re: West Virginia 71 at Mizzou 80 | Final | SEC-Big12 Challenge |

Tigers!

Typical Haith finish with a big lead. Work the clock and take the calculated risk that the opponent can only get close but not overtake. I think this team can make the tourney. I'd be shocked if they lose more than one home game in conference play. If they can beat UCLA it will go a long way.

And belle, I'll take clarkson over pressey any day even though he's not a true pg.

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I didn't like the way Clark looked against the pressure late.

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I didn't either, but he's young and will hopefully mature and get coached up as the season progresses.

Honestly I think this team is gonna be fine. It's got talent and in Clarkson's case NBA talent. He is capable of winning some of the close last second type road games that Pressey could not last season. Defense and lack of a post game will cost us some, but I think our style of play and type of team we have really benefits from the new way games are being called this year. Not being able to hand check Clarkson/Ross/Brown on dribble drives off pick and roll and in transition is a nightmare for other teams, especially when they have such a size advantage over most defenders to boot.

As for blown leads, let's be honest that has been an issue under Haith even in 2012 (blew 19 point lead at ku, almost blew 15 point or so lead at Texas etc). Haith has a similar philosophy to Pinkel in terms of trying to just run the clock out in the last 10 minutes rather than keep your foot on the gas with a big lead. Obviously that can be nerve wracking for fans, but there are at least some plausible arguments for it. First, only the really really talented teams are gonna come back on you from deficits that large. Slowing the game gives opponent fewer opportunities to do so. That's true with every large lead and every coach does it...Haith teams just tend to take the foot off the gas alarmingly earlier than many other teams do.