UAB v. Memphis

Well, this is a walk down memory lane! UAB, led by former Indiana University coach Mike Davis (who just got T'd up) and former IU starter Robert Vaden, is battling Memphis on ESPN2. They're a bubble team right now, trailing Calipari's Tigers in the C-USA.

UAB's style of play looks strangely familiar. A lot of three-point shooting and one on one possessions. Good athleticism, decent defense and rebounding. Reminiscent of an NBA game. This is definitely a Mike Davis squad.

I gotta say, I always liked Robert Vaden a lot better than fellow Davis protege Bracey "I Can Miss From Anywhere On the Court!" Wright. I am one of those few IU fans that feel that although Coach Davis has some serious flaws, he was given a bad deal in Bloomington having to follow the legendary Bobby Knight. After suffering through the Sampson Train Wreck, the Davis era really doesn't seem that bad in retrospect.

Tie game, 28-28 at the half. Vaden hasn't scored yet and is struggling against Memphis' athletic defenders. UAB needs this win to move themselves solidly into the field of 64. Update will follow postgame. Also tonight - my #8 Top Memory. A clue - it's from one of the great Bears seasons in recent memory!

UPDATE: Oho! This game just got real exciting! Vaden is warming the bench and has shot 0-12 on the day, but UAB is getting some serious play from PG Aaron Johnson (from? Chicago!) and senior forward Lawrence Kinnard. All knotted up at 44-all. First good game I can remember from Conference USA in a while.

UPDATE 2: Donnell Mack just hit a dagger from the corner to make it 63-55 with two and a half left. Robert Vaden is something like 0-16 for the game. He really, really needs to do something here or this one is basically over. UAB needs a stop...

Antonio Anderson. Off glass, for three. Game over. I still think the Blazers sneak into the tourney as an at-large selection.

Side Note: Enjoying this Pat Forde article on Kentucky high-school basketball, where a podunk team is getting ready to reprise 'Hoosiers' for the modern day.