SCORES
Cincinnati 69 - Maryland 57
If the Bearcats aren't ranked next week, it's a crime. Yancy Gates (17 points, 13 boards, 1 block) is reminding me a bit of Dante Cunningham these days, as the sophomore forward does the dirty work to secure the win every time out. Cincy has slammed Vanderbilt and Maryland on back-to-back evenings in Maui, which earns them the right to face Gonzaga tonight for the Maui Championship. It's a statement game for both underrated teams.
Morgan State 97 - Arkansas 94
The severely depleted roster was bound to catch up with Arkansas sooner or later, but don't sleep on The Boze and his Morgan State Bears. This team is making a habit of upsetting power teams, having dumped Maryland in their own gym last year. This upset was foreshadowed by a game nine-point loss at Louisville just two days ago. The Bears have four straight road games still to play before Christmas, so they might get worn down before it's over. But right now, if they're on your schedule, I'd watch your ass.
Wichita State 74 - Iowa 57
The Shockers shot the lights out at the CBE Classic in Kansas City, hitting 56% from the floor and a stunning 52% from three to become the latest nail in Todd Lickliter's coffin. Seven-footer Garrett Stutz came off the bench to score 18 points in 25 minutes. Guard Toure Murry also scored 18, and Graham Hatch added 14 for the MVC stalwart.
Arizona 91 - Colorado 87 (OT)
Colorado is showing a lot of spirit this season, even in the absence of coach Jeff Bzdelik during this trip to Maui, but they had no answer to Nic Wise in this game. The Buffs were doomed by 23% shooting from deep, while Wise calmly drained every shot he needed to on the way to a 30 point night. Wise got ample help from Jamelle Horn, who scored 17 with 8 rebounds and 7 blocks. CU's Cory Higgins had 28, but skimped in every other statistical facet of the game.
Ohio State 84 - Lipscomb 64
Notable primarily as the scene of Evan Turner's second official triple-double of the season (a third came in exhibition play). The OSU star had 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists on the night, while teammate David Lighty concentrated on scoring, ending with 22. Lipscomb was led by... ahhhh, who cares.
Texas 78 - Pitt 62
Kentucky 73 - Cleveland State 49
Syracuse 88 - Cornell 73
West Virginia 69 - Citadel 50
Illinois 78 - Wofford 64
Florida 68 - Florida State 52
Gonzaga 74 - Wisconsin 61
Stat Hounds
Ike Okoye (Boise State): 21 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 blocks @ Eastern Washington
Luke Harangody (Notre Dame): 29 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists vs. Kennesaw State
Nic Wise (Arizona): 30 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 5/9 3P vs. Colorado
Categorical Undeniability
Points: 37 - Chris Harris (Navy) vs. Towson
Rebounds: 17 - Ike Okoye (Boise State) @ Eastern Washington
Assists: 12 - Chad Tomko (Wilmington) vs. VMI; Ronnie Moss (TCU) vs. Texas State
Blocks: 8 - Jarvis Varnado (Mississippi State) vs. Texas-Pan American
Steals: 5 - Marqus Blakley (Vermont) @ Providence; Marshon Brooks (Providence) vs. Vermont; Jackson Emory (BYU) vs. Southern; Kwamain Mitchell (St. Louis) vs. Mississippi Valley State; Laurence Bowers (Missouri) vs. Chattanooga; Kris Joseph (Syracuse) vs. Cornell
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to make a good article... but what can I say... I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
Typo in the Okoye stat hound line, unless he didn't go for 17 rebs against EWU in the undeniability line. (Yes, I've been doing a lot of editing recently, why do you ask?)
Arizona is VERY talented. But young. If they can get through to the tourney, they'll be a very tough out by March.