Missouri Showing Off That They Know How to Win

The Missouri Tigers' starting lineup features four guards and one forward. Before the season began, they lost one of their best players, Laurence Bowers, to an ACL tear. Needless to say, the experts and media have critiqued this Missouri squad all season. They will say how they aren't big enough, or that they won't be able to defend the post or rebound well enough. The Tigers have focused on letting their play do the talking for them.

#4 Missouri convincingly beat #6 Baylor 72-57 tonight. It is the second time they have beaten the Bears this season. They also beat conference rival Kansas. They are currently 5-1 against the Top 25. The Tigers' overall record now stands at 23-2. They are 10-2 in Big 12 play. Their only losses came to Kansas State and Oklahoma State. Those nights they simply didn't shoot the ball as well as they usually do and didn't step up on defense enough to compensate. The bottomline though is this team has been consistently good most of this season.

The state of Missouri is nicknamed the Show Me State. The Missouri Tigers have been showing off their winning talent all season. Experts might still criticize them for what they are not, but the Tigers will be content doing what they are. Yes, they are not big, but that also creates matchup problems for the teams they play. The Tigers shoot the ball extremely well, are quick, play great team defense, and rebound the ball well. This creates many matchup problems for opposing squads. Missouri might not fit the traditional college basketball mold, but that does not mean they don't know how to win. These Tigers have without a doubt shown that to us.

2012 NBA All-Star Snubs and Surprises

The NBA All-Star rosters have been announced. As always, there are players people think are snubs and surprise selections. I will break down a few of each of mine.

Eastern Conference Snubs

Josh Smith - Smith has especially stepped up for the Hawks following the injury to Al Horford. He can be an inconsistent player at times, but he is still one of the best big men in the Eastern Conference. He is averaging over 15 points per game (ppg) and nearly 9 rebounds. He has also played very well defensively.

Greg Monroe - Despite playing for a bad team, Monroe has quietly put together a very solid season in his second year in the league. This season he has averaged 16.4 ppg and 10.0 rpg. He has had 16 double-doubles so far this season, including four in his past four games. It easy for Monroe to get overlooked in Motown, but he is developing into one of the best young big men in the league.

Western Conference Snubs

Paul Millsap - The Utah Jazz are quietly putting together a solid season. One of the main reasons why has been the play of Millsap. The Jazz believed in Millsap when the let Carlos Boozer go. While those were big shoes for Millsap to step into, he has developed nicely with the opportunity he has been given. On the season, he is averaging 16.5 ppg and 9.7 rpg.

Kyle Lowry - Lowry is another one of these young players who were given a spot to start. Lowry has thrived in Houston. The thing I like most about him is how balanced of a point guard he is. This season he has averaged 14.7 ppg, 7.6 apg, and 5.7 rpg. He is clearly a complete package. From a developmental prospective, that is a great thing. I understand the West is loaded with great point guards, but young guys like Lowry deserve to be selected.

Eastern Conference Surprises

Luol Deng - Don't get me wrong. It is nice to see Deng get the recognition he deserves. However, I am not sold on him being a selection. He is a good all around player, but he is averaging only 16.0 ppg and 7.3 rpg. Deng has also missed playing in about a quarter of the Bulls' games this season. This is particularly significant in a shortened season such as this.

Roy Hibbert - I understand the selection from the standpoint of rewarding the Pacers for their great early season success. Just like Deng, Hibbert has played well enough to be an All-Star. I am just not convinced he is the best player at his position. There are players I would have chosen ahead of him, including the aforementioned Josh Smith and Greg Monroe.

Western Conference Surprises

Dirk Nowitzki - Nowitzki came out and told the media clearly that he didn't believe he deserved to be an All-Star. No one seemed to listen though as he was selected, despite his numbers being down so much. He is averaging over five ppg and two rpg less then before. Dirk will make the most of his opportunity. Whether or not he thinks he deserves, he will play in the game. Perhaps it will be the spark he needs to get his game back to where it normally is.

Marc Gasol - This selection of Marc Gasol was a surprising one as well. His numbers are good enough, but he might not be the best big man available to be selected. I would also make the argument that he wasn't the most deserving Grizzly player. Rudy Gay has been more of the difference maker than Gasol following the injury to Zach Randolph.

Could Murray State's First Loss be a Blessing in Disguise?

If someone could predict the future, no one would have believed how much hype Murray State would get this season. The Racers made it to #7 in the national polls, were the last unbeaten team at 23-0, and the talk of every major college basketball discussion. Tonight, Tennessee State handed Murray State their first loss of the season. Isaiah Canaan scored 31 points for the Racers, but it simply wasn't enough.

The media coverage of Murray State will get significantly less now. It will be interesting to see how far they drop in the Top 25 polls. However, I am of the belief that this might actually help the Racers in a big way. They are going to learn things they can improve on from watching this tape. There always things to improve on following wins, but it takes on new significance when you lost the game. The loss also takes the pressure of the games prior to their big BracketBuster matchup with St. Mary's. The game with the Gaels is a big one. Now that their perfect record won't be on the line, they can focus on simply playing better basketball.

I think that Murray State is capable of making a run in the NCAA tournament. In fact, I will go as far as to say I am more convinced now that they have lost. It is important to feel that sinking feeling of defeat. It can be very motivating. I am not saying they didn't have motivation before. What I am saying is that they have a new sense of urgency in their motivation now. The Racers might not have wanted their perfect race to end, but it might actually help them down the road come March. We will just have to wait and see.

Zambia's Road to Liberation

Most Americans are unaware that the African Cup of Nations is taking place right now. Soccer, or football as it known there, is one of the lifebloods at the very heart of the continent. People of all ages, no matter how rich or poor, play the sport they lovingly call the beautiful game. Zambia isn't considered to be one of the traditional powers of the tournament. They are currently tied for 71st in the FIFA world rankings. Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets), as they like to be called, don't have any recognizable star players. Emmanuel Mayuka plays in Switzerland, Christopher Katongo plays in China, and the rest of the players are scattered amongst small clubs in Russia and other parts of Africa.

In this year's tournament, Zambia had overachieved to reach a semifinal game today. They were set to play Ghana. The Black Stars, who are currently ranked #26 in the world, made it to the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Ghana seemed set to take the lead early when they drew a penalty kick in the eighth minute. However, the shot by Asamoah Gyan was saved by Zambian goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene. The teams went to halftime scoreless. Following the intermission, Mayuka came in off the bench. In the 78th minute, he got his opportunity and buried it. Zambia held off Ghana's persistent efforts to find an equalizer and pulled off the unlikely upset.

Now, the Copper Bullets travel to Libreville, Gabon to play tournament-favorite Ivory Coast (#18 in the world) in the tournament final. This is significant because it is the very same location of the most tragic chapter in Zambian football history. In 1993, the plane carrying the national team crashed just minutes after taking off. 25 players and team officials died. The tragedy still remains fresh in the minds of many Zambians.

When asked to address the incident, current head coach Herve Renard stated, "There's something written that we have to go to play to honor the memories of the Zambia national team that died in 1993. It was catastrophic for the nation. The 12 million people of Zambia are waiting for us to go back to Libreville. Immediately (after) we arrive, we will go to the place. We just have to think of them and play for them and play for Zambia because it's a fantastic country."

All that remains to be seen is if the Zambians can pull off another incredible upset on Sunday. Ivory Coast will be the heavy favorites in the matchup. Les Elephants have yet to concede a goal in the tournament. The Copper Bullets road to Libreville has brought liberation and redemption to the memory of millions of Zambians. If their team does win Sunday, they will celebrate the first championship in their nation's history

This Year's Kentucky Kids are Looking Downright Dominant

John Calipari's team is another young bunch. #1 Kentucky's starting lineup features three freshman and two sophomores. The balance and teamwork they show for their age and experience is remarkable. Sophomore Terrence Jones is the returning star player, but he doesn't demand the ball like one. The other starting sophomore is Doron Lamb. Lamb can light it up from downtown. The trio of diaper dandies have been sensational so far. Marquis Teague runs the point beautifully. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is as consistent as they come. Anthony Davis is a dominant force inside. He is drawing talent comparisons to Shaquille O'Neal. This is a talented team to say the least.

Calipari's teams always seem to be talent laden though. The difference is this team has seemed to play consistently superb basketball since day one. They are 24-1 and 10-0 in the SEC for the first time in seven years. The Wildcats faced their toughest test in over a month tonight when they played the Florida Gators. All they did was blowout the Gators, who are widely considered the second best team in the SEC, by 20 points. Kentucky also has wins on its resume over Kansas, North Carolina, and Louisville. Their only loss was by one point at Indiana.

Kentucky has its toughest road game of the season at Vanderbilt on Saturday. If they escape with a win, they could easily run the table the rest of the way. People are saying this might be Calipari's best team he's had at Kentucky. They are certainly looking like it right now. The Kentucky faithful are starting to get excited about national championship talk. Nothing is guaranteed, especially with a young team like this, but with the way they are playing, they are going to be tough to beat.

JLin Breathes Life into the Knicks and MSG

I already wrote about how absolutely terribly the New York Knicks had been playing this season. The Knicks were supposed to be contenders in the East, but instead were 8-15 and had lost 11 of their last 13. The offense simply wasn't getting it down on the court. One of the main reasons was a lack of a true starting point guard. Veteran Baron Davis was supposed to be the answer, but he hasn't played at all this season with a back injury. The Knicks had tried just about everyone at the spot, so they turned to one of their last men on the bench, Jeremy Lin. Lin is a second year player out of Harvard. Before Saturday's game, he had only played 55 minutes all season and scored only 32 points.

On Saturday, the Knicks hosted the New Jersey Nets. Everyone hoped they could pick up a win here to end the losing drought. JLin came off the bench and was the leading scorer with 25 points and 7 assists. The Knicks won 99-92. Tonight, the Knicks hosted the Utah Jazz. Before the game began, the Knicks knew they would be without star Amare Stoudemire, who left to be with his family after the death of his older brother in a car accident. In tonight's game, JLin got his first career start, but things didn't look good when six minutes in, the Knicks' other start player, Carmelo Anthony, left the game with a strained right groin. This left the Knicks without any real identity. That didn't last long as JLin quickly took over. Lin scored a career-high 28 points and 8 assists. He was clutch down the stretch and nailed a moneyball three to help seal the Knicks' victory.

The Knicks knew they needed to turn around their season. People thought they needed to fire head coach Mike D'Antoni. They thought Carmelo or Amare would make it happen. They thought all sorts of things and theories, but few thought of little Jeremy Lin from Harvard. In two games, Lin might have single-handedly turned around the Knicks' season. I watched the game tonight and Madison Square Garden was rocking like it hadn't been in a very, very long time. Knicks fans have someone to believe in. That someone is Jeremy Lin.

Big Week in Conference Play Featuring Some Rivalries

I'm previewing the men's college basketball games to watch this week. There are big conference showdowns and some big time rivalries on display.

Monday

Connecticut @ #25 Louisville - 7:00 PM EST, ESPN

UConn got a much needed win on Saturday when they pounded Seton Hall. Can the victory propel the Huskies to make a run, or was the win just a mirage? Louisville has quietly won four in a row in conference play.

Tuesday

#11 Florida @ #1 Kentucky - 7:00 PM EST, ESPN

Florida has won seven in a row, all of which were in SEC play. The Gators have looked like the second best team in the conference. Kentucky just keeps win basketball games. Freshman Anthony Davis is just a beast. People are saying is the most dominant player to play in the SEC since Shaquille O'Neal.

Wednesday

#14 Georgetown @ #2 Syracuse - 7:00 PM EST, ESPN

Georgetown has played solid in conference play so far and are coming off a win over Connecticut and a demolition of South Florida. Syracuse keeps churning out wins. The got Fab Melo back in Saturday's win as well. Will the Hoyas have enough to pull the upset, or will the Orange display their dominance of the Big East once again?

#8 Kansas @ #6 Baylor - 7:00 PM EST, ESPN2

The top of the Big 12 standings shows three teams tied for the lead with conference records of 8-2. Missouri, Kansas, and Baylor have all spent time in the Top 10 of the polls this season. On Wednesday in Waco, Kansas and Baylor faceoff. Kansas is coming off a tough loss at Missouri. Baylor is building steam once again having won four straight.

Saint Louis @ Saint Joseph's - 8:30 PM EST

The Atlantic Ten standings have been crazy this season so far. The top of the standings are so crowded right now. In fact, six teams are currently within a game of first place. St. Louis is one of those teams with a 6-3 conference record. The Billikens are coming off solid conference wins at home over St. Bonaventure and Dayton. St. Joseph's is 5-4 in conference play, so they have some work to do. The Hawks have taken some steps in the right direction with wins over Richmond and La Salle.

#5 Duke @ #6 North Carolina - 9:00 PM EST, ESPN

Duke and North Carolina. It is the rivalry of all rivalries in college basketball. Normally, it is also the game to decide who will be in first place in the ACC. That is not the case this year as both teams are looking up at Florida State. Duke is coming off a shocking overtime loss at home to Miami. North Carolina came from behind last Saturday to win at Maryland. The Tar Heels have won five in a row since losing to Florida State.

Notre Dame @ West Virginia - 9:00 PM EST, ESPNU

Notre Dame seems to be as hot as any team in the country right now. The Fighting Irish have beaten three Top 25 teams in their past four games. West Virginia held on Saturday to beat Providence in overtime. The win ended a three game losing skid.

Thursday

Valparaiso @ Cleveland State - 7:00 PM EST

First place in the Horizon League is on the line in this matchup. You might not think this a big deal, but Butler plays in this conference, and we know what they have done in recent years. Cleveland State did upset Vanderbilt earlier this year, so these are two teams to watch out for.

#16 Saint Mary's @ Gonzaga - 11:00 PM EST, ESPN2

St. Mary's has looked downright dominant as of late. The Gaels are winners of twelve straight and undefeated in conference play. They have already beaten rival Gonzaga once and would love to do it again to prove a point. Gonzaga rebounded from a loss at BYU with a win at Pepperdine on Saturday.

Friday

Iona @ Loyola (MD) - 7 PM EST, ESPNU

First place in the MAAC is up for grabs in this game. Both teams are 11-2 in conference play. Iona got revenge on Saturday winning at Manhattan to get a big win. The Gaels have won four in a row. Loyola has won six in a row since losing at Iona on January 15. The Greyhounds won each of those games by double digits.

#23 Harvard @ Pennsylvania - 7:00 PM EST

Despite being ranked, Harvard isn't a lock for an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament. It would be much easier if the Crimson would just win the Ivy League and get the automatic bid. They are undefeated in conference play so far, but they need to get by perennial conference contender Penn. The Quakers are 4-1 in conference play.

Saturday (There are a lot of games Saturday, so I am just going to list them.)

#25 Louisville @ West Virginia - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN

Connecticut @ #2 Syracuse - 1:00 PM EST, CBS

#18 Virginia @ #6 North Carolina - 1:00 PM EST, ESPN3

#6 Baylor @ #4 Missouri - 1:30 PM EST, ESPN3

VCU @ Old Dominion - 2:00 PM EST, Comcast Sports

Cincinnati @ #15 Marquette - 3:00 PM EST, ESPNU

#17 San Diego State @ #13 UNLV - 4:00 PM EST, NBC Sports

Witchita State @ #12 Creighton - 5:00 PM EST, ESPN2

#10 Michigan State @ #3 Ohio State - 6:00 PM EST, ESPN

#1 Kentucky @ Vanderbilt - 9:00 PM EST, ESPN

Xavier @ Temple - 9:00 PM EST, ESPN2