Boy, when you make a mistake you ought to make a big one.

Last night I wrote a post, which has since been taken off...I thought, really thought, I saw the UMHB coach point at 'himself' during the game against McM last night.

Since, I've spoken to someone...And I stand corrected!  Instead of seeing that pointing with emphasis, it was just a coach wanting a call....Something we see in every game....Every time.

So sorry for those of you who actually saw that post...I sure was upset at what I 'thought' I saw...But now I know it was something really quite mundane.

Sorry guys!

Yeah, I don't know about those predictions. McMurry going 3-3 to finish? I realize four of the last six are on the road, but that just isn't going to happen.

McMurry website shows MCM over Concordia 99-93.

Our hearts and prayers tonight are with McMurry guard Scott Hurley.  The freshmen was driving to the basket at the end of the game, up seven points, when number 42 for Sul Ross quite literally threw him to the ground.  Scott landed on his head, and was unconscious for quite some time.  After 15 minutes or so he was taken out by ambulance.  I'm told he's talking, and moving all of his extremities.  He was taken to a local hospital, and we pray he doing fine.

I must say, and I hope you all can forgive my frankness, I've never...in my 19 years of watching DIII basketball seen a more classless act by a coach.  The Sul Ross head coach, while Scott lay on the ground...Fought with the refs that a technical foul should be called on McMurry for going on the court after the injury.  The refs practically had to tell him to shut up and go back to his bench.  And then, after a very emotional 15 minutes of complete quiet in a very well attended game, he asked his team to keep fouling, down 12 with just seconds to go.  Keep in mind, you have literally hundreds of fans and players absolutely distraught...And a game that is OVER!

I'll refrain from saying what I TRULY think about this coach, but I do hope that the conference takes a serious look at whether or not number 42 should even be allowed to play the rest of the season.

Finnman:  As always, good food for thought my man.  You're right on several points.  1) I won't say it's the most talented team in 9 years...But it is the most balanced.  It might also be the deepest I've seen since those late 90's teams.  2)  You're right, the secret for success has been unselfish basketball.  But I am seeing more of that from this team.

And yes, there's been nothing stunning about this team this week...Thursday was a scary game...And today it was beyond scary.  BUT, this team has an MVP.  This team has a possible all-american.  And this team didn't have him for even one minute of this week.  Robert Moreno didn't touch the ball.  My take is:  They did pretty good without their floor general.  And this week also gave Ricky Burney the chance to grow like no one's business.  I think he's going to be more solid than ever for the rest of the season because he got to play so much this week.  And his first half Thursday, and end of the second quarter today were really eye opening.  This kid can play, and can run the point.

I also now totally feel that Richard Jones is a find!  This kid is good...He's physical...And he showed some real heart in today's win over Schreiner.  I'm pumped to be an Indian right about now!

Well, I know we're all looking at head-to-head and records right now.  But I wonder if the bigger question for these top-notch teams right now is this:  Who is truly balanced.

I've learned from watching McMurry over the past 3 or 4 years that, even though they've been very competitive, they didn't seem to have a REAL chance in big matchups.  They'd take care of the lower and mid-level teams, but UMHB and MC would come to town with good guards & talented post players and win.

I think McMurry is very balanced this year...But I haven't had a chance to see very many men's games.  Who else seems balanced at the starting five?

Ralph, I had a blast last night...I was sitting down, watching live scoring on ESPN.com on my iphone.  Watched as McMurry pulled within 10 about 5 or 6 minutes to go.  It was awesome getting those live stats...Though I guess it's the only time this year we'll play a DI.  And to make it even better I ran into Finnman while we were at Abuelo's.

Brilliant!

Ralph, Finnman: missed you two!

I'm with Ralph on the women, they really could be something if it all comes together. Allison Nelson is a joy to watch.

The men sound like they will be better. But well have to wait and see how they gel. Still, can't wait!

"HPU dominates first half in 58-46 win over McMurry"

That's the headline on the McMurry webpage.

Here's the story link:  http://athletics.mcm.edu/News/wbball/2008/1/31/013108wbb.asp

I too really like what I'm seeing from McMurry this year.  What's amazing to me is Coach Snow's willingness to go far down the bench.  Sure, that means the scores look a lot closer.  But the dividends that will end up paying are high.

With Tara Richardson and Meagan Sawyer both leaving after this year, any minutes that go to these talented freshmen are valuable indeed.  Coach Snow has given them a chance to get some valuable minutes during important games where the game is still fairly close.  I think playing in a real game, with that pressure, is gonna help up out later this year...and next.

On another topic:  Chad, great posts about Kendra vs. Otwell.  I saw them both play countless times...I too would go with Anderson, but Otwell really rocked.  Of course having a point guard like Kelly McClure didn't hurt either!  She quarterbacked that team incredibly well!

What a time for McMurry to start putting things together.  They played some truly great basketball this week, beating both the number one and number two teams in the west.

And today, to finish that five day stretch:  Another really tough game versus now number two HSU.

For McMurry to get into the conference tournament they're going to have to go near perfect at home and sneak out a couple of road wins...What an amazing road win it would be if they could steal one away from the Cowboys!

Well done Blue Devil!  I knew we count on you...Not only a score, a little insight too!  I'll be looking for you posting tonight on the men's side as well.

Go Indians!  Wait...Umm....Ah well...Go Indians!

Like many of us 'older' fans, I remember what Coach Snow did for us especially with those late 90's teams.  But, I've never seen her style as a head coach.  I too don't want to see us pass it around the perimeter for 25 seconds then force up a shot.  What kind of style of play can we expect with Coach Snow?  Will we see the maroon penetrate and drive to the basket more? 

Like many of you have already expressed...This is exciting.  New year, new records...Everybody's got a chance!

From the Brownwood Bulletin:

Lady Horn Casey Tyson headed to McMurry

"Early senior Casey Tyson (right), pictured along with Lady Horns head coach Naidene Tiemann, recently signed a national letter of intent to play basketball for McMurry University. Tyson, an all-region selection by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, was the leading scorer for the Lady Horns, who advanced to the second round of the UIL Class 2A playoffs this past season."

This was posted from SWISS...On the Northwest Conference Board:

I wouldn't want to give away any conference secrets, would I  ?  So... this isn't much more than what you could pick up off the Logger's own website.  Number 5, Allison Craven, is the one I'd look/listen for.  I was pretty impressed with her, especially in our last game with them.  She, along with Laura Hirsh, number 14, were  first team all-conf.  Laura had at least one strong game against us as I recall.  Marissa Cain got HM all conf. and players like Karen Chase and Brie Adderlie had moments when they looked strong too.  UPS scores 65 points a game and gives up 53 and change.  They hit the boards pretty hard, especially on the offensive end.  Other than the first half of their tournament game with Fox, I didn't think they shot particularly well, in fact you could even say "poorly."  It's my view that you can attribute that to the Bruin inside defense but they would probably just say it was poor shooting on their part during those games.  I don't think that overall their shooting percentage is all that bad but you can look it up.  I suspect it will be a hard fought game.  I wouldn't take them lightly.  If you do, we may end up playing them for the fourth time.  In the meantime, I'm sure the Bruins are entirely focused on the Gusties.  At this time of year, it just doesn't pay to look too far ahead.

Sounds like they'll try to grind it out against McM.