Ray Floriani: Thoughts and notes on the Pre-season NIT tournament

NEW YORK CITY - The 9.6 mile drive from my Lyndhurst home to MSG actually took ‘only’ 45 minutes. With Lincoln Tunnel traffic and the eve of Thanksgiving travel, you take that and run with it.

Got out and noticed I left my digital camera chip in my computer. Basically, no chip = no pictures. Right by the parking lot is B & H. The memory card, or chip, costs about $25 at the sop back in New Jersey. I expect to go for about $40. True to B & H’s advertising, they have the best prices. Total, $6.50. Thank you B & H.

At dinner in the MSG press room we are watching Washington-Michigan state from Maui. Washington has a slight lead. If Michigan State loses, and goes 1-2 for Maui, I would not want to be a part of Tom Izzo’s next practice.

Ran into long time coaching friend Billy Diamond who assisted Gary Williams years ago at American. Billy recently accepted an assistant position at prep power St.Benedict’s (NJ). He said they will scrimmage DeMatha on Saturday.

Early on VCU is struggling with Tennessee’s ability to run the floor. The Vols have 7 baskets the first 8 minutes, four in transition. Two minutes in VCU coach Shaka Smart has the jacket off. VCU is hitting the glass hard and posing problems for their SEC opposition. The Vols have a slight 16-14 lead eight minutes in. Not only the board work is a defensive problem, VCU has the green light and is not shy from beyond the arc.

The uptempo pace is a natural of these clubs. Entering the game VCU is averaging 74 possessions, Tennessee 73. Three point shooting is very much part of VCU’s arsenal. Forty three of their attempts entering the semi, have been beyond the arc. Can’t argue with success as they came into New York hitting 38.8% from downtown.

The scoreboard shows Michigan State pulled it out in Maui. Still believe Tom Izzo is not exactly thrilled with a 3rd place finish.

VCU goes down 77-72 in a tough battle. The 39% effective field goal percentage was a factor as was a 38-29% deficit in offensive rebounding percentage. The main factor though was Tennessee guard Scotty Hopson. The 6-7 Hopson scored 18 points while adding 11 boards. Inside or out and especially on the glass the second half, Hopson came up big. As did New York native Brian Williams (13 rebounds) in front of about 60 friends and family.

Momentum is funny. VCU never drew even the second half. Wondered how things might have been different if they were able to do so.

Special mention deserved by the VCU cheerleaders. They boarded a bus in Richmond at 6 AM this morning. If VCU lost they would head home. Which they did. Right after the game, on the bus for the long ride home. And, on exiting, they still managed to smile. Guess a Garden appearance does that.

Villanova had a little trouble with UCLA’s size early. At the break the Wildcats had a 44-29 lead and lead in each of the Four Factors. Most telling was UCLA’s TO RATE of 24%. On their behalf the Wildcats TO RATE was only 11%. Quite impressive in a 37 possession half. As was ‘Nova’s offensive efficiency of 122 which easily outdistanced the Bruins’ 78.

Liked the fact Villanova coach Jay Wright went to some zone the latter part of the first half. Changing the defense gave UCLA a different look and against the zone a few times down, the Bruins lacked movement.

Eight plus to play it’s still a three possession game (‘Nova leads 58-50). Have to give Ben Howland’s club credit. Facing their toughest opponent to date early in the season at Madison square Garden, the Bruins are hanging tough and won’t go away.

Impressed by some of the things I saw out of ‘’Nova soph Maalik Wayns.

Sitting next to VCU assistants doing advance scouting for Friday‘s third place game. Impressed how they can literally call out both teams offenses as they are set up. Coming to New York these coaches have watched several tapes of all possible opponents in the field of four. Advance scouting in person gives them a closer look and possibly something tape didn’t reveal that they can exploit.

The fans behind me on press row are relentlessly annoying getting on UCLA’s Tyler Honeycutt. These fans will probably be hoarse at thanksgiving dinner.

The final is 80-72 Villanova. Corey Fisher led the way with 26 points but both coaches agree Mouphtaou Yarou was a big difference. The ‘Nova 6-10 sophomore scored 13 points grabbed 16 boards and blocked three shots. Beyond the numbers Yarou,” gave us a big presence in the paint,’ per Wright. Just what ‘Nova needed.

Friday resumes with UCLA-VCU for 3rd and Villanova-Tennessee for the title. Two good games on tap. Feast week continues….