I knew it, I freaking knew it. It always happens with AFA. It seems like you should be ahead by 15 but you look up and there is 2 minutes left and it's a one possession game. Joe Scott is a wizard. Still, once again the Pokes find a way to pull out a close game (more on that in a minute):
1. MVP - Do I need to say it?
2. LVP - AFA announcing crew. I already posted it in another thread, but it's really an embarrassment to the league.
3. Close Games - Pokes are now 3-1 in MWC play and 5-2 overall in one possession games. That's really the story of the MWC this season. Pokes are 3-1 in single possession games and BSU is 3-0 and has won 6 in a row all by less than 6 points. USU on the flip side is 1-3 in MWC play in single possession games and 1-5 in games decided by single digits. There isn't much margin for error at all. Every game seems to be a battle.
4. Flop Contest - Weak, but you can't blame AFA if the officials are going to reward it. Maldo decided to get in on the act and took a couple himself since the refs were calling it. Graham will need to watch for this moving forward. He is an aggressive player that looks for contact and teams will try to use that against him.
5. Any road win is a good win - This is almost always true but especially this year with the MWC improved overall. Even if it was closer than you like, to get a road win where we shoot 2-16 from 3 and have Graham in foul trouble for half the game is a big win.
What's Next.....COLLEGE BASKETBALL HEAVEN!:
Sorry, had to emphasize this. I know the game times/days suck, etc., but this week is the most exciting week of regular season basketball we have had in a long time. Back to back home games against the first place and third place team in the league while we are...in 2nd! Seriously, it's not hyperbole to say this week at the A-A may indeed ultimately decide the conference title. If BSU wins in the A-A I don't really see how UW or anyone else can catch hem considering they will have 6 of their last 9 at home and have already went to Logan, SD, Fresno, Reno, and Laramie. On the flip side, if the Pokes win both this week, we will be tied for first and have as good of a shot as anyone. If the Pokes lose to CSU but beat BSU that brings CSU right back into the mix. Major, major impact on the conference title and NCAA tournament hopes for all 3 teams.
This is as good as it gets folks. To be battling for first place halfway through the conference season on our home court against the other top teams. I'm just so dang excited.
I won't make any predictions, but the Pokes are 16-3 and (2) of the losses are single possession losses away from home to good teams. IOW, I expect close hard fought games either way.
If you can, make it to the AA, bring your friends, scream insults at the officials and let's make the A-A the Dome of Doom once again. Go Pokes!
1. MVP - Do I need to say it?
2. LVP - AFA announcing crew. I already posted it in another thread, but it's really an embarrassment to the league.
3. Close Games - Pokes are now 3-1 in MWC play and 5-2 overall in one possession games. That's really the story of the MWC this season. Pokes are 3-1 in single possession games and BSU is 3-0 and has won 6 in a row all by less than 6 points. USU on the flip side is 1-3 in MWC play in single possession games and 1-5 in games decided by single digits. There isn't much margin for error at all. Every game seems to be a battle.
4. Flop Contest - Weak, but you can't blame AFA if the officials are going to reward it. Maldo decided to get in on the act and took a couple himself since the refs were calling it. Graham will need to watch for this moving forward. He is an aggressive player that looks for contact and teams will try to use that against him.
5. Any road win is a good win - This is almost always true but especially this year with the MWC improved overall. Even if it was closer than you like, to get a road win where we shoot 2-16 from 3 and have Graham in foul trouble for half the game is a big win.
What's Next.....COLLEGE BASKETBALL HEAVEN!:
Sorry, had to emphasize this. I know the game times/days suck, etc., but this week is the most exciting week of regular season basketball we have had in a long time. Back to back home games against the first place and third place team in the league while we are...in 2nd! Seriously, it's not hyperbole to say this week at the A-A may indeed ultimately decide the conference title. If BSU wins in the A-A I don't really see how UW or anyone else can catch hem considering they will have 6 of their last 9 at home and have already went to Logan, SD, Fresno, Reno, and Laramie. On the flip side, if the Pokes win both this week, we will be tied for first and have as good of a shot as anyone. If the Pokes lose to CSU but beat BSU that brings CSU right back into the mix. Major, major impact on the conference title and NCAA tournament hopes for all 3 teams.
This is as good as it gets folks. To be battling for first place halfway through the conference season on our home court against the other top teams. I'm just so dang excited.
I won't make any predictions, but the Pokes are 16-3 and (2) of the losses are single possession losses away from home to good teams. IOW, I expect close hard fought games either way.
If you can, make it to the AA, bring your friends, scream insults at the officials and let's make the A-A the Dome of Doom once again. Go Pokes!
