Friday, December 23, 2011

Baylor remains undefeated, beat West Virginia 83-81 OT

The Baylor Bears survived a tough road test against West Virginia, but it took an overtime to finish the Mountaineers. Baylor was picked to do well in preseason polls, but a number of unimpressive wins prevented the team from joining the likes of dominant teams. The test against West Virginia was key for the Bears to move forward, but it didn't come easy. A solid performance by Pierre Jackson was key since a Perry Jones III had a quiet night. Baylor had a seven point lead at the half, but West Virginia came back to tie. Baylor would finish the Mountaineers to improve to 12-0 with a win against a Big East team.

No. 15 Pitt falls to Wagner, 59-54

The Big East continues to lack it's dominance like last year. Pitt's last year in the conference should be used to show the dominance they can bring to the ACC, however they've had a few upsets including a loss to Long Beach State and a loss tonight against the Wagner Seahawks. Solid performances by Nasir Robinson and Ashton Gibbs weren't enough to avoid the upset as Pitt drops to 11-2.

No. 4 Louisville rallies against WKU, win 70-60

The Cards overcame a sluggish start against the visiting Hilltoppers to beat them 70-60. Rick Pitino's bunch was challenged in the first half and fell in an 8 point hole, but rallied to win and advance to a great 12-0. They better be careful during the next week since they will take on the 16th ranked Georgetown Hoyas at the KFC YUM! Center and a date with their instate rivals on New Years' Eve at the Rupp Arena against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Watch out! Barkley is staying one more year

Just when you thought the Pac 12 South was a wide open division, Matt Barkley decides to return for his Senior year. The USC Trojans won the division this year, but couldn't play in the Pac 12 title game or a bowl game due to NCAA sanctions. However, next year will see a loaded USC team that features many young stars including their QB and standout receiver, Robert Woods. I think next year's preseason poll will have the Trojans in the top 5 and ahead of the Ducks, but maybe (just maybe) the Cats can put up a show against them next year in Tucson on Oct. 13

A Preview of things to come? NY Rangers beat the Flyers, 4-2

The Winter Classic takes place on Jan. 2 at Citizens Bank Ballpark; a game that will feature the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. Both teams have been playing good hockey and tonight they met up in the Garden. New York scored 3 goals first and cruised to a 4-2 win, due to a forgettable performance by Ilya Bryzgalov for the Flyers and a solid night for Henrik Lundqvist. Hopefully this isn't just a preview for these to rivals since their "Classic" will be on primetime TV and is less than two weeks away. Can hockey shine again in primetime television?