Revisionist History: Vanderbilt 76, LSU 61 - Overcoming a Rough Start and What Festus Means to This Team
by Christian D'Andrea on Feb 9, 2012 12:25 PM EST
in Vanderbilt Commodores Basketball
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PrintCount me amongst those who hoped Festus Ezeli wouldn't play last night against Louisiana State. The big Nigerian had been held out of practices all week as recurring knee issues flared up again after the Florida game. This time, his left was tweaked, possibly as a result of overcompensating for his 80 percent healthy right knee. Either way, it seemed like rest was the only cure - and we needed Ezeli cured with Anthony Davis and Kentucky coming to town.
Instead, Ezeli played on in a must-win game for the Commodores. And Vanderbilt needed him to win.
LSU had no answer for the big man inside, turning to fouls to keep Ezeli from scoring at will around the basket. Festus clearly wasn't 100 percent, but he was still able to sling his weight around well enough to create room for passes and get to the rim. Instead of thunderous dunks, he responded with a softer touch thanks to his tender knees. His elevation and explosiveness weren't quite right, but it was enough to burn the Tigers for 21 points.
More importantly, he forced LSU to clamp down on him inside, opening up shots for John Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor. Ezeli's most unheralded strength is his ability to keep help defenders away from driving Commodores on their way to the basket. Ezeli's power helps isolate opponents' big men near the rim, allowing for easy layups when ballhandlers on the perimeter can get past their defenders. This talent has helped add diversity to the scoring games of Jenkins and Brad Tinsley from the backcourt.
However, his effectiveness against a much stronger Kentucky team is very much in question. Ezeli's strength and hands kept LSU's centers in foul trouble and altered Vandy's gameplan to one that focused on getting the ball to the paint. They won't have that same advantage on Saturday, when Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will be the opposing bigs around the rim. A healthy Ezeli would be able to give Davis, already UK's single-season record holder for blocks, all he could handle. If Vanderbilt gets the guy who couldn't finish emphatically at the basket on Wednesday, a high-level defender like Davis will alter his share of shots in the paint.
Ezeli was an undeniable asset against LSU. He'll have to be even better against Kentucky, but his performance will hinge on his gimpy knees in the Commodores' biggest game of the season so far. The stronger Ezeli should have multiple chances to create space and get the ball in the paint, but Vanderbilt will need their NBA-ready big man to flush his dunks and elevate over Davis's blanketing defense to give the 'Dores efficient points.
The guy we saw last night looked like he was too physically limited to do that. Will his knees be stronger when the Wildcats come to town? Vanderbilt fans better hope so.
Two more things we learned from LSU/Vanderbilt are after the jump...
Memorial Madness...was not in effect. Based on reports (and from what we could see on our pixelated, 16-bit feed from ESPN3), Memorial Gym wasn't just quiet last night, but the student section was a virtual ghost town compared to other conference games. There was no energy flowing through what should be the SEC's toughest place to play. When the 'Dores came out listless midway through the first half, there was no fan-driven current to prop them back up.
There are a few theories about this. The first is that students stayed away thanks to the priority seating regulations the university dropped on them for the Kentucky game. In order for students to get the best seats for the UK contest, they'll have to attend tonight's Vandy-Tennessee women's basketball game. While the 'Dores-Lady Vols game is a marquee showdown, many students had only planned on attending one midweek game in the midst of mid-term exams. As a result, students may have abandoned the LSU game in order to ensure great seats for Saturday's game while still giving them enough time to study.
Other ideas about the relative emptiness range from Vandy's recent two-game losing streak to the level of competition they faced last night. Both would imply that we've got a pretty fickle and ill-informed fan base. LSU brought a top 100 team with a big-time legacy to Memorial Gym. After two losses on the road, they needed the momentum of a home crowd behind them more than ever.
I'm buying into the first theory instead. It's a bit disappointing that our students need to be bribed to watch a rivalry game between two top-25 women's programs, but I can understand the university wanting to fill what has been a historically empty student section for WBB games. However, the timing of this stunt may have had a more adverse effect on the men's team than anyone anticipated.
100 percent of James Siakam's points from the field COME FROM DUNKS. As soon as Siakam's final-minute dunk comes online, we'll be giffing it and starting every gamethread with it. Siakam played just one minute in last night's game, but it was enough to take an assist from Kyle Fuller and throw it down with authority from the baseline. He may not play much, but he's fun as hell to watch when he's out there.
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Students weak excuse
I don’t care if that’s why they stayed away. That’s a weak excuse. Duke, UNC, UT, UK, you’d never have that issue at any of those places. I understand people have to study, and being forced to attend tonight’s game to get in for UK, would mean yet another week night out but come on. It’s 2 hours. Last night is an embarrassment to the team and what was once one of the greatest student sections in the SEC. Probably the best at one point. Students don’t come for small games before SEC and now they don’t even come to SEC games? I know they will be there Saturday but I can’t even articulate appropriately how angry this makes me.
Completely agree
I definitely was not a great student, but one of the two semesters I actually made the dean’s list was spring of 1993 – went to every single home game (plus a number of women games – I probably went to around 8 of those), plus went to road games at MSU and USC during break, went ot the SEC tournament, and went to all three games of the big dance. If you want to go to the games, you find the time to do so.
no excuses for the student turnout
I think the author was just trying to point out why the turnout was slow. Certainly shocked me. I showed up at 7:40 and was shocked to see maybe 25-30 students there. maybe up to 20-25% by half.
worst SEC showing in my four years as an undergraduate. And this includes the year we didn’t make the NIT
Do you think some students might be a bit jaded?
Since, (1) They probably heard a bunch of hype about this year’s team – deserved or not – and so feel a bit let-down and disinterested that we haven’t lived up to it – yet. I’m think of more casual student fans here.
And, (2) We’ve had some out-of-character loses at Memorial this year, and let’s face it, some students don’t expect to come and watch us lose, and when we do – once, twice, ….they may just not come back.
Shame on them, but I’m just putting on my fan psychology hat here for a second. That %20 – %25 of the section probably represent the die hard crowd that is going to be there no matter what.
A win on Saturday would pack the place for the rest of the year I would imagine.
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 9, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
Look at What Kentucky....
is trying to do this Saturday with their operation “occupy memorial.” someone needs to put a stop to this.
So...much...hate...
Can…not…stand…
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Some people are emailing David Williams
Including myself. Im not sure what good it will do but its worth a shot. We cannot let these baboons ruin our day. Just think of how they would completely freak out if another fanbase did the same in their beloved CoRUPPt Arena
by CJFforPres2012 on Feb 9, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
Director of Sales and Marketing
Steve Walsh emailed me back and said that the university is aware of what UK fans are planning and they are working with VU police and guest services to make sure that all UK fans are behind the cameras and not seen. I guess this is all they can do seeing as these morons are bound and determined to get in the gym and start that asinine Go Big Blue chant.
by CJFforPres2012 on Feb 9, 2012 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
That link
made me angry. Did you see the one comment from a UK fan, “Without us, the SEC would be a Mid-Major Conference.”
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 10, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
Well, fair's fair...
…without us, the SEC’s basically a league of community colleges. (/rimshot)
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
by VandyImport on Feb 10, 2012 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Section 2F
Almost every year someone practically comes to blows up in our section with the Kentucky fans. Last year it was an elderly retired judge (Vandy fan). It gets pretty fun.
You're getting more
UK fans up in 2F this year. Since Kentucky’s athletic department screwed Vandy last year (they refused to honor the traditional arrangement where the family members of opposing teams players and coaches sit behind the away bench), all of the UK player and coach families’ ticket requests will be located in 2F. All Vandy fans that are being supplanted will be moved to the front of 1F where the away team’s player and coach families traditionally sit.
As I understand it, the same thing will happen with Florida based on their athletic department’s recent behavior as well.
These are the only two schools that behave this way. UT doesn’t operate in this shameful way with other SEC schools, especially VU.
Anchor of Gold
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I got no response for that
I knew they changed some arrangements to make room for media members, but didn’t know about this stuff. Not cool.
The problem with quotations on the internet is, you don't know whether they're accurate. - Abraham Lincoln
by Anything but Gatorade on Feb 9, 2012 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
Wow
Sounds pretty awful. We have a rowmate who is a Vandy Twitterer/follower who is a BIG guy and a vocal fan. He’s good to have around. :)
I wonder if ESPN will set up on the edge of 2F by the wall. That displaced some seats a couple of times, too.
My daughter went to the MTSU game in my place and actually found the MTSU fans to be really obnoxious. She got into it with one of them over Franklin- and she’s a minister!
I'm telling you, don't mess with us - ministers that is.
I’ve said too much…
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 9, 2012 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
My first year roommate was a divinity school student
Her and I…well, things did not end well, for reasons completely unrelated to divinity school. However, the grad school had some fun parties.
by Christian D'Andrea on Feb 9, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
Good chance I knew her..
and that you and I were at those parties simultaneously.
After the opening Convocation (read: worship service) my first year, the reception in the refectory featured a keg of Newcastle. And that was the official, school-sponsored event. I thought it was brilliant, but I noticed a couple of other first-year students with a look on their faces that said, “Dear God, what have I gotten myself into.”
Most of us turn out okay, though, in the end.
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 9, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Div School
The Episcopalians were glad to see all the beer! My daughter is Vandy MDiv!
by foreverhopeful on Feb 9, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
You got Newcastle? Grad school got box wine and Gerst!
All I remember from that opening party in ’94 was the four guys I was with – all third year or better – bemoaning that they were out of cash. And being hammered and trying to make a good impression, I allowed that I had $68 on me. One guy goes “THIS MAN GOT 68 BONES” and next thing I knew, I was standing in line at Mapco with a case of beer under each arm and a comical look on my face. If it had been a Warner Brothers cartoon, my head would have looked like a giant sucker…
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
Ha, Mapco.
$68 in Grad School Dollars is a lot of money!
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 10, 2012 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
Nice.
I did the MTS at Vandy, and the M.Div at a school in New Jersey that designed the offense that our basketball team now runs (in some form).
We (Presbyterians) got along well with the Episcopalians, especially since there weren’t too many of us at the school. But pretty much all faiths and denominations appreciated free beer. That is what we call interfaith dialogue.
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 10, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Regarding complaints about attending VU-UT women's game
Let’s just throw this out there: student attendance has been on the downslope since the 90’s. Back around 1999, Vanderbilt remodeled Memorial Gym and removed some 800 seats, lowering capacity to ~14,200. This was to make room for the box seats in the back of the Belle Meade section.
Not long there after, Vanderbilt also took out the front sections of sections I, J, and K to create a new press row (the old one — the “crows nest” still hangs above the court over sections 3A-3E.
Back in the 80’s and 90’s, the student section was full for EVERY SINGLE GAME – non conference or otherwise. It didn’t matter. There were games where the fire marshall would actually stop play because there were so many people in the aisles that it was deemed a fire hazard. Play would not resume until everyone “had a seat”. Somehow they would all squeeze together to make room for the overcapacity. And this was with a larger student section that what we have now.
When I was a student, the nonconference games weren’t always full, but every single SEC game was.
Now the backs of the student section are empty, and nobody sits behind the band (unless we’re playing UT, UK or UF).
If men’s games are this poorly supported, there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that the women’s games are supported anywhere near the men’s.
In my opinion, if the students would actually turn out to support their classmates (with regularity), this wouldn’t be an issue. As it stands, the school wants desperately to beat the UT women, a hated rival, and is doing something to promote a better atmosphere. Certainly the ladies on the women’s team deserves that kind of an effort from the school.
This is of course not to say that there aren’t great student supporters in the student section. Far from it. There just aren’t as many as there used to be and that is a simple fact. Whether that has to do with changing times or with more distractions or more competition (Predators, Titans [at least pre-January]), it is what it is.
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I suppose I'm part of the problem
In 4 years on campus, I never went to a women’s basketball game. It wasn’t about quality (I only went to 1 baseball game despite them spending the majority of my junior year ranked #1), I just…didn’t care? I guess that sounds harsh, but perhaps there’s something to the “distraction” argument espoused above.
My issue with games was generally that my friends sucked. I wanted to go to every football and men’s basketball game that I could, but I often had trouble drumming up support amongst my amigos. Sometimes, I said “screw it” and went by myself (good Lord…how lame am I?), but not always.
So…maybe I wanted to be part of the solution but everyone else was part of the problem? I’m not really sure what my thesis statement is…
I like Tennessee and Vanderbilt. There aren't many like me, and they're probably better off for it.
Good post
I also never attended a women’s game. I just didn’t care either.
That being said, I have no problem with Vandy drumming up something like this to encourage students to go to an important women’s game against Tennessee. I doubt many students will suddenly decide that they love the women’s game, but it doesn’t hurt anyone to show up and support the women’s team against its biggest rival. Nobody is forcing anyone to do anything – and I suspect that plenty of students will get into the Kentucky game and Gameday without attending the Tennessee game.
Well, if hanging 93 on the Vols doesn't help, I don't know what will
But those who went got to see a beatdown for the ages for their trouble. I wish we could put an Afro wig on Jasmine Lister and sneak her in as the men’s point guard. 19 points and 13 assists? THANK YOU MA’AM MAY I HAVE ANOTHER.
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
I had the exact same thought
re: Lister
by Aaron Novick on Feb 9, 2012 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
I was kind of lucky, I guess...
I was there in the Foster years, and arrived just after the Final Four run and Heidi Gillingham, so we were still a reliable national power and a mortal lock for the Sweet Sixteen every year. Basically, if the doors were open, I was at Memorial. Which is probably a nontrivial part of why I have an MA and not a PhD…
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
You have to really, really, really want the PhD to finish..
I’m seriously considering applying in the fall to return for a PhD program. What I’m trying to discern is if I really, really want to do the program, or if I just want to return to Nashville and get very cheap admission to Vanderbilt sporting events.
The strange part is, my wife actually supports the idea. I think she sees a way to get me out the house for Vandy games, so she doesn’t have to endure all my yelling, jumping up and down, and ranting – it seriously interrupts her Jane Austin reading.
I went to a couple of women’s games in my time on campus, but honestly between studying and writing papers, there just wasnt time to go to more if I also wanted to attend every men’s game – which I did.
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 10, 2012 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
The school should reprimand
…the person who tried to force people into attending women’s basketball to see men’s basketball.
First, I can’t think of anything more demeaning to the women’s team. It’s like the school is officially acknowledging that no one cares about them and that watching them is some sort of punishment, something to be endured so you have have the reward of watching men play.
Second, how on earth are they going to figure out who actually goes? What sort of insane enforcement nightmare are they setting up? Is the university really spending thousands of dollars to monitor student attendance, like some sort of police state? Does it count if you miss a bit of the first half or if you leave early in the event of a blowout?
Third, not a single person who is forced to go to a women’s game is going to be converted to a lover of the sport. How often do you decide you love something that you’re forced to do, even if it’s something you might have liked if you’d come to on your own? Never.
Vandy has had a very decisive PC drift since I left. Many elements of it have been disturbing. This one certainly is.
Students should refuse to be bullied in this fashion. I never thought I’d write this, but I’d be happy to see an empty student section against Kentucky if it was in protest to this thuggish behavior by the school.
by Andrew D. Smith on Feb 9, 2012 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
Here, go read this.
It’s right on the official site: http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-baskbl/2012-collegegameday.html
The first 1,000 students get a sticker on their ID. When they leave they trade the sticker for a wristband. The kids with a wristband get to enter Memorial an hour before everyone else, and get a free T-shirt.
That’s it. That’s all it is. No one is getting banished from the Kentucky game for not showing up. There’s no police state or thuggish behavior or Meredith Marsh* rising from graduation to batter unwitting freshmen upside the head with a truncheon.
The fans who actually bother to support the other programs are getting a little bonus for the marquee event. GOOD.
(* – This would, however, be awesome.)
Perception
KJ, you said, “If the students would actually turn out to support their classmates, this wouldn’t be an issue.”
I wonder how many students view the football and basketball players as their classmates? I know the university is committed, at least ostensibly, to integrating student-athletes into culture of the rest of the university, but I wonder if the average undergrad has much contact with Jeffery Taylor or Zac Stacy?
I was a student-athlete at my undergraduate institution (small liberal arts college), and I attended mens and womens basketball, soccer, baseball, and so on, but I went because I personally knew the players and wanted to support them. Most of the student-atheletes, even at a small school, sort of fell into the habit of keeping their social lives limited to the team (understandly given the time committment), but my sophmore year the men’s basketball team added a couple of freshmen who were well-known and well-liked across campus, and attendance at the games soared – though the team wasn’t really playing any better.
It seems that familiarity breeds loyalty and support. At Vanderbilt, that sort of thing would be more difficult to accomplish, but there are ways to encourage more interaction between student-athletes and student-students. One thing we would do to try to increase participation was on the day of a game, the student-athletes on that respective team would wear bright yellow shirts to class and around campus that said “GAME TODAY.”
by Pope Vanderbilt on Feb 10, 2012 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
In the 90's
The athletic department had its own cafeteria, study facilities, and areas for the athletes to congregate and socialize. These facilities could not be accessed by non-athletes. The athletes really were inside a bubble inside Vanderbilt.
A great point
it is definitely a two way street, and the athletes at any college tend to withdraw from the crowd, so to speak — whether as a form of protection or perhaps out of some sort of arrogance.
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I was there last night
I play in the band, and there was a fantastic, complete surprise of a promotion at the LSU game. Every seat in the entire section had a free Vandy beanie on it. I ended up with 5 beanies and a couple foam fingers because the section behind the band was almost completely empty.
On playing Festus
If Festus was only going to play one game this week, last night was the game to play him in. Last night really was reasonably close to a must-win game. It would have looked very bad to have another loss at home to a bad team.
Yes, we’d have probably won it without Festus, but there’s a real chance that we would have lost. Who was going to produce an extra 21 points to fill his spot?
Saturday, on the other hand, is nothing like a must win. No one slams an unranked team too much for failing to beat the consensus number one team in the nation, certainly not after it has just beaten a better Florida team by nearly 100 points. That becomes even more true if Festus doesn’t play. Yes, sitting him means that we have virtually zero chance of winning but, frankly, our chances of victory are very slim anyway.
I’m not saying I have any information that he’s not going to play against Kentucky. In fact, I assume he’ll play. I’m just saying that even if playing Festus yesterday means he’ll be out Saturday (rather than just weaker than he’d have been had we rested him) it was still the right choice.
Here's your pre-UK game inspiration...
Just saw CKS on Channel 4. Direct quote: “All of the UK fans are excited about the game. All of our fans are excited about the game. So I guess I will be excited to.”
I am so sick of this guy.
Someone needs to pay attention to this game. THREADJACK.
In a pathetic attempt to er, impress chicks? I guess? show appreciation for the women’s team, I’ll be providing updates on the Vandy/UT game right here. You’re welcome! (all one or whatever of you)
Vandy leads 29-22 with 7:00 left in the 1st. They’ve blown through UT’s interior defense for at least 8 or 9 layups and putbacks so far. UT started ice-cold from outside (0-6), but has hit their last two.
and you, vandyjl
have just ruined whatever chance I had of getting work done by a reasonable hour tonight. :P
I guess that’s what all-nighters are for.
also, since I started watching I have seen
Holzer score points 14 and 15, and us get a steal. 11 point lead.
Holy crap, I didn't see that coming from TSU
And Vandy still leads at the half.
NIGHT OF THE NASHVILLE UPSETS?
Vandy is falling apart right now
It seems like this happens with every home game against UT I watch
by Aaron Novick on Feb 9, 2012 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
speaking of shooting fouls where the person wasn't shooting
Lister shot that ball way after the foul
by Aaron Novick on Feb 9, 2012 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Oh man, Glory Johnson is done
Has there ever been a LEFT-RIGHT chant at a women’s game before tonight?
16 points, 13 assists for Jasmine Lister
wow
by Aaron Novick on Feb 9, 2012 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
That was an incredible performance by Lister
93-79 final, VANDY WINS.
(I apologize to everyone here to discuss the men’s team. I won’t do this again, seriously.)
I don't care if we're discussing co-ed club Quidditch
If we’re giving UT the beatdown, I wanna hear about it. =)
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
Second half underway, 42-34 VU
Johnson and Simmons have 28 of Tennessee’s 34. Holzer leading Vandy with 15.
2L
Sat in row5 2L for good price, great seats. Shouldve sat in student section, cause from my experience Vandy ushers always been kind and let you sit in where the noshows are. The season isnt over, and from a Cubs fan perspective, what a dissipointment that crowd was. I have come content with just having fun and appreciating the game experience instead of what we do on the court. I see an upset Sat, never lose a little faith, piss off the UK fans a little still got our stinger out
CKS
and as far as what he came off like on wsmv, when I sit over behind the team bench I see a man risking cardiac arrest, and a total nervous mess. I bet that sec official love to piss this guy off all time time. It appears like the pressure of a coach on his way out and players hoping to to play for soomeone who isnt hardass and fun to play for
41 of those points
in the final 12 minutes in the game.
by Aaron Novick on Feb 9, 2012 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Big W for the ladies
Watching the last part of the game, it struck me as strange to see someone other than Coach Summitt drawing up plays in the UT huddle.
"The polls are nice, but those really aren't lofty expectations. If you consider yourself the No. 4 or No. 5 team in the country, you are basically succumbing to second place."--Tim Corbin, 02/18/2011
by Stress Fracture on Feb 9, 2012 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
That's going to be tough to get used to.
I mean, yes she is the devil incarnate, but Pat Summitt is on the coaching Rushmore with Lombardi and Wooden and Bear Bryant as far as I’m concerned. Living legend doesn’t even begin to cover it.
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
I don't mean to spam
Ok, I do, but I’m repping the ’dores! Give me your vote and get a Commodore on the fans selection committee!
http://apps.facebook.com/ncaasupertencontest/contests/182732/voteable_entries/42215154
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