I agree with the non-zero hope of beating Tennessee, should they win on Thursday night.
One of the more amazing games I watched this season was South Carolina at Tennessee, seeing that South Carolina had a lead early in the second half and *never gave it up.* Knowing the quality of Barnes teams generally, I have pondered that result off and on since. It's not like the Gamecocks are a quality metric squad -- Texas has a much better offense and a similar defense -- yet here we are and the 'Cocks are 49th in KenPom, 47th in Torvik and *56th* in BPI (and yet have a six seed -- no reason to get into that). But they were able to frustrate the Vols on a day when they couldn't get shots to fall, didn't make free throws and didn't win on the boards.
I agree with the non-zero hope of beating Tennessee, should they win on Thursday night.
One of the more amazing games I watched this season was South Carolina at Tennessee, seeing that South Carolina had a lead early in the second half and *never gave it up.* Knowing the quality of Barnes teams generally, I have pondered that result off and on since. It's not like the Gamecocks are a quality metric squad -- Texas has a much better offense and a similar defense -- yet here we are and the 'Cocks are 49th in KenPom, 47th in Torvik and *56th* in BPI (and yet have a six seed -- no reason to get into that). But they were able to frustrate the Vols on a day when they couldn't get shots to fall, didn't make free throws and didn't win on the boards.
That's pretty much what they need.
Missed your writing very much. So good.
Amen, Stacey! Missed the fun (and insights) from you!