Live Blog: Tulane vs. No. 1 Memphis

(02/20/2008)

6:52

So, here we are at Fogelman Arena on the campus of Tulane for what amounts to David's chance to slay Golliath. Of course if I could come up with any cheesier reference, I would, but unfortunately that's what we're left with. Sad.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 6:52

6:56

I've truthfully been looking forward to this game for some time. Tulane got off to a solid start (including an upset win over local rival LSU -- then again, that wasn't so much of an upset in retrospect, was it?), and Memphis got off to an incredibly hot start, starting undefeated ... and somehow keeping that up until this point. But anyway, this game intrigued me not only because it was one of the best teams in the country coming to town, but also because the Tigers have been and continue to be in danger of overlooking this team.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 6:56

6:58

Truthfully, I looked at the schedule a few months ago and circled this game as a potential slipup ... if only because Memphis had Tennessee next. That's a big distraction in and of itself, folks, and now Memphis and Tennessee are 1-2 in the polls. Memphis can't help but look ahead.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 6:58

6:58

[Comment From daviddavid: ]

there is no way in hell boolane will win this game

Wednesday February 20, 2008 6:58 david

7:00

And therein lies the rub ... can an insanely talented team like Memphis still win on the road whilst playing distracted? That is the question that will hopefully be answered tonight, because if Memphis is focused, I am inclined to agree with david there -- if not, we'll be in for a great game methinks.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:00

7:02

I think they'll be disinterested, and that gives Tulane a decent shot.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:02

7:05

No. 21 for Tulane is probably the guy you want to watch tonight -- David Gomez. He can score with the best of them ... except, traditionally, when he plays Memphis. He'll want to break that streak tonight, and if he gets hot, so much the better for the Green Wave.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:05

7:06

[Comment From tommytommy: ]

For TU to have a shot the need a Perry Clark-era Fogelman Arena home-court advantage. Don't get it twisted, Fogelman is a tough place to play when it is packed like tonight.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:06 tommy

7:08

The arena is solid -- intimate (which is a polite way of saying smallish), but still loud. The fans are packed in here, and they're fired up. It's good to see.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:08

7:09

Memphis is lightening quick -- fastest I've seen in person at the collegiate level I think. They're really forcing the issue at both ends, trying to get out to an early lead. And it's working, with them up 7-2 and Tulane having to waste a timeout.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:09

7:10

[Comment From CraigCraig: ]

Does anyone know what channel the game is on if its on TV ????

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:10 Craig

7:10

I'm told it's on CSTV.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:10

7:11

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

When I drove by Tulane earlier tonight, there didn't seem to be much of a buzz. That was disappointing.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:11 Cait

7:12

Things have picked up within the past hour or so -- you've always gotta remember the typical lateness of your average New Orleans fan.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:12

7:13

The arena filled up just prior to tipoff and has gotten very loud since, I guess those Green Wave fans don't need a whole lot of warmup time!

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:13

7:15

Tulane's Wheaton reaches in unecessarily ... and of course gets whistled for a cheap foul. You have to keep your composure and make sure your fouls are "good" ones ... especially in a game like this.

Timeout -- Memphis up 10-4, 15:19 left in the first.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:15

7:16

[Comment From CraigCraig: ]

I hear ya CSTV ?? I got COX and I cant find the darn game on TV ??

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:16 Craig

7:18

Not to take unwarranted shots at CSTV, but it's too bad a game of this magnitude can only be found on an obscure cable channel. The local fans deserve better, to be sure, but this IS the freakin' No. 1 team in the country! Get 'em on ESPN!

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:18

7:19

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

I expect this will be a game of runs. If Tulane can hold off the first run and then settle down I think they can make a game of it.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:19 Guest

7:21

That's a fair assessment -- If Tulane can keep it under 10 they'll be in a good spot going forward (but that is easier said than done).

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:21

7:23

Gomez -- the guy I told you to watch - is up to seven points on a sweet baby hook. That is a high-percentage shot, and he got into position for it easily. Memphis may want to consider doubling him. And by "may" I mean "should".

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:23

7:29

24-18 -- the shots will have to fall. It really is that simple. Tulane will have to make their jumpers and Memphis will have to miss theirs (which they are prone to do). A good shooting night by Tulane would be immense -- and two straight long-range jumpers have now gone in for them.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:29

7:32

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Memphis 22 / Tulane 19 mid point of the first half. If tulane can drop some 3's this could become exciting.........Could being the operative word here.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:32 Mark

7:34

The Tigers are known for their ball-handling, not their jump-shooting, and that has definitely been the case tonight. They've been lethal on the dribble-drive (as they always are with four players capable of running their offense) ... not so much elsewhere. One problem I see right now for Tulane is rebounding. The Green Wave is getting beaten to tons of loose balls and rebounds. Now, they've compensated some with several nice strips/steals, but they'll probably have to box out better to stand any kind of chance.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:34

7:34

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Already too many points off of turnovers.....Tulane must foul memphis is a fast break layup appears imminent. memphis shoots about 50% from the line. make them earn it!

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:34 Guest

7:35

Good point -- it may benefit the Green Wave to foul more that it normally might.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:35

7:36

If there's anything the Tigers are worse at than long-range shooting, it's free-throw shooting.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:36

7:38

Chris Douglas-Roberts is owning this game -- 14 points and several big plays in transition. Cooling him off should be priority No. 1 for the second half.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:38

7:38

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

where are our 3 point shooters? we are 0 /4 and Memphis is putting together a run!!!!

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:38 Mark

7:38

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

Our best, check that, only consistent 3 point shooter is our point guard sims, and he is not going to have many open looks with Rose on him. Matt Wheaton or Johnny Mayhanne must step up. I've been saying that about Wheaton for 4 years. Maybe it's time for Mayhane to step forward.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:38 Brian

7:40

The lead has swelled to 17, which means the Green Wave should be playing damage control the rest of this half. Letting it get any worse makes your chances at a comeback decrease significantly (and they weren't high to begin with!).

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:40

7:42

Tulane should thank the good lord for Gomez -- he hits one-of-two to get to 11 points this half. He's the only thing keeping 'em in it.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:42

7:43

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

That is the story of the season....only one scorer

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:43 Brian

7:44

Memphis' perimeter defense has been EXTREMELY stout. I've seen about two open looks from 3 this half -- it seems to me the Tigers want to make Tulane beat them inside. I think Dickerson has recognized this, as Gomez is getting looks and the Green Wave is crashing the offensive boards well.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:44

7:44

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Tulane can't seem to get into a rhythm both on offense or defense. seems sluggish, wondering if they have big eyes, in awe?

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:44 Mark

7:46

of course, they've also been torched in transition, but second-chance points are clearly one of the few positives so far. I think they'll stick with this strategy until Memphis mixes it up defensively.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:46

7:46

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

Wave doesn't have the guard scorer that can take over a game by hitting 3 or 4 threes and create his own shot Dickerson has signed a pretty good shooting guard form Houston for next year as well as another point guard but that won't help us tonight.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:46 Brian

7:49

and that is what makes the great perimeter defense by Memphis a somewhat puzzling thing. Does Calipari not see the way this game is unfolding? Or does he just not care? I'm guessing it's the second option -- probably reasons that there's no reason to change things up.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:49

7:51

Douglas-Roberts? Yeah, he's good. 20 points. It's almost magical too. Like, <poof> he's got 20 points. Is it possible to dominate anonymously? If it is, he's doing it.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:51

7:51

Tigers up 44-27 with 1:32 to go.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:51

7:54

Ugly way to end the half -- turnover, then a tip-in at the buzzer for Memphis.

Halftime: Memphis 46, Tulane 27

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:54

7:55

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

Calipari always wins on talent/speed......When he is handed equal talent and a zone defense or two in the tournament, that is when he struggles.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:55 Brian

7:58

He's definitely got his issues. I agree with the "winning on talent" statement to some degree, but his offensive system this year is very much in vogue ... which tells me he can at least innovate when he wants to.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:58

7:59

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

UGLY is right! Stats: memphis shoots 50% / tulane 34. Memphis 1 for 7 on 3's tulane 0/7. Imagine how ugly this would be if memphis drained some 3's????

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:59 Mark

7:59

[Comment From niner9niner9: ]

Is this tuff gonna continue 2nd?

Wednesday February 20, 2008 7:59 niner9

8:03

I think things will get better ... how much better is anyone's guess.

At halftime they introduced the baseball team -- nice moment for them in front of a full house. They should have a great crowd on hand for the opening of their new stadium Friday night.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:03

8:05

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

Anyone notice Perry Clark has his team (texas am cc) on a 2 game winning streak ? He was able to recruit top talent to Tulane to play in Fogelman. It is possible. Greg Monroe would have atleast visited Tulane in the 90s. We need more media coverage to turn people on to Tulane athletics again.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:05 Brian

8:05

I'm doing my best to help that Brian!

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:05

8:07

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

Thanks!!! I was shocked, honestly, to see the Blog front and center on nola.com........I appreciate any and all coverage!

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:07 Brian

8:10

We're trying to step up our coverage of everything on NOLA. It's been tons of hard work just getting to this point, but it's been worth it so far.

As far as stats: I've got Memphis at .500 and Tulane at .345.
Douglas-Roberts with 20, Rose with 9 (how did that happen?), and Dozier with 8. For Tulane, Gomez leads with 15 and Louisme has added 6.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:10

8:11

[Comment From HoochHooch: ]

Hornets 47 over Dallas 44 at the half

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:11 Hooch

8:12

Thanks for the update!

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:12

8:12

[Comment From nolagurunolaguru: ]

very cool...

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:12 nolaguru

8:12

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Perry Clark was able to draw Honeycutt and that opened some eyes for kids to come to Tulane. Dickerson needs to install his offense and recruit to run it. One big name is all it takes to draw media attention / recruiting. LSU 28 / Ark 51 in second

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:12 Mark

8:15

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

It's tough to know that Greg Monroe didn't even take a look at Tulane before shuffling off to Georgetown. Tulane has fallen a long way and we need a recruit of his caliber to put us officially back on the map.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:15 Brian

8:15

I'm a K-State grad, and I can't say enough good things about the "one big name" comment. Proof positive: Michael Beasley.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:15

8:15

Monroe is going to be a great one.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:15

8:17

Great cut to the hoop by Rose for an easy bucket -- Memphis now leads 54-31.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:17

8:19

Douglas-Roberts, AKA "destroy of all things Green", now has 25. That is bordering on the absurd.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:19

8:20

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

we don't seem to have the coaching chemistry that clark and everhardt had during the hay days of tulane. clark could recruit, ron was the x and o's coach.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:20 Mark

8:20

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

This isn't the way to get the program on the map that is for sure......Atleast a competitive game on national tv would be something to be proud of. Atleast it isn't the 40 point loss they put on us last year, or the year before that. I guess there is still time for that though. Anyone that became interested in the team for this one game, will be lost tomorrow.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:20 Brian

8:21

Well, no need to lose all hope. This was a fantastic opportunity no doubt, but Memphis came out focused and ready to play -- there are maybe half a dozen teams in the nation that could win against the Tigers in that situation.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:21

8:23

I'm curious to see how they finish this thing out ... it will tell us a lot about both teams.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:23

8:23

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

This isn't the game I had marked as a win at the beginning of the season. I was hoping for wins against UAB and Houston and we have neither of those at the moment (although we handed away the UAB loss). On another note, I am anxious to see if Perry can recruit any big talent at Texas AM CC.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:23 Brian

8:26

[Comment From niner9niner9: ]

I've got The Wave bet up to +15.5 tonite...Any chance at a cover here?

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:26 niner9

8:26

Well, it's at 21 -- if the Tigers quit, you've got a great chance I'd say. I'm not sure they'll do that, but you never know.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:26

8:28

[Comment From niner9niner9: ]

They can take starters out if it's a blowout

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:28 niner9

8:30

Donnavan Stith shoots free throws like Shaquille O'Neal

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:30

8:30

65-43 with 11:55 to play.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:30

8:30

[Comment From niner9niner9: ]

Every team that's played Memphis lately has come out like it's the Super Bowl and they're the Patriots

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:30 niner9

8:31

[Comment From niner9niner9: ]

Shaq, 36+ years old, shooting tonite in Pho

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:31 niner9

8:31

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

He's our weakest FT shooter....we were actually leading the conference for a while in FT %. They mentioned on the CSTV broadcast that Memphis has the worst FT% of every single NCAA Div 1 team.....Doesn't bode well for the tournament

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:31 Brian

8:32

Nope -- that's the sort of thing that can get you beat in a close game, and in the tournament, you're assured at least a couple of close games.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:32

8:32

But they've been exceptional at attacking the hoop tonight.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:32

8:34

Whether that puts them at the line or not, it does them tremendous good just to get into the lane ... because it means they aren't shooting long-range jumpers.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:34

8:35

This game has set three-point shooting back 20 years.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:35

8:37

29 points for Douglas-Roberts -- is it safe to say he's player of the game yet? Memphis is now attempting to step on Tulane's throat. I'm curious as to how the Green Wave will respond.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:37

8:38

76-48 with 10 to play.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:38

8:38

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

In the past they have attempted 3's up until the final minute of the game. I don't anticipate them letting up.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:38 Brian

8:39

This has become a statement game for the No. 1 team in the land -- at least that's how they're treating it anyway. They want to send a message to Tennessee methinks.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:39

8:41

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

last time in Fogelman it was pretty close at half and we ended up losing 103-63. They always have a statement game against us it seems.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:41 Brian

8:41

[Comment From tresssss7tresssss7: ]

scores?

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:41 tresssss7

8:42

78-50 here.
LSU was having major issues last we checked.
The Hornets were up 4 at the half.

That's all I got.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:42

8:44

81-54 with 7:13 to play

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:44

8:44

And the crowd has begun to depart en masse

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:44

8:46

Tulane hasn't looked awful per se, but Memphis can jump all over you if you let them. A more consistent effort was needed tonight, that is for sure.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:46

8:46

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

I predict 1/3 of the crowd against Southern Miss on Saturday . We used to sell out against everyone, now we sellout one game every other year when Memphis comes.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:46 Brian

8:50

Well, I'd say a better effort is needed all the way around for Tulane basketball to get back to its former glory. Coaches, players, admin, and fans.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:50

8:50

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

thanks for blogging...hope to see some of this during baseball season.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:50 Brian

8:51

Me too! Time constraints can be a bear, but I'd love to blog some Tulane baseball this season.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:51

8:52

90-65 with 3:50 to play.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:52

8:53

I'll hand it to the fans who stayed -- they erupted when a three cut it to 90-68. That is some dedication right there.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:53

8:59

Like to see Memphis calling the dogs off some. I thought they'd push for 100 for sure. Then again, when you are up 97-71, it is easy to be classy.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:59

8:59

Still to right call.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 8:59

9:00

still (the) right call

Wednesday February 20, 2008 9:00

9:01

And it's done -- final score: Memphis 97, Tulane 71.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 9:01

9:06

Well, I've seen worse blowouts, but this one wasn't pretty. Memphis kept the pressure on all game and steadily pulled away. A 10-point lead quickly became a 20-point cushion at the half, and the Tigers kept that intensity up in the second half, eventually adding to their lead and winning by a 26-point margin.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 9:06

9:08

It was a highlight reel for Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts in particular. Tulane had no answer for those two as they combined to pound the Green Wave for 46 points (Douglas-Roberts had 29).

Wednesday February 20, 2008 9:08

9:09

Tulane was led by David Gomez, who finally got the better of Memphis with a good game even though his team lost. He finished with 21.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 9:09

9:10

But it was Memphis' night -- a true contender to not only win the entire championship, but to also finish the year undefeated.

I'm not sure they can maintain their focus, and a lack of free-throw shooting could hurt them against their better opponents, but the Tigers are a true contender and will be a tough out for anyone.

The Green Wave found that out the hard way.

Wednesday February 20, 2008 9:10

9:12

Thanks everyone for stopping by, and stay on the lookout for future live blogs from NOLA (and feel free to check out Gene Hernandez's blog from the Hornets game tonight). Take care all!

Wednesday February 20, 2008 9:12

9:12

This Live Blog has now ended.