By Connor Doyle
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Friday, Mar. 8, 2002
You might not believe it, but last night's UA-ASU game was one of the most boring sporting events I have ever witnessed.
The game was played with a total lack of emotion, which is surprising. C'mon, not only were the Devils playing for their only shot at the Big Dance, but this is supposed to be a rivalry. But the hatred never materialized, and neither did the excitement.
Actually, it's not really the players' fault. I've been loathe to write about the officiating this year, because it's too easy. But last night's game was a perfect example of how bad refs have been in the Pac-10.
On one inbounds play in the second half, there were three consecutive off-the-ball calls, two of them before the ball was even put into play. Luke Walton said it perfectly after the game: "When there's that many fouls, it's hard to build up emotion."
So, when games and officiating crews like this happen, I am forced to resort to "cute" column concepts, like this list of those little moments that stopped me from offing myself at some point during the game.
Watching a newly shorn Luke Walton start both halves with 6-point bursts. He cut his hair after his poor performance against Cal last week, and since then he's played some of the best ball of his career.
Watching Isaiah Fox and Tommie Smith go to the floor after a rebound with 3:44 left in the first half. When they got up, there was a little pushing and shoving. At the time, I thought this might mean a little intensity, a little rekindling of the emotions left over from the last time these two teams played. Of course, it meant absolutely nothing.
Three consecutive fouls on one inbounds play. A reporter on the sideline yelled, "Christ! Just let 'em play!" Oh wait, that was me.
Sun Devil cheerleaders talking about hair sticking to their face. Precious. Sometimes the stereotypes are right on target.
Luke yelling "GET OFF ME!" so loud at Tommie Smith that it could be heard clear across the court.
Seeing Fox throw a totally meaningless elbow at Justin Allen after a rebound. This made me think back to the last time these two teams played, and how Fox said he likes to hurt people. Note to self: Do not write anything bad about Isaiah ever. Not ever.
Watching Will Bynum do a sick crossover pull-back move (you know, the one Tim Hardaway used to do back in the day?) that left Curtis Millage stumbling, and then missing the shot. The Wildcats had an 18-point lead at the time, and Bynum's "And 1" video contribution was greatly appreciated by all.
Watching how ASU head coach Rob Evans conducted himself on the sideline while his team was playing so poorly. No stomping, no screaming, no kicking sideline boards, chairs, little kids. The man is all class, and his program is going to be very good very soon.
Watching Chad Prewitt take down Will Bynum when the UA frosh was going up for a dunk. Not that I especially cared. Hell, I love it when guys get dunked on. But somewhere, John Wooden was smiling, and for him, I smile too.
Hearing the "NIT" chant start with a little less that four minutes left in the game. Nice ring to it.
Watching Salim Stoudamire miss two free throws in the same game. Lucifer, feel free to send me the heating bill.
Just looking at Awvee Storey and those ridiculous goggles. I know he needed them, but I couldn't help but laugh. Just a little.
Watching one ref make a bad call with 1:47 left, and seeing another one crack a smile and shake his head a little. Looks like even they wanted to go home after a while.
Watching Tommie Smith fight back tears for most of the last ten minutes of the game. This one worked for me on multiple levels. First, I like watching ASU students cry. Second, it's always nice to see players care about a game that much. Too bad for him that none of his teammates could match his concern.
Rick Anderson getting 14 rebounds and absolutely no points. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ben Wallace.
Bynum laying it up on a breakaway. What, does he need flubber?
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