Hoop Night: 12/20/2007

Hoop Night is your daily preview of televised NCAA action. When Marco and I make fun of a team in this space, that team wins. So pony up some cash, mid-major fans, and we can make sure you'll be dancing in March.


Don't Miss

#9 Pitt vs. #7 Duke - 7pm, ESPN (in New York)
This is a tough one for us here at STF. We actually kind of despise both teams. However, we know a thrilling on-paper matchup when we see one, so this one gets top prize. Pitt is scoring more points than they used to, so this might actually be fun to watch. The Panthers sport a balanced scoring attack, led by Sam Young's 18ppg and 7rpg. Duke provides ample evidence of their back-alley deals with Satan, with five players averaging double figs, and another bevy of AWJSs.


Watch if you Ever Gave your Brother a Noogie

Oral Roberts vs. Oklahoma State - 7pm, ESPN2 (in Oklahoma City)
Some people might feel bad for Scott Sutton. He couldn't wait dad out, so he took a second-rate job in the same state. Well, big bro has taken his Golden Eagles to the big dance two years running, pulled off some big upsets, and was in the running for national coach of the year along with fellow scions JTIII and Tony Bennett last year. Little bro Sean, on the other hand, sat through the indignity of having his coaching feats count toward his dad's record, a 6-10 conference record in his rookie season, and a first-round NIT loss to Marist. Plus, he has to wear that ungodly shade of orange. Who got the better deal here?


Tivo it and Watch the Wofford/Purdue upset you Tivo'd Last Night

#20 Gonzaga at Oklahoma - 9:30pm, ESPN2
I don't know what to make of the Sooners this year. They're 8-3, with reasonable losses to Memphis and USC. It's that home loss to Stephen F. Austin that rankles. This game is the centerpiece of a profile-building trio, however. The first leg was a win over Arkansas at home, and it ends with a trip to West Virginia, where they're also having a hard time attracting national attention. Gonzaga has been handling dey business on the road, however, and the early word is that Josh Heytvelt will play tonight. If OU wins, it will be a telling statement of worth, indeed.