On The Horizon

Jim Squire

Horizon League Weekly Recap: This First Week--Mid-Major Madness
Monday's basketball roundup--The Detroit News

Detroit rolls to win

Anton Wilson scored 14 and Juwan Howard Jr. 12 for Detroit (3-2) in a 69-55 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore at the Progressive Legends Classic in Toledo on Monday.

Brandan Kearney and Paris Bass had 11 apiece for the Titans.

Western Carolina 88, (at) Oakland 79 (2OT): Western Carolina's James Sinclair slammed home a dunk with 23 seconds left in double overtime for the win. Kahlil Felder had 26 points and six assists for Oakland (0-4).

Tuesday's college roundup--The Detroit News

Howard's 28 power Detroit

Toledo — Juwan Howard Jr. scored 28 on Tuesday night and Brandan Kearney made the 3-pointer that put Detroit ahead for good in an 82-79 victory over Toledo in the final of the Progressive Legends Classic.

The game was 75-75 when Kearney, who began his college career at Michigan State, made his only 3-pointer with 49 seconds remaining. He finished with seven points.

Toledo (2-3) led by five with 4:19 left after a 3-point play by Justin Drummond.

Howard responded with a three-point play of his own, then a jumper as Detroit (4-2) went to make it 73-73 with 1:38 left.

Paris Bess scored 14 and Jarod Williams 13 for Detroit.

J.D. Weatherspoon led Toledo with 20 points.

More state men

(At) Oakland 70, Chicago State 57: Corey Petros scored 19 and Tommie McCune had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Oakland (1-4) in its first victory.

Dante Williams scored 13 and Kahlil Felder had 10 points and seven assists for the Grizzlies.

Report: Michigan State adds another injured player to already thin rotation--CollegeBasketballTalk

While this might not be a catastrophic injury to the Spartans’ season, Michigan State is already without freshman guard Javon Bess, who has a broken foot, and Cleveland State transfer and guard Bryn Forbes has a broken non-shooting hand that he’s attempting to play through.

Miami Heat lacking points and bodies in loss to Los Angeles Clippers, 110-93--Miami Herald

Not that Norris Cole would have made much of a difference on this night — the Heat lost 110-93, and the team already trailed by more than 20 points when Cole left with a dislocated middle finger — but one more injured starting guard might be too much for the Heat to overcome even against the dregs of the Eastern Conference.
...
Cole never returned after his injury, which forced Shannon Brown into the lineup. He started the second half and could start on Saturday in Orlando if Cole isn’t cleared to play. The Heat plays the Charlotte Hornets at AmericanAirlines Arena on Sunday.

It’s back to basics for struggling Miami Heat--Miami Herald

Among those injured are Dwyane Wade, who sat out his fourth consecutive game Thursday night with a hamstring injury, Luol Deng, who’s getting over a wrist injury, and now Norris Cole, who dislocated his middle left finger deflecting a pass against the Clippers.

Shannon Brown started the second half in place of Cole, and Spoelstra called on Justin Hamilton to play a few minutes. It was Hamilton’s first appearance on court since Nov.5; he has been dealing with a hip injury.

A somber Cole said he’s following doctors’ orders as far as playing time goes. Spoelstra said the team is going to wait and see how the point guard feels Saturday.

“It’s frustrating, but it’s better early than late,” Cole said of the Heat’s diminished lineup. “We don’t feel sorry for ourselves; we’re professionals, so whoever’s out there is expected to compete at a high level and still expected to win.”
...
Noteworthy: Dwyane Wade is out, marking the fifth game he has missed with a strained hamstring. Norris Cole is questionable because of a dislocated left middle finger, but the Heat’s starting shooting guard has played in 160 consecutive games, the third-most in franchise history. ... The Heat (6-6) has lost four of its past five games and is seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Chris Bosh helps Heat close out win over Orlando Magic--Miami Herald

Mario Chalmers, moving to the point with Norris Cole nursing a dislocated finger, also made his mark with 24 points and eight assists.
...
Saturday night at least brought signs of encouragement, with a lineup lacking both both Dwyane Wade (hamstring) and Cole.

Wade missed his fifth consecutive game, though he might be close to returning. Cole, injured midway through the Clippers loss, saw his streak of 160 consecutive games come to an end — one shy of sharing No.2 on the Heat’s all-time list.

Grant Long made 161 consecutive appearances from 1990 through ’92. Cole hadn’t missed a game since Dec.4, 2012 against the Washington Wizards.

Heat’s chemistry remains a work in progress due to injuries--Miami Herald

Starting Heat guards Norris Cole and Dwyane Wade were out again against the Hornets and are expected to miss Tuesday’s game against Golden State. Wade has missed six games with a hamstring injury, and Cole has missed two after dislocating his left middle finger against the Clippers last Thursday.

Heat add center Hassan Whiteside, release Shannon Brown--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Brown had started the past two games, victories over the Orlando Magic and Hornets, amid the injuries that have sidelined starting guards Dwyane Wade and Norris Cole.
...
With Wade and Cole expected to miss Tuesday's game against the visiting Golden State Warriors, the Heat's options of backcourt starters alongside Mario Chalmers could be reduced to Shabazz Napier, James Ennis, Danny Granger or Dawkins

Winderman's view: Warriors 114, Heat 97--South Florida Sun Sentinel

-- Mario Chalmers again kept the Heat afloat, as Norris Cole struggled amid his return.
...
-- Cole offered a Thanksgiving welcome to fans pregame at midcourt.

ASK IRA: Does Norris Cole for Dion Waiters make any sense?--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Warriors' finishing kick too much for Heat 114-97--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Even with Wade and center Chris Andersen sidelined, and even with Norris Cole limited to a 1-of-8 shooting night in his return while wearing a splint on his dislocated left middle finger, the Heat continually counterpunched -- until the Warriors took the fight out of them with their 3-point efficiency, closing 13 of 28 from beyond the arc.
...
The Heat got Cole back after he missed two games, but were without Andersen after he severely sprained his ankle in Sunday's home victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

MSU 79, Santa Clara 52: Hobbled Spartans handle business--The Detroit Free Press

Junior guard Bryn Forbes scored 10 points for MSU and ice-cold Santa Clara (29% shooting) was led by 12 points from Jared Brownridge.

MSU shows center strength in easy win over Santa Clara--The Detroit News

Travis Trice scored 19 and handed out eight assists while Marvin Clark scored 15, Denzel Valentine added 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists and Bryn Forbes scored 10.

Akron gets big wins; Kent State squanders perfect mark; Cleveland State off to Louisville--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Vikings try to spoil Rick Pitino’s milestone--Cleveland State Hoops
Cleveland State Tripped Up by Savannah State 87-83 in OT--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State (2-2) and No. 6 Louisville (4-0) Face Off--Vikings Ball
Vikings Fall at Savannah State in Overtime, 87-83--csuvikings.com
Lewis Scores 24 Points In Loss at #6 Louisville-csuvikings.com

Vikings Pick Up 73-65 Victory At FIU--csuvikings.com

Mid-Makeovers: Which O26 Units are Poised for a Turnaround?--Rush The Court

Detroit – Horizon League – 2013-14 record: 13-18 (6-10). After finishing eighth in the Horizon League standings in 2013-14 (out of nine teams) and graduating its top rebounder and second-leading scorer, Evan Bruinsma, Detroit was picked third in this year’s preseason poll. Why such high expectations? The simple answer is twofold: Juwan Howard Jr. is back, and a wave of talent joins him. Howard, a 6’5’’ senior who led the Titans in scoring last season (18.3 PPG), should be one of the best players in the conference this year, even if his numbers do not drastically improve. He was probably relied upon far too heavily a season ago – the wing took 20-plus shots on six different occasions – so this year’s additions should help reduce the pressure and enable Howard to score more efficiently. Those reinforcements – transfers Chris Jenkins (Colorado) and Brandan Kearney (Arizona State), along with redshirt freshman Paris Bass – will bring depth at small forward and provide supplemental offensive punch. Add that to the trio of quality guards in the backcourt, plus 6’10’’ Penn State transfer Patrick Ackerman down low, and Ray McCallum’s team should rediscover its winning ways this season.

Tip-Off Marathon: The O26 Menu--Rush The Court

Appetizers/Starters
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Detroit at Oregon – 11:00 PM ET, ESPNU, Tonight. Detroit will be much improved this season and should give Oregon a game, at least early on. Juwan Howard Jr. scores a lot of points (18.3 PPG in 2013-14), Oregon’s Joseph Young scores a lot of points (18.9 PPG in 2013-14) – think of this as your chips and salsa, or spinach and artichoke dip. You can’t really go wrong.

Detroit Titans vs. Toledo Rockets Final: UT has 18-game home winning streak snapped--Hustle Belt
Detroit Pulls off Upset against Toledo 82-79--Titans Update
Detroit (4-2) Battles Bowling Green (3-0)--Titans Update
Titans Head to Toledo for Progressive Legends Classic--detroittitans.com
Bass Named Horizon League Freshman of the Week--detroittitans.com
Defensive Pressure and Late Run Lifts Detroit Past UMES, 69-55--detroittitans.com
Titans Face Toledo in Progressive Legends Classic Championship--detroittitans.com
UDM Athletics Offers Five-Game Holiday Ticket Package--detroittitans.com
Titans Snap Toledo's Home Winning Streak, Win Progressive Legends Classic Championship--detroittitans.com

Hall Of Fame Profiles: Lisa Blackburn--detroittitans.com
Women’s Basketball Alumni Day Set For Dec. 20--detroittitans.com

Assigned Reading: Oakland’s Tommy McCune has overcome a lot while showing flashes of great play--CollegeBasketballTalk
Bass, Rogers making good progress in return for Flyers--Dayton Daily News
Dayton’s conditioning paid off in Puerto Rico--Dayton Daily News

If guard Ryan Bass (concussion) and forward Detwon Rogers (knee) return during non-conference play, that will help Dayton’s depth. In the three games in Puerto Rico, Dayton played an eight-man rotation. Dayton committed six fouls in the first four minutes of their 55-53 victory last Thursday over Texas A&M and you wondered if they would have enough players to finish the game.

Oakland falls to Western Carolina in double overtime--The Oakland Press
Oakland tops Chicago State for first win of the season--The Oakland Press
Oakland Stumbles with Loss to Western Carolina 88-79 in 2OT--Grizz Gang
Oakland Gets Win over Chicago State 70-57--Grizz Gang
Oakland Beaten by Georgia State 83-78--Grizz Gang
Oakland (1-5) Goes Up against Toledo (2-3)--Grizz Gang
Oakland falls to WMU but beats cancer--Oakland Post
Men's basketball falls to Western Carolina 88-79--Oakland Post
OAKLAND DROPS 2OT THRILLER TO WESTERN CAROLINA, 88-79--ougrizzlies.com
DEFENSE LEADS OAKLAND PAST CHICAGO STATE, 70-57--ougrizzlies.com
DEFENSE CRUCIAL TO FUTURE SUCCESS--ougrizzlies.com
GEORGIA STATE SHOOTS PAST GOLDEN GRIZZLIES, 83-78--ougrizzlies.com

OAKLAND UPENDS CHICAGO STATE IN HOME OPENER, 66-40--ougrizzlies.com
OAKLAND FALLS TO NO. 16 MICHIGAN STATE, 79-64--ougrizzlies.com

Rapid Reaction: UIC 87, St. Xavier 76--The Catch and Shoot
UIC blows past St. Xavier to end three-game losing streak--The Catch and Shoot
UIC point guard Jay Parker out with foot injury--The Catch and Shoot
Men’s basketball team falls at tournament--UIC News
Flames win at home with double-doubles--UIC News
Size matters – in their hearts--Whoosh!Net
Opening fight--Whoosh!Net
Wiegand flexes muscle--Whoosh!Net
Ivy League education--Whoosh!Net
One-man show not nearly enough--Whoosh!Net
Lost weekend--Whoosh!Net
UIC Loses Big against Kent State 78-60--Flame Fanatic
UIC Loses to Southern Illinois 67-60--Flame Fanatic
UIC Knocks Off St. Xavier 87-76--Flame Fanatic
UIC (2-4) Goes Up against Dayton (3-1)--Flame Fanatic
Men's Basketball Drops Final Contest at MABC Classic--uicflames.com
Flames Cruise Past Saint Xavier at Home, 87-76--uicflames.com

Flames seek fourth win in a row in contest against Northwestern--UIC News
Ruvanna Campbell Earns Horizon League Player of the Week--uicflames.com
UIC Drops Wednesday Matinee at Northwestern, 60-41--uicflames.com

2014-15 RTC Preseason O26 All-America Teams--Rush The Court

Third Team

Keifer Sykes – G – Green Bay. If Green Bay can break through and win a game or two in the NCAA Tournament, the diminutive point guard will be the reason why. The senior averaged 20.3 PPG and 4.9 APG last season. Generously listed at 6’0”, Sykes is one of the best dunkers in the O26 ranks.

UWGB men vs. East Carolina: What to watch for--Green Bay Press Gazette
UWGB shuts down ECU to open tourney--Green Bay Press Gazette
UWGB advances to Gulf Coast Showcase finals--Green Bay Press Gazette
UW-Green Bay knocks off Florida Gulf Coast--Green Bay Press Gazette
Phoenix win, 88-57--UWGB Fourth Estate
Green Bay Earns Close Win against Evansville 64-62--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Knocks Off Florida Gulf Coast 59-45--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Posts Wire-to-Wire Win in Gulf Coast Opener--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Green Bay Guts Out Win in Gulf Coast Showcase--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Green Bay Claims Gulf Coast Showcase Championship--GreenBayPhoenix.com

UWGB women face 'doggone tough' test in Florida--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay Stuns No. 24 Purdue in Double Overtime--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Buck's Career Game Leads Green Bay to 84-52 Rout--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Green Bay Set to Tip-Off Gulf Coast Showcase in Florida--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Tiby, McWhorter deliver for Panthers--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Panthers' McWhorter leads second-half rally that falls short--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
New Season Presents New Challenges for the Panthers--UWM Post
Cody Wichmann talks NCAA appearance, The Ban and What it’s Like to Play with A Legends Nephew--UWM Post
Vegas showdown with the Ragin’ Cajuns--PantherU
Former Panthers coach Bob Gottlieb Dead at 74--PantherU
Panthers hold on late to beat Ragin’ Cajuns--PantherU
Going down to Vegas with Oral Roberts--PantherU
Milwaukee wins tournament title despite loss--PantherU
Milwaukee Downs Louisiana 56-52--UWM Update
Milwaukee Edged by Oral Roberts 69-66--UWM Update
Milwaukee Mourns Passing Of Bob Gottlieb--uwmpanthers.com
Milwaukee Wins Thriller Over Louisiana, 56-52--uwmpanthers.com
Milwaukee’s Furious Rally Falls Short In 69-66 Loss To Oral Roberts--uwmpanthers.com

Milwaukee Athletics To Offer Black Friday Ticket Special--uwmpanthers.com

Marquette Women's Basketball Preview: vs UW-Milwaukee--Anonymous Eagle
Video: Green Off To An Impressive Start In 2014-15 Season--uwmpanthers.com
Golden Eagles Outlast Panthers Down The Stretch--uwmpanthers.com

Horizon League Preview: #3 Valparaiso Crusaders--Busting Brackets
Men’s Basketball: Alec Peters, Valparaiso jump on Maine--The Post-Tribune
VU men's basketball preview--The NWI Times
Valparaiso (4-1) Takes On Drake (1-3)--Valpo Daily
Peters Claims Player of the Week Honor--valpoathletics.com
Challenge in Music City Awaits Valpo This Weekend--valpoathletics.com

Women’s Basketball: Valparaiso (3-1) at Akron (3-0)--The Post-Tribune
Women’s Basketball: Akron too much as Valparaiso drops road game--The Post-Tribune
Franklin Named Horizon League Freshman of the Week--valpoathletics.com
Crusader Women Suffer Road Defeat to Zip--valpoathletics.com

Donlon not surprised by team’s resiliency--Dayton Daily News
Wright State-Cal State Fullerton preview--Dayton Daily News
Hoops on the menu for WSU--Dayton Daily News
Raiders falter down the stretch in loss--Dayton Daily News
Wright State Falls to Cal State Fullerton 67-62--Rowdy Review
Wright State (3-2) Battles Florida International (3-2)--Rowdy Review
Men Drop 67-62 Decision to Cal State Fullerton--wsuraiders.com

‘Nor ‘Easter’ keeps Wright State team at home--Dayton Daily News
Nor'easter Affects Women's Weekend Schedule--wsuraiders.com

Keene leads Penguins past Greensboro--Youngstown Vindicator
Penguins hit books after long road trip--Youngstown Vindicator
Keene's shot lifts Youngstown St. over UMKC 66-63--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Youngstown State Holds Off Missouri-Kansas City 66-63--Guin Report
Youngstown State (4-3) Battles Illinois State (2-2)--Guin Report
Keene Hits Game Winning Shot Against UMKC--The Jambar
Keene Knocks Down Game-Winner As Guins Best Kangaroos--ysusports.com

YSU women are on the defensive early--Youngstown Vindicator
Four Reach Double Figures in Women's Basketball's 69-54 Win Over Bucknell--ysusports.com

Jim Squire

Morning News: Season Begins, Pitino Bowl, VCU Over Tennessee, SEC Debacles, Michigan St Struggles, And Much More--Basketball Predictions

Iona Tops Cleveland State This was an interesting chance to get a look at two teams that will contend for conference titles. I took Cleveland State to win the Horizon preseason. In the MAAC, I gave the narrow edge to Siena over Iona, but with the loss of Imoh Silas things might change. And this was an impressive way for Iona to start their regular season, led by Isaiah Williams (18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists). This isn't a "bad" loss for Cleveland State, on the road at a good Iona team. So there's no reason to think they're not still the Horizon favorite.

Viewer's Guide: Season kicks off with few impact games on opening night

Cleveland State-Iona is a matchup of two of the best mid-majors in the country this season. If you have a way to watch it, you should. It should be a fast, high-scoring game. Another fun mid-major game will be Boise State-San Diego in Los Angeles.

Important updates about tonight's game, #Heat (5-3) at #Hawks (4-3)--Miami Herald

LINEUP SPECULATION: With Wade out of the lineup, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is faced with his first major lineup decision of the regular season. He could go a number of ways, including starting Shannon Brown, Mario Chalmers or even rookie Jame Ennis at shooting guard. Another possibility could be Norris Cole coming off the bench and Chalmers starting alongside Shabazz Napier. That seems unlikely, but Napier will likely get more minutes one way or another over the next week or so.

Lack of defensive cohesion has Heat hot, bothered--South Florida Sun Sentinel

While the Heat's defensive precepts have mostly remained constant from recent seasons, the roster and rotation haven't. Power forward Shawne Williams and small forward Luol Deng are less than 10 games into their Heat tenures. Norris Cole now is the starting point guard, while Mario Chalmers is the reserve shooting guard, perhaps the starting shooting guard, with Dwyane Wade dealing with a strained left hamstring. And offseason free-agent additions Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger are more injured than ambulatory.

Winderman's view: Bucks 91, Heat 84--South Florida Sun Sentinel

-- Spoelstra, on Norris Cole's recent run of low turnovers and high assists, "I like the decisions that he is making."

-- Cole mostly was uneven Sunday.

-- With three turnovers and two assists.

Poor third quarter dooms Heat in 91-84 loss to Bucks--South Florida Sun Sentinel

"We have to figure it out, regardless of who's out there," Spoelstra said "It was working fine enough in the first half."

Without Wade, the Heat went with the starting lineup of Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers in the backcourt. For a second straight game, the Chalmers led the team in scoring with 18 points.
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After Shawne Williams hit a 3-pointer to make it 78-74, Bucks guard Brandon Knight responded with a three. Knight then answered Cole's 3-pointer on the next possession.

Shawn Windsor: Tom Izzo coaching for both present, future--The Detroit Free Press

Izzo had a solid recruiting class this season and has an even better one for next. Those two classes, combined with transfers Bryn Forbes and Eron Harris, plus juniors Denzel Valentine and Matt Costello, should give MSU a chance at a deep tournament run.

Michigan State sloppy in win over Navy--The Detroit News

Kelly followed with a pair of free throws to cut the Michigan State lead to 60-57 with 1:57 to play. Trice then hit a runner in the lane and the Spartans followed with a stop. But after a miss on the drive by Bryn Forbes, Kelly got a putback on the other end to make it 62-59 with 23.1 seconds to play.

Western Michigan Broncos vs. Oakland Golden Grizzlies Basketball Preview--Hustle Belt
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Oakland Golden Grizzlies Basketball Final: Solid Performance Gets WMU a Win On First Road Trip--Hustle Belt
Grizzlies roll past St. Xavier in exhibition season finale, 87-72--The Oakland Press
Padraic McMeel named senior associate AD at Oakland University--The Oakland Press
Eastern Michigan pulls away from Oakland, 89-77--The Oakland Press
Oakland’s McCune overcoming the loss of his mother--The Oakland Press
Oakland struggles in crunch time, falls to Western Michigan--The Oakland Press
Oakland Downed by Western Michigan 82-71--Grizz Gang
Oakland (0-3) Battles Western Carolina (1-2)--Grizz Gang
Men's basketball falls to No. 14 Iowa State 93-82 in opener--Oakland Post
Oakland partners with the Violence and Abuse Resource Consortium--Oakland Post
Oakland falls 89-77 at Eastern Michigan--Oakland Post
Femi the freshman shines in win--Oakland Post
Men's basketball's home opener will feature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society--Oakland Post
PASS CHARTERS AND MSHOF ENHANCE METRO SERIES--ougrizzlies.com
EASTERN MICHIGAN BEATS OAKLAND, 89-77--ougrizzlies.com
HORIZON LEAGUE ANNOUNCES TV PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICAN SPORTS NETWORK--ougrizzlies.com
OAKLAND FALLS TO WESTERN MICHIGAN, 82-71--ougrizzlies.com
OAKLAND HOSTS CBE HALL OF FAME CLASSIC--ougrizzlies.com

Oakland Cheer and Dance work together to put on a show--Oakland Post

Tungate weighs in on upcoming women's basketball season--Oakland Post
Sporting blitz, week of Nov. 19--Oakland Post

Women’s Basketball

The Golden Grizzlies fell to the University of Central Florida Knights 98-65 Monday night in Orlando. Freshman Leah Somerfield led Oakland in scoring with 12 points, while Zykria Lewis had 28 points for Central Florida. Oakland had the lead late in the first half, but Central Florida took a nine-point lead into the half and scored 63 points in the second half. The women Golden Grizzlies will play their home opener Sunday night against the Chicago State Cougars.

OAKLAND ADDS THREE DURING EARLY SIGNING PERIOD--ougrizzlies.com
OAKLAND FALLS AT UCF, 98-65--ougrizzlies.com
OAKLAND READY FOR HOME OPENER ON SUNDAY VERSUS CHICAGO STATE--ougrizzlies.com

UIC announces early signing period class--The Catch and Shoot
Rapid Reaction: UIC 67, WIU 64--The Catch and Shoot
UIC edges Western Illinois in home opener--The Catch and Shoot
Flames frontcourt shines as UIC holds off Western Illinois--The Catch and Shoot
Yale 70, UIC 58--The Catch and Shoot
Men rally, but fall to rival DePaul 72-71--UIC News
Men’s squad grabs home opener against Western--UIC News
Opening fight--Whoosh!Net
Wiegand flexes muscle--Whoosh!Net
Ivy League education--Whoosh!Net
UIC Drops One to Yale 70-58--Flame Fanatic
Updated: UIC (1-2) Takes On Kent State (3-0)--Flame Fanatic
UIC Men's Basketball Announces 2015 Signing Class--uicflames.com
UIC's Comeback Falls Short at DePaul, 72-71--uicflames.com
UIC Wins Home Opener Against Western Illinois, 67-64--uicflames.com
Flames Drop Opening Game at MABC Classic to Yale, 70-58--uicflames.com
Sharp-Shooting Kent State Defeats UIC, 78-60--uicflames.com

Women’s basketball opens season vs. Bradley--UIC News
Women score decisive win in home opener--UIC News
Women’s basketball cruises past Northern Illinois--UIC News
Flames Open Season With 71-43 Win Over Bradley--uicflames.com
Women's Basketball Cruises to 61-47 Win Over NIU--uicflames.com
Women's Basketball Wins Thriller at Miami Ohio, 72-69--uicflames.com

Seven small-conference teams with Cinderella potential--The Dagger

3. Green Bay (24-7, 14-2): Fueling the Phoenix this season will be the memory of the day they let a gift-wrapped chance to reach last season's NCAA tournament slip away. In one of the most surprising outcomes of conference tournament week last March, Green Bay fell to rival Milwaukee in the Horizon League semifinals, a loss made all the more frustrating by the fact that 7-foot NBA prospect Alec Brown aggravated a shoulder injury early in the first half and explosive pont guard Keifer Sykes played with a hyperextended knee and an injured ankle. Though Green Bay will miss the inside-outside contributions of Brown, the return of Sykes and three other starters gives the Phoenix hope of again ascending to the top of the Horizon League. Sykes will be the catalyst with his ability to get into the lane, finish at the rim or create for his teammates. He'll be aided by sharpshooter Carrington Love, high-flying Greg Mays and defensive standout Jordan Fouse. Look for forwards Kenneth Lowe and Alfonzo McKinnie to each absorb some of the minutes vacated by Brown in the frontcourt. This is a potent Green Bay team with enough talent and experience to do some damage in the NCAA tournament, but getting there won't be easy. Cleveland State is formidable competition in the Horizon League and Valparaiso and Wright State won't be pushovers either

Sixty-eight predictions for the new season that are sure to come true (unless they don't)--The Dagger

62. Mid-major star whose name you'll know by March if you don't already: Green Bay's Keifer Sykes. The 5-foot-10 senior is an elite point guard and maybe the nation's premier dunker. Watch this if you have any doubts.

12 must-watch college basketball players in 2014-15--USA Today

11. Keifer Sykes, Green Bay: At 5-11, Sykes makes up for his size with speed and high-flying athleticism. He’s the reigning Horizon League Player of the Year after averaging 20.3 points a game last season and one of the best mid-major players in the country.

LOOK: Green Bay will wear special unis with names of fallen soldiers--Eye On College Basketball
Here are 68 things worth watching in college basketball this season--Eye On College Basketball

18. Keifer Sykes

CBSSports.com's Jerry Palm projects Green Bay will win the Horizon League's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, at which point the Phoenix would be something like a No. 14 seed. That means some top-three seed will have to deal with Sykes, a dynamic scorer who plays at the mid-major level but would be similarly strong at the high-major level.

Wednesday Preview: In-State Hostility Night--BT Powerhouse
Wisconsin vs. Green Bay preview: The Sykes Show hopes to buck history in Madison--Bucky's 5th Quarter
Wisconsin's Front Line Dominates Green Bay 84-60--Mid-Major Madness
UW-Green Bay vs. Wisconsin: Badgers blow by Phoenix, 84-60--Bucky's 5th Quarter
Keifer Sykes and Frank Kaminsky shared a moment on Twitter-- SBNation.com
Wisconsin 84, UWGB men 60--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay Blown Out by No. 3 Wisconsin 84-60--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay (1-1) and East Carolina (2-1) Face Off--Phoenix Fever
Non-conference schedule at a glance--Phear The Phoenix
Next up: Gulf Coast Showcase--Phear The Phoenix
Green Bay Honors Military, Rolls to Season-Opening Win--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Keifer Sykes Named to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top 50--GreenBayPhoenix.com
No. 3/4 Wisconsin Overpowers Green Bay at the Kohl Center--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Marquette Women's Basketball Preview: vs UW-Green Bay--Anonymous Eagle
Women's Basketball Suffers 94-66 Loss In Carolyn Kieger's Debut--Anonymous Eagle
Buck, UWGB women roll in home opener--Green Bay Press Gazette
A new Phoenix rises up: Daeshon Francis--UWGB Fourth Estate
Green Bay Falls 68-64 in OT at Vanderbilt--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Green Bay Stuns No. 24 Purdue in Double Overtime--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Buck's Career Game Leads Green Bay to 84-52 Rout--GreenBayPhoenix.com

High school basketball Preseason Fab 15: No. 10, Zionsville--The Indy Star

Zionsville, which was 11-2 through January last season, will have one of the most experienced teams in Central Indiana. Derrik Smits, a 7-foot Valparaiso recruit, is the top returning scorer (10.6 ppg) and also averaged 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots. The left-handed Smits shot 54 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free-throw line last season.

Smits, the son of former Indiana Pacer Rik Smits, has battled injuries throughout his career, but can be one of the best players in the state when healthy and motivated.
...
Zionsville will get a significant boost with the return of Cassius Smits-Francisco, a 6-8, 225-pound sophomore who should be back in mid-December as he recovers from surgery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee. Smits-Francisco, the cousin of Smits, is receiving early recruiting interest from Ball State, Indiana State, Ole Miss, Purdue and Valparaiso.

"He's progressing nicely," Busick said. "He's been working hard in the weight room and is putting on a lot of muscle. He's going to have to get back into a rhythm and back into a flow, but he's going to help us."

Valparaiso to honor Bartow's father before game--Johnson City Press
College basketball: Yeo is back to ruling the court--South Bend Tribune
Bethel's Clay Yeo Earns NCCAA and Crossroads League Player of the Week--BethelCollegePilots.com
Valpo bounces back against IU-South Bend--The Catch and Shoot
Mizzou Hoops Wrap-Up, Game 2: Valparaiso--Rock M Nation
Men’s Basketball: Valparaiso playing five games in first 10 days to start the season--The Post-Tribune
Men’s Basketball: Valparaiso zones out Arkansas-Pine Bluff to start tourney--The Post-Tribune
Homer Drew set to make ESPN broadcasting debut--The NWI Times
Valparaiso sophomore Peters ready to take control--The NWI Times
Crusaders come out strong in season-opening victory--The NWI Times
Offense struggles as Valparaiso falls in road opener--The NWI Times
Valparaiso junior Walker eager to make presence felt after long wait--The NWI Times
Crusaders pour it on in rout of IU-South Bend--The NWI Times
Skara wasting little time making presence felt at VU--The NWI Times
Peters leads Crusaders in wire-to-wire victory--The NWI Times
Valparaiso uses 53-point first half to win early morning men's hoops contest--The NWI Times
Crusaders command Titans--The Torch
Valparaiso Waxes Maine 93-70--Valpo Daily
Crusaders Fall at Missouri--valpoathletics.com
Game Day Parking: 2014-15 Men's Basketball--valpoathletics.com
Valpo Basketball Preview--valpoathletics.com
Balanced Offense Leads Valpo Past IUSB--valpoathletics.com
Crusaders Use Inside Presence to Down UAPB--valpoathletics.com
Peters Sets New Career High in Win Over Maine--valpoathletics.com

Women’s Basketball: Valparaiso beats NIU for first time in school history--The Post-Tribune
Women’s Basketball: Jessica Carr kicks into gear as Valparaiso cruises--The Post-Tribune
Hamlet eager to make an impact for the Crusaders--The NWI Times
Dean’s career night pushes Valparaiso past Butler--The NWI Times
Strong offense propels Valparaiso women to third victory--The NWI Times
Crusader Women Open Season with a Bang--valpoathletics.com
Franklin's First Career Double-Double Leads Crusaders Past NIU--valpoathletics.com
Crusaders Dial It Up From Deep to Defeat Tennessee Tech--valpoathletics.com

On The Horizon

Friday, November 28, 2014

News On The Horizon 11/28/2014

Sunday, November 23, 2014

News On The Horizon 11/23/2014

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