On The Horizon

News On The Horizon 1/27/2012

2012-01-27T09:17:00.000-06:00

Utah Jazz-Toronto Raptors: Report card--Deseret News

Forwards: Paul Millsap continues to build an All-Star resume. He carried the Jazz with 31 points, 11 rebounds and a 3-pointer that forced the second overtime. Gordon Hayward simply can't buy a bucket right now. He was 1-for-9 overall, and 0-for-5 from 3-point range with three airballs. Hayward usually finds other ways to contribute when he isn't shooting well, but not so much on this night.

Grade: B

Utah Jazz small forwards come up small in production--Deseret News

Gordon Hayward, Josh Howard and C.J. Miles were a combined 5-of-25 from the field — ouch! — and basically couldn't buy a basket between 'em. Hayward was 1-of-9, including an 0-for-5 night from 3-point range, while Howard went 0-for-5 from the field in a rare unproductive performance for the 6-foot-7 veteran.

And although Miles managed to score 11 points, he was just 4-of-11 from the floor.

"It's frustrating for me (because) I'm not shooting the ball well and I shoot so many in practice and I see them go in all the time," said Hayward, who did grab seven rebounds. "It's just something I'm working on and shoot it with more confidence."

Of course, it's tough to gain any confidence in your shot when you're struggling the way Hayward has. The second-year pro is now shooting just 37.6 percent (44-of-117) for the season, and only 23.1 percent (9-of-39) from beyond the arc.
...
Corbin admitted he was surprised to see his small forward trio of Hayward, Howard and Miles all struggle so much with their shooting — especially on the same night.

"It's just one of those things," he said. "We've got to find a way to get better. We've got to keep working at it. And I don't think the three of them will have a bad night on the same night much."

Utah Jazz shooters ice cold from the 3-point line--Salt Lake Tribune

As the Jazz continue to misfire from the 3-point line, the scrutiny of Gordon Hayward intensifies.

He shot 47.3 percent as a rookie and, this year, was expected to be a long-range shooter who stretches the defense.

Instead, Hayward has missed 30 of his 39 3-point attempts.

Since scoring 19 points in a 106-96 win at Denver on Jan. 15, Hayward has scored 18 points on 6-for-27 shooting.

In that four-game stretch, he is 0-for-10 on 3-pointers, including 0-for-5 against Toronto.

“He struggled a little bit — didn’t make shots,” Corbin said. “He’s not the only one but he was one guy, I think, who was thrown off a little by their zone [defense].

“He had a couple of good looks early and he turned them down looking for something better. That throws his rhythm off. … But he’ll be OK.”

Before Thursday morning’s practice, Hayward spoke quietly, vowed to keep working and suggested he’s thinking too much about which shots to take and which ones to turn down.

“That’s part of being a young guy — part of growing, man,” Corbin said. “He comes in early and works. He stays late and works on his shot. ... He’s a capable shooter. He’s just got to make them in a game.”

When it comes to struggling from the 3-point line, Hayward isn’t alone.
...
Hayward played a season-high 36 minutes against Toronto.

Given his struggles on offense, did Corbin consider going to Josh Howard, Alec Burks or Miles down the stretch?

“When you lose a game, you think a lot of different things,” Corbin said. “That’s one of the things I thought about. Do I leave my bench alone? Should I have done this or should we have run something different? When you lose a game, you critique everything and we’ll continue to do that.”

Bulldog bust: Butler's offense struggles in Milwaukee loss--The Indy Star
Bulldogs must buck up--Indy Star Butler Insider
VF on hold, migrating south--Victory Firelight
Butler vs Milwaukee: Recap Notes--Butler Blue Fever
Butler Beaten By Milwaukee, 53-42--Butler Blue Fever
Cold Shooting Sinks Bulldogs--ButlerSports.com

Bulldogs Fall To Unbeaten Green Bay--ButlerSports.com

First Place CSU Heads to Youngstown State For Key Contest--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Viking rebound--Youngstown Vindicator

Vikings Fall To Wright State, 64-54--csuvikings.com

Detroit (11-11) Faces UIC (6-14)--Titans Update
Former Titan Green Honored at Davis Ellis Academy--detroittitans.com
Detroit Aims to Keep Rolling Friday--detroittitans.com

Titans Fall To Hot-Shooting Youngstown State--detroittitans.com

UIC at Detroit--The Chicago Tribune
Hot Mays: Flame-retardant shooter--Whoosh!Net
UIC (6-14) vs. Detroit (11-11)--Flame Fanatic
Flames Trek to Detroit Eyeing Season Sweep--uicflames.com

Loyola at Wright State--The Chicago Tribune
Loyola (Chicago) (5-15) Squares Off With Wright State (10-12)--LU Wolf Ball
Ramblers Wrap Up Road Trip At Wright State Friday Night--LoyolaRamblers.com

Women's basketball: UWGB crushes Bulldogs--Green Bay Press Gazette
No. 12/9 Green Bay Defense Stops Butler to Improve to 18-0--uwgbathletics.com
Phoenix Looks to Remain Unbeaten, Wrapping up Road Trip at Valpo--uwgbathletics.com

Men's basketball: UWGB answers call, tops first-place Valparaiso--Green Bay Press Gazette
Game #20: UWGB vs. Valparaiso (live updates)--UWGB Basketball
On this day 7 years ago - Jan 26, 2005--Phoenix Fever
Valparaiso vs Green Bay: Recap Notes--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Gets Needed Win Over Valparaiso, 75-60--Phoenix Fever
Cerroni Leads Phoenix to Win Over League-Leading Valpo--uwgbathletics.com

Panthers their balance--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Postgame Report: Milwaukee at Valparaiso--Panther Blog Zone
UWM Puts Away Victory Over Valparaiso From Long Range--uwmpanthers.com

Panthers' smothering defense chokes Bulldogs--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ugly but they’ll take it--PantherU
Work has just begun--PantherU
Butler vs Milwaukee: Recap Notes--UWM Update
Milwaukee Beats Butler, 53-42--UWM Update
StatSheet Projects Milwaukee as CIT Team: 01/27/2012--UWM Update
Milwaukee (14-8) vs. Valparaiso (14-8)--UWM Update
Defense Leads The Way As Panthers Pull Away From Bulldogs--uwmpanthers.com

Women’s basketball: Valparaiso’s offensive woes continue--The Post-Tribune
Crusaders rally but fall to Milwaukee women's basketball team--The NWI Times
Valpo Falls at Home to Milwaukee Thursday Night--valpoathletics.com

Valparaiso starts key trip with a loss to Green Bay--The Post-Tribune
Graduate hoop transfers offer teams immediate help--The NWI Times
VU men trail from start to finish in loss at Green Bay--The NWI Times
Live from Resch Center: Valparaiso vs. Green Bay (MBB)--Inside VU Sports
Tom Izzo worried that Brandon Wood-type transfers could become national problem--The Detroit Free Press
Valparaiso vs Green Bay: Recap Notes--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso Drops One To Green Bay, 75-60--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso (14-8) and Milwaukee (14-8) Square Off--Valpo Daily
Boggs’ Career High Not Enough as Valpo Falls at Green Bay--valpoathletics.com

Preview: Wright State vs. Loyola--Dayton Daily News
WSU coach wants team to spread ball around--Dayton Daily News
Raiders face tough league road games--Dayton Daily News
Wright State (10-12) Battles Loyola (Chicago) (5-15)--Rowdy Review

Wright State women back alone in second place after road win--Wright State University Sports
Annual trip gives students a chance to travel in style--The Guardian
Women lose to Detroit, look for improved consistency in play--The Guardian
Women Win at Cleveland State--wsuraiders.com

Penguins tie school record for 3s in victory--Youngstown Vindicator
Kenya Middlebrooks Breaks Single-Game 3-Point Record in 80-67 Win Over Detroit--ysusports.com

Men's Basketball Hosts Horizon League Leader Cleveland State--ysusports.com

Milwaukee, Green Bay Collect Wins to Further Close Standings--Horizon League Network
First Place On Line Throughout Weekend--Horizon League Network

Road Teams Take Three Games on Thursday Night in Women's Basketball--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/26/2012

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

Checking in on … the Horizon League--Rush The Court

Jazz offensive struggles without injured Al Jefferson--Salt Lake Tribune

“We rely pretty heavily on the post game and so when we don’t have that many points and that much of our offense, it’s going to hurt,” said Raja Bell. “… When you are missing someone of his caliber, obviously that’s going to put us in a bind.”

After finding little space on offense during a 1-for-9 shooting performance, Gordon Hayward agreed.

Miscues costly for Jazz in 2-OT home loss to Raptors--Salt Lake Tribune

Derrick Favors started in place of Al Jefferson and scored 16 points to go along with 12 rebounds. But the Jazz really missed Jefferson, who stayed out of the game with an inflamed ankle. His scoring in the middle was sorely needed in crunch time, as was his ability to draw double-teams.

Without him, Millsap was seemingly alone. Gordon Hayward struggled mightily, going 1-of-9 from the field and scoring two points in 36 minutes. In the overtimes, Millsap was the only player on the floor who wanted the ball in his hands.

“He’s our hub,” Bell said. “He’s our big guy. When you miss 50 percent of what you do, it affects the rest of the offense. We needed that tonight and it wasn’t there.”

Men's college basketball preview: Butler at Milwaukee--The Indy Star
Postseason mind-set: Butler thinking win or go home--The Indy Star
Fireside chat with Stevens, minus fire--Victory Firelight
On this day 6 years ago - Jan 25, 2006--Butler Blue Fever
Butler (12-9) Squares Off With Milwaukee (13-8)--Butler Blue Fever
Nored Named Finalist For Lowe's Senior CLASS Award--ButlerSports.com

Butler Hosts No. 9 Green Bay Thursday--ButlerSports.com

Vikings Return Home To Host Wright State On Thursday--csuvikings.com

College hoops roundup: UDM wins; CMU, WMU lose--The Detroit Free Press
Loyola (Chicago) vs Detroit: Recap Notes--Titans Update
Detroit Beats Loyola (Chicago), 67-52--Titans Update
Fans Decide Feb. 10 ESPNU Game; Vote Now!--detroittitans.com
Titans Hang-On for 67-52 Win for Fifth Win in Last Seven--detroittitans.com

Titans Head To Youngstown State--detroittitans.com

Mays, Wright State beat Illinois-Chicago 69-63--Daily Herald
UIC vs Wright State: Recap Notes--Flame Fanatic
Wright State Gets Win Over UIC, 69-63--Flame Fanatic
Flames' Comeback Bid Falls Short at Wright State, 69-63--uicflames.com

Loyola still winless in Horizon after 67-52 loss to Detroit--The Chicago Tribune
Loyola (Chicago) vs Detroit: Recap Notes--LU Wolf Ball
Detroit Wins 67-52 Over Loyola (Chicago)--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola Rally Stalls In 67-52 Loss At Detroit--LoyolaRamblers.com

Women's Basketball Blog Entry #8: Gabby Micek--LoyolaRamblers.com

Today's UWGB vs. Butler women's basketball preview--Green Bay Press Gazette
No. 12/9 Green Bay Closes First Half of Conference Play on the Road--uwgbathletics.com

Men's basketball: New defense the 'buzz' at UWGB--Green Bay Press Gazette
Donations being accepted for Matt Hill memorial fund--UWGB Basketball
Green Bay (7-12) Goes Up Against Valparaiso (14-7)--Phoenix Fever

Panthers look to recharge at home--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Tipping point--PantherU
Vote for Milwaukee-Detroit!--PantherU
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery--PantherU
Milwaukee (13-8) Takes On Butler (12-9)--UWM Update
Video: Panthers Set For Showdown With Butler On Military Appreciation Night--uwmpanthers.com

Traci Edwards Still Enjoying Life as a Professional--Panther Blog Zone
Video: Catching Up With The Women's Basketball Team--Panther Blog Zone

Chicago Brooks Super-Sophomore Erick Locke Puts His Passing Skills On Display.......Schools Stepping Up Interest--Chicago Hoops
Valparaiso embarks on key trip--The Post-Tribune
Revenge looms on tough road trip--The NWI Times
Michigan State gets Tom Izzo 400th victory--The Detroit News

The play of Green and Dawson was big on a night that Keith Appling and Brandon Wood combined to go 1-for-12 from the field, the only make coming on a layup late in the game by Appling.

StatSheet Projects Valparaiso as CIT Team: 01/24/2012--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso (14-7) vs. Green Bay (7-12)--Valpo Daily
Homer Drew Set to be Inducted into Valpo Hall of Fame--valpoathletics.com

Women’s basketball: Milwaukee (5-12, 1-6) at Valparaiso (5-13, 1-6)--The Post-Tribune
Valpo’s Varner Named Horizon League’s Scholar-Athlete of the Month--valpoathletics.com
Crusader Women Return Home Thursday to Host Milwaukee--valpoathletics.com

Mays returns from injury, lifts Raiders to victory--Dayton Daily News
WSU rebounds from big loss, gains confidence--Dayton Daily News
Broadcast for Wright State-Green Bay basketball game up for vote--Wright State University Sports
Return of leading scorer sparks Wright State in 69-63 win against Illinois-Chicago--Wright State University Sports
Raiders (10-12, 5-5 HL) defeat Flames (6-14, 2-8 HL) 69-63.--RaiderRoundball.com
On this day 15 years ago - Jan 25, 1997--Rowdy Review
UIC vs Wright State: Recap Notes--Rowdy Review
Wright State Wins 69-63 Over UIC--Rowdy Review
Fans to Decide ESPN Platform for February 10 Game--wsuraiders.com
Men Hold On for 69-63 Win Over UIC--wsuraiders.com

Student-athletes share HL honors--The Jambar
Second place in Penguins' sight--The Jambar

Women's Basketball Opens Big Week Thursday vs. Detroit--ysusports.com

Home Teams Hang On to Move to .500 in League Play--Horizon League Network
Rematches from First-Half Thrillers On Tap for Thursday--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/25/2012

2012-01-25T08:44:00.000-06:00

Men’s basketball: Bulldogs sweep Chicago trip--Butler Collegian

Think inside the box for sports insight--Butler Collegian

Women’s basketball: Bulldogs grab first road victory in Loyola--Butler Collegian
Athletic Hall of Fame: Skinner, Greenburg lead female inductees--Butler Collegian
Bulldogs Add Transfer From Xavier--ButlerSports.com

Bosh's big finish helps Heat top Cavs, 92-85--Miami Herald

Former Cleveland State star Norris Cole scored 10 for Miami, and Udonis Haslem grabbed 10 rebounds for the Heat. Miami committed 18 turnovers, leading to 22 Cleveland points, but found a way - thanks to Bosh - down the stretch.

Miami Heat’s double play at point guard--Miami Herald
Chris Bosh saves the day as Miami Heat defeats Cleveland Cavaliers--Miami Herald

Heat rookie Norris Cole, who was a collegiate star at Cleveland State, had 10 points off the bench. An important jumper by Cole put the Heat ahead 67-61 with 9:10 left in the game. Chalmers finished with nine points and had three assists to go along with three turnovers.

“I just wanted to play better — play like I can play and how they know I can play,” said Cole, who had struggled offensively in recent games.

Chris Bosh's 35 help Heat escape with ugly 92-85 win over Cavs--South Florida Sun Sentinel

At one point in the fourth quarter, after getting a pass from Norris Cole late in the shot clock, which led to a turnover, James turned and bereted the rookie point guard, "Shoot it!"
...
While the Heat had 10 of those, many were of the hideous variety, including Cole throwing an alley-oop attempt off the backboard, Bosh trying to go behind his back with a dribble and losing the ball out of bounds, and James dribbling into a one-on-two turnover in transition.

And that did not even count the 3-point attempt Heat forward James Jones shot off the top of the backboard in the second quarter.

Youngstown State a red-letter matchup for Vikings: Cleveland State Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Student athlete spotlight: Tim Kamczyc--The Cauldron

Detroit (10-11) Takes On Loyola (Chicago) (5-14)--Titans Update
Titans Look to Continue Streak Over Loyola Wednesday--detroittitans.com

Shareta Brown Featured On The Horizon League Network--detroittitans.com

UIC at Wright State--The Chicago Tribune
On this day 8 years ago - Jan 24, 2004--Flame Fanatic
UIC (6-13) Battles Wright State (9-12)--Flame Fanatic
Flames Kick-Off Road Trip at Wright State Wednesday--uicflames.com

Loyola at Detroit--The Chicago Tribune
Ramblers remain winless in conference--Loyola Phoenix
Loyola (Chicago) (5-14) Squares Off With Detroit (10-11)--LU Wolf Ball
Walt Gibler Named Horizon League Scholar-Athlete Of The Month--LoyolaRamblers.com

Loyola women’s basketball flirts with .500 record, fifth in Horizon League--Loyola Phoenix
Loyola Attempts To `Jam The Joe' This Saturday Against UIC--LoyolaRamblers.com

Phoenix women jump to No. 9 in coaches poll--Green Bay Press Gazette
UWGB women's basketball: Finding a role off the court--Green Bay Press Gazette
Phoenix women set program record--UWGB Fourth Estate

Phoenix fly past Raiders in second half--UWGB Fourth Estate

Watch: Inside Phoenix Basketball: Jan. 23--uwgbathletics.com

Green Bay Opens Homestand Thursday Against Valpo--uwgbathletics.com

While you were sulking, Anthony Hill won an MVP--PantherU
Ohhhhh... [hi] Ohhhhh.... Tough Luck on the Road as Milwaukee Drops Two and Falls to #2--Milwaukee Panther Tracks
Panthers Open Homestand With National Runner-Up Butler--uwmpanthers.com

Milwaukee Looks To Build On Momentum At Valparaiso--uwmpanthers.com

Game Preview: Vaplo at Green Bay--Section EE
First-Place Valpo Heads to Green Bay--valpoathletics.com

Raiders need an assertive Darling--Dayton Daily News
Preview: Illinois-Chicago vs. Wright State--Dayton Daily News
Week 11 Horizon League Power Rankings: Once again, Cleveland State on top--Wright State University Sports
Wright State (9-12) Faces UIC (6-13)--Rowdy Review

Brown, Penguins look to erase losing skid--The Jambar

A proven leader--The Jambar
Blake Allen Named Horizon League, CollegeSportsMadness.com Player of the Week--ysusports.com

Teams Start Second Half Looking to Climb Ladder--Horizon League Network

Varner and Gibler Earn Scholar-Athlete of the Month Honors--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/24/2012

2012-01-24T12:53:00.000-06:00

College Hoops Week in Review: Kansas and Missouri headline, but the MWC, Maalik Wayns and Florida State show up--Ballin' is a Habit

Five teams that deserve a shout out:

Cleveland State: The Vikings went 2-0 this week and moved into a tie for first place in a balanced and competitive Horizon League. They started out their weekend with a 10 point win over Green Bay, following that up with an 83-57 win over Milwaukee, who was leading the conference as of Thursday. The Vikings, who has been my pick to win the league since the beginning of the season, are now in the driver's seat for the conference title. The team they are tied with -- Valpo -- still has to play at Cleveland State.

Power Rankings: Week 11--Horizon League Hoops

Non-Conference Opponents Update: January 23--Hammer and Rails

Butler Bulldogs - 12-9, 6-3 Horizon, RPI: 107 - Of all our small conference opponents Butler may have the best chance of stealing an auto-bid in their conference tournament. They won twice in Chicago at Loyola and UIC this past week to move within a game of first place in the Horizon League. Unfortunately, five teams are either 7-2 or 6-3 in this league. The No. 1 seed gets a double bonus of hosting the conference tournament as well as a bye to the semifinals, while the No. 2 seed also gets a bye and the right to host the conference title game if the No. 1 seed loses in the semis. Butler at least needs to get above the 100 line for us.

Roosevelt Jones is Runner-Up for the StatSheet Horizon Freshman of the Week - January 23rd, 2012--Butler Blue Fever
NBA: Utah Jazz forward Josh Howard nears return to lineup--Salt Lake Tribune

Howard has been invaluable to the Jazz as an off-the-bench scorer — an athletic perimeter player whose size, strength and quickness make him a difficult matchup for opponents.

That’s why Corbin might be scratching his head.

His Howard-less wing rotation, which has included Gordon Hayward, Raja Bell, C.J. Miles and rookie Alec Burks, has been effective:

• Miles scored a season-high 19 points against the Clippers.

• Bell matched his season high with 12 against Minnesota.

• Hayward scored 19 points during a road win at Denver.

• Burks reached double figures in three of the past four games.

Now, however, Corbin must figure out how to reintroduce Howard into the rotation without having his other players take a step back.

Butler preview: Style points don't matter--The Indy Star
Bulldogs Begin Wisconsin Swing At Milwaukee--ButlerSports.com

Beth Couture Show - Episode 5--ButlerSports.com

Norris Cole struggles with place at a slower pace--Miami Herald
Vikings Manhandle Milwaukee for Share of First Place--Let's Go Vikes!
CSU Superfans Discuss Blowout Win Over Milwaukee--Let's Go Vikes!
Cleveland State Has Inside Track in Wide Open Horizon League Race--Let's Go Vikes!
StatSheet Projects Cleveland State as NCAA Tournament Bubble Team 14 Seed: 01/24/2012--Vikings Ball

Flames can’t handle Crusaders--Whoosh!Net
Travis suspended indefinitely (1/22/12)--Whoosh!Net
Bailey Collects Horizon League Player of the Week--uicflames.com

Ramblers Open Second Half Of League Slate At Detroit Wednesday--LoyolaRamblers.com

Rob Demovsky column: Getting Wichmann is a must for UWGB--Green Bay Press Gazette

A humbling experience--PantherU
Military Appreciation Night Highlights Crucial Three-Game Homestand--uwmpanthers.com

Izzo on Brandon Wood--Inside VU Sports
StatSheet Projects Valparaiso as CIT Team: 01/24/2012--Valpo Daily
Halfway Home HL Stat Leaders--Section EE

Former Wright State recruit enrolls at Tennessee, walks on to basketball team--Wright State University Sports
Raiders Host UIC and Loyola; Blackout Game Friday--wsuraiders.com

Proof that hard work pays off--Youngstown Vindicator

UIC's Jasmine Bailey Named Women's Basketball Player of the Week--Horizon League Network

YSU's Allen Collects Men's Basketball Player of the Week Honor--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/23/2012

2012-01-23T08:46:00.000-06:00

Cleveland State Vikings Overwhelm Milwaukee Panthers 83-57--Hoopville
Weekly walkthrough: Cincy looks for big win over Syracuse--Sporting News

Four underrated games

Butler (12-9, 6-3 Horizon) at Milwaukee (13-7, 6-2), Thursday 8 p.m. In the Horizon League, the prize for a regular-season title is greater than most: homecourt advantage in the conference tournament. The winner here remains in striking distance of first-place Valparaiso (7-1).

Miami Heat runs on empty against Milwaukee Bucks--Miami Herald

The Heat trailed 73-72 with 8:06 left in the game before imploding. It began with an air ball by rookie point guard Norris Cole followed by a desperation three-point attempt by James to avoid a shot-clock violation. Meanwhile, the Bucks rallied with fast break dunk by Luc Mbah a Moute and a three-pointer by Jennings, his only three of the game.

Miami Heat’s offensive takes step backwards against Milwaukee Bucks--Miami Herald
Cleveland State's Tim Kamczyc finds success the hard way: Terry Pluto--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State regains share of Horizon lead with domination of Milwaukee, 83-57--Cleveland Plain Dealer
No East Coast bias here, just bad hoops out West: National College Basketball Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State 83, Milwaukee 57--Cleveland State Hoops
Milwaukee vs Cleveland State: Recap Notes--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State Gets Blowout Win Over Milwaukee, 83-57--Vikings Ball
Vikings Run Past Milwaukee, 83-57--csuvikings.com

Men's basketball: UWGB has 'embarrassing loss' at Youngstown State--Green Bay Press Gazette
Funeral arrangements set for Matt Hill--UWGB Basketball
Green Bay vs Youngstown State: Recap Notes--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Falls Hard To Youngstown State, 77-47--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Falls at Youngstown State--uwgbathletics.com

UWM men lose big to Cleveland State--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Panthers lay egg in first-place bout in Cleveland--UWM Post
Milwaukee vs Cleveland State: Recap Notes--UWM Update
Milwaukee Crushed By Cleveland State, 83-57--UWM Update
Postgame Report - Milwaukee at Youngstown/Cleveland--Panther Blog Zone
Hot-Shooting Vikings Too Much To Handle For Panthers--uwmpanthers.com

Panthers notch first win in conference after 0-6 start--UWM Post

Mutka: Murry Bartow carries on for legendary dad--The Post-Tribune

Comparing Wright State wins and losses shows offensive troubles--Wright State University Sports
ESPN’s Lunardi says Horizon League will likely be one-bid conference--Wright State University Sports

WSU women can't catch Detroit in loss--Dayton Daily News

YSU men flummox Phoenix--Youngstown Vindicator
Perry leads YSU to Horizon League rout--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Northeast Ohio Horizon League Showdown: Cleveland State at Youngstown State--Bleacher Report
Green Bay vs Youngstown State: Recap Notes--Guin Report
Youngstown State Pummels Green Bay, 77-47--Guin Report
Guins Earn Largest League Victory With 77-47 Win Over Green Bay--ysusports.com

Cleveland State, Youngstown State Climb Ladder as Season Hits Halfway Point--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/22/2012

2012-01-22T09:53:00.000-06:00

Dirty Thirty and Seeing Double--The Mid-Majority
Styles Make Fights--The Mid-Majority
Men's Basketball Weekend Preview 1/21 - 1/22--College Sports Madness

MILWAUKEE at CLEVELAND STATE (2 p.m. Sunday at Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio)

The lone Sunday game that has significant meaning in a league takes place in the Horizon League, where the top two teams meet to break the tie. These teams meet again on February 14, but there will be no love lost between them in the meantime. Milwaukee (13-7, 6-2) just lost to Youngstown State 68-66 in a heartbreaking game despite 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists from Kaylon Williams; the loss caused the Panthers to fall into a tie with Cleveland State. The Vikings (16-4, 6-2) have won four of their last five games, including a 78-68 victory over Green Bay as Trevon Harmon had 19 points and Anton Grady pulled down 13 rebounds. Youngstown State and Valparaiso are the two teams to have tripped up Cleveland State.

Butler Vs. Loyola Chicago Final Score: Nored Leads Bulldogs to 63-57 Win--SB Nation Indiana
Butler's Ronald Nored impresses Loyola's coach--The Indy Star
Player recaps for surging Dawgs--Indy Star Butler Insider
Halfway through Horizon, Butler ‘D’ keeps hope alive--Victory Firelight
Butler vs Loyola (Chicago): Recap Notes--Butler Blue Fever
Butler Wins 63-57 Over Loyola (Chicago)--Butler Blue Fever
BUTLER 63, LOYOLA 57--THE unOFFICIAL BUTLER BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
Bulldogs Hold Off Loyola, 63-57--ButlerSports.com

Butler Rallies For Win At Loyola--ButlerSports.com

Chris Bosh, LeBron James help Miami Heat coast past 76ers--Miami Herald

The Heat was 7 of 16 from three-point range with Mike Miller going 2 of 4 from behind the arc. Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole and Harris also added three-pointers. Of Miller, Spoelstra said, “Every time he lets it go, you think its got a chance.”

Tim Kamczyc giving Vikings a needed scoring lift: Cleveland State Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer

Vikings Fall At Green Bay, 80-58--csuvikings.com

Women's college basketball roundup: Detroit moves into 2nd place in Horizon--The Detroit Free Press
Moving up--Varsity Press
Detroit's Big Run Lifts Titans To Homecoming Win--detroittitans.com

State hoops: Western tops Central; Detroit Mercy, Eastern win; Oakland loses--The Detroit Free Press
Wright State vs Detroit: Recap Notes--Titans Update
Detroit Beats Wright State, 69-53--Titans Update
Raiders roughed up--Varsity Press
Titans Cruise Past Wright State in Homecoming Win--detroittitans.com
Throwback Jerseys to be Auctioned this Week--detroittitans.com

Valparaiso holds off UIC 60-55--The Chicago Tribune
Valparaiso vs UIC: Recap Notes--Flame Fanatic
UIC Falls To Valparaiso, 60-55--Flame Fanatic
Flames Drop 60-55 Decision versus First-Place Valpo--uicflames.com

Flames Post Third Straight Win Against Valparaiso, 54-43--uicflames.com

Loyola gives Butler trouble before falling 63-57--The Chicago Tribune
Butler vs Loyola (Chicago): Recap Notes--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola (Chicago) Sinking After 63-57 Loss To Butler--LU Wolf Ball
Spirited Loyola Effort Comes Up Short In 63-57 Loss To Butler--LoyolaRamblers.com

Late Flurry Pushes Butler Past Loyola, 60-57--LoyolaRamblers.com

Men's basketball: UWGB vs. Youngstown State preview--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay Back In Action Sunday at Youngstown State--uwgbathletics.com

Women's basketball: UWGB keeps making history, starts 17-0 for first time--Green Bay Press Gazette
No. 12/11 Green Bay Earns Best Start in Program History with 80-58 Win--uwgbathletics.com

We live for days like these--PantherU
PantherU Live! Chat – Cleveland State--PantherU
Postgame Report: Youngstown State at Milwaukee--Panther Blog Zone

Panthers Extend Long Winning Streak Over Youngstown With 76-68 Win--uwmpanthers.com

Valparaiso puts away UIC with defense--The Post-Tribune
Valparaiso at UIC, Jan. 21, Live Blog--Off The Mark
VU men atop Horizon League at halfway point after beating UIC--The NWI Times
Valparaiso vs UIC: Recap Notes--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso Beats UIC, 60-55--Valpo Daily
Mid Conference Play Horizon League Awards--Section EE
First-Place Crusaders Earn Hard-Fought Win at UIC--valpoathletics.com

Live from the UIC Pavilion: Valparaiso vs. UIC (Doubleheader)--Inside VU Sports

Crusaders can’t overcome slow start at UIC--The NWI Times
Flames Defeat Valpo Saturday Night in Chicago--valpoathletics.com

Short-handed WSU drops third straight--Dayton Daily News
Offense missing in Raiders’ losing streak--Dayton Daily News
Live at Wright State vs. Detroit--Wright State University Sports
Wright State vs Detroit: Recap Notes--Rowdy Review
Wright State Drops One To Detroit, 69-53--Rowdy Review
Men Fall at Detroit--wsuraiders.com

Women Fall at Detroit--wsuraiders.com

YSU women fall to Milwaukee--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Penguins Can’t Catch Milwaukee in 76-68 Loss--ysusports.com

Penguins thwack away Panthers--The Jambar
Men's Basketball Hosts Green Bay Sunday Afternoon--ysusports.com

Standings Continue to Bunch after Saturday--Horizon League Network

Middle of Women's Basketball Standings Muddled After Saturday's Games--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/21/2012

2012-01-21T08:54:00.002-06:00

The Other 26: Week Eight--Rush The Court

Four Team Scrambles
...
Horizon — Wisconsin-Milwaukee sits atop the standings for the moment with a 6-1 record. Their only loss is at Butler (5-3), whom, despite its three league losses, I consider to be a genuine threat for the regular season championship. After the last two years, is anyone prepared to count them out? In between UWM and Butler are Cleveland State (5-2), which entered league play as the favorite, but took a bad loss to Youngstown State at home, and Valparaiso (6-2), which dealt Cleveland State its second loss last weekend. After losing three key starters, the Crusaders were not expected (by this writer anyway) to compete for the league crown, but here they are without a single senior in the rotation.
...
Looking Forward: Tough Week Ahead

Three conference leaders will be put to the test with back-to-back games against their leading competitors:

Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Cleveland State (1/22) / Butler at Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1/26) — UWM relies on the three-point shot, but they don’t afford opponents the same luxury, as they have the best 3-pt defense in the country.

Set Your TiVo: 01.20 – 01.22--Rush The Court

A bunch of other games you should keep your eye on:
...
Milwaukee @ Cleveland State (2 PM Sunday, local TV) – The Vikings can force a first place tie atop the Horizon with a home win over the Panthers. These are by far the two best teams in the league according to the Pomeroy ratings and this game could go a long way in determining who gets home court for the conference tournament.

Butler Vs. Loyola Chicago: Bulldogs Look To Maintain Momentum On Road--SB Nation Indiana
At a Glance: Butler at Loyola--The Indy Star
Flames put out, Chicago sweep in sights--Victory Firelight
Butler Concludes Chicago Swing At Loyola--ButlerSports.com

Butler Finishes Chicago Trip At Loyola--ButlerSports.com

Cleveland St. 78, Green Bay 68--Associated Press
Heat witnessing new breed at point--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Cleveland State men's basketball team tops Green Bay, gains share of first place in Horizon League--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State's Anton Grady, team's 'future,' shines: Vikings Men's Basketball Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Vikings Fight Off Phoenix for Share of First Place--Let's Go Vikes!
Cleveland State 78, Green Bay 68--Cleveland State Hoops
Green Bay vs Cleveland State: Recap Notes--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State Gets Win Over Green Bay, 78-68--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State (16-4) Squares Off With Milwaukee (13-7)--Vikings Ball
Notes from CSU 78, UWGB 68--csuvikings.com
Postgame Quotes from 1/20/12 win over Green Bay--csuvikings.com
Vikings Defeat Green Bay, 78-68 To Move Into First Place Tie--csuvikings.com
Vikings Host Milwaukee To Conclude Round One of League Play--csuvikings.com

Detroit (9-11) Goes Up Against Wright State (9-11)--Titans Update
Homecoming Tilt Set for Noon on FSD--detroittitans.com

Battle For Second Place Highlights Homecoming--detroittitans.com

Saturday's matchup: Valparaiso at UIC--The Chicago Tribune

Saturday's matchup: Butler at Loyola--The Chicago Tribune

Today's Cleveland State vs. UWGB women's basketball preview--Green Bay Press Gazette

Men's basketball: Hill, part of UWGB's last NCAA tournament team, dies at 34--Green Bay Press Gazette
Men's basketball: UWGB's late charge can't overtake Vikings--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay vs Cleveland State: Recap Notes--Phoenix Fever
Cleveland State Too Much for Green Bay, 78-68--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay (7-11) vs. Youngstown State (10-8)--Phoenix Fever
Battle of the Boards Dooms Green Bay at Cleveland State--uwgbathletics.com

Missed free throws prove costly to UWM--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Panthers upset by Penguins--PantherU
Late Hoop, Blocked Shot Send Penguins Past Panthers--uwmpanthers.com
Panthers Look To Get Back On Track In Showdown At Cleveland State--uwmpanthers.com

Women’s basketball: Valparaiso visits UIC tonight--The Post-Tribune

Valparaiso’s Boggs hoping to build on big game--The Post-Tribune
VU men using strong defense on recent winning streak--The NWI Times

WSU's Pacher showing improvement inside--Dayton Daily News
Two Raiders guards to miss today’s game--Dayton Daily News
Preview: Wright State vs. Detroit--Dayton Daily News

Youngstown St. 68, Milwaukee 66--Associated Press
YSU wins thriller--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Milwaukee vs Youngstown State: Recap Notes--Guin Report
Youngstown State Pulls Out Win Over Milwaukee, 68-66--Guin Report
Youngstown State (10-8) Battles Green Bay (7-11)--Guin Report
Penguins Pull Out Thrilling 68-66 Victory over League-Leader UWM--ysusports.com

Guins Look to Get Back on Winning Track at Milwaukee--ysusports.com

Logjam at Top of Horizon League After Friday Night--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/20/2012

2012-01-20T07:34:00.002-06:00

HL Stands for Heart-attack League--The Mid-Majority
Weekend Preview: Baylor-Missouri headlines a weekend with some good hoops--Ballin' is a Habit

Seven more games to keep an eye on:
...
Sun. 2:00 pm: Milwaukee @ Cleveland State: These are the two best teams in the Horizon. Cleveland State is my pick to win the league, mainly because I think their athleticism and pressure will end up being too much for the rest of the league to overcome. But the Panthers are a tough defensive team that really make it difficult for opponents to score.

An early look at the frontrunners for Horizon League Player of the Year--Horizon League Hoops

Butler Vs. Illinois-Chicago: Bulldogs Look To Move To 5-3 In The Horizon--SB Nation Indiana
Bulldogs' defense comes through against Flames--The Indy Star
It’s a win; move on--Indy Star Butler Insider
A quick look: Bulldogs visit UIC--Victory Firelight
Butler vs UIC: Recap Notes--Butler Blue Fever
Butler Beats UIC, 57-49--Butler Blue Fever
Butler (11-9) Battles Loyola (Chicago) (5-13)--Butler Blue Fever
BUTLER 57, UIC 49--THE unOFFICIAL BUTLER BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
Bulldogs Stop UIC, 57-49--ButlerSports.com

Bulldogs Lose At UIC--ButlerSports.com

Miami Heat’s LeBron James dazzles while Kobe Bryant fizzles--Miami Herald

The Heat continued to swish three-pointers, following the 16 they made against the Spurs with nine on Thursday.

They displayed their depth. Shane Battier showed why he was a shrewd addition with his defense on Bryant, his six rebounds and two three-pointers. Mike Miller and Norris Cole contributed. Eddy Curry made his return with 2:20 left in the first quarter and scored a layup on his first touch.

Cleveland State men's basketball team is winning ugly, but results look good--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Freshman Anton Grady adds simmer and spice to Cleveland State men's basketball team--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State (15-4) Faces Green Bay (7-10)--Vikings Ball

Winton And Coleman Lead CSU To 68-58 Victory At Milwaukee--csuvikings.com

On this day 8 years ago - Jan 19, 2004--Titans Update

Butler outlasts UIC--Daily Herald
Bulldogs show blood and guts--Whoosh!Net
On this day 10 years ago - Jan 19, 2002--Flame Fanatic
Butler vs UIC: Recap Notes--Flame Fanatic
Butler Gets 57-49 Win Over UIC--Flame Fanatic
UIC (6-12) Faces Valparaiso (13-7)--Flame Fanatic
Flames Come Up Short Versus Butler, 49-57--uicflames.com
Flames, Crusaders Collide on Comcast SportsNet Saturday Afternoon--uicflames.com

Green and Bailey Combine for 51; UIC Downs Butler, 77-42--uicflames.com
Flames Eye Win Streak Against Valpo on Saturday--uicflames.com

Valparaiso routs Loyola of Chicago 69-48--Daily Herald
On this day 6 years ago - Jan 19, 2006--LU Wolf Ball
Valparaiso vs Loyola (Chicago): Recap Notes--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola (Chicago) Stomped By Valparaiso, 69-48--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola (Chicago) (5-13) and Butler (11-9) Square Off--LU Wolf Ball
Hot-Shooting Valparaiso Sinks Loyola, 69-48--LoyolaRamblers.com
Ramblers Battle Butler In Saturday Showdown--LoyolaRamblers.com

Skube Sparks Ramblers Past Valparaiso, 86-56--LoyolaRamblers.com
Women's Basketball Faces Butler Looking For Fourth Consecutive Win--LoyolaRamblers.com

Today's UWGB vs. Cleveland State men's basketball preview--Green Bay Press Gazette
An update on Matt Hill, other odds and ends--UWGB Basketball
On this day 2 years ago - Jan 19, 2010--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay (7-10) Faces Cleveland State (15-4)--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay to Play Cleveland State on ESPNU Friday Night--uwgbathletics.com

Women's basketball: Phoenix matches program-best start with 16-0 record--Green Bay Press Gazette
No. 12/11 Green Bay Remains Unbeaten with 75-50 Win--uwgbathletics.com
Phoenix Hosts Cleveland State Saturday at 2 p.m.--uwgbathletics.com

Panthers enjoy life at the top--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Video: Panthers In Ohio For Two Key Road Contests--uwmpanthers.com
Showdown at the Arc--PantherU
On this day 10 years ago - Jan 19, 2002--UWM Update
Milwaukee (13-6) vs. Youngstown State (9-8)--UWM Update

Panthers trail from start in loss to Vikings--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Video: Catching Up With The Women's Basketball Team--uwmpanthers.com
Huge Comeback Effort Not Enough Against Cleveland State--uwmpanthers.com
Panthers Look To Bounce Back Against Penguins Saturday--uwmpanthers.com

Women’s basketball: Loyola use 32-5 run to pull away from Valparaiso--The Post-Tribune
Chesterton's Skube helps Loyola women's basketball team surge past VU--The NWI Times
Loyola Surges Past Valpo in Second Half--valpoathletics.com
Valpo Women Head to UIC for Saturday Night Showdown--valpoathletics.com

Live from the Gentile Center: Valparaiso vs. Loyola (Doubleheader)--Inside VU Sports

Valparaiso routs Loyola--The Post-Tribune
Valparaiso at Loyola, Jan. 19, Live Blog--Off The Mark
Harris leads four VU men's players in double figures in 69-48 blowout--The NWI Times
Michigan State's Brandon Wood apologizes for letdown vs. Michigan--The Detroit Free Press
Valparaiso vs Loyola (Chicago): Recap Notes--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso Hammers Loyola (Chicago), 69-48--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso (13-7) Goes Up Against UIC (6-12)--Valpo Daily
Crusaders Cruise to Road Win Over Loyola--valpoathletics.com
Valpo Returns to Chicago to Face UIC--valpoathletics.com

WSU freshman Demmings turns life around--Dayton Daily News
Wright State needs yet another turnaround--Dayton Daily News
Two Wright State players out for Saturday’s road game against Detroit--Wright State University Sports
Wright State (9-11) Battles Detroit (9-11)--Rowdy Review

Basketball Teams Help at Beavercreek Nazarene--wsuraiders.com

Wright State women surge to second-place Horizon League start--Wright State University Sports

No. 11 Phoenix too strong for YSU women--Youngstown Vindicator
No. 11/12 Green Bay Pulls Away in Second Half to Beat YSU--ysusports.com

On this day 11 years ago - Jan 20, 2001--Guin Report
Youngstown State (9-8) vs. Milwaukee (13-6)--Guin Report
Men's Basketball Hosts Milwaukee on ESPN3.com; Free T-Shirts to First 500 Students--ysusports.com

Butler, Valpo Look to Stay Near Top in Trips to Windy City--Horizon League Network
Valpo's Offense, Butler's Defense Shine in Road Wins--Horizon League Network
Contrasting Styles, Charter Member Matchup on Horizon--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/19/2012

2012-01-19T07:52:00.000-06:00

Kansas Handles Baylor--Ballin' is a Habit

Valparaiso 72, Cleveland State 66
Tim Kamczyc has emerged as one of the best interior scorers in the country, and he poured in 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting. Unfortunately for him, his teammates shot a combined 33% from the field, and Valpo ran away with the upset victory. Meanwhile, Cleveland State's post defense continues to be a problem. Their 49.6 2P% against is 238th in the nation and third worst in the Horizon League. Valpo shot an incredible 75% on twos in this game.

Cleveland State was the one team in the Horizon League that had a plausible shot at an at-large bid. This loss doesn't end those chances, but it makes it much less likely. That win over Vanderbilt remains their only quality win of the season and they have bad losses to Hofstra, Youngstown State, Valparaiso and South Florida. Their Sagarin ELO_CHESS has slipped to 55th. They can't afford to lose too many more times the rest of the season. At 5-2 in Horizon League play, they'll have to finish at least 13-5 to have a shot at an at-large bid heading into the Horizon tournament.

Valpo has improved throughout this season under first-year coach Bryce Drew. In non-conference play they finished 6-5 against Division I opponents with losses to IPFW, Oakland and IUPUI. But they're now 5-2 and tied for second place in the Horizon standings. They'll play at Loyola-Chicago tomorrow, and then at Illinois-Chicago on Saturday.

Utah Jazz veterans lead by example with tough-guy attitude--Deseret News

As much publicity as the Jazz's youth movement has received — and youngsters Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Alec Burks do offer reason for high hopes — it's the vigorous veterans who've shown they'll stand up to opponents in the way of those wins.
...
Hayward agreed that experienced Jazzmen — whom he says play with a chip on their shoulder — have set a tone of toughness.

"Every team needs guys like that to give you a little edge. If something goes down, they're going to be right there to have your back," Hayward said. "We're a tough team. We play defense tough, try to be physical with guys. I think that's the goal — you try to disrupt the other team as much as you can, scrap, do whatever you can to win."

Utah Jazz notebook: GM poll tabs Earl Watson as future coach--Deseret News

Not only that, Watson ratted out teammates Jeremy Evans and Gordon Hayward for helping him get named as one of the NBA's current players most likely to become a head coach.

"I broke into the website," he said, smiling. "The three votes came from us."

Watson was joking. (Or was he?)

Truth be told, he was honored.

Utah Jazz dig in, toughen up, turn season around--Salt Lake Tribune

“He jumped on us. But for me, personally, you take [the blowouts] as embarrassing. … It’s like, you can’t have this anymore,” Jazz forward Gordon Hayward said.

Men's college basketball preview: Butler at Illinois-Chicago--The Indy Star
Horizon runner-up could get advantage--The Indy Star
Butler (10-9) and UIC (6-11) Square Off--Butler Blue Fever

Xavier still looking to rebound from December brawl fallout: National College Basketball Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer

On the Horizon: Had Cleveland State pulled off wins at Butler and Valparaiso, the Vikings could have earned some Top 25 votes. An impressive road win, like CSU's 76-69 triumph over Butler Friday night, will always catch the eye of at least a few voters. Even though Butler is barely .500, it is a brand-name victory that sits right beside CSU's season-opening triumph over Vanderbilt.

Sunday's loss canceled that. However, CSU's at-large resume for a NCAA Tournament bid is bolstered by every road win. The Vikings have the most road wins in the country (8-2), which will help as long as the Vikings get back on the winning track.

CSU's Waters patiently awaits Aaron Pogue's breakout: NE Ohio Basketball Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Valparaiso 72, Cleveland State 66--Cleveland State Hoops
Vikings Host Green Bay on Friday on ESPNU--csuvikings.com

Thursday's matchup: Butler at UIC--The Chicago Tribune
UIC (6-11) and Butler (10-9) Face Off--Flame Fanatic
Flames Set to Host Butler Thursday Night--uicflames.com

Thursday's matchup: Valparaiso at Loyola--The Chicago Tribune
Munster’s Crisman hopes to help resurrect Loyola program--The Post-Tribune
Loyola (Chicago) (5-12) Takes On Valparaiso (12-7)--LU Wolf Ball

Women's Basketball Battles Valpo In Search Of Third Straight Win--LoyolaRamblers.com
Women's Basketball Blog Entry #7: Gabby Micek--LoyolaRamblers.com

Today's Horizon League women's basketball preview: Youngstown State vs. UWGB--Green Bay Press Gazette
Phoenix Returns Home Thursday, Hosts Youngstown State at 7 p.m.--uwgbathletics.com

Loyola gets a new logo--PantherU
Slocum says Milwaukee is “Best in the League”--PantherU
First-Place Panthers Open Key Road Trip At Youngstown Friday--uwmpanthers.com

Women Back Home To Welcome Cleveland State Thursday--uwmpanthers.com

Women’s basketball: Valparaiso visits Loyola tonight--The Post-Tribune

Lazerus: Loyola’s new arena a shining example for VU--The Post-Tribune
Harris brings fresh energy to the court for Valparaiso--The NWI Times
Michigan State hurt by lack of experience--The Detroit News

That'd be first-year players Travis Trice, Branden Dawson and Brandan Kearney, as well as senior transfer Brandon Wood. And with the exception of Kearney's cameo, none of them looked the slightest bit comfortable as they stepped into the fray Tuesday against a Michigan squad that's no longer afraid of its in-state sibling.

Wood had the most disastrous showing, starting with some wild 3-point attempts early and ending with a crucial defensive breakdown late. But he was hardly alone.

"I thought our young guys really looked young," said Izzo, who wasn't in the mood to say much about the young guy for Michigan (freshman guard Trey Burke) who really looked great. "The inexperience hurt us."

On this day 9 years ago - Jan 18, 2003--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso (12-7) Takes On Loyola (Chicago) (5-12)--Valpo Daily
Road Warriors?!?! (Let's hope so!)--Section EE
Valpo Travels to Rogers Park To Take On Loyola--valpoathletics.com

WSU's leading scorer Mays still not practicing--Dayton Daily News
Wright State leading scorer not practicing because of Achilles tendon injury--Wright State University Sports

YSU WOMEN’S PREVIEW | Today’s game--Youngstown Vindicator

Green Bay, Milwaukee on tap--The Jambar

Herff Jones Enters Agreement to be HL's Preferred Championship Ring Provider--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/18/2012

2012-01-18T08:58:00.000-06:00

Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Report card--Deseret News

FORWARDS: Millsap deserved the standing ovation he received when he left the game in the third quarter. He finished with 20 points and six rebounds and got the Jazz off to a great start by scoring 10 points in the first quarter. Gordon Hayward struggled again, scoring just three points on 0-for-4 shooting in 17 minutes. Hayward brings the grade down. Caron Butler had a team-high 14 points, and if he's going to be the team leader the Jazz are in great shape. Blake Griffin had 10 points and only brought a couple of Showtime plays from L.A. Grade: B

Utah Jazz like hooking up on alley-oops in 'Salt Lob City'--Deseret News

Camaro leaping.

After watching Griffin vault himself over the Kia in last year's Slam Dunk Contest, Evans decided to go outside and see if he could spring himself over his sweet 2011 ride.

He didn't dunk over his car, but he did cleanly clear the front end — and he had extra incentive to do it.

"It's wide," Evans said, laughing. "If I didn't make it, I was going to put a dent in my car."

(Evans can jump anywhere he wants in a single bound, of course, but his Chevy Camaro has a heater.)

"It's not that wide," teammate and buddy Gordon Hayward joked from the next locker over. "I could jump over it."

Hayward quickly pumped up Evans' jumping abilities.

"I bet you could windmill over it," Hayward said, laughing.

Scoring down, chemistry up for starters--Salt Lake Tribune

Yet the Jazz’s main first unit — Devin Harris, Raja Bell, Gordon Hayward, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson — hold a 7-2 record after Utah blew out Los Angeles 108-79. And the majority of Utah’s first five has seen increased offensive production during recent games.

“They understand where to get the ball to different guys at different times in the games … and they’re really trusting each other on the defensive end, and the communication’s been great,” Corbin said.

Windy City sweep? Not that easy--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler Begins Road Stretch At UIC--ButlerSports.com

Bulldogs Open Chicago Trip At UIC--ButlerSports.com

Free Pizza for Students and a Chance to Showcase CSU on National TV Friday--Let's Go Vikes!
On this day 14 years ago - Jan 17, 1998--Vikings Ball

Vikings Travel To Milwaukee For Thursday Contest--csuvikings.com
Women's Basketball Participates In Reach Out And Read Program--csuvikings.com

Pistons' Blaha says Titans can lift city--Varsity Press
Basketball announcer still loves his job--Varsity Press
Making sense of a strange hoops season--Varsity Press

In good position--Varsity Press

Flames Battle Bulldogs on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. CT--uicflames.com

Battle Royale: Loyola to face off against Horizon League rival Butler--Loyola Phoenix
What you missed: Ramblers winless in conference--Loyola Phoenix
Loyola Hosts Valparaiso In First Home Game of 2012--LoyolaRamblers.com

Women's basketball: Phoenix moves up to No. 11 in coaches poll--Green Bay Press Gazette

Watch: Inside Phoenix Basketball: Jan. 16--uwgbathletics.com

Wardle vs. Cerroni in H-O-R-S-E: Round II--uwgbathletics.com

Panthers hit #23 in Mid-Major Top 25--PantherU
Horizon League Power Rankings (1.17.12)--PantherU
Panthers Make it Look Easy in 84-74 Victory Over Titans--Milwaukee Panther Tracks
Men's Basketball Honors And Rankings--Panther Blog Zone

ATB: Michigan Shuts Down MSU, Florida State Scores, and Anthony Davis’ Block Record…--Rush The Court

The key to the game, however, was the consistent defensive pressure Michigan put on the Spartans’ primary three scorers: Draymond Green, Keith Appling, and Brandon Wood. The trio came in averaging 38 points per game, but were held to only 21 points on 9-26 shooting tonight. None of the three were ever able to find any sort of offensive rhythm, and when on the final possession Green ended up with the ball in his hands for a leaning jumper from the foul line, the shot was badly long with virtually no chance to drop in (watch the sequence below).

Michigan knocks off No. 9 Spartans--Associated Press

On Michigan State's last possession, Appling drove to the basket and had his shot blocked by Jordan Morgan. Brandon Wood of the Spartans came up with the ball, but didn't appear as if he wanted to shoot, leaving Green to create a shot that he missed.

''I got it up on the rim,'' Green said. ''I just couldn't get the bounce.''

Michigan edges Michigan State in thriller--The Detroit News

"Our young guys looked young. The inexperience hurt us and Brandon Wood struggled," MSU coach Tom Izzo said. "I had to play Keith Appling so many minutes that by the end he was just walking on his knees. He's been one of my best players and he struggled tonight and it was more my fault than his."

Valpo Women Head to the Windy City to Battle Loyola--valpoathletics.com

Week 10 Horizon League Power Rankings: Milwaukee uses impressive home wins to reach No. 1--Wright State University Sports
On this day 10 years ago - Jan 17, 2002--Rowdy Review

Women's Basketball Travels to No. 11/12 Green Bay--ysusports.com

Kam Cerroni vs. Brian Wardle: Horse, Part II--Horizon League Network

Green Bay Women's Basketball Receives Highest AP Ranking in Program History--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/17/2012

2012-01-17T08:43:00.002-06:00

Savvy scheduling may push some into NCAAs, more Hoop Thoughts--Sports Illustrated

Ten Teams That Helped Themselves
...
Butler (12). Brad Stevens has held his ground about asking big-name schools to play home-and-home games. Both Louisville and Xavier came to Hinkle this year, and Butler returned a game at Stanford. The question is whether the Bulldogs have lost too many games to this point to be considered for an at-large bid.

Utah Jazz: Paul Millsap 'a monster' in 4th vs. Denver Nuggets--Deseret News

GETTING A PASS: Starter Gordon Hayward's efforts Sunday were overshadowed by Paul Millsap's huge fourth quarter.

But the second-year forward's contributions — even ones that don't show up on his point totals — aren't going unnoticed by his coach.

Hayward was at this best in the Jazz's 106-96 win, driving and hitting jumpers en route to 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting.

"When he's aggressive on both ends of the floor, like he is, he's such a versatile guy," Corbin said. "He can get to the basket. He can handle the ball. He can bring it up the floor. He can get us in our offense."

Hayward also is effective in pick-and-rolls and in isolation.

One problem?

The 21-year-old, who recorded a career-high eight assists last week, can be too generous.

"He's a great passer on the interior, probably to a fault sometimes," Corbin said. "He (is) going in and looking for a pass when he can take the shot. But he did a great job of just being aggressive on both ends of the floor (Sunday)."

Coach Tyrone Corbin's young Jazz team progressing at a faster rate than anticipated--Deseret News

"We have extreme depth," Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward said. "Coach is confident with anybody that we put in there, that they're going to step up and do their job on any given night."

It might be a game-winning free throw and team-best 18 points like Hayward had in Golden State.
...
To a man, they all say it begins on the other end of the court.

Hayward calls defense the Jazz's "calling card," and they've been handing it out lately.

Ballin’ road trip hits Hinkle--Victory Firelight

Women's basketball: No. 12 AP ranking best ever for UWGB--Green Bay Press Gazette

New year, but same place: Can YSU erase bad taste?--Youngstown Vindicator

Backup hiccup: Penguin reserves struggling--Youngstown Vindicator

Green Bay Women's Basketball Receives Highest AP Ranking in Program History--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/16/2012

2012-01-16T07:11:00.000-06:00

Pics/Vids: Game 5 - Butler vs. Cleveland State--Ballin' is a Habit
Power Rankings: Week 10--Run The Floor
Anton Grady Wins the StatSheet Horizon Freshman of the Week - January 16th, 2012--Vikings Ball

Butler's future is bright, but there is work to be done to get there--Ballin' is a Habit
Ballin’: Do Not Adjust Your Standings – the Utah Jazz are 8-4--The Big Lead
Utah Jazz 'Millslap' Nuggets for a 106-96 victory--Deseret News

Best part on this night — when Utah picked up its second road win in a row — was that Millsap had company.

Jefferson was hot early and finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Gordon Hayward played aggressively on both ends of the court, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocked shots and a steal.

Utah Jazz-Denver Nuggets: Instant analysis--Deseret News

Frontcourt Dominance: Utah was led again by the veteran front court of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. Each produced a double-double, the former with 26 points and 12 rebounds, the latter with 18 and 12 of his own. Millsap put the team on his back in the fourth quarter, at one juncture scoring 12 consecutive points on an array of sly moves and jumpers.

Not to be outdone, starting small forward Gordon Hayward added 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists. He made some crucial lay-ups down the final stretch.

Jazz-Nuggets: Report card--Deseret News

FORWARDS: Paul Millsap turned in perhaps his best performance of the young season and was noticeably more tenacious on the glass than Denver's Nene. His 26 points came on 12-19 shooting. Gordon Hayward was nearly as efficient, scoring 19 points on 7-13 from the floor, though his fouls helped Denver's Danilo Gallinari get to the line 12 times, where he converted each time. Overall: A

Youngstown State Vs. Butler: Bulldogs Put It Together To Beat Penguins 71-55--SB Nation Indiana
Non-Conference Opponents Update: January 16--Hammer and Rails

As for our own profile, we got a boost with Minnesota's surge. The Golden Gophers are now at No. 38 in the RPI, giving us a very solid road victory. Iowa's run has them creeping toward the top 100, but Butler's home loss to Cleveland State toppled them over the 100 (and "bad loss" mark). Miami is holding firm, but they have a nice stretch of mediocre in the ACC to get on a run and get into the top 50.
...
Butler Bulldogs - 10-9, 4-3 Horizon, RPI: 102 - Butler suffered a crippling 76-69 home loss to Cleveland State Friday night, but the Vikings then lost on Sunday to throw this league in further disarray. Milwaukke leads at 6-1 (their only loss was to Butler), but Cleveland State, Valparaiso, Youngstown State (whom Butler beat on Sunday), and Butler are all right there. The winner of the regular season gets to host the conference tournament and the top two teams only need two wins to get the auto-bid, so a lot is at stake here.

Andrew Smith scores 20 points to lead Butler past Youngstown State 71-55--The Indy Star
Notebook: Freshmen delivering on defense for Bulldogs--The Indy Star
Butler regains its form, takes control against Youngstown--The Indy Star
Watching Dawgs over their shoulder--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler disposes Youngstown State (+Audio)--Victory Firelight
On this day 14 years ago - Jan 15, 1998--Butler Blue Fever
Youngstown State vs Butler: Recap Notes--Butler Blue Fever
Butler Beats Youngstown State, 71-55--Butler Blue Fever
BUTLER 71, YOUNGSTOWN STATE 55--THE unOFFICIAL BUTLER BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
Men’s basketball: Bulldogs take win against Youngstown State--Butler Collegian
Butler Rolls Past Youngstown State, 71-55--ButlerSports.com

Vikings' struggle for points proves costly at Valparaiso: Cleveland State Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State can't maintain momentum, falls to Valparaiso, 72-66--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Valparaiso Vanquishes Vikings to Second Place--Let's Go Vikes!
Cleveland State vs Valparaiso: Recap Notes--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State Tripped Up By Valparaiso, 72-66--Vikings Ball
Vikings Fall At Valparaiso, 72-66--csuvikings.com

Flames rise behind guard play--Whoosh!Net

Samplawski becoming a potent 3-point shooter in the Horizon League--The Post-Tribune
Simone Law Named Co-Horizon League Player of the Week--LoyolaRamblers.com

Women's basketball: UWGB balances winning big, respect--Green Bay Press Gazette
Phoenix Receives Highest AP Ranking in Program History--uwgbathletics.com

Wardle Hands Out Player of the Game Honors to Resch Center Crowd--uwgbathletics.com

Excelling in ordinary space--PantherU
Athletic directors made decision on contingency plan #HLMBB #IamUWM #UWM--PantherU

Van Wijk comes up big in Valpo’s win over Cleveland State--The Post-Tribune
Cleveland State at Valparaiso, Jan. 15, Live Blog--Off The Mark
Van Wijk named HL Player of the Week again--Off The Mark
SATURDAY'S PREP ROUNDUP: Local broadcaster Harlan dies--The NWI Times
Van Wijk carries Crusaders--The NWI Times
Valparaiso Men's Basketball Coach Post-Game Interview--The NWI Times
VU post nabs Horizon League honor--The NWI Times
Cleveland State vs Valparaiso: Recap Notes--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso Picks Up Win Over Cleveland State, 72-66--Valpo Daily
Game Wrap Up; Too big, too strong....--Section EE
Updated HL PPS and Other Stat Leaders--Section EE
Valpo Earns shoutout in weekly watch--Section EE
Valpo Downs Cleveland State, Moves Into Second Place--valpoathletics.com
Van Wijk Earns HL Player of the Week Honor--valpoathletics.com

Wright State freshman ties program’s league player of the week record--Wright State University Sports
Demmings Named HL Co-Player of the Week--wsuraiders.com

YSU drops second straight, at Butler--Youngstown Vindicator
Butler drops YSU--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Youngstown State vs Butler: Recap Notes--Guin Report
Youngstown State Sinking After 71-55 Loss To Butler--Guin Report
First-Half Turnovers Costly in Men's Basketball's 71-55 Loss at Butler--ysusports.com

Big Men Shine in Butler, Valpo Victories--Horizon League Network
Valpo's Van Wijk Notches Second Player of the Week Honor--Horizon League Network

Freshmen Share Women's Basketball Player of the Week Honor--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/15/2012

2012-01-15T13:04:00.004-06:00

Duke escapes Virginia--Basketball Predictions

Cleveland State 76, Butler 69
Butler actually hit 10 of their 21 three-point attempts in this game, and they got a gift from the refs in the form of a 12 foul difference (28 to 16), a stat that would have been even worse if Butler hadn't been forced to commit five fouls in the final 80 seconds in a desperate attempt to overcome a late deficit. How did Cleveland State manage to overcome those two facts to win this game? They dominated the paint. They won the rebounding battle (a 33.3 OR% compared to a 21.4 OR% for Butler) and held the Bulldogs to only a 33.3 2P%. This is actually atypical from a Cleveland State team that was outrebounded in their previous five games and is 25th in the nation in 3P% against but only 197th in 2P% against.

Coming off a home loss to Detroit, Butler is now 3-3 in Horizon League play, a full two games back of Cleveland State having already lost their home match-up. Certainly Cleveland State is now the clear favorite to win the Horizon League regular season title. But does that make them the Horizon League tournament favorites? I'm hesitant to go there. Butler proved last season that they can struggle in December and January but turn things on when we hit tournament season. And I'm seeing improvement from this team. Brad Stevens is starting to take the ball out of the hands of Crishawn Hopkins, who's had a horrific season (he takes 29.9% of Butler's shots when he's on the floor, to the tune of a 39.2 eFG% - the worst on the team among regulars). They're starting to shoot better, and Khyle Marshall and Roosevelt Jones have the potential to be a dominant rebounding duo. I'm still not ready to give up on Butler.

Cleveland State will try to avoid a letdown game tomorrow at Valparaiso. Next weekend they'll come home to play the two Wisconsin teams. Butler will try to bounce back tomorrow against a feisty Youngstown State team. Next week they'll head on the road to play Loyola-Chicago and Illinois-Chicago.

Men's Basketball Bracket Buster Projections--College Sports Madness
UIC's guards difference in beating Loyola--The Chicago Tribune

Women's Basketball Games of the Weekend 1/14 - 1/15--College Sports Madness

No. 18 GREEN BAY at DETROIT (2 p.m. Saturday at Calihan Hall in Detroit, Michigan)

The Phoenix have not only risen, they have flown sky high. Despite the team’s red-hot start, it still has plenty of competition in a strong Horizon League. Green Bay (14-0, 4-0) beat Illinois-Chicago, Loyola (Illinois) and Milwaukee before knocking Wright State out of a share of first place with a 68-50 victory. Julie Wojta’s 22 points and 17 rebounds propelled the Phoenix to their 34th straight regular-season win. Detroit (8-9, 4-1) is tied with Wright State for second place in the league and has won seven of eight following a dismal 1-8 start to the year. The Titans recently lost to Illinois-Chicago but have wins against Loyola and Milwaukee in the last week.

Utah Jazz-New Jersey Nets: Instant analysis--Deseret News

Last, Gordon Hayward held to seven points the past two games and chipped in 10 points, along with some pinpoint passes. His two 3-pointers were a welcome sight.

Utah Jazz-New Jersey Nets: Report card--Deseret News

FORWARDS: Paul Millsap was outstanding with his scoring (18 points), rebounding (12 points), energy and hustle. Gordon Hayward had a quiet 10 points, and improved on his shooting from recent games. MarShon Brooks had 11 points, three fewer than his average, for the Nets. Kris Humphries was about the only Net who had a decent game, as he had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Another positive for Humphries was that a teammate — Williams — was booed more than he was in a road game.

Wizards vs. 76ers: Washington’s struggles written on John Wall’s face in second straight loss to Philadelphia--Washington Post

With the Wizards trailing 42-33, Wall threw a pass directly to 76ers forward Andre Iguodala (23 points, five steals), who raced down the court for an uncontested dunk. Saunders called a timeout and Wall again made a lazy pass that Iguodala intercepted. Saunders yanked Wall and replaced him with Shelvin Mack for the final 3 minutes 22 seconds of the half. The Wizards didn’t gain or lose any ground, but they also didn’t commit any turnovers while Wall sat.

Youngstown State Vs. Butler: Bulldogs Look For Winning Formula Against Penguins--SB Nation Indiana
Youngstown St. at Butler preview--The Indy Star
On this day 14 years ago - Jan 15, 1998--Butler Blue Fever
CLEVELAND STATE 76, BUTLER 69--THE unOFFICIAL BUTLER BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
Butler Faces Hot-Shooting Youngstown State--ButlerSports.com

Valpo Edges Butler 58-53--ButlerSports.com

Cleveland State lost Norris Cole but they haven't lost a step this year--Ballin' is a Habit
Vikings look to pull away from pack in Horizon League: Cleveland State Men's Basketball Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State hoping to maintain fast-starting trend vs. Valpo on Sunday--Cleveland Plain Dealer
UIC Game Flow Chart--Let's Go Vikes!
CSU v Loyola Flow Chart--Let's Go Vikes!
Butler Game Flowchart--Let's Go Vikes!
CSU Vikings Looking For Sweep In Indiana as They Face Valpo in Sunday Matinee--Let's Go Vikes!
Free Tickets and Food for Alumni Being Featured for CSU's Clash Against Green Bay Friday Night--Let's Go Vikes!
Cleveland State 76, Butler 69--Cleveland State Hoops
Trip to Valparaiso Next Up For Vikings--csuvikings.com

Vikings Fall Short Against Loyola, 85-67--csuvikings.com

Detroit Mercy rally falls short vs. No. 14 Wisconsin-Green Bay--The Detroit Free Press
Saturday's state roundup: Milwaukee's outside shooting downs Detroit Mercy--The Detroit News
On this day 2 years ago - Jan 14, 2010--Titans Update
Detroit vs Milwaukee: Recap Notes--Titans Update
Milwaukee Gets 84-74 Win Over Detroit--Titans Update
Hot Perimeter Shooting Pushes Milwaukee Past Detroit--detroittitans.com

Not enough--Varsity Press
Titans' Late Rally Comes Up Short--detroittitans.com

Loyola (Chicago) vs UIC: Recap Notes--Flame Fanatic
UIC Gets Win Over Loyola (Chicago), 58-51--Flame Fanatic
On this day 3 years ago - Jan 15, 2009--Flame Fanatic
Flames Defeat Rival Loyola, 58-51--uicflames.com

Flames Capture Overtime Win at YSU, 77-68--uicflames.com

Loyola (Chicago) vs UIC: Recap Notes--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola (Chicago) Slips With Loss To UIC, 58-51--LU Wolf Ball
On this day 11 years ago - Jan 14, 2001--LU Wolf Ball
Late Surge Sends UIC Past Loyola, 58-51--LoyolaRamblers.com

Loyola Takes Charge Early, Runs Past Cleveland State, 85-67--LoyolaRamblers.com

Women's basketball: Ritchie leads Phoenix to record 35th straight regular-season win--Green Bay Press Gazette
Phoenix Sets Program Record with 35th Consecutive Regular Season Win--uwgbathletics.com

Men's basketball: 'Relentless' UWGB comes back from 17-point deficit to top Wright State--Green Bay Press Gazette
Game #17: Wright State at UWGB (live updates)--UWGB Basketball
Wright State vs Green Bay: Recap Notes--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Gets Close Win Over Wright State, 57-56--Phoenix Fever
Sykes Caps Huge Second Half Phoenix Comeback--uwgbathletics.com

Panthers fall in OT--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee Comes Up Just Short Against Wright State In Overtime--uwmpanthers.com

Panthers hang on despite missed FTs--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Out of nowhere, Gulley emerges--PantherU
Owning the Cell versus Building on campus--PantherU
On this day 11 years ago - Jan 14, 2001--UWM Update
Detroit vs Milwaukee: Recap Notes--UWM Update
Milwaukee Wins 84-74 Over Detroit--UWM Update
Postgame Report - Detroit at Milwaukee--Panther Blog Zone
Gulley Leads Three-Point Barrage As Panthers Knock Off Detroit--uwmpanthers.com

Richards leads VU past Butler--The Post-Tribune

Everyone chipping in for Crusaders--The Post-Tribune
More than just another game for Valparaiso--The NWI Times
Izzo takes pains that Spartans learn from theirs--The Detroit News

"I wanted to tell them to remember why we didn't win this game," Izzo said. "I wanted it to be fresh in their minds when they were still on the court. The freshmen, I wanted them to know this was not acceptable. I wanted Brandon Wood to understand — he came here to try and get in the Tournament and maybe part of the reason was he didn't help Valpo — that we've got to man up in big game.
...
Maybe Trice and Dawson and Wood won't be able to shake the feeling of walking off the court knowing they let a game slip away, leaving an empty feeling inside.

For those inexperienced Spartans, it was the feeling that was burned into their memories as the clock sat, reading 2.5.

Loss to Northwestern might be blessing in disguise for Michigan State--The Detroit News

And Izzo understood that his rather inexperienced team would likely have a hard time slowing down Northwestern's complex offense.

"I worried about my three-and-a-half freshmen on the back-door (cuts)," Izzo said, referring to senior transfer Brandon Wood as the half-freshman. "It's tough trying to simulate the speed of that (offense) and I thought that hurt us."

Valpo Looks For Weekend Sweep Sunday--valpoathletics.com

Crusaders Down Butler for First Horizon League Victory--valpoathletics.com

WSU's Mays still limited by injured ankle--Dayton Daily News
Raiders squander 17-point lead in loss--Dayton Daily News
Wright State loses 17-point second-half lead, drops road game to Green Bay 57-56--Wright State University Sports
On this day 8 years ago - Jan 14, 2004--Rowdy Review
Wright State vs Green Bay: Recap Notes--Rowdy Review
Green Bay a Little Too Much for Wright State, 57-56--Rowdy Review
Men Drop 57-56 Heartbreaker at Green Bay--wsuraiders.com

Freshman helps WSU women to victory--Dayton Daily News
Wright State women’s basketball guard scores 38 points in overtime victory--Wright State University Sports
Women Defeat Milwaukee in Overtime--wsuraiders.com

YSU women's rally flames out--Youngstown Vindicator
YSU women lose in overtime vs. UIC--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Penguins flamed out in OT--The Jambar
YSU's Frantic Comeback Forces Overtime Before Falling to Flames--ysusports.com

Men's Basketball Looks to Rebound at Butler Sunday Afternoon--ysusports.com

Records, Rivalries & Three-Pointers On Display Saturday--Horizon League Network

Overtime Contests Highlight Saturday Afternoon in Women's Basketball--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/14/2012

2012-01-13T23:38:00.003-06:00

Valparaiso 76, Youngstown St. 62--Associated Press
Men's Basketball Games of the Weekend 1/14 - 1/15--College Sports Madness

CLEVELAND STATE at VALPARAISO (2:35 p.m. Sunday at Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso, Indiana)

Six games into the Horizon League season, Cleveland State is tied with Milwaukee at 5-1 for first place in the league, and Valparaiso and Youngstown State are one game behind. A win for Cleveland State (15-3, 5-1) and a Milwaukee loss could put the Vikings in a solid position. Cleveland State just beat Butler 76-69 as Jeremy Montgomery scored 18 points and dished off five assists. The Vikings have lost to Hofstra, South Florida and Youngstown State but did take Vanderbilt down at the start of the season. That’s still a feather in the Cleveland cap. Valparaiso (11-7, 4-2) has losses against Milwaukee and Wright State in league play, but the Crusaders beat Youngstown State 76-62 behind Kevin Van Wijk’s 23 points and seven rebounds.

College Basketball: Butler Loses At Hinkle To Cleveland State 76-69--SB Nation Indiana
Hack-a-Dawg is winning strategy--The Indy Star
Butler's 3rd Horizon League loss puts 6th straight title in jeopardy--The Indy Star
Dawgs, Vikings trading places--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler falls to Cleveland State (+Audio)--Victory Firelight
Cleveland State vs Butler: Recap Notes--Butler Blue Fever
Butler Struggles in 76-69 Loss To Cleveland State--Butler Blue Fever
Butler (9-9) and Youngstown State (9-7) Square Off--Butler Blue Fever
Men’s basketball: Cleveland State slides past Bulldogs--Butler Collegian
Cleveland State Outlasts Butler, 76-69--ButlerSports.com

Regular-season wins at Butler are rare for Cleveland State men's basketball team: Vikings Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State men's basketball team gets past own obstacles for rare road win at Butler--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Vikings Exorcize Hinkle Fieldouse Hex on Friday the 13th--Let's Go Vikes!
Cleveland State vs Butler: Recap Notes--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State Picks Up Win Over Butler, 76-69--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State (15-3) vs. Valparaiso (11-7)--Vikings Ball
Vikings Win at Butler, 76-69--csuvikings.com

Women's basketball: Today's UWGB vs. Detroit preview--Green Bay Press Gazette

Men's basketball: Today's UWGB vs. Wright State preview--Green Bay Press Gazette

Detroit’s last gasp--PantherU
In case you know a student who is oblivious--PantherU

Women’s basketball: Valparaiso hosts Butler tonight--The Post-Tribune

Crusaders put away YSU in statement win--The Post-Tribune
Youngstown State at Valparaiso, Jan. 13, Live Blog--Off The Mark
Crusaders get back in the groove--The NWI Times
Valparaiso Men's Basketball Coach Post-Game Interview--The NWI Times
Live from the ARC: Valparaiso vs. Youngstown St.--Inside VU Sports
Northwestern will be a tough warm-up act for Michigan State--The Detroit News

"Crawford is playing better now and there is no question (Brandon) Wood is going to have to play and maybe (Keith) Appling," Izzo said. "But that is gonna be a big key, how do we cover (Shurna)? … It will be a little bit of a challenge for Day-Day. I'm putting that challenge on him and Wood. Those two guys are going to have to raise their defensive game a couple of notches."
...
"I'll be able to guard Shurna in the post, for the most part, but it will be challenging for our guards, guarding Crawford. It will be a test for (Wood), but I've got faith in him."

Youngstown State vs Valparaiso: Recap Notes--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso Beats Youngstown State, 76-62--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso (11-7) Takes On Cleveland State (15-3)--Valpo Daily
Game Wrap Up: Back to the basics--Section EE
Crusaders Defeat Youngstown State, Move to 4-2 In League--valpoathletics.com

Valpo holds off YSU in second half--Youngstown Vindicator
Valparaiso defeats Youngstown State 76-62--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Youngstown State vs Valparaiso: Recap Notes--Guin Report
Valparaiso Too Much for Youngstown State, 76-62--Guin Report
Youngstown State (9-7) and Butler (9-9) Square Off--Guin Report
Men's Basketball Falls at Valparaiso 76-62--ysusports.com

Women's Basketball Looks to Rebound vs. UIC on Saturday--ysusports.com

Cleveland State, Valpo Notch Friday Night Victories--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/13/2012

2012-01-13T00:12:00.004-06:00

Weekend Preview: Ohio State-Indiana rematch highlights a slow weekend--Ballin' is a Habit

Mid-major matchup of the weekend: Fri, 7:00 pm: Cleveland State @ Butler

OK, so maybe I'm just being hopeful because I'll be at this game tonight, but I think there is a ton of intrigue in this game. Both programs lost a ton from last season, but both are still right near the top of the Horizon League. Hinkle is never an easy place to win, even if Butler is a bit down this season.

State of the city: Chicago--Run The Floor
Saturday's matchup: Loyola at UIC--The Chicago Tribune

#BIAHRoadTrip The Diary Part VIII: How do you kill time at Butler, Borzello's coffee shop and a frigid Indiana--Ballin' is a Habit
Men's college basketball preview: Cleveland State at Butler--The Indy Star
Butler depending on more players--The Indy Star
Stevens: Not make or break--Indy Star Butler Insider
Going in depth with Nored & Smith--Victory Firelight
Butler (9-8) vs. Cleveland State (14-3)--Butler Blue Fever

Bulldogs Take Momentum To Valpo This Weekend--ButlerSports.com

Cleveland State Hits the Road to Take on Butler and Valparaiso--Cleveland State Hoops
Cleveland State (14-3) and Butler (9-8) Face Off--Vikings Ball

Winton's 29 Points Leads CSU Over UIC, 83-80--csuvikings.com
Vikings Host Loyola In Horizon League Contest--csuvikings.com

Detroit Mercy 80, Green Bay 73: Titans rally late--The Detroit Free Press
Detroit vs Green Bay: Recap Notes--Titans Update
Detroit Gets Win Over Green Bay, 80-73--Titans Update
Detroit (9-10) Takes On Milwaukee (12-6)--Titans Update
Game-Closing Run Propels Detroit Past Green Bay, 80-73--detroittitans.com

Titans Shutdown Milwaukee, 71-48--detroittitans.com
#14/12 Green Bay On Tap For Detroit On Saturday--detroittitans.com

UIC (5-11) Squares Off With Loyola (Chicago) (5-11)--Flame Fanatic
Windy City Rivalry Resumes: UIC Hosts Loyola Saturday--uicflames.com

Flames Come Up Short at Cleveland State, 83-80--uicflames.com
Flames Conclude Road Swing at YSU on Saturday--uicflames.com

Loyola (Chicago) (5-11) Faces UIC (5-11)--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola And UIC Renew Rivalry Saturday Afternoon--LoyolaRamblers.com
Take Advantage Of Groupon Deal For Loyola Men's Hoops Tickets--LoyolaRamblers.com

Patrice King Earns Spot On Jesuit Basketball Weekly Honor Roll--LoyolaRamblers.com
Balanced Loyola Tops Youngstown State, 82-77--LoyolaRamblers.com
Loyola Looks For Weekend Sweep With Saturday Afternoon Tilt at Cleveland State--LoyolaRamblers.com

Men's basketball: UWGB's Sykes solid in freshman year--Green Bay Press Gazette
Men's basketball: Sykes' foul trouble, rebounding sink UWGB in loss to Detroit--Green Bay Press Gazette
Game #16: UWGB vs. Detroit--UWGB Basketball
Detroit vs Green Bay: Recap Notes--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Flops In 80-73 Loss to Detroit--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay (6-10) Goes Up Against Wright State (9-10)--Phoenix Fever
Late Detroit Run Hands Phoenix First Home Loss--uwgbathletics.com
Phoenix Aiming to Bounce Back on Saturday Afternoon--uwgbathletics.com

Women's basketball: Wojta, Ritchie lead UWGB past Wright State--Green Bay Press Gazette
No. 14/12 Green Bay Remains Unbeaten with Win at Wright State--uwgbathletics.com
Phoenix Closes Road Trip at Detroit--uwgbathletics.com

Panthers are no match for Titans--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Hot Shooting Sends Detroit Past Milwaukee Women--uwmpanthers.com
Panthers Face Showdown With Second-Place Raiders--uwmpanthers.com

Panthers clamp down on Wright State--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Defense shuts down Raiders--PantherU
Detroit AD brings news to Panther fans--PantherU
Wright State vs Milwaukee: Recap Notes--UWM Update
Milwaukee Pounds Wright State, 58-38--UWM Update
Milwaukee (12-6) vs. Detroit (9-10)--UWM Update
Milwaukee Steamrolls Over Wright State, Preps for Saturday Night Live With Detroit--Milwaukee Panther Tracks
Postgame Report - Wright State at Milwaukee--Panther Blog Zone
Video: First-Place Panthers Home For Pair Of Weekend Contests--uwmpanthers.com
Panthers Use Defense To Claim 58-38 Win Over Raiders--uwmpanthers.com
Panthers Close Out Homestand With Saturday Night Contest Against Detroit--uwmpanthers.com

VU seeks to ice red-hot Penguins--The Post-Tribune
VU's Broekhoff continues to fill up the stat sheet--The NWI Times
Valparaiso (10-7) vs. Youngstown State (9-6)--Valpo Daily
Crusaders Return Home to Host YSU Friday--valpoathletics.com
Homer Drew Honored Wednesday Night by Gary Old Timers--valpoathletics.com

Crusader Women Close Homestand Saturday Hosting Butler--valpoathletics.com

WSU's offense suffers in loss to Milwaukee--Dayton Daily News
WSU guard shows passion for hometown--Dayton Daily News
Early deficits especially bad for young Wright State--Dayton Daily News
Preview: Wright State vs. Green Bay--Dayton Daily News
WSU adjusting to Mays' limited playing time--Dayton Daily News
Cold offensive night sends Wright State to 58-38 road loss at Milwaukee--Wright State University Sports
Wright State offense reverts to inconsistency in 20-point loss to Milwaukee--Wright State University Sports
Wright State’s difference in wins and losses comes down to scoring confidence--Wright State University Sports
Wright State vs Milwaukee: Recap Notes--Rowdy Review
Milwaukee Gets Big Win Over Wright State, 58-38--Rowdy Review
Wright State (9-10) Goes Up Against Green Bay (6-10)--Rowdy Review
Men Drop 58-38 Decision at Milwaukee--wsuraiders.com
Billy Donlon Coach's Show Change--wsuraiders.com

WSU guards fueling men, women teams--Dayton Daily News

WSU women fall short to nationally ranked team--Dayton Daily News
Women Fall to #14/12 Green Bay--wsuraiders.com

Penguins rally late but fall to Loyola--Youngstown Vindicator
Penguins fall despite second-half surge--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Penguins struggle defensively, fall to Loyola--The Jambar
Late Push Not Enough in Tough 82-77 Loss to Loyola--ysusports.com

Youngstown State (9-6) vs. Valparaiso (10-7)--Guin Report
On this day 11 years ago - Jan 13, 2001--Guin Report
Men's Basketball Visits Valpo Seeking to Stay Atop Horizon League--ysusports.com

First Place on Line at The Cell on Thursday--Horizon League Network
Milwaukee, Detroit Grab Weekend-Opening Wins--Horizon League Network
Top Four Showdowns, Game of the Week Highlight Weekend--Horizon League Network

Cleveland State, Detroit, Green Bay and Loyola Capture Victories on Thursday Night--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/12/2012

2012-01-12T03:50:00.000-06:00

Jazz lose overtime heartbreaker to Lakers, 90-87--Deseret News

Millsap scored to make it a one-point game. Howard forced Bryant into a miss with 17.9 seconds and grabbed the rebound, giving Utah one last chance to pull off the unthinkable.

Corbin considered calling a timeout, but he let the Jazz fly down the court to keep the Laker defenders from setting up. Gordon Hayward ended up with the ball behind the 3-point line, considered stepping up for a mid-range jumper but drove and dished to Jefferson underneath.

"It was quick. All I knew, I had it, lost it and I tried to get it up real fast because I know the clock was going down," Jefferson explained. "And Andrew Bynum, he's a big boy and he threw it right back at me."

Jazz future not too far off--Deseret News

That's not to say the Jazz didn't look good, despite shooting just 39 percent. While it was veterans like Raja Bell, Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Josh Howard and Devin Harris who took the Jazz down the stretch, youth was also served at times. Derrick Favors had some fine moments, getting five rebounds in 12 minutes. Enes Kanter banged his way around for four rebounds. Gordon Hayward struggled (1-7 shooting) but drew praise from Bryant.

Utah Jazz - Los Angeles Lakers: Report Card--Deseret News

FORWARDS:Paul Millsap was outstanding, scoring 29 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Gordon Hayward had sort of the same game as Tuesday night, shooting poorly from the field but dishing some valuable assists. He could have put the ball in a better position to Al Jefferson on Utah's next-to-last possession when the Jazz trailed 88-87. Matt Barnes was solid for the Lakers, shooting 5-for-6 for 11 points. Pau Gasol had a quiet 11 points, but hit the game's go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime. That's a shot you probably let him take as an opponent.

Grade: B

Kragthorpe: Utah Jazz waste opportunity to beat L.A. Lakers--Salt Lake Tribune
Utah Jazz say OT defeat to L.A. Lakers not a total loss--Salt Lake Tribune

After a 19-foot jump shot by Millsap, Utah pulled within 88-87. A miss by Bryant followed, and the Jazz recovered the ball with 16.5 seconds to go.

Despite possessing a timeout, Utah raced up the floor. Gordon Hayward drove from the right wing to the paint, dishing to Al Jefferson under the basket, whose soft 5-foot shot was stuffed by Andrew Bynum.

Corbin said he considered using a timeout to settle the Jazz. But he made a split-second decision, deciding to catch the Lakers “on their heels.”

“Gordon made a good drive. I thought Al got a good shot at the basket there,” Corbin said. “One thing is, tit for tat — you call [the timeout] and let them set up a defense. I thought we had a chance to get on top of the basket.”

VF Podcast: Brandon Gaudin takes a seat--Victory Firelight
On this day 15 years ago - Jan 11, 1997--Butler Blue Fever
Bulldogs Host League-Leading Cleveland State--ButlerSports.com

Turnovers proving costly to Miami Heat--Miami Herald

Naturally, the Heat’s primary ball handlers lead the team in turnovers.

James had 33 entering Wednesday’s game against the Clippers. Mario Chalmers had 27 before Wednesday, rookie Norris Cole had 26 and Dwyane Wade had 24. Chris Bosh had 27 turnovers, which is a significant number for a power forward.

Clippers withstand Heat 95-89 in overtime--Miami Herald

Neither team led by more than three points in a physical fourth quarter that featured Wade knocking Paul to the court and Norris Cole and Mo Williams colliding.

Turnovers proving costly to Miami Heat--Miami Herald

James had 33 entering Wednesday’s game against the Clippers. Mario Chalmers had 27 before Wednesday, rookie Norris Cole had 26 and Dwyane Wade had 24. Chris Bosh had 27 turnovers, which is a significant number for a power forward.

Vikings Return Home To Host UIC On Thursday--csuvikings.com

Detroit (8-10) Battles Green Bay (6-9)--Titans Update
Titans Head to Wisconsin with Momentum--detroittitans.com

Big Week Ahead Starts With Milwaukee On Thursday--detroittitans.com

On this day 11 years ago - Jan 11, 2001--Flame Fanatic
Rivalry Renewed: Listen to the XFinity Howard Moore Podcast--uicflames.com

UIC News Features Jasmine Bailey and Shamiea Green--uicflames.com
MEDIA ALERT: UIC Women's Basketball Game on Jan. 19 Changed to 4:30 p.m. CT--uicflames.com
Women's Hoops Journeys to Cleveland State on Thursday--uicflames.com

Women's Basketball Blog Entry #6: Gabby Micek--LoyolaRamblers.com

UWGB men's basketball team to wear black for cancer awareness--Green Bay Press Gazette
On this day 6 years ago - Jan 11, 2006--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay (6-9) Goes Up Against Detroit (8-10)--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Returns Home for the First Time in Three Weeks--uwgbathletics.com

Top Two Shooting Teams in the League Battle Thursday--uwgbathletics.com

Panthers' Gulley getting into the act--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Newcomers are the difference for Raiders--PantherU
Milwaukee (11-6) vs. Wright State (9-9)--UWM Update

Valparaiso learning that 3-point shooting is an inexact science--The Post-Tribune
Update on the UWM Horizon League Tournament situation--Off The Mark
Homer, Janet Drew's support group growing larger each day--The NWI Times
A pivotal weekend ahead--Section EE

Raiders' developing offense showing hot shooting--Dayton Daily News
Preview: Wright State vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee--Dayton Daily News
Week 9 Horizon League Power Rankings: Cleveland State regains top spot--Wright State University Sports
Wright State (9-9) Squares Off With Milwaukee (11-6)--Rowdy Review

YSU women’s basketball team motivated by disrespect--Youngstown Vindicator

On the Road: No Time for Nostalgia--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/11/2012

2012-01-11T08:16:00.000-06:00

Power Rankings: Week 9--Horizon League Hoops

Hot-shooting Jazz beat Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-105--Deseret News

"We were moving the ball better," Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward said. "Paul and Big Al were definitely carrying us. They were scoring almost with ease, so when they're able to do that it makes everyone else's job pretty easy."

It helps when guys like Hayward chip in with eight assists, when the looking-better-by-the-game Josh Howard explodes for 17 points off the bench on 6-for-9 shooting and when a third big beast, Derrick Favors, throws in 14 points and five rebounds to boot.

Hayward's career-high assist night reminded the former point guard of the NBA guy he tried to pattern his game after back in the day — Phoenix's former MVP.

"Creating for my teammates and getting the other people open shots is what I love more than anything," said Hayward, who followed up his season-best 18-point outing with five points but had a bunch of savvy passes. "When I got drafted, I remember saying Steve Nash was the dude I modeled my game after. I love just getting other people the ball. They were knocking down shots so it made it easy."

Utah Jazz-Cleveland Cavaliers: Instant analysis--Deseret News

Getting offensive: While their defense was mediocre at best, the Utah Jazz offense was exceptional. From the onset, Utah took advantage of the Cleveland frontline and did most of its damage from the inside with 50 points in the paint.

The team that struggled mightily the first two games seems to get more acclimated to each other each game, as evidenced by Utah's scorching 59.2 percent shooting mark from the field. While the turnovers were an issue in the first half with 11, Utah settled down the second half — just three miscues. Gordon Hayward led a balanced assist effort with a career-high eight dimes.

After scoring just four points in the season opener, Jefferson has torn off an impressive string of efforts where he’s averaged 21.9 points the past seven games.

Utah Jazz-Cleveland Cavaliers: Report card--Deseret News

FORWARDS: The Cavs are lucky Paul Millsap got in foul trouble and fouled out because he was killing them. Millsap made his first nine shots and scored a season-high 19 points. Gordon Hayward struggled with his shot (1-for-5), but dished a career-high eight assists. Antawn Jamison scored 22 points for Cleveland, but took 18 shots to get there.

Grade: B

Utah Jazz notebook: Stork delivers new Jazz fan to Bell household--Deseret News

"I think they're important to every offense. They allow you to spread the court," Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward said. "When you start knocking down some outside shots, they can't double-team our post guys, so it lets them have some more room to operate. It opens everything up and makes the defense stay honest."

STARTERS STAYING: The birth of a child didn't affect the Jazz's starting lineup Tuesday, and Corbin has no intention of changing his opening group anytime soon. Utah improved to 5-1 with the first five of PG Devin Harris, SG Raja Bell, SF Gordon Hayward, PF Paul Millsap and C Al Jefferson.

"We're moving well. We're growing. We're getting better every night we step on the floor," Corbin said. "We're getting used to each other. It's working right now, so we'll continue to work and continue to explore things, but we're doing OK right now."

Wizards vs. Raptors: Washington stops winless slide to open season with 93-78 victory over Toronto--Washington Post

The new starting lineup didn’t yield immediate results, as the Wizards were outscored, 20-17, in the first period, but it did allow Saunders more flexibility with his rotation. That included heavier doses of rookie Shelvin Mack at point guard and rookie Jan Vesely. Ten different players scored, with Nick Young and Lewis leading them all with 15 apiece.
...
Vesely provided another crowd-pleasing dunk in the second half, when he soared high above the rim to catch an impossible alley-oop pass from Mack. Despite being well outside the paint, Vesely was still able to throw down the ball, and he shivered as a form of celebration.

With Mack on the floor, Crawford was able to focus on scoring, and he added 11 points off the bench. Lewis was also more effective in a reserve role, as he took advantage of a day of rest to make 6 of 10 shots.

Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade returns to the lineup--Miami Herald

“I had enough time during the lockout and the summer to weigh a lot of different things and put together a very specific plan of how we want to play,” Spoelstra said. “There have been some things with this team that we’ve adjusted that have been different than what we’ve done with the Miami Heat for many years.

“But the personality of this team is a lot different than a lot of those teams of the past.”

In other words, this team is one of the fastest and most athletic in the league, and Spoelstra plans to maximize those strengths. Chalmers, a ball hawk since his rookie season, leads the team with 17 steals. James is second with 16. Newcomer Norris Cole has 14 steals in limited minutes. Wade, who missed three games last week, has nine steals. As a team, the Heat is ranked fourth in the NBA with 91 steals.

Vikings looking for road momentum with trip to Butler, Valparaiso: Cleveland State Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Vikings Head to Butler on Friday--csuvikings.com

"Coneys with the Coach" Tuesday, Jan. 17--detroittitans.com

Another low in Ohio--Whoosh!Net

Loyola Opens Road Swing At Youngstown State--LoyolaRamblers.com

UWGB unveils special alternate jersey for "Black Out" game--UWGB Basketball
Green Bay Athletics Announces Black Out Cancer Initiative--uwgbathletics.com

Watch: Inside Phoenix Basketball: Jan. 9--uwgbathletics.com

Top 10 Moments of Nonconference Play--uwgbathletics.com

On this day 8 years ago - Jan 10, 2004--UWM Update
Panthers Continue Three-Game Homestand With Thursday Tilt Vs. Wright State--uwmpanthers.com

Milwaukee Tips Off Challenging Weekend At Detroit--uwmpanthers.com

Where Are They Now? Casey Schmidt--The NWI Times
On this day 8 years ago - Jan 10, 2004--Valpo Daily

Sandifer turning up volume for Raiders--Dayton Daily News
Women to Host #14/12 Green Bay Thursday--wsuraiders.com

On this day 5 years ago - Jan 10, 2007--Rowdy Review

Women's Basketball Goes for First 3-1 Start Thursday vs. Loyola--ysusports.com

News On The Horizon 1/10/2012

2012-01-10T09:23:00.003-06:00

College roundup: Mays nominated for GEICO Play of the Year--Fairborn Daily Herald

Ward named player of the week--Youngstown Vindicator
YSU’s Ward honored--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle

News On The Horizon 1/9/2012

2012-01-09T09:39:00.000-06:00

Clash WITH The Titans--The Mid-Majority
Khyle Marshall is Runner-Up for the StatSheet Horizon Sixth Man of the Week - January 9th, 2012--Butler Blue Fever

Utah Jazz: Gordon Hayward, Raja Bell begin to break out of funk--Deseret News
Utah Jazz players aren't frustrated with unpredictable minutes--Deseret News

Some might prefer to see Corbin go with a youth movement, build for the future, throw in the Junior Jazz guys and let them grow on the court, lose or win. That fan faction might not even mind calling it a rebuilding season so long as the bulk of the minutes go to the lottery picks. Just let it roll with Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors , Enes Kanter and Burks.
...
The addition of explosive scorer Josh Howard is one factor, and young wings Hayward and Burks are earning their keep.

Jazz notes: After speaking out, Utah’s Raja Bell produces--Salt Lake Tribune

Unleashing his best performance of the season during the Jazz’s 88-87 road victory against the Golden State Warriors, Utah’s veteran shooting guard said everything from an increased offensive tempo to consistent touches helped bring him and Gordon Hayward to life.

Bell recorded a season-high nine points on 3-of-6 shooting, while Hayward poured in a season- and team-high 18 points while going 6 of 11 from the field. The duo combined for three made 3-pointers, and their 27 points represented nearly half of the scoring production from the Jazz’s starting five (57 points).

Utah Jazz’s Gordon Hayward moves closer to next step--Salt Lake Tribune
Butler Vs. Detroit Final Score: Bulldogs Can't Catch Titans On The Road, Lose 76-65--SB Nation Indiana
The Morning After Recap: Monday, January 9--Searching for Billy Edelin

Who Lost it Worst

Butler - Okay, this is starting to get painful. The Bulldogs dropped their second Horizon League game in five chances on Sunday, moving to a frustrating 9-8 on the year. Once a perfect blend of offensive and defensive efficiency, Brad Stevens' team is now one of the worst three-point and free throw shooting units in college basketball. Has the bottom already fallen out, or could things *gasp* get worse?

Non-Conference Opponents’ Update: January 9--Hammer and Rails

Of course, there were some bad things that happened as well:
...
Butler lost at Detroit - Butler is in danger of slipping under the 100 barrier, but they can take a huge step forward this weekend.
...
Butler Bulldogs - 9-8, 3-2 Horizon League, RPI: 98 - If Butler is going to win the Horizon League regular season title they need a home sweep this weekend. Cleveland State and Youngstown State, both of whom are 4-1 in conference play, come to Hinkle Fieldhouse on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Right now, Cleveland State is the best hope for making this a multi-bid league at 14-3 overall. They are a legitimately tough team, but Butler can still have a say by winning the conference. If they do, they would host the tourney at Hinkle and only need two wins to reach the NCAAs. Their loss to Detroit on Sunday hurts, as it broke a four game winning streak.

Detroit rolls over Butler 76-65--The Indy Star
Bulldogs rocked at start, can't recover--The Indy Star
Never too early for a crisis, right?--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler vs Detroit: Recap Notes--Butler Blue Fever
Butler Falls To Detroit, 76-65--Butler Blue Fever
DETROIT 76, BUTLER 65--THE unOFFICIAL BUTLER BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
Hot-Shooting Detroit Defeats Butler, 76-65--ButlerSports.com
2012 Community Day - Feb. 4 vs. Detroit--ButlerSports.com

Devin Brierly Interview: 1070 The Fan--ButlerSports.com

Miami Heat now in a zone against zone defense--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Cole's miscues

With Chalmers ailing and in foul trouble Saturday, it opened the door for rookie Norris Cole to play 31 minutes. It was an uneven showing, with the first-round pick 4 of 13 from the field, with six assists, two turnovers and five fouls. After committing 11 turnovers in the first six games, he now has 12 in the last three. "I don't want to confuse him too much," Spoelstra said. "I don't want his mind heavy. I want him to change the pace when he's in there. He will catch up on a lot of the details.

"He's spending a lot of time watching film and studying up with our system and where his looks are. But during the game, I want him playing with a free mind."

Marlin Mason a wild-card boost for Cleveland State: NE Ohio College Basketball Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Press release: Vikings to Host Green Bay at 8:00 p.m. on ESPNU on Jan. 20--Cleveland State Hoops
Vikings to Host Green Bay at 8:00 p.m. on ESPNU on Jan. 20--csuvikings.com

Detroit Mercy 76, Butler 65: Titans end 10-game losing streak against Bulldogs--The Detroit Free Press
Detroit Mercy finds its stride in win--The Detroit News
On this day 12 years ago - Jan 08, 2000--Titans Update
Butler vs Detroit: Recap Notes--Titans Update
Detroit Gets Win Over Butler, 76-65--Titans Update
Titans Rout Two-time NCAA Finalist Butler, 76-65--detroittitans.com

Brown Earns HL Co-Player Of The Week--detroittitans.com

On this day 15 years ago - Jan 08, 1997--LU Wolf Ball

A final thought on UWM's game-winner--UWGB Basketball

Record Performance Earns Wojta Co-Player of the Week Accolades--uwgbathletics.com
Green Bay Makes Biggest Jump in AP Top 25 Poll--uwgbathletics.com

Where do we stand?--PantherU
Salute!!! --Milwaukee Panther Tracks
MBB Notebook: Panther Sports Report Debuts Tonight--uwmpanthers.com

Lindsay Laur Signs In Australia, Adds Sports 32 TV Duties--uwmpanthers.com

Crusaders go cold in loss to Raiders--The Post-Tribune
Mutka: Reflecting on the year that was--The Post-Tribune

Got those post-Christmas blahs? Me, too.

Dodging crazed people wildly driving in and out of mall lots with vacant looks in their eyes helps me understand why bears go into hibernation when the weather turns chilly.

It’s like Black Friday extended for two weeks. Scary stuff, boys and girls. Now you know why some folks prefer Christmas spirits to spirit.

Now that I’ve got that out of my system, lets move on to a more cheerful topic — like my favorite sports memories of 2011.

In no particular order ...
...
When veteran Greg Kampe brought Oakland to the ARC recently, he became the first coach to match wits with all three members of Valparaiso’s Drew family.

After Reggie Hamilton helped him celebrate with 41 points, including a game-winning, buzzer-beating basket, he yearned for the good old days when the schools were Mid-Continent Conference rivals.

My memory might be a little rusty, but Hamilton’s heroics were the most spectacular I’ve witnessed since the ARC replaced Hilltop Gym as VU’s venue of choice.
...
Bryce Drew became the third member of the family to coach at Valparaiso when the Crusaders opened with exhibition victories over Hillsdale and Augustana. He was preceded by his brother, Scott, who cleansed and revived a corrupted Baylor program, and his father, Homer, keeping VU in the basketball family since 1988.
...
Butler’s Bulldogs were considered one-year wonders, but stunned the NCAA by reaching the final game for the second straight season. In the same year, not the same season, Valparaiso has defeated the Horizon League powerhouse twice.

Butler is currently laboring with a 6-7 record, but I’m not going to make the mistake of writing them off again. Their rugged non-conference schedule, which includes victories over Purdue and Stanford, should make the Horizon League schedule a picnic.
...
Injuries and the unexpected departure of star Mallory Ladd have reduced Valparaiso University’s women to a near-empty bench. Ashley Varner, one of only four Crusaders who played in every game, is rising to the occasion.

She prevailed with double-doubles in successive victories over Ball State and Eastern Illinois. The Crusaders were down to six players in one game. Varner contributed 37 points and 23 rebounds to the victories.

Sluggish Crusaders can't close against Wright State--The NWI Times
Valparaiso vs Wright State: Recap Notes--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso Beaten By Wright State, 73-55--Valpo Daily
Horizon League PPS and other Stat Leaders--Section EE
Valpo Men Fall at Wright State--valpoathletics.com

Battle inspires key WSU win--Dayton Daily News
Mays uses scoring burst to help WSU--Dayton Daily News
WSU's Mays again honored by HL--Dayton Daily News
Wright State cools Valparaiso, league’s highest-scoring team, to win 73-55--Wright State University Sports
Wright State junior named Horizon League co-player of the week for second time--Wright State University Sports
Wright State Focus: Just how good can Julius Mays be?--Wright State University Sports
Just call me “Svenjolly”--Through the Arch
Battle and Mays Lead WSU Past Valpo 73-55--RaiderRoundball.com
Valparaiso vs Wright State: Recap Notes--Rowdy Review
Wright State Gets the Win Over Valparaiso, 73-55--Rowdy Review
Men Pull Away for 73-55 Win Over Valparaiso--wsuraiders.com
Mays Named HL Co-Player of the Week--wsuraiders.com
Mays Nominated For GEICO Play Of The Year--wsuraiders.com

Wright State women alone in first place in the Horizon League after Saturday win--Wright State University Sports
Sandifer National High-Major Player of the Week--Wright State University Sports

Ward named player of the week--Youngstown Vindicator
Senior Ashen Ward Named Horizon League Co-Player of the Week--ysusports.com

Detroit, Wright State Close Weekend with Dominant Wins--Horizon League Network
Mays' Buzzer-Beater Versus Idaho Nominated as GEICO Play of the Year--Horizon League Network
WSU's Mays, YSU's Ward Share Men's Basketball Player of the Week Accolades--Horizon League Network

Green Bay's Julie Wojta and Detroit's Shareta Brown Named Women's Co-Basketball Players of the Week--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/8/2012

2012-01-08T09:08:00.000-06:00

Come Into My Pretty, Pretty Pain Cave--The Mid-Majority
Cleveland State Vikings Use Barrage of Outside Shooting To Defeat Loyola Ramblers 69-48--Hoopville

Utah Jazz trail at Golden State at halftime, 46-45--Deseret News

Gordon Hayward seems to have refound the stroke and offensive prowess he showed at the end of his rookie season. The starting small forward leads the Jazz with 11 points, including a 2-for-2 showing from beyond the arc.
...
The first quarter was arguably the best of the young season for Utah, who stormed to a 13-4 lead after Raja Bell hit a pair of jumpers, Jefferson scored six points and Hayward drilled a 3-pointer.

Utah Jazz edge Golden State Warriors 88-87 for first road win--Deseret News
Utah Jazz vs. Golden State Warriors: Report card--Deseret News

Forwards: Gordon Hayward had a line that Andrei Kirilenko would be proud of, scoring 17 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing four assists. Paul Millsap struggled in 22 minutes, going 4-12 from the floor for nine points while notching just four rebounds. Derrick Favors made up for Millsap's play a bit by giving a 12-point, 10-rebound line in 26 minutes. Fans must be happy with the developing steady play of Josh Howard, who contributed nine points in 25 minutes. However, the Jazz certainly could use his length for rebounding help, and he had zero. Curiously, C.J. Miles played just four minutes and managed to throw up three shot attempts in that time, making none. David Lee did give the Utah forwards some problems, scoring 13 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Grade: B

Utah Jazz vs. Golden State Warriors: Instant analysis--Deseret News
NBA: Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson hopes to avoid late-season fade--Salt Lake Tribune

In rhythm

Just because forward Gordon Hayward’s shot was off through Utah’s first seven games didn’t mean Corbin wanted the 21-year-old to stop firing away.

Hayward entered the Golden State contest shooting 40.8 percent from the field and just 22.2 percent behind the 3-point line. He was taking shots in rhythm and playing within the Jazz’s offense, though, and Corbin’s willing to trade early misses for long-term confidence.

“He’s taking the right shots, which is the most important thing,” Corbin said.

Hayward responded by scoring 11 first-half points on 4-of-6 shooting against the Warriors, while hitting both of his 3-point attempts.

Utah Jazz beat Golden State Warriors 88-87 for first road win--Salt Lake Tribune
Butler must win to stay in first--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler rides into Detroit on upswing--Victory Firelight
BUTLER 63, WRIGHT STATE 62--THE unOFFICIAL BUTLER BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
Bulldogs Close Road Swing At Detroit--ButlerSports.com

Butler Pulls Away From Cleveland State--ButlerSports.com

Miami Heat rookies Norris Cole, Terrel Harris take advantage of playing time--Miami Herald
LeBron James leads Miami Heat in win over New Jersey Nets--Miami Herald

A three-pointer by Williams cut the Heat’s lead to 11 points with 4:27 left in the third quarter, but Shane Battier and Norris Cole answered with back-to-back threes. The Heat led 78-64 to begin the fourth quarter amid perhaps the quietest sellout crowd in NBA history.

For a while, cheers for the Heat (and especially James) grew louder than for the home team. James drilled a turnaround 15-footer from the baseline with 5:59 left in the game to put the Heat ahead by 16.

Udonis Haslem had 12 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Cole had nine points and six assists in 30 minutes. Mario Chalmers was limited to less than 19 minutes due to foul trouble but still had seven points and seven assists.

Depth, not starpower, is paying off for Cleveland State basketball: Terry Pluto--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Healthy Trevon Harmon gives Loyola a headache as Cleveland State rolls, 69-48--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State 69, Loyola of Chicago 48--Cleveland State Hoops
Loyola (Chicago) vs Cleveland State: Recap Notes--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State Gets Huge Win Over Loyola (Chicago), 69-48--Vikings Ball
Postgame Notes from 1/7/12 win over Loyola--csuvikings.com
Postgame Quotes from CSU win over Loyola on Jan. 7--csuvikings.com
Harmon Hits Career-High Six Three's In 69-48 Win Over Loyola--csuvikings.com

Vikings Fall At Butler, 67-43--csuvikings.com

RED OUT Sunday as Butler Heads to Motor City--detroittitans.com

Brown's 31 Helps Titans Roar Past Loyola, 76-66--detroittitans.com

UIC vs Youngstown State: Recap Notes--Flame Fanatic
Youngstown State Crushes UIC, 71-50--Flame Fanatic
Men's Basketball Falls at Youngstown State, 71-50--uicflames.com

Flames Drop Heartbreaker to League-Leading Wright State, 62-60--uicflames.com

Loyola drops 4th straight, loses to Cleveland State 69-48--The Chicago Tribune
Loyola (Chicago) vs Cleveland State: Recap Notes--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola (Chicago) Sinking After 69-48 Beatdown By Cleveland State--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola Falls At Cleveland State, 69-48--LoyolaRamblers.com

Detroit Holds Off Loyola, 76-66--LoyolaRamblers.com

Women's basketball: Wojta has record day as UWGB dominates UWM, 88-53--Green Bay Press Gazette
Wojta Dominates with Program Record 12 Steals in 88-53 win--uwgbathletics.com

Men's basketball: UWM sinks last-second 3, foils UWGB--Green Bay Press Gazette
Game #15: UWGB at UWM (live updates)--UWGB Basketball
Green Bay vs Milwaukee: Recap Notes--Phoenix Fever
Milwaukee Gets Close Win Over Green Bay, 64-63--Phoenix Fever
Buzzer Beater Sinks Green Bay's Attempt for Big League Win--uwgbathletics.com

Wojta dominates as Phoenix cruise past Panthers--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wojta Leads No. 17/14 Green Bay Past Milwaukee Women--uwmpanthers.com

Williams beats buzzer to lift Panthers over Phoenix--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Well that was fun--PantherU
Green Bay vs Milwaukee: Recap Notes--UWM Update
Milwaukee Wins Close One, 64-63 Over Green Bay--UWM Update
Postgame Report - Green Bay at Milwaukee--Panther Blog Zone
Williams' Three Beats Buzzer To Send Panthers Past Phoenix--uwmpanthers.com

Pens rally past Crusaders--The Post-Tribune
More of the same in loss for VU women's basketball--The NWI Times
Live from the ARC: Valparaiso vs. Youngstown St. (WBB)--Inside VU Sports
Valpo Falls Short Versus Youngstown State--valpoathletics.com

VU men making a habit of playing close games--The Post-Tribune
Hutton: Bartow made friends every step of the way--The Post-Tribune
Crusaders are getting used to close games--The NWI Times

WSU continues to play tough in close finishes--Dayton Daily News
Preview: Wright State vs. Valparaiso--Dayton Daily News
Raiders Drop Heartbreaker to Butler 63-62--RaiderRoundball.com

Women Hold On for 62-60 Win at UIC--wsuraiders.com

YSU women beat Valpo for 8th victory--Youngstown Vindicator
Middlebrooks Leads Penguins to 55-48 Win at Valpo--ysusports.com

YSU men start hot, douse Flames--Youngstown Vindicator
YSU rolling--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
UIC vs Youngstown State: Recap Notes--Guin Report
Youngstown State Gets Blowout Win Over UIC, 71-50--Guin Report
Quick Starts to Both Halves Ignite Penguins Past Flames, 71-50--ysusports.com

Williams' Buzzer-Beating Three Caps Saturday Action in Men's Basketball--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/7/2012

2012-01-07T11:55:00.004-06:00

Jazz showing glimpses of a promising season and future--Deseret News

Second-year forward Gordon Hayward pointed at Utah's improved defense as the biggest factor in helping the team turn things around. But he also cautioned that, although the Jazz seem to have shaken off their slow start to the season, it's still much too soon to make too much of their recent resurgence.

"Defensively, we definitely have picked that up for sure," Hayward said. "We still have a long ways to go and a lot of work to do, but it's improved for sure.

"Winning puts a smile on everybody's face for sure, but I think we know, though, that it's a long season and we can't get too high on the highs or too low on the lows."
...
Veteran swingman Josh Howard cited three reasons for Utah's improved marksmanship.

"Getting closer to the paint, getting closer to the basket and executing the offense a whole lot better — those three things have really gotten better," Howard said. "... Guys are still learning the offensive plays and offensive rotations, so as long as we keep working on it, it'll keep getting better each game."

And Hayward said he thinks Utah's improved performance on the defensive end is paying off on offense as well.

"If you play good defense, it kind of gets you in a rhythm offensively," he said. "You're able to run a little bit more and get some easy buckets.

Sometimes whenever you get a couple of layups or free throws to get you going offensively, you're able to knock down more shots."
...
ROTATION MOTIVATION: Corbin has admittedly juggled his substitution pattern depending on his "feel" for how the game is going, how his players are performing on a given night and what matchups he likes or dislikes on the court.

It's far from an exact science, and though the Jazz coach says he'll likely get into more of a set rotation with players' minutes as the season progresses, Hayward said Corbin's current way of doing things helps keep everybody on their toes.

"You've just got to be ready whenever he calls your name," Hayward said.

"You've got to be ready to go in there and make plays and do whatever you can to help the team win. I don't think you can worry about that (rotation)."

Utah Jazz: Report card against Memphis Grizzlies--Deseret News

FORWARDS: Paul Millsap suddenly can't miss. He went 7-for-9 from the field and has made 13 of 16 attempts in Utah's last two games. Gordon Hayward started slowly, but his dunk past Marc Gasol in the fourth quarter put the Jazz up 80-73 and deflated the Grizzlies. Grade: A-

Utah Jazz: Burks fine with 'rockin' a new pink backpack--Deseret News

The two happiest guys in the locker room during this scene might've been Gordon Hayward and Jeremy Evans, second-year players who no longer have to sport their old pink backpacks.

As Hayward left the locker room, he made a point to tell Burks: "See ya, Rook."

Utah Jazz: 'Bench Brigade' helps propel win over Grizzlies--Deseret News

"I came back here because of the young guys," said Watson, who at the ripe old age of 32 is one of this young team's elder statesman. "I'm real excited about the young guys — (Derrick) Favors, Gordon (Hayward) and Jeremy (Evans) — and the team and the chemistry, all the players on this team, even the young guys who think they're old, they're still younger than me.

Youth brigade brings fresh legs--Salt Lake Tribune
College Basketball: Butler Hangs On For Tough Road Win Over Wright State--SB Nation Indiana
Butler takes Wright State 63-62 in nailbiter--The Indy Star
Butler's Smith makes difference in win over Wright State--The Indy Star
In good hands with the old hands--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler vs Wright State: Recap Notes--Butler Blue Fever
Butler Slips By Wright State, 63-62--Butler Blue Fever
Butler continues win streak in win over Wright State--Bark of Hinkle
Bulldogs Make Clutch Plays To Beat Wright State--ButlerSports.com

Preview capsules for today's men's and women's college basketball games--Cleveland Plain Dealer

Cleveland State vs. Loyola

Tipoff: 2 p.m. at the Wolstein Center.

Radio: WHK AM/1220.

Notable: For CSU (13-3, 3-1 Horizon League), an infusion of youth into the lineup has offset the temporary loss of guard Trevon Harmon (concussion) and the season-long loss of guard Sebastian Douglas (knee). Freshman point guard Charlie Lee played well in his first start, and freshman swingman Marlin Mason was solid in his first action of the season. Now it must continue. Loyola (5-10, 0-5) is the only team winless in HL play. The Vikings end this three-game homestand with surging league power Butler and Valparaiso next up, both on the road.

Next for CSU: Friday, at Butler, 7 p.m.
...
Women

Cleveland State at Butler

Tipoff: 2 p.m. at Hinkle Field House, Indianapolis.

Notable: CSU (6-7, 1-1 HL) plays its third straight on the road, taking on the Bulldogs (5-9, 1-2).

Next for CSU: Thursday, vs. Illinois-Chicago, 7 p.m.

College hoops roundup: Valparaiso beats Detroit Mercy at buzzer--The Detroit Free Press
UDM falls to Valparaiso as time expires--The Detroit News
Valparaiso vs Detroit: Recap Notes--Titans Update
Valparaiso Gets By Detroit, 73-71--Titans Update
Detroit (7-10) Squares Off With Butler (9-7)--Titans Update
Crusaders escape with win--Varsity Press
Buzzer-Beating Layup Downs Titans, 73-71--detroittitans.com

Women's basketball: UWGB vs. UW-Milwaukee preview--Green Bay Press Gazette

Men's basketball: UWGB striving to knock down the 3--Green Bay Press Gazette

Valparaiso 73, Detroit 71--Off The Mark
Buggs goes coast-to-coast for VU men's win--The NWI Times
Valparaiso vs Detroit: Recap Notes--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso Escapes Detroit, 73-71--Valpo Daily
Valparaiso (10-6) Takes On Wright State (8-9)--Valpo Daily
Buggs’ Buzzer-Beater Lifts Valpo Over Detroit--valpoathletics.com

Live from the ARC: Valparaiso vs. Cleveland State (WBB)--Region Sports Extra

WSU falls to Butler after back and forth game--Dayton Daily News
WSU's Mpondo continues  to find success inside--Dayton Daily News
WSU's Mays making name for himself--Dayton Daily News
Two 3-pointers from Butler center sink Wright State in 63-62 loss--Wright State University Sports
Wright State facing heart-thumping league finishes in final seconds--Wright State University Sports
WSU’s Julius Mays: “He’s good … He’s real good.”--Through the Arch
College roundup: Wright State men lose heartbreaker to Butler--Fairborn Daily Herald
Butler vs Wright State: Recap Notes--Rowdy Review
Butler Wins Close One, 63-62 Over Wright State--Rowdy Review
Wright State (8-9) Goes Up Against Valparaiso (10-6)--Rowdy Review
Men Drop 63-62 Heartbreaker to Butler--wsuraiders.com

Penguins look to stay hot against Flames--Youngstown Vindicator

Butler, Valpo Emerge in Friday Night Thrillers--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/6/2012

2012-01-06T10:30:00.006-06:00

What a Wonderful World This Would Be--The Mid-Majority
Lead Pipe Lock Second Half Predictions--Rush The Court

Butler will participate in the NIT- Butler must win the Horizon League tournament to punch their ticket. Victories over possible NCAA teams Purdue (neutral) and Stanford (road) are solid, but with bad losses to Evansville and Ball State, their non-league portfolio is not sufficient for an at-large berth. Just like last season, I expect Butler to travel to Milwaukee for the league title game. This time, the Panthers come out on top and deny the Bulldogs a chance to make another late March run. As anyone that watched Butler edge Milwaukee 54-50 at Hinkle last weekend can attest, the Panthers defend at just as high a level as the Bulldogs and, along with Cleveland State, are more than capable of toppling the Horizon League superpower. This is as flawed a Butler team as Stevens has assembled with freshmen lining his rotation and not a single double-digit scorer on the roster. Butler ranks near the bottom of the country in both three-point and free throw shooting percentage.

Men's Basketball Games of the Weekend 1/6 - 1/8--College Sports Madness

GREEN BAY at MILWAUKEE (8 p.m. Saturday at US Cellular Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Another Horizon League game with implications toward the conference, this in-state matchup has Green Bay (6-8, 2-2) and its low-scoring offense going up against Milwaukee. The Phoenix picked up 21 points and 11 rebounds from Alec Brown in a 90-87 loss to Valparaiso, the team’s fourth loss in the last six games. Milwaukee (10-6, 3-1) got off to an 8-1 start before dropping five of its last seven games, including back-to-back losses against Butler and Western Michigan. Seven teams are bunched at the top within one game of each other, and a Milwaukee win would thin the ranks at the top a bit. If Green Bay wins, the standings become muddier.

The NC-Double-Eh Schedule - Jan. 6--Raptors HQ

8:00pm Valparaiso @ Detroit - Detroit is a team that looks really good on paper but just hasn't been able to put it together on the floor for more wins. Jason Calliste had been a starter since day one and has been steady playing in the shadows of guards Chase Simon and Ray McCallum. Calliste is capable of scoring outburst so watch out for him tonight.

Al Jefferson helps Utah Jazz defeat Memphis Grizzlies, 94-85--Salt Lake Tribune

The fourth: Jazz 94, Grizzlies 85

The Jazz own a one-point lead when Paul Millsap sparks a 9-0 run. It’s 78-68 with six minutes remaining and Gordon Hayward’s drive-and-dunk stops the Grizzlies’ best attempt to rally.

Men's college basketball preview: Butler at Wright State--The Indy Star
Butler: Marshall stays ready as minutes decline--The Indy Star
A quick look: Butler faces Wright State--Victory Firelight
On this day 11 years ago - Jan 06, 2001--Butler Blue Fever

Bulldogs Shoot Past Youngstown State 73-64--ButlerSports.com
Bulldogs Host Cleveland State Saturday Afternoon--ButlerSports.com

Miami Heat’s supporting cast steps up in win over Atlanta Hawks--Miami Herald

Little-used Dexter Pittman even scored five points and had three rebounds in his 12 minutes. And Norris Cole chipped in nine points of his own.

In all, the numbers weren’t much different, with nine players getting at least 12 minutes.

But those minutes were spread out among a group of role players that played their role well. The Heat got 37 points and 28 rebounds from its four main bench players — Harris, Haslem, Cole and Pittman.

Miami Heat guard Chalmers’ growth hard to miss--Miami Herald

So effective was Chalmers that he played every minute of each overtime period. That’s no small thing considering the rise of rookie point guard Norris Cole. Cole has been useful in the Heat’s transition offense, but Thursday’s game was the kind of grind-it-out affair that only Chalmers was prepared to handle.

Freshman trades redshirt for a green and white jersey: CSU Insider--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State starts fast, breezes past Illinois-Chicago, 73-56--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Trey Harmon to Miss One or Two Games--Cleveland State Hoops
Sebastian Douglas Out For the Year With Torn MCL--Cleveland State Hoops
Viking Notes: STO to Televise Saturday's Cleveland State-Loyola Game--Cleveland State Hoops
UIC vs Cleveland State: Recap Notes--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State Tops UIC, 73-56--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State (13-3) vs. Loyola (Chicago) (5-10)--Vikings Ball
Postgame Notes--csuvikings.com
Postgame Quotes--csuvikings.com
Vikings Make 11 Three's in 73-56 Win Over UIC--csuvikings.com
Vikings Conclude Homestand Against Loyola--csuvikings.com

Coleman And Winton Lead CSU Over Valparaiso, 49-45--csuvikings.com
Vikings Close Out Road Swing At Butler--csuvikings.com

Titans Fall At UIC In Physical Affair--detroittitans.com
Detroit Set For Jesuit Showdown With Loyola--detroittitans.com

Cleveland ST. rolls over UIC--The Chicago Tribune
Saturday's matchup: UIC at Youngstown State--The Chicago Tribune
Flames smothered in Cleveland--Whoosh!Net
UIC vs Cleveland State: Recap Notes--Flame Fanatic
UIC Beaten By Cleveland State, 73-56--Flame Fanatic
UIC (5-10) Takes On Youngstown State (8-6)--Flame Fanatic
Cleveland State Defeats Men's Basketball, 73-56--uicflames.com
Flames Wrap Up Road Swing at Youngstown State Saturday--uicflames.com

Flames Capture League Win Over Detroit, 66-59--uicflames.com
Flames Welcome League-Leading Wright State to UIC Pavilion on Saturday--uicflames.com

Loyola loses 68-64 to Youngstown State--The Chicago Tribune
Saturday's matchup: Loyola at Cleveland State--The Chicago Tribune
Loyola (Chicago) vs Youngstown State: Recap Notes--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola (Chicago) Beaten By Youngstown State in Overtime, 68-64--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola (Chicago) (5-10) Squares Off With Cleveland State (13-3)--LU Wolf Ball
Loyola Drops Heartbreaker In Overtime, 68-64, At Youngstown State--LoyolaRamblers.com
Loyola Visits Cleveland State For Saturday Matinee--LoyolaRamblers.com

Wright State's Late Rally Stuns Loyola, 64-62--LoyolaRamblers.com
Loyola Aims To Bounce Back Against Detroit--LoyolaRamblers.com

Men's basketball: UWGB adds shooter for 2012-13--Green Bay Press Gazette
UWGB lands intriguing transfer--UWGB Basketball
Matt Hill's condition improving--UWGB Basketball
Green Bay (6-8) and Milwaukee (10-6) Square Off--Phoenix Fever
Green Bay Looks to Nab Road Win Saturday at Milwaukee--uwgbathletics.com

Women's basketball: Snub doesn't faze UWGB's Julie Wojta--Green Bay Press Gazette
Phoenix Tips off Horizon League Road Play at Milwaukee--uwgbathletics.com

Panthers attempt to balance their act--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee (10-6) and Green Bay (6-8) Face Off--UWM Update
Video: Panthers Look Toward Saturday Night Matchup With Green Bay--uwmpanthers.com

Video: Pair Of Freshmen Sit Down For Q&A Session--uwmpanthers.com

Valpo women fall short against Cleveland State--The Post-Tribune
Poor offense costs Valparaiso against Vikings--The NWI Times
What's up with Ieva Jansone and the Crusaders--Inside VU Sports
Cleveland State Defeats Valpo Thursday at the ARC--valpoathletics.com
Crusaders and Penguins to Meet Saturday at the ARC--valpoathletics.com

Valparaiso plays 6 of next 8 away from ARC--The Post-Tribune

WSU women's basketball undefeated in league--Dayton Daily News
Wright State women overcome 15-point deficit in taking over 1st place--Wright State University Sports
Women Rally for 64-62 Win at Loyola--wsuraiders.com

ESPN voice thinks Horizon League should be 2-bid league--Dayton Daily News
WSU enters key stretch with 4 straight wins--Dayton Daily News
Preview: Wright State vs. Butler--Dayton Daily News
After finding stability, Wright State will have to adjust--Dayton Daily News
Game 17 Preview: Butler (8-7, 2-1) at Wright State (8-8, 3-1)--Wright State University Sports

Butler’s strong finish defeats YSU women--Youngstown Vindicator
Butler Ends Strong to Beat Women's Basketball, 73-64--ysusports.com
Women's Basketball Hopes to Bounce Back at Valpo on Saturday--ysusports.com

YSU tops Loyola in OT for 1,000th men’s basketball win--Youngstown Vindicator
YSU’s milestone victory--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Loyola (Chicago) vs Youngstown State: Recap Notes--Guin Report
Youngstown State Beats Loyola (Chicago) in Overtime, 68-64--Guin Report
Youngstown State (8-6) Takes On UIC (5-10)--Guin Report
Penguins Need Overtime, But Outlast Loyola 68-64 in Nailbiter--ysusports.com
Men's Basketball Seeks Best Start Since 2000-01; Host UIC Saturday--ysusports.com

Cleveland State, Youngstown State Crowd Top of League Ladder with Wins--Horizon League Network
Loyola-CSU Game of the Week, ESPN Games Highlight Weekend--Horizon League Network
McCallum Among 20 Finalists for Cousy Award--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 1/5/2012

2012-01-04T23:28:00.004-06:00

The NC-Double-Eh Schedule - Jan. 5--Raptors HQ

And here is where the ladies are playing today ...
...
8:00pm Detroit @ Illinois-Chicago
...
8:05pm Cleveland State @ Valparaiso - Cleveland State's Takima Keane is a scoring and passing threat averaging 11.8 points and 2.8 assists this season and should be looking for her shot and any dimes tonight.

Questions surround Raja Bell’s ‘situation’ with Jazz--Salt Lake Tribune

Bell’s diminished standing and role on a team balancing the promise of youth with a desire to remain competitive are among the main issues.

He is the only Utah player besides Devin Harris and Gordon Hayward to start all six games, but his minutes have been severely limited and he’s often been left out of the Jazz’s offense.

Bell ranks 11th out of 13 Utah players in average scoring (2.3) and 10th in field-goal attempts (3.8), despite being the team’s starting shooting guard.

After starting 63 games and averaging 30.8 minutes last season, Bell’s averaged just 18.5 this year. He played only 13 minutes Tuesday during Utah’s home win against Milwaukee, seeing less court time than 20-year-old rookie Alec Burks (28 minutes) and the 21-year-old Hayward (25).
...
Leader needed

Harris said a Jazz team still without an elected captain needs Bell’s leadership and experience.

Last season, Bell rivaled Williams as Utah’s most active on-the-court guide. This year, Bell’s still been engaged, offering in-game coaching and supporting his teammates. Even obvious moments of public frustration have been offset by his mentor role with young players such as Jeremy Evans, Hayward and Burks.

Monson: Ty Corbin must head off a potential Jazz rebellion--Salt Lake Tribune

The Jazz have four young lottery picks on their roster — Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Alec Burks — who have to be brought along sooner rather than later. Thanks to a flawed system, a system that was left unfixed in the recent labor negotiations, wherein clubs can lose their drafted talent in relative short order on account of free agency, the Jazz are on the clock with their young core.

Kragthorpe: Jazz trying to figure out who they are--Salt Lake Tribune

Amid the flashes of goodness that second-year-players Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors and rookies Enes Kanter and Alec Burks have shown, it is too soon to write off this season, give them major minutes every night and look forward to the draft lottery.

Wizards hold players-only meeting--Washington Post

Blatche was referring especially to the rookies and his younger teammates. The Wizards have seven players 23 years or younger, including rookies Jan Vesely, the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft, Chris Singleton and Shelvin Mack. Jordan Crawford, 23, was among the most despondent players in the locker room following Wednesday’s loss to the Magic, which put on an exhibition of team basketball the Wizards would be delighted to match.

Hopkins emerges by changing approach--Victory Firelight
Butler Back at Top in New Horizon League Power Rankings--Bark of Hinkle
Know the Opponent: Wright State--Bark of Hinkle

Bulldogs Host Youngstown State Thursday Night--ButlerSports.com

LeBron James makes up for Dwyane Wade’s absence, leads Miami Heat to win--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Chris Bosh scored 22 points for his fourth game this season of at least 20 points. Mario Chalmers had 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 2 of 5 from three-point range. Norris Cole finished with 10 points off the bench and Udonis Haslem had eight points and 10 rebounds. Center Roy Hibbert led the Pacers with 16 points but Danny Granger was 2 of 13 from the field and 1of 7 from three-point range.James finally took his seat on the bench with 5:13 left in the game after a floating one-handed jumper by Cole gave the Heat a 35-point lead. Bosh didn’t leave the game until 4:45 remained in the game. The Heat finished the game with Cole, Dexter Pittman, Juwan Howard, Terrel Harris and Chalmers.Miami outscored Indiana 30-17 in the fourth quarter, which featured a flurry of highlights from the home team. Most notably was an alley-oop from Cole to James over the outstretched hand of a Pacers defender. James elevated high above the play and slammed down a dunk with his left hand.

Horizon League midseason overview: If Cleveland State is the bell cow, herd is right behind--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Oregon State's Chris Brown to Transfer to Cleveland State--Cleveland State Hoops
Cleveland State (12-3) Goes Up Against UIC (5-9)--Vikings Ball
Vikings Continue Homestand Against UIC--csuvikings.com

BLOG: Journey to Iceland--csuvikings.com

Cousy Award Finalists Announced: Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor Still On the List--Rush The Court
Detroit (7-9) Faces Valparaiso (9-6)--Titans Update
Crusaders Invade Calihan Friday on ESPN3--detroittitans.com

Thursday's matchup: UIC at Cleveland State--The Chicago Tribune
Flames Head to Cleveland State Eyeing Second Horizon League Win--uicflames.com
CSU, YSU Pre-Game Coverage: Listen to the XFinity Howard Moore Podcast!--uicflames.com

Flames Host Detroit on Thursday at 7 p.m.--uicflames.com

Thursday's matchup: Loyola at Youngstown State--The Chicago Tribune
Loyola To Host Backcourt Club Event Prior To UIC Game January 14--LoyolaRamblers.com

Loyola Opens Homestand With Wright State--LoyolaRamblers.com

UWGB lands intriguing transfer--UWGB Basketball
Cole Stefan Joins Green Bay Men's Basketball Team--uwgbathletics.com

Wojta Considered Smallest Giant in Women's Basketball--uwgbathletics.com

Fans get to vote for #HLMBB television game--PantherU
Cousy Award becomes irrelevant #HLMBB--PantherU
On this day 6 years ago - Jan 05, 2006--UWM Update
All (Shots) Quiet on the Western Front--Milwaukee Panther Tracks
First-Place Panthers Back Home To Face Green Bay--uwmpanthers.com

"Sandy Botham Show" Set To Air This Week--Panther Blog Zone
UWM Opens 2012 With Nationally-Ranked Green Bay--uwmpanthers.com
Video: A Conversation With Jessica Wilhite--uwmpanthers.com

VU women welcome Cleveland State--The Post-Tribune

Kenney is Valparaiso's driving force--The Post-Tribune
Catching up with... Cory Johnson--Off The Mark
12/29 Valparaiso Men's Basketball Coach Post-Game Interview--The NWI Times
12/31 Valparaiso Men's Basketball Coach Post-Game Interview--The NWI Times
Former VU, UCLA coach leaves lasting impact--The NWI Times
Crusaders searching for consistency--The NWI Times
Valparaiso (9-6) vs. Detroit (7-9)--Valpo Daily
Game Preview: Detroit--Section EE

WSU to face red-hot Butler team--Dayton Daily News
According to RPI, Green Bay played Horizon League’s toughest nonconference schedule--Wright State University Sports
Wright State (8-8) Takes On Butler (8-7)--Rowdy Review
Men’s basketball look to stay hot as rival Butler comes to town--The Guardian
Alumni to hold rally before Butler game--The Guardian

Women’s basketball off to a strong start in conference play--The Guardian

After big win, YSU moves on--Youngstown Vindicator
Vote to See the Guins on ESPNU on Jan. 20--ysusports.com
Men's Basketball Seeks Program's 1000th Win Against Loyola--ysusports.com

Women's Basketball Starts 2012 at Butler on Thursday--ysusports.com

Valparaiso Athletics Mourns the Passing of Gene Bartow--Horizon League Network
Thursday Night League Action Features Chicago vs. Northeastern Ohio--Horizon League Network