A video recap of the month of November for the Gauchos. They went 4-0 in that month and were playing good!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
NCAA Tournament, UCSB Mens Basketball vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
On Friday night, a glorious season ended for the Big West Champion Gauchos. They lost to #2 seed Ohio State 68-51.
Even though the game was won by 17 points, there were times when this was a close ball game.
With UCSB down 13-3 with about 12 minutes to go, the Gauchos started to get some buckets. My MVP of the Game Greg Somogyi came in and had a bucket to make it an 8 point game. Then the "Big Somog" mad 1 of 2 free throws. After Somog made a rare free throw, Orlando Johnson got a tip in to make it 13-8. Then with 8:11 to go, UCSB would get the closest it would get all game after Greg Somogyi made a free throw, it was 14-13.
After that, the Buckeye's Jon Diebler (23 points, 7-12 3PFG) made 2 three pointers and Ohio State ended the half on a 16-4 run to make it a 30-17 lead.
With UCSB down and the Buckeyes looking to pull away in the second half, the Gauchos came out with lot's of energy. They cut the lead to 8, 32-24, with 17:05 to go. Then the Buckeyes took control, wait I mean Jon Diebler took control. Jon Diebler would make 5 second half 3 pointers as the Buckeyes would control the rest of the half.
The closest the Gauchos got again was when James Powell (11 points) made a three pointer with 11:42 to go.
The game saw the end of two Gaucho careers. First, senior Paul Roemer played his final game by playing 11 minutes. A great Gaucho also graduated as James Powell played his final game. He is first all-time in school three pointers and his percentage is in the Top 10. James once made #2 in a SportsCenter Top 10 Play Countdown. Thanks #4 Paul Roemer and #42 James
Powell.
Great season Gauchos and continue to get to the tournament in the coming years.
Go Gauchos!
Stats:
Attendance: 17,580
Game Played at: Bradley Center (Home of the NBA Milwaukee Bucks and Big East Marquette Golden Eagles)
Orlando Johnson drives past Evan Turner of Ohio State
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Selection Sunday
The Gauchos have found out their first round match up in the NCAA Tournament. They will play #2 seed Ohio State in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Gauchos are a #15 seed in the Midwest Region. Kansas is the top seed in that region. GO GAUCHOS! It will be a Friday game at the Bradley Center I believe.
GO GAUCHOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Show some Big West Pride baby! As Dick Vitale would say. "It is going to be awesome baby!"
Video recap of the Big West Championship:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JWIQChMFQ
GO GAUCHOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Show some Big West Pride baby! As Dick Vitale would say. "It is going to be awesome baby!"
Video recap of the Big West Championship:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JWIQChMFQ
Saturday, March 13, 2010
UCSB Mens Basketball vs. Long Beach State 49ers
The greatest day for Gaucho basketball in 8 years. The Gauchos are going dancing for the 5th time in school history with a 69-64 win over Long Beach State.
The game was a classic with the two rivals in an intense atmosphere. But the hero was "Big Game" James Powell who made a 4 free throws in the final 28 seconds. He had 9 points for the contest.
The game almost slipped away from the Gauchos because with 5:09 to play, Long Beach took a 53-52 lead on a Greg Plater three pointer.
Orlando Johnson was the man to step up for the Gauchos. He scored 4 straight points to give the Gauchos a 56-53 lead. Long Beach answered the call and came right back after making two free throws.
Then Orlando Johnson made two free throws but Casper Ware (19 points) scorched a jumper to make it 58-57.
Orlando then scored again to make it 60-57. OJ had 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 11-12 from the free throw line. He was MVP of the tournament and was on the All-Tournament Team. James Nunnally had 19 points and 6 rebounds and joined OJ on the All-Tournament Team.
Long Beach got back in it again after "Mr. Double-Double" T.J. Robinson swished a reverse lay-up. The score was 60-59.
With the Monson Maniacs and Gaucho Locos jumping and getting into the intense action, James Nunnally silenced the Beach crowd with a three pointer to push the lead to 4, 63-59.
After that, Casper Ware made a pair of free throws and T.J. Robinson made 1 of 2 free throws to make it 63-62 with 28 seconds to go.
So the Beach fouled James Powell and he made two free throws. Then with 10 seconds to go, Stephan Gilling lowered the elbow and was called for an offensive foul. Then Powell made 2 more free throws to make it 67-62. Then, "LAX Flight 21" Larry Anderson scored a lay-up with 2.8 ticks on the clock. Nunnally made two free throws and the fans stormed the court. Hundreds of happy Gauchos made the mad dash on to the court, including me.
Tomorrow at 3 p.m. UCSB will find out its NCAA Tournament seed on CBS. Go the ICA Building to enjoy the action with the Gauchos!
Go Gauchos!
The 2010 Men's Basketball Big West Champs! I am in the middle next to Will Brew.
Links to videos of the Championship Game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nhg6n4flGk
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ag4UZzQxpwQ&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tar3jTKf7Sw&playnext_from=TL&videos=fY3EL7OKEbU&playnext=1
Friday, March 12, 2010
UCSB Mens Basketball vs. UC Davis Aggies
A blowout, a nail bitter, it was a little bit of everything. The end result on the scoreboard is what mattered and the UCSB Gauchos defeated the UC Davis Aggies 76-62 in the Big West Semifinals.
The lead at hafltime was a whopping 31-11 after James Nunnallly hit a three at the buzzer. It looked like this game was over and it was time for the Aggies to get on the bus. Never say never though.
The Aggies got it down to five points multiple times in the second half. The final time it was at five points was on a Julian Welch jumper with 7 minutes to go.
James Powell (22 points) made sure this wouldn't be his last game. He had 10 points in a row at one time during the 2nd half. His best shot of the game was a fade away three pointer from the corner with no seconds on the shot clock. Also, James Powell tied the school record for most three pointers in UCSB history. "Big Game" James Powell was that tonight.
James Nunnally nearly had a double-double with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Orlando Johnson had 14 points. Will Brew Jr. had 9 points and 4 assists. Greg Somogyi had 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.
UCSB will play arch-rival Long Beach State in the Big West Conference Championship Game at 5 p.m. on ESPN2.
The lead at hafltime was a whopping 31-11 after James Nunnallly hit a three at the buzzer. It looked like this game was over and it was time for the Aggies to get on the bus. Never say never though.
The Aggies got it down to five points multiple times in the second half. The final time it was at five points was on a Julian Welch jumper with 7 minutes to go.
James Powell (22 points) made sure this wouldn't be his last game. He had 10 points in a row at one time during the 2nd half. His best shot of the game was a fade away three pointer from the corner with no seconds on the shot clock. Also, James Powell tied the school record for most three pointers in UCSB history. "Big Game" James Powell was that tonight.
James Nunnally nearly had a double-double with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Orlando Johnson had 14 points. Will Brew Jr. had 9 points and 4 assists. Greg Somogyi had 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.
UCSB will play arch-rival Long Beach State in the Big West Conference Championship Game at 5 p.m. on ESPN2.
Go Gauchos!
"Big Game" James Powell had 22 points
"Big Game" James Powell had 22 pointsWednesday, March 10, 2010
Jr Locos Back in The Day
Beau, Harry, Parker, and I. The first guys I went to UCSB games with. This was four seasons ago. Parker, Harry, and I were 5th graders now we are 8th graders. Beau is a 9th grader. Check out this photo. Seems like yesterday too me.
Left to Right: Parker, Beau, Tyler (Me), and Harry
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Gauchos Biggest Threat in Anaheim
The Gauchos were stellar in conference play. 12-4 overall record. 6-0 vs. the #2, #4, and #5 seeds. There is one team though that I think has the best chance of beating the Gauchos. Long Beach State. Here are my reasons why the 49ers could be Anaheim's most surprising team.
First, the Gauchos and 49ers split the season series. In the middle of January, LBSU destroyed the Gauchos 67-47. In the middle of February, the Gauchos won 64-62 at the T-Dome on FSN West.
Here are my reasons why LBSU can beat the Gauchos in Anaheim.
1) Rebounding: In the two games, LBSU outrebounded the 'Chos 78-62. A plus 16 margin. The reason is that TJ Robinson and Eugene Phelps are very physical and want the ball. TJ Robinson is 9th in the country in double-doubles. If Jaime Serna can start grabbing about 6 or 7 rebounds a game, and the back up big men can grab a few, the Gauchos can at least become even in the rebounding party if the Gauchos play the 49ers again.
2) Casper Ware: When Long Beach State plays well, it is because of Casper Ware. In Long Beach wins, Casper Ware has been dominant. He has made big shots, gotten steals, and ran the team. So if Will Brew and Justin Joyner can limit him to around 8 points and 3 assists, UCSB will beat the 49ers.
3) 3-Point Shooting: Greg Plater and Stephan Gilling are great shooters. Both shoot 37% and knock down big shots. They made a combined 7-18 three pointers in there lost which shows that they can carry a team just with their shooting. So James Nunnally and Jordan Weiner will need to pressure their shots if these teams meet again.
4) Monson Maniacs: Long Beach State is very close to Anaheim which means LBSU would bring their student section, the Monson Maniacs. Not saying the Locos aren't as good, they are the best in the Big West, but the Maniacs would have at least 2 times the amount of students UCSB would have.
Orlando Johnson struggled vs. Long Beach State
First, the Gauchos and 49ers split the season series. In the middle of January, LBSU destroyed the Gauchos 67-47. In the middle of February, the Gauchos won 64-62 at the T-Dome on FSN West.
Here are my reasons why LBSU can beat the Gauchos in Anaheim.
1) Rebounding: In the two games, LBSU outrebounded the 'Chos 78-62. A plus 16 margin. The reason is that TJ Robinson and Eugene Phelps are very physical and want the ball. TJ Robinson is 9th in the country in double-doubles. If Jaime Serna can start grabbing about 6 or 7 rebounds a game, and the back up big men can grab a few, the Gauchos can at least become even in the rebounding party if the Gauchos play the 49ers again.
2) Casper Ware: When Long Beach State plays well, it is because of Casper Ware. In Long Beach wins, Casper Ware has been dominant. He has made big shots, gotten steals, and ran the team. So if Will Brew and Justin Joyner can limit him to around 8 points and 3 assists, UCSB will beat the 49ers.
3) 3-Point Shooting: Greg Plater and Stephan Gilling are great shooters. Both shoot 37% and knock down big shots. They made a combined 7-18 three pointers in there lost which shows that they can carry a team just with their shooting. So James Nunnally and Jordan Weiner will need to pressure their shots if these teams meet again.
4) Monson Maniacs: Long Beach State is very close to Anaheim which means LBSU would bring their student section, the Monson Maniacs. Not saying the Locos aren't as good, they are the best in the Big West, but the Maniacs would have at least 2 times the amount of students UCSB would have.
There you go. So Gauchos, just try to avoid The Beach in Anaheim.
Orlando Johnson struggled vs. Long Beach StateMonday, March 8, 2010
Big West Conference Predictions
With the Big West Tournament starting on Wednesday, it is prediction time.
Day 1, Wednesday
#7 UCI vs. #6 Cal Poly
Prediction: UCI-60 CP-55
Rationale: Eric Wise too much for Mustangs and company.
#5 CSUF vs. #8 CSUN
Prediction: CSUF-80 CSUN-60
Rationale: Aaron Thompson and Gerard Anderson too difficult at wing for Matadors.
Day 2, Thursday
#5 CSUF vs. #4 UCD
Prediction: CSUF-75 UCD-70
Rationale: Jacques Streeter is Mr. Big Shot and Mark Payne is just not good enough
#7 UCI vs. #3 LBSU (Black and Blue Rivalry)
Prediction: LBSU-80 UCI-65
Rationale: Casper Ware outplays Michael Hunter at point while TJ Robinson has an another double-double
Day 3, Friday
#5 CSUF vs. #1 UCSB
Prediction: UCSB-75 CSUF-65
Prediction: UCSB-75 CSUF-65
Rationale: Gauchos have too much depth in the backcourt for the Titans to handle.
#3 LBSU vs. #2 Pacific
Prediction: UOP-60 LBSU-55
Rationale: Tigers frontcourt defense contains TJ Robinson and Demetrece Young outshines Casper Ware.
Day 4, Saturday, Big West Championship
#2 Pacific vs. #1 UC-Santa Barbara
Prediction: UCSB-80 UOP-75
Rationale: Tigers frontcourt keeps them in it but Orlando Johnson and James Nunnally are too much for the Tigers on the wing.
UCSB is going to be the Big West Champions!!!!
Will the Gaucho Locos be storming the court in Anaheim??
Big West Conference Mens Basketball Awards
I predicted it in mid February that Orlando Johnson would be Big West MVP, James Nunnally would be 2nd Team All-Big West, and Bob Williams would be Big West Coach of the Year. I was right. These three great Gauchos all got recognition from the Big West this year.
Orlando Johnson scored 18 ppg this season along with 5.5 rpg. He also averaged 2.3 apg and scored in double-digits in all 27 games.
James Nunnally scored 14.8 ppg and grabbed 5.5 rpg. He also averaged 1.9 apg and shot 48% from 3 point land during Big West Play.
Bob Williams led the Gauchos to their 2nd Big West Title in 3 seasons. He went 18-9 with a 12-4 BWC record. It is his 3rd Coach of the Year Honor in 12 seasons.
A link to the full list of the All-Big West Teams:
http://www.bigwest.org//story.asp?story_id=13548
Orlando Johnson scored 18 ppg this season along with 5.5 rpg. He also averaged 2.3 apg and scored in double-digits in all 27 games.
James Nunnally scored 14.8 ppg and grabbed 5.5 rpg. He also averaged 1.9 apg and shot 48% from 3 point land during Big West Play.
Bob Williams led the Gauchos to their 2nd Big West Title in 3 seasons. He went 18-9 with a 12-4 BWC record. It is his 3rd Coach of the Year Honor in 12 seasons.
A link to the full list of the All-Big West Teams:
http://www.bigwest.org//story.asp?story_id=13548
Thursday, March 4, 2010
UCSB Mens Basketball vs. UC Irvine Anteaters
The horned sounded, the fans stormed the court, and the nets were cut which meant UCSB were the 2010 Big West Champions. The Gauchos beat UC Irvine 77--74 to get the #1 seed in Anaheim.
James "Mr. Clutch or Big Game" Powell made two huge free throws with 14 seconds to go. With seconds remaining, Eric Wise (22 points) missed the three and the Gauchos won. James Powell who has always been the go to guy down the stretch had 16 points which included 4 three pointers.
Coach Williams was "so happy for James."
The win assures UCSB of at least a share of the Championship and gives them a bye into the semis in Anaheim.
The game was looking like it could be a rout for the Gauchos after with 17 minutes to go, it was 47-31 good guys. Irvine, who is fighting for 8th place, never gave up.
They got it down to 1 point two times and with 15 seconds all most had a chance to win the game but Patrick Rembert missed the front end of the one and one and you know what happened after that.
James Nunnally was the high man for the Gauchos with 22 points and 7 assists. Orlando Johnson had 20 points. With both scoring twenty, six times they had each scored 20 plus in a game which is a new school record. Great job Naismith contender and Mr. Big West MVP!
Another accomplishment that came along with this win is that UCSB finished the conference home slate a perfect 8-0, the first time in school history.
UCSB plays Friday, March 12th, 6: 30 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center in the Big West Semifinals. They will play the lowest remaining seed. I predict, UCSB vs. UCD.
Well, a great way to finish the season for the 'Chos and I am so glad to say, "I will be there in Anaheim!"
Go Gauchos!
Attendance: 3,800
James Powell and I celebrate the win!
James Nunnally and I pose for a picture!
Justin Joyner and I celebrate the victory!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Senior Day 2010
Tonight the Gauchos can clinch the Big West with a win. Also, this is the final home game of this great season which means it is Senior Night 2010.
Guards James Powell and Paul Roemer will be honored prior to the game.
James Powell has always been a consistent player for the Gauchos. In his career, he has made numerous clutch shots. His most famous moment came when he hit a fading away buzzer beater vs. UNLV in 2007. It reached #2 on Sports Center's Top 10 Plays. James is also second in school history with 210 three pointers. He needs 7 more to be the all-time school leader.
Paul Roemer has been a scrappy, tough player on the court. In his career, he is known for diving for loose balls, flying into the benches, getting steals, and forcing turnovers. His proudest moment on the offensive end was when he scored 12 points in a big win two years ago vs. UC Irvine, tonights opponent. His best moment on the defensive end was when he had five steals vs. CS Northridge last February.
Seeds. Seniors. Soles. #4 Paul Roemer and #42 James Powell.
7 p.m., vs. UC Irvine, Thunderdome
Guards James Powell and Paul Roemer will be honored prior to the game.
James Powell has always been a consistent player for the Gauchos. In his career, he has made numerous clutch shots. His most famous moment came when he hit a fading away buzzer beater vs. UNLV in 2007. It reached #2 on Sports Center's Top 10 Plays. James is also second in school history with 210 three pointers. He needs 7 more to be the all-time school leader.
Paul Roemer has been a scrappy, tough player on the court. In his career, he is known for diving for loose balls, flying into the benches, getting steals, and forcing turnovers. His proudest moment on the offensive end was when he scored 12 points in a big win two years ago vs. UC Irvine, tonights opponent. His best moment on the defensive end was when he had five steals vs. CS Northridge last February.
Seeds. Seniors. Soles. #4 Paul Roemer and #42 James Powell.
7 p.m., vs. UC Irvine, Thunderdome
#42 James Powell
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