Rhode Island ousts Va. Tech, earns first trip to N
BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Delroy James and the Rhode Island Rams are ready to hit Manhattan.
James scored 18 points and Lamonte Ulmer added 13, including a big basket in the final seconds, to lead Rhode Island past Virginia Tech 79-72 in an NIT quarterfinal Wednesday night.
The second-seeded Rams (26-9) advanced to the NIT semifinals for the first time since 1946. They'll play 2009 national champion North Carolina on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
"I'm just so excited for our players and everyone involved," Rhode Island coach Jim Baron said. "You know, you're right there on the bubble of the NCAA tournament and you beat a Big Ten team and a Western Athletic Conference and then an ACC team. Our kids showed a tremendous amount of will power to sustain and I'm really happy for them. This is a great win for us and our program."
The Rams beat Northwestern in the first round and Nevada in the second round.
No. 1 seed Virginia Tech (25-9) led 60-48 following Malcolm Delaney's two free throws with 14:43 left that capped an 18-8 run to start the second half. But the Rams answered with a 13-0 spurt and took a 61-60 lead with 11:05 remaining on a basket by Ulmer.
"We've had different guys step up on different nights and help us win," Hokies coach Seth Greenberg said. "But we just didn't do those things that we normally do. I don't know if it was the stage or if it was pressure. There are so many factors that go into it. I'm just real disappointed."
Rhode Island took the lead for good at 73-71 on a jumper by Keith Cothran with two minutes left. Virginia Tech had a chance to tie, but James got a piece of JT Thompson's layup attempt with 46 seconds to go and grabbed the rebound.
The Rams then spread the court, and with the shot clock running down, Ulmer rebounded his own miss and laid it in with 10.6 seconds remaining.
"We were isolating and he was just real aggressive," Baron said. "He attacked the bucket, and the funny part about it was I told the guys in practice that they were going to have to use the rim as a protector by going up and under. Sure enough, Lamonte made a great play by going up and under."
Delaney hit one of two free throws with 6.9 seconds left to cut it to 75-72. But the Rams made all four of their free throws the rest of the way to seal it.
James, who scored a career-high 34 points in Rhode Island's second-round win over Nevada, shot 7 of 18 from the floor. He also blocked four shots and grabbed six rebounds.
Delaney had 24 points for the Hokies, who lost in the NIT quarterfinals for the third straight year. Dorenzo Hudson added 19.
The Hokies, who fell one victory short of setting the school's single-season record, shot better from the floor than the Rams, hitting 48.1 percent (26 of 54) compared to 46.7 percent (28 of 60). But Tech made only two of its final 17 shots.
"We weren't as poised as well as we had been down the stretch," Greenberg said. "As well as we executed the other night [against Connecticut], we didn't down the stretch tonight."
Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press.
Ernie Kent is out as Oregon basketball coach
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -Ernie Kent, the winningest coach in Oregon history, was dismissed Tuesday after 13 seasons with his alma mater.
"You may find a better basketball coach, but I don't think you'll find anybody that has the passion and love that I have for this university," said Kent, who had to pause for several moments to fight back his emotions.
Oregon went 16-16 overall and 7-11 in the Pac-10 this past season, finishing with a 90-74 quarterfinal loss to California in the conference tournament.
Kent, 55, leaves Oregon with a 235-173 overall record. But the Ducks have slipped in the past two seasons, going 24-39 and finishing 10th and ninth, respectively, in conference play.
Attendance has also dipped from an average of 7,922 in 2008-09 to 7,122 this past season.
Kent was the longest tenured Pac-10 coach. He took Oregon to the NCAA tournament five times, advancing twice to the round of eight.
He played at Oregon from 1973-77, part of the so-called Kamakazi Kids under coach Dick Harter.
Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti said Oregon terminated Kent's contract effective June 30. He cited his record and declining attendance at McArthur Court.
"I think the accomplishments that Ernie has done speak for themselves," said Bellotti, who admitted it was a difficult decision. "He's given his life to the university as a student, a teacher and a coach."
The dismissal had been rumored for the past two weeks, after Eugene's KVAL-TV reported that Kent had been informed on Feb. 22 that he would not return as the Ducks' coach.
Kent told his players shortly after the regular season finale.
Both Kent and Bellotti, who appeared separately at a news conference on Tuesday on the floor of McArthur Court, confirmed the details of the report. Kent said he was given the option of leaving the team at that time.
"I thought it would be very hypocritical of me to walk out on my guys," Kent said.
The Ducks immediately begin the search for a successor. The Oregonian newspaper reported this past weekend that one possible candidate was P.J. Carlesimo, former coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Oregon's next coach will usher in a new era with a new $227 million arena that is scheduled to open for the start of the 2010-11 Pac-10 season.
Kent took over as head coach of Oregon when Jerry Green departed for Tennessee after the 1996-97 season. Prior to the Ducks, Kent coached at St. Mary's in Moraga, Calif., taking the Gaels to the NCAA tournament his final season there.
Oregon president Richard Lariviere praised Kent's dedication to the academic success of his players.
"My colleagues and I admire the work of this good man for his ability to shape the lives of young people. It is an enviable record," Lariviere said in a statement. "The University of Oregon appreciates his accomplishments and wishes Coach Kent the best in the future."
Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press.
College Basketball Betting - UConn vs. Louisville
College Basketball Betting - UConn vs. Louisville
NCAA Betting Odds: Louisville -6 1/2
Oh how far the mighty fall. Last year Louisville and Connecticut were on top of the basketball world, as each was a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and both reached the Elite Eight. Coming into Monday night's game however, both teams are just desperate for any type of win in the college basketball betting odds.
While we knew Louisville was young and would struggle, there was no such expectation for the UConn Huskies, who came into this season ranked in the top 15. However, 21 games into their schedule, the Huskies just have never gotten it going, losing five of their last seven games straight up, and have still yet to win a true road game.
Here are some NCAA Betting Trends which may impact this game:
Connecticut: 0-4 SU on the road this season
Connecticut: 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games
Louisville: 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
Louisville: 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The Huskies certainly have the talent to make a late season run, but turnovers have plagued this team all season. In Saturday's loss to Marquette it was much the same thing, as UConn committed 16. Guards Kemba Walker and Jerome Dyson have simply been too erratic with the ball this season, as they combine to average over six a game. Not good when you're battling for power atop the Big East.
As for Louisville, their problems have been more simple, they simply lost a lot of talent off last year's team. Gone are Terrence Williams and Earl Clark, who were both first round NBA picks, and in their place are inexperienced role players not ready to lead.
On the season, the Cardinals best player has been forward Samardo Samuels, who averages 15 points and seven rebounds per game. Samuels is one of the most consistent low post players in college basketball, accumulating at least six rebounds in 12 of Louisville's last 13 games. Edgar Sosa is the best perimeter player on this team averaging 13.5 points and four rebounds per game.
Besides UConn's turnovers, the key in this game will be which team commits itself on the defensive end. Considering both schools are led by Hall of Fame coaches, the numbers are surprisingly abysmal on each end. Louisville is one of the worst teams in the Big East, allowing 69 points per game (212th nationally), while UConn is ranked 132nd nationally.
When deciding who to take in Monday night's betting odds, know this above everything else: While neither team has been as good this season as they are traditionally, UConn has been abysmal on the road, while Louisville has actually been pretty good at home. Three of the Cardinals four conference wins have come at Freedom Hall, while UConn has lost at Georgetown, Cincinnati and Providence College, as well as at Big 10 doormat Michigan.
However, despite those losses, three of the four have been by five points or less. We're not saying that UConn is going to win outright Monday night. But six points seems like a lot to be getting too. Despite their road woes, take the Huskies.
Aaron's Pick: UConn +6
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
College Basketball Betting Preview - #16 Wisconsin vs. #10 Purdue
Purdue has managed to put together two wins after a loss to Wisconsin three weeks ago put them in a three game tailspin that has seen them go 2-3 SU overall. With the loss, Purdue has fallen in the Big Ten standings right behind fifth ranked Michigan State and they will need to convince the pollsters that they can vanquish the ghosts of their past to move back in to the single-digit rankings. The Badgers, however, hope to keep Purdue within their sights as they sit third in the Big Ten conference.
Perhaps the biggest crux in Wisconsin's recent success is the emergence of Jordan Taylor, a 6-foot-1 guard who has averaged 12.2 points per game in the last five efforts. During that stretch, the Badgers have gone 4-1 SU. Taylor has joined Trevon Hughes, the Badgers' scoring leader with 16.4 points per game, 5.1 boards and 2.8 assists but it's the shoes he has had to fill in recent weeks that have been more daunting.
Starting center Jon Leuer broke his wrist in the upset over Purdue and while Taylor's promising play has been a delight, it hasn't been enough to replace the consistency of Leuer who averaged 15.4 points and 6.8 boards per game. The Badgers have had to shift their gameplan around their guards, and without a convincing starting center it has been a tough transition.
The adjustment in the offense has held the Badgers to just 21.7 points per game in the first half. Considering Purdue's fairly strong defense, the first-half UNDER is perhaps the most promising bet of the night. Those slow starts have killed Wisconsin on the betting line, forcing them in to a 2-4 ATS rut over the last 6 games. On the road they're just 2-4 SU/ATS overall and 1-7 ATS against Purdue in their last 8 tries. Wisconsin will have to get off to a better start in the opening half to secure two regular season wins against Purdue since 2004-05.
#16 Wisconsin Badgers (16-4) vs. #10 Purdue Boilermakers (16-3) >>
NCAAB Betting Line: Purdue -9 (126)
The Boilermakers remain huge favorites on the betting line because - let's face it - they're just a much better team. Snapping a two game skid by demolishing Michigan and Illinois has helped restore some confidence. Yet betting faith is still lacking in the Boilermakers who are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Despite going 16-3 SU in 19 efforts, they're just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games at home. If you put their recent transgressions aside, Purdue is still a stiff 6-1 SU/ATS when hosting Wisconsin.
The biggest headache for the shooting team of Wisconsin will be attempting to contain JaJuan Johnson, the 6-foot-10 center who has averaged 14.2 points per game along with 7.1 rebounds. Without Leuer under the rim, Johnson should have his way with the Badgers. Everyone knows that a dominant center is a debilitating force in the ranks of college hoops, and without their starting center, Wisconsin will be short on the defensive side (literally) and unable to pace a game, especially with their shooting falling flat on the road.
Purdue may have fallen off the horse a few weeks ago when they lost to Wisconsin, but recently they've been able to air out the funk in their game. Expect them to use the momentum from their last two wins to right the wrongs of their betting past and use sixteenth ranked Wisconsin as a stepping stone to edge up in the rankings.
Furious Free Pick: Purdue -9 (UNDER)
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
NCAAB Tennessee Volunteers vs Alabama Crimson Tide
The Vols have come in as slight 2.5 point favorites.
Bruce Pearl, coach of Tennessee, has reinstated two suspended players ahead of tonight's visit to Alabama.
The Vols are looking to extend their longest winning streak of the season to seven versus the Crimson Tide.
College basketball betting odds have the Volunteers listed as 2.5-point favorites (Bodog).
Starting forward Tyler Smith was dismissed from the team and reserve center Brian Williams remains suspended, but guards Melvin Goins and Cameron Tatum returned to practice Sunday after Pearl learned more details about the incident.
Pearl was also thrilled after the 4-0 homestand, which included a 76-68 win over Kansas on Jan. 10 and a 26-point victory over Auburn on Thursday. The Vols finished it off with a 71-69 overtime win over Mississippi on Saturday.
The Vols will be trying to extend their longest winning streak since they won nine in a row Jan. 26-Feb.23, 2008, and they'll also be hoping to deal Alabama a third straight defeat.
(c) CRUNCH SPORTS.
NCAA Basketball Betting - #3 Kansas Jayhawks vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks (14-1 SU, 6-6 ATS) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-4 SU, 3-5 ATS)
Wednesday, January 13: 9:00 p.m.
Here are some NCAA Basketball Betting Trends which may impact this game:
Kansas: 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games
Kansas: Total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games
Nebraska: 2-1 ATS at home
Nebraska: Total has gone UNDER in 4 of 6 games
Coming into last weekend there were four undefeated teams in college basketball. It was trimmed to three when Purdue lost Saturday. And when the Kansas Jayhawks were stunned on Sunday, that number fell to just two.
Kansas will look to bounce back against Nebraska Cornhuskers on Wednesday. If they're to win, expect them to do it on the offensive end, where they are one of college basketball's highest scoring teams.
On the season, Kansas has four players who score in double-figures, highlighted Xavier Henry. Henry, a freshman has been everything coach Bill Self had hoped for, when he recruited the youngster out of Oklahoma City. The lefty small forward hasn't disappointed his coach, leading this team with 15.7 points per game. Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich provide veteran leadership, as the pair combine for over 26 points per game, with Collins leading the Jayhawks in assists and Aldrich in blocks and rebounds. All three could very well be playing in the NBA next year.
Bet on Kansas -12 vs Nebraska >> Join Now
While the Cornhuskers don't have the experience of Kansas, they are skilled, albeit with young skill. Leading Nebraska are two freshman, forward Christian Standhardinger (say that 10 times fast. Or just once for that matter) and center Brian Diaz. Standhardringer is a versatile 6'8 wing player, who's averaging 13 points and seven rebounds a contest, while Diaz is a 6'11 force down low.
When these two tip off, the one place where there is a clear advantage for the Jayhawks is in the paint. For Nebraska, Diaz is a force, but surprisingly doesn't rebound very efficiently. As a matter of fact, the Cornhuskers are one of the worst rebounding teams in the Big XII, averaging just 32 a game (284th nationally). It should be a big day for Aldrich, and Marcus and Markieff Morris down low.
Quite frankly, it should be a big day for everyone on Kansas. Look, it's never easy to go on the road in the Big XII, but if there's a time and place for Kansas to get a bounce back win, it's in Lincoln on Wednesday.
Simply put Nebraska doesn't have the size, the skill or experience to win this game. And Kansas is coming off that tough loss at Tennessee, where they weren't only outplayed, but outhustled and outworked too. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't have been surprising to see the Jayhawks come out a little flat in this one. It won't happen now.
While the Jayhawks may be comfortable favorites in the betting odds, as far as I'm concerned, no number will be high enough. Kansas will dominate from the opening tip-off, and get back to their winning ways.
Aaron's Winning Pick: Kansas (-12)
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
NCAA Basketball Betting - DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats
DePaul Blue Demons (7-7 SU, 5-4-1 ATS) at Villanova Wildcats (12-1 SU, 9-3 ATS)
Here Are Some Betting Trends Which May Impact This Game:
* DePaul: 4-0-1 ATS on the road
* DePaul: Total has gone UNDER in their last 2 games
* Villanova: 7-1 ATS at home
* Villanova: 8-3 ATS as a favorite
Villanova came into this season as the favorite in the Big East betting odds, but they've struggled a bit early. Despite the slow start, they seem to be playing their best basketball of late. They'll get to build on their strong play Wednesday night as they host a DePaul team that will amount to a free meal for the Wildcats.
Villanova gets it done with a group of high-scoring guards. Leading the way is senior Scottie Reynolds, who's led this team for four years now, and is in the process of capping off one of the greatest careers in program history.
Reynolds averages 17.6 points and 3.9 assists, but is hardly the only guard worthy of mention. After being suspended for the first half of the season, senior Reggie Redding is back as well, and he averages 14 points and over seven assists a game. In the frontcourt, Antonio Pena and Taylor King lead the way, as they both average double-figures. On the season, Villanova is 12th in college basketball scoring with 83 points per game.
As for DePaul, it is another tough season for the Blue Demons, who finished in last place in the conference last year. Guard Will Walker leads DePaul in scoring, but their most versatile player is junior Mac Koshwal, who averages 14.7 points and a team high 11 rebounds.
Despite the input from Walker and Koshwal, the Blue Demons are struggling to score points. They average just 59 points per game, which ranks an abysmal 315th in college basketball, and dead last in the Big East. They've lost three of their last four games, and didn't score more than 61 points in any of those games.
It is hard to see Villanova losing this game, especially at home, so the question becomes, how many points will the Wildcats win by? They seem to have an advantage at virtually every position except maybe small forward where the slight edge might go to Koshwal over Pena. Even still, the Wildcats are averaging 24 more points per game than DePaul, so a blowout seems in store.
Look for Villanova to jump out to an early lead, control the game well into the second half, and then rest their starters as the game goes on. Don't expect Reynolds, Redding, Pena or any of their other key players to play more than 30 minutes.
Because of it, this game will likely end up being a bit closer than the final score might indicate. Expect DePaul to cover the college basketball betting odds, even if they need a late game comeback to do it. Villanova still will win quite comfortably straight up.
Aaron's Pick: Villanova by 13
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
|
