How does Bramlage Coliseum compare to some of the other places you played in the Big 12?
I think Bramlage is one of the hardest places to play in the Big 12. Personally I believe it's the worst. I don't know what it is about it, but the dungeon feel mixed with their ridiculous student fanbase just puts you in a rut. The building seems so dark and the crowd makes you feel like anything good you do is less than nothing while on the other hand, anything K-State does is the most amazing thing known to man. Their noise level is what really sets them apart. If the crowd gets into the game, thats just the more dangerous their team becomes.
Saturday's game is huge as far as a bye in the Big 12 tournament. How big a deal is having that extra day off?
Having that day off is very important. It gives you a chance to see how intense things get, and for this team and its newcomers that's definitely a plus. Tournament season is a whole new ball game. Everything becomes do or die. No tomorrows. And the lower seeded teams become the most dangerous teams because they have nothing to lose.
Give me a prediction on the K-State game.
This is going to be a tough game. All out brawl so I hope the Tigers bring their hard hats. They will need to play as the ultimate team and stay in tune with the game, no matter what happens. Fouls will not be called for them, but they will be called on them. Play will be extra rough and there will be bumps and bruises after the game. The Tigers will bring home the first win there in the CMA era if they don't step out of their team game and strategy. No individual play, forced shots, and mental lapses can be afforded. K-State will feed off the crowd, so all their baskets need to be limited and worked for. I all their momentum is counteracted with an attack from the Tigers, good things will happens and the Tigers should succeed. If the crowd is allowed in the game, things could get ugly. Ball pressure, no stupid fouls, containment of Jacob Pullen, and board control will tell the tale of the game. Home court gives confidence to role players but I believe if you cut them off at the head (Jacob Pullen and Curtis Kelly) they will crumble.
Hey J.T. Tiller, get off our d1cks already.