[jcmanson]

Let's get it started.

[dompennix]

I saw the ODU and VCU game, ODU has a very solid squad. I really hope we get a win.

[Rooster Cogburn]

in here

[vabigpoppa]

go big south

[ToTheLeft]

Is it time for the VMI game yet?

But seriously, we need to compete hard in this one so we don't screw up our momentum. Althought I honestly wouldn't mind, nor would I be surprised, to see less action our of the starters. Coach proved against Longwood last year that he isn't afraid to go to the bench in end-of-year non-conference games. The fact that this is nationally televised, and the fact that we're about to hit a crucial 3-5 game stretch, will make this an interesting decision.

[TheLouder]

If we can keep the tempo up and somehow contain Gerald Lee I think we'll be ok. I think this is going to be a close game as usual for the flames.

[flames1971]

I sure hope we can pull out a win...it would be pretty impressive on our resume.

[SuperJon]

But seriously, we need to compete hard in this one so we don't screw up our momentum. Althought I honestly wouldn't mind, nor would I be surprised, to see less action our of the starters. Coach proved against Longwood last year that he isn't afraid to go to the bench in end-of-year non-conference games. The fact that this is nationally televised, and the fact that we're about to hit a crucial 3-5 game stretch, will make this an interesting decision.

Against Longwood, I can understand resting guys because it's Longwood. We don't recruit against Longwood.

This game is big for recruiting in-state. We would be 3-0 against the CAA if we win this game. It's got long-term implications that Longwood didn't have.

[Rooster Cogburn]

Maybe we will show that we OWN the CAA and get an invite

[BJWilliams]

We locked up a home game last night with our win...we CANNOT let up off the gas for even a second between now and the Radford game on the 28th. a win this weekend I think will give us some serious momentum going in to Senior night

[TIMSCAR20]

I can tell you that I have talked to Ritchie personally and he REALLY wants to win this game!

[TheLouder]

That is great to hear!

[Rooster Cogburn]

I can tell you that I have talked to Ritchie personally and he REALLY wants to win this game!

So would he try to foul at the end to win? haha

[Schfourteenteen]

I can tell you that I have talked to Ritchie personally and he REALLY wants to win this game!

Surprising, I thought he would say he was cool with losing

[Rooster Cogburn]

I can tell you that I have talked to Ritchie personally and he REALLY wants to win this game!

Surprising, I thought he would say he was cool with losing

[TIMSCAR20]

I can tell you that I have talked to Ritchie personally and he REALLY wants to win this game!

Surprising, I thought he would say he was cool with losing

That's why the emphasis was on REALLY to indicate that of course he wants to win every game but he particularly wants to win this one badly. Smarty Jones

[ODUfanRazor]

I did a writeup about this game on the CAAZone, but I figured I'd post it over here to get some of your opinions as well.

Some of our fans think we are going to beat you comfortable, but I don't necessarily see it that way. Enjoy the write-up, tell me what you think and if I am wrong, feel free to tell me why.

I think the majority of fans are expecting a good, hard fought game. Every fanbase has its extreme fans.

Most ODU fans respect that Liberty is a very good team this year and Curry will be tough for us to stop.
We realize your 5 guard lineup will be tough for a slower team to keep up with and could cause matchup problems on the perimeter.

ODU fans also realize, however, that we have the best big man in the CAA or the Big South, who is both athletic and can play inside and outside and who should be able to score at will against you guys in the paint. At 6"10 250, he is going to be an extremely tough matchup for your smaller lineup to handle.

Our common opponents are GMU, Winthrop and W&M. We went 1-1 against GMU, you were 1-0. You are 1-1 against Winthrop, we are 1-0. We both beat W&M.

Not much to differentiate between the two teams performance wise.

I was looking at your height and I think that will play and important part in this game. Alot of teams in the Big South have smaller guards. Radford and VMI, both ahead of you in the standings, play with small guards compared with some of the guys on ODU.

Against VCU, we were utilizing a lineup that looked something like 6"5 Bazemore at point, 6"3 Illiadis at the SG, either 6"5 Finney or 6"6 Adams at the 3 and then 6"8 Carter and 6"10 down low. I think Liberty would have a very hard time cracking that lineup offensively and several of those guys, including Finney, Adams and either of our bigs could take your guards into the post and have their way with them.

With a very intimidating home atmosphere and enormous size and strength advantage, I can see why several of the more excitable ODU posters are predicting a comfortable win over Liberty.

Add in the fact that ODU has never lost a bracketbuster game before (3-0 all-time) and ODU is 2-0 all time against Liberty and, well, you can see why some people feel good about this game.

I think it will be a much tougher matchup than most realize, as Liberty creates a style matchup that ODU rarely ever plays against. The key to this game is simply this, how well does Blaine mix and match his lineups, utilize our advantages and exploit the size differential against a smaller, but very talented team.

This game will be as much about coaching as it is about the players on the floor.

[NJLibertyboy]

PA from your favorite Liberty Ticket Office:

Tickets are going here at the LU ticket office for the Liberty sections as traffic has really picked up. $13/person and you can buy them online at LibertyFlames.com or over the phone at 434-582-SEAT. If you already ordered tickets, they can be picked up at the FOC starting at noon tomorrow. If you can't pick up your tickets in advance, or live in the Norfolk area, no need to fear. I will drop them off at the ODU will-call window that morning when I arrive to work the player-pass list. They can be picked up starting at 10AM Saturday.

If you have any questions or want to order tickets call the office at 582-SEAT or the cell at 609-287-5456. Day or night, I'll sell ya a ticket. They will be on sale until 5:00 PM Thursday.

[jcmanson]

Our guards aren't small. Our PG is 6'3" and is one of our leading rebounders. You may think your size will keep him from getting his boards, but think again. Rebounding isn't all about size. Curry is 6'3", and though he is small in frame, he averages over 4 boards a game. Our other 3 starting "guards" are 6'4", 6'5", and 6'5". The first two off our bench are both 6'9" forwards, and have really been coming on lately.

Also, your guards won't be able to just go down on the block and post ours up since we play zone 90% of the time. We deny the entry pass to the post, and we typically do a very good job of this. If your bigs are able to get the ball down there, then you will have no problem scoring on us.

We will be able to score, there's no way you can guard all of our weapons. Your coach has to choose who he wants to shut down, and most people pick Curry. Fine, that leaves more room for Ohman and Smith who are both 40% 3 pt shooters, and if they're hot - watch out. And even choosing to shut down Seth, he still finds a way to get his 20.

I don't think we'll be intimidated one bit by your atmosphere.

Should be a fun game though.

[TDDance234]

I don't think we'll be intimidated one bit by your atmosphere.

The early start will negate some of that atmosphere, as well. I don't imagine a fan base at it's best at 11am.

[kel varson]

Fanbase will DEFINITELY be negated by the 11 a.m. start.

That said ODU has to be the favored team here. They have more experience, and are a top tier CAA team. I will be suprised if we win this one.

[jcmanson]

Yes, ODU is the favored team. So was GMU and UVA. We'll see how it plays out.

[RagingTireFire]

[qkslvrsrfrboy]

DePaul was a much larger team. Anyone who saw that game knows we should have won. ODU has one guy at or above 6'10". Depaul has 4 of their starting 5 above 6'10", one at 7'2"

[Chris Lang]

Ah Bub. My favorite zombie from the Romero series, save for the Hari Krishna zombie in Dawn of the Dead.

Uh, carry on.