Four years of expectation and 3 years of frustration ended with one night of jubilation for the 10 St John's seniors Saturday Night at Carnesecca Arena. After years of mediocre play and lackluster results, the St John's Red Storm have rejuvenated their fan base with inspired play this season under the tutelage of first year head coach Steve Lavin. The excitement was in full affect last night in Jamaica as St John's defeated South Florida 72-56 on a night where the seniors were celebrated for their efforts over the past 4 years with an emotional pregame ceremony.
Even with the energy in the crowd and the emotions of the players the game began with a pretty sluggish pace. The Johnnies couldn't get anything going offensively against South Florida's 2-3 zone, and as a result ended the first half trailing by 2. They were trailing as late as the 10 minute mark in the second half, but finally got some timely hoops from Dwight Hardy and ran away with it down the stretch. Four year Senior Sean Evan's put the exclamation point on the evening with a thunderous breakaway dunk that sent the fans into a frenzy. It was a special moment coming from a player that's been here through the bad times, and ready to take advantage of the good times coming up in postseason play.
St John's clinched a tie for third place in the Big East, and the 5th seed in the Big East Tournament because of losses to Louisville and Syracuse earlier this season. That leaves the Johnnies with a second round matchup on Wednesday versus the winner of the Seton Hall and Rutgers matchup. I am personally rooting for Seton Hall to move on so the Johnnies can exact revenge on the Pirates and put them back in their place as the little brother in this tri state rivalry.
Before we get to madness of the March postseason college tournaments, we have some NBA hoops to discuss as the Knicks take on the Hawks tonight in the Dirty Dirty tonight. See ya then!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Same Ole Knicks
I didn't think that I would have to write about such terrible losses until the Mets season started, but the Knicks came through for me last night huh. The Cavaliers beat the Knicks ON THEIR HOME FLOOR last night 119-115. The wretched Cavs have beaten the Knicks 3 times this season and are now 12-49 on the season. Yeah thats right 25% of their wins have come against the Knicks.
It's understandable to lose a game on the road to the Cavs early in the season, its even slightly acceptable to lose another game their a few days after the Melo trade because the team was still learning each others names, but to lose last night in front of the the NYC faithful is downright atrocious. The Cavs don't even have their best player Antawn Jamison as he broke a finger last week and is out for the season. No Excuses for the Knicks, and no explanations from this blogger.
We can talk about 41 points from Amar'e, 29 from Melo, and even some nice minutes off the bench from Anthony Carter and Sheldon Williams, but why waste our breath. The Knicks got embarrassed on their home floor and continue to play bipolar basketball. You can say chemistry until your blue in the face, how bout some pride on your home court against the team that's already embarrassed you twice this season. All the good feelings from the Miami win and even the Hornets win go right out the window for this Knicks fan because I want a team that shows up every night especially in front of the home fans.
Knicks fly to Atlanta for another grudge match with the Hawks Sunday Night.
It's understandable to lose a game on the road to the Cavs early in the season, its even slightly acceptable to lose another game their a few days after the Melo trade because the team was still learning each others names, but to lose last night in front of the the NYC faithful is downright atrocious. The Cavs don't even have their best player Antawn Jamison as he broke a finger last week and is out for the season. No Excuses for the Knicks, and no explanations from this blogger.
We can talk about 41 points from Amar'e, 29 from Melo, and even some nice minutes off the bench from Anthony Carter and Sheldon Williams, but why waste our breath. The Knicks got embarrassed on their home floor and continue to play bipolar basketball. You can say chemistry until your blue in the face, how bout some pride on your home court against the team that's already embarrassed you twice this season. All the good feelings from the Miami win and even the Hornets win go right out the window for this Knicks fan because I want a team that shows up every night especially in front of the home fans.
Knicks fly to Atlanta for another grudge match with the Hawks Sunday Night.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
St John's Walks The Plank
The Seton Hall Pirates behind an inspired effort from Jeremy Hazell sent the Red Storm to their first Big East loss since January; dropping them to 5th in the Big East Standings making them a long shot for the coveted double bye. I mentioned earlier that one of the keys to the game was shutting down Hazell, but he was lights out scoring a season high 31 and out playing Big East Player of the Year candidate Dwight Hardy. Hardy scored 23 but was only 9-21 from the field and 1-5 from 3 point range.
Jeremy Hazell might have been the only bright spot on either side tonight because the game was sloppy throughout. Seton Hall seemingly turned the ball over every possession in the first half but St John's failed to capitalize ending the first half trailing by 4.
The second half brought several runs by both teams, but to much Hazell and a few timely three pointers from Fuquan Edwin down the stretch extended the Pirates lead for good. St John's lost their cool son thereafter as Coach Lavin received a double technical, and Justin Burrell a flagrant foul in the final 2 minutes that sent them both to the locker room with ejections. Now we wait and see if the Big East hands out any further punishment to Burrell. A suspension would leave him in street clothes on Senior Night at Carnesecca Arena on Saturday night and be a horrible way to end his solid career in front of his home fans.
While this is a tough loss to swallow for the Johnnies, and a promising win for the Pirates, Seton Hall better not celebrate too long because a rematch is likely in the second round of the Big East tournament; this time on the Johnnies home court Madison Square Garden. A Johnnies win on Saturday on senior night against USF, and a Pirates win over Rutgers in round one of the Big East Tournament, will send the two on a collision course in the second round on Wednesday. Look for St John's to play inspired basketball and put Seton Hall back in their place as the little brother in the Tri State Basketball Family.
Until then, the Pros are back in action tomorrow as the Knicks seek their own revenge against the pesky Cavs. Tip off is at 7:30 from the World's Most Famous Arena.
See ya Then!
Jeremy Hazell might have been the only bright spot on either side tonight because the game was sloppy throughout. Seton Hall seemingly turned the ball over every possession in the first half but St John's failed to capitalize ending the first half trailing by 4.
The second half brought several runs by both teams, but to much Hazell and a few timely three pointers from Fuquan Edwin down the stretch extended the Pirates lead for good. St John's lost their cool son thereafter as Coach Lavin received a double technical, and Justin Burrell a flagrant foul in the final 2 minutes that sent them both to the locker room with ejections. Now we wait and see if the Big East hands out any further punishment to Burrell. A suspension would leave him in street clothes on Senior Night at Carnesecca Arena on Saturday night and be a horrible way to end his solid career in front of his home fans.
While this is a tough loss to swallow for the Johnnies, and a promising win for the Pirates, Seton Hall better not celebrate too long because a rematch is likely in the second round of the Big East tournament; this time on the Johnnies home court Madison Square Garden. A Johnnies win on Saturday on senior night against USF, and a Pirates win over Rutgers in round one of the Big East Tournament, will send the two on a collision course in the second round on Wednesday. Look for St John's to play inspired basketball and put Seton Hall back in their place as the little brother in the Tri State Basketball Family.
Until then, the Pros are back in action tomorrow as the Knicks seek their own revenge against the pesky Cavs. Tip off is at 7:30 from the World's Most Famous Arena.
See ya Then!
Johnnies look for 7th straight
The #`15 St John's Red Storm cruise down the I95 to Trenton tonight looking to extend their 6 game winning streak against the Seton Hall Pirates. These local rivals were expected to be battling each other for tri-state supremacy in this matchup, but instead the Johnnies are competing for National supremacy while the Pirates are just trying to outlast Rutgers for New Jersey Supremacy. While they are separated by 6 games in the Big East Standings, you know Jeremy Hazell and the Pirates want to Rain on the Red Storm's parade and will come out with a lot of energy in front of the home crowd.
The Johnnies can lock up a coveted double bye in the Big East tournament by winning tonight and closing the season with a W on senior night this Saturday in front of the re-energized Carnesecca arena fans. So while many critics have dubbed this as a "trap game" for the Johnnies, you know coach Lavin will have them ready to play with so much on the line. There is no time to let up now, because these 9 seniors know this is their last rodeo and its now or never to leave their legacy on this program with a deep postseason run.
Look for another big game performance from Dwight Hardy as he pushes for Big East player of the year. He's averaging over 25 points per game since the Johnnies season turned around with the stunning win against Duke, and he knows its time to cease the moment with the postseason on the horizon and the NBA scouts in the crowd.
Paris Horne will draw another tough matchup on the defensive end of the floor as he tries to shut down Jeremy Hazell. Hazell has "in the gym" range, but Paris has been the Johnnies most consistent defender and will be up to the challenge.
If Horne can shut down Hazell, and Hardy lights it up again, the Johnnies should cruise to their 7th straight victory and set up a dream senior night on Saturday.
They tip it off at at 7:00 on ESPN2... LETS GO JOHNNIES!
The Johnnies can lock up a coveted double bye in the Big East tournament by winning tonight and closing the season with a W on senior night this Saturday in front of the re-energized Carnesecca arena fans. So while many critics have dubbed this as a "trap game" for the Johnnies, you know coach Lavin will have them ready to play with so much on the line. There is no time to let up now, because these 9 seniors know this is their last rodeo and its now or never to leave their legacy on this program with a deep postseason run.
Look for another big game performance from Dwight Hardy as he pushes for Big East player of the year. He's averaging over 25 points per game since the Johnnies season turned around with the stunning win against Duke, and he knows its time to cease the moment with the postseason on the horizon and the NBA scouts in the crowd.
Paris Horne will draw another tough matchup on the defensive end of the floor as he tries to shut down Jeremy Hazell. Hazell has "in the gym" range, but Paris has been the Johnnies most consistent defender and will be up to the challenge.
If Horne can shut down Hazell, and Hardy lights it up again, the Johnnies should cruise to their 7th straight victory and set up a dream senior night on Saturday.
They tip it off at at 7:00 on ESPN2... LETS GO JOHNNIES!
Say Bye Bye to Ollie?
Before we get to some college hoops tonight, tune in to what could possibly be Oliver Perez's last start in a Mets uniform this afternoon on SNY! I know it sounds to good to be true, but all reports from Port St. Lucie seem to be pointing to the end of the road for Ollie. He certainly doesn't have a sniff at the starting rotation, and at this point the bullpen is filling out better than Terry Collins could have imagined when camp opened a few weeks ago= so all signs point to Oliver fighting for a job and eventually being the odd man out FINALLY
If Oliver goes that leaves us with just Luis Castillo as the remaining cancer on this squad and his days may be numbered as well. Former fan favorite Daniel Murphy and Rule 5 selection Brad Emaus continue to impress while Luis continues being old. If Terry wants a fresh start, I think Brad Emaus is the choice at second base with Daniel Murphy getting some licks against Right Handers; thus sending Luis on the same flight with Oliver to somewhere far far away from Flushing!
Don't look now but the Mets might be a sleeper in the National League because of proper personnel decisions, core players playing for new contracts (and maybe some pride); and most importantly entering the season with no expectations for the first time in more than 5 years. If the Mets can play with that "us against the world" mentality, meaningful games in September are not out of the question
If Oliver goes that leaves us with just Luis Castillo as the remaining cancer on this squad and his days may be numbered as well. Former fan favorite Daniel Murphy and Rule 5 selection Brad Emaus continue to impress while Luis continues being old. If Terry wants a fresh start, I think Brad Emaus is the choice at second base with Daniel Murphy getting some licks against Right Handers; thus sending Luis on the same flight with Oliver to somewhere far far away from Flushing!
Don't look now but the Mets might be a sleeper in the National League because of proper personnel decisions, core players playing for new contracts (and maybe some pride); and most importantly entering the season with no expectations for the first time in more than 5 years. If the Mets can play with that "us against the world" mentality, meaningful games in September are not out of the question
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
No Chauncey No Problem
The Buzz was Back at the Garden as the Knicks stung the Hornets 107-88 tonight in front of a capacity crowd. Toney Douglas took Chauncey's pregame pep talk with him out on the court and was aggressive right from the start. More impressive then his shooting and scoring tonight (because we've seen offensive explosions from TD before) was his defense on CP3. We know hes been touted as a good defender throughout his young career, but it was nice to see it in a starting role against one of the leagues best point guards. Chris Paul only scored 4 points and looked frustrated all night ( Maybe he was wishing he was wearing blue and orange and playing for the home fans, but that's a story for another day)
From the opening tip the Knicks controlled the tempo and kept New Orleans inept offense in check. Chris Paul and the Hornets never got in a rhythm offensively and they were a step slow all night defensively leaving the Knicks shooters open from 3 point range- and they were locked in throughout hitting 10-22 from downtown.
Tonight marked the return of former "fan favorite" Jared Jeffries and his lips. He had a typical JJ stat line (0 points and 6 boards) and became an actual fan favorite with a JAH RED JEFF RIES chant in the fourth quarter after a few hustle plays. Look forward to JJ being an important contributor down the stretch with all of our size playing at the Pepsi Center in Denver nowadays.
The rest of the bench provided a spark headlined by a bounce back game from Shawne Williams- particularly from downtown. He and Toney Douglas both shot 4-6 from behind the arc. Additionally, I love Anthony Carter, dude brings it every night. Even Roger Mason got some burn during garbage time making both of his field goal attempts!
Still no dominant Melo performance, but he contributed with another 22 points behind a slightly improved 8-18 from the field. Look for a breakout performance when the Knicks finally show up and exact some revenge against the lowly Cavs Friday night at MSG. Chauncey will probably be on the pine again so TD has to keep up the momentum.
Until then, we're talkin college hoops as the Johnnies look to extend their winning streak tomorrow night in Jersey against Seton Hall
From the opening tip the Knicks controlled the tempo and kept New Orleans inept offense in check. Chris Paul and the Hornets never got in a rhythm offensively and they were a step slow all night defensively leaving the Knicks shooters open from 3 point range- and they were locked in throughout hitting 10-22 from downtown.
Tonight marked the return of former "fan favorite" Jared Jeffries and his lips. He had a typical JJ stat line (0 points and 6 boards) and became an actual fan favorite with a JAH RED JEFF RIES chant in the fourth quarter after a few hustle plays. Look forward to JJ being an important contributor down the stretch with all of our size playing at the Pepsi Center in Denver nowadays.
The rest of the bench provided a spark headlined by a bounce back game from Shawne Williams- particularly from downtown. He and Toney Douglas both shot 4-6 from behind the arc. Additionally, I love Anthony Carter, dude brings it every night. Even Roger Mason got some burn during garbage time making both of his field goal attempts!
Still no dominant Melo performance, but he contributed with another 22 points behind a slightly improved 8-18 from the field. Look for a breakout performance when the Knicks finally show up and exact some revenge against the lowly Cavs Friday night at MSG. Chauncey will probably be on the pine again so TD has to keep up the momentum.
Until then, we're talkin college hoops as the Johnnies look to extend their winning streak tomorrow night in Jersey against Seton Hall
Superman Stings Billups- Out Tonight Against Hornets
The new look Knicks didn't provide much Kryptonite for Superman last night as he dropped 30 points and ripped down 16 boards, but that wasn't all the damage he did. Chauncey Billups, the "throw in" in the Mega Melo deal, took a shot from Superman's knee while fighting over a screen and is out for tonight's game against the Hornets. While Chauncey could be back as soon as Friday night against the unbeatable Cavs, the Knicks will look to Toney Douglas and Anthony Carter to shut down CP3 tonight. Here's a look at the rest of the starting lineups for tonight's game at the Garden:
Knicks:
PG- Toney Douglas
SG- Landry Fields
SF- Melo
PF- Shawne Williams
C- Amar'e
Hornets:
PG- CP3
SG- Willie Green
SF- Trevor Ariza
PF- David West
C- Emeka Okafor
Both teams are clinging to the 6th spot in their respective conferences and coming off losses last night so we should expect a close game won by the team that gets a better performance from their reserves. We need some big minutes from Toney Douglas filling in for Mr. Big Shot and a breakthrough night from Melo to sting the Hornets tonight.
Lets Go Knicks!
Knicks:
PG- Toney Douglas
SG- Landry Fields
SF- Melo
PF- Shawne Williams
C- Amar'e
Hornets:
PG- CP3
SG- Willie Green
SF- Trevor Ariza
PF- David West
C- Emeka Okafor
Both teams are clinging to the 6th spot in their respective conferences and coming off losses last night so we should expect a close game won by the team that gets a better performance from their reserves. We need some big minutes from Toney Douglas filling in for Mr. Big Shot and a breakthrough night from Melo to sting the Hornets tonight.
Lets Go Knicks!
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