ARCHIVE: The Houston Roundball Review's Old Blog -- November 2005

JVG | U must see "The Show" | Lady Owls beat Tech | L-Boogie | Odd stat | Down to the Rockets

70 wins | Penders' says | Lanny Bothered by high ankle sprain | Girls' HISD Tourney

"The Show" falls to Virginia Commonwealth, 62-61

posted November 27, updated 10:45 a.m. CST

Lanny Smith: "...play unselfish basketball..." | Tom Penders: "...ups and downs..."

The Cougars' lack of ball movement was a big reason for the one point loss to VCU. The guards didn't penetrate the tough perimeter defense which resulted in far too many contested three-point shots.

After the game, Cougars' head coach Tom Penders complained about a non-technical foul call on VCU head coach Jeff Capel in the second half; however, the officials made the correct call by not calling a tech on Capel when he walked to the free throw lane to argue a call.  Capel didn't deserve a tech because of the dead ball situation and the media timeout.  As soon as the ball landed out of bounds, a media time-out was called which meant Capel could walk onto the court and talk to the refs.  The referee observer sat two seats from me; and, he told us the officials made the correct decision (and why the decision was correct) by not calling a technical foul.   

JVG --nothing positive from losing

posted November 24, 10:40 a.m. CST

Thanks to the Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen for referencing my question to Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy in today's Chronicle.  I asked JVG if there any positives he would take from Wednesday's loss to Phoenix.  

Listen to JVG's answer:  "...Pollyanna terms..." As I wrote in "From second best to worst in one Month", my predictions is going up in flames. Without a healthy T-Mac, this season could be a very l-o-n-g one for Rockets' fans.  Happy Holidays.

This "Show" must be Seen: UH wins Opener by 69 points

posted November 22, 11:30 p.m. CST

First, the bad news--I left my audio cassettes at home; so, I can't make MP3s of the Cougars' post game comments. That's all for the bad news.  That's it.  Houston (1-0) defeated Florida Tech (2-2) 131 to 62 to open its 2005 - 2006 men's basketball season which the UH Marketing Department has tabbed "The Show".  Coach Tom Penders' team definitely put on a show for the awe-inspired 4,654 fans in attendance at Hofheinz Pavilion Tuesday night.

The first 4:12 of the ball game was simply sensational. UH forced eight turnovers; drained 3 three-point shots; slammed home two dunks; and converted one lay-up during the 22 to 0 blitz that left the fans and the media speechless.  

UH raced to a 30 to 0 lead! That's right...30 to zero before the Panthers hit two free throws at the 11:17 mark of the first half to end their scoring drought.  For the game UH forced 33 turnovers; picked up 20 steals; made a school-record 19 (out of 39) three-point shots; dished out 33 assists on 46 made baskets; blocked 10 shots; and committed just 11 turnovers.  Seven Cougars scored in double figures led by freshman forward Lamar Roberson's 25 points (in just 19 minutes). Lamar set a UH freshman record by sinking seven (out of 10 attempts) three-pointers.  Freshman big man Emmanuel "Tree" Adeife blocked 8 shots; scored 8 points; and grabbed 15 rebounds in just 18 minutes of action.  Thirteen Cougars played and not one player more than 21 minutes in the ball game.

Junior point guard Lanny Smith dished out a game-high 10 assists while Brian Latham added 9 dimes.  JUCO transfer Jahmar Thorpe scored 15 points and grabbed six boards in his minutes of work.  Junior guard Oliver Lafayette scored 19 points; dished out 5 dimes; and picked up 5 steals. O made 5 of his 7 three-point attempts.

The impressive numbers keep coming: UH outscored the Panthers 51 to 6 off turnovers.  The Cougars' bench scored more points (67) than the entire Panthers' team (62)!

"The Show" continues Saturday night, November 26, at 8 p.m. versus Virginia Commonwealth. See you there! 

Lady Owls Defeat 13th-ranked Texas Tech before 1,044 fans at Autry Court

posted November 22, 12:30 p.m. CST

I hope the fans who attended Monday night's win by the Rice Lady Owls over number 13 Texas Tech return to Autry Court for more home games this season. Rice has a solid chance to advance to the NCAA Tourney this season; so, check them out again and again...and bring a friend or two or three.  :-)

L-Boogie 75% for Tech

posted November 21, 8:55 a.m. CST

I spoke with Cougars point guard Lanny Smith Sunday after the Lady Cougars' home win.  I asked him how his right ankle was feeling and if he were going to play Tuesday versus Florida Tech. He told me, "I can't miss regular season games."  He told me his ankle was about 75%; so, while he may not play a lot of minutes tomorrow, Lanny assured me he'll be in the Cougars' line-up.

Odd Rockets Stat -- more made free throws means Loss

posted November 19, 10:15 a.m. CST

The Rockets’ record when making more free-throws than their opponents now stands at 1-6. Friday night Houston made 13-of-17, while Detroit made 7-of-12. Houston’s lone win during this streak came in a 94-89 defeat of the Timberwolves at Minnesota (11/15).

Pistons Played Down to the Rockets

posted November 19, 1:05 a.m CST

Friday night at Toyota Center, the Detroit Pistons played down to the level of their competition  -- the Houston Rockets. The Pistons won 78 to 70; but, Detroit allowed the Rockets to stay in the game despite a banged up Tracy McGrady and a DNP from point guard Rafer Alston.  The Rockets struggled on offense most of the night; however, the Pistons missed open shots, including dunks, which kept the Rockets close.  Leading by one, Detroit decided to get the ball to Rasheed Wallace on the block; and let Sheed go to work.  Rasheed scored three straight buckets to put the game away.  After the game, Pistons guard Chauncey Billups said, "Great teams find ways to win ugly games."; but, teammate Tayshaun Prince countered with "We can't keep playing like this...Houston was the team coming off the back-to-back; but, ... we looked more sluggish than they did... Coach told us to attack early and we didn't do it."  

Sorry, Pip, Pistons won't win 70 games this season

posted November 16, 10:21 p.m. CST

I just found out Scottie Pippen predicted the Detroit Pistons to win 70 games this 2005 - 2006 season.  Well, I disagree; and, I'm a Pistons fan. :-) 60 wins, yes. 64 or so, maybe. 70, I don't believe so.

I am predicting a Spurs - Pistons rematch in the NBA Finals. As HRR members know, in October 2004, I predicted the Spurs-Pistons match-up with the Spurs winning in 7. This season, I'm picking the Pistons to win in 7. 

posted November 16, 9:40 p.m. CST; updated 10:20 p.m.

Coogs' coach Tom Penders: "...We offered to play Texas twice..." | "...our crowds..."

Coogs' Lanny Smith Still Bothered by Ankle

posted November 16, 2:55 p.m. CST

Lanny Smith, junior point guard for the Houston Cougars, is still bothered by a high ankle sprain in his right ankle. Lanny attended today's tip-off luncheon and his ankle was tightly taped because it was still slightly swollen.  He was walking without a noticeable limp; but, he was still uncertain if he'd play in the Cougars' season-opener on Tuesday, November 22, versus Florida Tech, at Hofheinz Pavilion.  Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

posted November 15:  See the bracket for the 22nd annual Girls' HISD Tournament