Pre-season All SBC selection Alex Galindo, who suffered a dislocated ankle injury prior to the start of the 2008-2009 season returned to action in unexpected fashion scoring 19 points in a recent Panthers victory over Fordham. FIU has been hampered by a string of injuries to key players and looks to continue to rebound after a six game losing streak . Still on the list of "desperately needed but not available" is center Russell Hicks; also a pre-season selection. They will have to wait a while however, as he is not due back until late January.
Owls Play Cats Tough to the End at Rupp Arena
Florida Atlantic has played a rediculous 10 of 13 on the road thus far this season. But that didn't stop them from giving Kentucky all they could handle until the waining minutes in a gutsy performance at Rupp Arena. We pegged this contest as a potential upset for the SBC, and were not far off given the performance the Owls put forth. FAU was lead by Paul Graham's career high 31 points. It's no secret that the Cats are a bigger and more athletic team, but hats off to FAU for hanging in until the end. "I thought they played out of their minds," said UK's head man Billie Gillispie. The score was tied at halftime, and the Owls pulled to within two with just over 3:00 to play.
UALR Gives Memphis a Scare
The 23rd ranked Memphis Tigers, who were held without a field goal in the last 8:07 minutes of play, pulled out a close win against the Trojans of UALR by a final score of 59-51. The Trojans came as close as six points with 2:30 to play but were not able to gain further ground as Memphis sealed the deal at the charity stripe. Steven Moore led the Trojans with 16 points.
Denver is Red Hot
No one believed that Denver would be mentioned along these lines at the beginning of the season for a number of reasons. But the Pioneers have won six of their last seven, and have evened thier overall record to a respectable 6-6; most recently knocking off UC Riverside 52-46. Thier style of play, The Princeton Offense, has given folks fits. If they keep this up it will do alot more than that. Denver was picked to finish 6th in their division at the beginning of the season. As Rodney would say: "No respect".
Mendez-Valdez Lands WKU's First Triple Double
Orlando Mendez-Valdez recorded the first triple-double in program history in Western Kentucky's 99-76 victory over Troyon Thursday. The junior guard had 18 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, wrapping up the feat with an assist on an Anthony Sally jumper with 6:53 left in the game.
First, I have to give credit to the Sun-Sentinel, Palm Beach
Post and other scribes who blog daily about FAU. It isn't easy to do. I found
it hard trying to write a blog that would be interesting to readers, while
tactful enough for the Internet.
The trip - from beginning
to end
The Detroit
airport, or at least the terminal I came in on and the path I walked to the
executive sedan, was not very busy. What really irked me about the airport is
that it wasn't decorated with Motor City Bowl banners at all. If you weren't an
Owl or a Chip, you didn't know there was a game going on.
The drive to the hotel from the airport was awesome. I'm a
huge sports fan, so seeing things like Joe Louis Arena, Ford Field and ComericaPark really excited me.
The team hotel was nice... very nice. In fact, it was so nice,
and the players were always walking around looking for something to do, I thought
they weren't focused enough on the game. I'm glad I was wrong.
For entertainment, the players went ice skating, played in
the snow and hung around in the lobby. There was a mall attached to the hotel,
but I didn't go roaming around too much.
On Christmas Day, the hotel had us locked in, figuratively speaking.
There was only a pizza place to eat outside the hotel, so the $28 meatloaf at
the hotel restaurant was the way to go. And the state prohibits alcohol sales,
so that put us in a bit of a crunch.
Dinner was nice; player's families included the Matlocks,
Roses, Sotos, Paris'
and the Bonners. Alumni included Leigh Slowiak and her husband Jim, both Owl
Club members and avid Owl supporters, Bruce and Brian Silk, and their wives, all
FAU alumni from the 60s (I love speaking with alumni from that FAU time period.
They have so many great stories), and I saw Ted and Tom sitting with Katrina as
well, even though they weren't part of the "fan dinner."
The next day is well documented on the blog, so I won't go
into too much detail. Although I will add a few things that didn't make it in
to the blog... or that I didn't have time to write about after the trip.
I ended up going to a casino. And I lost $100 in blackjack.
But I am going to justify myself by saying this:
I went up $150, and I said to myself "one more hand." So I threw
$50 down....
I was dealt two aces. So what do I do? (especially since the
dealer had a 7 showing) I split the aces - now my ante is $100 for the hand,
but I'm sitting pretty with two aces. My first hit was a two. Well, that stunk;
I had a 13 against a dealer 7 showing. Next card - another ace. So, I split
those. Now my bet is $150 (what I've won so far), and I was dealt a 3 and another
2. So I lost all three to the dealer's 17, and from there, I lost the rest of
the money quickly.
Leaving the casino and crossing the street, then waiting
outside the hotel where the MCB pep rally was, a gentleman came running out of
the hotel chased by four security guards who were much larger than him.
I thought about getting a picture, but I would have had to
dig into my jacket...on my belt clip...and he might have thought I was getting a
gun. So I didn't get my camera phone. But this guy was F*ing this and F*ing
that all up and down the hotel sidewalk. He even kicked something and the security
guards laughed.
Well... that made him even matter. So now five security guards
vs. one angry fella who just got booted from the casino. The angry fella
finally left, but it was entertaining...and a bit scary.
After the pep rally, we walked back to the team hotel and
found some Owl fans on the way that followed us. The young man in the family
was a member of the FAU band, so we sang the fight song once.
Someone at the bar graciously bought us shots? I don't know
who he was. But he was sitting alone at the hotel lobby bar, claiming he was
from Tampa. So
he asked what we were doing up here, and we pumped up our chests and boldly
said "we are here to see our Owls!" He laughed and called us stupid for traveling
to Detroit to
see FAU? But he said it with the FA-Who? kind of tone. He did admit it was "cool"
that we made the trip though.
So when we asked why he was up in Detroit...
he held out his chest boldly and said "I just met a girl last week at some
party in Florida
and she said she lived up here. So I told her I would come and visit and I'm
here. She knows I'm up here but since I arrived, she still claims she is 'getting
ready.'
When we returned to the bar five hours later after the game,
he was still there... no girl. Who's the stupid one?
On the way to the game from the hotel, Dirty Mike, FAUALUM05
and his two friends, and two other alumni we met at the FAUNAA pre-party at the
hotel walked about one mile on icy sidewalks. No one fell, but I thought for
sure I was going to.
As we got closer to the game, people were scalping tickets. And
then we arrived...Ford Field literally appeared from behind a building.
Ever watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Seeing
Ford Field reminded me of the scene from the movie where Chevy
Chase sees the "family Christmas tree" in the forests and a gold
light shines down from above and a song starts playing.
Yep, that's the feeling I got.
Outside the stadium: ALL CHIPS. ALLLLLLLL Chips. And one
Spartan. But all Chips. Why? Because FAU fans were already inside. The alumni
and the players families were already seated, and FAUALUM05, Dirty Mike and I
seemed to be the last ones to get there... 20 minutes before kickoff.
(side note: obviously we know when to enter into a game
unlike the other folks at Lockhart who would still be playing beer pong! J
LOL)
The game was amazing. The fans were great. And the Chip fans
that entered into our section quickly left after our final fourth quarter
touchdown.
I met one "fan" from Detroit
who wants to go to FAU and loves Rusty Smith. He was about 10 years old. When I
asked him why he wanted to go to FAU, he said "because I love Rusty."
And that's where we left it. I gave his dad my business card
and I'll update everyone if I get an e-mail from the dad. I'd love to hook him
and his son to come to FAU games and to FAU for an education.
The post-game celebration on the field was very emotional. I'm
not going to lie to you... and for those of you who were in 'Nawlins last year,
you know this too. I got on the field and gave coach a hug and tears started to
come down my cheek.
The players were jubilant, the coaches were excited and
there's nothing that can be said to put that feeling into words.
The walk home from the stadium with Dirty Mike and his
friend from FAU was awesome. We sang the fight song once or twice and I think "We
Are the Champions" came out of my mouth, but I didn't know all the words, and
without Paul Metcalf, Jarred Torres and former prOWLer Director Bobby Johnson singing with me, it wasn't the
same as 'Nawlins.
I went to bed at midnight so I didn't stay for the player's
post-game shin-dig at the team hotel. But the FAU NAA did a great job of
setting everything up and everyone should get a membership to the FAU NAA so
that the membership money can be used to do more events like that. (OK I'll
admit, shameless plus, but all alumni should dip into their pockets and pay the
$25 or $40 to become a member so events like that can happen at next year's
away games).
Only time will tell what this win will do for the university.
Will our applications for admissions go up? Will more people join the Owl Club
and FAU NAA? Will "better" recruits come our way?
The tradition of success continues and I'm glad that I could
be a part of it.
A small, but festive crowd of 25+, and two dogs (yes dogs) gathered at the Oxley Center tonight to welcome home the Fighting Owls - fresh off their triumphant victory in Detroit.
Plenty of wind on hand, which resulted in some cool temps. But that didn't keep the Dirty Birds from firing up the grill for some tasty hot dogs, and "undisclosed beverages".
First to meet the lens, was The BullDog. I think we need to put this one in the endzone for a game. Could deter visiting Teams a bit from scoring if they knew it was lurking there to meet them upon arrival in forbidden territory.
Good thing Dirty Phil had his Chihuahua on hand to keep him in line. Thought I might be bait, as he looked awful hungry after smelling those hot dogs going on the grill and wasn't offered any. But, after seeing Phil's loyal companion standing by, I felt much safer. Check out those eyes.
Some of the faithful Fans who begin gathering as early as 6:00PM.
Recognize the older gentleman in the left corner of the photo? Probably so. That is the infamous "Medicaid Mike". A regular on Ted Hutton's FAU Sports Blog, Mike is about the most loyal fan you could ever run across, and he has logged more special event, practice, and game time attendance hours than any other FAU Fan known to man. A real trooper. Here's Mike donning the banner he proudly displays along his travels throughout Owl Country with the Dirtys on hand and Vince Paris (father of Nick Paris).
Arrival in Boca Raton
The Team landed at Fort Lauderdale executive Airport around 7:10PM, and made thier way back to Boca via the FAU Police escort; arriving at The Ox around 8:40pm.
First off the bus was The Voice, who gave a triumphant wave to onlookers as they cheered.
He was followed by fellow Owls all happy to be back in Boca Raton with another Bowl Trophy to don in the Oxley Center.
WR "Snoop" Gent
DE Daniel Joeseph
Corey Small clutching a Team autographed ball we will all Hope to get a copy of.
TE Jamari Grant
TE Rob Housler
DE Michael Hancock, who enjoyed a fine Senior season.
Nick Paris and Family (father and sister).
Dirty Phil wasted no time in hitting the recruiting trail for the "Dirty Birds" next member after catching sight of Nick; who has aspirations of becoming a Coach at some point. Owl Country wishes him well in that endeavor, and will certainly miss this Senior. He's a special guy. Whatever the Good Lord has in store for Nick after FAU, we're all sure that he will do well.
Final Thoughts
A special Homecoming for a Special Team. Tired, withered, and victorious was the air for the event. We have all benefited from their never give up attitude this year. Here is a Team that began the year at 1-5, and went on to trod were none had been before; becoming the only Team , All-Time, to win two consecutive Bowl Games in only 7 years of exsistence. Unheard of. What a spectacular feat. One which, in all likelihood, will never be accomplished again.
The night was a fitting ending to a successful Season for the Owls of FAU. Glad to have been a part of it.
As $mitty continues his Motor City Bowl adventure through the streets of Detroit, I will be updating his Game Day experience by posting his pictures of different events throughout the day.
We start out with this picture, which was taken during his travels to the MCB Pep-Rally, taken on one of Detroit's people movers.
And a few pictures from the Motor City Bowl Pep-Rally.
First, let me thank those who have been reading and
commenting on the blog.
Dec. 26:Game Day
The time has come. The nerves have set in. Game day is here.
The hotel is horrifically quiet. The sun has barely risen yet. The view in the
distance is depressing... dark and foggy.
But then again, the hotel is quiet because it's 8 a.m. The sun has barely risen
yet because I'm not facing the east. The view in the distance is depressing,
dark and foggy... because it's winter in Detroit
and there's some fog.
LOL
Who's Here? Who's Missing?
Last night, all alumni were accounted for. The Slowiaks and Silks arrived. I
had a chance to talk with Mark Soto's parents, Ed Wertepney's mom, Nick Paris'
mom and brother, David Matlock's mom, Chris Bonner's parents, Jeff VanCamp's
family and Willie Rose's family. All are very nice and very excited about the
game.
I also saw Eric Macintosh's parents in the lobby and heard that DiIvory
Edcomb's parents are on their way.
Today, the DT will arrive, along with some fans that went through the travel
agent and booked the trip with FAU. I haven't seen President Brogan yet, but
did speak briefly with Craig Angelos.
Dexter LaMont arrived late last night. I think everyone is accounted for and
safely arrived.
Oh wait.... except Dirty Mike. He still isn't here, and by the call I got about
45 minutes ago, may not get here at all. He texted me from Laguardia
(spelling?) airport excited that he was on his way. Then he realized his
departing airport was JFK...in 30 minutes. So he "hailed a cabby,"
made it to JFK, lost his debit card in the cab (possibly), and is on his way to
Detroit. He
just sent me another text message and said "there are Chipps on my plane."
There's never a dull moment with the Dirtys.
Today, FAUALUM2005 from the OWLSNEST will be arriving. He called me yesterday
and said the bus he was going to take from Chicago was two hours late. His parents live
in Detroit, so
he's staying there with his folks and some of his friends. He'll be at the
events today.
Lawrence Lavender '04 now lives in Windsor,
which is the city right across the DetroitRiver. He just completed
his law degree at a school here in Detroit.
Lavender ran with me, Brent Dell and Joel Gibbons for student government office
in 2004. If any of you were around then, we were the K.E.G. Party (Knowledge.
Entertainment. Government).
Lavender is also the student who really got the ice hockey
team moving. He was their executive director/club president for years. He has
his former director of marketing, Mike, coming up for the game today as well. Mike
will be landing today.
Alumni Story I appreciate this kind of stuff and enjoy listening to it, so thought I would
share it with you. The Silk family (two brothers and their wives) are huge FAU
fans and supporters. They go to all the away games that are within driving
distance. Brian Silk lives in Pensacola, so
there aren't many games they can get to other than Troy and the UL-hyphens.
They were at the Troy
game last year --- the infamous game that clinched the Sun Belt Conference
Title and the trip to the NO Bowl.
He told me that he watched the two bus loads of students come into Movie
Gallery Stadium on the wrong side (they entered on the home side) of the
stadium. Then, they had to walk in-between seats all the way around the stadium
to their seats on the visiting side. So he said they did so, all 100 of them,
in a single file line (they had to be single file because they were walking
through rows of seats) and every so often, they'd stop, do a cheer, get booed
by Troy fans, and then keep walking. Then they would stop, do a chant, get
booed by Troy fans, and continue.
I love stories like that. That won't happen this trip because there aren't a
lot of people here. But the people that are here are making the team feel loved
and appreciated. And the players I've talked to said they feel the appreciation
and understand it's a tough holiday for people to skip and come to a bowl
game.
Players Schedule
The team will be loading the moving truck around noon, and then checking out of
the hotel. They will be in meetings most of the day and head to Ford Field
around 5 p.m. Then, after the game, they will board a bus, go to the
airport, and head home.
It's like a normal away game...
Detroit
and Ford Field I haven't ventured out much, but plan to do some of that today. Some of the
players have told me that it's very desolate and that there are buildings with
windows blown out. One of the players said "it's like a ghost town."
I haven't visited Ford Field yet, but according to one of the team assistants,
the field has little to no decorations for the MCB. Last year at the NO Bowl,
the stadium was wrapped on one side with a banner advertising the game, there
were billboards on the highway for the game, etc.
And as one of the coaches said, "but New
Orleans last year had two other bowl games besides
ours. For Detroit,
this is it."
Which then made me wonder... why wouldn't they go all out?
But regardless, I'm not the Detroit
marketing guru. Maybe they didn't market the game in Detroit because they know no one was going to
be in the dang city for Christmas!
p.s. It's past 7 a.m. so we can drink alcohol now.
TODAY'S FAN SCHEDULE I'm heading to a casino this AM for sure. I gotta get out of this place. I
have cabin fever.
Most fans will be heading to the MCB-organized pep rally at 2 p.m. at a hotel
about a mile from here. Then, we'll race back for the team sendoff and for the
FAUNAA pre-game party at 5 p.m.
And after the game, we'll be at the post-game party. It's just a matter of
we'll be drinking champagne or jack and coke....
Couple of Pictures of the Volt Bar, where the FAUNAA party will be held.
For those of you that have my phone number, text me what ESPN says (if they say
anything significant pre-game or during the game that would be worth me sharing
with the fans).
Let's all throw up the Owl fingers, and sing the fight song loud and proud
today.
This game is the future of our program, yet again. We win this game, and we
silence the nay-sayers that have said over and over again that a 6 and 6 team
shouldn't be in a bowl, and even if they should be, why Florida Atlantic from
the Sun Belt?
It would do wonders for recruiting. It would bring our inexperienced guys to an
all-time level of instant on-field experience heading in to Lincoln
for next year's tussle with Nebraska.
Let's do it boys. It's now or never. Leave everything on the field. Hold
nothing back. You can rest tomorrow. But tonight, .... tonight... ,
tonight is the night.
Seize the opportunity. You've climbed the mountain, now get
up to the top. Do something that no team has ever done. Continue to re-write
history.
Now or never boys. Let's do it.
-$'07
Edited by Francois Rioux
I added a couple of pictures above where the FAUNAA party will be held later tonight after the game. $mitty did mentioned that is was snowing up in Detroit at the time I posted these pictures for him.
Well, the flight went well. Actually, better than I expected.
The players are doing their own thing this afternoon and will gather at 6 p.m. for the team dinner. Come to find out, the team dinner is in the same location as the fan dinner at 8 p.m. So they better leave some food us or else they'll have full players but hungry fans! LOL
The bar at the hotel is STOCKED, which is good for those of us who want to enjoy a beer and/or vodka-tonic after a long day of flights.
But one problem: no alcohol sales since 9 p.m. last night - and they won't start selling until 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. No bar, hotel, casino, etc. in Michigan is selling anything. State law.
So, looks like I will be taking a taxi ride under the Detroit River and heading to Canada to pick up a bottle of wine and a six pack.
View of Canada from a 53rd floor hotel room - Caesar's Palace is staring right at me!
View of Detroit from a 53rd floor hotel room - Desolate parking lots are staring right at me!
THE HOTEL - Huge place - very, very huge
The hotel is quiet... very quiet. It's nothing like New Orleans. It's probably because there are very few Owl decorations and the hotel is spread out. The hotel lobby is on the third floor, and there's over 60 floors in this place. So trying to find someone is like the Lions trying to find a win this season. :)
When you get dropped of by taxi on the first floor, you walk into the first floor lobby. It is there that I have found an Owl decoration, and the only one that I have come across so far.
The hotel room is comfy and warm. It's cold outside, but not bitterly cold.
Some prices: Miller Lite: $4.50 Corona: $5.00 Nachos: $8.00 Meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes: $28 Internet in your room: $12.95 a day Room price: $135.00 Taxi ride: $52
Y'all happy you stayed home yet? LOL I'm going home BROKE!
The River
The Detroit River is nice, actually. It isn't iced over completely, so you can see thin chunks of ice floating down the river.
Bored in Detroit
So what is there to do in Detroit on Christmas Day? I got the scoop from someone who I feel would know best: my cab driver.
He claimed to be a former two-sport star in high school and six-time Gold Glove boxer, turned adult entertainment dancer, turned luxury cab driver.
He said the bars are OK, but no one is selling anything on Christmas Day. The casinos have "everything, just like Vegas would," so that's probably where I'll spend my night.
And just for the Dirty Birds, I asked about adult entertainment (and clearly after he told me what he did a few moments before, he opened the door to such an inquiry). He said that Canada has "different laws" than the US. I'll leave the rest of what he said to your imagination.
So take it as you will.
Players roaming around the hotel on their down time
I ran into Frantz Joseph who said he is ready to play. Let's hope the entire team is ready to play! I also saw Willie Rose. Everyone else I didn't recognize from a distance.
Airport After coming home from the New Orleans Bowl last year, the San Antonio Airport had flags, banners, etc. welcoming alumni, fans and players from the Alamo Bowl participating schools.
The Detroit Airport - nothing. Nothing at all. Maybe it was just the terminal I came in on, but you wouldn't know there was a bowl game going on ... and neither did my "luxury cab" driver.
What's Next? Hopefully I'll be able to lure someone to the casino with me later tonight. First up is the team dinner at 6 p.m. and I plan on waiting outside the restaurant and high-fiving and shaking hands with all the players as they walk in.
Then, the "fan" dinner is at 8 p.m.
After that, who knows where the night will take us. We knew coming in that Detroit was no 'Nawlins. But I didn't think it would be this desolate.
They guy I spoke with about parking yesterday was correct. There was parking!
The current thread advisory, ya know... The color codes the government came up with, is orange. I'm looking for a phone that does the intercom in the terminal so I can get on there and say... "The current level is bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. Go Owls"
I would probably get arrested. But I'd have a good story to tell.
Interesting note: Apparently my name is on a "no fly" list. We all know its not me, but someone with a similar... Or the same name.
Maybe I'm being sabotaged by CMU fans? Nahhhh they are too nice.
I bet I'm being sabotaged my Hutton. He's afraid more people will read my blog than his! LOL just kidding
I hope Santa was good to those that celebrate.
Wheels up in t-minus 60 minutes.
Live from McDonalds in Terminal 2 at San Antonio International Airport, -$'07
10:21AM UPDATE: Boarding for Detroit
Checking in from Dallas. Looking around the airport, it's very clear that I'm the lone Owl in the Lonestar state's largest airport.
Other schools being repped, besides the hometown teams, include Arizona, Vanderbilt, Michigan State and Arizona State.
If there is an Owl fan, they'll find me. I'm wearing a MCB hat, FAU polo, FAU warm-up jacket and my FAU ring and watch. But if someone identifies themselves as an Owl after noticing my ring or watch, that means they were way to close tome and checking out my valuables a little to closely.
On my plane flight here there were some WVU Mountaineers, but I didn't get a chance to speak with them.
I talked with some FAU players and parents over the past week and tried to find out who is coming from where.
Rob Housler, who hails from San Antonio, said his parents weren't making the trip, but his family from NY was.
Nick Paris' mom and brother as well as Wertepney's (spelling?)family are coming in from Florida.
There is also a family of a player coming in from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Dirty Mike is flying in from New York as well.
I'm sure there are a lot more, but those are the ones that I am aware of.
I'll check back in when I get to the hotel. Tonight is the fan dinner at 8 p.m. and then tomorrow is the day we've all been waiting for.
As for now, I'm going to wander around the terminal and find me a Chippewa!
Yes, that Christmas tree does have an owl mask on top. It's
decorated with blue and white lights and two owl ornaments.
There's nothing under the tree, yet. But when I wake up in
the morning, my bags will be packed and inside my luggage will be two tickets
to the Motor City Bowl. That, my friends, is my Christmas present.
With my dad and step-mom in Dallas,
my mom, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and Goddaughter in Jersey and step-sisters and friends in Florida, Christmas would have been
a little lonely in San Antonio
without the invite to the Bowl game, although I probably would have driven to Dallas.
So to Santa Schnellenberger and his elves, I say thank you
for allowing me to spend Christmas with my family... my FAU family... and then my
family in Jersey.
From Detroit, I'll be taking
four planes, stopping in two cities, to get to KennedyAirport, and then hop in a car for
what is supposed to be a two-and-a-half our car ride into Jersey.
Apparently there is only one flight track that goes from Detroit
to New York
that had an opening, and I'm on it. So if I'm delayed and miss one of my
connections... well...
And God help me, if I don't get to Jersey
by noon on Dec. 28 for my Goddaughter's first birthday, you may have heard the
last of $mitty. Sister $mitty is unforgiving, although I'm sure my goddaughter Deanna
will understand why I missed her first birthday in a few years when she hears
the story of why Uncle Ri Ri (Ree-Ree) wasn't there to see her goo goo and ga ga over her FAU stuff she got for Christmas.
So why am I telling you this?TRAVEL
TIPS!
But first, an update:
Taxi cab ride from the Detroit
airport to the team hotel isn't $40 as originally expected. Ted Hutton e-mailed
me and said he paid $50. So that $52 "executive sedan" ride that I booked just
went from a great idea to pure gold.
Now for the travel tips:
It's inevitable that we all will be traveling with bags that
we are going to put under the plane and probably one or two bags we'll be
carrying on the plane.
I'm not a travel expert, but I think if you follow these
simple tips, you may have success:
Tip One: Put your
tickets where your cell phone is.
Chances are, we'll be the people that turn on our cell
phones as soon as the plane touches down in Detroit and start calling everyone to say "we're
here!"
Don't pack your game tickets in the luggage that goes under
the plane. If they lose your luggage, you'll be without the game tickets. And even
though I'm sure FAU can scrounge around and find some extras, let's not take the
chance.
So keep your tickets safe and put them with your phone. We all know we don't go anywhere without our phones anyway.
Tip Two: Have someone
take you to the airport.
Airport parking. Usually it's not a concern, and that's the
way I was going to get to the airport tomorrow morning at 67 a.m. But then Papa
$mitty gave me this scenario: It's Christmas and a lot of people are traveling. What if you get to the airport and the parking is full?
I fell silent on the phone and was left speechless. DOH! So,
I called ahead and the parking garage guy who picked up the phone said "we have
plenty of parking." I could take a cab... but wouldn't want to risk the cab not picking
me up.
And if the worst becomes a reality (no parking and at the airport without enough time to get home, call a taxi and get back to the airport)? I park my car illegally, hope it gets towed safely and worry about it when I get back. :)
Tip Three: Pack one
change of clothes, hygiene products, TICKETS and your good luck charm
Carry on luggage. What should one pack in their carry-on
luggage? Well, I've got a few things I'm packing:
a.TICKETS
b.Cell
phone and cell phone charger
c.Laptop and power cord
d.A
change of clothes
e.My
lucky boxers
f.Deodorant and toothbrush
Why am I packing my lucky boxers? Because if I put them in
my luggage, and my luggage gets lost, and I'm not wearing them for the bowl
game, well... let's not go there. And coincidentally, they celebrate proper theme
for the time of year.
Tip Four: Bring Blue
I was the biggest proponent for RED during the "color debate"
fans were having... and I kinda still am. But I'm succumbed to the wishes of
Santa Schnellenberger when he called me on the phone, knowing I wear red everywhere, and said, in his deep
voice, "$mitty, did you hear the school wears bluuuuuuuuuu now?" Yes Santa
Schnellenberger I did, and I will wear blue too. I think he scared the red out of me. ;)
Tip Five: Pack dollar
bills and/or quarters
We'll be traveling around Detroit on the Detroit People Mover. One of
the stops is inside of our hotel, and other stops include GreekTown
(casinos), the pre-game pep rally location and one block from Ford Field.
It's 50 cents to ride, so bring quarters. Just don't pack
them in your carry on luggage, because you'll beep going through the security
check point.
So to everyone traveling tomorrow, good luck and safe
travels and I'll see you in Detroit.
The weather for our landing looks pleasant: between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., The Weather Channel is predicting mostly cloudy skies with temps in the 20s. That sounds fine to me! Just get us to the game. I'm sure those of us traveling rather be stuck in Detroit AFTER the game than stuck in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, etc. on game day.
The preparations are well underway for my flight tomorrow. I
depart from San Antonio at 8:30 a.m., land in Dallas at 9:30 a.m., I have a one-hour layover, and then
continue into frigid Detroit,
and should land around 2 p.m.
The majority of the fans that I've spoken with are coming in between 4 p.m. - 5 p.m., and some are coming in noon-time on game day. Safe travels to everyone.
The weather is going to be cold, but apparantly clear tomorrow. That bodes well for the travelers coming in Christmas Day.
The hotel said that it's a $40 cab ride from the airport to
the hotel. So, I went another route and reserved an "executive sedan" from one
of the hotel's preferred vendors. Not including tax or gratuity, it's a $52
ride.
I rather know someone is going to be there to pick me up
than take my chances on a cabby. And, Checker Sedan is going to track my flight,
which makes me feel more comfortable that I'll have a ride when I land. If fans
are still looking for a ride, check them out.
Hair gel, hair spray, contacts solution, cologne (I have to
bring the good stuff since the DT will be there! *wink*) and other liquids, as
everyone knows, is restricted based on size. The TSA web site says:
"3 ounce bottle or
less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per
passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total
liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security
measure"
I received an e-mail from Ted Hutton today saying that
there is a CVS inside the hotel, but he was unaware of the holiday hours. So
fans that will be going, you have some comfort in knowing that the necessities can
be bought at the CVS inside the hotel.
Going to Canada?
A hotel receptionist said "the
strip" in Canada is a huge
tourist attraction for those staying in Detroit.
It's a $3.75 ride, each way, through the mile-long tunnel. According to the
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel web site, you'll need a US Passport and Driver's License
to get back into the States.
Being from SoFla, I think all of us may think that the words the reception used to describe the attraction, "the strip," is a little ... well.. in accurate. The traditional SoFla definition of "the strip" means bars, clubs, bathing suit shops, people in bathingsuits, beaches, loud music and people jay walking across the street from the beach to the bars. Ex: Fort Lauderdale, South Beach, Delray, etc.
Anyway, The DW Tunnel was constructed in 1930 and is the only underwater
vehicular tunnel connecting two nations. It handles nearly nine million
automobiles a year.
Zoom out until you see the US and Canada on the map. The line in the middle of the map is the border. Depending on which hotel room you get, and how high up you are, you can see Canada from your window.
Holiday Dinner
We have organized a small group (about 15 to 20) that will
enjoy holiday dinner together on Dec. 25 at the Forty Two Degrees North restaurant
located inside the team hotel. Not including tax and gratuity, it's a dinner
buffet for $26. And the menu items? Well, not too shabby if I do say so myself:
Fresh salad bar; fruit salad; grilled vegetable salad; pasta
salad
Carved turkey breast; carved Dearborn Ham
Sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes; stuffing
Salmon with dill cream sauce
Wild rice; green beans; vegetable medley
Traditional holiday deserts
Rumor has it that the team meetings will end at 7:30 p.m.,
so hopefully we'll have a few minutes to chat with the players before we eat.
I don't know if I want them joining us for dinner though. After all,
we do have some big boys on our team and I'd like to have some food left at the
buffet when I get in line! *laughing*
HockeyTown Café
What I forgot to mention yesterday is that I called the
Hockey Town Café earlier this week and tried to set up a dinner and/or lunch
for fans. But they said that CMU alumni had the place reserved pre-game and the
team had it reserved post-game.
That's OK. Our fans will be reveling in victory in the hotel
while they are sulking in defeat at the Hockey Town Café (hopefully).
But for some reason... after New Orleans
last year... why do I feel like I'm going to get a call from "Dirty Mike" asking
me to come and save him from the grips of the Chippewa fans when he sneaks into
their "party" at HockeyTown?
Seating
The tickets for this year's game aren't as aesthetically pleasing as the tickets from last years game. HUGGEEEE difference.
I don't know how many sections FAU has, but FAUALUM05 told me he was in 105, as am I.
When sitting in section 105 and facing the field, we are between the 30 and 40 yard line to the left of the bench. Hopefully it's FAU's bench.
My Christmas plans came to an abrupt halt a few Sunday's ago when FAU was invited to the Motor City Bowl. 48 hours later, my hotel room was reserved and my plane ticket was booked.
When I sit in a sports bar watching the 2006 USF v. FAU game, surrounded by Iowa and Michigan State fans, who were watching their teams play, I decided I was never going to miss an opportunity like that again.
So now I sit just 37 hours before my plane takes off for Detroit, looking around my living room that is filled with neatly folded clean clothes and start the process of packing.
I hope to blog on FAUOWLSNEST two or three times a day throughout my experience in the Motor City. I will try not to make the blog too personal, although the blogging will be about the fan experiences and the places we visit, the food we eat, the rooms we sleep in and the people we meet.
This blog will aim to try and bring the fans that didn't get to make the trip into the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center when we eat breakfast with player's parents and do the team sendoff party, bring you into Ford Field during the game through pictures and captions that I e-mail to the admins to post, into the casinos, onto people mover and onto the streets of Detroit.
Who's Going?
Well, we have some from FAUOWLSNEST who have said they are going. Those not on the board that are going to be going include the "Who Let The Owls Out" guy (OK... let's not start the debate... please...) and his wife, their FAU friends (who are also alumni), Nick Paris' mom and brother and Crash Taylor, who is infamously known as one of the guys from Ted's blog who helped to build the Beat Texas bonfire in August.
I've already identified some things that I want to do when in Detroit, and I definitly will drag some fans with me. And if no one above wants to come with me, well, I'll drag Dirty Mike with me. I'm sure he's DFW (down for whatever).
Greek Town Casino - I love blackjack, and the casinos love when I play, unfortunatly.
The duty-free shop on the border of Canada and the US
Hocky Town Cafe, which was quoted by ESPN2 as being the no. 2 sports bar in America.
The hotel is part of the GM Renaissance Center, which has three towers and is the headquarters of GM. The hotel is the largest hotel-only building in the western hempisphere. There is a mall inside the Renaissance Center too.
If you have any suggestions on what you think I should blog about in regards to the fan experience, please let me know!
Florida Atlantic pulled into Dotham, AL tonight hoping to gain thier first conference win of the season, but fell to Troy by a final score of 94-87.
Frantic pace to start the contest as Troy jumped out ot a 17-11 lead. But FAU pushed back to go ahead 18-17 thanks to Paul Graham (28 points) who had 10 alone during that stretch.
Troy got hot again, hitting from long range, and took the lead back at 34-23. FAU closed the gap to 3 on three consecutive three pointers from Nwoji, who was on fire in the first half.
Troy lead at the half 46-41.
The pace stood strong in the second as both teams launched from downtown, while trading leads. FAU would go ahead by 4 only to have Troy answer with a run that built a 12 point advantage.
Some "technical issues" ensued (see below) and the Owls were down 85-77 with 3:35 to play.
Down 5 with :57 to play, FAU made it's final surge but fell short on missed back to back three point attempts by Shavar Richardson.
Carlos Monroe had a solid night with 23 points, and 6 rebounds, while Carderro Nowoji added 23 points, and very impressive 8 rebounds.
Shavar Richardson continues to struggle and finished with 3 points on 1-11 shooting.
FAU moves to 4-7 on the year with the loss.
Jarvis gets Tossed
Jarvis is about the most calm coach you can find normally, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Frustrated by the teams second half play, MJ got hot under the collar, and the officials responded by awarding him a technical foul. It worked. FAU hit on the next two possessions from long range.
But, then faltered again. So, why not try a second?
He did. And got another. MJ over and out - to the locker room.
UAB Next on Tap
No rest for the Owls. The extended road trip goes non conference again when FAU travels to the University of Alabama at Birmingham to take on a very talented Mike Davis lead squad. His team knocked off AZ in thier house, and dropped two contests to Big East opponents Cincinnati, and BC by a total of 12 points. Not too shabby.
FAU has its work cut out, but does have a moral victory going in as recent FAU Signee Ray Taylor dumped a Blazer's scholarship offer and chose to don F-A-U across his chest next season. Haven't seen a schedule for next season yet. Let's Hope they make a trip to Boca Raton as well.
Tip off time is 8:00PM, this Monday, December 22nd.
The Owl's began Sun Belt action tonight as they braved the Colorado frozen tundra (style of play), taking on the University of Denver. The game was a slow go. Here are the highlights. The only way to go in this one is a chronological review. Please don't fall asleep:
Paul graham scores first basket of game.
Tied at 2, 1:45 in.
Denver is 0-3 from long range.
Monroe checks out after just 2:35, as he is winded form the frantic pace (not really).
9-6 FAU at the 11:19 mark
Tied at 11 with 7:23 gone by.
17-15, and Denver takes the lead with 4:00 left to play in the first.
18-15 (yawn) with exactly 2:00 to go.
Denver ahead 20-18 at the 1:23 mark after a Graham drive and the "and one".
Life! Watson ties it up at 20 a piece with a nice slam - :40.
Tucker lay in makes it 22-20, :15 to play.
UD quick basket and it's tied.
:03, Tucker races down the floor and hits a three at the buzzer.
Halftime: 25-22.
Coffee time...let's Hope for a quicker second.
Second Half Starts Fast, and Ends Slow
FAU comes out picking up the pace and pushes the lead to 31-24.
UD hits a three and it's 31-27.
Enter Paul Graham, back to back baskets. 35-29 (14:24).
Royster, 2 FT, and it's 37-30.
13:24 to play.
Drought. *sigh*
Enter the slow, 3 point shooting/back door team, and it is 38-37. UD in front.
40-37 after a lay up by UD.
Have they finally cast their "Snail Spell" upon the Owls?
Richardson lands an "around and down" - 40-39. 7:58 to go.
Announcer: "FAU falling alseep on defense". "The Owls can not hit a basket".
46-39 UD.
Graham drops two at the charity stripe.
Lull.
Tucker misses a lay-up. We're "Ice cold".
Graham misses runner. But hits two FT's.
5:05 to go. 48-43 down by five.
50-43 after we slumber further.
Guess what, Graham drives again to speed up the pace, and is fouled. Hits both.
50-47 after a Watson lay in from Graham.
3:26, UD scores an easy lay-up and gets the foul. *snarl*
Graham is fouled away from the basket. He goes to the line and perfect again. 52-49.
2:43 FAU STEAL, but Tucker is fouled. 52-50.
UD shot, foul and bucket.
Announcer: "That is crushing".
55-50.
Monroe misses again underneath but is fouled. 2:02. Hits 1-2.
55-51.
UD lay up. Another back door cut.
1:59. 57-51.
Richardson misses a three.
Announcer: "Owl in serious trouble." Second that.
Owls retire to the sleeping bag for warmth, and continue their SBC "losses on the road" stretch dating back to the Troy game last February.
Final 66-55 UD.
Paul Graham's impressive 21 points were not enough.
38.3% shooting for the evening does not help either.
There is "Ray of Hope" in return to "The Sunshine State"
The Owls will face UD again in Boca Raton February 12th. Expect a different outcome then.
Revenge is always sweeter on the back end. One would expect the game to mean allot more then as well. Get your ticket now given the February date.
FAU Fans: "Nelligan Sports, we need a new commercial"
The "Two Chuckle Head's Sports" clip has to go. Enough said.
Up Next
SBC foe Troy is on the slate next, this Thursday, December 18th at 8:00PM.
They play a fast game, and FAU will surely benefit from that. Expect FAU to be a favorite. Can they win on the road is the real question. Logic continues to defy that. However, something has to give here. Ying-Yang. Parity. "Law of Averages". Call it what you will, but it's time. How ironic would it be to break the streak against them? One thing is for sure:
This will be pinned on every player's locker beginning tommorow.
Can't figure out Western Kentucky. Just after upsetting the then #3 Louisville Cardinals, they go on to get waxed by Evansville 72-40. A couple of points fine. But 32? This obviously was scheduled as a "quality road game meant to be a win", but the final score resembled a "guarantee" game. Well, we "guarantee" you that Evansville is one happy camper Team right now adding this "W" to thier 7-1 record. The Purple Aces held the Toppers to a mere 26.7 FG% on the night.
The loss comes on the heels of having made a nice out-of-conference run by defeating Northern Illinois, Louisville, Georgia, and Tulane consecutively.
The Toppers did recover by gaining a big Conference win over fellow East powerhouse USA.
UNT's Tristan sets School Record
University of North Texas forward Tristan Thompson became the first player in school history to record a night of perfect shooting (minimum five attempts) when he went 6-6 from the floor, including 2-2 from 3-point, and 6-6 from the charity stripe for 20 points against Sam Houston State. Fresh off this stellar peformance, he was hot again, and dropped 21 points on 7-9 (77.8 percent) shooting against former Sun Belt Conference member New Mexico.
Tristan currently leads the Mean Green in scoring with 12PPG and is shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor.
SBC Coaches: Please Stop Scheduling A-Sun Teams Until Futher Notice
So far, the Belt has lost two games to A-Sun squads. First to get bitten was Florida Atlantic with a disappointing road loss to western Florida state foe Florida Gulf Coast University 60-55.
Here's the deal: They have a better TV package with College Sports Southest. They have added three brand new facilities, and have another one on the way soon. In case no one has noticed, they are only a couple spots back in the RPI now having jumed up three spots due to wins like this. And lastly, they are recruiting at a much higher level than three years ago given these changes. Time to move on from this conference for now. Schedule someone else.
Conference Action Underway
SBC action began for most Teams this week. Here's the current standings:
Money games on tap for the SBC during our interval between updates:
Sat, Dec 23
FIU
Georgetown
Washington DC
6:30 pm
Sat, Dec 27
FAU
Kentucky
Lexington, KY
4:00 pm
Sat, Dec 28
WKU
Florida St
Sunrise, FL
5:00 pm
Sat, Dec 29
ASU
Oklahoma St
Stillwater, OK
7:00 pm
WKU bouncing FSU is probably the best shot at an RPI boost out of the bunch, but don't rule out ASU. They are the hottest team in the league right now and could be give the Cowboys a legitimate tussel in Stillwater.
Also of note, Kentucky did drop a home game last season to the A-Sun's Gardner Webb. If anyone in the SBC could coach an underdog to a victory in Rupp Arena, it would be Jarvis? FAU welcomes Pre-Season pick for player of the year Carlos Monroe back into the line up after having served a nine game suspension due to an academic violation. He is doing well since returning, and scored 23 recently agianst Troy in an FAU loss.
Florida Atlantic moved to 4-5 on the year with a very solid win over Southeastern Louisiana tonight by a final score of 72-58. "Feels nice to win again..poor scheduling has prevented us from having more wins this year", said Jarvis.
A slow FAU start was aided by a run of turnovers from the Lions; allowing the Owls to stay in the game with a 10-11 score at the 1st media stop of the first half.
FAU pulled ahead at 10:55 on a back to back lay-ins by Sammy Hernandez (FAU career 10 high points), who provided a spirited spark off of the bench. SLU pushed its way into the lead with consecutive baskets with 6:37 left in the first half. However, Shavar Richardson (13 points, 4 assists) answered with a big three to tie the game again at 24 with 3:57 to go. FAU lead at the break 32-30.
The Owls came out of the locker room with impressive offensive play to begin the second half and extended thier half time lead to 14 points on a pair at the charity stripe by Nowoji (9 points, 4 rebounds), and a lay-in by Graham. SLU nipped the lead to 9 with just under 4 minutes to go, but would get no closer.
Patrick Sullivan, who presented match up problems for FAU, lead the Lions with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The Owls posted a staggering59.2 FG% - the best on the season thus far.
Xavier Perkins, who was not in attendance due to what was cited as "personal problems", did not play. Coach Jarvis had this to offer:
"Right now I am not even going to comment except to say that he wasn't here and he is working on some things...there is nothing to report except he is on a paid leave."
Hurry back to "work" X.
Graham Honored
Paul Graham was honored before the start of the contest for having become the 7th Owl All- Time to register 1000 points. It helped. Graham responded by pouring in a team high 19 points, and 8 rebounds on the night.
"Felt great being honored, but I was looking forward to the win", said Graham. Asked where he wanted to land in the all time listing amongst fellow record holders, Graham had this to offer:
"First goal is to win the conference...I place secondary goals after the team."
That's our man.
"Obscene Noises"
"Ladies and gentleman please refrain from making obscene noises during free throws", rang the PA Announcer.
Amid varying expressions from press row and amongst fan's chatter, no one had any idea what that meant. Appearantly, SLU's head coach didn't like the Dirty Bird's "bleacher banging" during free throws while his team was at the line. The NCAA does have an artificial noise order in place to prohibit unwarranted distractions. But let's be real here. The handbang against an existing structure has been a staple of sporting events since time began.
Excessive whining by coach Yarbrough earns him an Owl's Nest techincal foul; while a three pointer is awarded to the Dirty Birds for creativity in noise generation.
Nice job fellows.
Monroe Returns against Denver
Carlos Monroe will re-join the squad having missed the entire regular season thus far, as they once again take to the road for a visit to the University of Denver. He may need some adjustment time to get back into game playing condition. Asked if he would see limited time or alot of time, Jarvis said he would play "as much as his feet can carry him...it will probably be him taking himself out more than me."
Regardless of how many minutes he plays, it is welcomed news for Owl Fans.
Conference Play Set to Begin
The Owls begin Sun Belt Conference action this Tuesday versus the University of Denver. Tip off time is set for 9:00PM EST. The game can be heard on FOX 640AM.
Florida Gulf Coast evened the series at one a piece, and enjoyed an out of conference win tonight with a 60-55 win over Florida Atlantic.
Poor offensive rebounding and sloppy inbounds plays put the Owls behind early as the Eagles jumped out to a 16-8 lead at the 11:50 mark. FAU would not gain it's first lead until a go-ahead jumper by Nwoji put FAU up by 2 (22-20) at the 5:50 mark. Back and forth play kept the lead from being extended for the remainder of the half. Eagles Guard Chamber had a chance to tie at :07 but missed both free throws. The Owls jogged into the locker room with a slim lead up 30-28.
The Owls turned on the defense early on in the second half creating turnovers and altering shots. But the Eagles stood strong, would not let FAU gain a lead larger than 5 points, and eventually took a four point lead (57-53) lead with :22 seconds left.
Time for Graham heroics?
The inbounds pass found its way to Graham, but Graham put up a shot that rimmed out with 16:9 to go. That was pretty much the story of the night.
FAU finished the night with .11% shooting, yes .11%, from long range.
In addition: 24 turnovers.
Wow. Nuff said
Much needed road rest; for now
0-5 on the road, the Owls are ready to return to the Burrow. This has been a brutal schedule thus far, with 6 road games and some stiff competition along the way in AZ, and Davidson. Not that tonight's team was. FGCU did give Bradley all they could handle in a previous 4 points loss; but still, no consolation for the Owls.
FAU will be back in action at FAU Arena Saturday, December 13 at 7:00PM, when they host SE Louisiana at home. But the stay will be short lived.
Warm up the bus, as the extended road trip then resumes with four straight contests against the likes of conference foes Denver, Troy, UAB, and non conference power Kentucky.
Ouch. Might need to ship these guys some "care packages".
Bring a Toy and get in for $2
As part of the FAU Athletic's Holiday goodwill promotion, Fans can enjoy $2 admission by bringing an un-wrapped toy with them when purchasing a ticket to the next home contest December 13th.
Rick Petino and company found no offensive prowess against the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky (4-2) last Sunday, as WKU handily defeated the #3 Cardinals 68-54 in Nashville. This game was pegged as a major RPI booster for both the Sun Belt and Western Kentucky, and the Hilltoppers put the peddle to the metal on defense to hold a stunned Cardinal squad to a mere 26.8% FG shooting for the contest. The win is even more impressive given the roster changes that WKU had to work through in the off season, and marks the first win for WKU against an opponent ranked within the the top three since they knocked of Indiana back on December 28, 1967.
Petino chalked up the loss to poor practice, but gave the Hilltoppers much deserved credit for their performance: "Unfortunately for us, we had the worst week of practice that I've experienced as a head coach. You don't like to learn your lessons from losing, but the way we practiced, we didn't deserve to win. You have to give Western Kentucky credit, because they did great. They did a good job on the low post." said Petino.
"The swagger that they had told me that they didn't think they had to come out and compete and that they thought they were better than us", said WKU guard AJ Slaughter.
UALR Wins Battle of Pre-Season Favorites
Our SBC preseason favorite Arkansas Little-Rock is off to a hot start (5-1), and recently celebrated a quality out of conference win against pre-season Missouri Valley Conference favorite Creighton. The Trojans are proving to be a well rounded squad with four players averaging double figures offensively. Sophomore guard Matt Mouzy is pacing the Trojans with a team high 16.6 PPG, and .462 3PT% respectively. Keep an eye on him as the season progresses.
Other League Action of note
East
Florida International (4-4) fell to perrinial power UCLA 89-64 in a lop-sided affair. The Bruins went on a 26-1 run in the first half, and that was too much for the Panthers to overcome. Injuries have plagued FIU since pre-season began. As of late add Russell Hicks (stress fracture), pre-season all SBC pick, and Freddy Aspirilla (agrivated achilles) to the list of the Panthers woes. Just prior the the loss, FIU was upset at home by DII West Georgia 57-54.
Florida Atlantic (3-5) dropped consecutive contests to Davidson and James Madison to finish their Pre-Season NIT stint at 1-3. The Owls are winless away, and from home and have played a conference high five road games thus far.
Middle Tennessee (2-3) played gracious host to in state foe Tennessee, but fell 76-66 in what was a close game until the end in Murfreesboro. UT went on multiple runs run to extend their lead, but MTSU would pull to within 6 twice with under 6 minutes to play. "Middle Tennessee is a good team. This was anybody's game.", said UT's head man Bruse Pearl.
South Alabama (5-3) took on its former head coach, John Pelphrey, facing the Razorbacks of Arkansas. Fans enjoyed a photo finish, but it was a tough to watch for the Jaguars. Down one with 2.9 seconds left to play, Stefan Welsh hit the game winning three pointer for the Razorbacks. Final score 79-77.
West
ASU moved to 5-1 on the year with a victory over Ball State in Muncie, IN. Forward Eric McKinney had career highs in points (20) and rebounds (16) for the RedWolves. "Tonight's game was the best Eric McKinney has played," said ASU head coach John Brady.
Louisiana Lafayette (2-3) picked up it's first win of the season by upending a pesky Oral Roberts in OT 79-75 at the Cajundome.
North Texas (5-2) out rebounded Big 12 opponent Oklahoma State 57-43, but fell to the Cowboys at the hands of cold second half shooting 100-88.
On the Horizon
Conference play is set to begin officially Thursday, December 11 at 7:00PM when MTSU plays host to Troy in Murfreesboro. In the meantime, here is some of what is on tap for the SBC:
