Thoughts on UTEP vs. Memphis

Some random thoughts on UTEP's 70-63 loss to Memphis.

IT SEEMS LIKE at least half the time I attend a UTEP basketball game, one fan or the other is getting warned by the refs, or even tossed from the arena in some cases. On Saturday, again, a fan got a warning from a referee that he would get tossed from the arena if he acted up again.

Despite years of attending games at various venues, I've never seen that except at UTEP games.

So, are UTEP fans that bad, or are C-USA refs just that touchy?

I ENDED UP sitting right behind UTEP football coach Mike Price.

Come on now, UTEP administration, shouldn't Price have better seats than that? He was in the 12th row, which isn't terrible, but just seemed weird to me.

THE TORO COUPONS that Leonard previewed were lame, though the scarfs were fly. The coupon was for a $3 beer, if you buy a burger. You need a coupon and the purchase of a hamburger for the privilege of buying a $3 beer? No wonder King's X is so popular. Every other place in the area is trying to rip you off.

OH, YOU WANT SOMETHING ON THE GAME: Well, hard to complain about a game where UTEP kept it entertaining all the way until the end against the #5 team in the nation. But complain, I will.

The offense is frustrating to watch. I don't disagree much with Joe on Utepia's thoughts. The offense is frustrating because there seems to be so little teamwork. It's just Stefon or Randy taking it inside one on five and praying for a foul call. Want to see what I mean? Here's the second half offense encapsulated into a one-minute video:

You want to see how to beat Memphis with a great second-half offense? Here you go:

Comments

[Duke Keith]

Rock (chalk) on, Jay. Well done, and with video evidence to boot, at least of UTEP's lack of real offense. Didn't see a whole lot of Kansas' set-up, just the finish, which is kind of the point, I guess. The Miners didn't have much of that -- although some of those shots didn't look contested, they just looked missed.

[Leonard Martinez]

Speaking of seating arrangements, did you notice music mogul Irv Gotti, uncle of UTEP freshman Blaise Ffrench, had better seats than even UTEP's president?

Gotti was in the row right behind the UTEP bench and Dr. Diana Natalicio was a few rows behind him.

Until Mike Price produces a hit record, he's gonna have to sit next to you Jay.

[C/Lo]

At least some of you got to go to the game!

[Gerry]

Trailing by 5 to 9 points the entire second half the Miners tried zero 3 point shots until the last minute or so. What kind of strategy is that? Driving the lane hoping for a foul, throwing up a prayer, no kick outs even though the Memphis defense was gathered in the paint. I seriously doubt the coach's qualifications after such a lame strategy...almost like he was afraid to win.

Given these circumstances I don't see UTEP making any real progress under Barbee. .500 teams with some decent players and occasional color. Forget the championships and forget beating Memphis in this millenium.

[Rolando Morales]

All in all, I was impressed with UTEP's effort against Memphis. I also agree with the fact that the offense failed to make some clutch shots at the end - that's what makes a team great. That said, my question is: why isn't UTEP more competitive with other CUSA oppoents, such as Tulsa? UTEP exhibited NCAA Tournament-type defense against Memphis, notwithstanding their loss. They would be competitive in the tournament with this Defense.

[Luis Meraz]

In reference to Mr. Morales, Why UTEP cant be more competitive w/ other teams like they were with Memphis is who else knows the Memphis system better than coach Barbee & his staff.Thats why the play Memphis so well.I love my Miners,we've got the best talent, we just don't have the "best" coaches.Don't get me wrong I love the staff, but the "the Bear" was great he knew how to beat the great teams." Don't try to match up with them,out think them,out play them."

[Tom Avila]

You guys need to let go of the BEAR. I think Barbee is an excellant coach. Fans need to stop comparing him to Haskins and let him coach his way and style.