Jack:

Let’s just start this one off with me thinking we will win this game. It’s a good match-up, and we should win.

That being said, this has been a disappointing season thus far by reasonable expectations. It’s not lost until it’s done. But it is still disappointing. These boys know how to play. They’ve shown up for some great play. But they’ve been lost in the wonder and mystique of “this is the Pac 12″ rather than just getting out there to play.

So let’s remind them of their pre-season goal.

They didn’t express a wont to win the conference during the regular season. I don’t know why not. I choose to expect the best and settle for whatever happens. But they chose not to address that parameter. They chose instead to concentrate on the Pac 12 Tourney. So I’ve been watching the games with that in mind. Who can we beat in a one-out situation?

The answer is everyone. But our boys have to want it. And it needs to start now. I’ve drawn comparisons t a Big East ninth place UCONN from last year. I don’t have the same expectations from our boys. But my expectations for winning and losing never exclude effort.

Much was made of Lamar head coach Pat Knight embarrassing his own players in public this past week. Yes, Knight as in Knight. What he said was 100% true. But it wasn’t like it was refreshing or eye-opening. It was your standard “don’t fail yourself” speech every kid hears in summer camps or pre-season meetings. The bottom line is that a team is insular during the season. They win, lose, die and try within themselves. When someone steps out of the team and chooses to destroy it, that is on them.

For the first time in Coach Rob’s tenure, I have not seen that from this team. When they fail, they do so as a unit. When they succeed, they do so with a flair.

This team can beat anyone. They won’t. But they can. And that’s what frustrates me more than anything.

Are they a year removed?

Maybe.

But that’s their choice.

Beavs 85 – Ducks 78

Angry:

I just think the Ducks are playing better ball right now. Beavs have lost 4 in a row and 5 of 6. Ducks want revenge. Ducks have the better coach. Beavs were playing better at home earlier this year, so maybe they regain some of that magic, but it's in my nature to play the odds.

Ducks 72, 64