Disappointing Americans

Some of the big names for the USA failed to get on the podium in their respective sports today. Apolo Anton Ohno didn't even qualify for the 1500m short-track speedskating final after taking what looked to be an unnecessary risk in his semifinal heat, which caused him to slip and fall behind. Then in the men's downhill, Bode Miller could only muster 5th and Daron Rahlves fell to 10th, going back and forth on what skis he should use right up until his start time, which couldn't have been good for his concentration. Of course, you could look at it a different way. 12 years ago, 2 Americans in the top 10 of ANY skiing event would've been a great achievement. Now, if no one doesn't win a medal, it's disappointing. My how times have changed.

The big story was Michelle Kwan pulling out of the figure skating competition. I don't fault her for waiting this long, she's given Emily Hughes enough time to come over and compete. I'm wondering about the "field test" the US Olympic Committee gave her determining her competitive status. It must not have been very hard. Unfortunately for Michelle, she probably won't be around in 4 years to try for that elusive gold medal. I think she's handled it all with class and I have a lot of respect for her.

Now, here are some notes from this weekend's basketball action:

• It was another Miami/Ball St. classic in Oxford today. The Redhawks led by 10 at the half, but you knew Ball St. would come back. 2 overtimes later, Miami came away with the victory, staying 1 game out of the MAC lead. Miami has now won 4 straight to get to 13-8.
• Every week, it's a new team that comes to the forefront in the Big 10. This week it was Ohio St., winning at Michigan, then routing Illinois this afternoon. The Buckeyes are in a virtual tie for the Big 10 lead, although Iowa has the head-to-head tiebreaker on them. Thad Matta-led teams have had success in the NCAAs, and I don't think this year's Buckeyes will be an exception. They get good guard play, shoot the ball from the outside well, and have a guy who can finish inside. The only question is can they remain consistent down the stretch.
• Speaking of Iowa, they took advantage of an Indiana team short on confidence and won in Bloomington. Honestly, Iowa doesn't impress me that much. They protect their home court as well as anybody, but on the road they struggle for several reasons: rebounding, outside shooting, and free throw shooting. They almost let Indiana take the game into overtime after being in control throughout. 15/26 from the foul line won't get it done. Indiana is on the verge of playing themselves out of the NCAAs unless they right their ship. Their best road win came at Charlotte, which isn't that great. IU still has to go to Indiana and Michigan and host Michigan St. It could be NIT again for IU which would mean the axe for Mike Davis. Marco Killingsworth is one tired basketball play. He just doesn't have the energy he had at the beginning of the year.
• Speaking of Michigan and Michigan St., what?!?!? Michigan was without #2 scorer Dion Harris, but they still shouldn't have lost at Purdue by a double-figure margin. And Michigan St., 55 points?!?!? Paul Davis is hanging around the perimeter too much. The Spartan offense needs to go through him in the post everytime. Once he gets some touches, then Ager and Brown will have more success.
• JJ Redick had 35 when Maryland played a defense centered around stopping him, incredible. If you want to beat Duke, you let Redick get his and focus on stopping the others, notably Shelden Williams.
• Gonzaga still plays no defense. I agree with Digger Phelps's comment, "They couldn't guard a bank."
• I don't think the Pac 10 will have anybody left after the Sweet 16. UCLA is the best all-around team, despite losing at Seattle. In all fairness, Darren Collison should've made that layup late in the game. If he makes the free throw, UCLA is ahead and probably wins. Brandon Roy is a great all-around player for Washington who should get more national recognition.

This NCAA Tournament is going to be crazier than normal. Teams are so inconsistent, especially on the road, and have young guards that anything can happen.

My Valentine's Day gift will be getting my stitches out. I'm tired of looking at these things and not being able to fully use my right hand.