UWM vs. Boston College- 1st Half

UWM vs. Boston College- First Half

We're coming to you live from my parents' house in lovely West Bend, Wisconsin. I am joined by fellow blogger, Justin Garcia. We are both enjoying Corona cervesas as the game starts.

4:31

Boston College gets the first points of the game. A quick start for the Eagles won't be good for UWM. As Garcia has stated, UWM won't shoot 50% from 3 again, so the Panthers need to stay close. By the way, go Utes! As with the last time I did a game, I will break it down into 10 4 minute periods, whoever wins the most of those, will win the game.

4:33
18:10

0-2 from three already and down 6-0. Justin's keys to the game:
1. Don't suck.
2. Try and shoot 70% from three point range again.
3. PRESS ALL THE TIME.

4:35
16:59

Just wanted to mention we really have top-notch announcers for this game (Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel). By the way, I haven't even had a drink of beer yet and it's 11-0. We have set the over/under of times the announcers tell us that Bruce Pearl is a BC alum at 3.5, Justin takes the over and predicts we will hear that stat 7 times.

4:38
16:20

The Panthers will score on this possession after a BC turnover. I'm writing it now so I can prove I made the prediction. UWM is about to go on a 7-2 run.

4:39
15:59

Panthers get a bucket, just as I predicted, and they got a turnover, do I smell a run? Anyway, BC dominated the first four minutes. UWM was 1-6 from the field and 0-3 from behind the three point line. The Eagles haven't done much wrong, although the press may get to them, we'll see.

4:45

CBS is experiencing technical difficulties. We have a black screen, 4 seconds of Utah/Oklahoma, black screen, okay, we're back. What a crack staff they have working over at CBS 58.

4:47
13:53

Ed McCants hits a deep three to bring the Panthers within 3. By the way, UWM is on a 9-1 run, so I guess I was wrong about the 7-2 thing, but I'll take this instead. Obviously UWM needs McCants to play like the conference player of the year to win this game. More shots like that and UWM will be tough to beat.

4:49
13:28

After a stupid Panther foul, the BC player airballed his free throw, one of the greatest sights to see in basketball. The press seems to be working also, as it causes another turnover.

4:51
12:27

Yet another turnover forced by the UWM press. The game is tied at 14, so a 14-3 run by UWM. Early game jitters by UWM are gone. One thing though, I don't like the timeout call in a situation where a player doesn't think they have anywhere to go. Especially in the first half where you have plenty of time to make any mistakes up, you shouldn't waste timeouts.

4:52
12:17

UWM takes the lead!

4:53
11:15

UWM dominated that four minutes even more than BC dominated the first. The Panthers are on a 19-5 run and have a three point lead. The press is working quite well, and like Justin asks, "Why don't they press all the time?"

5:00
8:57

We have reached the inevitable time during every tournament game where we discuss how our brackets are looking. Mine are okay, Justin had some of his big teams lose, however, so his aren't looking that good. If Arizona loses to UAB today, I fear for his life.

5:04
6:53

UWM also wins that four minute period in our opinion. 28-23 and UWM is frustrating BC with this press. Also just checked in MTV Spring Break to see 50 Cent preforming, simply outstanding.

5:10
6:04

Ed McCants just gets called for a technical foul for pushing Dudley in the back. UWM cannot afford to lose McCants for anytime. UWM needs to maintain right now and not let this bit of misfortune be a momentum swinging time in the game.

5:11
6:01

The first reference to 1981 BC graduate, and former BC mascot, Bruce Pearl.

5:13
4:53

Reference number 2, we've almost reached the 3.5 over/under.

5:15
2:57

I will have to give that period to BC simply because of the 6 point trip, going on an 8-0 run to take the lead at 31-30 and having the lead right now at 34-33. Momentum has switched a bit, but UWM has held fairly strong. Remember, they spotted BC 11 points to start the game.

5:21
1:43

DON'T SHOOT THAT ADRIAN!!, or shoot it; says Justin, as he hits a three to make the lead 41-34.

5:22
:39

Justin and I seriously have no idea what just happened. We were discussing jersey chacers. After seeing the replay, the BC player who threw a forearm into the throat of Pancratz's throat should have been thrown out of the game. It was a flagrent elbow, which should have been called, and all the announcers can say is, "Ooh, sending a little message." Are you kidding me?!?!

5:25
Halftime

Justin wants me to refer to Pancratz as MK from now on for "momentum killer". Also, I asked the question before the game if BC is the new Cincy. Big players who are punks, look like thugs, and beat the crap out of you. Justin said the only way to tell will be the graduation rate at BC. Another question is, why doesn't the top seed in the tournament play the play-in winner? Can anyone tell me this? Oh yeah, UWM wins that period, and the half. Strong/ physical play and the press had the Panthers thinking Sweet 16 as they lead 41-37 at the half. See you after the second half.

-Until next time...