Miners in 'control?'

It may be a tug of war between Miner coach/player wills in tonight's rivalry home game against New Mexico State.

New UTEP coach Tim Floyd is installing his philosophy of smart shooting, among other side dishes that go with smart basketball. He recently said that players who get out of control would sit a spell on the bench before going back into the game.

UTEP players are used to anybody shooting. Floyd's style is there's a 1, 2, and 3 shooter, in that order, and shots are supposed to come off of the offensive pattern unless there's a big gap (for a layup, say).

Tonight there will be excitement running through veins on both teams. Can UTEP remain in Floyd mode, or will willy nilly surface as the pace of the game races?

Recall that UTEP players were in Floyd mode in the season opener against Pacific. They held a double-digit halftime lead. Then, late in the game, with Pacific on a hot streak, willy nilly resurfaced. UTEP lost. Since, they played two little guys (Mercer and Western Carolina).

Now come the formidable Aggies.

Let's see who controls the team tonight, the horseman or the horses?

If it's the horseman, the Miners should pull it out.

 

 

Comments

[Heroki]

Aggies blow.

[James]

Hey Joe, the formidable who? I think you've gotten twisted around! The Aggies are coming into the Don against a formidable Miner team!One that drew a TOUGH first round opponent, last season in the tournament, that darn near won "the whole enchilada"!C'mon Joe!Get real! No way these guy's come into our kitchen and try to steal one! The game plan from the Aggies will be: Chuck it from the cheap seats and pray they drop! No Fair Weather Fans Needed! GO MINERS! P.S. And Joe! Please get your ORANGE on! I'ts embarrasing!

[Chuy]

James, don't short change the Aggies. They also drew a TOUGH first round opponent who made the final 4 each of the last 2 seasons. NMSU only lost by 3 on a very controversial ending. They are also coming off 3 huge road games against U of A, UMASS, and USC. I think it'll be a great game and if UTEP can stick to the game plan, should win. That's the thing though, is getting these guys who are used to an open system to try and play within a tight system.

[Jesse McDermott]

Hey Joe, I guess James hasn't been around this rivalry long enough to know that talent, momentum, and records go out the window when these two meet. The Aggies, although not playing well, are very capable of winning in the Bear's Den. Just look at last year's game in EP. The Miners were much better than the Aggies at the time but that just doesn't matter in these games. This will also be NMSU's 4th road game which could work in their favor.

Hope you are well.

[James]

Great job guy's! Good luck on the road trip. The talent will help build our game.Thanks coach, way to go! If you want us Aggies! You'll have to do it in your own house. No Fair Weather Fans Needed! Go MINERS!

[madmangunner]

Hey Joe, where was Randy Culpepper in the last minutes of the game? Now I ask, who's in control?

[lee]

THE FACTS. RANDY CULPEPPER SAT OUT THE LAST MINUTES OF THE GAME AFTER COMMITTING A FOUL. THE TRUTH. HE COMMITTED THE FOUL PLAYING HIS HEART OUT WITH AGRESSIVE DEFENSE. GIVE ME AGRESSIVE PATIONIATE DEFENSE AND IN MARCH THAT SAME AGRESSIVENESS WILL STEAL THE BALL LATE IN THE GAME FOR A GAME WINNING THUNDER DUNK.

[madmangunner]

The REAL FACTS. Culpepper sat out the last minutes of the game for commiting a stupid foul. I have no problem with aggressive passionate defense. And I'll bet Coach Floyd doesn't have a problem with it either. But to commit a foul in the back court and stop the clock and give the opposing team a chance to score without the clock moving, is not good basketball smarts. THATS WHY RANDY WAS PUT ON THE BENCH. And I have no problem with that.