The free throw line. In a situation where he could win or lose the game for his team. No, I never thought I would say those words, but after Trent's performance in the clutch last night in New Mexico, he deserves it. Trent Plaisted has only been making a sad 37% of free throws on the road, but he was 100% when it counted.
After a hard-fought battle all around the whole night, the Lobos had a chance to win it all with about 20 seconds left in regulation. But thanks to an amazing steal by Jimmer Fredette, the game was forced in to overtime! Neither team led by more than 3 points during the extra period, but the Cougars were down by one when Plaisted was fouled on his shot attempt. I knew he could make them, although he hasn't proved it very well all season. And make them he did! That game the Lobos about 4 seconds to make it down the court and try a shot for the win. But thanks to amazing defense and a little luck,(a replay showed the shooter getting "fouled" by Plaisted with .1 seconds left, which would have sent them to the line for the win!), the mighty Cougars toughed it out in one of the toughest places to play in college basketball.
That win was EXTREMELY important, because a loss would have meant UNLV or New Mexico had a very good chance of either sharing or taking the season title. BYU should win the rest of their games, but the game to watch is the UNLV at New Mexico next Wednesday night! (Aside from the Wyoming at BYU game of course!)
Thank you Cougars for proving you can win at tough places!!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
you can't win 'em all
Though I thought it would be very possible to win out the rest of the season, assuring a 6 or 7 seed come NCAA tournament time. I still think the rest of the games are almost in the bag, with the biggest challenge coming tonight at the Pit in Albuquerque against the Lobos. At San Diego last Saturday, our slow start and inability to finish at the end is what cost us the game. The refs didn't help much, either. I mean, what was with that no-call on JT's three that could have tied the game with the clock winding down? But don't get me wrong, there were other opportunities to win other than just that.
That 4-point loss is in the past, and now all the Cougars have to do is show up for 40 minutes in the remaining 4 conference games. A win in the MWC tournament wouldn't help, either. To beat the Rebels on the "neutral" site which happens to be their home court would be great! It is very possible, as long as they forget everything that happened at the Thomas & Mack in January.
One more thing: The San Diego State fans are the most obnoxious fans in the conference. At least they are whenever we play their team at Cox Arena, they are just out to get "the Mormons". And just so you know, Warren Jeffs has nothing to do with BYU, so leave those signs at home next time, no one's laughing. It's also not cool to dress up as missionaries.
Go Cougars! Win it at the Pit!!
That 4-point loss is in the past, and now all the Cougars have to do is show up for 40 minutes in the remaining 4 conference games. A win in the MWC tournament wouldn't help, either. To beat the Rebels on the "neutral" site which happens to be their home court would be great! It is very possible, as long as they forget everything that happened at the Thomas & Mack in January.
One more thing: The San Diego State fans are the most obnoxious fans in the conference. At least they are whenever we play their team at Cox Arena, they are just out to get "the Mormons". And just so you know, Warren Jeffs has nothing to do with BYU, so leave those signs at home next time, no one's laughing. It's also not cool to dress up as missionaries.
Go Cougars! Win it at the Pit!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
67-59 is all I have to say
Well, another Utah game has come and gone, and once again the mighty Cougars leave with a victory! That makes 2 straight season sweeps of those guys up north in men's basketball and football, or 6 games in all! Those are obviously the two most important sports, so the Utes can go on and on about how they still beat BYU in women's basketball or gymnastics...blah, blah, blah. I to break it to you, but the 10 people who actually went to those events are the only ones who care.
That game, however, was probably the only game I've ever been to in the Marriott where I was actually a little worried. (That would have been more true for the San Diego State game when BYU escaped with a 3-point victory, but sadly that's the only conference game I wasn't able to attend.) They didn't even play the routine victory bell commercial, I'm guessing in fear that there would be no victory bell. It was very intense though, because we just couldn't put those Utes away, with our lead going back and forth from 1 to 8 the whole entire game! But the win did come, and it set a new school record of 45 home victories in a row. How fitting was is that the leading scorer with 20 and star of the show was Jonathan Tavernari #45? It's even more fitting that 44th victory over UNLV, #44 Trent Plaisted was the big story.
It was somewhat ironic how the UNLV game had about 3,000 more fans than the rival Utah game, but it was on a Saturday versus a Wednesday. The UNLV game was admittedly tons louder and more energizing. There were times at the Utah game when I wanted to stand up and start a cheer, but I was sitting by all the old people so I'm not sure how that would have worked. All in all it was a great game though, and I even caught the victory bell player of the game Chris Miles' sweatband! I also caught Lee Cummard's at the TCU game. I must just always be at the right place at the right time.
Oh, and one more thing: seriously, what is Jim Boylen's deal? This Utah coach has taken the vacant spot of most obnoxious coach in the Mountain West ever since Steve McClain was fired in Wyoming last year. Before the second half started he actually took Coach Rose with him over to the score table to instruct the refs on everything they were doing wrong and the right way to do things. Who does that? I know refs can make crappy calls sometimes, but you don't formally go tell them what to do with the other team's coach! He was also jumping up and down all over the court the whole game; I wanted him to get a tech so bad! I think he will sometime soon.
Some of my favorite signs from the game:
'Jimmer add me on Facebook!'(During pre-game warmups the team kept looking at it and laughing at him! I should have brought one that said,'Jimmer marry me!'Who needs Facebook?)
'This is the 'Plais'ted!' So clever.....
'Because of you we the U!' Classic!
Final thoughts:
In the post-game interview of the UNLV game Tavernari wore a Gatsby white hat, a sweater vest, and dress pants. After the Utah game he wore an all black suit! He said it was because his guardians from when he lived in Vegas picked them out for him. I'm not sure why, but I loved it! "My mom said I look cute. I sent her a picture."--that's exactly his personality!
That game, however, was probably the only game I've ever been to in the Marriott where I was actually a little worried. (That would have been more true for the San Diego State game when BYU escaped with a 3-point victory, but sadly that's the only conference game I wasn't able to attend.) They didn't even play the routine victory bell commercial, I'm guessing in fear that there would be no victory bell. It was very intense though, because we just couldn't put those Utes away, with our lead going back and forth from 1 to 8 the whole entire game! But the win did come, and it set a new school record of 45 home victories in a row. How fitting was is that the leading scorer with 20 and star of the show was Jonathan Tavernari #45? It's even more fitting that 44th victory over UNLV, #44 Trent Plaisted was the big story.
It was somewhat ironic how the UNLV game had about 3,000 more fans than the rival Utah game, but it was on a Saturday versus a Wednesday. The UNLV game was admittedly tons louder and more energizing. There were times at the Utah game when I wanted to stand up and start a cheer, but I was sitting by all the old people so I'm not sure how that would have worked. All in all it was a great game though, and I even caught the victory bell player of the game Chris Miles' sweatband! I also caught Lee Cummard's at the TCU game. I must just always be at the right place at the right time.
Oh, and one more thing: seriously, what is Jim Boylen's deal? This Utah coach has taken the vacant spot of most obnoxious coach in the Mountain West ever since Steve McClain was fired in Wyoming last year. Before the second half started he actually took Coach Rose with him over to the score table to instruct the refs on everything they were doing wrong and the right way to do things. Who does that? I know refs can make crappy calls sometimes, but you don't formally go tell them what to do with the other team's coach! He was also jumping up and down all over the court the whole game; I wanted him to get a tech so bad! I think he will sometime soon.
Some of my favorite signs from the game:
'Jimmer add me on Facebook!'(During pre-game warmups the team kept looking at it and laughing at him! I should have brought one that said,'Jimmer marry me!'Who needs Facebook?)
'This is the 'Plais'ted!' So clever.....
'Because of you we the U!' Classic!
Final thoughts:
In the post-game interview of the UNLV game Tavernari wore a Gatsby white hat, a sweater vest, and dress pants. After the Utah game he wore an all black suit! He said it was because his guardians from when he lived in Vegas picked them out for him. I'm not sure why, but I loved it! "My mom said I look cute. I sent her a picture."--that's exactly his personality!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
My first practice!
Well my life is finally complete. Yesterday for the first time, I went to a BYU basketball practice! That may not sound very exciting for most people, but think about it: 2 hours just getting to sit there watching the best team in the world having fun and joking around. When the team was just around, Lee Cummard sat on the team's bench and started making threes while sitting way behind the line! Then he came so close while lying on the score table at half court! He is just too amazing. Me and Michelle were practically the only ones there, so no one was there to take away from our delight.
There's also another reason of why it was the best. After the team was done and just a few were left, Jonathan Tavernari started waving at us! He must have recognized us from when he met us earlier! It was the best feeling in the world to know that he knew who we were! So then we just sat there staring at him and another manager or something play around for about 20 minutes. And for your information, he is one of the most hilarious people ever! He sounded like a comedian out there....and he even did this little shimmy dance which was so cute! Here are some of my favorite quotes of his from yesterday.....
"Hi what's your name? I'm 6'6"."
"If I don't make it in basketball, I'm going to be a comedian."
While some other guys were walking in together: "Are you guys gay together or something? I swear I never see you apart! Do you shower together too? Man I'm really disappointed."
"I'm a high-roller."
When this other guy told him he owed him money: "Sorry I gotta go, my momma just called. My momma called! I have to go!"
"Man, Chuck Norris likes men."
There was much more, but those were my favorites. Who knew he was so funny? I did! Then, when he was about to leave, me and Michelle finally worked up the courage to go and talk to him! He even let us on the court and let us sit right by him on their actual bench! We were so close, I could even see the stubble on his legs growing back! Yes, he shaves his legs. We talked to him for like 10 minutes! And then he said he'd see us at the Utah game because he asked if we were going, and of course we are! It was the funnest day ever!!
Well, now I'm going to the Utah game....and I can't wait for us to kick some trash.
There's also another reason of why it was the best. After the team was done and just a few were left, Jonathan Tavernari started waving at us! He must have recognized us from when he met us earlier! It was the best feeling in the world to know that he knew who we were! So then we just sat there staring at him and another manager or something play around for about 20 minutes. And for your information, he is one of the most hilarious people ever! He sounded like a comedian out there....and he even did this little shimmy dance which was so cute! Here are some of my favorite quotes of his from yesterday.....
"Hi what's your name? I'm 6'6"."
"If I don't make it in basketball, I'm going to be a comedian."
While some other guys were walking in together: "Are you guys gay together or something? I swear I never see you apart! Do you shower together too? Man I'm really disappointed."
"I'm a high-roller."
When this other guy told him he owed him money: "Sorry I gotta go, my momma just called. My momma called! I have to go!"
"Man, Chuck Norris likes men."
There was much more, but those were my favorites. Who knew he was so funny? I did! Then, when he was about to leave, me and Michelle finally worked up the courage to go and talk to him! He even let us on the court and let us sit right by him on their actual bench! We were so close, I could even see the stubble on his legs growing back! Yes, he shaves his legs. We talked to him for like 10 minutes! And then he said he'd see us at the Utah game because he asked if we were going, and of course we are! It was the funnest day ever!!
Well, now I'm going to the Utah game....and I can't wait for us to kick some trash.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sweet, Sweet Revenge
Well I decided to get a blog after I saw my sisters...but mine will be kind of different. Most everything I say will have something to do with BYU sports--pretty much all men's basketball right now. Not just BYU, but the whole Mountain West Conference! But first, I'll start with a bad memory of earlier in the season...
Let's face it-no one wants to remember that sad excuse for a basketball game in January when the Cougars lost by 29 to UNLV on their home floor. It was hard to believe BYU was the team to beat--but that's just why it was such a horrible loss. The Cougars are so good that every team somewhat singles that game out as something they want to win so bad their teeth hurt. That same thing happened last year at San Diego, and it happened at the Thomas & Mack this year, with a possible repeat at the home of the Aztecs. But back to UNLV, at that game they played tougher defense and were as aggressive as any team I've ever seen. Give them credit--they got what they wanted, but that loss fueled the Marriott Center fire hotter than I've ever seen it.
The Rebels came to Provo last Saturday hoping to put an end to the Cougar's 43-game win streak at home, as well as work their way closer to the top of the Mountain West. But hoping was as close as they would come.
A few minutes in to the game when the score was 7-6 BYU, I was scared that it would be a close one the whole way through. But that was definitely where the closeness ended. The Cougars made shots, the Rebels didn't. The Cougars had the white-out crowd of over 23,000 behind them, the Rebels had a few scattered fans here and there. It was seriously the most exciting and energy-filled place that I have ever been in. One of my favorite parts of games in the Marriott Center is when players on the opposing team foul out and the student section chants, "Left, right, left, right, left, right, SIT DOWN!" Two of the Rebels fouled out--twice the fun. 74-48. Just let the score do the talking. Every BYU player came to win--and win they did. As usual, Lee 'the Spiderman' Cummard had a stellar performance with 18 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. But Trent Plaisted was the man with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. He also had 4 dunks that brought the house down. The best part is that he was 6 of 8 on free-throws, forgetting all about his 1 of 10 performance in Vegas. And even though Tavernari only had 6 points, I was pleased with his selection and willingness to give up his good shot for a better one, having 4 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal of his own. Even the freshmen came off the bench for immediate impact. Chris Collinsworth had huge defensive presence and a Cougar game-high number of rebounds with 9. Jimmer Fredette had 9 points and even had the opportunity to play some point guard while tying his season-high of minutes with 24. Chris Miles was very aggressive and played awesome as well. I believe the Cougar student section summed it all up with their chant with about 2 minutes left in the game--"We want Utah, we want Utah, we want Utah!" Although this game felt like a rivalry game, I can't wait for this Wednesday when the real rivals come to town. Bring it on!
Let's face it-no one wants to remember that sad excuse for a basketball game in January when the Cougars lost by 29 to UNLV on their home floor. It was hard to believe BYU was the team to beat--but that's just why it was such a horrible loss. The Cougars are so good that every team somewhat singles that game out as something they want to win so bad their teeth hurt. That same thing happened last year at San Diego, and it happened at the Thomas & Mack this year, with a possible repeat at the home of the Aztecs. But back to UNLV, at that game they played tougher defense and were as aggressive as any team I've ever seen. Give them credit--they got what they wanted, but that loss fueled the Marriott Center fire hotter than I've ever seen it.
The Rebels came to Provo last Saturday hoping to put an end to the Cougar's 43-game win streak at home, as well as work their way closer to the top of the Mountain West. But hoping was as close as they would come.
A few minutes in to the game when the score was 7-6 BYU, I was scared that it would be a close one the whole way through. But that was definitely where the closeness ended. The Cougars made shots, the Rebels didn't. The Cougars had the white-out crowd of over 23,000 behind them, the Rebels had a few scattered fans here and there. It was seriously the most exciting and energy-filled place that I have ever been in. One of my favorite parts of games in the Marriott Center is when players on the opposing team foul out and the student section chants, "Left, right, left, right, left, right, SIT DOWN!" Two of the Rebels fouled out--twice the fun. 74-48. Just let the score do the talking. Every BYU player came to win--and win they did. As usual, Lee 'the Spiderman' Cummard had a stellar performance with 18 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. But Trent Plaisted was the man with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. He also had 4 dunks that brought the house down. The best part is that he was 6 of 8 on free-throws, forgetting all about his 1 of 10 performance in Vegas. And even though Tavernari only had 6 points, I was pleased with his selection and willingness to give up his good shot for a better one, having 4 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal of his own. Even the freshmen came off the bench for immediate impact. Chris Collinsworth had huge defensive presence and a Cougar game-high number of rebounds with 9. Jimmer Fredette had 9 points and even had the opportunity to play some point guard while tying his season-high of minutes with 24. Chris Miles was very aggressive and played awesome as well. I believe the Cougar student section summed it all up with their chant with about 2 minutes left in the game--"We want Utah, we want Utah, we want Utah!" Although this game felt like a rivalry game, I can't wait for this Wednesday when the real rivals come to town. Bring it on!
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