From MSG

[Gato78]

New MSG looks great. Erin Andrews asked we pass along her best to her "dear friend" Caribou. Says she is proud to be his "niece". Whatever. Bar on main level named Farley's. MU spot in the making. Burr reffing Hall vs. Butler.

[Gato78]

Still has a real good feel. Stage aspect with lighting and closeness of fans to floor. Only one row of media on floor though auxiliary media behind one hoop not cool. Mrs. Gato hasn't left Farley's.

[Warriors69]

Go up to the Chase bridge when you have a chance

[IWB]

Why, do they have BrewCityBall's Inside The AL on? We are LIVE!

[MU88]

Attendance is pretty good. Better than a weeknight Bucks game. I am surprised at the turnout.

[Gato78]

Agreed. Good feel in the arena. Better atmosphere than ACC on TV today. De Paul band +3 fans so far for game 2.

[Gato78]

Good showing of Butler fans for a very down year.

[MU88]

I saw 2 DePaul cheerleaders at halftime. GTown crowd is way way down compared to the last time I was here.

[Gato78]

6 more DePaul fans. Jean must be giving them away.

[Gato78]

Regular BIG EAST atmosphere for play in game. Mayor is at a musical.

[CaribouJim]

New MSG looks great. Erin Andrews asked we pass along her best to her "dear friend" Caribou. Says she is proud to be his "niece". Whatever. Bar on main level named Farley's. MU spot in the making. Burr reffing Hall vs. Butler.

Give her my best.

Looking forward to my first visit to the renovated MSG. I heard the seats are a little more snug than the old seats, is that true.

[CaribouJim]

Regular BIG EAST atmosphere for play in game. Mayor is at a musical.

Sounds loud and the crowd looks great. Hearing Raff is very reasuring. The Hall throwing this one away.

Making a mental note of Mayor at the musical.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Great finish. Nice comeback but just not quite enough from the Bulldogs. SHU didn't fare well against 'Nova this year. They're actually a decent team that could make a run, but the Wildcats might be a task too tall.

[Mark Miller]

Seton Hall now 16-16. Need at least one more win in order to qualify for the post season.

[CaribouJim]

Great finish. Nice comeback but just not quite enough from the Bulldogs. SHU didn't fare well against 'Nova this year. They're actually a decent team that could make a run, but the Wildcats might be a task too tall.

I wonder how safe Willard's job is - would he have been launched if they lost I wonder? He doesn't seem to excude confidence on the sideline - he always looks like a bundle of nerves.

[Gato78]

Seats are fine. Better than Bradley Center. I am telling you, this is working. League has to be pleased.

[CaribouJim]

Seats are fine. Better than Bradley Center. I am telling you, this is working. League has to be pleased.

Great - saw Ponsetto on the sidelines - tell her to get her act together.

[MUBasketball]

Ummmm, sh*t...

http://m.golocalprov.com/sports/big-east-future-at-msg-may-include-company

[IWB]

Gato - any John Lithgow sightings?

[ziggysfryboy]

Which school is the closest to coming close to being as good looking as the sun dolls?

[Gato78]

We were told earlier our contract locked us in for 10 years. Is this more ESPN vs Fox BS? Probably. Fox has a lot of $$ to protect its investment in this conference. The big boys are playing hard ball. F ESPN F the ACC.

[MU88]

The ACC can play it a week earlier with the other minor conferences.

[Gato78]

No Lithgow sightings yet. Too many Catholics for Sun Doll quality entertainment.

[MU/Panther]

Still has a real good feel. Stage aspect with lighting and closeness of fans to floor. Only one row of media on floor though auxiliary media behind one hoop not cool. Mrs. Gato hasn't left Farley's.
I saw that on TV. I guess it better to have more center court seats for the fans.

[MU/Panther]

I wonder how safe Willard's job is - would he have been launched if they lost I wonder? He doesn't seem to excude confidence on the sideline - he always looks like a bundle of nerves.
Willard had a huge recruiting class coming in. He is safe!

[Warriors69]

Give her my best.

Looking forward to my first visit to the renovated MSG. I heard the seats are a little more snug than the old seats, is that true.

Upper level seats are snug, lower level are fine, suites are great. Been in all 3 for NY Rangers games

[Gato78]

More MU fans here than DePaul fans. Despite the fact that a bunch of MU fans started day drinking at an Irish bar and never made it. Oh, and the Mayor is at a musical.

[MU88]

Which school is the closest to coming close to being as good looking as the sun dolls?

None. DePaul-Georgetown, the battle of the ugliest and biggest cheerleaders. Geez. Each has one over 2 bills. Butler's looked like they are out of the 50s. Seton Hall had one, very tall, good looking dance team member.

[Gato78]

I noticed that tall one at Seton Hall too--Butler had some nice ones but a "bigger girl" that ruined the average.

[CaribouJim]

Willard had a huge recruiting class coming in. He is safe!

That's right - he has a McDonalds AA coming in right? A potential one and done dude?

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

We were told earlier our contract locked us in for 10 years. Is this more ESPN vs Fox BS? Probably. Fox has a lot of $$ to protect its investment in this conference. The big boys are playing hard ball. F ESPN F the ACC.

I was always under the pressure that the MSG had the out-clauses in the event revenues did not make certain quotas. Was this not part of the original deal?

[Gato78]

I think that was speculation later dashed by Val Ackerman who said the contract was air tight.

[CaribouJim]

I think that was speculation later dashed by Val Ackerman who said the contract was air tight.

Where is the Mayor - I don't recall if you said he was at the game or not??

[Gato78]

I believe he has forgone this evening's BIG EAST Tournament games for a musical. He was not day drinking.

[pbiflyer]

I believe he has forgone this evening's BIG EAST Tournament games for a musical. He was not day drinking.

A musical and lack of day drinking. What exactly is the procedures for a recall vote???? :p

[CaribouJim]

I believe he has forgone this evening's BIG EAST Tournament games for a musical. He was not day drinking.

Oh that is right. I do recall that now. A trip all the way to NYC for a musical of all things. Interesting...very interesting. I'll have to bring that up the next time I see him.

[CaribouJim]

Wow - this game is getting interesting. I assume there will be a net attendance hit tomorrow if G-Town loses?

[MU88]

Wow - this game is getting interesting. I assume there will be a net attendance hit tomorrow if G-Town loses?

Don't know. Very few gt fans here tonight

[CaribouJim]

Don't know. Very few gt fans here tonight

Really? I guess that coincides with their home attendance dip.

[CaribouJim]

B.G. JR. has a little Chauncy Billips in him - clutch too.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Well that's one less BE team that has a shot at a bid now...

[mufan2003]

Willard had a huge recruiting class coming in. He is safe!

Isaiah Whitehead. Top ranked SG. Big East has 5 schools in Scout's Top 25 recruiting classes for 2014. Georgetown(10), Seton Hall (12), Xavier (14), Marquette (20), Providence (21). Good news for the conference.

[Gato78]

Georgetown fans brutal about John Thompson on the way out. Want him fired etc. Irony if Oliver Purnell got John Thompson fired.

[unclejohn]

Georgetown fans brutal about John Thompson on the way out. Want him fired etc. Irony if Oliver Purnell got John Thompson fired.

More evidence that fans are nuts. How long ago was it that he lead them to the Final Four? And they did win the Big East last year, right?

[warriorfan4life]

The concept of fans being rational must be a utopic ideal. That program was wasting away in mediocreville when JTIII took over, and has consistently been excellent save for some March unluckiness. I know the Georgetown administration is far smarter then many dumbass fans, but they deserve decades of struggling if they remotely think of firing JTIII.

[MUfan12]

More evidence that fans are nuts. How long ago was it that he lead them to the Final Four? And they did win the Big East last year, right?

To be fair, the core guys on the Final Four team were Esherick's recruits.

A great regular season coach. Can't figure them out in March, though.

[Father Dan's Camera]

Since Final Four run in 2007, NCAA record is 2-5 with all 5 losses coming to double digit seeds. I have always said the only guy that could every stop Greg Monroe in college was JTIII.

[TulsaWarrior]

Georgetown out of the BE Tournament will mean a hit in attendance as Hoyas fans head to the bars and DC. All DePaul brought to NYC was the band and cheerleaders.

[Gato78]

Georgetown out of the BE Tournament will mean a hit in attendance as Hoyas fans head to the bars and DC. All DePaul brought to NYC was the band and cheerleaders.

They have 6 or 7 fans. Please don't exaggerate.

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

The concept of fans being rational must be a utopic ideal. That program was wasting away in mediocreville when JTIII took over, and has consistently been excellent save for some March unluckiness. I know the Georgetown administration is far smarter then many dumbass fans, but they deserve decades of struggling if they remotely think of firing JTIII.

I think they can do better than JTIII and actually don't think it would be a bad move at all to let him go. Not sure the Princeton offense is an appropriate offense to be running with the athletes they recruit to that school.

[TheSultan]

Are there many teams that successfully run a pure Princeton offense any longer? It seems to me that as more schools have run it, that it's become easier to defend. 20 years ago, when Princeton was upsetting UCLA in the first round, it was more of a novelty.

[MUBasketball]

After last night, I'm convinced the Big East should have made Big John Thompson the commissioner of the league. Someone want to tell him the ACC wants in the Garden? Good luck with that!

His interview between games was funny, and the comment during the second game saying that JT3 is "his mother's son" was hilarious.

[MayorBeluga]

I believe he has forgone this evening's BIG EAST Tournament games for a musical. He was not day drinking.

Hizzoner was say drinking, just not with that one particular group.

The Fightin' 218(tm) ban on show tunes applies solely to geographic presence 218. It's settled law (subject to arbitrary and unilateral alterations by The Mayor, of course).

[CaribouJim]

After last night, I'm convinced the Big East should have made Big John Thompson the commissioner of the league. Someone want to tell him the ACC wants in the Garden? Good luck with that!

His interview between games was funny, and the comment during the second game saying that JT3 is "his mother's son" was hilarious.

He was pretty friskie in that interview wasn't he? He was giving some nice props to McDermott.

I thought he was kind of a bully as a coach, but I was impressed with his NBA tenure as an analyst - thought he was very good.

Does he still have that local radio show?

[Gato78]

Does the show tune ban apply to MSG? Please dear God.


Hizzoner was say drinking, just not with that one particular group.
The Fightin' 218(tm) ban on show tunes applies solely to geographic presence 218. It's settled law (subject to arbitrary and unilateral alterations by The Mayor, of course).

[CaribouJim]

Does the show tune ban apply to MSG? Please dear God.

I wonder if he stopped in the gift shop on the way out and picked up a straw tophat , cane, blue blazer and saddle shoes. Loser.

[Nukem2]

I think they can do better than JTIII and actually don't think it would be a bad move at all to let him go. Not sure the Princeton offense is an appropriate offense to be running with the athletes they recruit to that school.
G-Town really did not run the true Princeton offense this year. Looked more conventional.

[MU/Panther]

1st round paid attendance
Big East 13,177
ACC 10,945

[Gato78]

FWIW Hizzoner has not yet entered the Garden. Matinee perhaps?

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

1st round paid attendance
Big East 13,177
ACC 10,945
Not really comparing apples to apples. Would be interesting to see what the acc attendance numbers would be in msg.

[Markedman]

A Daly Dose Of Hoops ‏@DalyDoseOfHoops 8m
Seton Hall really throwing a wrench in the script, doubling up Villanova 26-13 with 9:06 left before halftime...timeout for Jay. #shbb

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

G-Town really did not run the true Princeton offense this year. Looked more conventional.

gothca thanks. Well I still think Gtown can do better than JT3 even though he hasnt done a poor job

[TheSultan]

https://twitter.com/MOR_XU/status/444151275999866880

[CaribouJim]

FWIW Hizzoner has not yet entered the Garden. Matinee perhaps?

Undoubtedly.

[Gato78]

Good crowd today. It is apples to apples. Driving distance for most ACC schools. Easier to get there.

[ValiantSailor]

ACC has contracts for the next two years (Greensboro in '15, DC in '16). After that ???

Fact is that the conference considers Carolina their home. I could see a potential move to NYC every 4-5 years, but no more frequently than that. I would think the people who run the Garden would be happier with an every-year booking than what the ACC would offer.

VS

[MU/Panther]

Not really comparing apples to apples. Would be interesting to see what the acc attendance numbers would be in msg.Greensboro is the long time home for the ACC. There had to be 2,000 in the crowd for gt-bc game.

[mufan2003]

Good crowd today. It is apples to apples. Driving distance for most ACC schools. Easier to get there.

Agreed. I was going to say, it is not like MSG in NYC is a short trip for Creighton, Depaul, Butler, Xavier, Marquette fans. That is half the conference.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

That flop by Pinkston is one of the most blatant I've seen. Diving should be a technical, especially when it's that clear.

[Nukem2]

Nova is really laying an egg so far. Not good.

[TheSultan]

Nova is really laying an egg so far. Not good.

Bracket is opening up for Marquette... :)

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

Seems as though people are discounting the impact of having it in the MSG has on fans deciding to attend - this is why imo it's not an apples to apples comparison.

If it's truly apples to apples than we might as well put the BEAST tourney in Philly as it would be more centrally located to people and "easier to drive to" as the MSG doesn't increase probabilities of attendance by this logic.

Can't truly compare the two as apples to apples unless you know what the attendance #'s would be for ACC in MSG.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Jeez...I go to eat a quick breakfast and come back 3 game minutes later and SHU's 9-point lead is gone. WTF Pirates?

[Nukem2]

Jeez...I go to eat a quick breakfast and come back 3 game minutes later and SHU's 9-point lead is gone. WTF Pirates?
Trying to milk the shot clock and it's not working. Also, fatigue may be setting in...?

[Mucrisco]

Is it me or is the baseline Big East sign bothering anyone else? When a player walks on it, it looks like they are going to walk into a stand.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Gotta say, these are a great first three games. I really hope some people are watching, this has been a great BET so far.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Is it me or is the baseline Big East sign bothering anyone else? When a player walks on it, it looks like they are going to walk into a stand.

LOL they use those ads for European soccer games so I'm used to them. Definitely understand the consternation, I used to freak out when I saw guys careening toward them full speed.

[MayorBeluga]

FYI to Gato. Hizzoner here since first tip. Sitting with bro-in-law in 116

[IWB]

I don't know if the Mayor should be allowed to post since he skipped a day of games to attend a musical.

Maybe impeachment proceedings should be considered?

[MayorBeluga]

Skipping the DePaul Invitational is a sign of intelligence

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Wow Sina! What a game!

[MU/Panther]

Wow! What a game.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

In-freaking-sane.

[Markedman]

Shocker....their goes Nova's #1 seed

Big time shot by Gibbs

[IWB]

DePaul upsets Georgetown
Seton Hall upsets Villanova

Who's next?

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

Nova loss obviously not good for big east. I won't get my hopes up unless creighton goes down.

[MU_Iceman]

Nova loss obviously not good for big east. I won't get my hopes up unless creighton goes down.

Whi cares about the BE at this point?? The top half of the bracket just became WIDE open for MU. No one left should scare or intimidate MU. Now if DePaul can pull the biggest upset in college BB history tonight, and MU does it's part....WOW. Imagine the possibilities.

[Mucrisco]

Whi cares about the BE at this point?? The top half of the bracket just became WIDE open for MU. No one left should scare or intimidate MU. Now if DePaul can pull the biggest upset in college BB history tonight, and MU does it's part....WOW. Imagine the possibilities.

This is when I start caring about the other teams in our conference. I want to see them do well in the Dance. Having said that, I was rooting for SH because it might make things easier for Marquette.

[MUMac]

This is when I start caring about the other teams in our conference. I want to see them do well in the Dance. Having said that, I was rooting for SH because it might make things easier for Marquette.

I agree with this and I do not see this loss as hurting Nova much. They were not going to be a 1 seed, IMHO, so it should not be a killer. Other top dogs will be upset this weekend as well. It happens.

[mufan2003]

Nova loss obviously not good for big east. I won't get my hopes up unless creighton goes down.

Could be good for the Big East. Villanova as #1 seed would have been good PR for conference, but this could open up the opportunity for another Big East team to get into NCAA tourney. If St. John's or Providence get to championship game, that could put them in.

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

Whi cares about the BE at this point?? The top half of the bracket just became WIDE open for MU. No one left should scare or intimidate MU. Now if DePaul can pull the biggest upset in college BB history tonight, and MU does it's part....WOW. Imagine the possibilities.

I'm happy that nova lost as it increases the chances of marq making the tourney (although still very slim).

As far as not caring about the success of the big east conf, I'm not going to go down that road with you again and I'll leave it at that.

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

Could be good for the Big East. Villanova as #1 seed would have been good PR for conference, but this could open up the opportunity for another Big East team to get into NCAA tourney. If St. John's or Providence get to championship game, that could put them in.

Good point as I didnt think of it from that angle!

[TheSultan]

Not just that, but having a buzzer beater that is currently featured on the Deadspin top story, is good for the Big East. Nice big crowd...which will be big tomorrow too with a local team playing.

[Halo]

And UW just wrapped up the 1 seed unless they lose tomorrow

[Markedman]

Not true... a few other teams might still have a chance IMO

Michigan would have a hell of a case if they win both the Big 10 regular season and Tournament title

Louisville if they run the table might also have a chance

Kansas has 8 losses but if they win both Big 12 titles to go along with the toughest schedule in the country and currently #3 RPI?


And UW just wrapped up the 1 seed unless they lose tomorrow

[Markedman]

I really like Jay Wright.....no whining about seeding for him.....

Matt Norlander ‏@MattNorlander 5m
Jay Wright on no 1 seed/playing in East: "We'll play anybody, anywhere. We don't think about that stuff, we don't talk about that stuff."

A Daly Dose Of Hoops ‏@DalyDoseOfHoops 15m
Jay Wright: "I think we're most disappointed in not winning the Big East tournament...1 seed, 2 seed, 3 seed, that doesn't matter."

[MU_Iceman]

And UW just wrapped up the 1 seed unless they lose tomorrow


UW lost any chance they had at a #1 when they lost to Nebraska.

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

All things being equal (say either of them were to beat Hall and lose to Creighton) who has a better chance of getting an at large: STJ or Prov?

[Markedman]

Palm has UW as the last #1 as of now......http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology

[Mucrisco]

I'm rooting for St John's in the hopes that it will help attendance in the Garden.

[Gato78]

No Lithgow sightings yet. However. 50 Cent is in the house.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I would still have 'Nova ahead of Wisconsin. The Wildcats have 4 total losses and only one outside the top-15 RPI. Wisconsin has 5 losses worse than that. In addition, these games always mean less than people think.

Bad loss, but a neutral court bad loss not as bad as losing to Northwestern at home. And Wisconsin's next 4 worse losses are all worse than 'Nova's next worse.

[Mucrisco]

I would still have 'Nova ahead of Wisconsin. The Wildcats have 4 total losses and only one outside the top-15 RPI. Wisconsin has 5 losses worse than that. In addition, these games always mean less than people think.

Bad loss, but a neutral court bad loss not as bad as losing to Northwestern at home. And Wisconsin's next 4 worse losses are all worse than 'Nova's next worse.

Thanks for the info. I would agree.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

And man...if DePaul knocks off Creighton (they were down 1 with 5:00 or so to play in Omaha) I'll be terrified going into the Xavier game. This couldn't be lining up better.

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

And man...if DePaul knocks off Creighton (they were down 1 with 5:00 or so to play in Omaha) I'll be terrified going into the Xavier game. This couldn't be lining up better.

I would almost assume that if DePaul beats Creighton that we will lose. It would just be too good to be true. :)

[CaribouJim]

This game is crazy too.

[CaribouJim]

No Lithgow sightings yet. However. 50 Cent is in the house.

Isn't 50 Cent the Mayor's bro-in-law?

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

This has been an insane BET.

[IWB]

No Lithgow sightings yet. However. 50 Cent is in the house.

50 Cent or 50 Dolla?

[Nukem2]

This has been an insane BET.
A great degree of parity in this league. Which could cost in terms of NCAA bids...?

[MU/Panther]

Providence has to beat Seton Hall and avoid a bad loss to Seton Hall. Villanova didn't help things for PC.

[IWB]

Pinkston tries to hit Teague with his elbow, then puts out one of the worst flops I have seen.


http://youtu.be/FeNYpLWCqLc

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Teague gets elbowed in the face then avoids the flop and gets a T? What is the world coming to?

[MUMac]

Teague gets elbowed in the face then avoids the flop and gets a T? What is the world coming to?

I didn't watch the game, but you can't be correct. The official was Pat Driscoll. There is no way he calls a T. It had to be a double T.

[CaribouJim]

I didn't watch the game, but you can't be correct. The official was Pat Driscoll. There is no way he calls a T. It had to be a double T.

Funny. A well earned reputation for Mr. Driscoll.

[IWB]

I think they waived off the T after looking at the monitor, didn't they?

[CaribouJim]

In looking at the reply on ESPN just now, didn't Gibbs winner remind you of Kemba Walker? Gibbs did a great job of creating space.

[CaribouJim]

A great degree of parity in this league. Which could cost in terms of NCAA bids...?

I don't think parity will do the league in from # of BE participants perspective - I think it was a combination of 2 things - collectively, not a very challenging OOC schedule and not winning nearly enough of the OOC games that were challenging. MU was a key offender in not beating any of the heavies on their OOC schedule and Seton was an example of a crappy OOC schedule.

In '11 both MU and UCONN were examples of parity in the BE - both making it at 9-9 and 2 of 11 BE teams to make the tourney, but they collected enough pelts in their OOC play. Wasn't UCONN almost unbeaten against non-BE teams that year or at least real close to it?

Conclusion - schedule a studly OOC slate and win a good chunk of them and things should work themselves out.

At the inception of the original BE way back, they held each other accountable to schedule aggressively - I hope that is the case this next season.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I didn't watch the game, but you can't be correct. The official was Pat Driscoll. There is no way he calls a T. It had to be a double T.

It actually was a double technical. They assessed one to Pinkston for the elbow and one to Teague for, I don't know, maybe not catching Pinkston when he literally threw himself to the floor?

And both T's were definitely assessed. The announcers talked about how they had no idea what Teague could have been called for and wondered why they couldn't wave it off.

[MU/Panther]

14,925 for the day session at MSG.

[MU88]

Good crowd tonight too. I don't think anyone should worry about the attendance numbers. Crowd is better for the round of 8 than it was a couple of years ago.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Caribou, you're right about UConn. All their losses were in Big East play.

Listening to the DPU broadcast on the Score right now. Sounds like a home game for Creighton.

[MU/Panther]

Good crowd tonight too. I don't think anyone should worry about the attendance numbers. Crowd is better for the round of 8 than it was a couple of years ago.
I'm glad people are showing up, because the box score doesn't reflect that. 14,925 for the day session. Looked like 18,000 on TV.

[Gato78]

Creighton fans are obnoxious. Need Syracuse and UConn fans to put them in their place the rest of us are too nice. A holes who think they own MSG.

[MU/Panther]

Creighton fans are obnoxious. Need Syracuse and UConn fans to put them in their place the rest of us are too nice. A holes who think they own MSG.
Sounds like the fans that were at the Bradley Center.

[Gato78]

Creighton has a couple of grain fed cheerleaders. The Sun Dolls are a thing of the past.

[BLT]

Creighton has a couple of grain fed cheerleaders. The Sun Dolls are a thing of the past.

MU Spirit Squad may be the new Sun Dolls.

[MU88]

MU Spirit Squad may be the new Sun Dolls.

May be the lightest squad

[mufan2003]

Creighton fans are obnoxious. Need Syracuse and UConn fans to put them in their place the rest of us are too nice. A holes who think they own MSG.

I hope Creighton's program stays strong, but for a program that has not made the Sweet 16 since 1974, surprised to hear they act like they invented basketball. Glad there were no Creighton fans around my seats when they played in Milwaukee.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Man did DePaul ever make this a tough road to hoe. Georgetown would've had a shot against CU, but not the Blue Demons. If we win tonight that's a tough matchup tomorrow.

[CaribouJim]

Wow - Stainbrook(sp?) playing!!!!

[MU_Iceman]

Man did DePaul ever make this a tough road to hoe. Georgetown would've had a shot against CU, but not the Blue Demons. If we win tonight that's a tough matchup tomorrow.

Buzz HAS to change the defensive strategy against them. Tightly Guard the perimeter. They don't have an inside game so what's the point of sagging off the shooters?? Maybe against everyone else, but not against Creighton. What happened to the Buzz teams from a couple years ago that guarded 30 ft from the hoop?? That needs to come back tomm night(provided they win tonight of course).

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

Wow - Stainbrook(sp?) playing!!!!

What? $hit!

[farmerdoc]

Chill. :cool: Doesn't mean he will be effective. Go at him aggressively and make him move. Foul out early!

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

Buzz HAS to change the defensive strategy against them. Tightly Guard the perimeter. They don't have an inside game so what's the point of sagging off the shooters?? Maybe against everyone else, but not against Creighton. What happened to the Buzz teams from a couple years ago that guarded 30 ft from the hoop?? That needs to come back tomm night(provided they win tonight of course).

Seems simple on the surface. The problem is because they play a 5 out, if you do get up in their grill and force them to drive and they get by you it's a layup as your help defense is so spread out guarding tight on the perimeter. It's really a tough tough team to game plan for. I think I probably lean towards a tight guard on the perimeter and force them to beat you off the dribble.

[Markedman]

They tried that in the first game...it was as disaster for the same reasons you stated...if you are going to push up on the perimeter you better be able to keep people in front of you......not exactly Mu's strength especially this year....


Seems simple on the surface. The problem is because they play a 5 out, if you do get up in their grill and force them to drive and they get by you it's a layup as your help defense is so spread out guarding tight on the perimeter. It's really a tough tough team to game plan for. I think I probably lean towards a tight guard on the perimeter and force them to beat you off the dribble.

[goldenlegal22]

Really doubt that Stainbrook is 100%. Will be interesting to see how is used and how Buzz counters.

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

They tried that in the first game...it was as disaster for the same reasons you stated...if you are going to push up on the perimeter you better be able to keep people in front of you......not exactly Mu's strength especially this year....

It really is pick your poison and I think I choose to die by the dribble drive as opposed to getting rained on from outside. Really no correct/incorrect answer. Just a tough matchup for anyone.

[MUfan12]

Creighton fans are obnoxious. Need Syracuse and UConn fans to put them in their place the rest of us are too nice. A holes who think they own MSG.

I can't wait until they graduate everyone and suck next year.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I can't wait until they graduate everyone and suck next year.

Creighton is the next Butler.

[Gato78]

Creighton's fans officially has been awarded the annual douchiest fan award. Formerly the sole property of West Virginia, Creighton has it locked on day 1--though a more intelligent douche. Fortunately they will be reduced to DePaul numbers next year. Also, this was the 1st pleather-free BIG EAST Tourney I have attended.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Any hot cheerleader reports? I know its not the same without the Sun Dolls but now that MU is out we have to look at some non-basketball stuff... Photos appreciated...

[MU/Panther]

Creighton is the next Butler.
I'm not sure. They have two top 100 players coming in.

[Gato78]

Any hot cheerleader reports? I know its not the same without the Sun Dolls but now that MU is out we have to look at some non-basketball stuff... Photos appreciated...

Nothing to see. One Brooke Shields look a like at Seton Hall and that is it.

[MUMac]

Nothing to see. One Brooke Shields look a like at Seton Hall and that is it.

Brooke at age 18 or age 48?

[Gato78]

The young Brooke Shields.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I'm not sure. They have two top 100 players coming in.

Whoop-dee-doo. They are losing 63% of their scoring and the NCAA POY. McDermott, Wragge, Manigat, and Gibbs will all be gone. Oh, and for a team that lives by the three, those four guys account for 79.9% of their three point makes and are their top four shooters in terms of long-distance accuracy. I'm not saying they won't get back to the Dance in the coming years, but next year they are going to be good and terrible. Chatman, Brooks, and Artino will be the core of their team, and when you take away the talent around them, that's not exactly awe-inspiring.

[IWB]

If you think Creighton fans are D-Bags, hey New York - get ready for Duke & UNC fans!

The hillbillies of Va Tech, the nerds of Duke, the pleather wearing Louisville fans.....now that there is an interesting mix.

Can you imagine the Duke nerds and the high and mighty UNC fans' reactions when the Syracuse fans lay into them at the conference tourney? The crowd activity might be worth more to televise than the on court activity.

[MU/Panther]

Whoop-dee-doo. They are losing 63% of their scoring and the NCAA POY. McDermott, Wragge, Manigat, and Gibbs will all be gone. Oh, and for a team that lives by the three, those four guys account for 79.9% of their three point makes and are their top four shooters in terms of long-distance accuracy. I'm not saying they won't get back to the Dance in the coming years, but next year they are going to be good and terrible. Chatman, Brooks, and Artino will be the core of their team, and when you take away the talent around them, that's not exactly awe-inspiring.
I can't disagree with any of that. I guess we will see.

[Goose85]

I can't disagree with any of that. I guess we will see.

We had three top 100 players come in this past year, and none along with a lot of returing players could make up for the loss of Junior / Vander / Trent.

I have come to realize there is a huge difference in the top 5 from the rest (Parker/Wiggins/Randall, etc). Then there seems to be another group in the 6-25 range that should contribute right away. After that, depending on year, the rest of the top 100 is no lock to contribute out of the gate.

A lot of top 100 guys, like the guys at MU this year, need time to fit into big time college basketball and school.

[MU/Panther]

Ratings for recruiting is overrated. They even tell you that.

[Gato78]

Not as much juice for semis as years past. Creighton fans think there is only one game tonight. None have arrived. Might have redefined the West Virginia douchiness award.

[MU88]

Poorest crowd, so far. PC fans are loud. Does SH have any fans?

[MayorBeluga]

Not as much juice for semis as years past.

Sadly true. Normally electric feel in MSG on Friday night. Just don't get same buzz. Maybe if SJU or Nova was playing. All the more reason we need the Johnnies to be good

[Gato78]

Yeah. Getting noisy. Creighton fans settling dinner tabs. Should be here soon.

[Gato78]

Creighton fans finally arriving.

[Gato78]

It is now a true BIG EAST semi atmosphere. FWIW MSG employees kinda sick of Creighton fans.

[BLT]

Creighton fan base is provincial. In Anaheim, even at Cal State Fullerton, they paid the school for a private party for alums...and then headed over to the gym for their game with SDSU and were pissed that all their fans took the seats. This ain't the MVC, but they are loyal and do like their hops.

[MU/Panther]

11:32 mark of the 2nd half, Gus and Raftety saying look around at this great crowd!

[TulsaWarrior]

Marketing comment.....it will take time to rebuild.

[Gato78]

Place is damn near full. Only some high up end zone seats available. League has to be pleased. Tomorrow won't be as crowded but it never is. Friday night has all the juice and it is great right now.

[Gato78]

Bartender to Mrs Gato: "old crowd drank better than the new crowd". I am blaming Creighton.

[MayorBeluga]

Not only are games less physical but so are stands. MSG security much quicker to break things up and kick people out. I too blame Creighton.

[Gato78]

Got it figured out. Creighton fans are like the small town from northern Wisconsin that goes to State. They have no idea how to deal with this. Some New Yorkers across the aisle from me are just laughing at these goofs.

[Gato78]

No city game in their fans.

[MayorBeluga]

Probably for best Creighton wasn't in the old Big East. Cuse fans would have eaten them alive.

[MU/Panther]

I was shocked to hear the Knicks host the Bucks at 11am at MSG, today.

[MUfan12]

Got it figured out. Creighton fans are like the small town from northern Wisconsin that goes to State. They have no idea how to deal with this. Some New Yorkers across the aisle from me are just laughing at these goofs.

That was similar to the impression I got. They're trying to act like they belong, but come across as pricks.

Of the three new schools, I like Butler's fans the best. Friendly, knowledgeable, and they're appreciative of the Big East choosing them.

[pbiflyer]

That was similar to the impression I got. They're trying to act like they belong, but come across as pricks.

Of the three new schools, I like Butler's fans the best. Friendly, knowledgeable, and they're appreciative of the Big East choosing them.

Well, their Dean of Students is a Marquette alum, so obviously, he has rubbed off on them!

[MU/Panther]

It could be a must win for Providence. Lunardi and Palm have PC as the last 4 in.:(

[CaribouJim]

It could be a must win for Providence. Lunardi and Palm have PC as the last 4 in.:(

Sounds like it - I'm rooting for PC big time tonight.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140315/providence-creighton-ed-cooley-bryce-cotton/?eref=sihp

A Providence upset of Creighton in the final would make the Big East happy by nearly guaranteeing the league four bids in the NCAA tournament, along with the Bluejays, Villanova and very-likely-at-large Xavier. There are those around the Friars program who believe they've already done enough to earn an invite -- Father Brian Shanley, the school's president, was overheard saying, "We're in now" after emerging from the locker room on Friday -- but bracketologists don't consider it a lock. The only way for the ironmen to be certain is to grind out one more victory and end a two-decade drought.

[Gato78]

Only team Tshirts available at MSG are St. John's and DePaul. Why did they order so many DePaul Tshirts?

[milkbone]

I hope they are on SALE!!!!!!

[Gato78]

Available at homeless shelters tomorrow.

[CaribouJim]

Available at homeless shelters tomorrow.

What's the level of a$$dom of the Creighton contingent tonight Gato or too early to tell?

Any "I'm going to a musical" AWOL situations tonight?

[Gato78]

Lots of Providence people in hue house.

[MayorBeluga]

Lots of "neutral" fans vocally cheering for Providence tonight. While it will never be the old Big East, impressive nonetheless. For any flaws, I blame Creighton

[MU/Panther]

Lots of Providence people in hue house.

They have a great fan base! You can hear them on TV.
Much more energy in the building than the title game in 2012 Louisville v Cincinnati. The Big East Tourney has been much better this year, than most thought! Thank You Val! Thank You FS1! Thank You MSG,

[Gato78]

New Yorkers and Providence fans loudly against Creighton.

[CaribouJim]

Looks like it is close to a full house.

[CaribouJim]

I think Raff is pulling for PC.

[MU/Panther]

Crowd is great! Energetic building!

[MayorBeluga]

85-90% full. Got that old BET feel

[Gato78]

Still seats way up but a great atmosphere. Consensus of Providence fans: they come here in their 1st year and act like they own the place.

[MayorBeluga]

So early guess: 12 Creighton fans in MSG next year

[CaribouJim]

PC playing great D on McBuckets thus far, but so did MU in the first half in Milwaukee before he went off.

[Gato78]

Zone is working. Creighton shooting like the Lil Monarchs.

[CaribouJim]

Zone is working. Creighton shooting like the Lil Monarchs.

Hey...I resemble that remark.

[CaribouJim]

Wasn't MU a finalist for PC's Desrosiers (sp?) or am I thinking of someone else?

[Nukem2]

Wasn't MU a finalist for PC's Desrosiers (sp?) or am I thinking of someone else?Yep, we were. Would have been a good get. Not great, but a solid player with great height and length. Much better than Otule.

[WarriorOMalley82]

Great crowd good energy I am surprised and happy with championship attendance. Now can we hold a tutorial and teach these Creighton idiot fans how to lineup for a urinal. My god whole bathroom empty line out the door because these idiots wait at the door instead of making lines at each urinal.

[MayorBeluga]

Funny to hear cu fans bitch that McD not getting calls. Such a drama queen he could have starred in Kinky Boots.

PS for everyone but Caribou since he knows this, but that's a Broadway musical

[MayorBeluga]

If there's one thing Gato knows, it's urinal etiquette (at least according to IWB).

[CaribouJim]

Funny to hear cu fans bitch that McD not getting calls. Such a drama queen he could have starred in Kinky Boots.

PS for everyone but Caribou since he knows this, but that's a Broadway musical

...a musical that the Mayor attended earlier this week in lieu of Wednesday's BE tourney slate.

[MayorBeluga]

...a musical that the Mayor attended earlier this week in lieu of Wednesday's BE tourney slate.

Happy wife = happy life

[Gato78]

Providence fan to me: they are new BIG EAST. We (meaning Marquette and Providence) we are old BIG EAST.

[MayorBeluga]

Strangest sight tonight: guy in Cuse shirt talking to guy in UConn shirt. Lotsa "remember when" going on

[CaribouJim]

Wow - what a finish - come on PC!!!

[MayorBeluga]

Fox has to love the way this tourney has gone. Only 1 bad game but with DePaul that's gonna happen

[CaribouJim]

So with the assumption that Xavier is in that makes 4 Big East teams in NCAA - not bad for an "off year".

[warriorfan4life]

So with the assumption that Xavier is in that makes 4 Big East teams in NCAA - not bad for an "off year".

No, not with 2 of the 3 flagships missing out.

[MU/Panther]

So with the assumption that Xavier is in that makes 4 Big East teams in NCAA - not bad for an "off year".
If somebody would say 4 Big East schools would make the NCAA and they would not be Georgetown & Marquette, I wouldn't believe it.

[Gato78]

Nice that the school that started the BIG EAST beats the new kid. Justice. This was as good as any other BIG EAST Tourney I have been to with fewer fights and no pleather.

[MU/Panther]

Attendance 15,290. I know the seating arena is dark and it's hard to tell how filled it is on TV. MSG holds 20,000, it looked filled to me.

[MU88]

Attendance 15,290. I know the seating arena is dark and it's hard to tell how filled it is on TV. MSG holds 20,000, it looked filled to me.

It was almost full and very loud. I thought the crowd at tip was the smallest since Wednesday, by the eye test. PC fans were out in force. Much bigger potty mouths on the PC faithful. Both schools had a pretty inflated option of their team and players. I don't think either is a final four team. Anyway, really good atmosphere for a college Bball game.