Official 2014 Colorado v Arizona Pac12 Tournament Game Thread (Round 3)

[cubuffs85]

I think CU's run in 2012 created some misperceptions amongst Buff fans. Byes are a BIG ****ing deal in conference tournaments. It hits you in the semifinal second half if you've been playing for 3 games. We ran out of gas against Cal and Arizona in 2012 and held on for dear life. With the conference now being so much better, that was never an option for us against an Arizona squad that's best in the nation.

I think you've gotten across your point across with the byes, being a big deal -- they are, but even with more rest, we still weren't likely beating UofA, they're better than us especially without Spencer. You even said UofA is the best team in the nation, which I pretty much agree with you about.

I'm not sure how many expected a deep run because of 2012. All the predictions seemed to be picking UofA over us, even on this board. But yeah that 2012 run was more the exception that the rule. You can't expect an underseeded team playing an extra day to run the tables most of the time, that stuff happens maybe once or twice a decade. And not to take anything away from 2012 because that was an absolutely great run even given the circumstances but as you pointed out this is a much better conference than in 2012.

 

[PAHIBuff]

Hey thanks. Yeah, Gordon's a big part of what makes this team special. The offense isn't always there but the defense is off the charts. He can guard anyone, one through five. He's smart with the ball and has a great handle. Offensive rebounding's a real strength but he can get pushed around on the D glass sometimes. Needs to keep developing his body, particularly his legs. I think that would help with the shot too because his form's not bad.

No question we're going to miss him next year. Miller will have to recruit at a very high level to maintain this kind of excellence.

Boyle's an excellent coach. I think he, Miller and Krystowiak are (in no particular order) the three best coaches in the Pac-12. At one time I would have placed Monty at the top of the heap too but I think he's lost something in the last couple of years.

Is there any thought in the UofA world that you might lose Kaleb T. after this year? I don't follow the Cats closely enough to know.

 

[cubuffs85]

Thanks for all the kind comments about Arizona. You guys had me worried in the first half. I think it's true that the Buffs were gassed from having played two tough games the two previous days. Glad to get out of this one with the W. Had Colorado been rested, I don't think it would have been a blow out.

One last thought and I don't mean to rub salt in the wound but Godon's block of XJ was the kind of thing one has to admire no matter what team you root for. After seeing that, I felt like I had just witnessed something rare and special like a triple play or a hole in one. In hoops terms, what would come close? Maybe a triple double.

No offense taken here at all. UofA put up a lot of highlight reels, that if I'm a neutral observer (or better yet, a UofA fan), I'm thoroughly enjoying. Clearly, you guys are on a different level than us. We can only hope as Buff fans we can be the kind of program you guys are someday. Still proud of how far our program has come from where it once was. Most of us on here can remember the "dark days" where an NIT bid was a good year. The bar has been raised, but were not talking national championships quite yet.

 

[cubuffs85]

Just scrolling through the comments as I like to do when I'm watching elsewhere during a game. It gets a little too combative when things aren't going our way. We're all fans who just want the best for our team, no need for some of the namecalling or demeaning of other posters. This isn't an ABs problem, I've noticed that with other message boards as well. Fans certainly aren't rational as the game is unfolding.

 

[tante]

Anyone read the post games quotes? Tad gave a lot of credit to Arizona and how they play but he did talk about a lack of effort on our part in the second half and I think Talton mentioned mental toughness.

I hope the young guys on the team learned from this. I want to see Talton be more aggressive on offense. He has a nice shot, just needs to have more confidence. I want to see Scott be more decisive with the ball and not wait fir a double team but we need to give him and outlet to kick the ball to.

 

[Deleted member 807]

Just scrolling through the comments as I like to do when I'm watching elsewhere during a game. It gets a little too combative when things aren't going our way. We're all fans who just want the best for our team, no need for some of the namecalling or demeaning of other posters. This isn't an ABs problem, I've noticed that with other message boards as well. Fans certainly aren't rational as the game is unfolding.

Duh. Live sports triggers emotional responses amongst fans. Fans is an abbreviation for fanatics. Fanatics crave the high of victory like a junkie, and will say or do almost anything to ride the buzz as long as possible.

Losing is a buzzkill, depriving one team's fan base of the rush we so desperately seek.

Either way, I'm rarely surprised by any emotional outbursts that transpire between a junkie, the needle, and the craving for one more high.

I am Skidmark and I am a CU sports junkie.