Game 8, 2023-24: vs West Virginia (Springfield, 12/16)

[capezona]

Though it would have been nice to beat a Bob Huggins WV team to make up for the loss at Springfield vs. Huggins Univ of Cincinnati team in 1993 (I remember going to the game with my UConn friends from Hartford and debating all night if UMass or UConn was better program at that time), it is still important that we beat WV since it is a Big 12 Team to bolster our out of conference resume and the A10 overall. In fact, I would say this weekend is one of the most important Saturday’s for the A10 as there are so many important games to restore the credibility of the A10 such as LaSalle vs. #24 Miami, ,Fordham vs. St. John’s, #15 FAU vs. St. Bonnie, and Dayton vs. Cincinnati. If we can we split these games, then it would be a boost for the conference in getting more than one bid at tournament time. Here is my prediction:

UM Beats WVU
Miami beats LaSalle (though close)
Fordham beats St. John’s
St Bonnie stuns FAU
Dayton beats Cincinnati.

Bonus Game: VCU beats Temple

5 of 6 wins would be awesome and 4 would great or 3 would be good enough!

Oh well. Davidson did beat Lynchburg.

[Sheck]

Yes! Nice start. Setting the tone early.

[WillHerndonFan]

Mistake to have Cohen guard their center as you could see 2 fouls was imminent. That being said. Hankins has an opportunity to show his talent and has so far. Need to let him get more touches. Davis showing his shooting touch. # 7 for WVU should be ejected for being a big baby and I mean literally. Good atmosphere at game though I wish we had more fans like St Bonnie and even WVU as they both travel well.

[devildawg3010]

Glad to see Davis back in popping a 3! Oh back to back Davis 3s!

[Berkman]

Very surprised at how well the freshmen are playing. Beyond my expectations. Looks like we have been underestimated in the A 10 poll.

[inthescoop]

Hard to ask for a better half. Up 15 at halftime against West Virginia. Only one thing left to do, win.

[Floyd]

Oh my. What a nice 1st half. Love the intensity and toughness this team shows. Loving how athletic DHS has been playing, his energy is excellent. This is a very good group of freshman, reminds me of the Harper/Barbee group in the way they look to be turning things around. Had a feeling Davis would have a breakout game and he's showing his hot hand. I think Frank is exactly what Rahsool needed, he looks so much tougher and aggressive this year. This group is showing some sack and building an identity of hard-nosed, tough basketball.

Now let's see if they can repeat that effort for the 2nd half

[DoctorJ]

Teams showing sack is why we went to longer shorts in the 90s

[Floyd]

Retro nite, bring back the long, baggy shorts

[Sheck]

Pissing this away, awesome

[TruBluMaroon]

Will Frank scream at himself for blowing an 18 point 2nd half lead in less than 10 minutes ? He doesn’t feel it’s worth a time out.

[umassbaseball]

Why are we still in zone?

[Floyd]

Looking a little passive, get that intensity back!!

[Sheck]

Good thing Davis found his stroke today. That might be the difference in being able to squeak this out.

[DoctorJ]

Here we go...