When Wednesday night’s game started, the big question was how would DU (9-7) respond coming off a 4-game skid. Were they ready to get back to the basics that led them to a host of early season victories? And, could they offset the inevitable rebound disadvantage? For Oral Roberts (8-9), could they adjust to the loss of their Summit pre-season player of the year, Obi Emegano, who missed the game with a concussion.
DU responded on all counts with a complete team victory tonight, leading ORU nearly the entire game. Late-stage drama occurred in the final 3 minutes of the game as Oral Roberts began to exchange deadly three point shots while DU was nearly flawless at the foul line, narrowing the game to an uncomfortable 1 point margin in the waning seconds. A desperation shot at the buzzer by the Golden Eagles caromed off the rim to give the Pioneers the 3-point win. Continue reading Denver Dodges Late Oral Roberts Bombs for Win 78-75→
LetsGoDU covered the controversy this past fall when the Minnesota Vikings mascot, Ragnar, was dumped by the team. In a public news release, the Vikings graciously thanked Joe Juranitch who played Ragnar for his service but stated, “it was time to move on”. Behind the scenes, Mr. Juaranitch was campaigning for an astounding pay increase from $1,500 per game to $20,000 per game.
All was quiet until this past weekend. Then, in the ultimate display of betrayal to the mascot code, Ragner in a video that aired Sunday morning on Fox swapped out his Viking helmet for a cheesehead in a nod to the Vikings key rival, the dreaded Packers. Randy Moss, a commentator for Fox quickly condemned this act of betrayal to Minnesota. Continue reading Turncoat Mascot Sends a Chill Across the Upper Midwest→
In a surprise to most hockey fans, Finland defeated favored Russia (4-3) today in the gold medal round and pre-tournament betting favorite, team Canada, sat out the medal round of the World Junior Hockey Championships.
The US Juniors captured the bronze medal in a convincing 8-2 victory over Sweden following a disappointing loss after outplaying Russia Monday. The US finished the tournament 5-0-0-2 and landed its fourth medal in the last seven championships. Continue reading US Secures Bronze at World Junior Championships→
Are you making the 550 mile trek to Omaha, Nebraska for the hockey games between the Denver Pioneers and the University Nebraska – Omaha Mavericks this upcoming weekend? This destination offers a plethora of cultural and educational sites for visitors to the “Gateway to the West”, Omaha’s formal nickname. Others may know this city by its more informal nickname, “Rest Stop on I-80”. Continue reading Omaha Culture Captures the Imagination→
According to NCAA statistics, DU is rated 325th out of 346 teams with a -7 rebound differential versus their opponents. This deficit has become more pronounced over the last four games, all losses, as the rebounding differential has swollen to -12.75.
The Pioneers do not not need to win the rebound battle. However, they need to keep it close. The difference can be overcome by improved shot selection, reduced turnovers, superior free throw percentage and steals. Continue reading Rebounding Differential Spells Trouble→
The Pioneers (8-7) ventured to lovely Fargo, North Dakota to face the 11-4 Bison. North Dakota State, predicted to finish second in the Summit League, were undefeated at home and led by Paul Miller (16.5 ppg.) and A.J. Jacobson (14.1 ppg.).
Reason #1,264 why fans should be glad DU does not sponsor football.
Lovers of history will remember the battle-cry “Remember the Alamo” that later spurred on the forces of Sam Houston at San Jacinto. Rest assured, Texas Christian University football fans will remember this year’s roller coaster Alamo Bowl.
TCU’s Bad Boy QB, Trevone Boykin, was arrested early Thursday morning in San Antonio, two days before the Valero Alamo Bowl between No. 11 TCU and No. 15 Oregon kicked off. According to reports, San Antonio police claim Boykin was arrested after hitting a patrol officer following a fight at Pat O’Brien’s — a New Orleans-themed night club on Alamo Plaza. Continue reading Bad Boy Antics Open the Door to Furious Comeback→
For the second night in a row, Notre Dame Fighting Irish goalie Cal Petersen was on the top of his game. The University of Denver Pioneers sent 45 shots at him, but Petersen only allowed 2 pucks to get past him in 65 minutes of NCAA regulation play. Continue reading Petersen Frustrates the Pioneers, Forces Another Denver Tie→
As the holidays come to an end and conference play begins, it is time to seriously discuss the need for a regular holiday basketball tournament in Denver featuring front range D1 basketball teams.
There should be an annual holiday round robin tournament featuring Colorado, CSU, Air Force, & Denver. Depending on the format, Wyoming and Northern Colorado could be included or rotated into the tournament as well. Continue reading No Good Excuses for Denver’s Holiday Tournament Void→
