A few weeks ago, the Long Beach State men’s volleyball team looked like the runaway train that couldn’t be slowed down. LBSU beat a CS Northridge team that had what it wanted — the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation regular season title.
The 49ers took that away from the Matadors.
The Beach, last weekend’s MPSF Tournament No. 1 seed and host, had it all — the fanfare, momentum and possibly the best lineup on paper. Any past memory of a letdown was swept under the rug, until one of those memories made its way out from under the rug.
Pepperdine wanted what the 49ers had, and the Waves took it from them.
LBSU, fortunately, didn’t lose an NCAA Tournament bid, but it lost its presence as a favorite. It belongs to Pepperdine, the MPSF Tournament champion and LBSU’s opponent in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Before the semifinal round, an LBSU student couldn’t walk far before being informed about the 49ers’ big match against the Waves. The glory of the 49ers was strong, one year removed from a losing season in 2007. Pandemonium filled the Walter Pyramid Thursday night and rose like a hot-air balloon.
An hour and a half later, confusion and shock filled the arena and deflated the 49er faithful. 32 service errors by LBSU and the eye-widening performance of Pepperdine outside hitter Paul Carroll (match-high 21 kills) swept away the 49ers and the “advantage” they seemed to have from the MPSF Tournament.
What differentiates the regular season and the postseason is the attention paid towards strengths and weaknesses. LBSU, according to Alan Knipe, is at its best when serving well. Serving and service aces have been a strong point for LBSU, especially early on in the season, but has also proved to be an Achilles’ heel, especially in the semifinal loss.
“During the season, we flat out won matches with our serve and had a number of matches where we finished with double-digit aces,” Knipe said. “This is the strength of our team, but it seemed to be contagious [Thursday night].”
LBSU, while having a 203-97 advantage over opponents in service aces this season, had a disadvantage in service errors, recording 124 more than its opponents (551-427). The 49ers have made 53 service errors in the last two losses.
LBSU, nonetheless, will have a chance to avenge its loss to the Waves in the four-team NCAA Tournament Thursday night at UC Irvine, but it won’t be the same. There’s no optimism. There’s no home-court advantage. LBSU faced the Waves three other times this season and were deemed the favorites to win in all of them. The 49ers are the underdogs this time but, as this season’s history as shown, that could be the better route for them.
LBSU has made any slump as temporary as possible this season and has bounced back with big victories. The 49ers are 4-1 in matches after a loss this season and put themselves into a tough position to win the regular season title after losing consecutive matches to fall into second place in the MPSF standings.
From there, The Beach had to play away from their home court just to get to this point. In fact, the last four victories got the 49ers into the NCAA Tournament. Playing in the toughest league in the nation is a challenge and a gift.
“When we have adversity,” said sophomore middle blocker Dan Alexander, “we come together and fight back the deficits.”
Well, Dan, this appears to be the biggest deficit your team faces this season. Much like Pepperdine’s run to the MPSF Tournament title, LBSU faces a similar road. The Waves have the advantage heading into Thursday and it’s up to the 49ers this time to upend them.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Eastern Conference shakes up playoffs
Thank the 76ers, Magic and Pistons for twisting up Eastern Conference playoffs. Philadelphia, the “city of brotherly love,” just brought a new love for the Eastern Conference bracket of the NBA playoffs. Orlando is truly magical. The Southeast Division champions put on a show with a 43-point first quarter on the struggling Toronto Raptors in a 14-point rout Saturday night.
It’s just the first game, but the Detroit Pistons’ all-too-familiar lack of playoff intensity resulted in a young, inexperienced 76er team rallying back from being counted out by its opponent and the critics to score what I believe to be a not-so-stunning upset victory.
Detroit is known for playing itself out of a game, but the Sixers weren’t just another team taking advantage. Philly mounted a great comeback from a 15-point deficit in a hostile environment to win the unexpected. For any road team to turn back a large deficit to win a game they had no business winning shows just how good that road team is, and just how suspect the “better team” can be.
Detroit is in enough trouble now that it has realized that Philadelphia has become the only team this year to win at the Palace twice. Meanwhile, the Magic could make quick work of their series with Toronto if Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis continue to have their way. Orlando has the lineup to oust Detroit; it has beaten the Pistons twice this season, including a 103-85 blowout in Detroit during February.
Everyone, including myself, is content on dismissing seeds 3-8 from the conference finals. These first-round series (with the exception of Washington vs. Cleveland, which could go seven games) don’t look too appealing, but congratulate Philadelphia for challenging that assumption. The 37-45 Atlanta Hawks need a whole season to win one game against Boston and the Raptors came in losers of six of their last nine games.
Philadelphia, behind the efficient passing and scoring of Andre Miller, rebounding of Samuel Dalembert and Reggie Evans and playoff savvy of head coach Maurice Cheeks helps to revive an Eastern Conference that has centered only on two teams and I don’t need to tell you who. The Pistons can’t fall asleep during this series like they did with Chicago and Milwaukee in previous years. While Cleveland and Miami stood as legitimate threats, Philly is an unknown that also plays 48 minutes of basketball. The Sixers may not be as talented as the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, but they certainly can play with them for four quarters. Detroit will need to bring it to win it, but that may not be enough against Orlando if they meet in the conference semifinals.
Meanwhile, it’s good to see Boston (especially Kevin Garnett) back in the playoffs. I couldn’t blame them for having to dismantle the Hawks because that was the best the Eastern Conference cellar could send to the playoffs. I would surely not want to watch Indiana, New Jersey or Chicago try to take a quarter from the Celtics. The Hawks may not be a competitive match to Boston, but the Hawks certainly look better in a losing effort than the other teams.
Cleveland and Washington (Part III) could be the series that the Wizards finally exorcise the demons. The last two years didn’t go in the favor (4-2 loss in 2006, 4-0 sweep by Cleveland in 2007), especially when Gilbert Arenas (knee injury) having to sit on the sidelines and watch LeBron James and company dismantle a vulnerable Washington team within a week last year. Despite struggling with the Cavs in the first two games, don’t count out the Wizards and Mr. Money Shot (Arenas) for one second. Washington is a different team at home and it may be time for head coach Eddie Jordan to start his star
point guard in what has to be desperation time for this team.
It’s just the first game, but the Detroit Pistons’ all-too-familiar lack of playoff intensity resulted in a young, inexperienced 76er team rallying back from being counted out by its opponent and the critics to score what I believe to be a not-so-stunning upset victory.
Detroit is known for playing itself out of a game, but the Sixers weren’t just another team taking advantage. Philly mounted a great comeback from a 15-point deficit in a hostile environment to win the unexpected. For any road team to turn back a large deficit to win a game they had no business winning shows just how good that road team is, and just how suspect the “better team” can be.
Detroit is in enough trouble now that it has realized that Philadelphia has become the only team this year to win at the Palace twice. Meanwhile, the Magic could make quick work of their series with Toronto if Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis continue to have their way. Orlando has the lineup to oust Detroit; it has beaten the Pistons twice this season, including a 103-85 blowout in Detroit during February.
Everyone, including myself, is content on dismissing seeds 3-8 from the conference finals. These first-round series (with the exception of Washington vs. Cleveland, which could go seven games) don’t look too appealing, but congratulate Philadelphia for challenging that assumption. The 37-45 Atlanta Hawks need a whole season to win one game against Boston and the Raptors came in losers of six of their last nine games.
Philadelphia, behind the efficient passing and scoring of Andre Miller, rebounding of Samuel Dalembert and Reggie Evans and playoff savvy of head coach Maurice Cheeks helps to revive an Eastern Conference that has centered only on two teams and I don’t need to tell you who. The Pistons can’t fall asleep during this series like they did with Chicago and Milwaukee in previous years. While Cleveland and Miami stood as legitimate threats, Philly is an unknown that also plays 48 minutes of basketball. The Sixers may not be as talented as the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, but they certainly can play with them for four quarters. Detroit will need to bring it to win it, but that may not be enough against Orlando if they meet in the conference semifinals.
Meanwhile, it’s good to see Boston (especially Kevin Garnett) back in the playoffs. I couldn’t blame them for having to dismantle the Hawks because that was the best the Eastern Conference cellar could send to the playoffs. I would surely not want to watch Indiana, New Jersey or Chicago try to take a quarter from the Celtics. The Hawks may not be a competitive match to Boston, but the Hawks certainly look better in a losing effort than the other teams.
Cleveland and Washington (Part III) could be the series that the Wizards finally exorcise the demons. The last two years didn’t go in the favor (4-2 loss in 2006, 4-0 sweep by Cleveland in 2007), especially when Gilbert Arenas (knee injury) having to sit on the sidelines and watch LeBron James and company dismantle a vulnerable Washington team within a week last year. Despite struggling with the Cavs in the first two games, don’t count out the Wizards and Mr. Money Shot (Arenas) for one second. Washington is a different team at home and it may be time for head coach Eddie Jordan to start his star
point guard in what has to be desperation time for this team.
Monday, April 7, 2008
The ball's been in their court
First of all, congratulations to the Long Beach State women's tennis team on a tremendous fourth consecutive Big West Conference title, but praise you ladies for finally bringing a conference crown to LBSU this season.
Campus media haven't recognized that because of our constant concerns about the women's volleyball and soccer teams last season, the impact of new men's basketball head coach Dan Monson, just how many points can junior guard Donovan Morris score, just how many more frustrating losses the women's basketball team was going to endure, Dirtbags, senior outside hitter Paul Lotman and the list goes on.
All this, and the women's tennis team quietly but effectively reigns once more.
Truth is, tennis is overlooked, period. We (well, sports fans) all know Roger Federer. Everybody knows Venus and Serena Williams because the shortage of black athletes on the tennis court gives rise to such popularity. I don't discount their success, but that is another factor.
As college students, we all mostly care about football, basketball and baseball. Every other sport is a choosy one amongst us. But no LBSU fan can't be proud enough of the success and fortune this team has had this season. Not only does head coach Jenny Hilt-Costello and the 49ers earn a conference title, but they earned it without the traditional confines of their campus tennis court, only to find a new court as a gift in return for traveling to El Dorado Park for matches.
This program has been the most overlooked and I will be looking forward to the Big West Championships at Indian Wells. Maybe it's time to tone down all that racket about other programs and watch these 49ers swing theirs.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Chad Johnson is least of Cincinnati's problems, and vice versa
The 1-15 Miami Dolphins were a terrible football team, but at least they played together and seemed to enjoy each other's company.
Isn't it a phenomenon that the Cincinnati Prison Cats (or Bengals, whatever you want to call them) managed to finish 7-9 last season, despite being on the regular news as often as ESPN?
I do believe so, but I also consider it to be an aberration for this underachieving, disappointing franchise. Head coach Marvin Lewis's job security is the real phenomenon here because of his apparent lack of discipline his staff enforces on the players off the field. Chris Henry, Johnathan Joseph, Odell Thurman, Deltha O'Neal (and the list goes on) and others are being scrutinized for not leading their lives safely in the offseason. As the world turns, All-Pro receiver Chad Johnson goes on a tirade about wishing not to be with the Bengals next season (gee, defense, I wonder why?) and is criticized for being "selfish." Anyone who labels a star player selfish is obviously not with the program. All star players have a need to get their messages across, especially when a 90-catch, 1,100-yard scoring threat is putting up numbers for nothing. Johnson, of all people in this Titanic-like franchise, is taking all the flack for the team being so much in a mess. Well, Ocho Cinco is not problem numero uno and he should realize that some things are best kept within the professional offices and could get what we wants by going at it the right way.
Johnson, true, was a bit over the line with his rants and raves about sitting out, but his displeasure is understandable. Cincinnati is laden with talent on offense -- a standout quarterback, one of the better running backs in the league and two amazing receivers capable of taking over any game. But the defense has been totally offensive to the Bengals' chances of winning games, as it has made most offenses Indianapolis-like for the last couple of seasons. Run and pass defenses are big-play potential -- for the opposing teams. Now there's something Rex Grossman can smile about.
If people want to criticize anything, it's that horrific defense. Chad Johnson has the right to speak out -- he talks and walks as a football player. But Chad's approach to the business side is not going to get him anywhere but in the media's deathtrap. Chad should consult owner Mike Brown and Lewis and talk out what can be done to improve a team that is (gasp) now playing second fiddle to the Cleveland Browns, its divisional and state rival
If you ask me (that's only if you ask), Chad Johnson should get himself traded. The Bengals will not crumble in their departure and could get some good defensive players in the process. Chad could be the second-coming of Terrell Owens (not completely) and resurrect Donovan McNabb's presence as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. What could be lying in wait for Cincinnati as a return is DB Lito Sheppard (two interceptions last season) and Juqua Brown (five sacks, 29 tackles) and Mike Patterson (four sacks, 50 tackles). Cincinnati -- learn to sell the fancy automoblie if you can't fix it.
There aren't many teams around this league that would say no to getting Chad Johnson. The Tennessee Titans (who showcase Roydell Williams and Justin Gage as their top receivers) would pull out the red carpet for one of the game's best receivers. Truth is, once a star player becomes uncomfortable with his team (paging Owens, paging Kobe Bryant), everyone begins to feel it as well. The Bengals only have two choices at this point right now: trade him or win. It's as simple as that. But trying to win a war of words with a receiver who backs his up will only mean another loss for this franchise, something that they don't want to get anymore used to.
Isn't it a phenomenon that the Cincinnati Prison Cats (or Bengals, whatever you want to call them) managed to finish 7-9 last season, despite being on the regular news as often as ESPN?
I do believe so, but I also consider it to be an aberration for this underachieving, disappointing franchise. Head coach Marvin Lewis's job security is the real phenomenon here because of his apparent lack of discipline his staff enforces on the players off the field. Chris Henry, Johnathan Joseph, Odell Thurman, Deltha O'Neal (and the list goes on) and others are being scrutinized for not leading their lives safely in the offseason. As the world turns, All-Pro receiver Chad Johnson goes on a tirade about wishing not to be with the Bengals next season (gee, defense, I wonder why?) and is criticized for being "selfish." Anyone who labels a star player selfish is obviously not with the program. All star players have a need to get their messages across, especially when a 90-catch, 1,100-yard scoring threat is putting up numbers for nothing. Johnson, of all people in this Titanic-like franchise, is taking all the flack for the team being so much in a mess. Well, Ocho Cinco is not problem numero uno and he should realize that some things are best kept within the professional offices and could get what we wants by going at it the right way.
Johnson, true, was a bit over the line with his rants and raves about sitting out, but his displeasure is understandable. Cincinnati is laden with talent on offense -- a standout quarterback, one of the better running backs in the league and two amazing receivers capable of taking over any game. But the defense has been totally offensive to the Bengals' chances of winning games, as it has made most offenses Indianapolis-like for the last couple of seasons. Run and pass defenses are big-play potential -- for the opposing teams. Now there's something Rex Grossman can smile about.
If people want to criticize anything, it's that horrific defense. Chad Johnson has the right to speak out -- he talks and walks as a football player. But Chad's approach to the business side is not going to get him anywhere but in the media's deathtrap. Chad should consult owner Mike Brown and Lewis and talk out what can be done to improve a team that is (gasp) now playing second fiddle to the Cleveland Browns, its divisional and state rival
If you ask me (that's only if you ask), Chad Johnson should get himself traded. The Bengals will not crumble in their departure and could get some good defensive players in the process. Chad could be the second-coming of Terrell Owens (not completely) and resurrect Donovan McNabb's presence as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. What could be lying in wait for Cincinnati as a return is DB Lito Sheppard (two interceptions last season) and Juqua Brown (five sacks, 29 tackles) and Mike Patterson (four sacks, 50 tackles). Cincinnati -- learn to sell the fancy automoblie if you can't fix it.
There aren't many teams around this league that would say no to getting Chad Johnson. The Tennessee Titans (who showcase Roydell Williams and Justin Gage as their top receivers) would pull out the red carpet for one of the game's best receivers. Truth is, once a star player becomes uncomfortable with his team (paging Owens, paging Kobe Bryant), everyone begins to feel it as well. The Bengals only have two choices at this point right now: trade him or win. It's as simple as that. But trying to win a war of words with a receiver who backs his up will only mean another loss for this franchise, something that they don't want to get anymore used to.
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