Saturday, January 31, 2009

Live Blog: MBB vs. UIC

One more game for the month of January, and we'll be live courtside at the U.S. Cellular Arena. Tonight, the Panthers host UIC.

You can follow the live blog here.

Plenty going on today/tonight. We have the Alumni Game, which is actually about to start as I post this introduction. I will be sure to provide a complete report a bit later on -- I think we have 20 players for the game.

Also tonight, we'll be honoring the league champion women's soccer and women's volleyball teams. It is always nice for them to get recognition in front of the crowd at a basketball game.

Finally, Verizon Wireless is giving away cinch-sacks to everyone who comes through the doors.

On to the game itself ... UWM is looking to go to 9-3 in league play. Remember, the Panthers have just one league home game remaining so this is definitely a big one. Meanwhile, UIC has fallen to 3-7 in league play but remains extremely dangerous behind seniors Josh Mayo and Scott VanderMeer.

Without further pause, some links for your enhanced enjoyment of tonight's Horizon League men's basketball show ...

UWM game notes are here.
UIC game notes are here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson on the radio is here.
Live video from HLN is here.

Friday, January 30, 2009

ESPNU BracketBusters Announcement Plans Set

Here is the official word from ESPN, via the Horizon League, on how we will all find out about UWM's ESPNU BracketBusters assignment ...

"The 13 ESPN games (6 ESPN2, 5 ESPNU, 2 ESPN360.com) will be announced on a special BracketBusters selection show on ESPNU this Monday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT.

"This will be the first notification to the conferences and schools regarding the TV games, as even the conference offices will not know the match-ups ahead of time."

Should UWM not get a TV game, we'll find out an opponent after the TV show at approximately 6 p.m.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Live Blog: WBB vs. Valparaiso

Ladies and gentlemen, I will be courtside once again as the Panthers continue their trek through the Horizon League schedule. Tonight Milwaukee takes on Valparaiso at 7 p.m. at the Klotsche Center.

I will bring you what action I can via a live blog (here).

But, that is just one branch in the Panther media tree.

Live stats are available here via Gametracker.

Scott "I don't care it's Magnum P.I.'s birthday" Warras will have the call live on AM 920 The Wolf. If you don't do the whole radio thing, relax, it's available on the internet here.

Lastly, throughout the Time Warner Cable area, Sports 32 will have the game live. Bob Brainerd and Maria Viall, UWM's all-time leader in blocked shots, have the call there. If you don't have TWC or are watching "My Name is Earl", you can access the game via the Horizon League Network here.

I know I said "lastly" already, but that was something else. "Finally", here is the link of the game.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Live Blog: MBB vs. Loyola

We'll be courtside this evening as the Panther men look to get back on track against Loyola.

You can follow the live blog here.

UWM is eager to put its road trip to Indiana in the rear-view mirror, as the Panthers shot less than 30 percent in each game and averaged less than 50 points per contest. Here's hoping a little home cooking can get the Panthers back on track, as UWM is 8-2 at The Cell this season.

Some links for tonight's game ...
UWM game notes are here.
Loyola game notes are here.
Journal Sentinel UWM coverage is here.
Gametracker is here.
The warming tones of Bill Johnson are here.
Horizon League Network video is here.

MBB: Off The Court News and Notes

Hard to believe there is just a month left in the men's basketball regular season. Yes, it is EXACTLY one month before UWM wraps up the regular season at Detroit Feb. 28. The Panthers have eight league games plus a Bracket Buster contest remaining ...

Speaking of Bracket Buster, let's start there. Matchups are set to be announced Mon., Feb. 2, For the games on television, the exact network and game time will be announced Feb. 9. I can tell you from the inside that there is typically no advance knowledge of the matchups. The only time we got any insight in advance was the year the Panthers went to Hawai'i, and that was basically to seek our approval for that long of a trip in the midst of league play. So, we will find out about the same time you do who will be coming to The Cell for this year's BBS. For more on the event, visit the ESPNU BracketBusters website ...

The annual Alumni Game is set for this Saturday at 4 p.m., prior to the Panthers' game with UIC. I know the final list of alums scheduled to play is still a work in progress, but we'll see if we can't get a complete list before Saturday. Admission is free, so if you would like to come downtown early Saturday and catch a glimpse of some former Panthers, feel free. As I have done in past years, I'll use the Alumni Game as an opportunity to do a wrap-up of all of the former Panthers currently playing overseas ...

Saturday is also Verizon Wirless Cinch-Sack Day, as fans will receive a Verizon Wireless Cinch-Sack when entering the doors Saturday night. Plus, fans attending either the Panther women’s basketball game at 2 p.m. at the Klotsche Center or the Panther men’s game downtown at 7 p.m. can donate used wireless cell phones and accessories from any wireless provider to assist the Verizon Wireless HopeLine charity ...

Looking ahead one more week, the UWM Ticket Office now has tickets on hand for the Feb. 7 men's game at Green Bay. Game time is 7 p.m. and tickets are $20 or $16. If you are interested in making the trip up I-43 to support the Panthers, please call the ticket office by Feb. 4 at 414-229-5886 ...

Finally, this weekend is the NABC's annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend. That is a great time to pass along the date of the second-annual Shooting for a Cure gala that UWM coach Rob Jeter is a part of. The event is set for April 25 at the Marriott Madison West. I'll have a little more on this before the weekend.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Live Blog: WBB @ Loyola

The Panther women are back in Chicago today, taking on Loyola at the Gentile Center. The Panthers and Ramblers tip off at 2 p.m. I'll be courtside with all of the action via a live blog.

The live blog can be found here.

You can also follow the action here via Gametracker.

If radio's your poison, you can tune the dial to AM 920 The Wolf. I think it's No. 4 on your presets. For those outside the Milwaukee area, or like me don't have a radio in your house, you can listen to Scottish Scott Warras here.

The Horizon League Network is also here for your viewing pleasure.

Live Blog: MBB at Butler

We are courtside at Hinkle Fieldhouse as the Panthers will look to bounce back against nationally-ranked Butler.

You can follow the live blog here.

As you would expect, there hasn't been much smiling or happiness since the loss at Valpo Thursday. This is certainly not an easy place to bounce back at, but I think it is safe to say the players are happy for the chance at another game instead of, say, a weeks worth of practice and film.

Some links for today's game ...
UWM game notes are here.
Butler game notes are here.
UWM Journal Sentinel coverage is here.
Butler Indy Star coverage is here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson's audio call is here.
ESPN360 video is here.

I'll have a bit more for you when we get closer to tipoff.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Live Blog: WBB @ UIC

Back to the road for the Panthers, as they are in Chicago today, taking on UIC. Milwaukee and the Flames tip off at 7 p.m. at the UIC Pavilion. And, I will be courtside providing a live blog, just one of a number of ways you can get all the action tonight.

The Live Blog can be found here.

You can listen to the game live on AM 920 The Wolf, or Scott Warras' voice will be beamed all over the world here.

Live video of the game will also be available with the Horizon League Network here.

Lastly, you can follow the game on Gametracker here.

Live Blog - MBB at Valparaiso

I'll be courtside at the ARC tonight as the Panthers start a weekend road trip through Indiana with a contest against Valparaiso.

You can follow the live blog here.

Those that follow closely already know one of the big stories entering the night is the injury situation on the Valpo side. The Crusaders played with just six scholarship players in their loss to Loyola Saturday. It is thought a couple of others will be back tonight, but we'll follow that closely before the game.

Some links to supplement your enjoyment of tonight's game.

UWM game notes are here.
Valpo game notes are here.
The Journal Sentinel feature on James Eayrs is here.
VU coverage in the Northwest Times is here.
VU coverage in the Gary Post Tribune is here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson's audio call is here.
Horizon League Network video is here.

The game is televised in Milwaukee on Time Warner Cable Sports 32. But, as was the case at UIC, the ESPN Full Court broadcast will actually generate from Lakeshore Public Television. So, those who watch via ESPN will get the Valpo announcers.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Live Blog: MBB vs. Cleveland State

We'll be live courtside tonight at the U.S. Cellular Arena as the Panthers wrap up a five-game homestand against preseason league favorite Cleveland State.

You can follow the live blog here.

Each team is looking for its ninth win in 11 games and each squad is also trying to keep in touch with first-place Butler, which pulled one out at UIC this afternoon. Green Bay is also very much in that picture, with one league loss heading into its game tonight with Youngstown State.

The Vikings gave up 80 points at GB Thursday night after entering the game ranked third in the country in scoring defense. CSU is a very aggressive defensive team - something the Panthers will have to be ready for tonight.

Some links to enhance your enjoyment of tonight's ballgame ...

UWM game notes are here.
CSU game notes are here.
Additional CSU information from the Cleveland Plain Dealer is here.
A podcast of UWM coach Rob Jeter on 620 WTMJ's Wisconsin Morning News is here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson's audio call is here.
HLN video is here.

The game is also being televised back to Ohio by Sports Time Ohio. You can pick it up around the nation if you get the sports pack on Direct TV.

Live Blog: WBB vs. Detroit

Ladies and gentlemen, I am here, once again, courtside at the Klotsche Center. The Panther women will be taking on Detroit at 2 p.m. I will have all the action for you in blog form.

The live blog can be found here.

If my ramblings is not enough to quench your thirst for Panther coverage, we have a host of outlets for you to "wet your whistle."

You can follow Gametracker here.

You can always listen to it. We encourage you to do so by tuning to AM 920 The Wolf, where you can be serenaded with play-by-play courtesy of the official play-by-play crooner of the UWM Women's Basketball Program, Scott "Strangers in the Night" Warras. If you are outside the Milwaukee area, we can solve that predicament with this little link... here.

And, for those that want to watch all the action, live from the comfort of your computer, the Horizon League Network is here to serve you... or rather, here.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Live Blog: MBB vs. Youngstown State

It may be bitterly cold outside but we'll have basketball inside the U.S. Cellular Arena tonight as the Panthers take on Youngstown State.

Tipoff will come sometime after the completion of the women's game between UWM and Wright State, which has just gotten underway.

You can follow the live blog here.

This game shapes up as though it could be a shootout, as these two squads lead the league in scoring. YSU also allows opponent to shoot better than 46 percent from the field, while Loyola made 10-of-15 from three-point range Saturday. The Penguins can also score themselves, as newcomer Kelvin Bright earned league POTW honors on Monday.

Some links for your enjoyment ...
UWM game notes are here.
YSU game notes are here.
A little more on YSU from the Tribune-Chronicle here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson's audio is here.
HLN live video is here.

Live Blog: WBB vs. Wright State

The Panthers are taking their show downtown, hosting Wright State tonight at the U.S. Cellular Arena. UWM and WSU tip off at 5:30 p.m. in the first half of a men's/women's doubleheader. I'll be courtside with some of the action (let's face it, this is a blog... I can't really have ALL of the action).

The live blog can be found here.

For live stats, click here.

Scott "Scotty Blue Jeans" Warras will have the call live on AM 920 The Wolf. If you are outside Milwaukee, or don't have a radio, you can access live audio here.

And, for those that enjoy some visuals to go with Scott's play-by-play, you can watch the game here, courtesy of the Horizon League Network.

Panthers Pitch In With Amber Alert Poster Contest


UWM men’s basketball head coach Rob Jeter along with players and Milwaukee natives Avery Smith and Anthony Hill were at St. Marcus School in Milwaukee earlier this week when Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen commemorated the 13th anniversary of the national Amber Alert system.

Van Hollen announced at the event Tuesday that Wisconsin schools will be participating in a national poster contest to celebrate the anniversary and bring more awareness to the Amber Alert system.

The Panthers were there to help bring attention to the program, as well as sign autographs for and take pictures with the students of St. Marcus.

Wisconsin’s Amber Alert Plan, initiated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice in 2003, is a voluntary effort led by the Department of Justice in association with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Dane County Public Safety Communication Center, state Department of Transportation, local law enforcement agencies, the Wisconsin Lottery and other participating agencies. Working together, these participants make it possible for information to be disseminated rapidly to the public during the first critical hours following the abduction of a child by activating an Amber Alert.

The full press release from the Attorney General’s office can be found here.

UPDATE: Big James/WTMJ Feature

Rod Burks tells me the Channel 4 feature on James Eayrs will now air tonight (Thursday) during the 6 pm newscast as well as Sunday on the 10 pm newscast.

It was originally scheduled to air last night at 10 but was bumped to today.

Channel 12's feature did air as scheduled Tuesday night. Included in it was the revelation that his biggest vice is a burrito from Chipotle.

Unfortunately, amateurism rules prohibit his becoming a spokesperson, or else I am sure we would have him on a TV commercial ASAP!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Big Guy - Big Star

Well if this keeps up, we may need to add another blog that is simply all James Eayrs all the time.

No complaints here for all of the attention big James is receiving both locally and nationally, though. National TV followed by a 22-point, 12-rebound outburst will certainly provide a big boost, and that has made James the center of attention in PantherLand for now.

Channels 4 and 12 were out at practice today both working on their features on big James. The feature on 12 with Andy Kendeigh is scheduled to air tonight (Tuesday) at 10, while the feature on 4 with Rod Burks should air Wednesday at 10. Both may re-air, as well. Rod also tells me he found a station up in North Dakota that has some additional footage of big James before his UWM days.

Meanwhile, for your reading pleasure, James is prominently featured in the game story in the Journal Sentinel following Monday's win over SIUE. Andrew Wagner also has a feature on James on OnMilwaukee.com.

Then nationally, ESPN.com has a brief item on big James and one of his many newfound nicknames. Finally, I talked to Seth Davis of CBS and Sports Illustrated over the weekend after big James got some national exposure and he has an item about him in the latter portions of his weekly column.

On the nickname front, the suggestions continue to grow. Big Lumber got a lot of play on ESPNU Friday night ... that was actually the idea of producer Greg Logan, and then Dave Kaplan and Jim Chones ran with it. Then there is the "Sweet Baby James" reference from Charles Gardner this morning, too. And, as you have probably noted here and in the live blogs, I tend to just call him big James, as does Rob and the coaching staff - though admittedly that is not very unique. There have been many other ideas and suggestions, as well, and I am very interested to see what nickname sticks.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Live Blog: MBB vs. SIU Edwardsville

We'll be courtside at the U.S. Cellular Arena tonight as the Panthers welcome SIU Edwardsville for a non-league contest.

You can follow the live blog here.

The Panthers appear happy to have the opportunity to put Friday night's tough overtime loss to Green Bay behind them quickly. I know no one was particularly happy with how the game went until the final five minutes or so, and it is nice to get back on the court again quickly.

This game kicks off a big week for the Panthers, who have two more league home games later this week and can position themselves quite nicely in the league by Saturday night.

Some links for your enjoyment ...
UWM game notes are here.
SIUE game notes are here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson audio is here.
Video is here.
The UWM Journal Sentinel update is here.

I'll have a little more before we get underway.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

More MBB Notes

The five-game homestand is now down to three games, setting up a very busy week for the Panthers. After this week’s three games in six days, UWM will play twice a week from here on out, with the exception being the week of the single game at Green Bay. But, before this busy week gets started, here are a few other items as we look ahead …

Thanks to the late start and then an overtime finish, things were hectic behind the scenes following the game Friday. So, there was no real chance to share a bit more on UWM’s free throw record (20-of-20) set Friday night. As I noted in the game notes for Monday’s game with SIUE, the best effort from a UWM team before Friday night was last year at Youngstown, when the Panthers made all 15 of their free throws. And, the old league record was 16-of-16, set three times.

But, those notes sent me in search of the NCAA Division I record. It isn’t often something happens in a game that has you checking the national records, and you may or may not be surprised to find the Panthers actually weren’t all that close to a national mark. The best-ever perfect free throw mark is 34-of-34. UC Irvine first did it in 1981 and Samford then did it in 1990.

Now, some fans might suggest the Panthers should have had a chance to make 34 free throws instead of just 20, but that’s another discussion for another time …

Special thanks to Patrick Herb at Wisconsin who passed along his list of teams with the best records in games decided by three points or less. He sent it my way late Thursday and, sure enough, the Panthers played a close game Friday. UWM had an 11-4 mark in such games since 2004-05 entering Friday night, a mark which ranked it seventh in the nation. It’s current 11-5 mark won’t drop it too far down the list. Here is the full list Patrick put together, with records entering this past weekend.

1 – Georgetown 17-3/0.850
2 – Wisconsin 17-4/0.810
3 - Arkansas-Little Rock 18-5/0.783
4 – UCLA 19-6/0.760
5 – Stanford 15-5/0.750
6 - Norfolk State 14-5/0.737
7 – Milwaukee 11-4/0.733 (now 11-5)
8 - Grambling State 16-7/0.696
George Washington 8-4/0.667
10 – Hofstra 21-10/0.677
11 – Gonzaga 14-7/0.667
McNeese State 12-6/0.667
13 - Eastern Kentucky 15-8/0.652
14 - Air Force 12-7/0.632

This did make the game notes in much shorter fashion, and I’ll keep an eye on this list throughout the rest of the year …

As we get deeper into the season, there is an opportunity to study the stats and see if there are any trends that jump out. Sometimes those trends are straightforward enough that I put them in the game notes, like the fact that UWM is 9-0 when shooting at least 40 percent from the field. But, other trends could probably use a little more data to become something to truly watch, while others might be obvious – like that the Panthers shoot it much better when they win than when they lose.

So, take these additional “when they win, when they lose” stats for whatever you think they are worth. Maybe they’ll make the cut for the game notes at some point.

In wins, UWM shoots 46.7 percent; in losses, UWM shoots 36.0 percent

In wins, UWM has a +1.0 rebounding margin; in losses the rebounding margin is -7.7

In wins, the tandem of Avery Smith and Tone Boyle has averaged 33.4 points per game and made 33 three-pointers; the duo is averaging 25.0 points per game and has made 15 three-pointers in losses

In wins, Tony Meier is averaging 9.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, is shooting better than 47 percent from the field and has made 16 three-pointers; in losses, T Meier is averaging 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, while making 8-of-27 from the field and just six 3-pointers.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Live Blog: WBB @ Cleveland State

The women's basketball team is in Cleveland today for the second game of its northeast Ohio road swing. The Panthers will be taking on Cleveland State at the Wolstein Center at 4 p.m. central time. UWM is coming off a 72-60 win at Youngstown State Thursday, while the Vikings dropped a 65-49 decision to Green Bay.

The contest will pit the top two scorers in the league in UWM's Traci Edwards (18.9 ppg) and Cleveland's Kailey Klein (17.6). Third place is over 4 points back of ther duo, as two players are averaging 13.5 ppg. Klein is coming off a 0-point game Thursday against GB.

Edwards is also 19 points from becoming the Horizon League's all-time leading scorer. She reached the 2,000-point milestone on the dot with 21 at YSU Thursday. She also got her 1,000th rebound in that game. I've made kind of a big deal about that stuff lately. The current record is 2,018 points by Julie VonDielingen (1989-93).

Well, that was a lot of info... here's a bit more:

I'll be courtside with yet another live blog. That can be found here.

The game will be broadcast on the internet live here. You can also hear it on the radio at AM 920 The Wolf. Scott Warras has the call (he gives me $3 every time I mention his name). Scott Warras, Scott Warras, Scott Warras.

The Horizon League Network is another option for you if you want to hear Scott Warras' ($15) voice, but can't quite picture the game. The game webcast can be found here.

Lastly, Gametracker is here.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Live Blog: MBB vs. Green Bay

Friday has arrived and we'll be courtside at the U.S. Cellular Arena for an in-state showdown between UWM and Green Bay.

You can follow the live blog here.

The Panthers are 5-0 in the league while the Phoenix is 3-1. Butler in sandwiched in between the two teams at 4-0.

Tonight's game is televised nationally on ESPNU, part of the new Horizon League Game of the Week package. Dave Kaplan and Jim Chones have the call.

There should be a good crowd on hand tonight, but the continued snow certainly isn't helping drive traffic. We'll see what the weather does the rest of the day. And hey, it's an 8 pm start, so there is extra time for everyone to make it downtown.

As always, some links for your entertainment and enjoyment.

UWM game notes are here.
Green Bay game notes are here.
Journal Sentinel preview is here.
Green Bay Press Gazette preview is here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson's radio call is here.

There is no internet video since the game is on ESPNU.

Check back before tipoff for the lineups and some pregame thoughts, and then we'll be underway with an official tip-time of 8:05 pm.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Live Blog: WBB @ Youngstown State

Live from Youngstown, Ohio, I will be doing another live blog as the Panther women take on Youngstown State. The game tips off at 4:15 p.m. central time and all of my times will be central.

The live blog is found here.

You can listen to the game live here. Or, as always, the game is on 920 AM The Wolf in Milwaukee Scott Warras has the call and will be followed by classic country.

Gametracker is here.

With the league season comes the Horizon League Network. You can watch this game there (or more accurately, here) live. Also, if you are a transplanted Panther fan and you live in Youngstown and, furthermore, can't make it to the Beeghley Center, then you can catch the game on tape delay at 11:59 p.m. on my YTV.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

A Little More Men's Basketball Stuff

Between the holidays and now a ton of games in a short amount of time, the blog posts have become all-live blogs, all the time. But, with a brief break and a notable game Friday, it seems a good time to catch up on a few additional things.

UWM has cracked the Mid-Major Top 25, for whatever that is worth. The Panthers are 25th this week. Butler is 3rd, Cleveland State 9th and GB 18th.

The Panthers are starting to get a fair amount of attention thanks to the fast start in the league. WTMJ TV was out at the Full Court Luncheon today, as was OnMilwaukee.com. Fox 6 is scheduled to be at practice tomorrow, while Rob is also scheduled to be on the Fox 6 morning show Friday after 8 am.

That fast league start, by the way, is almost one for the record books. The 5-0 start equals the second-best in school history, which happened in 05-06. That season, UWM lost its sixth game at Green Bay on ESPN2. The best league start in school history came in 03-04, when UWM won its first 10 league games.

Friday's Green Bay game is on ESPNU, the debut game in the new Horizon League Game of the Week Package. David Kaplan and Jim Chones have the call.

Finally, the holiday/new year ticket pack has been a big seller but remains available. You can get four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and four t-shirts for $50. This deal is available for any of the remaining January games, including the Green Bay game.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Live Blog: MBB vs. Valparaiso

I'll be courtside tonight as the Panther men look for their fifth-straight league win, welcoming Valparaiso to the U.S. Cellular Arena.

This is the first game of a five-game homestand for UWM.

You can follow the live blog here.

In case you missed it earlier today, Avery Smith was named the Horizon League Player of the Week. You can read about it here. And, thanks to the hustle by WTMJ-TV, which was out at shootaround today for a comment from Avo for the newscasts before the game tonight.

Some additional links for your enjoyment.

UWM game notes are here.
Valpo game notes are here.
The Panthers' weekly report in the Journal Sentinel is here.
Coverage from the Northwest Indiana Times is here.
Coverage from the Gary Post-Tribune is here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson audio is here.
Horizon League Network video is here.

Check back before the tip for a few additional thoughts, time permitting of course.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Live Blog: WBB vs. Green Bay

I'm live here courtside at the first of two Milwaukee/Green Bay showdowns of the season. The Panthers come in with three-straight one-point games, and two wins in that time, while Green Bay has dropped three of four.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:07 p.m.

The Live Blog can be found here.

You have a plethora of options to follow the game, including here. The game is also on TV live on Time Warner Sports 32. The webcast of the game can be found here.

Gametracker is here.

Scott "Don't Call Me 'Steve'" Warras will have the call on AM 920 WOKY. As a special treat, after his post-game wrap up, you will get your fill of classic country. For you tech-saavy fans, the broadcast can be found here.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Live Blog: UWM at Loyola

I'll be courtside at the Gentile Center this afternoon as the Panther men look to make it three in a row overall and four in a row in league play when they take on Loyola.

You can follow the live blog here.

I'm actually making the short trip to Chicago's north side on my own, so I can't report on the quality of the movie selection on this bus trip. There was a stop at Cracker Barrel planned again ... hopefully with the same result at the end of the day.

Some links for your in-depth enjoyment of today's action.

UWM game notes are here.
Loyola game notes are here.
Gametracker is here.
Bill Johnson's radio call is here.
Video via ESPN360 is here.

And, Daron and Jason are back on ESPN Full Court today.

Alright, I'll have a bit more upon arrival in Chicago ... there are some interesting RPI numbers as we start the month of January, and a few key stats to keep an eye on for today's contest.

There is a women's game before today's men's game, so we may or may not tip right at 3.