Nov 28, 2013, 10:31 PM EDT
Most of the teams participating in this weekend’s Battle 4 Atlantis left cold environments for The Bahamas, and while the change in climate is definitely a bonus it can also affect the players in a negative manner. That was the case for the two best players on the floor during the quarterfinal matchup between Xavier and No. 23 Iowa, with Xavier’s Semaj Christon and Iowa’s Roy Devyn Marble being sidelined due to cramping.
The first player to go down was Christon, who was instrumental in the Musketeers’ ability to control much of the action in the game’s first 30 minutes. With their lead guard unable to contribute Xavier struggled offensively, with Marble (30 points) sparking a Hawkeye rally in the second half. But just as Marble looked poised to push Iowa to the win in regulation he went down with a cramp in his right calf, and the end result was both players missing the extra session.
In the extra session Iowa’s supplementary pieces proved to be more effective, resulting in the Hawkeyes picking up the 77-74 victory. And if there’s anything to be taken out of the result it’s that those players will need to become more consistent if Iowa is to factor into the Big Ten race and earn a bid to the NCAA tournament. Entering the game both Aaron White (13.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and Jarrod Uthoff (11.8, 6.8) were averaging double figures, and as a team Iowa was shooting 47.5% from the field.
But against Xavier, which represented their toughest test to date, Iowa shot 35.3% from the field and 6-for-23 from beyond the arc. And players other than Marble (10-for-23) combined to shoot 14-for-45 (31.1%). Marble’s clearly Iowa’s best player, and as he goes so go the Hawkeyes. But if Iowa’s to reach its full potential he can’t be the only one doing the “heavy lifting” against quality opponents. With Marble sidelined Iowa was able to make the plays needed to complete the comeback, rebounding 40% of their missed shots (Gabriel Olaseni grabbed seven of their 20 offensive rebounds), and they’ll need to continue to do so as the schedule gets tougher.
Apr 17, 2014, 8:16 PM EDT
The order of protection filed against former Missouri forward Zach Price by Earnest Ross was thrown out Thursday.
Apr 17, 2014, 7:17 PM EDT
After leading Green Bay to a 24-win season, head coach Brian Wardle’s been rewarded with a new five-year contract.
Apr 17, 2014, 5:56 PM EDT
Gonzaga’s added a fourth member to its 2014 recruiting class, with the son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis making his pledge to join the program.
Apr 17, 2014, 5:06 PM EDT
Former Houston players Danuel House and TaShawn Thomas met with an appeals committee Thursday in hopes of getting released from their respective scholarships.
Apr 17, 2014, 4:19 PM EDT
Rodney Hood is following Jabari Parker to the league.
Apr 17, 2014, 4:03 PM EDT
Is Frank Haith getting out of Missouri before they kick him out?
Apr 17, 2014, 3:25 PM EDT
Kentucky is still waiting to hear from four players on their NBA decision.
Apr 17, 2014, 2:33 PM EDT
UCLA will be a contender in the Pac-12 next season with Jordan Adams returning to school.
Apr 17, 2014, 1:45 PM EDT
With less than stellar reviews from NBA folks, might the Harrisons be leaning towards a return to Lexington?
Apr 17, 2014, 12:35 PM EDT
Parker will be a top three pick in the draft.
Apr 17, 2014, 12:30 PM EDT
Jacksons path from Murray State to Southeastern Louisiana is wild.
Apr 17, 2014, 11:43 AM EDT
Hill wrote a nice note to Marquette fans to thank them.
Apr 17, 2014, 10:30 AM EDT
Five protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church showed up at UMass on Wednesday. 1,500 students rallied in response.
Apr 16, 2014, 10:59 PM EDT
Caris LeVert reiterated his decision to return to Michigan for his junior year at the team’s postseason banquet Wednesday.
Apr 16, 2014, 8:57 PM EDT
According to a report, New Mexico State center Sim Bhullar will forego his final two seasons of eligibility to turn pro.
Apr 16, 2014, 8:24 PM EDT
After leading USC in scoring last season, Byron Wesley announced that he’ll be transferring after graduating this summer.
Apr 16, 2014, 7:25 PM EDT
Arizona State’s Jahii Carson made official the news that’s been known since October: he’ll be entering the 2014 NBA Draft.
Apr 16, 2014, 6:32 PM EDT
Former Northwestern guard/forward Kale Abrahamson will finish out his career in his home state.
Apr 16, 2014, 5:31 PM EDT
UCLA’s Kyle Anderson and Zach LaVine made official their decisions to enter the 2014 NBA Draft.
Apr 16, 2014, 4:40 PM EDT
After considering leaving school to enter the NBA Draft, Purdue’s A.J. Hammons will return for his junior season.
- Reports: Missouri’s Frank Haith agrees to take the Tulsa job 7
- Kentucky’s James Young to enter the NBA Draft 0
- Jabari Parker is headed to the NBA 4
- It’s beyond time for college basketball to return to NBA’s early entry calendar 0
- Former Alabama player Devonta Pollard receiving interest from Kentucky 2
- 2014 NBA Draft: What early entry decisions are we still waiting for? 0
- Cuonzo Martin and Tennessee parting ways is good for everyone involved 9
- NCAA approves unlimited meals and snacks for Division I student-athletes (11)
- #UMassUnited: Thousands show to support Derrick Gordon during Westboro Baptist Church protest (11)
- Report: Cuonzo Martin to become the new head coach at California (10)
- Cuonzo Martin and Tennessee parting ways is good for everyone involved (9)
- Report: New Mexico State’s Sim Bhullar to enter 2014 NBA Draft (7)