Uncategorized

NBA Playoff Picks- Western Conference

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

The NBA season stinks.  We all know it, but the playoffs is a different level of intensity.  We actually see the best players in the world play at their highest level.  With the playoffs starting Saturday night let’s make our picks.

Western Conference

(1)Houston Rockets vs. (8)Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves find themselves in the playoffs for the first time since the 2004 season. The Rockets come in as heavy favorites coming off of a historic season.  Mike D’Antoni’s up tempo style has been massively effective with the addition of Chris Paul.  Veterans like PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon have provided grittiness to a style that historically has been looked at as a more of a finesse approach.

The Wolves have to have  Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns carry the load on both ends of the court.  The defense as a whole must step up big time to have any chance to pull off an upset in this series. The Timberwolves have allowed 108.4 points per 100 possessions, 23rd in the league and smack in the neighborhood of such defensive juggernauts as the Grizzlies and Knicks.  Jimmy Butler is good enough to contain James Harden during this series but Jeff Teague matching up with Chris Paul is a nightmare to Minnesota fans. The Wolves would be wise to have Wiggins matchup with Paul and use his length to try and disrupt Paul.  But honestly I am reaching to think that the Wolves will make a series of this. Rockets have the players to matchup Towns and Butler.

Rockets in 5

(2)Golden State Warriors vs. (7)San Antonio Spurs

This series two years ago would be a headliner of the first round, but with the injuries to marquee names Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard this series feels more like a warmup for the Warriors.  The Spurs will need an MVP like effort to carry the Spurs to a victory in this series.  This is the least intimidating Spurs team in the last two decades.  Tony Parker and Manu are not half they players they used to be so the Spurs are relying so much on their young unproven players.

The Warriors are no longer the overall favorites in the west, I think Durant, Thompson, Green and company come out with a chip on their shoulder. Durant will face different combinations of Danny Green, Kyle Anderson and Rudy Gay, and he should find ways to exploit anyone San Antonio has to offer.  The Spurs will put up a fight after they go down 2-0 but they just don’t have the firepower to match the Warriors even without Steph.

Warriors in 4

(3) Portland Trailblazers vs. (6) New Orleans Pelicans

By far the most fun series to watch.  Damion Lillard and Anthony Davis are about to claim their spot in the NBA elite, the winner of this series will take the first step in that direction.

The Pelicans addition of Nikola Mirotic has given them a stretch four that has opened up the middle for Anthony Davis to work. If Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo can at least limit Lillard and McCollum, they can make this an extremely difficult match-up for Portland. The Pelicans will need leadership from Rondo in this series as he is the only one with real playoff experience. Rondo has flashed signs of early Celtics Rondo this season, if that guy shows up the Pelicans can pull of the upset.

The Blazers are going into this series as one of the surprises of the West.  While they were a projected playoff team no one could have seen them as high as the 3 seed coming into 2018.  Portland’s improvement has come mainly on the defensive end, jumping from 15th in team defense in 2016-2017 all the way to 7th in 2017-2018. The key for Portland will be to contain Anthony Davis.  Stopping Anthony Davis is really not an option for Portland but if Josef Nurkic can make Davis work on both ends it can make a huge impact on the game.

Pelicans lack depth behind the starting 5 and I can’t see anyone on this team that will be able to hold down the terrific Blazer’s guard play.  This series will be tight but I think the home team will take it.

Blazers in 6

(4)Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Utah Jazz

The Jazz had a chance to win the number 3 seed on the final day of the season, but were unable to beat a determined Trailblazers team. The Jazz now have to face the biggest wildcard team of the playoffs the star driven Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Jazz enter this series with one thing in mind.  Stop Russell Westbrook! Mid-season addition Jae Crowder will play a huge role in that but not by being one one with Westbrook.  If the Jazz utilize Crowder on Paul George and limit his impact, that will leave Westbrook to carry the load.  We all know that may be how he wants it but has historically not lead to victories. Rudy Gobert will also be tasked with keeping the former MVP out of the paint or at least punishing him when he drives.  If Gobert can be defensively strong while still supplying a secondary option to rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell the Jazz will be in good shape.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will have to have its two stars play at a high level to win this game.  If George and Westbrook can play their games this series could be over in four, but the defense of the Jazz could smother them and force third option Carmelo Anthony into the mix.  Anthony will have an immense amount of pressure on him entering this series.  His legacy is on the line in this series, he will have to be more then he has been this season.

This series is a case of great individual stars meeting a much more team concept. I tend to take team over player unless Lebron James is the player.

Jazz in 7

 

 

 

 

Game 1: Recap Cards vs Mets

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Opening day has come and went for the St. Louis Cardinals losing to the New York Mets 9-4.  Game 1 of 162 is usually not considered a problem , but Cardinals fans watching the game had to feel as if they were seeing a lot of similarities to the team of 2017.

The Negatives

Martinez’s Control

Card’s starter Carlos Martinez, whose emotions can sometimes impede his ability came out finding issues throwing strikes.  Martinez lasting just 4.1 innings, walking 6 Mets while throwing 90 pitches.  The Cardinals chose not to resign innings eater Lance Lynn or add a veteran starter in the offseason. They will need their ace to be the leader emotionally and physically as the season progresses.

Matt Bowman- Still Tired?

The bullpen got off to a shaky start as Matt Bowman came in and gave up 3 runs over just 1/3 of an inning.  Bowman is Mike Matheny’s work horse.  Matheny was ridiculed all last season for over working Bowman. Despite Bowman’s second half struggles, he is still one of Mikes “guys”.  He will be relied upon in big situations this year no matter how many pieces Cardinals management brings in.

Strikeouts

The Cardinals struck out 15 times Thursday afternoon.  Met’s ace Noah Syndergaard was able to fan 10 of those 14 over his 6 innings pitched.  The Cardinals have power up and down the lineup but they at lack the ability to make contact way to much.  While I would love to credit opening day jitters and a dominate pitcher on the mound this team is full of veteran hitters that have to make adjustments as the game gets into the later innings. You know Paul Dejong and Kolten Wong tend to have issues with strikeouts but having 9 strikeouts in a game from the top four in your lineup cannot be a trend that continues.

Jose Martinez Defense

It’s not good. I will cover that more in the positives.

 

The Positives

Jose Martinez

I told you I would get to Jose. Martinez was the bright spot at the plate for the Cardinals going 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI’s.  His bat has to be in the lineup everyday, the man has proven himself as an impact bat.  The negative of Martinez is that while he can hit he is not a stellar defender. His throwing error in the first allowed the first run of the season to score.  He also forces the Cardinals to move Matt Carpenter to 3rd which takes arguably your best infielder defender Jedd Gyroko out of the lineup.  This will be a problem all season long for the Cardinals.  Do you sacrifice offense for defense?  That usually is not the way it works.

Jordan Hicks

The rookie is electric.  Certain pitchers have the ability to cause everyone to stop what they are doing to watch when they are in the game.  Trevor Rosenthal was one of those guys when he first came up and now Hicks looks to be the next.  With the signing of Greg Holland, there is talk either Hicks or Mike Mayers will be sent down.  Unless Mike Matheny was not watching this kid throw today, the choice is very simple. Hicks needs to stay!

 

Summary

Game one was not what fans were looking for.  This team still has way more talent then last year.  My message to St. Louis fan is please don’t panic over game one.

The Cardinals will have a chance to even the score between these two teams Saturday at Citi Field when Michael Wacha (Cardinals) looks to out dual Jacob Degrom (Mets). First Pitch at 12:10PM.

 

Gateway Grizzlies 2018: Season of Redemption

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Opening Day has come!  The 2018 Major League Baseball season has come, the local St. Louis Cardinals kickoff their season tomorrow against the New York Mets.  While the Cardinals work towards another World Series run, there is another team in the St. Louis area that is looking for redemption on a year that was lost.

2017 was a season to forget for the Gateway Grizzlies, finishing with the worst record in the Frontier League at 32-64.  Despite a lost season, Manager Phil Warren did reach a personal milestone winning his 500th game.  “It was a bit bittersweet for me, given the nature of our season.  I owe a lot to people around me that have gotten me here.” Warren said when asked about the milestone. Warren looks forward to showing that 2017 was just a pothole on the road to success.

The Gateway Grizzlies enter the 2018 season with a young roster and a manager that sees this season as a chance to continue last years second half momentum. “In 2017 we were dependent on a lot of veterans that didn’t come through for us,” Warren said.  The Grizzlies tough start to the season forced the team to make moves to get younger, moves that included trading veterans to make room for new blood.  Veterans like first baseman Craig Massoni and Pitcher Will Landsheft were moved to competing teams.  While the moves were necessary  to make room for younger players, it did not have an immediate impact according to Warren, “We just weren’t experienced enough when we made the initial moves to beat more experienced teams. But as the year went on we began to see the development.”

Players like former Baltimore Oriole draft pick Matt Hearn, 21, 2018 Frontier League All Star Michael Elwood, 26, former Southern Illinois Miner Joel McKeithan, 27, and former New Mexico State Aggie Brent Sakurai, 23, were given opportunities to develop and show the fans and Warren the potential they have.

The Grizzlies pitching is beginning to take shape. Joining Michael Elwood will be Will Anderson, Garrett Woods, Alec Kisena, Austin Sweet, Tanner Cable and the resigning of Dakota Smith.  Smith, a 2016 Gateway Grizzlie, was signed away to the Boston Red Sox organization. Smith spent two seasons with the Lowell Spinners where he made 23 appearances, 13 starts, comprising an impressive 2.75 ERA. Warren looks forward to having set roles for his pitching staff for the upcoming season.

The Grizzlies will look to fill a void that has been prevalent over the last few seasons at the catching position. Since Warren’s first season in 2007 until 2014 the Gateway Grizzlies had two catchers. Over the last three seasons the club has seen over ten players spend time behind the plate, “Our current situation really makes you appreciate what you had with Landon Hernandez and Charlie Lisk,” Warren said. Warren’s search for a catcher has been centered around pitch framing and defense going into 2018.  Jhonniel Alvarez and Kyle Hamner are two offseason additions that will look to fill the backstop role. Alvarez, 25, spent time in the Texas Rangers system before signing with Gateway. Hamner, 24, spent 2017 with the United Shore Leagues Westside Wollymammoths. Both will have a chance to make the club and hopefully make an impact in the lineup and the pitching staff. Admittedly, Warren is still on the hunt for his potential backstop, “There are plenty of guys that are overlooked”.

As the Frontier League Opening Day nears, the Gateway Grizzlies still have certain holes to fill.  Exciting additions such as former Mariner Kristian Brito, 23, will join the team looking to add some much needed power to the lineup.  Brito is an imposing figure at 6’6, 240 pounds currently working out in Texas as his home in Puerto Rico was ravaged by hurricanes.  Fellow infielder Trae Santos, 25, will also be joining Gateway competing for a spot in the infield.  Santos, a 17th round pick of the San Diego Padres, had his best season in 2015 belting 15 homers.  His power should transition well to lefty friendly GCS Credit Union Ballpark.

Early projections for the Grizzlies show tons of talent in the lineup. Warren still believes there is work to be done to finalize the roles for his team.

The Grizzlies begin their 2018 campaign May 11th against the Schaumberg Boomers at GCS Credit Union Ballpark.

To check out the Gateway Grizzlies full roster and 2018 schedule go to Gatewaygrizzlies.com.

 

 

 

Time has come to Fire Paul Lusk

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

In 2010-11 Missouri State University was able to win its first and only Missouri Valley Championship behind Cuonzo Martin’s leadership.  I was at JQH Arena storming the court as we took down the mighty Creighton Blue Jays and their star Doug McDermott on ESPN2.  The Bears fell short of making the NCAA tournament despite an RPI of 44, Martin was able to transition his success to a job at the University of Tennessee, then University of California, finally ending up at his current position as Head Coach of University of Missouri. With Martin gone, Missouri State hired Purdue Assistant Paul Lusk, at the time a hiring made sense as Lusk came from a similar coaching tree as Cuonzo Martin.  The results however have not been as favorable.

Paul Lusk entered the 2011-2012 season with lofty expectations as the Missouri Valley Player of the Year, Kyle Weems was returning for a senior season.  The team did not live up to expectations finishing a feeble 15-16, highlighted only by their victory over 21 ranked Creighton.  It was understandable that a first year head coach can have struggles out of the gate, but the struggles continued.  Entering the 2012-2013 season Lusk had begun to rebuild his team, a roster of six incoming freshman and one returning senior made the Bears the youngest team in the Missouri Valley Conference.  The Bears played like a young team, taking until December 30th to get their first Division 1 victory.

In Lusk’s third year at the helm, he lead the Bears to a 20-13 record and an invitation to the CIT (losing in the first round).  That highlighted Lusk’s coaching career as over the next three season the Bears finished middle of the pack in the Missouri Valley.

As Missouri State entered the 2017-2018 season hopes were high.  Missouri Valley’s last powerhouse team Wichita State had moved on to the American Conference, leaving the door open for the conference title.  The Bears entered the season as the preseason favorites, winning their first game against a strong Western Kentucky team, beginning the season 15-3 (3-0 MVC).  They then proceeded to take major steps in the wrong direction, finishing the season tied for 7th place.  This marked the first time in the history of the Missouri Valley Conference that the team picked to win the conference in the preseason finished any lower then 5th place.

Lusk’s inability to even live up to the most modest of expectations has to be the final straw at Missouri State.  Blessed with a roster that includes the only real NBA prospect in the Missouri Valley, forward Alize Johnson, he was unable to build around this superior athlete.  Lusk will enter the Missouri Valley tournament on Thursday against Valparaiso, if this is anything less then a blowout, it has to be the final straw.  As Missouri State continues to grow, exceeding previous years enrollment every year for the last three years, the sports programs have to grow with the university.  Missouri State has made a commitment to improving itself it is time to stop settling in it’s athletic programs.  Lusk’s time in Springfield has to come to an end unless he can make a miracle happen and get this team to play to it’s preseason expectations over a week in St. Louis.  Missouri State is not Mizzou, the alumni and the fans understand that but 7 years with a combined record of 88-106 shouldn’t be acceptable.  The time has come to fire Paul Lusk.

Weekly NCAA Picks Feb 17 2018

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Picks

Make it or break it time in College Basketball has come.  We have a quick prediction of a couple of Saturday’s games along with a few of my personal choices for picks against the spread.  Let’s break down the day!

Texas Longhorns @ Oklahoma Sooners -6.5

Two struggling Big12  teams meet in the basketball version of the Red River Rivalry. Freshman phenoms Mo Bamba and Trae Young will headline a matchup of two hungry teams. The first mathcup between the two ended in a Longhorns victory 79-75.

Offensively, the game matches up Oklahoma’s No. 1 nationally ranked offense (88.36 points per game) against a Texas Longhorns defense that sits as the No. 56 at 67.96 PPG. The Oklahoma Sooners have been averaging 47.74% from the field, more than the Longhorns have managed so far this season (43.85% on average).

Texas is 6-2 ATS in there last 8 games following a loss while Oklahoma 0-6 in their last 6 games ATS.  Oklahoma has become to reliant on Trae Young, while Texas offense has become more spread out.  The length and game plan put together by Shaka Smart will be a problem for the Sooners.  Both teams need this win, but Texas seems like a tough matchup for Oklahoma.

 Texas -6.5

Villanova Wildcats vs. Xavier Musketeers +1

Villanova looked unbeatable as recently as two weeks ago, but the Wildcats are suddenly reeling after losing two of three in advance of their toughest test of the season. Xavier hasn’t lost since falling at Villanova more than a month ago, ripping off nine straight wins since then. The Musketeers are undefeated at home this season, with wins over Cincinnati and Baylor, as well as every meaningful team in the Big East other than Villanova.

Villanova dominated the first matchup behind a strong performance from Phil Booth.  Villanova’s shooting is going to be the key to the game.  If Nova comes out hitting their shots they should be able to overcome the rowdy home court advantage of the Musketeers.

Villanova and Xavier are two national title contenders who meet on Saturday in a game that could go either way. If luck is what decides this one, then the Wildcats are hoping the Musketeers are due for a reversal of fortunes.

James Caldwell: Villanova -1

West Virginia Mountaineers vs Kansas Jayhawks -3.5

Since rallying to deal West Virginia a crushing blow in the league title chase, Kansas has gone just 5-3. Like the Mountaineers, the Jayhawks have an ugly loss to Oklahoma State on the ledger, and they also dropped contests to Baylor and Oklahoma since the 71-66 win in Morgantown on Jan. 15. Still, they are just one game out of the league lead, and have this game plus a road trip to Big 12-leader Texas Tech in which to make up ground.

West Virginia has won 3 of their last 4, they enter this game with a chance to bury their rivals hopes of another Big12 championship. If the Mountaineers allow Mykhailiuk, Vick and Newman unfettered looks from three, they are going to lose unless KU has a shooting meltdown of epic proportions. That did happen in the Baylor loss, where the Jayhawks went 6-31 from distance, but that is an anomaly. They have been under the 33% mark just one other time in Big 12 play this year (a home loss to Texas Tech) but outside that they range from good to sizzling. West Virginia, which has problems at times rotating to cover one or two shooters, simply can’t leave those players unguarded, even if it means trying to defend head up against Graham and not giving help on penetration.

West Virginia will need a big performance from Javon Carter and Essa Ahmed on the offensive end to get their first ever win at Allen Fieldhouse.  This feels like a classic Kansas show of power, but this isn’t your usual Kansas team.  Kansas most likely wins but its going to be very close.

James Caldwell: West Virginia +3.5

 

James other picks of the day-

Missouri +1 over LSU

Notre Dame +1 over Boston College

Bama vs Kentucky Under

Please no more Lebron

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

I grew up on Sportscenter. Everyday before I would go wait for the bus, I had to get up early to watch at least a half an hour of sports highlights. If didn’t matter what sport or team was being highlighted I just enjoyed seeing what had happened in the world of sports. As I have become an adult I don’t have as much time in the morning to commit to sports highlights, I am lucky to catch a few minutes of Golic and Wingo before  heading to work.  But last night I got home after a long night of work and figured I would try and catch up on what had happened in college basketball or scores around the NBA, shoot even see how my local Blues had played.  I turned on ESPN and found out the harsh realty, the Sportscenter I had grown up on was no more.  Now we have the 24 hour Lebron James show.

For 25 minutes I watched stories about Lebron James.  It started with the highlights of the Cavaliers beating the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Then it went to a panel talking about how Lebron James is better with his new teammates, next it was Brian Windhorst telling us why Lebron is better with his new teammates, then it was statistics of Lebron James with his new teammates, finally I though it was over.  Sadly I was mistaken, Lebron was now giving his post game interview talking about him and his new teammates.

On this night the Nashville Predators made a historic comeback in the 3rd period vs the Blues, the #1 college basketball team in the country played an in conference rival, Missouri and Texas A&M played a game that came down to the last second, Kansas and Texas Tech were battling for Big12 supremacy, of course pitchers and catchers reported for spring training.   After 25 minutes of not being able to see anything about these events I was forced to go on line to find out the results of these contests.

It is not Lebron James’s fault that we live in a world that is caught up in superstars, but  the continued struggles of the once great titan of the sports industry has to be due to the content that the provide.  Lebron James should be celebrated but please do it within reason.  Understand that there is more to sports then just him.

NL Central Chess Game- Yu Darvish

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

The NL Central has seen the most activity as a league during the 2018 off-season, Yu Darvish was just the latest move in a three way chess match for dominance.

The final memory of the 2017 MLB season was forgettable for Yu Darvish.  Two starts in the fall classic ended with Darvish setting new career lows in innings pitched per start. But the Chicago Cubs remembered Darvish a little differently, 6.1 innings pitched allowing 1 run while striking out 7.  Darvish helped end the cubbies season, now he looks to be the final piece for a potential championship.

Saturday, the Cubs inked the All-Star starter to a 6year $126million contract, taking the number 1 rated free agent pitcher off the market.  The Cubs effectively addressed their biggest concern leading into the 2018 season.  After several down seasons the Cubs utilized draft picks to build a strong core of position players which allowed them to make the moves necessary to fill a pitching staff with hired guns.  The Cubs rank dead last in innings pitched by “home grown” talent since 2012. Darvish will take the spot of departing free agent Jake Arrieta, presumably finalizing the 2018 rotation.  Darvish will join Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana, and fellow newcomer Tyler Chatwood,  forming the most complete rotation in the top heavy NL Central.

While the Cubs had an available spot in the rotation, this can be looked at as a reaction to the moves made by fellow NL Centrals rivals.  The St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers made moves to bolster their offenses to catch up with the powerhouse NL Central Champs.  The Cubs made the best counter move they could by bringing in Darvish.  Questions still loom around the Cubs bullpen, can they replace All-World closer Wade Davis with Brandon Morrow or Steve Cishek?  They also have to question the ability of long time ace Jon Lester, whom saw a nearly one run per game increase in ERA in 2017.  Darvish will provide stability to the rotation, playing his first five season in the bigs in hitter friendly Ballpark in Arlington, Darvish should have no fear of fellow hitter friendly Wrigley Field.

The Cubs inability to build pitching has been the lone criticism of a team that has now made three straight playoff appearances as well as two straight NLCS appearance.  But while the Cardinals and Brewers have to wait for young arms to develop, they Cubbies have been able to build a strong rotation that comes in immediately MLB ready.  The length of the contact will also give GM Theo Epstein a chance to continue to build.  If Lester is on his last leg and Kyle Hendricks comes back to the real world, Darvish will be able to fill in as the ace of a staff that will be competing for many years behind the great position player core.

While $126million sounds like a big number, in todays pitcher market Darvish comes in at a bargain price.  The Cardinals and Brewers have just been put on notice.  The Cubs have a grasp on the Central that they will not give up.  With great free agents still on the market it is the Cardinals and Brewers move.

NCAA Picks Feb. 10: Conference Supremacy

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Three games, three conferences, three teams setting themselves apart from the rest.  Saturday features three matchups that could determine conferences championships. Let’s break them down!

Purdue (23-3) at Michigan State (23-3)

The Purdue Boilermakers looked to be the unstoppable force of the Big Ten winning 12 in a row until they ran into the immovable object of Kenta Bates-Diop and the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Purdues week doesn’t get any easier as they head to the Breslin Center to face preseason Big Ten favorite Michigan State.

Michigan State has the personnel to upset Purdue’s four-out, one-in offense, thanks largely to the versatility of Jaren Jackson and Miles Bridges, but—as is always the case with Purdue—teams have to find a way to run the shooters off the three-point line.  Michigan State will have the ability to place multiple defenders on the Purdue’s Isaac Haas, his size may be imposing but his post skills are still somewhat of a work in progress. Size will also be a factor with guard play, the Boilermakers lack of size at guard will allow Michigan State to play Cassius Winston and Tum Tum Nairn on the court at the same time, making their offense much more efficient.

While this game features great guard play, ultimately the matchup between Michigan State freshman star Jaren Jackson and Purdue’s Vincent Edwards could make the difference in a metrically even matchup.  Will Jackson’s length make an impact or will Edward’s ability to pull the freshman away from the basket cause trouble for the Spartans?  I left Purdue out of my top 5 believing my they were going to have trouble with the big timers of the Big Ten they are currently 0-1.

 Matt Boeding: Purdue    James Caldwell: Michigan State

Gonzaga (22-4) vs St. Mary’s (24-2)

The Zags head to Mckeon Pavilion with redemption on their mind.  Gonzaga features a better non-conference schedule but the loss to St. Mary’s in January still puts the Gaels in command of West Coast Conference. In the first game this year, the Zags got off their game plan and never re-found it. The offense broke down into 20 minutes or so of hero ball, which only works if your name is Rui Hachimura and your shots keep going in.

To be successful Gonzaga will have to keep moving the ball, Gonzaga averages 16.5 assists per game this season. Against Saint Mary’s, they only had 11. Most importantly, in a second half where the Zags were outscored 36-29, the Zags only had three assists. Even more importantly, in the second half of the second half, where the Zags were outscored 20-10, they had zero assists.

St. Mary’s will need to keep the same aggression on the defensive end they made in the first meeting. The matchup between St. Mary’s Senior Jock Landale and Gonzaga’s Senior  Jonathan Williams will be the matchup to watch on Saturday.  Landale is going to get his points but if the Mizzou transfer Williams can make him work for his shots then it can be a long day for St. Mary’s.  This game will no only decide the West Coast Conference but will also decide most likely whom will get the higher seed in March.

Matt Boeding: St. Mary’s      James Caldwell: Gonzaga

USC (17-8) vs Arizona (19-6)

Two teams that have more questions than answers about what kind of team they are.

Arizona has the most impactful player in the Pac12, Deandre Ayton, but just like every team led by freshman inconsistencies seem to follow them. Losing to UCLA put them in a vulnerable position against a hungry USC team.Their best offensive players — Allonzo Trier, Dusan Rustic and even Deandre Ayton — just aren’t difference-makers on the other end of the court.

The Trojans may have 17 wins and an 8-4 record in the Pac-12, but they do not have a win over a likely at-large team. Their only wins against likely tournament teams came against Middle Tennessee State and New Mexico State, powerhouses in Conference USA and the WAC, respectively. They missed an opportunity on Thursday, losing at Arizona State. Saturday’s game with Arizona—which has lost twice since Thanksgiving—is the Trojans last chance to get a win over an at-large quality team in the regular season. If they don’t get it, they’ll have to do some serious damage in the Pac-12 tournament.

USC’s offense an be elite as they are 4th in the Pac-12, 6’10” Junior Bennie Boatright will lead the charge against the suspect defense of Arizona.  USC needs this win but they really don’t have the consistency to pull this one off.

 Matt Boeding: Arizona      James Caldwell: Arizona

 

 

 

Stipe vs. DC: What else is there?

/ italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

UFC 226 will be headlined by a superfight of dominate champions. Heavyweight Champion Stipe Moicic(18-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC) will take on Light Heavyweight Champion and former Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion Daniel Cormier(20-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC).

Some superfights take place after years of build and fan interest. This one seemed to be birthed and pushed over a matter of days. The two men have no connection and thus this matchup feels a bit forced and desperate.While this fight will create great headlines, it really is the only option for these two champions. The UFC have found themselves in an unfamiliar situation, they have no other options.

After dispatching of Francis Ngannou, Moicic has put togther the most dominate heavyweight championship run in UFC history. Moicic has defeated every fighter that has any claim to the championship that still remains in the UFC. Stipe sits in a tough position as he really doesn’t have as much to gain in this situation.  He will be a huge favorite against a much smaller Cormier that hasn’t fought at heavyweight since 2014. If he loses it will not only hurt his legacy but it will portray negatively in an already thin heavyweight division.

Daniel Cormier enters UFC 226 with a chance to cement himself as only the second fighter ever to hold the title in two divisions at once.  Cormier sits in a similar situation as Miocic, he currently sits at the top of a division that has no clear contender that he has not already dispatched.  Dana White placing Cormier in this fight allows him to hope that a true light heavyweight contender will emerge.  For Cormier this is a win-win situation, no one expects him to win this fight, if he does he will have to be considered the best light heavyweight in UFC history(Not named Jon Jones).

Cormier has notable wins at heavyweight, (Frank Mir , Antonio Silva, Roy Nelson and Josh Barnett), but those were a younger version of Cormier. Cormier will enter the octagon with the legitimate best heavyweight in the world.  The UFC has seen a drop in pay-per view ratings as well as a loss of notable marketable names.  Conor McGregor is more focused on his personal brand than defending his title, Rhonda Rousey is now a professional wrestler, Anderson Silva has gotten old, Jon Jones can’t stay clean. The UFC was forced into this fight due to lack of star power to sell. As intriguing as a superfight can be, they can also leave a division in shambles. The fighter moving up is less likely to return to their division. In this case, it seems fairly certain Cormier would be done at 205. I mentioned the positive possibilities for the light heavyweight division without Cormier, but there are a few bad scenarios.

This fight will be huge for the UFC as they continue to lose the momentum they had in the early 2000’s.  But even if this is a success for the UFC and they get millions of pay-per view buys, what is next for MMA’s elite organization?  Where do they go from here?