Kansas State gets the last laugh

Going into their second game of pool play against the #17 ranked Texas A&M Aggies, the Longhorns lost 7-3, apparently using all of their runs yesterday in their 19 run outburst against the Wildcats. Texas dropped to 1-1 in group play and will take on Nebraska on Saturday.

The Longhorns couldn't get anything going for most of the day as a man named Kirkland, held the Horns to 3 runs over 6 2/3 innings. After Texas took a 2-1 lead into the bottom third inning, the Aggies scored 5 runs off of starter James Russell, and that was all they needed as the Longhorns couldn't only manage one more run the rest of the game.

A day after pounding out 17 hits, the Longhorns only managed 7 hits, and one extra base hit. After everyone contributed on Wednesday, the Longhorns struggled to get contributions from the bottom of their lineup as the 5 thru 9 hitters went a combined 1-14. The Longhorns just couldn't get it going all day, as the Aggies had to be due after getting swept last week by the Horns.

It looks like the Longhorns will continue their streak of being a favorite to win the Big XII tournament and not winning the Big XII tournament. Kansas State, still upset from their 19-10 beating they received Wednesday, figured out how they could get back at Texas the most. They then did the improbable beating Nebraska 5-1 last night. This locked everyone in Group A in a tie at 1-1. However, the tiebreaker is head-to-head match ups, meaning for Texas to advance to the championship, they will need Kansas State to beat A&M and they will need to defeat Nebraska on Saturday. Texas should be able to bounce back and beat Nebraska, but don't look for lightning to strike twice for Kansas State. I suppose Kansas State got the last laugh.

Texas will use the extra rest on Sunday and prepare themselves to host their regional in a week at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas, as they should be one of the top 8 seeds for the NCAA tournament.

Those Aluminum Bats Sure are Useful

The Longhorns opened the Big XII baseball tournament yesterday in a real pitching duel, as Texas improved to 1-0 in Group A, defeating Kansas State 19-10. The 19 runs marked the most ever by the Longhorns in a Big XII tournament, and also marked what we've long suspected, it sucks to pitch against aluminum bats.

Texas, realizing it potentially has 5 games in 3 days, sent Kyle Walker to the mound to attempt to save some arms for later in the week against some tougher foes. Texas of course got what they paid for, by sending Walker and his 1-0 and 10.80 era to the mound. After one inning of service Texas was down 4-0. Trailing 4-1 in the third inning, Texas behind back to back triples scored a touchdown and a field goal to take what one would think would be an insurmountable lead at 11-4.

It appeared that way behind five scoreless innings by reliever Joseph Krebs. Then up 11-4 in the 8th inning, it once again is time to dig deep into that unused part of your bullpen. What did Augie Garrido find? Pat McCrory, who was good for 2/3 of an inning and 5 runs. However, up 13-10, in the bottom of the 8th, Texas was able to tack on another touchdown to make it 19-10. No word on how the extra point was botched.

When your team pounds out 17 hits and 19 runs, I suppose it's only worth noting the players with at least 2 hits, which would be Jordan Danks (3-3, 2 RBI), Kyle Russell (2-4, 2 RBI), Chance Wheeless (3-4, 4 RBI), Russell Moldenhauer (2-4, 2 RBI), Chais Fuller (2-6), and Nick Peoples (2-4, 2 RBI). Kansas State used 8 pitchers in all, the last 2 being off the grounds crew at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. All together they combined to give up 17 hits, 10 walks, facing 52 batters, and throwing 214 pitches. All in all, it was a solid days work.

Texas will next face the #5 seed Texas A&M who they just swept a week ago. A&M is 0-1 after losing to Nebraska 5-3 yesterday. We'll also be sure to keep an eye on Kansas State to see if they can set some sort of record for runs given up in a Big XII Tournament.

Men's Big XII Tournament Preview

With the Big XII tournament beginning this Thursday, it's time to preview each team's chances to take home the least important conference tournament championship in college basketball.

#12 Colorado (7-19) (3-13) - With only one quality player in Richard Roby (any relation to Reggie?) and a coaching staff that is likely on their way out, the Buffaloes started looking ahead to football season. Oh wait, started looking ahead to....

Well Colorado's season has been a disappointing one to say the least, and facing a Texas Tech team that needs a win to solidify its NCAA hopes, you can pretty much sum up Colorado's season with one thought: At least we haven't had any sex scandals.

#11 Baylor (14-15) (4-12) - A year that was supposed to be filled with promise was a bit of a disappointment for the Bears, as the perennial bottom dweller, well, dwelled in the bottom. The team shows a lot of promise as their influx of young talent has made this team no longer an easy walk over. This showed as the team won 2 of its last 4.

They should give Missouri a run in the opening round, and if they can get by Missouri, Texas will be disappointed as the Horns have won both meetings by a combined 6 points. But Missouri has been playing well and Baylor won't get by them.

#10 Nebraska (17-13) (6-10) - While Nebraska hasn't played well down the stretch, losing to Iowa State and Colorado, they did beat Oklahoma State. So they're not the fasting sinking ship in the Big XII. That wouldn't bode much confidence for their chances in the tournament, unless, they get to play Oklahoma State in the first round. Look for Nebraska to pull of the upset, if you can call it that in the first round, since I mean, their basketball team has a pulse.

But what are folks in Nebraska saying about their chances beyond the first round? Man, has that Sam Keller looks impressive in Spring practice.

#9 Oklahoma (15-14) (6-10) - What was expected to be a rebuilding year for Oklahoma has been exactly that. It was tough for Capel losing Scottie Reynolds and Damion James and not having a go to player on the entire roster.

What an enjoyable season to watch. After showing some promise by winning 4 straight, Oklahoma reminded everyone that they are in fact, not good by losing their last 6 to end the season. Look for it to be 7 straight against Iowa State, not that anyone in Oklahoma will notice.

#8 Iowa State (15-15) (6-10) - Is it me or is the bottom half of the Big XII just painful to watch. A collection of teams that aren't really worth a full paragraph. There's nothing really to note here, other than Iowa State consistently manages to be the model of mediocrity, by going 3-3 down the stretch alternating wins and losses. I'm sure Greg McDermott wishes he had stayed at Northern Iowa.

#7 Oklahoma State (20-11) (6-10) - The only thing that wouldn't have made this complete and utter collapse not painful to watch, would've been if we could've seen the Eddie Sutton bitter beer face during it all. Instead we have to watch Sean Sutton look completely overwhelmed as his team quit on him. 2-8 down the stretch. So much for 5 or 6 teams in the NCAA tournament.

This team is a debacle and could possibly have ramifications for the program for years to come. Sean, I think The Fray has a song just for you. Look for Nebraska to win back to back games and just make the pain end on the Pokes' season.

#6 Missouri (18-11) (7-9) - The only team in the Big XII North that actually showed anything this season other than Kansas. That still doesn't make them good, but their uptempo pressing style will continue to make them a tough game. They'll be even tougher when they get the personnel to play it. Should handle Baylor, can't stop Durant, but really? Who can?

#5 Texas Tech (20-11) (9-7) - Bob Knight teams always find a way into the tournament. While at times they looked great, and others they looked terrible, they managed to look like a questionable team. Then they win 3 straight get to 20 wins, and surely will be a lock after beating Colorado in the first round. Many think with the way they've been playing they'll get by Kansas State in the second round and give Kansas a run for their money. I kind of agree with Many.

#4 Kansas State (21-10) (10-6) - After winning 7 straight (6 in conference) Kansas State and Bob Huggins were the talk of the town. But after going 4-4 down the stretch with losses to Nebraska and Oklahoma State (How is that even possible?) Kansas State's tournament work is not done. They will most likely face Texas Tech in the second round and need a win to solidify their tournament hopes.

Regardless of what happens, the future looks bright at Kansas State, and really, one must wonder at what point in the whole Bob Huggins saga did Cincinnati actually think it was making a good decision? You, enjoy Cincinnati Mike Williams, good decision there, really good decision.

#3 Texas (22-8) (12-4) - The ankle is okay. And with that, so are the Horns' tournament chances. While a run to the title game is possible, getting by A&M on a neutral floor will be extremely difficult. Durant is going to dominate games and could raise his play to another level, much like he did in the first half of the Kansas game. But, the post-season hopes of the Longhorns will rest on DJ Augustin. If he plays well Texas will be dangerous, if he struggles, we're a one pony show.

If Texas does end up playing A&M in the semi-finals of this tournament, who will the fans in Oklahoma City be cheering for? Will they boo both teams? Will they cheer for the Hornets? Or will they just wait for the Sonics to move to town?

#2 Texas A&M (25-5) (13-3) - This is the environment Texas A&M and Billy Gillespie basketball is made for. With a deep and experienced roster, and a team that plays hard nosed pressure defense and comes at you for 40 minutes, A&M is tough to beat on a neutral floor. Throw in Acie Law and the crap that he pulls out in close games, A&M is going to be playing for the Big XII title.

#1 Kansas (27-4) (14-2) - They keep saying that this Kansas team is different than the last two years. I thought they said that last year? Either way, Kansas is loaded and can play with anyone. They also have another gear, as they showed in the Texas game, that almost makes them unstoppable. They could face a very hungry Texas Tech team which could catch them sleeping. Otherwise, look for them to get a great game from Texas A&M in the finals.

But really, I think this team is just waiting biding its time until it can start worrying about how it's going to choke in the tournament this season. This team may be different then the last two, but one key element remains: Bill Self.

Predictions, Round 1: Tech over Colorado, Missouri over Baylor, Nebraska over Oklahoma State, Oklahoma over Iowa State.

Predictions, Round 2: Kansas over Oklahoma, Tech over Kansas State, Texas over Missouri, A&M over Nebraska

Predictions, Semis: Tech over Kansas, A&M over Texas

Predictions, Finals: A&M over Tech

Conradt wins 900th, to replace Barnes?

The Texas women got off on the right foot tonight in the first round of the Big XII Tournament as they handled the 10th seed Missouri, 70-59. Texas used a 46-27 first half lead to coast to a second round match up against #2 seed Oklahoma.

Led by freshman Earnesia Williams 17 points, and Tiffany Jackson's 12 points and 14 rebounds Texas kept themselves in the hunt for a birth into the NCAA field of 65. While they could be given an at large birth after tonight's win, Texas would all but assure themselves of a place in the field if they can knock of #12 Oklahoma. But that's no small task. (See: Courtney Paris)

More importantly for the Longhorns the win marked the 900th of the illustrious career of head coach Jody Conradt. After failing to record the win last week against A&M, the Lady Longhorns were able to get Coach Conradt over the hump, making her the second head coach ever in women's basketball to reach that mark.

While we are happy for Coach Conradt and the Lady Longhorns, we would like to ask ESPN and all other media outlets to just say congratulations, recognize Conradt as one of the greatest women's coaches of all time and leave it at that. I don't think anyone can take another three weeks of comparing Conradt and Summit's achievements to Bob Knight, Dean Smith, and Adolph Rupp. And I guess while we're at it, should we nip the "Should Conradt be the Men's basketball coach?" story in the bud.

I think to be safe, I just won't watch Sportscenter in the morning.

Congratulations Coach Conradt on 900.

Women’s Big 12 Tournament Preview…Really.

In what can only been seen as one of the most competitive years in recent memory for the Big 12, A&M and OU have come out of the pack as Regular Season Co-Champions and favorites to claim the Conference Tournament Championship as well. The current ESPN Bracketology has seven Big 12 teams getting into the NCAA tournament. This is quite a feat considering the highest predicted seeds are A&M & OU’s at #4. This is just proof of how evenly matched the Big 12 has been and will be in the conference tourney. Here is a breakdown of each team's chances:

#1 Texas A&M 23-5 (13-3)- All-around the best team in the league. Led by Big 12 Coach of the Year, Gary Blair, the Aggies have 4 of their 5 starters on either the 1st or 2nd All-Big 12 Team or the All Defensive Team. The Aggies look to improve on their NCAA seeding and claim their first ever Conference Tournament Championship.

#2 Oklahoma 23-4 (13-3)- Led by Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Courtney Paris, the Sooners enter the tourney with one of the best players in the NCAA. Averaging 24 ppg, 16 rpg and 3.41 bpg, Paris is a force for any team to deal with.

#3 Baylor 24-6 (11-5)- The latest addition to Women’s basketball powerhouses, the lady Bears continue to have success in the NCAA and Big 12. This year’s team is a strong team that has experience and wants to go deep in both post-season tournaments. The Bears are led by Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, Bernice Mosley.

#4 Nebraska 22-6 (10-6)- Led by 1st Team All-Big 12ers Kelsey Griffin and Kiera Hardy, the Cornhuskers look to improve their NCAA tournament seeding with a strong Big 12 showing. When Husker fans were asked about the Women’s Basketball Team’s chances, most replied, “Are you sure you don’t mean Men’s Football? Cause either I have some corn niblets in my ear or you just suggested that there is a sport called basketball and supposedly women are allowed to play it.” (Actual quotes by real Nebraskans).

#5 Iowa State 22-7 (10-6)- Convinced by their coach that the only way they were allowed to escape the suffocating hell of Ames, Iowa was to dribble a round ball and put it into a basket, the Lady Cyclones have put in hours of hard work to make this dream come true. However, Iowa State coach Bill Fenelley has expressed concern of defection if the Lady ‘Clones are placed in a NCAA regional site that is “too close to mimicking 21st century luxuries.” (again an actual quote (probably anyway))

#6 Oklahoma State 20-9 (8-8)- The Lady Cowpokes are clinging to NCAA hopes. A loss to the lowly Jayhawks will ensure OSU will be playing in the even more irrelevant Women’s NIT.

#7 Texas 17-13 (6-10)- The latest Bracketology has Texas as one of its “Last Teams In.” This makes the tourney more important to Texas than any other team. They absolutely need at least one win to have any shot at the Big Dance, but a trip to the semi-finals (meaning a win over OU) would have the Horns dancing.

#8 Colorado 17-16 (6-10)- Being one game over .500 doesn’t guarantee your team a lot; Unless you are the Lady Buffs, which ensure that you would able to beat your men’s team in a 5-on-5. (Not shirts and skins. Get your minds out of the gutter).

#9 Texas Tech 15-15 (6-10)- Once mighty Texas Tech has been relegated to the unfamiliar role of “Also-ran” this year in the Big 12. The Lady Raiders look to gain some much-needed experience headed into the NIT.

#10 Missouri 17-12 (5-11)- One thing is clear. Either the Big 12 conference is the hardest in the nation or the Missouri Tigers played a bunch of High School teams in pre-conference. There’s really no other way to explain a deterioration like this (well, maybe there is, but I didn’t look into it).

#11 Kansas 10-19 (4-12)- The only team in the conference with an overall losing record does not bode well for the Jayhawk’s chances this weekend. I guess crazier things have happened (like me writing a Women’s Basketball article).

#12 Kansas State 16-13 (4-12)- Coming off a 12-1 pre-conference showing, the K State Wildcats were disappointing in the Big 12 year; indicated by their seeding in the tournament. The Wildcats will need to make quite a run to pull off an upset Tournament Championship and get a spot in the Final 65.