Monday, February 25, 2013

News On The Horizon 2/25/2013

ATB: Canes Meet the Pain, the End of a Rivalry and a Bracketbusters Finale…--Rush The Court
This Weekend’s Quick Hits…
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More Bracketbusters Action. Even if the field didn’t bring its customary glut of at-large relevant matchups, there were a few interesting contests worth talking about. Horizon leader Valparaiso dominated Eastern Kentucky while Detroit, who currently stands one-game off first place, pushed Wichita State into a high-scoring affair but ultimately fell short on the road. Akron extended the nation’s longest winning streak (18) against North Dakota State, but fellow MAC challenger Ohio couldn’t secure the league’s second win in a convincing loss at Belmont. In sum, Bracketbusters lived out its final days without leaving a positive impression. All we can hope is that network executives or conference leaders come together to produce a similar event. Bracketbusters was not a perfect concept – some teams benefited, while others saw their Tournament positions suffer – but it was something that allowed the nation’s best mid-major squads to face off on a national stage they otherwise wouldn’t experience. That concept, even if it’s not a formalized event, is worth preserving.

Miami Heat guard Ray Allen starting to regain his shooting touch--Miami Herald
When Norris Cole is dunking during games out of half-court sets, it's a good indication the Heat's offense is purring like a well-tuned engine. During the Heat's recent three-game road trip, Cole dunked three times, including twice on Saturday at Philadelphia. "That's more of a byproduct of having an open lane," Spoelstra said. "He's an aggressive player." Cole's driving dunk on Chicago's Marquis Teague on Thursday was his first of the season. Teammates reacted to the play by enthusiastically jumping out of their seats on the bench. Cole added a two-handed dunk to his season's highlight reel late in the game on Saturday against the Sixers.

With an average of 5.6 points a game, Cole is shooting 49.1 percent from the field in the month of February. Always attacking the basket, Cole's overall game has improved steadily along with his minutes. He is now a regular in the Heat's second unit for his defensive energy.

"He showed that he is an attacker, he is aggressive and that he has that type of mentality," Spoelstra said. "It is the other things that we have been trying to develop that I am encouraged about, his decision making, learning how to run an offense and getting us organized. That part has been improving."
Heat guard Norris Cole growing more patient--South Florida Sun Sentinel
BracketBusters wins help Cleveland State--Cleveland Plain Dealer
On this day 10 years ago - Feb 24, 2003--Vikings Ball

Vikings Open Final Home Stretch Against Loyola On Monday--csuvikings.com

Chat with UDM basketball coach Ray McCallum--The Detroit Free Press

Bradley barely escapes--Whoosh!Net

On this day 2 years ago - Feb 24, 2011--LU Wolf Ball
Ramblers Head To Motor City For Clash With The Titans--LoyolaRamblers.com

On this day 13 years ago - Feb 24, 2000--UWM Update

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