Pilots vs Northern Colorado

Oh man... the snow has distracted us all. We've got a game tonight, people!!!

Pilots (5-3) @ Northern Colorado (2-5)
6:30 Pacific Time
Free Live Video!: http://bigskytv.org/
Live Audio (TAPE DELAYED to 7:00 PM): http://www.portlandpilots.com/sports/2008/8/18/GEN_0818085512.aspx?
Not sure, but it looks like no live stats.

Watch out on that audio... looks like it's being delayed til 7, probably for 970AM.

Here's the game preview from UP:
http://www.portlandpilots.com/news/2008/12/16/MBB_1216085516.aspx

And from Northern Colorado:
http://uncbears.com/sports/m-baskbl/2008-09/news/121508_mbk_gdnotes_portland

This will be a good test for the Pilots... Northern Colorado isn't great, but they did play Oregon very tough in Eugene (lost by only two and had a shot to win) and were competitive with Colorado State, San Diego State, and Air Force. So they aren't pushovers by any stretch.

A game like this is one the Pilots "should" win... but road games like this are always tough. If we win - even if it's closer than we'd like - that is a very good thing. Our team is still getting used to playing road games that they are "supposed" to win... sounds kind of silly, but it's an important step to learn how to go into a game on the road expecting to win and to actually pull it out. It's a sign of growth, maturity, and mental toughness.

Just looking at their roster, Northern Colorado's biggest guy is a 6'8" freshman who doesn't play much. They have one guy over 6'1" that plays over 13 minutes a game - 6'7" Jabril Banks, who is their leading scorer (13 a game). And both their guards are under 6 foot. So... we should definitely have a height advantage. I really hope we can actually pound it in the paint and make something of it rather than having to adjust to them. I think we struggled with that a bit against Eastern Washington.

Looks like Niedermeyer will be out again - bummer. I think we really miss him out there, though BJ has done a fine job with his opportunities. Not only does he have good height, but he adds shooting, toughness, hustle, and athleticism... those are things we really miss when he's not playing.

Anyway... should be a good game. I expect it to be close, but I'm hopeful that the Pilots can get a solid road win.

Forgot to mention... Northern Colorado will be playing its second game without Jefferson Mason, their starting small forward. He transferred away before their last game against Creighton. Ouch. So they will likely be experimenting with some different lineups.

This is a game that we need to win if we're really going to step out of mediocrity, make a statement, and finish with a winning season. Bring it home, boys!

BYU's home winning streak showed that they were pretty tough, and EWU has has some suprisingly close games with Gonzaga in recent years as well as turning out a real stud recently in Rodney Stuckey. This sounds more like a game that we should win. Hopefully, we can start fast instead of playing catch up. I think that's key.

Go Pilots!

Count me in as a big fan of Big Sky TV.

I count four open shots that TJ has passed up so far.

Stonehouse, you are my hero. The wife and I are now sitting on the floor in our new living room, stealing internet from our neigbor, watching the game and playing cards because we have no TV or furniture in the new house. Go Pilots! Plus now I get to see if Murf really is at the game!

I've watched two games so far this year: EWU and now this. Is it me?

42-33 Northern Colorado at half. Pilots have their work cut out for them.

And MattyWizz, I am so proud to be your hero... hopefully it's single digits outside in the great Badger State to top it all off.

And seriously... is Murph there? Awesome!

This is why I hate that spawn of Satan, Ken Pomeroy..

64% chance of winning.

Finally tied it at 60-60!!! Six minutes to go...

Our record without Ethan is not good. It's humbling. Hopefully, we'll have some second half fight...

That's more like it. The live tv link isn't working for me...

Bah... four point play for them. 69-65, and they've got a guy going to the line. 3:40 remaining. Ugh.

UNC misses both free throws, then Smeulders with back-to-back buckets... 69-69! 2:11 to go.