing assists like Billy Hahn that had connections to the local AAU teams, high schools etc. Again, I will definitely be revisiting this in the near future.

- Email from Marshy (talking a out G'Town): I think I would much rather see a team like Minnesota than watch the Hoyas play another game.

- So as we head into halftime of the second game of our quad header, the score is 30-28 SJU. Paris Horne leads all scorers with 15 while DJ Kennedy has added 12. Chris Wright leads the Hoyas with 11 while Greg Monroe has 7 points and 6 boards. I really don't have much to say about this first half, as neither team really played well or seemed all that into the game. More than anything, SJU just has the two best players on the floor in Kennedy and Horne. The Hoyas cannot stop those two.

The Hoyas also have some foul issues. Monroe and Wright both have two, while Summers picked up his third early in the first half.

- Greg Monroe just picked up his second foul on a foul under his own basket. It was the second straight possession the Hoyas fouled SJU in the back court. 28-28 with a minute in the half.

- G'Town is up 26-25 with 2 minutes left in the half.

- One of the things that the Big East is doing this year is bringing kids on the court to sing the Free Credit Report song. They just had a brother and sister that struggled a bit, and in typical NYC fashion, they got booed. Heavily.

- Comment from Big Treezy: Will Lance Stephenson end up at SJU? And how good will they be with him?

I don't think anyone knows (or can predict) where that kid will end up. By all accounts he is a bit of a loose cannon. But the sense I have gotten from what I've read is that his attitude and grades have really limited his options. He is a talent, and I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up with SJU. He would probably be their #1 option off the bat, and would definitely have a chance to put up some big numbers.

- a three by Chris Wright gives him nine on the game and puts GTown up 20-16. Kennedy responds with a dunk to make it 20-18.

- Paris Horne is keeping SJU in this. He has nine, and just knocked down a three to cut the G'Town lead to 17-14. We are now at the under 8 timeout, and DaJuan Summers just picked up his third foul. Summers has loads of talent, but I am just not convinced that he can carry a team. That has been on of G'Town's biggest problems this year. They don't have a go to scorer that can get them a basket when they need one. Summers was supposed to be that guy.

- Email from Marshy: Am I the only one that hopes G'Town loses? They have disappointed all year, and it would be the perfect way to cap off an underwhelming season.

I am not a fan of the Hoyas or of watching them play, but I wouldn't mind seeing them get the win. Three wins and they are probably in the dance. It would be better than seeing some team from the middle of the SEC or Big Ten get a bid.

- We are at the under 12 timeout, and GTown is up 13-9. Kennedy and Horne have all of the SJU pts.

- Georgetown has opened up an 11-4 lead. Monroe got pulled three minutes in, but since h has gotten back on the floor he has been very aggressive. He has 5 pts and 2 rbs.

- A bucket in the paint by chris Wright, and the Hoyas have a 5-4 lead. Five minutes gone.

- SJU and GTown has tipped, and the Johnnies have an early 4-3 lead. St. John's beat the Hoyas here in OT not two weeks ago, coming back from a 15 point half time deficit.

- Comment from Big Treezy: if a major conference tournament is playedn and no one is there to see it, did it really happen? Seriously, how is this not on TV? ESPN shows Ping Pong. Over-under on 1000 there.

It has filled up a bit since the start of DePaul-Cinci. I would say there are about 5,000 here. What is crazy to me is that there are many more Hoyas fans here than Johnnies fans in what is the St. John's home court. How far has that program fallen.

- Georgetown and St. John's now take the floor to warm-up, we will be back in 20 for the start of that one.

- It is over, and DePaul has their first win of the Big East season 67-57. That is why you come to the BET on Tuesday.

- Tucker just took the ball coast to coast for a lay-up, and after a miss by Cinci, he hits another free throw as DePaul goes up 64-52 with a minute left. We have our first upset of the BET!!!

- Two more free throws from Tucker put DePaul up 61-51. Gates responds by going 1-2 from line.

- why is DePaul winless? Because they do things like this: 2-on-1 fast break, up 7 with three minutes left, and you turn the ball over faking a behind the back pass. Jeremiah Kelly just made up for the mistake, however. He found Mac Kowlshawl for a dunk to put DePaul up 59-50 with 2:10 to go.

- So what happens? Vaughn throws an entry pass out of bounds. Surprised? I'm not. Vaughn as been far from the player I expected to see today. He has been a turnover machine and not shot well (1e pts, 4 asts). Vaughn did put on a show last year in the BET, and has a knack for coming through in big moments. Don't be surprised if he leads Cinci back

57-50 with 3:40 left.

- a basket by Gates, a missed FT !) Kelly, and a Vaughn three, this is a five point game and Cinci ball. It ain't over yet folks.

- Comment from Marshy: I would love to see an upset special to start off the BET!! Nothing like March!!

Right there with you man. This crowd is really starting to get behind the Demons as well. It is now 55-45 with 5 left after another tough Tucker bucket. I'm pretty sure he has never made an easy shot in his life.

- Cinci just used their second TO during this run, and now have one left. I've been saying the same thing all game, but the issue is turnovers. Cinci just keeps making unforced errors. It isn't as if the Demons are playing exceptionally tough defense, just lazy passes.Perfect example - two possessions ago, Vaughn hit Gates in the foot with an entry pass, which led to Walker's lay-up and the eight point lead.

- DePaul has opened up a 51-43 lead with 8:10 left on the strength of a 16-4 run. The Garden is starting to fill up a bit, and the crown is definitely rooting for DePaul.

- Walker with a steal anmd lay-up, and DePaul is back in the lead. Tucker with a bucket as well, and the Blue Demons are up 45-41. I'm finding my self rooting for DePaul. Is it bad to admit that? Damn journalistic integrity, this is the Big Easy tourney.

- Dar Tucker just picked up his third foul 60 feet from the rim. Tied at 41.

- Jeremiah Kelly just knocked down another three to tie. Having Tucker in there is a big difference for DePaul. He can dribble through the Cinci press.

- Walker just picked up his third.

- Dar Tucker is fun to watch. He just made his second whirling drive to the rim. 40-38 Cinci, 13 left.

- This game is starting to pick up in intensity. Cinci is really making an effort to push the ball in the second half. I like what Mick Cronin has done today. He is pressing, hard, all over the floor, but he is really rotating his guys through quickly. Three minutes and a sub. Three minutes and a sub. The number of fresh bodies he has is really starting to wear down DePaul.

- Tucker with a gorgeous drop off for Tucker for a big dunk. But Cinci looks like they are about to pull away. The dunk ended a 7-0 run. Cinci is the better team, but they need to stop turning the ball over if they want to win. Its early (2:30 in), but the Bearcats are up 7-4 in this half w/out a turnover.

- Vaughn responds with back-to-back baskets, including an and-1. 32-27 Cinci

- Will walker opens the second half with a jumper. DePaul has three talented players in Tucker, Walker, and Kowshawl. How aere they so bad?

- DePaul can not do anything offensively against the Bearcat ball pressure. The only reason that this game is close is that Cinci is giving the ball away to DePaul way too often. I'll see if I can get some stats during the have.

Deonta Vaughn and Dar Tucker, the two best players in this game, have yet to show up. Vaughn has just two points at the half, Tuckers sat the last 13 minutes with foul trouble.

- DePaul just got called for an offensive goaltending, and a Demons fan yelled out "come on, their 0-16". He was corrected by a guy in a Cinci T-shirt "actually, its 0-18". Wilkes hits a three and Cinci takes the lead back, 27-25.

- Walker picked the pocket of Dixon, going in for a lay-up as DePaul has taken a 25-22 lead.

- A jumper by Larry Davis takes us to the under 4 timeout with Cinci in the lead for the first time since the beginning of the game. This game is not pretty right now. Cinci's defense is doing a pretty good job keeping DePaul from getting the shots that they want, which is to be expected from this Bearcat team. They need to reduce their turnovers and they should be fine (as I write, they turn it over again).

- And Deonta Vaughn is on the scoreboard, taking a board coast to coast for a lay-up. Kowlshal answers with a bucket of his own. 20-18 DePaul.

- Look, I know that this is a recession and that this is, in fact, DePaul-Cinci, but I am still amazed at how empty this place is. No way there are 1000 people in MSG.

- Under 8 timeout. 18-16 DePaul. And wow, they are running an ad on the big screen for Jerry Wainwright, the DePaul head coach, as a the Big East coach of the year. The guy who led his team to 0-18 in the league? Really? Coach of the Year?

- 16-14 DePaul after a three from Darnell Wilkes. Cinci has gone small, with just one of their big men, Yancy Gates, on the court.

- Will walker has hit a couple straight jumpers for the Demons. He is coming off of a 31 pt performance in the season finale.
- OK apologies to everyone, I have it figured out now. 14-11 DePaul at the first TV timeout. For some reason, MSG isn't putting the stats up on the scoreboard right now. Maybe they are having the same problems as me. Anyway, as I was trying to say earlier, the one and maybe only reason I am excited for this game is to watch human youtube clip Dar Tucker play.

- It is now 9-8 with 13 minutes left, and DePaul is leading. The Bearcat press has been pretty effective, but Cinci has been unable to capitalize on turnovers, missing a number of lay-ups.

- So MSG has a block on the program I am trying to run from my phone, so I will have to do a regular old Live-Blog. Apologies to Marshy, couldn't answer your question in time.



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BIAH Live: Army @ American - Patriot League Semifinals

We are back here, live and courtside for the Patriot League semifinals between #4 seed Army and league champion and #1 seed American. The game tips at noon, so we will see you then.



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Lafayette-American: Live-blog from the first round of the Patriot League tournament

This is a bit impromptu, but I was able to score a press pass to the Lafayette-American first round game in the Patriot League tournament, so I figured why not blog it?



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BIAH Live: Louisville @ Georgetown

Tonight, I will be in attendance for the Louisville-Georgetown game at the Verizon Center in DC. The CoverItLive software that I use allows you to live-blog from a cell phone. Since I am going to need to know how to effectively use this program during the postseason, I figure tonight is as good of a chance as any to give it a test run.

So come by tonight and leave a comment, or just follow along.



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BIAH Live: UConn-Syracuse and Duke-UNC

Rivalry Week continues on the Worldwide Leader tonight as UConn hosts Syracuse and UNC heads to Durham to take on the Dookies. It looks to be a great night of basketball (and TV in general - the night will be wrapped up with an all-new episode of LOST ... on TiVo, or course).

Anyway, to get you in the mood for tonight's action, here are some news and notes about the games:

- It looks like Arinze Onuaku will be suiting up tonight (as expected). He hasn't played more than 21 minutes the three games. If he is hurting, Syracuse could be in a lot of trouble.

- By now, you have to have seen the dunk by Danny Green on Greg Paulus from last season. If not, here. Enjoy. Anyway, to get you a little excited about tonight's games, the Fayettville Observer talked with some of the UNC players about the rivalry. Danny Green had this to say about the Paulus dunk:

We went out and celebrated a little. We kept it PG-13. But late in the night, I stopped to get food and the ESPN’s Top 10 came up on a TV and I was eager to see if I was going to be on there. And when it came up, it was at No. 8. I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?’

- Miles Plumlee has a hot girlfriend. Well, hot for Duke chicks anyway... He should probably focus more on working on his game than partying, though. I bet Coach K is going to be real excited when these pictures make their way into his office.



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UConn @ Louisville Live Blog

Remember the old days, when you had to keep refreshing the page during a live blog? Didn't that get annoying?

But never fear! Those days are over as we at BIAH have gotten a new format for live-blogging called CoverItLive. So tune in, follow along, and leave a comment.



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Monday Lay-up Lines

Apologies for not getting a Lay-up Lines post up today. Internet went out at the apartment, so I had to scramble to find somewhere with the internet. Anyway, here is a tentative rundown of the games that I will be watching:

• 7:00 PM - Eastern Michigan @ Purdue
• 7:00 PM - Loyola MD @ Boston College
• 9:00 PM - Mississippi Valley @ Oklahoma
• 10:00 PM - Kansas vs. Memphis 2008 Final Replay (hey, Oklahoma will blow the Delta Devils out)
• 11:00 PM - Florida Atlantic @ Arizona
• 12:00 PM - UMass @ Memphis
• 2:00 AM - Fresno State @ St. Mary's
• 4:00 AM - Idaho @ Hawaii

That is what we will be watching and blogging about tonight. Make sure you come by, check it out, leave a comment, etc. See you soon!! Continue reading...

A College Hoops Marathon

November 18th. 14 games. 23 hours. Also known as the College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon. What a way to kick off the season.

ESPN has always struggled with a way to start the college basketball season, and despite the fact that this isn't even the official opening of the season (Nov. 14th is), this is still a great way to build hype for the year to come. Some of the highlights (full schedule after the jump):

-UMass at Memphis, midnight (all times east coast): UMass coach Derek Kellogg was Calipari's lead assistant last year at Memphis, who is trying to prove that they are still contender.

-Fresno St. at St. Mary's, 2 am: Patty Mills gets some national pub, despite the late start (which actually starts on Nov. 17th locally)

-Liberty @ UNC-Asheville, noon: Stephen Curry's little brother, Seth, starts his college career at Liberty, although without Asheville's Kenny George the game loses some of its appeal.

-NIT Regional Finals at Purdue (7 pm), Boston College (7:30 pm), Oklahoma (9:30 pm) and Arizona (11:30 pm).

-And the showcase game, and first College Gameday match-up, Kentucky at UNC, 9 pm: Patrick Patterson versus Tyler Hansbrough should be fun to watch.

This is also probably a good time to announce that this will be the first BIAH live-blog of the season. Yes, all 23-plus hours.

• Midnight: UMass at Memphis (ESPN)
• 2 a.m.: Fresno St. at St. Mary's (ESPN)
• 4 a.m.: Idaho St. at Hawaii (ESPN)
• 6 a.m.: College Hoops Tip-Off Special (ESPN)
• 10 a.m.: Penn at Drexel (ESPN)
• Noon: Liberty at UNC-Asheville (ESPN)
• 2 p.m.: Iowa at Kansas (women) (ESPN)
• 4 p.m.: Centenary at Baylor (ESPN)
• 6 p.m.: Richmond at Syracuse (ESPN)
• 7 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Purdue (ESPNU)
• 7:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Boston College (ESPN2)
• 8 p.m.: College GameDay-Chapel Hill (ESPN)
• 9 p.m.: Kentucky at North Carolina (ESPN)
• 9 p.m.: Florida Gulf Coast at Kansas (ESPNU)
• 9:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Oklahoma (ESPN2)
• 11:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Arizona (ESPN2) Continue reading...