News On The Horizon 3/19/2012

Jazz surge past Golden State in overtime--Deseret News

Gordon Hayward contributed a dozen points and a half-dozen rebounds, and Devin Harris had 12 points and five assists as Utah moved its season record back to .500 (22-22) with the win.

Jazz-Warriors: Report card--Deseret News

Forwards: Paul Millsap played one of his worst offensive games of the season in regulation, but shot 3-4 in overtime as the Jazz dominated the extra five minutes. His 12 rebounds helped Utah destroy Golden State in the battle of the boards, 65-40. Josh Howard gave 24 minutes that were largely ineffective as Warrior forwards David Lee and Dorell Wright proved difficult to slow, scoring a combined 31 points on 13-25 shooting. Gordon Hayward largely picked up Howard's slack by stuffing the box score: 12 points, six rebounds and four assists. GRADE: C+

Jazz-Lakers: Report card--Deseret News

Bench: The Jazz bench out-scored the Laker reserves 36-30 behind 17 points apiece from Utah's two rookies, Kanter and Alec Burks. Burks has now scored in double figures in three of his past four games. Gordon Hayward and Jeremy Evans were hardly factors. Matt Barnes was the only Los Angeles reserve who gave Utah problems, scoring 12 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing six assists. GRADE: B+

Utah Jazz down Lakers 103-99 in youth-powered win--Salt Lake Tribune

Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, Gordon Hayward, Burks — four lottery picks from the 2010 and 2011 drafts. Four of the best young players in the NBA. Four crucial pieces in one of the Jazz’s best wins of the season — a victory Utah captured without starters Al Jefferson and Raja Bell, and with key reserve Earl Watson stuck on the bench.

Kanter added a season-high 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting for the Jazz (23-22), grabbing six rebounds and at times embarrassing Los Angeles’ weak interior defense. Favors traded his second consecutive start for 12 points and a team-high 10 boards, including five offensive rebounds. And even though Hayward was held scoreless, he ran the court at critical times and never played out of character.

Kurt Kragthorpe: Jazz should keep winning, even if it hurts--Salt Lake Tribune

The Jazz have their future in place. Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Alec Burks have done more in the past two games than I ever imagined they were capable of at this stage, and Gordon Hayward already was emerging.

The absences of Al Jefferson and Raja Bell made more playing time available to the four 21-and-under players (until Friday, when Hayward turns 22) over the weekend, and they responded. Favors’ 23-point, 17-rebound game against Golden State preceded 17-point efforts by Kanter and Burks against the Lakers, including Burks’ 13-point fourth quarter.

NBA: Utah Jazz’s young kids are more than all right--Salt Lake Tribune
Wizards vs. Grizzlies: John Wall scores 25, but Rudy Gay carries Memphis to 97-92 win--Washington Post

Shelvin Mack missed a wide open layup, but got the rebound and found Maurice Evans in the corner for a three-pointer. John Wall jumped and had his pass deflected, recovered it, then found Roger Mason Jr. in the corner for a three-pointer that put the Wizards ahead by two points.

College Basketball Invitational: Butler at Penn--The Indy Star
Progress at line has been vital--The Indy Star
On this day 2 years ago - Mar 18, 2010--Butler Blue Fever
Updated: Butler (21-14) vs. Pennsylvania (20-12)--Butler Blue Fever
Men’s basketball: Bulldogs move on in College Basketball Invitational--Butler Collegian

Women’s basketball: Team falls in first round of league tournament--Butler Collegian

Detroit Falls to Second-seeded Kansas 65-50 in Second Round--Titans Update
On this day 11 years ago - Mar 18, 2001--Titans Update
Men's Basketball Celebrates A Championship Season--detroittitans.com

Registration Still Available For Thursday's Women's Basketball Banquet--detroittitans.com

We Have Kayla Alexander and Megan Lukan Headlining the NC-Double-Eh Tournament Schedule--Raptors HQ
Women's NCAA Tournament Kingston Regional 2nd Round Breakdowns--College Sports Madness

No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 7 Green Bay (9:45 p.m. Monday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa)

This is the true definition of a neutral-court game, although the geography may slightly favor Green Bay. Kentucky (26-6), winners of the Southeastern Conference regular-season title, dropped its SEC semifinal showdown against LSU (72-61) and endured a tough contest before beating McNeese State 68-62 in the first round. McNeese State held A’dia Mathies, the SEC Player of the Year, to just six points, and no one else really stepped into the scoring role. The leading scorer, Keyla Snowden, only came up with 11 points in the victory. While Kentucky shot 25-for-63 (39.7 percent) from the field, it was only 2-for-17 (11.8 percent) from 3-point range. Kentucky lost to Notre Dame, Middle Tennessee State, LSU (twice), Tennessee and Alabama this season, but the seventh loss could come on Monday. Green Bay (31-1) won the Horizon League title and saw its lone loss come against Detroit on February 9. The Phoenix knocked out host Iowa State 71-57 in the first round as Sarah Eichler had 16 points and five assists. The Horizon League really isn’t a strong conference, but UWGB has beaten Georgetown, Marquette and Wisconsin this year. If the Phoenix can hold down Mathies, fire up the 3-point shooting (11-for-29 against Iowa State) and jump out front in a hurry, another upset is possible. Kentucky looked weak in the first round, so look for Green Bay to have a better than 50-50 shot of shocking the Wildcats.

Women's basketball: UK coach talks up UWGB--Green Bay Press Gazette
Women's basketball: Ritchie's biggest fans? Her sisters--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay in the Big Dance: Scouting Kentucky--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Michigan State 65, Saint Louis 61: Spartans advance to Sweet 16--The Detroit Free Press

Keith Appling scored 19 points and Brandon Wood and Derrrick Nix each added 10 for MSU, which advanced to its 10th Sweet 16 under coach Tom Izzo. Green also had two steals.
...
Trailing by as many as 11 points in the second half, Mitchell's three-pointer cut the lead to 45-39 with about 10 minutes. Wood pushed the lead to eight with a nice reverse layup on the baseline, but another Mitchell triple trimmed the lead to five. It was followed by an Appling jump shot with 7:20 to make it 49-42.
...
The game started a bit slowly with both offenses struggling to find footing. After jumping out to a 5-0 lead, MSU committed several turnovers and fell behind, 15-11, with about 9 minutes to go in the half. But Green three-pointer and a pick-and-roll play from Green to Adriean Payne or big dunk, followed by a steal and a Wood layup put MSU up, 18-15.

The Spartans led, 26-21, at halftime. Wood had eight points at the break. MSU held Saint Louis to just 5-for-21 (24%) shooting but the Billikens were able to stay in the game by shooting 9-for-13 from the free-throw line while MSU was only 0-for-1.

Michigan State marches on, prodded by Draymond Green--The Detroit News

"We run every play through him, so he could take it every time and try to score, but he doesn't do that," said guard Brandon Wood, who scored 10. "He tries to make the smart decision for himself or me or anybody else. We trust him with the ball in his hands."

Michigan State advances to play Louisville after ugly victory over Saint Louis--The Detroit News

Not only can the victory help in the long run, it was the latest example of the team's chemistry.

"We could have fell over and collapsed, but we stayed together and kept pushing," said Brandon Wood, who scored 10 points. "It was just staying together.

"We had each other's back and when it came to crunch time, we hit the free throws and won the game."

Michigan State off to the races with Louisville--The Detroit News

"We're looking forward to whoever," senior Brandon Wood said after Michigan State defeated Saint Louis on Sunday to reach the Sweet 16. "We're just ready for the next game. We'll get back to Lansing, relax a little bit and then get back to preparing."

Q&A: Louisville will be Michigan State's toughest test yet--The Detroit News

Q. Can the Spartans win their next two and get to New Orleans?

A. Yes, but their toughest test will come next with Louisville. Louisville puts a lot of pressure on the ball and this is where Keith Appling comes in. He has to handle that pressure with the help of Brandon Wood and (Travis) Trice.

Greg Kirby to Retire from Coaching after Six Seasons on Valpo Staff--valpoathletics.com

Women Fall to Seattle in WBI Quarterfinals--wsuraiders.com

Butler Takes on Penn in CBI Quarterfinals--Horizon League Network

Green Bay to Face Completely New Challenge in Second Round Game Against Kentucky

News On The Horizon 3/18/2012

Utah Jazz: Tyrone Corbin finding ways to get everyone on the floor--Deseret News

The general manager was referring to Utah's 21-year-and-under club of Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Alec Burks.
...
The versatile Hayward, who turns 22 next week, has flourished at times since coming off the bench and plays more minutes (27:32) than everybody but Millsap (31:24) and Jefferson (32:58).
...
Hayward (26 points) and Burks (15 points) provided a nice offensive punch off the bench Thursday to help lift the Jazz over Minnesota in overtime.

Utah Jazz notebook: Al Jefferson has advice for shorthanded Jazz--Deseret News

"I'm glad that we don't have to play Monta (Ellis) again. He's kind of killed us in both games. But they're a tough group; they've got some talented scorers, and they're right there in the (playoff) race with us," Jazz swingman Gordon Hayward said. "We need these games, we need them for sure, so we need to come out with another focused effort."

Miles, Favors in starting lineup tonight for Utah Jazz vs. Golden State Warriors--Deseret News

The move is a bit surprising considering Gordon Hayward started for the first 36 games and then returned recently to the first five when Bell was unable to go due to an injury.

"We kind of like what we get with that second group with (Hayward)," Corbin said. "We can put the ball in his hands a little bit and let C.J. take up the slack with the starting group."

Hayward is coming off of a season-high scoring performance in which he poured in 26 points off the bench in the Jazz's 111-105 overtime win Thursday against Minnesota.

Jazz Notebook: Favors, Miles get start for banged-up Jazz--Deseret News

FOR STARTERS: Favors has replaced Jefferson in the previous games the usual starting center has missed, so that was no surprise to see the second-year big open the game. Jefferson made the most of his start with career-highs of 23 points and 17 rebounds, too.

However, some eyebrows might've been raised to see Miles inserted into the starting lineup instead of Gordon Hayward to replace Bell.

Corbin wanted to add some veteran experience and keep the second unit mostly intact, so he gave Miles his first start of the season. Miles missed Thursday's game because of allergies.

Bench stepping up when called upon--Deseret News

And while C.J. Miles didn't do much (4 points, 3 steals and an assist in 17-plus minutes) filling in for injured starting shooting guard Raja Bell, who's been plagued by a strained left adductor muscle, Gordon Hayward continued his sparkplug role off the bench.

Hayward, a second-year swingman who was Utah's lottery pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, wound up with 12 points and six rebounds. He slammed down a coast-to-coast dunk that tied the game at 82 — and brought a roaring crowd to its feet — late in regulation, and he hit a huge jumper that gave Utah a 91-87 lead early in overtime.

Utah Jazz: Derrick Favors comes of age in OT win--Deseret News

Paul Millsap had 13 points and 12 rebounds. Harris and Gordon Hayward each chipped in with 12 points. Jamaal Tinsley came off the bench to provide a nice offensive punch with 13 points, while rookie Enes Kanter grabbed a baker's dozen worth of boards as Utah outrebounded Golden State 65-40.
...
Hayward made the back-to-back plays of the game from a highlight standpoint when he blocked a shot on one end and then hammered down a two-handed slam on the other end to tie it at 82-82.
...
"He had a great game," Hayward said. "I don't want to blow it up because I think it could be an every day thing for him. He's that good. We need another one of those tomorrow."

Derrick Favors powers Utah victory against Golden State in overtime--Salt Lake Tribune

Once again, Corbin called on his young core of players Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks, Enes Kanter and Favors.

Once again, they produced.

Hayward, Burks, Kanter and Favors combined for 48 points and 41 rebounds in 110 minutes.

NBA: Derrick Favors’ career night sparks Utah Jazz’s OT win--Salt Lake Tribune

By the fourth period, Favors as well as Utah’s other young players, Gordon Hayward, Alec Bucks, Jeremy Evans and Enes Kanter, provided solid minutes.

The group combined for 53 points and 46 rebounds. Overall, Utah owned the glass, outrebounding Golden State (18-24) by 25, including 20 offensive rebounds.

Butler considers change in athletic conferences--Butler Collegian
Bulldogs Face Penn At The Palestra--ButlerSports.com

NCAA Tournament Tidbits: 03.17.12 Edition--Rush The Court

Midwest Region
...
The most telling stretch of Kansas’ win over Detroit was a 34-7 run that drug over almost 16 minutes.

Bright future on the horizon for Detroit Mercy--The Detroit Free Press
Detroit Mercy successful on court and in classroom--The Detroit News

Women's basketball notebook: UWGB's Bauer snaps slump at the perfect time--Green Bay Press Gazette
Women's basketball: UWGB dominates Iowa State on its home court in NCAA opener--Green Bay Press Gazette
On this day 2 years ago - Mar 17, 2010--Phoenix Fever
Still Dancing! Green Bay Wins at Iowa State, 71-57--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Postseason Props: Bauer out of Shooting Slump, Sparks Phoenix Win--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Defensive Battle Awaits Phoenix in Second Round--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Without Butler, few options on the Horizon--PantherU

Future of Carmody and NU basketball up in air--The Chicago Tribune

Potential targets could include Ohio's John Groce, Bucknell's Dave Paulsen, Northern Iowa's Ben Jacobson and Valparaiso's Bryce Drew. Craig Robinson is a former NU assistant who has done decently at Oregon State. He's also Michele Obama's brother.

Green Bay Rides Big First Half to Opening Round Win over Iowa State--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 3/17/2012

Dogs in Heat--The Mid-Majority
Trade deadline quiet as Utah Jazz are stuck as is--Deseret News

Other years the Jazz acquired Jeff Hornacek or future draft picks that included players such as Ronnie Brewer and Gordon Hayward. But it's iffy business. In 1998, they thought they had landed center Rony Seikaly in exchange for Chris Morris and Greg Foster, but Seikaly didn't report, so the deal fizzled. Gordan Giricek for DeShawn Stevenson wasn't a great move, but Stevenson had what seemed unresolvable issues with Jerry Sloan.

You win some and lose some, but this year the Jazz didn't do either. So they remain the 10th or 12th-best team in the Western Conference. They still have too many defensive lapses and not enough perimeter shooters. Al Jefferson still misses the kick-out when three guys collapse, Hayward still acts unsure and C.J. Miles still tantalizes but disappoints.

Utah Jazz need overtime to beat 'pesky' Timberwolves, 111-105--Deseret News

In the overtime period, Millsap hounded the T-Wolves for three of his game-high eight steals, including one that led to a go-ahead slam dunk by leading-scorer Gordon Hayward (26 points) with 56.9 seconds remaining.
...
Fortunately for the Jazz, they had a bunch of players who also proved to be tough competitors on this night as they bounced back from a rough loss in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Hayward led the way, again playing very well off the bench with his game-high 26 points on 9-for-17 shooting.

Utah Jazz-Minnesota Timberwolves: Instant analysis--Deseret News

The young shall lead: Once again, Utah Jazz fans caught a glimpse into the future, and perhaps by indications tonight, the present. Promising youngsters Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, and Alec Burks were able to contribute mightily to the game’s outcome.

Hayward continued to show increased confidence off the bench, shooting shots in rhythm. Doing much of his damage from the perimeter, the second-year man paced the Jazz with 26 points, three assists, and three rebounds. He played with great poise as he capitalized on many aggressive plays on the offensive end.

Kragthorpe: Jazz’s Gordon Hayward responding to new job description--Salt Lake Tribune
Win would earn Butler home semifinal--Indy Star Butler Insider

Detroit falls to No. 2 seed Kansas, 65-50--MICentralSports.com
Rushed Reaction: #2 Kansas 65, #15 Detroit 50--Rush The Court
Previewing Day 2′s evening session of the NCAA tourney--CollegeBasketballTalk

Upsets on the horizon?
...http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
9:57 pm ET, TruTV, No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 15 Detroit, Omaha: Detroit is arguably the most talented No. 15 seed of all time. They have a McDonald’s all-american at the point in Ray McCallum and a pair of talented and athletic big men. They press and they forced turnovers, and we all know how Tyshawn Taylor has had turnovers issues this season.

Kansas avoids pitfalls of other 2 seeds, handles Detroit--CollegeBasketballTalk
Detroit's Doug Anderson goes reverse dunk vs Kansas--Run The Floor
NCAA Tournament 2012: Michigan State vs. LIU, Notre Dame vs. Xavier, Temple vs. South Florida, and Kansas vs. Detroit--The Big Lead

#2 Kansas vs. #15 Detroit, 9:57 in Omaha (TruTV). The Jayhawks simply cannot lose this game. It won’t happen. Too overpowering, too dominant, too deep, and they never lose to an inferior opponent in March. It’s not happening.

The Line: Kansas by 14. The Pick: Kansas -14. I’d take Kansas if it was -34.

The Preview You Must View: (2) Kansas vs (15) Detroit--Big 12 Hoops
Kansas Vs. Detroit Final Score: Jayhawks Easily Handle The Titans--Rock Chalk Talk
Kansas Basketball: A (semi) Statistical Recap of Detroit--Rock Chalk Talk
Jayhawks 65, Titans 50: Notes, quotes from Friday night's loss--The Detroit Free Press
Kansas 65, Detroit Mercy 50: Doug Anderson's dunks keep Titans close for a bit--The Detroit Free Press
Former UDM stars recall Tournament glories--The Detroit News
Detroit Mercy has the pieces to build on success--The Detroit News
Detroit Mercy's offense dries up in loss to Kansas--The Detroit News
Updated: Detroit (22-13) vs. 6th Ranked Kansas (27-6)--Titans Update
Titans Fall to Kansas in NCAA Tournament--detroittitans.com

Great Titan Season Comes To An End In WNIT--detroittitans.com

Women's basketball notebook: Ritchie's star shines brightest in big games--Green Bay Press Gazette
Women's basketball: Phoenix poised to take next step--Green Bay Press Gazette
No. 7 Seed Green Bay Battles No. 10 Seed Iowa State Saturday--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Drew already has eye on next season--The NWI Times
Spartans 89, Blackbirds 67: Notes, quotes from Friday night's win--The Detroit Free Press

IRATE IZZO: At least three times, the MSU coach stomped his feet and growled at his players as intensely as he has all season. Brandon Wood took a poor shot on a busted play that led to a transition three. You could hear the undressing from the other side of the court.

Michigan State's victory proves margin of success is small--The Detroit News

Tough tests coming

Izzo was annoyed at guards Brandon Wood and Travis Trice, and reminded his team at halftime of the Tournament's tumult. You figured once Missouri lost, all the high seeds would get the point. But as someone more clever than me pointed out, Missouri loves company.

Greg Kirby steps away after 40 years of coaching--The NWI Times

WSU women to face Seattle in WBI--Dayton Daily News
Women Head to Seattle for WBI Quarterfinals--wsuraiders.com

Seven-year NCAA Streak Comes to End with Detroit's 65-50 Loss to Kansas--Horizon League Network

Wright State Advances in the WBI--Horizon League Network
Green Bay Ready for First Round Matchup with Iowa State--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 3/16/2012

Utah Jazz-Phoenix Suns: Report card--Deseret News

Forwards: Paul Millsap had 18 points and 10 rebounds but allowed Channing Frye to nearly have his way in the paint, as the University of Arizona alum scored 26 points. Grant Hill scored 12 points opposite Josh Howard's six on 3-of-12 shooting. Gordon Hayward picked up some of Howard's slack, scoring 13 points while playing more than the first-year Jazzman. GRADE: C

Utah Jazz: Gordon Hayward, Jazz bench key in win--Deseret News
Utah Jazz notebook: GM Kevin O'Connor didn't find any deals to 'improve team'--Deseret News

O'Connor gave a "no comment" when asked if most trade offers include demands for the Jazz's young core of Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Alec Burks.

But with those four lottery picks on the squad who are 21 or younger, the Jazz are in long-term thinking mode. O'Connor pointed that out earlier in the week.

Sure, they want to win now — "Our goal is to make the playoffs," O'Connor insisted — but the Jazz weren't willing to mortgage their future success or cornerstone pieces for a quick fix.

Utah Jazz-Minnesota Timberwolves: Report card--Deseret News

Bench: The Jazz's reserves dominated. Gordon Hayward had a season-high 26 points, and rookie Alec Burks played all of the fourth quarter and overtime. He finished with 15 points. Utah's bench outscored Minnesota's reserves 53-23. Derrick Favors had a whopping 16 rebounds in 22 minutes. Only J.J. Barea did much for the Timberwolves off the bench, as he had 11 points.

Grade: A+

Day 4 Open Thread + Picking The Lines--Basketball Predictions

Detroit (+14.5) over Kansas: This is another game where it's really not inconceivable that the 15 seed could win outright. It wasn't until mid-to-late January that Eli Holman got into game shape so that he and Ray McCallum could take this team to their potential. They've looked great over the past few weeks, and could really give trouble to a Kansas team that can get turned over and that isn't a great outside shooting team. Kansas should win, but 14.5 points are a lot to cover.

Detroit Mercy's Doug Anderson throws down 360 windmill--It's Always Sunny in Detroit
Live blog tonight: Detroit Mercy vs. Kansas!--The Detroit Free Press
Scouting report for tonight's Detroit Mercy-Kansas game--The Detroit Free Press
Jayhawks on Titans' dunk specialist Doug Anderson: 'He's a freak'--The Detroit Free Press
McCallums, UDM ready to use Horizon League success against Kansas--The Detroit Free Press
UDM dances out of wallflower status--The Detroit News
Preview: No 2. Kansas vs. No. 15 Detroit Mercy--The Detroit News
UDM, Kansas guards takes center stage--The Detroit News
Detroit Mercy's Eli Holman provides sizeable threat for Kansas--The Detroit News
Former UDM stars recall Tournament glories--The Detroit News
Madness starts Friday for Michigan State, Michigan, Detroit Mercy--The Detroit News
MARCH MADNESS: Matchups key as No. 2 Kansas opens vs. Detroit--The Oakland Press
The Titans in Omaha - Day Two--Detroit Titans Blog

Titans Open WNIT At Toledo On Friday--detroittitans.com

Women's basketball: Freshmen trigger UWGB, Iowa State offenses--Green Bay Press Gazette
Live From Ames: Follow the Phoenix in Iowa--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Wright State women win WBI opener at SIU Edwardsville--Fairborn Daily Herald

Women Win WBI Opener at SIU Edwardsville--wsuraiders.com

News On The Horizon 3/15/2012

Utah Jazz-Phoenix Suns: Instant analysis--Deseret News

Gordon Hayward had an unassumingly effective game, with 13 points (5 of 8 FGs). He did not make his usual all-around comparisons, having just one assist and one rebound. C.J. Miles, the subject of many floating trade rumors, had nine points.

Butler tops Delaware 75-58 in College Basketball Invitational--The Indy Star
Win sends Butler to Philly--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler starts CBI amid A-10 rumors--Victory Firelight
Butler Gets Win Over Delaware, 75-58--Butler Blue Fever
BUTLER 75, DELAWARE 58--THE unOFFICIAL BUTLER BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
Bulldogs Down Delaware In CBI Opener--ButlerSports.com

Miami Heat falls to Chicago Bulls despite Derrick Rose’s absence--Miami Herald

Ronnie Brewer’s three-pointer with 4:06 left in the third quarter put the Bulls ahead 72-57 and Watson followed with a 15-footer to complete a 10-2 run. The Heat lumbered through the rest of third quarter before James provided a spark with a few what-the-heck three-point attempts. James made two three-pointers and Norris Cole added a three of his own to cut the Bulls’ lead to 79-70.

RTC Tourney Podblasts: Midwest & West Regions--Rush The Court
NCAA Tournament Tidbits: 03.14.12 Edition--Rush The Court

Kansas forward Thomas Robinson responded to some early smack talk from Detroit‘s Eli Holman prior to the team’s departure for Omaha. Holman was probably doing his best to keep confidence high, but likely generated some bulletin board material in doing so.

NCAA Tournament 2012: Five First Round Upsets To Look Out For--Busting Brackets\

(2) Kansas vs. (15) Detroit – Midwest Region, Omaha, NE, Fri. 9:57 PM ET

It’s rare to see a 2/15 match-up singled out as a possible upset game, but it’s also rare to see a 15 seed the caliber of Detroit.

You can attribute Detroit’s high seed to a very poor start to their season, much of it played at less than full strength. However, the Titans finished the season on a 13-2 roll and won the Horizon in the process. They were led by the coach’s son, sophomore guard Ray McCallum (15.6ppg).

It does seem unfair for Kansas to have to face the Horizon league champion as a 2 seed, but fortunately for the Jayhawks, they are coached by Bill Self. He should have them ready to play at a high level, which is just what it will take for them to advance.

The NC-Double-Eh Stat Leaders - Week 17--Raptors HQ

Minutes

Devoe Joseph, Oregon - 35.0

Hernst Laroche, New Mexico State - 33.5

Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga - 31.7

Kris Joseph, Syracuse - 31.6

Justin Edwards, Maine - 31.2

Tyler Murray, Wagner - 30.7

Jason Calliste, Detroit - 30.7

Myck Kabongo, Texas - 30.4

Ty Nurse, Texas Tech - 30.2

Two tied with 30.1 minutes.

2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket: Breaking Down The Midwest--Rock Chalk Talk

Interesting Facts:
...
Detroit is the second worst three point shooting team in the entire tournament (326th overall), shooting 29.5% from beyond the arc, better only than....
Alabama, who is ranked 331st overall, shooting 28.5% from three.
...
#15 Seed Detroit Titans

Images_medium

Bid: Automatic, Horizon

Location: Detroit

Record: 22-13 (11-7)

KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 74

KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 178

Key Offensive Stat: 29.5% 3pt% (326th)

Key Defensive Stat: 22.4% TO forced (63rd)

Player to Know: Eli Holman

McCallum is their McDonalds All-American, but it is Holman who perhaps has the biggest chance to hurt the Jayhawks. He has played only half the year, but has a 120.2 Ortg, a 61.3% eFG, and rebounding rates of 14.5% and 21.4%. He'll go up against one of the best shot blockers in the country and the best defensive rebounder in the country, and you know Kansas will try to get him into foul trouble. If they succeed in doing so early they should have a much easier victory. As for the three point shooting, I think you can look at it in two ways: first, the fact that they don't shoot it well obviously bodes well for us but it also means that they were still able to score well despite not shooting well from three, so if they have a lucky game from behind the arc it could be trouble. The big key on the perimeter will be to keep McCallum out of the lane: he shoots 55.6% from two and draws a lot of fouls, but is shooting just 25% from three. I could see Detroit winning, but I think it will be a game where Kansas is up by 3-5 points at halftime and then goes on a run in the second half to put them away.

Haiku!

Detroit can score well

Will fans copy hockey fans

And throw octopi?

NCAA Tourney - Last minute upset picks--

Upset Picks
...
Detroit over Kansas. Kansas is probably too much for the Horizon League's Titans. But with Ray McCallum - a sophomore who chose to play for his father at Detroit instead of starting at UCLA - and a pair of 6'10 post players, including former Indiana player Eli Holman, they could spring an upset. chances I'm wrong - really high, 89.4%.

Reading into tourney teams' fortunes--ESPN

Detroit (15)

Write 'em in: Thanks to Ray McCallum, the Titans will be a hot upset pick, and it is certainly not a crazy choice. The sophomore leads his team in points per game, assists and steals and could have gone to a lot of bigger-name schools. He opted for Detroit so he could play for his dad.

Write 'em out: This is not a rock-solid defensive team, and you have to wonder whether Detroit has the horses to get in a scoring contest with some of the major programs. If they can't turn teams over, they might not be able to win.

Write it down: The university named its court after former coach, Dick Vitale. With apologies to our dear colleague, if McCallum & Son beat Kansas, they may have to change that.

Did Tyshawn Taylor really say THAT?--Eye On College Basketball
Detroit Mercy to 'play with heart, pride' vs. Kansas--The Detroit Free Press
Chase Simon embraces role as UDM defensive stopper--The Detroit News
Titans head for tourney--The Detroit News
NCAA bid helps Ray McCallum Jr. silence all the UDM critics--The Detroit News
Titans practice just for show--The Detroit News
MARCH MADNESS: Matchups key as No. 2 Kansas opens vs. Detroit--The Oakland Press
March Madness 2012: Why Ray McCallum Jr. Can Lead the Titans Past Kansas--Bleacher Report
The Titans Are In Omaha--Detroit Titans Blog
McCallum Picks Up National Honors--detroittitans.com
Detroit Readies for Jayhawks in Friday's NCAA Tourney--detroittitans.com

Deadline To Rsvp For Men's & Women's Basketball Banquets Draws Near--detroittitans.com

Titans Make Trip To Historic Lambeau Field--Detroit Titans Blog
Titans Open WNIT At Toledo On Friday--detroittitans.com

Howard Moore to Appear on CTL, SportsNet Central Thursday--uicflames.com

Sign Up Now For The Annual Backcourt Club Banquet On April 30--LoyolaRamblers.com

Green Bay Way makes mid-major one of country's top women's programs--The Chicago Tribune
Women's basketball: UWGB forward Lydia Bauer looks to shake shooting slump--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay in the Big Dance: Scouting Iowa State--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Defense Dictates Green Bay's Play--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Wojta Named All-Region Nominee for All-America Team--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Green Bay's Alec Brown Named to NABC All-District Team--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Report: Nebraska contacts UWM's Jeter about head coach job--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Nebraska shows interest in UWM's Jeter--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Rob Jeter being courted by Nebraska--UWM Update

NIT 2012, Miami Vs. Valparaiso: Game Time, TV Schedule And More--SB Nation Indiana
Shorthanded Crusaders keep it close, but Miami pulls away late--The Post-Tribune
Season comes to a close for short-handed Crusaders--The NWI Times
This isn't how it was supposed to go--Inside VU Sports
Replay: Chat with Michigan State hoops beat writer Shawn Windsor--The Detroit Free Press

Shawn, do you think Izzo will use Green more as an outside threat in the tournament due to their lack of shooters and the importance of the 3 pointer ?
by Rick 2:42 PM

Lack of shooters? Thornton is a 50 percent three-point guy since Big Ten started. Wood can shoot. Trice, now that he is back, is a very good shooter. Appling is slowly coming out of his shooting slump.
by Shawn Windsor 2:43 PM
...
Shawn, do you think Thorton and Wood can keep up the good shooting during the tourney while playing in different venues?
by Rick 2:53 PM

I don't see why not.
by Shawn Windsor 2:53 PM

Valparaiso Struggles in 66-50 Loss To Miami (FL)--Valpo Daily
Short-Handed Crusaders Fall in First Round of NIT--valpoathletics.com

Valparaiso’s Freeman steps down as coach--The Post-Tribune
Freeman resigns as Valpo women's basketball coach--The NWI Times
Keith Freeman Resigns as Valpo Women’s Basketball Coach--valpoathletics.com

Commentary: Horizon League needs a schedule upgrade--Dayton Daily News

Kendrick Perry Named Second-Team All-District By NABC--ysusports.com

Horizon League Puts Five on All-NABC District 12 Teams--Horizon League Network
Butler Collects CBI Win; Shorthanded Valpo Falls in NIT--Horizon League Network
Titans Relish Challenge of Kansas in Tournament Opener--Horizon League Network

Green Bay Wins the Horizon League 'Pack the House' Challenge--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 3/14/2012

CBI preview: Delaware at Butler--The Indy Star
Like Butler, Delaware played its best in February--The Indy Star
Updated: Butler Closes Their 2011-2012 Campaign With Delaware--Butler Blue Fever

Stanford 76, Cleveland St. 65--Associated Press
Turnover-prone Cleveland State men's basketball team loses to Stanford in first round of NIT--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Updated: Cleveland State (22-10) Faces Stanford (21-11)--Vikings Ball
Cleveland State Flops In 76-65 Loss to Stanford--Vikings Ball
Vikings Fall at Stanford, 76-65, in NIT--csuvikings.com

Detroit Mercy's opponent: Kansas' Thomas Robinson has been through fire to reach stardom--The Detroit Free Press
Eli Holman grateful for second chance at Detroit Mercy--The Detroit News

Panthers ousted from CBI--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Season ends in Fort Worth--PantherU
Butler out? Milwaukee should follow--PantherU
Milwaukee Closes the Season With TCU--UWM Update
TCU Wins 83-73 Over Milwaukee--UWM Update
TCU Holds Off Milwaukee To Advance In CBI--uwmpanthers.com

Updated: Valparaiso (22-11) vs. Miami (FL) (19-12)--Valpo Daily

March Madness WSU women head to SIU Edwardsville for WBI first round--Fairborn Daily Herald

Cleveland State, Milwaukee See Seasons Come to an End--Horizon League Network

News On The Horizon 3/13/2012

Sources: Butler eyeing Atlantic 10--ESPN
Utah Jazz-Detroit Pistons: Instant Analysis--Deseret News

The four Utah youngsters — Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, and Alec Burks — entered the contest averaging a combined 73.7 minutes per game. They totaled just 47 against the Pistons, including a “Did Not Play—Coach’s Decision” for Burks.

Report: Butler interested in joining Atlantic 10 Conference--The Indy Star
Report: Butler eyes move to Atlantic 10--The Indy Star
Clarke prepares for his one season at Butler--The Indy Star
Pluses and minuses of Atlantic 10--Indy Star Butler Insider
Stevens on Graves, transfers and Detroit--Indy Star Butler Insider
Butler to the Atlantic-10. Hold on a Minute. Do the Cons Outweigh the Pros?--Bleacher Report
Tailgate At Butler's CBI Game--ButlerSports.com
Bulldogs Host Delaware In CBI--ButlerSports.com

Miami Heat strong even when two of Big 3 on bench--Miami Herald

The Heat’s best plus/minus lineup is its starting group. But No. 2 is one without Wade or Bosh: It’s James, Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller, Norris Cole and Shane Battier. That group has outscored teams, 180-141, in 78 minutes.

This is a function of James’ greatness and the Heat’s improved bench. As one Heat official said, “look who’s around him now” when James is on the floor without Wade or Bosh to close the first quarter.

With Bosh, the story goes deeper. Last year, he played only 125 minutes without Wade and James, and the Heat was plus-11. Entering Tuesday, the Heat had played 210 minutes with Bosh (but no Wade or James) and had outscored teams by 45. In fact, the Heat’s second-most-used lineup is Bosh, Cole, Battier, Miller and Haslem, which is plus-13 in 118 minutes.

Miami Heat falls to Orlando Magic in overtime--Miami Herald

The Magic’s guard play outperformed Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole.

Cleveland State is NIT-Bound--Cleveland State Hoops

NCAA Tournament Tidbits: 03.12.12 Edition--Rush The Court

Kansas head coach Bill Self is all business as his Jayhawks prepare to face Detroit. In an unusual twist, the 15-seed Titans have a 1-0 advantage over the storied Kansas program in active McDonald’s All-Americans (Ray McCallum, Jr.).

The Other 26: Bracket Analysis, East and Midwest Regions--Rush The Court

A Puncher’s Chance

These teams are unlikely to win their second round game, but if things break the right way, have an outside shot at a win.
...
Detroit (#15, Midwest) – Do I think Detroit will beat Kansas? No. Do I think they might have a shot? Yes. The Titans started the year in disappointing fashion, hampered in part by the suspension of center Eli Holman. But they finished the season strong, winning eight of their last 10 in the competitive Horizon League and sweeping four in a row in the conference tournament to secure their bid. The keys for the Titans will be their defensive play inside — where the shotblocking combo of Holman and Lamarcus Lowe may be able to contain Thomas Robinson – and their ability to force (and score off of) turnovers out of a Jayhawks team that is sometimes susceptible to them. In the end, I suspect that Detroit’s poor shooting and Kansas’ ability to control the glass on both ends – if nothing else – will prove determinative, but I wouldn’t count the Titans out.

BIAH Bracket Breakdown: Midwest Region--Ballin' is a Habit

Upsets to watch for:

No. 15 Detroit over No. 2 Kansas: Detroit has size and athleticism up front. They have a McDonald's all-american at the point in Ray McCallum. They press and they try to force you to turn the ball over, and we all know about Tyshawn Taylor's propensity for the turnover. Do I think this happens? Probably not. There is a reason Eli Holman is no longer at Indiana, and it's not just because he threw a potted plant at Tom Crean. But Kansas but show up ready to play.
...
Five players you should know:
...
Ray McCallum, Detroit: He was a McDonald's All-American in high school that went to Detroit to play for his father. If Detroit has any chance against Kansas, it will be because McCallum goes off.

The 10 first-round NCAA tournament games you can’t miss--CollegeBasketballTalk

10. (2) Kansas vs. (15) Detroit: With Ray McCallum Jr. at the point the Titans have the floor general needed to author an upset, but they’ve also got multiple options inside to help deal with Thomas Robinson. Eli Holman and LaMarcus Lowe are both experienced big men who will offer up challenges to the Jayhawks, especially if Jeff Withey struggles. The Titans are experienced and they’re talented as well, and unlike most high-major teams in a position like Kansas’ the Jayhawks don’t enjoy a huge edge in the depth department.

No. 2 Kansas is on upset watch vs. No. 15 Detroit--CollegeBasketballTalk
Favorites, beware these 10 darkhorses the field of 68--CollegeBasketballTalk

Detroit (No. 15 Midwest)
In the dark: The Titans’ early season struggles killed all the preseason hype that was attached to this team. Playing in a Horizon League known primarily for Butler didn’t help either.

Why they can make a run: They have a surprisingly big and athletic team for the mid-major ranks. Ray McCallum Jr. is a five-star guard and Eli Hohlman is a dominant big-man that should be able to give Thomas Robinson so me trouble. They also have two athletic forwards in LaMarcus Lowe and Doug Anderson.
Tourney distance: They are a No.15-seed, so earning one win would be considered a success. earning that one win against Kansas would have to be considered an even bigger success. Plus, Kansas hsa a penchant for losing to mid-major teams. Maybe the titans can summon some Horizon League magic and become “the new Butler”.

Save the best for last: 5 players rolling entering the tournament--CollegeBasketballTalk

It happens every year. One player steps up his game and carries his team to a huge upset or a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Here are five guys to keep an eye one. Five who are playing the best hoops of their lives.

Ray McCallum – Detroit: McCallum, a sophomore, has been lighting up the Horizon all year. He led the team in scoring and finished 2nd in the conference. In the conference opener he had a pedestrian 10 points on 2-7 shooting. And then he got hot. In the next three games Detroit knocked off Youngstown State, the #2 seed (Cleveland State) and the #1 seed (Valparaiso) to clinch an automatic bid. In those 3 games the 6’2 McCallum made 78% of his 2s and 18-20 FTs. He averaged 23 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5 assists.

Opening round opponent: Kansas (2)

Personal Items: Trivia Tidbits on All 68 NCAA Tournament Coaches--CollegeHoopedia.com

DETROIT: Ray McCallum, the only Ball State athlete ever to have his uniform number retired (#10), won the Frances Pomeroy Award in 1983 as the nation's top player shorter than six feet tall. During his seven-year tenure as coach for his alma mater from 1993-94 through 1999-2000, he won an amazing 70% of his games decided by fewer than six points.

Tempo-free NCAA tear down: The Omaha Pod of the Midwest Bracket--Run The Floor

No. 2 Kansas (27-6; Pomeroy ranked 4th) vs. No. 15 Detroit (22-13; 115th)

How they got here: The Titans returned their entire lineup (save for 0.2 percent of their minutes) this season, including McDonald's All-American point guard Ray McCallum Jr. who turned down a number of high-major teams to play for his father. They were without big man Eli Holman for the first half of the season (he was put on personal leave) which lead to a rough 6-9 start. With Holman back, the team rapidly began to improve and their confidence on the court blossomed. They won 13 of their last 15 including the Horizon League tournament championship game over heavily-favored Valparaiso, 70-50, to snag the Horizon's auto-bid.

Kansas was in the hunt for a No. 1 seed before they lost to Baylor in the second-round of the Big 12 conference tournament, 81-72.

The venue: Omaha is 734 miles from Detroit, and 212 miles from Lawrence, Kansas. Out of the gate advantage: Kansas.

Pomeroy: 92% in Kansas' favor

Where Detroit has the advantage:

1. Turnovers Quality of competition aside, the Titans turn the ball over less (once per 19.2 percent of possessions) than the Jayhawks (19.5 percent). More importantly, Detroit creates more turnovers (22.4 percent) than Kansas (20.7 percent).

2. Blocking The Jayhawks may have a powerful shot-blocking force in 7-footer Jeff Whithey, who ranks second-nationally with a block in 14.7 percent of his chances, but the Jayhawks have two to contend with: 6-10 Holman (7.0 percent) and 6-11 LaMarcus Lowe (11.4 pecent). Withey has logged 60.2 percent minutes under Bill Self this season, but there's nary a minute that goes by without either Holman or Lowe on the floor for McCallum Sr.

3. Getting to the free throw line Detroit's free throw rate (44.0 percent) edges Kansas' (41.1 percent), and that's an important point of leverage for an underdog.

4. Possession sharing You don't even have to look at the numbers to know that the ball will usually end up in the hands of Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson when the Jayhawks have possession. In fact, those two account for 57.0 percent of Kansas' possessions when they're both on the floor and 55.9 percent of their shots. The story is less clear for Detroit. Chase Simon, McCallum Jr. and Holman each get greater than 21 percent of Detroit's possessions when they're on the floor, and each take more than 23 percent of the shots when on the floor. The Kansas D will be spread a little thinner planning their attack.

5. Swagger The Titans have nothing to lose and a ton of heart, and it shows. Junior dunker-extraordinaire Doug Anderson is a highlight-reel of his own. You have to watch these guys play to know what I mean. Detroit last knocked off UCLA in the NCAA tournament in 1999 and St. John's the year before that, but it would be a genuine Butler-style upset if they were able to bring Kansas to task.

Complete Midwest Region Analysis--Basketball Predictions

Detroit is actually a really good 15 seed. Their overall resume isn't wonderful, but remember that their core is Ray McCallum and Eli Holman. Holman missed ten games early in the season, and took a while after that to get in form. They closed the season very strong, winning 10 of their final 11 and rolling through the Horizon League tournament. There will be a lot of pressure on Jeff Withey to handle Holman here. I don't think Bill Self wants to risk Thomas Robinson getting in foul trouble. But that said, as good as Detroit is, you simply can't pick them over Kansas here. Don't even think about it.

The 68 things we can't wait to see in this year's tournament--Eye On College Basketball

7. Father-son combos: The Midwest region has two father-son duos leading their respective universities. Detroit is coached by Ray McCallum and led by Ray McCallum Jr., while Creighton counters with Greg McDermott and Doug McDermott. -- JB
...
49. Eli Holman vs. Thomas Robinson: Holman called out Robinson on Sunday night, saying, "I can handle Robinson. He has to handle me." If there was any chance Robinson was going to overlook Detroit, that went out the window. -- JB

2012 NCAA tournament Haiku previews--Eye On College Basketball

Kansas vs. Detroit: Titans talking trash / That's not a good idea / To wit: meet this guy

Eli Holman, LaMarcus Lowe give Detroit Mercy some size vs. Kansas--The Detroit Free Press
Detroit Mercy poised to strike as spoiler--The Detroit News
MARCH MADNESS: Titans' opponent Kansas is plenty tested heading into tournament--The Oakland Press
Senior guard ‘so excited’ to be crowned a champion--Varsity Press
'It all starts with believing'--Varsity Press
Cheer on The Titans in The NCAA Tournament at Champps--detroittitans.com

Detroit Women's Basketball 2012 NIT Capsule--College Sports Madness
Titans To Open Up WNIT Against Defending Champion Toledo On Friday--detroittitans.com

Registration Opens for 2012 Regina Miller Basketball Camp--uicflames.com

Green Bay Women's Basketball 2012 NCAA Tournament Capsule--College Sports Madness
UW-Green Bay women to play at Iowa State in NCAA basketball tournament opener--Green Bay Press Gazette
Women's basketball: Butler coach wouldn't bet against UWGB in tournament--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay Will Return to Ames for NCAA Tournament--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Deja Vu at First Glance, But Differences Aplenty--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Panthers Start 2012 Postseason With Tuesday Contest At TCU--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
TCU by the numbers--PantherU
Video: Meier Previews UWM Postseason Contest At TCU--uwmpanthers.com
Jeter A Part Of Inaugural WIAC Hall Of Fame Class--uwmpanthers.com

The 16 Sweetest NCAA Tournament Upsets of All-Time--Midwest Sports Fans

16. (13) Valparaiso 70, (4) Mississippi 69; 1998 First Round

In terms of seeding and talent differential, this upset isn’t on the same level as some of the others on this list. But few upsets have ended in such a memorable fashion.

Valparaiso, the 21-9 champions of the Mid-Continent Conference, kept the game close for 40 minutes. With ten seconds remaining, the Crusaders had the ball, trailing by two. Star guard Bryce Drew, son of coach Homer Drew, missed a three-pointer that would have given Valpo the lead.

Related: See where this moment falls on our list of the 10 Most Memorable March Madness Moments Ever.

Instead, Mississippi came away with the rebound, and Valpo fouled Ole Miss forward Ansu Sesay. Sesay, normally a very good free-throw shooter, missed both shots. In a scramble for the ball following the second miss, Mississippi’s Keith Carter knocked the ball out of bounds, giving Valparaiso possession with 2.5 seconds on the clock.

The Crusaders threw a cross-court pass to Bill Jenkins, who tipped the ball to Drew, who nailed a three-pointer as time expired to give Valpo a 70-69 win.

—–

The Crusaders beat Florida State in the second round then lost to Rhode Island in the Sweet Sixteen.

VU facing Canes, pains--The Post-Tribune
Broekhoff expected to play for VU in NIT despite illness--The NWI Times
Hurricanes could pose strong challenge for Valparaiso--The NWI Times
Drew Sharp: Michigan State has incredible chemistry, but is that enough?--The Detroit Free Press

Whereas they lost one Branden, two others stepped up. Freshman Brandan Kearney made some important contributions in the rematch with the Buckeyes on Sunday. Senior transfer Brandon Wood is now aggressively running the floor on offense and doggedly checking defensively. He led all scorers Sunday with 21 points.

Michigan State takes a punch, then punches back--The Detroit News

Senior shooting guard Brandon Wood jumped into the lineup and was tremendous, scoring a season-high 21 in the victory over Ohio State.
...
It's not easy to make it work, and at some point, Dawson's raw ability will be missed. But opponents sagged off him because he's not a pure shooter, and his absence opened space on the floor for Wood, 16-for-29 in the Big Ten tournament. Wood also has the quickness to run the floor with the super-fast Appling.

Game Preview: Valpo at Miami--Section EE
Valpo Ready for NIT First Round at Miami--valpoathletics.com

Dayton is a basketball town — 10 examples--Through the Arch

8 — Wright State won the NCAA Division II national title in 1983. Central State University, the historically black college in nearby Wilberforce, won two NAIA national basketball crowns in the 1965 and 1968 and Wittenberg University in Springfield won NCAA college division national titles in 1961 and 1977.

Women Head to SIU Edwardsville for WBI First Round--wsuraiders.com

A slicker season for YSU hoops, Slocum--Youngstown Vindicator

Green Bay to Play Iowa State in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament--Horizon League Network

Milwaukee, Cleveland State Tip Off Postseason in CBI, NIT Contests--Horizon League Network