Was that a little trash talk I just saw? Though I couldn’t exactly hear what was said, there was definitely some pre-game jawing going on during warmups between Antonio Anderson and Houston seniors Lanny Smith and Robert McKiver. Anderson definitely had his game face on, and McKiver was smiling, so it must not have been too serious. But some bad vibes wouldn’t be a bad thing, the way I see it. Any kind of rivalry in Conference USA would be good for Memphis and the league. Though it’s hard for anybody else in C-USA to project much attitude, given that nobody besides Memphis has accomplished anything, Houston definitely has some swagger. It will be interesting to see if anything develops during the game from that little meeting I just saw between Anderson and the Houston players.

Looks like William Wesley is back again to take in this game from behind the Tigers’ bench. Worldwide Wes just entered the building and is making the handshake rounds.

I always come into these games against Houston believing Memphis could potentially lose; the way Houston plays just makes them so unpredictable. But the thing is, every game I’ve seen between the two teams has unfolded in an identical manner. Houston takes the lead early, Memphis makes a big run to open it up and makes enough shots to keep the Cougars at a 10 to 12 point deficit for the rest of the second half. There’s no reason to think tonight will be any different. But I always enjoy watching Houston; unlike most of the dreck in this conference, the Cougars look and play like a serious basketball team, even though their roster has some flaws that will probably keep them out of the NCAA Tournament when it’s all said and done.