Premiere Night of Big Monday Doesn't Disappoint

Big Monday premiered last night on ESPN.  For those of you who are not aware, this is a college basketball presentation that runs from January to early March and contains a 7pm game (Big East), a 9pm game (Big 12) and a 10pm game on ESPN2 (Mountain West or WAC).

Last night didn't disappoint.  The first game was a 90 foot battle between Louisville and Villanova which contained 67 (34 for Nova and 33 for L'ville) fouls and 42 (split 21 apiece) turnovers.  Louisville jumped all over Villanova early pressuring them into several turnovers in the backcourt.  Villanova showed incredible poise, however, hanging in, keeping it close, and then turning up their pressure to boiling levels as Louisville began to tire out.

It was classic Big East basketball.  67 fouls is more than a foul-and-half per minute.  There was pressure, banging, jawing, fired up coaches, important bench players and superstar stat lines.  Last year, Villanova took Louisivile to the wire in the Wachovia Center, losing by 1 point after missing a foul shot and then several put back attempts as time expired.  One of the game notes going into this game was Scottie Reynolds inability to play well against the Cardinals.  In three years, he was averaging 6 points which is well under average.  Then last night happened.

The reason 'Nova was able to keep it close and claw back in to take over this game is Scottie Reynolds.  He was able to get to the line 17 times but was by no means reckless.  In a game fought with turnovers, sloppy play, and intensity, Reynolds coolly shot perfect from the floor for the first 37 minutes before missing is one and only shot with under 3 to play.  He finished 9-10 from the floor, including 5-5 from three, highlighted by some daggers right in defenders faces.  It was classic Scottie Reynolds and one of those games that reminds me this kid has a great shot to be a solid NBA guard.  Surfer dude Taylor King was also huge off the bench with 12 points and some spirited defense.  It was no small feat 'Nova turned this game around.

At one point late in the first half, they were down by 17.  That is the fourth time a lead of +15 has been evaporated in the Big East already showing the intensity teams must bring every single night.  It won't get any easier as Louisville needs to travel to #20 Pitt who are currently looking like one of the hottest teams in the country, while Villanova will go home to face #12 Georgetown, a strong and athletic team.

The Big East is currently boasting 3 top 10 teams in the nation and 6 teams in the top 20 and quality teams like Louisville, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, and (ahem) Seton Hall are not part of them.  More of the same, more of the same....

The second game of the night was an overtime affair between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, adding another chapter to the storied Bedlam rivalry. Oklahoma edged out State to take their series lead to 125-88.  
 
Great start for Big Monday....