Conference USA Notebook
Top teams missing top guns
Injures have already left an effect on C-USA’s best teams so far this season. Each of the conference’s top four preseason teams have suffered some kind of injury (or the occasional suspension). We’ll start with Louisville, which may have to ask assistant coach and former NBA star Reggie Theus to suit up once again. Forward Ellis Myles, back after a torn ACL kept him out of last season, missed one game last week with a tight hamstring, although he returned the following game. He was replaced by freshman Juan Palacios, who was playing with his own injury, a scratched cornea. Then there’s senior center Otis George, who’s missed the past five games with a stress fracture in his foot and will sit for another 2-4 weeks.
Cincinnati also received the injury bug from two players last week. Eric Hicks missed the team’s Dec. 11 game against Detroit with a strained knee and came off the bench against Jackson State last week. He returned to the starting lineup against LaSalle. Meanwhile, Armein Kirkland missed both games with a sprained ankle. Kirkland, a junior that appeared timid during his first two seasons, had come into his own during the early going this year, leading the team in scoring in four of his previous five games and averaging 14.0 points per game.
Memphis suspended disgruntled star Sean Banks for one game last week, while Rodney Carney, the team’s new star as Banks has struggled, sprained his ankle last week but did not miss a game. And Marquette’s Travis Diener has been playing with a sprained ankle the past two weeks, although the Golden Eagles’ light week appears to have allowed Diener to rest and recover.
Gone on break
As you’ll discover during the team recaps, quite a few C-USA teams scheduled some time off for the holidays. DePaul, Southern Miss, Tulane and Saint Louis all had last week off, and four other schools only played once last week. All four teams that did not play last week, however, will be returning to the court by Thursday this week. And, New Year’s Day is apparently not as big of a holiday, as all 14 C-USA teams will be in action this week.
Around C-USA
Charlotte (7-2 overall), last week: 1-0
The 49ers received their Christmas present early. Three days early to be exact. Trailing 73-71 at Indiana with a mere 0.7 seconds remaining, Brendan Plavich caught an inbound pass, heaved a half-court shot and drained it, giving Charlotte a shocking 74-73 win. A stunned Hoosier crowd waited as referees confirmed on a video monitor that the shot indeed counted, then rained boos upon the decision. The shot trumped a tip-in by Pat Ewing, Jr. that appeared to be the game-winner. Prior to Ewing’s shot, Plavich had knocked down a three-pointer with 30 seconds remaining to tie the score at 71. Plavich led all scorers with 21 points, while Curtis Withers added 11 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, none more important than the final one, the game-winning pass to Plavich. Freshman Leemire Goldwire contributed 14 points and Eddie Basden chipped in 11. The win was the Niners’ fourth straight. Charlotte right now looks to be as good as anyone in C-USA, including undefeated Cincinnati and nationally-ranked Louisville.
Next week – vs. Yale (Dec. 28).
Cincinnati (9-0), last week: 2-0
The Bearcats overcame injuries (mentioned above) and a treacherous winter storm to sweep its games this week. Cincinnati easily dispatched Jackson State on Monday, 95-43, before overcoming a slow first half to beat LaSalle on Wednesday, 84-63. Against JSU, the Bearcats were led by freshman Roy Bright, who recorded career-highs in points (17) and rebounds (11). It was Bright’s second start for the injured Eric Hicks. Four players scored in double figures and the Bearcats dished out a season-high 27 assists, led by Chadd Moore’s nine. A blizzard swept through the Queen City on Wednesday, meaning less than 2,000 fans could attend the game. Steven Smith kept the Crusaders alive with 35 points, including 23 during the first half, but it was not enough.
Like on Monday, Cincinnati rode its versatility to victory against LaSalle, as six players scored in double figures. Bright played another sensational game with 11 points and 14 rebounds and Hicks again led the team in scoring, with 15. Moore again electrified the crowd with 10 assists. Next week – vs. Miami (OH) Dec. 27, vs. Longwood (in Las Vegas) Dec. 30, vs. Illinois (in Las Vegas) Dec. 31.
East Carolina (4-6), last week: 0-1
The Pirates suffered their third close loss in the past few weeks on Monday, falling to South Carolina 57-53. Earlier in the month, East Carolina lost at Western Carolina by five and against Old Dominion by one. This time around, the Pirates led for most of the second half, but the Gamecocks managed to score the final four points for the win. Mike Cook, coming off the bench for the first time all season after a poor performance against Winthrop on Dec. 17, scored a team-high 24 points, also a season-high for Cook. Twenty-two turnovers and nine fewer free throws made doomed the Pirates. East Carolina did control the glass (out-rebounding USC 41-31) and limited the Gamecocks to 1-of-14 shooting from the three-point line. But it was not enough.
Next week – at Clemson (Dec. 29).
Houston (8-4), last week: 1-1
The good news for the Cougars – they defeated a tough LSU team. The bad news – um, how about we forget about the bad news and just talk about the LSU win. Houston defeated LSU on Tuesday, 81-72, before receiving a shellacking from nationally-ranked Washington on Christmas Eve, 110-63.
The dynamic duo of Lanny Smith and Andre Owens combined for 39 points against the Tigers, as the Cougars another win against a quality opponent, an occurrence rarely witnessed last season. As for the loss, well, Washington is one of the best team’s in the nation and Houston found out firsthand. The Huskies went ahead by 22 at the half and then poured on 62 second-half points. Five players hit double figures, as garbage time kicked in with 10 minutes remaining. The lone bright spot for Houston was junior guard Chris Lawson, who scored a season-high 18 points in his most extensive action of the season.
Next week – at Texas A&M (Dec. 29).
Louisville (8-2), last week: 2-0
The Cardinals’ injuries are well documented. So was their heartbreaking loss to Kentucky on Dec. 18. Neither of those mattered last week during the Billy Minardi Classic on its homecourt, as Louisville beat Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis and Austin Peay. Freshman big man Juan Palacios starred against IUPUI on Tuesday, finishing with 25 points and 10 rebounds as Louisville won 80-60. Palacios even played through his own injury, a scratched cornea he suffered the previous week. Wearing eye goggles, Palacios looked confident and relaxed. Ellis Myles returned the following night against the Governors and finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Cards coast to a 77-49 win. Francisco Garcia had a relatively quiet week, scoring 21 points combined during the week. The Billy Minardi Classic is played in honor of Rick Pitino’s brother who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Next week – vs. Morehead State (Dec. 27), vs. Eastern Kentucky (Dec. 30), vs. Tennessee State (Jan. 2).
Marquette (10-1), last week: 1-0
And the Travis Diener show continues. With relatively no offensive production from three of his fellow starters, Diener dropped in 32 points to lead the Golden Eagles to an 81-62 win against Nebraska on Tuesday in Milwaukee. Marquette returned to the winning side after losing its first game of the season to Arizona three days earlier. Diener struggled against Arizona and atoned for it early, scoring the Eagles’ first 12 points with four three-pointers in the Nebraska game. He scored 20 points during the first half and nailed seven three-pointers for the game. Steve Novack scored 12 points and Joe Chapman came off the bench to add 14. Marquette went on a 25-6 run that spanned 10 minutes and both halves. Diener also led the team with seven assists, while Marcus Jackson led the Eagles with 11 rebounds. Starters Jackson, Chris Grimm and Desmond Mason combined for eight points on 3-of-15 shooting.
Next week – vs. Coppin State (Dec. 29), vs. Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne (Jan. 2).
Memphis (6-6), last week: 0-1
It’s not getting any better in Dixie. The Tigers dropped their fourth in five games, and their third at home this season, with an ugly 72-59 loss to Providence on Thursday. John Calipari reinstated Sean Banks prior to Thursday’s game, after suspending him indefinitely (translation: one game) and Banks responded with 17 points and nine rebounds. Banks struggled from the field though, shooting 5-of-18. John Carney, the team’s leading scorer this year, scored 22 points while coming off the bench (above). But no other Tiger helped out on offense and the Friars’ star Ryan Gomes dominated with 24 points and eight rebounds. Memphis continues to play poor defense and when the team struggles from beyond the three-point line (6-of-23 on Thursday), it resides behind the eight-ball. There does not appear to be any quick fix for Calipari unless a team leader emerges.
Next week – vs. East Tennessee State (Dec. 30).
South Florida (6-4), last week: 1-0
The Bulls won their lone game last week, 74-66, against Florida International on Monday, in a battle for two Florida teams that are climbing out from holes left from horrible 2003-04 seasons. South Florida showcased its most balanced attack of the season, as four starters finished in double figures. Terrance Leather, who sits in the top five of scoring and rebounding in C-USA, finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. But it was the backcourt that starred, as Brian Swift and Marius Prekevicius combined for 35 points and 8-of-12 shooting from the three-point line. Prekevicius’ 17 points were a season-high. Swift right now could be the best point guard in C-USA not named Travis Diener. His 16.0 points per game average is tied for ninth in the conference and his 5.5 assists per game average is fourth. His continued stellar play will be crucial for the Bulls as conference play starts.
Next week – vs. Texas Arlington (Dec. 29).
TCU (8-4), last week: 2-0
The Horned Frogs were used to being the cupcake on teams’ schedules in December the past few seasons. Last week was a role reversal, as TCU blew through to lesser opponents, beating Maryland-Eastern Shore, 93-53, on Tuesday and Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Wednesday, 76-55. The Horned Frogs opened Tuesday’s game with a ridiculous 28-2 run during the first 8 minutes and 12 seconds and led by 35 points at the half, 54-19. Against Pine Bluff, TCU led by 20 at the half and then played a sluggish second half. Corey Santee led the team with 16 points and was the lone player in double digits. The Horned Frogs played their third and fourth games without Chudi Chinweze, who suffered a season-ending left knee injury against Kansas on Dec. 9.
Next week – vs. Grambling (Dec. 28).
UAB (7-3), last week: 2-1
The Blazers were a busy bunch last week, playing three games in three days at the Rainbow Classic in Honolulu. UAB eventually captured third place, defeating Oral Roberts, 84-77, after losing to Southern California in the semifinals, 81-78, and beating Clemson in the quarterfinals, 78-66. The Blazers were able to dictate tempo during all three games, and only fell to the Trojans when Rory O’Neil nailed a three-pointer with five seconds remaining. Donell Taylor played exceptionally during the tournament, averaging 18.3 points per game while shooting 62 percent from the field. UAB appears to be one step behind last season’s team, which is to be expected after losing three of its best players to graduation. Mike Anderson is receiving a maximum effort from his team, it’s simply not quite as talented as last year.
Next week – vs. Alabama A&M (Dec. 28), at South Alabama (Dec. 31), vs. Murray State (Jan. 2).
Player of the week
Brendan Plavich, Charlotte
Donell Taylor of UAB and Travis Diener could easily win this award, but Plavich takes it for his clutch shooting at Indiana. The senior guard scored 21 points, including six during the final 30 seconds culminating with a half-court prayer at the buzzer that was answered.
Games to Watch
Houston at Texas A&M (Wednesday at 8 p.m.)
These two Texas teams are both big surprises. Tom Penders’ crew received a rude-awakening with its 47-point loss to Washington. The Aggies are undefeated but have yet to face a tough squad. This will be a good test for both teams.
Cincinnati vs. Illinois (Friday at 8 p.m.)
The Bearcats are undefeated but have also failed to face any tough competition. Well, they will get all they can handle from the No. 1 team in the nation. The Fighting Illini blew out Cincinnati in the tournament last season. Expect more of the same this time.
DePaul vs. Old Dominion (Sunday at 4 p.m.)
Jeff Capel’s crew is 11-1 and looks even better than last season. The Blue Demons are playing tougher than expected, thanks to Quemont Greer’s 21.7 points per game and freshman Cliff Clinkscales’ 5.6 assists per game. This one is a toss-up.
