There are so many subplots going into this game:
- SMU currently sits .5 games behind Tulsa going into the final game; winner wins the regular season AAC
- SMU trying to work its way into being a top-5 seed in the NCAA Tournament
- SMU is trying to complete a regular season sweep of Tulsa
- SMU is trying to remain and finish in the top-25
- Tulsa is looking to remain in the projected field of the NCAA Tournament
For me, beating Tulsa is also something on a personal level. Frank Haith was the former head basketball coach of another Hurricanes team. The Miami Hurricanes, and as a lifelong fan of The U, many Canes fans still resent Haith and his rumored shady regime which became part of the infamous Nevin Shapiro investigation. Although Haith is a solid recruiter and has put together a commendable season for Tulsa, I would love for none other than my own alma mater SMU to give Tulsa a nice Texas-size a**-kicking, season sweep, and send Tulsa back to being a bubble team come the AAC Conference Tournament.
As far as SMU, this is a game in which we need to get off to a FAST START more than anything, in my opinion. Against Temple a while back and UCONN on Sunday, the offense just didn't find its rhythm early. There were too many turnovers early and the defense was not as sound as I have seen throughout the season. I think that in front of a HOME CROWD in a season FINALE GAME with SO MUCH on the line (including the crowd), we will see an inspired, focus, and determined performance from everyone, including Nic Moore. I expect Nic to have an electric game- he has been spotty and inconsistent at times the last few games. He's a special player and we need him to lead by example by protecting the basketball, making the right passes at the right time, and then making those clutch shots when he gets the proper look. I think we matchup well against Tulsa, and I like guys like Cunningham and Sterling Brown coming off of the bench to give the team a big shot or a boost.
For those of you who are going to the game- I'm truly jealous. If this game was on a Saturday I would without a doubt fly out to Dallas from Fort Lauderdale and make it a weekend reunion and tailgate, but with two Court hearings next Monday, I can't logistically make it work. I'll be watching the game on TV though with a bucket of Shiner Bock and the grill all fired up.
Can't wait!
Go Mustangs!
This post was edited on 3/3 8:11 AM by advarkas
- SMU currently sits .5 games behind Tulsa going into the final game; winner wins the regular season AAC
- SMU trying to work its way into being a top-5 seed in the NCAA Tournament
- SMU is trying to complete a regular season sweep of Tulsa
- SMU is trying to remain and finish in the top-25
- Tulsa is looking to remain in the projected field of the NCAA Tournament
For me, beating Tulsa is also something on a personal level. Frank Haith was the former head basketball coach of another Hurricanes team. The Miami Hurricanes, and as a lifelong fan of The U, many Canes fans still resent Haith and his rumored shady regime which became part of the infamous Nevin Shapiro investigation. Although Haith is a solid recruiter and has put together a commendable season for Tulsa, I would love for none other than my own alma mater SMU to give Tulsa a nice Texas-size a**-kicking, season sweep, and send Tulsa back to being a bubble team come the AAC Conference Tournament.
As far as SMU, this is a game in which we need to get off to a FAST START more than anything, in my opinion. Against Temple a while back and UCONN on Sunday, the offense just didn't find its rhythm early. There were too many turnovers early and the defense was not as sound as I have seen throughout the season. I think that in front of a HOME CROWD in a season FINALE GAME with SO MUCH on the line (including the crowd), we will see an inspired, focus, and determined performance from everyone, including Nic Moore. I expect Nic to have an electric game- he has been spotty and inconsistent at times the last few games. He's a special player and we need him to lead by example by protecting the basketball, making the right passes at the right time, and then making those clutch shots when he gets the proper look. I think we matchup well against Tulsa, and I like guys like Cunningham and Sterling Brown coming off of the bench to give the team a big shot or a boost.
For those of you who are going to the game- I'm truly jealous. If this game was on a Saturday I would without a doubt fly out to Dallas from Fort Lauderdale and make it a weekend reunion and tailgate, but with two Court hearings next Monday, I can't logistically make it work. I'll be watching the game on TV though with a bucket of Shiner Bock and the grill all fired up.
Can't wait!
Go Mustangs!
This post was edited on 3/3 8:11 AM by advarkas
