Madness Can Be Maddening

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"Now that wasn't very good, was it?"

Sorry about a 35 year old reference but, Dan Akroyd from "Really Bad Theatre" used to say that as he would drop a script into the trash can. And it seemed to fit both SLU and Mizzou as each unceremoniously bowed from their respective tournaments.

How did this happen?

You might be looking for "Billiken Bob" to make excuses for the Billikids and hammer the Tigers.  Well, for once, you'd be wrong.  I think both teams fell flat despite some reasons (not excuses) that could explain crushing loses.

Many are quick to pat the Billikens on their heads and tell them about another nice try then knit the boys sweaters and bake some more cookies.  Look, for those of us who said during their nice run in February, that SLU was coming of age quick and were starting to play over their expereince level, we can't then turn around and say they're too young now.  You can't have it both ways.  Rhode Island was desperate and more ready to take the game on Friday.

For Missouri, losing Justin Safford proved to be a bigger rotation and chemistry thing than any of would have guessed.  Can one player, who's not even a star make that kind of difference?  Look at what happens to a team when you add a nice piece to the puzzle.  Of course it matters.  Mizzou will still be in the NCAA tournament.  Can they find the magic that will grab the big rebounds and help them understand how to get the best shots out of their offense?

For St. Louis University the opportunity to finish the season on a high note is out of their hands.  It's up to the NIT selection committee.  We'll find out later tonight.  I hope there's more basketball in SLU's near future.  They need and deserve to play some more.