Like I said this morning, 40 minutes for 40 more.  We do what we do.  We play to WIN the game!!!  The experience is certainly nice, but that's not why we're here.  Seems like no matter who we beat, it's not enough for national respect.  Like Jake Taylor and The 25314 said, "I guess there's only one thing left to do." (answer linked from quote, Warning: strong language)  Let's show the second set of blue bloods in as many weeks how we ball in the hills at WVU!!

As always, and forever...

The story lines have been beaten to death.  Now it's game time.  Can we handle Wall, Cousins and Patterson?  Can we fix the turnover bug we had against Washington?  Youth vs. Experience.  Speed vs. Physicality.  Which wins?  Can Huggs and the team notch another win in the state of NY (tonight would be 8 straight)?  Let's show UK how we ball at WVU and send those blue-bloods home with their tails between their legs.

As always, and forever...

Somewhat similar to Missouri, Washington wants to get up and down the floor a lot and quickly.  I really like the way our defense has been since "the speech."  As usual, there are many more questions to be answered tonight.  Is Washington a "Cinderella" whose bell tolls midnight tonight or do they continue on?  How does WVU respond to the loss of Truck?  Can Mazzulla stay out of foul trouble and still be effective?  When Joe gets some rest, how will Da and Ebanks respond when handling the ball?  Will the state of NY continue to treat this WVU team well in 2010?  I love this team and the ride we've been on.  Let's get another one tonight and keep this thing going!  There's much more to accomplish.

As always, and forever...

Upside down Mike Anderson wants chaos.

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We've heard nothing but hype over Missouri's "Fastest 40 Minutes in Basketball," mostly from Missouri coaches and players themselves.  No doubt about it, Missouri's pressure will be a difficult test, but this isn't some unsolvable Rubik's Cube, as some further west would have you believe.

Lately, opponents have experienced the WVU buzzsaw and left with little idea of what they tried to accomplish before the game.  West Virginia's defense and rebounding are great equalizers -- which is saying something considering we're talking about a #2 seed and the #5 ranked team in the country -- extending possessions and keeping the ball in WVU's hands for the majority of the game.  Put those talents on the floor with Missouri, who don't rebound and look to create frenetic chaos, and you have established a huge matchup disparity right off the bat.

West Virginia is a five point favorite today, but if the Mountaineers are able to establish their will on this game, I don't believe it will be that close.  If Missouri's pandemonium takes over, however, that line looks pretty damn scary.  The emergence of Joe Mazzulla and his mostly healed shoulder become extra important today, as holding on to the basketball becomes job #1 throughout the game.  If that happens, as I believe it will, then WVU meets the track-meet that is Washington in the Sweet Sixteen.  If not, well, I'd just rather not think about it.

Alright, enough rambling.  Post your pre-game, in-game, and post-game comments below.  And, as always...

It's the Morgan St. Bears playing the role as first round opponent for your West Virginia University Mountaineers.  It seems we know more about their coach and his past troubles at Cal, than this team.  Nonetheless, I have faith in Huggs and the crew...although, I am prepared for a closer game than we would like.  They've done it all year, why change now?  We're certainly hoping for the best... Leave your comments below.  I'm off to the bar...

As always....

OK, admit it, your productivity has been on a downward spiral all morning, just counting down the minutes until the tip-off of March Madness.  We know -- it was a miracle we even put on pants this morning (or any morning, for that matter).  So while your watching the games at home, the office, or a bar, why not enjoy those same games with your friends here at The Smoking Musket?

Comment away... 

The New York mission is almost complete.  The Hoyas seem to be peaking at just the right time, but will their 4th game in 4 days finally catch up with them?  Can we control Greg Monroe?  We did the first time around.  Is he capable of back to back monster games?  Can Da` do it again?  Our defense has been stifling, can we do it one more night in New York and make a huge case for that #1 tournament seed?  We will all find out shortly.  Let's do this again and prevent Georgetown from adding to their record seven BET titles and grab our first.

As always (and forever)...

Can the Mounties keep the NY magic alive tonight?  Which wins, WVU D or ND O?  Does Wells rebound from his tough game last night?  Can Da keep up the heroics?  Notre Dame has been on a roll lately.  But then again, so have we, if you haven't noticed.  Let's keep Luke in his place and secure our place in the BE Finals.

As always...