LamarCheeks

When Mason, VCU and ODU were all in the CAA, that used to be a really fun tournament. ...But all got greedy and went to "bigger" conferences.

This starts after we're down to 64 teams, correct?

This is interesting stuff ... I would've never realized there were THAT many times teams played each other three times in a season, let alone one having a 2-0 record heading into the third game.

Hardly surprising that his bracket is set up so that if we do get in and win a game, we most would likely face Houston. ... The NCAA LOVES matchups like that. Of course, I'm getting way, way ahead of myself. We have to get in first. And then win a game.

He really disappoints me. ... I was in school when we went to the 1991 NCAA tournament, and I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the games in Louisville and our one game in Charlotte. Pittsburgh was one of the teams in Louisville and Sean was the point guard back then. He was about as gritty and tough of a player as there was (kinda like Archie). He wasn't very big or very strong or very fast, but was really smart and didn't make mistakes. Just a real solid player. I also heard some of his interviews then and liked what he was saying. ... Then I saw him put in his time at Xavier before going on to the big time. ... Through all that, he just never struck me as a guy who would have to resort to dirty tricks -- his success would come from outworking everyone. But I guess at some point -- he caved. Or maybe I was giving him too much credit all along.

Another interesting quote yesterday, from big brother at Arizona's Senior Day: "There's no place that's more magical (choking up) than McHale Center. There's no fans in the world that are more loyal. And it has been an amazing honor to coach in the McHale Center for the last 10 years. Thank you for everything." Wow. He sure sounded like he knows his exit is imminent.

Tom Izzo after yesterday's win over Michigan: "Every Michigan State alum should be proud of this team. Because to me, they stood for everything our university stands for." Why would a kid want to stand for college doctors molesting young girls and football and basketball coaches looking the other way when their players commit sexual assault? Man, I used to be a big Tom Izzo fan, but I just detest the man nowadays. Absolutely cannot stand him.

I remember Damon's Senior Day speech. He said something to the effect of, "There were times when I came home from practice, and I was flat-out pissed off." ... It's impossible to fathom what that kid went through, with all the expectations and everything. And of course, playing four years for Knight is about as tough as it can get. And I would imagine that for a good part of it, he was BK's whipping boy. Seems like Damon probably was a prime candidate to take that role -- like it or not.

Did anybody notice on JuMo's final bucket, that subtle little tip of the loose ball to him by McBob. ... Not quite as momentous as what they did against ND last season, but a nice way for those two seniors to finish. Well-played, fellas! (Video courtesy BtownBanners twitter feed):

FLAGS!!! ... For the last time this season!

Settles said that JuMo lightly got his wrist, but it still was a bad call ... I say he didn't get his wrist at all and it was a horrible, pathetic, putrid call.

Damn, JuMo missed. ... Guess he had to some time. ... Was hoping for a perfect finale.

How many steps that dude just take!

BOOM!!!

Nothing flashy about JuMo. ... Dude is just plain rock solid.

If we do enough to get in, as much as the NCAA likes storylines, they'll probably send Archie back to his old stomping grounds for a play-in game!

Work hard to maintain possession, make good passes to get a good shot and ... Al misses a wide-open 3. ... Man, that's frustrating!

Defense not as solid today as it has been.

Especially with Rob's 2 fouls. ... Green might actually have to finish the half. Can't have his usual foolishness.

OK, Rutgers had their little run. ... Let's hit the gas again and put our foot on their throats.

I would think any all-time Crean IU team would have to include Priller. ... I mean, how many scholarship players spend four years on a team and total about 20 minutes of playing time?

Don't want to jinx anything, but would love to see JuMo collect 28 points, 15 rebounds and leave to a standing O with about 2 minutes left and us up by 20.

Loved JuMo on yet another putback, but sheesh, Al -- you gotta make that layup!

Sweet dish from Al to JuMo!!!

analyst said Archie didn't like Al's drive. ... I thought it was a good move -- he just needs to make the bucket.