NT falls at College Station

CMJ · December 7, 2005

A well fought, well played game. We played some serious defense, but also turned the ball over 24 times ourselves.

December 7, 2005

A&M went to the line 39 times, hitting 29. Didn't see it, but sounded a little like home cooking.

It's still a loss but we had a chance to win it; missing a three at the buzzer.

UNTFan23 · December 7, 2005

Coach Jones made an interesting comment in the post game interview. Something to the effect of "This loss is no moral victory. We came here to win." Kinda took me by surprise.

I liked what I heard tonight. We could have a very good season if everyone stays healthy and hungry.

GrandGreen · December 7, 2005

A&M went to the line 39 times, hitting 29. Didn't see it, but sounded a little like home cooking.
It's still a loss but we had a chance to win it; missing a three at the buzzer.
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I agree, sounded like big time home cooking to me. Amazing NT could be in it till the end.

Just visited the A&M message board and they are complianting about the crummy referees. Love homers, also they speculate that NT just played the game of their life against a "tired" a&m team. Gotten love these big 12 fans.

Edited December 7, 2005 by GrandGreen

risinggreen · December 7, 2005

I agree, sounded like big time home cooking to me. Amazing NT could be in it till the end.
Just visited the A&M message board and they are complianting about the crummy referees. Love homers, also they speculate that NT just played the game of their life against a "tired" a&m team. Gotten love these big 12 fans.
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This armchair pointguard gets tired of saying that we made a good effort and that it was a good game, but it really was. Just like the Arizona State game a few days ago, we couldn't stop one player. He shot WAY too many free throws. I guess that's just one of those things that happens on the road in this game. I'll be in the stands for U of H. They have got a transfer named Lafayette that we need to put the clamps on. Stop him and we have a chance. Don't think I can make any games before that one. Go Green!

Travis · December 7, 2005

Coach Jones made an interesting comment in the post game interview. Something to the effect of "This loss is no moral victory. We came here to win." Kinda took me by surprise.
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I like that "we belong here" attitude. We need to believe that we can compete with any team in the nation.

NT80 · December 7, 2005

I like that "we belong here" attitude. We need to believe that we can compete with any team in the nation.
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Maybe the previous road trips did help with this game; no intimidation after you've already played some tough roadies in front of large crowds.

Baby Arm! · December 7, 2005

I like that "we belong here" attitude. We need to believe that we can compete with any team in the nation.
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How refreshing would it be if we heard similar comments from the football coach?

CMJ · December 7, 2005

Well Texas A&M, while a tough opponent - is usually not in UNC Wilmington's class. Granted they might be starting to turn the corner in College Station.

We should be able to hang tough or beat A&M if you go by how good they generally are.

I'm just saying it's not like we just strolled into Rupp Arena and had JJ say we "came here to win".

Edited December 7, 2005 by CMJ

UNTSportsGuy · December 7, 2005

It is true that this team lost out on a big opportunity last night to win a "big" game. But for anyone who was there, and was watched JJ's teams over the last few years, you would notice that these last two games this team has turned a corner. Last year as soon as s$m went up 10, this team would have quit, but not this one. Calvin Watson came up huge in the second half. KD is a special player, i'm not sure why he left arkansas, but i'm glad he is here. Sure a lot of calls went to a$m, but that is how it goes when you are a "nobody" playing at major conference school.

I have no real problems with last nights game, if you told me you'd be down 2 with 12 seconds and the ball, i'd take it any day of the week against any big 12 school (except baylor ). All I ask is that people continue to support this team and it will continue to grow right infront of you THIS SEASON.

side note:

A&M is 22-3 at home under Billy Gillispie

Gillispie has in the recent weeks been very hard on the fans for not showing enough support and not enough people attending games.

SUMG · December 7, 2005

Well Texas A&M, while a tough opponent - is usually not in UNC Wilmington's class. Granted they might be starting to turn the corner in College Station.
We should be able to hang tough or beat A&M if you go by how good they generally are.
I'm just saying it's not like we just strolled into Rupp Arena and had JJ say we "came here to win".
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CMJ.....A & M is starting to turn the corner. This is their second year under a great young coach (Gillespie). They won 21 last year, and had two wins in the NIT (over DePaul and Clemson).

Plus, they've turned their arena into a fairly tough place to play. As I recall...I think they beat Texas there last year, and almost beat Kansas. No, they're not Duke yet.....but they're getting there. (And I think they'd beat UNC-Wilmington).

Oh and one more thing: Their stud player (Joseph Jones)....the guy who had something like 35 pts and 13 boards last night....he is actually from a town (Normangee) which is one classification lower than where our big freshman Howerton is from (Howe). Normangee is 1A and Howe is 2A. So, you can find a diamond in those lower classes sometimes. Also, A & M wanted to sign Howerton......as well.

DeepGreen · December 7, 2005

a$m game

user posted image

Edited December 7, 2005 by DeepGreen

UNTSportsGuy · December 7, 2005

I was really impressed with Howerton last night. Those first few games he really didn't show much, but I thought that for the short time he was in he really mixed it up and wasn't afraid to throw his body around. I think he still lacks of some the skills to be a dominate big man, but he isn't afraid to use his body and if he works on his game he can be a significant factor next year.

CMJ · December 7, 2005

Oh, I know A&M did well last year. Quarterfinalists in the NIT if I recall. But Wilmington seems to make the Big Dance every other year or so. That's why I said they aren't USUALLY in NC-Wilmington's class.

(I have no idea who'd win between those two schools this year. Probably who ever had homecourt)

UNTSportsGuy · December 7, 2005

Nothing against UNCW but they play in the Colonial, and A$M plays in the Big 12. UNCW makes the NCAA because they win their conference tourny almost every year. I'm not sure who would win either, but I am excitied about this year.

CMJ · December 7, 2005

Sorry I turned it into a NC Wilmington thread. Though you know...they did upset USC in the '02 tournament and lost to Maryland in '03 on a buzzer beater - so it's not like they only get in because they're in the Colonial and can't play - they're pretty dangerous come March.

Back to the main point.

We do look like we're going to be pretty decent this year. I'm not sure how the conference as a whole is supposed to be, but I can see us being competitive for the league title. The last 2 or 3 of games have shown that this might be JJ's best team.

Eagle1855 · December 7, 2005

I read through some of the threads on TexAgs.com to see what aggys take on the game was and found a few were complimentary of our team... of course there were a few of the "UNT had really good athletes, wonder why they play there" comments and a "UNT played their best game of the year, while A&M played pretty average" comment, but it sounded like we were alot more aggressive and had more depth than the ags.

I didnt get to go to the game or listen to it, some Im basically going on what I hear from those that were there.

One poster commented that if we had any inside game we probably would have won the game. Thoughts on that?

Sounds like we could be in for a pretty good season. It would be great to knock off the Coogs on the 23rd, especially since they have been picking up alot of votes in the polls!

Edited December 7, 2005 by Eagle1855

MeanGreenBuzz · December 7, 2005

I was down for the game last night and just got back. I don't know if those were Sun Belt officials or Big XII officials, but either way the entire crew needs to be fired. That was hands down the most poorly officiated game I have ever seen going down as low as high school basketball. I think our Rec Sports refs do a better job. With that being said I am not going to blame the loss on the refs even though the foul calling was very in favor of aTm (I was in the student section and even their fans were backing me up on that during the game) NT had more than enough chances to win or tie that game including when they blew the last 13 seconds and take a bad buzzer beater 3 instead of trying to get it down low and take a 2 for overtime. Though I do like that Davis wanted the ball with the game on the line, I just wish he had tried to do a little more with it.

Past that they have one helluva player in Jones. He score almost half their points and dominated anyone, anywhere. I think he scored in ever possible way, layup, put back, jump shot, free throw, and even from the 3 pt line. With out him we would have owned aTm. I think he was either freshman of the year or came in #2 last year in voting so they will have him for 2 more years after this. Look for them to be a perennial tourney team under Gilespe (sp?) as long as he can keep recruiting players like that.

MeanGreenBuzz · December 7, 2005

a$m game
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Nice of you to post this picture. This was right before one of the fouls called on Barnett when he blocked a shot perfectly clean. I don't think he even touched the guys finger tips when he blocked this one.

Michael Scott · December 7, 2005

Nice of you to post this picture. This was right before one of the fouls called on Barnett when he blocked a shot perfectly clean. I don't think he even touched the guys finger tips when he blocked this one.
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Looks like he is pushing back and hitting his arm, but its a bad angle. I have no doubt you saw several bad calls though. But, we have benefited from them too - remember the "buzzer beater" 3 shots against UNO?

Don't gripe - its a road game against a major team. Next time we close them out and perhaps hit our foul shots all game.

This team still needs to learn to play inside. TAMU's Jones is a great player and put on a clinic in the NIT as a freshman against a bigger, physical Clemson team, but there is no reason we couldn't get something done in there instead of settle for jumpers.

Zeke · December 7, 2005

I wish we had our ASU transfer last night. That guy looks huge.

NT Drummer · December 7, 2005

Good article in the Houston Chronicle:

Aggies dodge Mean Green - North Texas' shot to upset host A&M misses at buzzer

DeepGreen · December 7, 2005

I wish we had our ASU transfer last night. That guy looks huge.
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What happened to the ASU transfer? Or, does he have to sit out this year?

Zeke · December 7, 2005

He has to sit out a transfer year.

eeally · December 7, 2005

Talked with my A&M neighbor and he is almost about to get his ass kicked. He was saying they must of had a very bad game. No way UNT will ever compete with A&M. Typical Aggie!!!

He loves to get my goat about NT. Thats the thing if you show as much pride in your team then everyone gives you the respect you deserve. He knows where the Aggies stand. They got lucky with home cooking and I say anytime they are ready to come to the pit we would say "Welcome". I hope the Ags have a good season to show our guys that we can compete with the mid-majors and upper teams. I think to get to ACC status that would take some doing!

Can't wait for the woman to show up in Austin. That may be an upset in the making!