FINAL- Bradley 63 University of South Florida 82

[Bravesfan]

Final- USF 82 Bradley 63, and it wasn't that close.

Here are the other MVC games- it looks like they could all be winners for the MVC-
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketb...fresh=60&c=mvc

That's too bad that Bradley couldn't make it a perfect night for the Valley. But not a bad loss in that we lost to a Big East team on the road who brought back 4 of their top 5 scorers. However, it was a bad loss that we couldn't have been more competitive. Obviously if we want to take a step up to the next level, we can't be afraid of playing teams like this. And this is a USF team that has two bad losses to MAC Michigan teams. But I think they are better than those two games indicated, but certainly not an elite Big East team either. More in line with a strong mid-major type of program.

Regardless, the Valley is now 27-7, with only one real bad loss (MSU to Jacksonville last night), but with only one quality win as well (WSU over VCU). Plenty of chances for the Valley to shine, but we need a few nice BCS wins to really send a message to the rest of the NCAA that the Valley could be one of the top non-BCS conferences.

[Da Coach]

Official box score-

https://www.nmnathletics.com//pdf8/993831.pdf?ATCLID=205755462&SPSID=25965&SPID=1498&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=3400

[tornado]

Dave Reynolds article

http://www.pjstar.com/bradleyhoops/x1978606100/Bradley-at-South-Florida

we pretty much reverted to all the bad things our team was doing last year that got us blown out by 30 points repeatedly....

selfish PG play, wild shots, foul trouble among post players, poor interior defense leading to wide open dunks, not defending the three, turnovers, and poor perimeter shooting.

[Biff]

Dave Reynolds' pregame article-
USF plans to get defensive with BU

http://www.pjstar.com/bradleyhoops/x719495220/USF-plans-to-get-defensive-with-BU

Perhaps a little hyperbole of praise from USF Coach Stan Heath?
???In a short amount of time, Geno has really turned the corner with the Bradley program,??? Heath said. ???I like some of the guys I??™m watching on film. (Walt) Lemon has the ability to run the team and make plays. (Tyshon) Pickett is as strong as a bull. (Will) Egolf is a good scorer inside and out. I like their roster. They??™ve made a nice jump from last year.???

I wonder if Stan Heath would like to take any of this back?

[bu fan 9]

We didn't play a cupcake and this was the result.

[Braves4Life]

I wonder if Stan Heath would like to take any of this back?

I always find it sad when those who profess to follow and support "their" team can't see the obvious. I'll always take the word of someone who lives and follows the game over that of the casual fan. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Biff!

[Da Coach]

Then you must have really been sad the last couple years.

Biff does more than profess, he has been a long time donor and supporter. So I'll allow him his opinions. We all know the statements of Heath before the game were hyperbole and over the top adulation.

Now maybe we will be spared some of the embarrassingly giddy praise from some in the media like "Yes, the Braves are better...By a light year or two, they??™re better", which, BTW, was said right before Bradley lost 21 of their last 23 games last year.

[tornado]

Tho Biff & a few others have taken over the roles of debbie-downer - I am still positive about this team...
there are 3-4 solid Valley teams - then I still believe we can & ought to be able to play with the rest of them...
I still think we can compete for a 4-5 spot of we play well together.....

Drake, Evansville, Indiana State, Missouri State, SIU, and even UNI to the extent that they barely edged winless Toledo at home in OT - all look to be no better than BU...
..as good of a record as people are claiming for the Valley...those six team are 5-8 combined against D-I opponents in regulation...
The cushier W-L figures some are citing for the MVC are largely due to 3 teams at the top plus several wins over horrible D-II's and NAIA's

plus of those five wins --- Yale, WIU, Winthrop, North Dakota, and New Orleans...they are five weak teams who combine for a record of 5-13 v DI's (Yale & WIU lost to DII's)

So take heart BU -- we are in no different spot than fully SIX or SEVEN of the MVC teams

[JMM28]

I wonder if Stan Heath would like to take any of this back?

Why would he? Every coach in America says this kind of thing. Would you prefer he say "Well I was wrong, this was a very bad team" and discredit his team and his job performance as well?

/common sense.

[Da Coach]

I am thinking you might have missed the humor there. I suspect it was more of a rhetorical question.

[tornado]

Here's a picture posted of the game - USF does not draw well for an ACC team

this is taken about 3 minutes into the 2nd half and about 2/3 of the lower bowl seats are vacant

[AZ BU Fan]

Dave Reynolds article

http://www.pjstar.com/bradleyhoops/x1978606100/Bradley-at-South-Florida

we pretty much reverted to all the bad things our team was doing last year that got us blown out by 30 points repeatedly....

selfish PG play, wild shots, foul trouble among post players, poor interior defense leading to wide open dunks, not defending the three, turnovers, and poor perimeter shooting.

WTH, did all the BU players jump in a hot tub time machine at their hotel the night before their game against USF?

[ChewaBrave]

Of the Big East venues - it is one of the sorriest. They play an interesting brand of basketball if you like the game, but for the casual observer its painful to watch. When they were successful, it was like watching the Washington State teams from half a decade ago.

[AZ BU Fan]

I wonder if Stan Heath would like to take any of this back?

I think Heath was misquoted by the media.... I believe he actually said* :

Heath: 'The Braves are what we think they are; they're what we think they are!'

Heath: 'We're playing them in preaseason ??” who the hell plays a third game of the preseason like it's bull****, bull****!?'

Heath: 'We'll play them in the third game ??” everybody will play two halfs'

Heath: 'The Braves are who we think they are!'

Heath: 'And that's why we'll take the **** court.'

Heath 'Now if you want to crown them, then crown their a**!'

Heath: 'But they are who we think they are, and we're not gonna let 'em off the hook!'

(Uncomfortable silence from room)


* Apologies to FB Coach Denny Green

[tornado]

I have vivid memories of plenty of GOOD Bradley teams who have an inexplicable MAJOR setback on the road..

none stand out more than these that I recall...

-the 1982 guys who should have gotten the NCAA bid - were headed to a 26-win season but went to Creighton on Feb. 25 and got crushed 71-52 - this game may have spelled the end to our at large chances.

-In '81 when BU was 16-3 and on pace for an NCAA-type season - suddenly we go on the road and lose to Drake & Tulsa by 20

we have always been prone to huge road setbacks -- we can learn from it...and improve