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Let's Keep Some Perspective Here
8:55 P.M. FRIDAY, FEB. 27, 2009
JUSTIN CANGE
Baylor's loss in Ames may mean it's time to be realistic with this, with a losing conference record now guaranteed, it's time to think NIT, not NCAA.
Wasn't it even more painful to see us lose to Iowa State just an hour after having seen Providence (a team we defeated with ease earlier this season) completely WORK the nation's number one ranked team?
Then again, as noted in fellow blog, Full Court Press, there is still plenty to play for (believe it or not) and there really is reason to `look ahead.'
20 Wins
With four more victories, the Bears can complete back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time since... let's just say a long time. A 20-win season can still be considered a successful year, even given the lofty goals this team had in October.
ESPN Big Monday
If I'm in the Bears locker room Monday night, I'm giving that team the Herb Brooks in `Miracle' speech before we went out and beat Russia in 1980. "Great moments arise from great opportunities, boys." Monday night we have a chance to slay a three-headed dragon. We need a signature win to hang our hat on; we haven't beat our rivals in Austin since I was in high school and we're playing on ESPN's final Big Monday of the season.
Conference Tourney Redemption
The conference tourney is only two weeks away and I don't know about you, but I still have the sour taste of last year's loss to Colorado (the 12 seed) in my mouth. Until last season's debacle, BU had been a consistently strong tournament team under Drew. In what might be the last time any of us get to see this team, we should expect a much better showing this year and hopefully a W or two.
Senior Night
I suppose the 3 p.m. tip off should mean it's technically senior "day" but you get the point. Our season's home finale against Nebraska March 7 needs to be a sellout. I don't care if we don't make the tourney, I don't care if it's been a disappointing season, I don't care if hosting Nebraska doesn't tickle your fancy. Our seniors deserve a packed house for the final night they put on a Baylor uniform in Waco. On-court results don't necessarily negate the fact these guys have transformed this program, put us on the map and given us plenty to be proud of over their four years. It may not be a storybook ending this season, but to CJ, Dou, Kevin and Henry, my hats off to each of you for taking a chance in coming here and reviving this program.
Now, go out there and give us one more lasting memory of your careers.
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