The slip heard 'round the world.

When you have to make a last second shot to win the game in overtime, who would say they wouldn't want Ray Allen taking the long bomb from tree land? Well, I guess after last night, I would probably say that. Allen went up for a long bomb with the C's down 109-110 as time ran out in overtime, and air mailed the ball as he slipped during his jump shot. Fans in the stands threw their hands up in disgust, and the Lakers gave their best impression of what winning a championship would look like, and the Purple & Gold broke yet another Green & White winning streak (this time, at twelve games). 

Kentucky Wildcat Rajon Rondo was large and in charge, as usual, with his 16 points, 8 boards, 12 assists, and 1 steal. Despite the fact that UConn's Ray Allen led the C's with 22 points, he will be remembered for his big no bucket at the end of the game. Kobe didn't go crazy, but he did lead the game overall with 26 points, and he added 10 boards to catapult the Lake Show to a five game winning streak. Most fans, including coach Doc Rivers, were asserting that Ray Allen was fouled on his final three point game winning attempt, but there was no call. Of course, even as a C's fan, I don't really think he was fouled, but maybe I should side with the Doc. "I thought it was a hand check; he pushed him the whole way," Rivers said, "The officials say they don't call the game different from the first quarter to the end of the game, and if that's true, Ray should have been on the free throw line." Maybe, but the Celtics really should have had the game in control well before this point. Hello? The tough, and emotional loss, has dropped my Mighty Celtics of the hardwood to a 41-10 record (pretty shitty, eh?), and just a 15.5 game lead over the second place Atlantic squad from Philly. Despite losing to one L.A. team, at least Boston still hold a 30 game lead (by my count) on their arch rivals from L.A., the Clip Show. Time for the Green Beans to step it up and get a win against the 21-27 Knickerbockers tonight at 4:30 pm. Let's rebound...and score points, as well. 

Meanwhile, the continually struggling UCSB Gauchos failed to start their OC road trip on a good note. The Fullerton Titans came away with a 72-65 win against the 'Chos, continuing to send our boys in spiral toward the bottom of the Big West table. The really sad thing about this game was that UCSB led the game 42-23 after the first half, and then laid a fat one in the second half, 23-49. A pathetic finish after a start like that. RSM (and LSF fav due to his OC heritage) native Jaime Serna finished tied for the lead for the losing team (as a freshman, mind you) with 20 large, joined by Huge Country Chris Devine and his 20 (Devine also had 12 boards). Was all of this in the first half, or what? Fullerton also went big with 57.1% from the floor in the second 20 minutes, including an 8 for 13 mark from beyond the arch. Meanwhile, UCSB shot 65%, which while way above the season average, just wasn't good enough. The loss is just another example of the pitiful season we're seeing out of our beloved school this year, as they drop to 8-13 (2-7 in the conference). Next up is a Saturday night battle against UC Irvine (who UCSB just doesn't lose to!), who are 8-14 (5-4) this year. Can Devine and company turn this sinking ship around with 8 games to go to get some positive push heading into the Big West tourney? Last year I was mad that the ticket to the tournament was only given to the Big West tourney winner, because of UCSB's stellar regular season, but with the way things are going now I'm kind of still hopeful. Anything can happen.

Meanwhile, my other college hardwood squad continues to come up empty as well. Notre Dame dropped an 83-93 decision on Wednesday, and continued to show that they aren't good enough to be ranked at all. 6 straight losses has dropped the Irish to 12-9 (3-7), which is really sad after a preseason filled with hope. The loss saw Luuuuuuuuuuuuke Harangody getting 28 points and 14 rebounds, and was joined by "The Island's" Kyle McAlarney's 13 points, and Toledo, OH naitve Hillesland and TJ Jackson's 11. It wouldn't be enough, however, as a 37-37 halftime score was erased by a ten point second half loss to the Bear Cats, and the Irish lost again. Coach Mike Brey could only say, "The beat goes on, baby. We're struggling." Yep, and if you keep it up without turning things around, you'll be out pal. Just think, Cinncy was supposed to be the team that gave the Irish a break before heading out to the West Coast for the first time in ages. Next up for the struggling Leprechauns is a match against the solid UCLA Bruins (18-4, 12-1 at home). The Bruins will be riding a three game winning streak into their Saturday match with Notre Dame. Can Harangody and company defy the odds and get back on the winning track before it's too late? If not, they will be the Big East squad left at home in the month of March. 

On my way out, I'd like to say: Steely McBeam, really?