Center Court: Ben Ball (New Mexico State) Open Thread
by Nestor on Dec 15, 2009 7:15 PM PST
in Basketball
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PrintNew Mexico St. Aggies at UCLA Bruins, Dec 15, 2009 7:30 PM PST
This has been just a fantastic day in Bruins Nation.
The day started with finding out Howland wasn't planning anything different after his team's horrid start. We then learned that apparently things haven't changed much at least with some players in the UCLA football team who have gotten comfy and used to the losing ways they learned under Karl Dorrell and seem intent on going out on the same note under Rick Neuheisel. We will have more on the latest debacle from the football front later on.
Meantime, we need to get fired up for the excitement on basketball court. In about half an hour Nikola Dragovic and Jerime Anderson will be leading the basketball team on court putting on a clinic on how to play Ben Ball based on fundamentals on both ends of the court and some hard nosed defense! Yeah, who else here is excited about Dragovic and Anderson?!
Anyway, some of you are probably dying to learn something about New Mexico State team. If you care you can read up a little more on the 3-6 Aggies (don't LOL, that's better record than our "warriors") here. The tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm PST and the game will be shown on Prime Ticket. You can track the game here.
Well, I can't wait to hear what Donnie Mac has to say tonight. I am more excited about that than watching Dragovic in a UCLA uniform. So to everyone who are joining us tonight and especiall to those suckers from East Coast who will be staying up beyond 1 am tonight to check out the sharp shooters from Howlandwood, fire away.
GO BRUINS.
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I, too, can't wait to hear Donny Mac's take
He is an absolute straight shooter.
I’m sick but will stay up and cheer through the first half.
I really hope the team comes out focused and tough. I think that toughness is what I miss the most.
sjh
Hey 66
I can’t get past our football team taking a “pass” on practice today, no pun intended. Once I digest that maybe I’ll tune in and see what Donnie Mac has to say. I do appreciate his bball knowledge. Maybe we can come up with some magic this evening.
by TheStick on Dec 15, 2009 7:33 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
No one at Pauley
As many band members as students
Only 2 of the 5 student sections have anyone
by Bruin Dad and Grad on Dec 15, 2009 7:31 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Yup
As is always the case during break, the students lose their upper deck seats, but not even 2 of the lower level sections are full.
Formerly ryebreadraz
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 15, 2009 7:33 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Key Point: "Let's see what the effort is tonight"
even that other guy announcer has figured it out.
sjh
glutton..
… for punishment am I. Really JA, ND, JK starting.. maybe I should tune back in a few minutes
the fact that its possible to double it is very sad
:(
Go Bruins!
Viewing on line
Anybody have a link to the game
there's a stream that is trying to be fixed at the moment
its at www.bruinstream.com password = needawin … its not working yet though
Go Bruins!
No one at Pauley
Only 2 sections in the lower student section are filled
by Bruin Dad and Grad on Dec 15, 2009 7:43 PM PST via mobile reply actions
btw anyone checked out kenpom?
This is the statistical prediction for the rest of our games.. bleak to say the least with NMSU 1 of our 2 remaining wins. I will be an optimist and say we are good for at least 4.
kind of like james at the 1
sometimes he plays kind of “long”
like when he bailed out ND with the blocked shot
How quickly the attacks stop
when someone gets hurt… don’t doubt these players are giving their all.
yeah, true
just tired of all the negativity today for both sports. Not saying it’s never deserved, but it’s been getting unnecessarily vicious.
We are not the ones
Jumping over the wall and ditching practices after talking it up. Don’t point fingers at us.
He never actually left the floor
He started to walk to the lockerroom and the training staff broughthimback to the bench.
by BruinJD on Dec 15, 2009 8:04 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Seems like the team has been playing a little better
But how does JA look out there?
JA looking very much like a PG so far tonight
really hope this is his coming out party
by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 8:03 PM PST up reply actions
NMSU is not a good team, BUT
we are showing heart and hustle out there for the first time since the KU game. Nice to see.
Formerly UCLA Class of 86
dragovic and anderson
Look pretty damn good tonight so far…
Maybe CBH standing up for them lit a fire?
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 8:04 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Yeah, NM Aggies Aren't So Good, But UNM Lobos are AP#19
Sorry folks, divided loyalties a bit, being a displaced Bruin living in New Mexico, but I’ve seen the Aggies play (UNM beat them by 17 a few weeks ago), but they are definitely of the caliber (at least) of the teams the Bruins have already lost to this season. (I could list them, but you know who they are….) I see a spark with the Bruins tonight, and my family knows I am an eternal optimist, so……..I’m saying the Bruin’s cup is much more than “half-full” this half-time.
Is this our team playing well
Or New Mexico being really bad?
This is the first time all year
That I am sitting in Pauley and actually feel that I am watching Ucla basketball
by BruinJD on Dec 15, 2009 8:05 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Roll has shown me a lot of stuff offensively...
… that I rarely saw with Josh, iirc. Like how he ran the curl agains Mississippi State. I thought he did that better than Josh ever did.
NMSU
I know they have two starters and four guy out on academics, but how did NMSU beat UTEP in El Paso. Bad news about Keefe.
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
JK
He’s struggled, but that’s tough to take for a senior…hope it’s not season ending
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Can't even describe how much more confident the team looks
They look like the players we thought they were
by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 8:10 PM PST reply actions
wow, seriously
39 points from a BH coached team in the first 14 minutes of a game? Have we ever scored this many points in this short of a time?
Wyoming game last year...
Same kind of boat race
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
I think this may be the result of a LOT of frustration
for our guys this year. I hope our football team comes out and plays the same way after the last few minutes against SC. That is, if the seniors choose to show up.
nice move by ND
A minute ago, and a nice pass to TH
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
He's attacking the basket
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 8:16 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
TH
Once Honeycutt gets his legs, you’ll see him attack the rim more, he’s playing really passive right now and being more of a facilitator.
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
ML
Looks like ML got the memo that he is good and should be killing dudes
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Funny...
NMSU is playing very little D, but the game is up tempo and the Bruins don’t look half bad on offense – the guys just need to react, quick thinking and play instinctively…Hope this same confidence carries over to ND on Saturday. The Irish are very beatable.
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Bobo
Nice aggressive move, but move it in five feet…ha
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
i was just
wondering since i’m pretty new to BN and all the forums and blogs. I’ve noticed similar or exact names between bruins on the internet, or in the forums
Mustafa suggested to BH that they watch some tape
of previous UCLA teams to see how things supposed to work. I wonder if that was the thing that is making this work?
A word of caution
I hope these guys don’t get too hopped-up over a big win tonight (if this trend continues). They are playing a bad team, one that is playing even worse than their record shows. This kind of game can lead to a harmful sense of overconfidence.
BTW, I am NOT trying to throw a wet blanket over their performance… I just want them to remember it’s New Mexico State.
Formerly UCLA Class of 86
Agreed, but considering how bad we played against
Cal State Fullerton, LB State, and Portland (mostly not great teams either), I’d take this in a heartbeat.
This is still progress
Concordia, pepperdine, long beach, Bakersfield, and fullerton were all bad teams and we still struggled and/or lost. Yes nmsu is bad, but I will take what I am seeing tonight
by BruinJD on Dec 15, 2009 8:36 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Disagree completely
This team needs to blow somebody out to feel good about itself…I think they know what is being said about them across camus, the city and the country.
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
I think he’s playing slower than he is. He seems hesitant, but I guess that’s normal for someone who has played about 20 minutes total.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 8:29 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Freshmen are also hesitant
Because Howland has them walking on egg shells. One mistake and they get the hook (unlike Dragovic).
I think we should have
a rule of thumb to shoot no more three-pointers.
We need practice attacking and getting high percentage looks.
BL
Lane was primarily a face up shooter in high school. He has a nice touch beyond the arc. I think he’s more a catch and shoot guy than a low post player.
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Was in and out (mostly out) during the half...
What exactly happened to Keefe? I gather it was some sort of sholder injury.
formerly bruinhoo
I saw bone
visible from where it was pushing against the skin from inside, but I didn’t see any bone sticking out from through the skin.
yup, it was his same bad shoulder - tho bone didn't penetrate the skin
but you could just about see it under the skin
Would not wish any injury on JK or anyone,,,
but if JK is injured, it will mean more minutes for the other bigs that many of us have been clamoring to see over him.
Believe me, she HAS - in the right way.
Coach C has brought in some really good recruits. Especially this year’s freshman phenom, just can’t remember her name. Her stats have been consistently good all year so far, i think.
Really liking her from that little piece on her.
Now hopefully she can continue the bruin tradition and bring home some NCAA championships!
if she has
Pat Summitt’s approval, she’s going to be a god one
hopefully not a enveloped single strand of RNA because that will lead to measles
oh man.. too much studying for me
by millikinbruin on Dec 15, 2009 8:33 PM PST up reply actions
not at my tiny school in Illinois
Ive got a lovely histology final in the mix
by millikinbruin on Dec 15, 2009 8:37 PM PST up reply actions
WHEW! Was afraid I missed something...I was done last Wednesday
by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 8:38 PM PST up reply actions
haha yeah that would be a pretty awful mistake to make... im not done til friday here
by millikinbruin on Dec 15, 2009 8:39 PM PST up reply actions
I missed a final my freshman year....Communications
Had to take the test at the end of the next quarter and didn;t do very well :/
by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 8:40 PM PST up reply actions
Was the same @ UVa
I recall flying back to California the Saturday before christmas one year, after finals and turning in a paper.
formerly bruinhoo
wow thats pretty late
by the way, IIRC you guys had take home tests and finals? did that make things a little easier. I remember there is a very strict honor policy, but I assume being able to work at your own leisure was helpful
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
Sort of.
Not sure if the Undergrad courses are set up the same way, but the law school exams are flexable in terms of administration. We had (have) a 2-week exam period, with morning and afternoon time slots M-F, plus Saturday morning. We could take any final exam during any of the exam slots (First year courses do have fixed exam times).
formerly bruinhoo
ah, i just recall visiting on our middle school D.C. trip
and remember thinking that was pretty unique
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
It is
And the honor policy is very much respected. Certainly one of the things that makes that exam policy possible. A few classes do have take home exams; now that I recall, I did have a couple of classes (short/partial credit courses) that did have take home exams, one of which was time constrained.
formerly bruinhoo
for those in need of a stream for the 2nd half
http://www.justin.tv/pac10man seems to be the best one
Go Bruins!
any more word on JK?
He came back out but no info here
by Bruin Dad and Grad on Dec 15, 2009 8:35 PM PST via mobile reply actions
A hybrid 4-5
More of a match up thing, can face up to take a big away from the rim, can post up a smaller 4.
He’s a good scorer, blocked some shots in HS too…he’s comparable to Ryan Anderson, just not as good with the ball
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Keefe reporting that his shoulder doesn't feel too bad
by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 8:41 PM PST reply actions
RN was born to play for CBH
He works for everything
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 8:42 PM PST reply actions
Good news on Keefe
shoulder dislocation, not a separation (there is a difference). He could be back by Sat.
"I don't forget very much" Rick Neuheisel, 11/28/09
He looks better though
Not as many bad (or horrible) shots, and he is giving good effort.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 8:46 PM PST up reply actions
Love em or hate em
This team needs ND’s ability to score points
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
D is creating O
Is there anything better than hearing CBH yelling PUSH, Push after we force a turnover or take a board?
sjh
MacLean said it all
This team has to play loose and in the open court to be successful, they don’t have the individual one-on-one types to play in the half court consistently – nor a low post scorer
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
He's a top notch announcer
For the Clippers (for whom there is not much to say about) and his and our Bruins
Who are you guys?
And what have you done with our Bruins?
"I don't forget very much" Rick Neuheisel, 11/28/09
they're coming...
Delaware State and Colorado State are both pretty awful
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Maybe a crappy thing to do but I hope Ben keeps the starters in all game
They need the work!
by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 8:47 PM PST reply actions
About time...
ML and TH have pro futures to be sure…MM will show his stuff too, hope he doesn’t get frustrated with his lack of PT
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Any stats tonight on TH?
Haven’t seen much of him.. or maybe I wasn’t paying attention.
Formerly UCLA Class of 86
Yeah
the few times I saw him he looked tentative out there. Especially in the post.
Formerly UCLA Class of 86
Is nikola playing better than the box score shows
i see he’s 3-9 which isnt all that impressive..i guess the 5 rebounds is good, has his defense been good?
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
I think so
His head seems to be in the game
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 8:54 PM PST up reply actions
Bruins break 100
every student in attendance gets a year free tuition.
"I don't forget very much" Rick Neuheisel, 11/28/09
That;s the JA I know
from Canyon HS….he’s a lot better than what he’s shown. just has to get some confidence
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Best effort of the year so far
This is what we should see every game
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 8:57 PM PST reply actions
"band wagoning" players
people talk about how fans bandwagon. as a player isnt it much easier to put in effort when youre winning? haha
Go Bruins!
RN vs Harangody on Saturday
That will be a friggin war
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
What was the line on this game? Wasn't it under 10? lol
by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 8:58 PM PST reply actions
BL
That was Lane’s game, too bad he missed the J
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
A touch of garbage time
Getting slightly sloppy.
by peggysue69 on Dec 15, 2009 9:02 PM PST via mobile reply actions
TH
Saw him play a few time, he reminded me of Sean Elliot
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Anyone else think #32 on NMSU is weird looking?
by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 9:03 PM PST reply actions
way to kick them when theyre down haha
no way he can be weirder looking than Noa
by millikinbruin on Dec 15, 2009 9:04 PM PST up reply actions
Donny Mac interesting commentary on DG
“He won’t be a success anywhere until he gets his emotions in check.”
sjh
Heard that
Interesting, yes, and perhaps a look behind the curtain – still hate to see DG go, he has some real potential
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
Very true
I think it’s funny how DG tried to “announce” his leadership through the media. RN, on the other hand, is earning the leader title through his hard work and hustle.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 9:07 PM PST up reply actions
Big game for JA tonight
let’s see if JA and ML can carry this over to South Bend
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
I didn't know UCLA could play this well...
I might of got tickets to the Notre Dame game.
That's what I'm talking about
Keep that up Bruins
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
I was wondering the same
He is too raw not to get minutes if he’s healthy
by AllHailMightyBruins on Dec 15, 2009 9:10 PM PST up reply actions
Are We Meeting Up with their 2-3 Zone and Attacking it well?
Or are we not giving them time to set up their defense?
seeing some great stuff from ML, JA, RN, TH
Not seeing anything to back the BL hype. Sounded like Howland was shouting ‘make it work’ at him though, so maybe he’s not playing the role in which he is comfortable?
949 left and everyone leaving
Even with no traffic to avoid since it is so empty at Pauley
by Bruin Dad and Grad on Dec 15, 2009 9:11 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Like to see the Bruins run some offense and not get sloppy down the stretch.
by LouisianaBruins on Dec 15, 2009 9:15 PM PST reply actions
Good idea...
They have an unfamiliar group of players on the court, might look ugly
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
God I can't remember the last time we hung 100
on someone. We just might do it.
"I don't forget very much" Rick Neuheisel, 11/28/09
Yeah, Pauley is a "Ghost-Town" as Usual
You would think the fans could stay to cheer the players for having their first “stand-out” game of the season. I don’t get it. Why even come if you can’t stay until the end of the game? I live two states away….that’s my excuse. It seems (as BN Nation has been discussing at length lately) the fan support at games, whether FB or BB, is pretty pathetic. I guess I can empathize with skulking out of the arena if the score were reversed, but, seriously, the Bruins have had a great win tonight……celebrate, and let them hear it!!
MM
Moser is more of a slasher than a shooter, but he’s really athletic and will make some contributions this year. Not sure where his minutes come from with TH back
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
looks like people are actually playing for minutes
still trying to play tight D up 28.
I say let them score and try to reach 100
… hopefully Nestor doesn’t disagree TOO much.
it's a lack of confidence
a big part of the reason being hesitant on those moves
Agree
Guys like MM, Bobo and BL just need minutes to get comfortable
Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.
I'd hate to be a downer, but looking at the score,
I’d expect Howland to keep New Mexico under 50.
I’m assuming that he’s playing his underclassman more, but we’re far from ready in terms of defense.
the game was over by halftime
the D was a second thought in the 2nd half, and when your leading by 30, its understandable to be a bit lax
Yeah, I understand that, but
I’m just pointing out that the underclassmen still needs a lot of work on defense. Plus, we obviously need to work harder on free throws and 3s. Both of our numbers are worst than New Mexico.
Other than ND, what’s hurt us the most this season is probably poor free throwing.
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by UCLABruins4Ever on Dec 15, 2009 9:37 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
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