Need One More On The Road

So I was out of town and had to watch the Alabama game on a way too small TV in a way too expensive hotel that wanted way too much money for Internet access. While just going to sleep seemed like the best idea at times during the first half, I saw a couple of things that made me think I should stay awake.

The Hogs were attacking the basket. Alabama's 7 players were in danger of having to worry about staying in the game instead of playing it in the second half.

While much of our first half defense was pretty suspect, we were showing a lot of effort and energy on offense and in rebounding. You could just sense that things could easily turn our way if we picked up the defense and Alabama cooled off.

I think these guys have had a big "gut check." Getting negatively compared to the football team had to hurt (that "letting go of the rope" talk). That had to hurt. Plus I'm certain they were insulted when I said they'd lose out. (Yeah, right.) They seem to be taking a lot more pride in their performance.

Attacking the basket, drawing fouls, getting to the free throw line, good effort rebounding, and defensive intensity have been the recipe for this team all along. Those things can make up for a lot of other mistakes during the game.

Ronnie Brewer is finally stepping up. Townes has really stepped it up (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks). Charles Thomas made some great plays down the stretch, taking ownership of a couple of possessions when everyone else was standing around. More McCurdy (5 assists in 12 minutes) and Hunter (3 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in 9 minutes) has helped the cause. Arkansas had 18 total assists versus 4 for Alabama. Remember that for the game against Ole Miss the Hogs had only 5 assists.

I really think this is a case of "too little, too late," but a win Saturday against Tennessee and a strong showing in the conference tournament could be enough to vault the Hogs into the big dance.

They've made this season much more difficult than it should have been.