Our Tiger Bloggers will give us their thoughts throughout the University of Memphis’ run through the NCAA Tournament

From Jody Kane, Memphis:

Monday, it’s got to be the worst day of the week! Especially when Memphis fans like me, are coming off such an emotional weekend! Euphoria is overshadowed by concern for Chris Douglas-Roberts and his ability to play in Thursday night’s game against Texas A & M. Of course, I am more concerned for his health, but I can’t help but be concerned about what this injury could mean for the Tigers. It could go either way…the situation could inspire them to play out of their minds for CDR, or they could go the other way and really miss his presence on the court. Let’s hope it is the first of the two!

I have got to say, I am finding it harder to cope with the injury than it is to cope with the wait until Thursday. I actually welcome a few days off so that I can rest up for the game on Thursday. I go through such an emotional rollercoaster while watching the games. I am so passionate and I feel like I know the players all like I know some of my friends! When they hurt, I hurt and when they experience joy, I experience joy! If I can’t be at the game, I usually watch the games from the quiet of home so that I can see every play and hear every call! The Tigers have become “MY TEAM” since I have lived in Memphis. I truly bleed blue now and wouldn’t want it any other way!
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Our Tiger Bloggers will give us their thoughts throughout the University of Memphis’ run through the NCAA Tournament

From Chad Langstraat, Memphis:

That game was definitely worth the wait! I fell asleep last night while I was reading a book. It was a little after 9pm. I woke with a start at 3:30 in the morning. I ran out into the living room and started watching.

I have been using my DVR all season. I usually watch the game about 30 minutes behind. This way I can fast forward through commercials, the other team’s instant replays, and usually the Tigers free throws. I was amazed to see them hit 76.5% from the line. I actually rewound some of Joey’s free throws just to hear the announcer say, “That was a pure stroke.”

What a great game! It was so impressive to see everyone pick up their game when CDR went down. My hat is off to Dozier for fantastic defense, Anderson for an overall fantastic game, and Joey for… well… being Joey.

Some important things have come up for this coming weekend so I won’t be able to make it to San Antonio. I will just have to yell so loud that maybe the Tigers will hear me from Memphis. Anyway, I’ll just start making plans to go to Atlanta next weekend. Da da da da… Go Tigers Go!

Our Tiger Bloggers will give us their thoughts throughout the University of Memphis’ run through the NCAA Tournament

From Kenneth Brasel, Glasgow, Ky.:

Making the Right Decision

Okay, good news is we are in the Sweet 16; bad news is now what what? My work week starts in 1 hour and I want to be in San Antonio by Thursday. I need one hell of an excuse, a really good one. Not since grade school have I had to come up with a really truly good one to get out of something… The truth won’t work this time. Basketball Tournament? Sweet 16?

I know CDR is hurt and will get the best care he can in Memphis. I know the team will be practicing hard to get ready for this weekend. I know the Middle East is still in conflict but I am focused on my problem right now, to go or not go. As a fan, I feel we all owe a sense of deb to the team, to support them in every way possible. How many opportunities does a guy have to sneak off for a long week-end and enjoy himself, and at the same time do something supportive?

The work week starts now, I guess I need start thinking hard on that excuse…

Our Tiger Bloggers will give us their thoughts throughout the University of Memphis’ run through the NCAA Tournament

From Erik Henninger, Birmingham:

Gonzo Tiger Blogging - Nevada Game

1) I come into the game late because CBS is a bunch of Communists.

2) It’s clear Fazekas has never been heads up with athletes like Dorsey and Co. In the first few minutes Dorsey has already altered a shot, Dozier blocked him, and he’s had the ball stolen from him a few times.

3) Memphis is flying to the ball and fast breaking all over the place, however Nevada is keeping pace.

4) Fazekas with another turnover, next possession for Nevada = pressure induced turnover. They don’t get the pleasure of playing teams like this every week in the WAC. I recall that Nevada’s coach compared The Tigers to a NBA team. I love it!

5) Prediction: Nevada WILL NOT be able to hold this pace with Memphis. The Tigers will pull away big, late in the game.
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Our Tiger Bloggers will give us their thoughts throughout the University of Memphis’ run through the NCAA Tournament

From Mike Parham, Memphis:

It was a bitter-sweet victory on Sunday. Jeremy came out of his shooting slump from the 3 and Robert Dozier continued to elevate his level of play for the big dance.

Joey lost a lot of playing time due to foul trouble. The main problem for me was that both of his fouls in the first half were from terrible calls. The first was an offensive foul that resulted from a complete flop by Fazekas. The second was a defensive foul when Joey was standing completely still with his hands straight up in the air, just like coaches tell you to do.

Kareem has been getting that call a lot this year. It’s frustrating when a player uses good defensive technique, but gets a foul anyway.
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