Rick Henderson: December 2008 Archives

Galindo Returns for Florida International

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 Troy on 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.

Current Standings

Welcome "Home"

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.

Good morning Owl Country!

Received this update from Smitty this morning...sounds like he is officially off to a good start on the journey to the Motor City Bowl...

Merry Christmas everyone!

==================================================================

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! 

 -$mitty

Road Losses Continue

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.

Wake Me Up When the Action Begins

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.

See you next game.

Top of the Hill?

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.

Then major poll pre-season favorite Middle Tennessee gets hammered at Belmont in a game that was, for all intents and purposes, a blow out from the start.

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:

Source:  CBS Sportsline  

Upcoming Games to Keep an RP-Eye On

Money games on tap for the SBC during our interval between updates:

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.

"Road Warriors" Get Much Needed Win

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  staggering 59.2 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 hand bang 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. 

Getting Even

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. 

Upset City

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:

How many game will the Owls win this year?