#1 Memphis trailing at half
Conference USA's second-best team, the UAB Blazers, lead 43-41 at halftime against #1-ranked, undefeated Memphis. UAB is at home.
UPDATE: Memphis survives, 79-78, rallying from down 7 with 1:30 left to win on a basket in the closing seconds. I wasn't watching, but it sounds like a very exciting finish.
UPDATE 2: I wasn't kidding. From the AP:
Chris Douglas-Roberts converted a three-point play with 6.5 seconds left, giving No. 1 Memphis a 79-78 win over UAB Saturday night to keep the Tigers' hopes for regular-season perfection intact.The Blazers' Robert Vaden then missed badly on an off-balance 3-point attempt and Lawrence Kinnard grabbed the long rebound. He heaved up a shot in the paint that went in, and officials promptly headed to the scorer's table to watch replays.
They ruled that Kinnard didn't get the shot off in time.
Several Memphis players had angry exchanges with UAB fans who stormed the court celebrating what they thought was a win.
To be fair, it certainly appeared more like the Tigers were defending themselves against things thrown at them. For a bit in the game, I was not convinced that that Tigers were going to bring enough guts to actually pull out the win. That's what I get for doubting them, and for doubting Cal's ability to get through to those guys.
Go Tigers Go!
Posted by: Jay Johnson | Feb 17, 2008 1:20:08 AM
As an aside coming from a definitely biased fan, I think Chris Douglas-Roberts deserves some serious consideration in the discussion on the best all-around player in college today.
Posted by: Jay Johnson | Feb 17, 2008 1:22:09 AM
Jay, two words:
Michael Beasley.
Posted by: Andrew | Feb 17, 2008 1:52:50 AM
Congratulations Jay. Hopefully things will go the other way in the conference tournament finals. :-)
Posted by: ScottF | Feb 17, 2008 11:46:01 AM
No beef at all with Beasley. I certainly agree that he's an outstanding player. I just wanted to point out CDR as deserving to also be in that discussion.
Posted by: Jay | Feb 17, 2008 5:31:05 PM