Day 1 of the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions was a success, as usual. If you want to rehash our Live Blog, click here, and for the Day 1 video recap, click here.

But, while you’re here, get ready for the Day 2 Live Blog featuring words and analysis from Allen Vaughan, and videos and still photography from TAG’s Brett Johnston and BakedFreshDaily.com’s Kyle Green.

Here is today’s schedule:

Seventh-place game
Glendale vs. St. Rita, 2 p.m

Fifth-place game
Hillcrest vs. Sylvan Hills, 3:30 p.m.

Third-place game
Miller Grove vs. Christ the King, 5 p.m.

Championship game
Lincoln vs. Westbury Christian, 6:30 p.m.

Day 1 of the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions was a success, as usual. If you want to rehash our Live Blog, click here, and for the Day 1 video recap, click here.

But, while you’re here, get ready for the Day 2 Live Blog featuring words and analysis from Allen Vaughan, and videos and still photography from TAG’s Brett Johnston and BakedFreshDaily.com’s Kyle Green.

Get ready for more Blue and Gold Tournament action. Photo: Kyle Green/BakedFreshDaily.com

Crew lineup:

Brett Johnston and Kyle Green: Photo/video
Words: Allen Vaughan
Production: Chris DeRosier
Interning: Coleman Mitchell

Follow along with our Blue and Gold Tournament Consolation Finals Live Blog, orchestrated by TAGsgf.com intern Coleman Mitchell.

GCL

You are in the right place if you’re looking for news, updates and analysis for Day 2 of the Blue and Gold Tournament. Check back for updates from both the Blue and Gold Divisions all day long. If you’re interested in the Consolation Bracket, you can follow its action by clicking here.

If you missed the results from Day 1, click here. That’s right, TAGsgf.com has everything you want to know about the Blue and Gold. Follow us on Twitter.com/tagsgf and on Facebook.com/TAGsgf.

NIxa's Austin Ruder looks to return to the Blue and Gold championship game.

For those of you wondering, here are Blue and Gold Tournament scores from Day 1 and the Day 2 schedule:

BLUE DIVISION

Buffalo 65, (8) Clever 49
(1) Nixa 100, Lebanon 45
Bolivar 83, (5) Branson 72
(4) Rogersville 76, Aurora 30
(7) Strafford 64, West Plains 44
(2) Kickapoo 51, Camdenton 43
(6) Morrisville 57, Skyline 41
(3) Willard 62, Willow Springs 36

GOLD DIVISION

(8) Conway 63, Hartville 61
(1) Hillcrest 66, Mansfield 34
(5) Ozark 82, Mountain Grove 56
(4) Mount Vernon 42, Reeds Spring 29
(7) Spokane 51, Miller 39
(2) Marshfield 48, Ava 44, OT
(6) Fair Grove 56, Crane 51
(2) Republic 49, Greenwood 27

DAY 2 SCHEDULE

BLUE DIVISION
(1) Nixa vs. Buffalo, 9:30 a.m.
(4) Rogersville vs. Bolivar, 11 a.m.
(2) Kickapoo vs. (7) Strafford, 12:30 p.m.
(3) Willard vs. (6) Morrisville, 2 p.m.

GOLD DIVISION
(1) Hillcrest vs. (8) Conway, 5 p.m.
(4) Mt. Vernon vs. (5) Ozark, 6:30 p.m.
(2) Marshfield vs. (7) Spokane, 8 p.m.
(3) Republic vs. (6) Fair Grove, 9:30 p.m.

Did you miss our Live Blogs from Round 1. Click here for a Blue Division wrap-up and here for a Gold Division summary.

Don’t miss Round 2′s Live Blog starting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Jalen Norman leads top-seeded Nixa.

Check back throughout the day to get updates from court side of the Blue Division. Also, feel free to leave comments in the CoverItLive comments section.

Welcome to the live blog from Drury University’s O’Reilly Family Event Center for Champions Collide. The mixed card features 10 fights, with mixed martial arts and boxing events, including the WBC Continental Americas Cruiserweight Title Bout between Willard’s BJ Flores and Paul Jennette.

Shelby Miller is the center of SGF's baseball attention.

Happy Shelby Miller day, everyone.

That’s right, the undisputed No. 1 prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system is making his Hammons Field debut tonight against the Tulsa Drillers and TAGsgf.com sports editor Allen Vaughan is dusting off the Live Blog to bring you all the news, commentary and hi jinks.

Can’t make it to the game? Don’t worry, follow along on your laptop at home, cell phone with web browsing, or use it as an accessory to any other means of coverage.

Allen will kick the blog off at 6:45, so make your email reservation below, or just show up for all the fun.

photo by Chris Hogan

Register below for a nice distraction from work during Missouri State’s opening game in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. TAG sports editor Allen Vaughan will be in St. Louis for Arch Madness bringing you all of the action. Don’t miss the TAGsgf.com Live Blog!

Avery Dingman vs. Tim Huskisson. Division I vs. Division I. AAU teammate vs. AAU teammate. Branson vs. Willard.
That’s right, tonight the area’s two best individual talents will match up in a Class 5 sectional, that won’t just be for individual bragging rights, but to decide to gets to play in Saturday’s state quarterfinal at Hammons Student Center.
Don’t miss the play by play of the action from TAGsgf.com’s Allen Vaughan as he will be courtside at Southwest Baptist to Live Blog the Class 5 sectional boys’ basketball game between Branson and Willard. Tipoff is 6 p.m. and Vaughan will begin his commentary, analysis and hi jinks at 5:45 p.m.

For high school basketball fans, this has been the nights we have all been waiting for. Now, it’s here and TAGsgf.com is Live Blogging the action.

Allen Vaughan is courtside bringing you commentary, analysis and hi jinks.

The gold statuettes are lined up inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles and celebrities are squeezing into revealing outfits. Yes, it’s time for the 2011 Grammy Awards, being broadcast on CBS tonight following a 60 Minutes interview with a disturbingly normal-looking Lady Gaga. The perpetually way-too-intense Eminem is the leading nominee with 10 nods, professional speech interruptor Kanye West will be in attendance and, this being a rock star-ish crowd, someone in attendance will be visibly out of it in order for us to speculate what he or she is “on.” In other words, the potential for chaos is high, and TAGsgf.com Music Editor Chris DeRosier will be chronicling the happenings in our Second Annual Grammys Live Blog. Having your Valentine’s Day night out a day early? Come back and get caught up on what you missed. Want to enhance your viewing experience with some laughs and local insight? Be here starting at 7 p.m. and we’ll bring it to you.

<a href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=b71f7a7064″ mce_href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=b71f7a7064″ >2011 Grammy Awards</a>

Are you going to party like Ben Roethlisberger during your Super Bowl?

While heading off to some sports bar and kicking it with thousands of readers would be awesome, sometimes it just feels good to get together with a small group of friends and have one raucous Super Bowl Party. That’s what Allen Vaughan and Brett Johnston are up to today on Super Bowl Sunday.

And, because they feel the weird need to share certain parts of their lives with you, they will be conducting a Live Blog from the undisclosed location of their Super Bowl Party. And for as excited they are about the actual game, today’s Live Blog will focus more on the ads, the prop bets and food/drink. If you want to hop on and comment, go ahead, and you can even set your own e-mail reminder, too.

Also, the attendees at the party will be playing a prop bet picking game that you and your friends can also play. It’s very simple. You can find the questions by clicking here.

Otherwise, enjoy your family and friends while soaking in the Super Bowl, however you choose.

Can Kyle Weems and MSU get back on track?

The last time Indiana State and Missouri State hooked up in men’s basketball, it had a nightmarish ending for the Bears. After leading most of the game, a defender broke Jermaine Mallett down off the dribble, then completed a 3-point play to give MSU its first Missouri Valley Conference loss.

Fast forward two weeks and that moment has sent MSU in a mini-tailspin. The Bears are now second in the MVC, tied with Northern Iowa. That means today’s game vs. Indiana State isn’t just for retribution, but for survival.

Kyle Weems burned UNI with a game-winning jumper the last time. Does he have more magic in store? (Photo: Alex Stocksdale/TAGsgf.com)

Anytime you ask members of the Missouri State men’s basketball team what the tipping point was that turned this season in the right direction, it’s a simple answer.

The shot.

After struggling on the road in the Missouri Valley Conference, one dagger of a shot off the fingertips of Kyle Weems changed everything. When he banged a 3 with 2.4 seconds left to win 58-57 at Northern Iowa on Dec. 29, it kickstarted what has been a 5-1 MVC road record.

The two teams hook up again at 7:05 p.m. today, and the TAGsgf.com Live Blog crew will be on hand, providing live commentary, photos and video highlights. The game will be televised on ESPNU, and if you choose to watch the game on TV, the Live Blog is the perfect companion.

A few things to consider as we enter the game:

• MSU has the fifth-best current home winning streak in the country at 19 victories. (VCU was only team that played at home yesterday, and they won.)
• Earlier this week, Creighton coach Greg McDermott said that UNI’s Kwadzo Ahelegbe was the MVC’s most valuable player, and it wasn’t even close. (Click here for the actual quote) Well, we get to see for ourselves as KA and MSU’s Kyle Weems — the top two candidates — battle each other.

This play made Jermaine Mallett famous.

Sure, today’s 4 p.m. MSU-Creighton game is on ESPN2 and 9,999 of your closest friends might be at the game, but we all know that the TAGsgf.com Live Blog is the greatest way to enhance your viewing pleasure. And, if you’re not at the game today, then consider us your preferred way to get insight into the game.

Of course, MSU is coming off its first Missouri Valley Conference loss of the season, a 70-69 tough-to-swallow defeat on the last possession. Still, won’t this make the game even better?

Welcome to the TAGsgf.com Tournament of Champions Live Blog for the final round at JQH Arena.

Thanks to Kyle Green of BAKED FRESH DAILY for providing loads of help.

Welcome to the Live Blog from JQH Arena as the Missouri State Bears host Southern Illinois.

Your Gold Division champions, the Glendale Falcons

It took a long time to get a game this good, but it was worth the wait. Check the highlights from the overtime doozy of a Gold Division Championship between Glendale and Willard.

Trophy!

10:42: I talked to Glendale coach Sean Williamson after the game and he said that his team was not instructed to foul Huskisson on purpose. He agreed it wouldn’t have been the worst thing in the world, but that wasn’t the plan.

Either way, it worked out perfectly for Glendale.

10:31: Glendale and Willard just completed the highest-scoring game in Blue and Gold Tournament history. The 180 combined points was one more than the 1991 game between Lebanon and Branson.

Official scoring

GLENDALE (92) — Cameron Johnson 26, Joey Harbour 21, Tommy Hedges 14, Mason Hodges 16, Thomas Halter 5, Blake Freedman 4, Casey Wagoner 2, Conner Keltner 2, Nolan Bettlach 2

WILLARD (88) — Tim Huskisson 26, Skyler Frazier 20, Corey Weiland 10, Kyle Raby 10, Bobby Hampton 15

Final score in overtime

Glendale 92, Willard 88

10:15: Huskisson is fouled on the floor and makes the first. He misses the second on purpose, but it’s blown dead because he didn’t hit rim. Hodges hits both free throws to ice it. Final score 92-88 in OT.

10:11: Frazier scores in the paint to cut it to 89-87. Cameron Johnson is fouled and makes one. 90-87 Glendale, 10 seconds left. Timeout Willard. Where is Huskisson? And will Glendale foul on purpose?

10:09: After Hodges missed a jump shot, Huskisson couldn’t finish a drive to the paint. Harbour is fouled and makes both FTs. With 38.1 seconds remaining, Glendale leads 89-85.

10:07: Cameron Johnson is beasting in overtime. He hits a FT to give him 5 in the quarter and Glendale leads 87-85 with 1:26 left. Willard just threw the ball crosscourt out of bounds. Glendale possession.

10:05: Leading scorers up to the minute

Willard — Huskisson 25, Frazier 20

Glendale — JOhnson 24, Harbour 19, Hodges 14

10:04: Joey Harbour hits a dagger 3 and gives Glendale a86-83 lead with 2:24 left in overtime. You have to make him drive to the basket, right?

Score after regulation

(1) Glendale 79, Willard 79

10:01: Joey Harbour’s 3 with a few seconds left is no good, and after a tournament full of boatraces and blowouts, we are going to overtime.

9:58: Just when it looked like Willard was going to hold it out and let Huskisson deal off the dribble for the win after an empty Glendale possession, Weiland’s pass inside to Frazier was stolen. Time out Willard with 17.3 seconds.

9:57: Tim Huskisson buries a tough step-back 3 over Blake Freedman to tie the game at 79.

9:56: Great unselfish play by Willard. Corey Weiland steals the ball and throws ahead to Huskisson. He bounce passes to Frazier who gives it up to Hampton, who makes the basket and is fouled. 3-point play is good. 77-76, 1:51 left. The foul was Tommy Hedges’ 5th.

9:53: Skyler Frazier scores in the paint, but Tim Huskisson picks up his fourth foul on another charge. It was a bad iffy call at best. Glendale leads 76-71, 2:45 left.

9:50: After 3 and a half quarters of one (or zero) pass basketball, Glendale is switching to controlled aggression. The Falcons run some clock and get the ball to a cutting Mason Hodges. The senior converts a 3-point play and has nine points in the quarter. He had two at halftime. 76-69, 3:34 left.

Willard gets hyped before the game

9:48: Joey Harbour is back. After not scoring for nearly an entire half of play, he hits two free throws and buries a 3. All of a sudden, Glendale leads 73-69, 4:32 left.

9:46: Huskisson drives to the bucket and scores. He leads all players with 22 points. Willard clings to a 69-68 lead, 5:25 4Q.

9:43: Glendale starts the quarter on a 5-0 spurt when Mason Hodges scores again. Glendale has its first lead since it led 39-38.

9:42: Blake Freedman finds Mason Hodges on a cut to the basket for a layup. After an empty Willard trip, Johnson makes one of two FTs. 65-64, 7:01 left.

Nixa-Parkview highlights (Blue Division title game)

Tim Huskisson and Cameron Johnson ready themselves.

Third quarter score

(2) Willard 65, (1) Glendale 61

9:39: Nolan Bettlach’s 3 at the end of the quarter is now good and the teams play even in the third quarter. Should be a great finish.

9:36: Glendale cuts the lead to 62-58 until Huskisson slashes to the basket draws Tommy Hedges’ 4th foul and makes the floater. The 3-point play makes it 65-58 Willard, 1:17 3Q.

9:33: Here’s why Willard is so good in a nutshell. A Willard guard clears the rebound, dribbles to halfcourt and throws it ahead to the Tigers center, Kyle Raby. The 6-foot-5 post player catches it on the run, avoids traffic and gets the shot off. He misses, but Skyler Frazier is already down the the court to clean up the rebound. He converts a 3-point play to make it 60-51, 3:59 3Q.

9:30: Trading buckets. There are a lot of baskets being made, but most of them are easy ones. Not a lot of D being played, but both teams are very skilled offensively. If any lead swells to double digits, both teams are still in it.

9:28: We are back to the same up-and-down trading baskets pace. Willard leads 51-45. Huskisson has 13 points. 6:03 3Q.

Official scoring

WILLARD (47)  – Corey Weiland 4, Tim Huskisson 11, Skyler Frazier 11, Kyle Raby 6, Bobby Hampton 10, Spencer Blacksher 5

GLENDALE (43) — Joey Harbour 11, Tommy Hedges 7, Mason Hodges 2, Blake Freedman 2, Cameron Johnson 13, Casey Wagoner 2, Conner Keltner 2, Nolan Bettlach 2, Thomas Halter 2

Halftime score

(2) Willard 47, (1) Glendale 43

9:17: Huge finish. Great half of basketball. Scoring up in a second. Glendale’s Skyler Frazier is having a whale of a half.

9:11: The pace will not stop. Willard leads 40-39 with 2:09 left in the first half. It’s up and down and for the most part, has been clean. A great finale to an average crop of Blue and G’old games.

9:09: Willard’s Bobby Hampton has come to play. He has 9 points in this game. Why is this important? I don’t know if he scored nine points in the previous three games in this tournament. He’s a hard worker and is feasting on Glendale’s height disadvantage.

9:06: Glendale has gone cole and Huskisson is trying to take over. He hits another 3 and cuts the lead to 32-30 with 4:20 left 3Q.

9:04: Glendale can’t miss right now. A 9-3 spurt has the Falcons up 32-24, timeout Willard, 6:00 2Q.

9:01: The aggressiveness comes back to bite Huskisson. He picks up his second foul on a charge.

First quarter score

(1) Glendale 23, (2) Willard 21

9:00: What a finish. Bobby Hampton gets a 3-point play and the teams trade baskets with Glendale’s Freedman getting the last laugh. After a quarter Glendale leads 23-21.

8:58: Joey Harbour freaks the D in the paint and delivers a strike to Conner Keltner. Glendale leads 19-16 with 45 seconds remaining 1Q.

8:56: This game is awesome, finally. Joey Harbour hits his third 3 of the quarter to give Glendale a brief lead. Skyler Frazier answers with a post bucket and Tommy Hedges scores after checking back in with two fouls. Glendale leads 17-16, final minute.

8:55: Huskisson is being very aggressive, trying to use his size advantage slashing to the basket. He makes two FTs and Spencer Blacksher makes a tough bucket in the paint. Joey Harbour drains a 3 to make it 13-12 Willard, 2:07 1Q.

8:52: Two Cameron Johnson free throws and a dipsy-doo floater make it 9-9 with 2:54 left in the first quarter.

8:50: The pace is picking up. Joey Harbour hits a 3 for Glendale, but Sky Frazier answers with a bucket inside. 9-5 Willard, 3:42 1Q.

8:48: Glendale’s Casey Wagoner gets out in the open court, pump fakes, travels and scores. Willard leads Glendale 5-2, 4:27 1Q. Tommy Hedges picks up his second foul on a charge, which is important, because Hedges is one of the few 6-foot-plus players on the Falcons roster.

8:44: Immediately, Willard’s size matters. Bobby Hampton scores off an offensive rebound and Kyle Raby uses his 4-inch height advantage for a turnaround jumper. 4-0 Willard, 6:20 1Q.

8:42: Here we go, and we immediately notice that Willard’s student section is 75 times the size of Glendale’s. That’s mainly because we can’t find the GHS section. Glendale, where you at? Willard controls the tip.

8:40: According to wikipedia, Ya Kid K is a woman? Who knew? OK, back to the high school basketball.

8:37: I understand there’s only so much T.I. or Black Eye Peas you can play during a slew of basketball pregames, but “Pump Up the Jam”? Really? A song from 1989? And, can anyone answer this universal myth? Was Ya Kid K a man or woman?

Glendale and Willard warm up before their Gold Division championship clash

9:12: An odd moment in any game. Willard’s Grant Williamson checks in. His father is Glendale coach Sean Williamson.

Starting lineups

(1) GLENDALE
Joey Harbour, 5-8, jr.
Tommy Hedges, 6-1, sr.
Mason Hodges, 6-2, sr.
Blake Freedman, 5-10, jr.
Cameron Johnson, 6-3, jr.

(2) WILLARD
Skyler Frazier, 6-4, jr.
Tim Huskisson, 6-4, sr.
Kyle Raby, 6-5, sr.
Bobby Hampton, 6-1, sr.
Corey Weiland, 5-8, sr.

8:26: The Gold Division championship is 13 minutes away from tip off and will feature (1) Glendale vs. (2) Willard.

Some fun facts to start off with:

• This is Willard’s first Blue and Gold championship appearance since the school won three in a row from 2004-06.
• Glendale’s last B&G title was 2004 in a 69-51 win over Bolivar
• Both teams like to get out in the open court and score quickly.
• It should be fun.

Official scoring

NIXA (59) — Jalen Norman 21, Austin Ruder 11, Ben Fisher 10, Kameron Bundy 8, Luke Denbow 5, Jordan Jensen 4

PARKVIEW (44) — Korry Tillery 17, Taylor Acord 11, Alex Poke 8, Taylor Harville 2, Eric Durham 3, Jordan Hitchcock 3

Final score

(1) Nixa 59, (2) Parkview 44

8:20: It will be Nixa’s sixth Blue and Gold championship. That makes the school 6-7 all time in Blue and Gold title games. 58-42, 44.9 seconds left.

8:18: More of the same. Korry Tillery hits a 3 to give him 16 in the game. Nixa leads 55-42, 1:33 left. This will be Nixa’s first Blue and Gold title since 2005 when the Eagles beat Kickapoo 66-58. I have a great Roy Green story from that game if anyone ever wants to hear it.

8:12: Jalen Norman has 18 points, by the way.

8:11: The teams are trading bucket right now. Parkview has settled in and is winning the half by a point. Too little, too late, though. 51-35, 4:47 left.

Jalen Norman and Taylor Harville battle for the tip.

8:08: Jalen Norman is a matchup nightmare. He scores the first two buckets of the half in different way. One off an offensive rebound and another knifing to the basket off the dribble. 49-28 Nixa, timeout Parkview, 7:03 left.

Third quarter score

(1) Nixa 45, (2) Parkview 28

8:05: We’ve seen some buzzer beaters this week, but Norman might have topped all of them. He takes his defender off the dribble on the right wing, gets a step and hammers one down with the right hand. Buzzer. Nice. Nixa leads 45-28 after three quarters.

8:02: Ben Fisher bangs a 3. Nixa just might be this much better than many of the teams in the Ozarks. 41-26 Nixa, 1:36 3Q.

7:59: Parkview just can’t stop Nixa. The Eagles lead 39-23 with 3 minutes left in the third and Jalen Norman just had a huge block out of bounds. The crowd moaned.

7:55: Parkview is showing some life as Alex Poke and Taylor Acord both hit 3s. Nixa leads 34-21, 5:17 3Q.

7:53: And more of the same as Jalen Norman scores and now heads to the FT line. 32-16 Nixa, 6:54 left.

Highlights from Branson vs. Ava

Official scoring

NIXA (29) — Kameron Bundy 6, Luke Denbow 4, Jalen Norman 7, Austin Ruder 7, Ben Fisher 3, Jordan Jensen

PARKVIEW (13) — Korry Tillery 7, Taylor Acord 6

Halftime score

(1) Nixa 29, (2) Parkview 13

7:42: Parkview put its first mini run (5-0)  together, but at halftime, Nixa leads 29-13.

7:37: Parkview hasn’t scored that much, but on each possession following Parkview points, Nixa has scored — quickly. AFter a Jalen Norman FT it’s 27-8 Eagles.

7:33: Nixa’s defense is very underrated. The Eagle are hanging with a bigger, bulkier Parkview team. Nixa leads 22-8, 4:44 2Q.

7:32: Here is a pic of the Buffalo teams of the past. A nice moment

Buffalo Blue and Gold history in the flesh

First quarter score

(1) Nixa 19, (2) Parkview 6

7:26: Taylor Acord hits a 3, but in this humble (?) observer’s opinion, the Vikings need to get the ball inside, especiall to Tillery. Ruder hits another 3 and it’s 19-6 Nixa.

7:22: Kam Bundy is so nice. He knifes into the lane, then scores in the paint. After another Parkview empty possession, Ben Fisher hits a 25-footer with a guy in his face. Tough shot. Great shot. Timeout Parkview, 14-3 lead, 2:44 1Q.

7:21: Korry Tillery gathers a rebound, takes it to the bucket and is fouled. He’s a big dude and plays like it, finishing the 3-point play. But Austin Ruder knocks down a 3 to answer. 9-3 Parkview, 3:41 1Q.

7:19: Ben Fisher goes with a behind the back save to Kameron Bundy. He shakes off a defender and scores with the left hand. So far it’s Nixa 4, Parkview 0 with 4:53 left in the first.

7:17: After a few empty possession, Jalen Norman goes spin move on the baseline and lays one in. But, thus far, the pace is slow, and that favors Parkview.

The scene at JQH before Nixa and Parkview play for the Blue Division championship

7:11: A pretty cool moment. Members of the past Buffalo championship teams from the late 1940s and early 1950s. A few of them in wheelchairs. Longevity rules.

Starting lineups

(2) PARKVIEW
Alex Poke, 5-9, sr.
Erik Durham, 6-2, soph.
Taylor Acord, 6-2, jr.
Korry Tillery, 6-6, sr.
Taylor Harville, 6-7, jr.

(1) NIXA
Luke Denbow, 6-2, sr.
Jalen Norman, 6-5, soph.
Ben Fisher, 5-10, sr.
Kameron Bundy, 6-1, jr.
Austin Ruder, 6-2, soph.

6:58: We are about 7 and a half minutes away from the Blue Division championship between top-seeded Nixa and second-seeded Parkview. The storylines are thick here. First off, both teams are in the same districtd, so it’s a bit of a sneak peak, especially since they don’t play during the regular season.

Secondly, Parkview junior post player Taylor Harville attended Nixa last season.

Official scoring

BRANSON (70) — Sam Pugh 23, Avery Dingman 22, Alec Zimmer 7, Andrew Jantz 3, A.J. Wiebe 3, Duncan Tillack 3, Malachi Daniels 2, Paul Stevens 2

AVA (52) — Trae Shelton 19, Pete Leonard 16, Brock Mitchell 7, Austin Clayton 6, Austin Gastineau 3, Zach Leonard 1

Final score

(3) Branson 70, (5) Ava 52

6:46: It’s disappointing that Thatch Unruh hasn’t seen one minute today after nearly leading the Pirates in scoring last night. Branson leads 68-52 with a minute left.

6:43: Dingman is back in and cleaning up. He helps extend the Pirate lead to 62-45. Pugh has 18 in the second half. 3 minutes left.

6:39: Sam Pugh is going off. Even as Dingman checks back into the game, Pugh scores his 16th second-half point. Branson leads 57-43 with 4:12 left.

6:34: A.J. Wiebe comes off the bench and hits a 3. The Pirates are red hot. Pete Leonard stops the bleeding and it’s 48-36, 6:40 left. Branson has 5 3-pointers in the half.

Third quarter score

(3) Branson 45, (5) Ava 34

6:30: Without Dingman, it’s Branson and Sam Pugh that make the move. Pugh hits his fourth 3 of the quarter to make it 45-34 with a minute left. The third one was pretty sick, too. Pugh jab stepped to the bucket and the defender fell down. Pugh calmly stepped into it and drained it.

6:26: FYI, Pete Leonard made one of the two technical free throws and Brock Mitchell made 1 of 3 FTs. Branson still leads 38-32. Ava is not capitalizing on the Dingman situation. 2:11 left 3Q.

Since there haven’t been any points since Dingman went out and the refs T’d up the Branson bench (Willow Springs-Rogersville highlights)

Avery Dingman and Pete Leonard during the opening tip.

6:22: People out there, if you’re wrong, just own your mistake. Admit it and do the right thing. There is no reason to lie and make it worse. Now, back to the game.

6:19: Dingman was whistled for a mystery fourth foul. There is a stoppage in the game as the refs try to figure it out. They refuse to change their mind and the future Bluejay goes to the bench. And now the Branson bench picks up a T. Way to make one error worse by making another error. That’s stupid.

6:17: Pugh hits another 3 and Zimmer scores in the paint to give Branson a 35-30 lead. You had to figure the talent would take over. Zimmer gets a steal and completes a 3-point play. All of a sudden it’s a 38-30 game, 5:45, 3Q.

6:15: Sam Pugh hits a 3, but Pete Leonard answers with a post move to tie the game at 30. 6:30 3Q.

Official scoring

AVA (28) — Trae Shelton 13, Pete Leonard 10, Brock Mitchell 2, Zach Leonard 3

BRANSON (27) — Avery Dingman 13, Duncan Tillack 2, Malachi Daniels 2, Andrew Jantz 3, Alec Zimmer 2, Sam Pugh 6

Halftime score

(5) Ava 28, (3) Branson 27

6:00: Branson has come alive, erasing most of Ava’s lead with a 7-2 run. With just seconds left, Branson trails 28-27.

5:54: Branson has come out of its fog, but still has not answer for Pete Leonard and Trae Shelton. The Ava big man has 10 points and Shelton has 14, with 3 3s. 23-16 Ava, 3:25 2Q.

Ava's Trae Shelton had 5 3-pointers. Going off.

5:45: Branson still struggling.

5:40: To answer my own question, so far it is lasting. Ava has stretched its lead to 11-2. Branson looks disinterested, as well as, uneven on offense. Ava is on an 11-0 run. 2:14 left.

5:36: Trae Shelton scores inside and Ava has a 4-2 lead with 4:30 left in the first. Yes, Ava is winning. Will it last?

5:34: And Avery Dingman is up to his old tricks. The future Creighton Bluejay gets one in transition and dunks it. 2-0 Branson early.

Ava and Branson warm up before the Gold Division third-place game

Starting lineups

(3) BRANSON
Alec Zimmer, 6-0, sr.
Avery Dingman, 6-6, sr.
Sam Pugh, 6-1, sr.
Paul Stevens, 6-0, sr.
Duncan Tillack, 6-5, sr.

(5) AVA
Zach Leonard, 6-5, jr.
Austin Gastineau, 5-11, soph.
Trae Shelton, 6-0, sr.
Brock Mitchell, 6-0, sr.
Pete Leonard, 6-5, sr.

5:28: Getting set for our next third-place game between Branson and Ava. 3 minutes until tip.

Official scoring

WILLOW SPRINGS (59) — Taylor James 28, Allen Brasier 11, Jared Hummel 7, Clint Harper 6, Cole Johnson 2, Blaine Collins 3, Zach Cunningham 2

ROGERSVILLE (58) — Dylan Cole 16, Colton Woods 11, Joe Young 11, Aaron Orchard 10, Brock Buzbee 3, Austin Price 3, Justus Boever 2

Final score

(4) Willow Springs 59, (3) Rogersville 56

5:14: Brasier misses the second and Darrian Donson misses a 3. Rog gets the offensive rebound, misses a quick putback, gets that rebound and Cole jumps behind the 3-point line. The fadeaway 3 is up and……no good. Willow wins 59-56, erasing an 11-point second deficit.

This is where you could be right now, courtside at JQH Arena.

5:56:

5:12.5: Cole misses both and the Wildcats give up the foul. Allen Brasier makes the first. Timeout Rogersville. 13.3 seconds left.

5:12: Dylan Cole drives to the basket and is fouled. Shooting two. 15 .8 left.

5:10: Just when it looked like Willow Springs was going to hold for the final shot, Taylor James rose up and buries a long 3 from the left wing. 58-56, 21.9 left.

5:07: Willow Springs comes out in a 1-3-1 zone. Rogersville’s Aaron Orchard gets fouled and makes one. The teams trade buckets and Rog leads 56-55 with a minute left.

5:05: A Taylor James 3 and a Jared Hummel bucket knot the game at 53 with 2:09 left. Rogersville coach Rod Gorman calls timeout.

5:02: Clint Harper’s jumper makes it 50-48 Rogersville with 4 minutes left. We actually have a game here.

5:00: This game is weird. Now it’s been Rogersville’s turn to struggle. Willow has cut it to 50-46 with 4:30 left.

4:54: Harper’s jumper at the buzzer is no good and after three quarters, it’s 48-42 Rogersville.

4:53: Allen Brasier scores the Bears’ first points of the quarter with a left elbow jumper. A 3 from James and it’s 48-42 Rog. Somehow the Bears are still in this game. 12.3 seconds left.

4:50: Willow Springs is yet to score in the third quarter. Rog has put the whoopin’ on them, specifically on the defensive end with ball pressure and rebounding. It’s 48-37, 2:33 3Q.

4:42: Colton Woods lays one in and Dylan Cole hits a sweet running baker off the window as Rog reclaims the lead 39-37, 5:35, 3Q. Willow Springs is finding zero room to maneuver on offense. Timeout Bears.

Rogersville's Dylan Cole lines up a jumper

Official scoring

WILLOW SPRINGS (37) — Taylor James 17, Blaine Collins 3, Allen Brasier 6, Jared Hummel 5, Clint Harper 2, Cole Johnson 2

ROGERSVILLE (35) — Joe Young 9, Dylan Cole 7, Aaron Orchard 6, Garrett Woods 5, Justus Boever 2, Austin Price 3, Brock Buzbee 3

Halftime score

(4) Willow Springs 37, (3) Rogersville 35

4:30: Taylor James steps up and knocks down a 3-pointer from the top of the key with just a few seconds left. Rog can’t hit the halfcourt heave and Willow ends the half on a 17-7 run over the last 4 and a half minutes. 37-35 Willow Springs at the half.

4:27: The defenses are starting to settle in, but these teams are evenly matched. Side note: both teams have MSU colors and blend in with the court. That’s what I think about during third-place games. 35-34, 40 seconds left.

4:22: Rog calls timeout after back-to-back buckets from Allen Brasier and Jared Hummel. 3:43 left in the first half and Rog leads WS 30-24.

4:21: Rogersville is starting to pull away, thanks to too much Joe Young. The third-seeded Wildcats lead Willow Springs 28-20, 4:34 2Q.

First quarter score

(3) Rogersville 13, (4) Willow Springs 12

4:07: I generally have a policy against third-place games — don’t watch them. But, for the Blue and Gold, I’m making an exception and these teams are taking it seriously, which is generally the reason I don’t like them. Rogersville and Willow Springs are tied at 9 with 2:22 left.

Starting lineups, Blue Division third-place game

(5) WILLOW SPRINGS (7-2)
Clint Harper, 6-2, sr.
Jared Hummel, 6-1, sr.
Allen Brasier, 6-2, sr.
Cole Johnson, 6-0, sr.
Taylor James, 6-1, sr.

(3) ROGERSVILLE
Derrion Donson, 5-9, sr.
Colton Woods, 6-5, jr.
Dylan Cole, 6-0, jr.
Aaron Orchard, 6-6, jr.
Joe Young, 6-4, jr.

Welcome to JQH Arena, site of the final round of the 65th Blue and Gold Tournament. We are squeezed up in the wedge (see: alternate media area) with a bird’s eye view of the night’s action. The wish for tonight? No turbo clock. Let’s do this!

Tonight’s Schedule

Blue Division
Championship — (1) Nixa vs. (2) Parkview, 7 p.m.
Third-place game — (4) Willow Springs vs. (3) Rogersville, 4 p.m.

Gold Division
Championship — (1) Glendale vs. (2) Willard, 8:30 p.m.
Third-place game — (5) Ava. (3) Branson, 5:30 p.m.

The student section is rocking.

10:36: Leonard hits his fourth 3 and the clock is going to run out on Oral Roberts. Final score: MSU 78, Oral Roberts 61. Back with more in a second.

10:34: The most exciting thing about this game ending? I’m going to be making a guest appearance on the Bears post-game show on Jock 98.7 FM from Boomers, FYI. On immediately after the game. Blam-O!

10:30: Leonard hits his third 3-pointer of the night to ice the game. It’s 74-57 with 2:02 left, and many fans head for the exits. It is 10:32 p.m.!

10:27: After lulling MSU to sleep with a bunch of missed free throws, poor passes and offensive rebounds, McClintock hits a 3 from the top of the key. It’s 68-55 MSU with 3:01 left. (FYI, the spread was 10 1/2)

10:26: Holding the camera, Brett says:

Will someone please do something fundamental before I have a seizure!

Awesome.

10:19: Weems tweaked his knee, but remains in the game. He has a Bears-high 16 points. Without a deep bench, the Bears still playing regulars. With no flow to the game, would  have thought Copeland, Cooper and Scheer would get a bunch of these minutes. Bears lead 67-52 with 4:15 left.

10:15: Kyle Weems scores for the first time in a while as the Bears go on a 6-0 run to stretch lead to 67-47 with 5:43 left.

10:13: After getting early minutes, the first off the bench, freshman guard Aaron Cooper hasn’t sniffed the second half. This game is in hand. Might be time for some freshman minutes. Just sayin’.

10:09: Sorry, six minutes in between posts is unacceptable, I know, but this game is not exciting at all. I can see how Oral Roberts will be a tough team in The Summit League, though. Very physical. Bears have fallen into their sloppy trap. 61-47 MSU, 7:08.

10:03: Hunter McClintock, a redshirt freshman for ORU, just banked in a 3-pointer. He looks like a cross between Adam Morrison, Pete Maravich and Tomas Brock. Bears lead 59-42 with 9:34 left.

10:01: I have to say I’m impressed with ORU’s Damen Bell-Holter. He only has nine points, but he’s been very physical and is taller than Creekmore. Just a sophomore, he would have been a nice fit in a MSU uniform.

9:57: In unrelated news, word is trickling in that Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love has 31 points and 31 rebounds. Yes, 31 rebounds. I bet Oral Roberts doesn’t get 31 rebounds in this game.

9:55: Mallett redeems himself and cans a 3 to swell the lead to 51-34 with just under 13 minutes left. The game is getting very physical. Damen Bell-Holter is a brawny 6-9 dude.

9:53: The first “Could Be a Dunk” moment of the season happens, and Jermaine Mallett blows it. He’s wide open, goes up off one foot and bricks it off the back of the rim. Brett is 50-50 if it makes the video. Brett: “It’s pretty bad.”

9:48: Former MSU recruit Ken Holdman jumps in the passing lane and looks like he has a clear path to the bucket. Instead, Ricks reaches in, knocks it away and leaps over the Sugar Bears. Nobody’s plans after the game have been changed. That’s good news. 46-34 Bears, 15:27 left.

9:47: Dominique Morrison hits a J that cuts it to 43-34, but Mallett answers with his first 3-pointer of the night.

9:43: Game’s getting sloppy. ORU is less talented and is starting to impose its will on the game. And it’s not easy on the eyes. The score is 43-32 with 16:39 left.

9:39: Weems takes it to the bucket, gets fouled and makes both free throws. Easy Peasy. Look for MSU to blow this one out in the second half.

9:30: Stat geekage:

MISSOURI STATE (38) — Kyle Weems 12, Nafis Ricks 6, Adam Leonard 6, Jermaine Mallett 5, Nathan Scheer 3, Will Creekmore 2, Caleb Patterson 2, Isaiah Rhine 2

Team stats — FG shooting: 14-for-28 (50 percent), 5 blocks, 7 assists, 6 turnovers.

ORAL ROBERTS (28) — Steven Roundtree 10, Dominique Morrison 7, Damen Bell-Holter 6, Hunter McClintock 4, Kyron Stokes 1

Team stats — FG shooting: 9-for-23 (39.1 percent), 2 assists, 6 turnovers.

9:28: Halftime entertainment:
NHL fail

9:23: Roundtree dumps in a cheapy before the half. It cuts MSU’s lead to 38-28 at the half. Back with stat geekage and some halftime entertainment in a few.

9:21: This game has come to a screeching halt. So, in other MSU Bears opponents news:

Bad start for Tulsa, trails Appy state 76-63 with 228 left. TU could be only C-USA team to lose tonight.

9:19: For the Lady Bears fans, this just off the Twitter wire:

DePaul women defeat Valparaiso 84-53 in first round of preseason WNIT, will come to JQH Arena on Monday to play the Lady Bears. @ErinBolenNL

9:16: A reminder as we head to timeout, don’t huff paint and them throw oranges at lifting-off airplanes. Just don’t.

9:12: Nafis Ricks with the quick crossover, blow by and a lefthanded finish. Very pretty. Good thing Brett Johnston is here to capture it on video. Bears lead 35-22 with 3:31 left in the first half.

9:10: The Bears’ rotation has been nine deep, everyone but Copeland and Valla. Very effective. Ricks follows up a Weems miss with an offensive putback. Bears extend to 33-20 lead with 4:37 left in the first half.

9:07: Will “Jordan” Creekmore rejects a weak ORU attempt. The crowd goes crazy. Defensively, MSU has been tough.

9:05: Weems jab steps, then drives to the basket, absorbs the contact and makes the basket. After a 3-point play, he’s trying to do his best Casey Garrison impression. Weems already has 12 points in 13 minutes. Bears lead 30-19.

9:03: Chase Wilson tweets in response to the caller to my radio show (The High Road with Allen Vaughan): your caller today must have never been to a game.

Agreed. Or maybe my talk show persuaded all 1,000 of them to come.

8:59: Well, it’s not all good news. Nafis Ricks and Adam Leonard airball 3s — back-to-back. Oy.

8:57: Offensively, MSU looks great, but defensively it’s tight, too. Every ORU shot is contested. Morrison hits a tough jumper with Weems in his face. 25-13 Bears, 9 minutes left.

8:55: Weems confidently strokes a 3 from the top of the key. I know we are not even 10 minutes into this season, but Weems looks like he’s playing with more confidence. Then Leonard bangs a 3 to extend the MSU lead to 23-9 with 10:07 left. Great start.

8:54: There are two former MSU recruits on ORU’s roster, Damen Bell-Holter and Ken Holdman. Both were Barry Hinson recruits and went to ORU when former assistant Kyan Brown went there. Bell-Holter is awkward offensively and Holdman hasn’t gotten involved offensively. Not sayin’, just sayin’.

8:53: After a media timeout, the Bears break the sideline with Ricks, Scheer, Mallett, Weems and Creekmore.

8:48: Kyle Weems shows why he is already in the race for Missouri Valley Conference player of the year. He fakes to his left, then spins the ball behind his back, shakes the defender and goes off glass from 12 feet. It’s a new wrinkle to his game, one that could answer the Bears’ go-to guy question.

8:47: Freshman guard Nathan Scheer comes into the and instantly goes to the block, drawing a foul. He buries both FTs. Put him in the MSU hall of fame. 13-4 MSU, 13:30 left in the first half.

8:43: Don’t want to forget Kyle Weems’ emphatic block on a drive by Pearson. And the first freshman already checks in, 5-10 guard Aaron Cooper. He was a part of our 5 questions post from yesterday.

Adam Leonard is up to his old tricks tonight.

8:37: The Bears look just like last year, or at least Adam Leonard does. He buries a tough 3 to start the scoring. Obviously with the balance of this squad, four different players score points to boost the Bears to a 9-2 lead with 15:56 left in the first quarter. The Bears look aggressive and are crashing the offensive board. Nice to see. Media timeout.

8:32: Starting lineups

Missouri State

F — Kyle Weems, 6-7, sr.
G — Jermaine Mallett, 6-4, Sr.
C — Will Creekmore, 6-9, Sr.
G — Nafis Ricks, 6-1, Sr.
G – Adam Leonard, 6-1, Sr.

Oral Roberts

G — Roderick Pearson, 6-2, Sr.
G – Warren Niles, 6-4, Sr.
C —  Damen Bell-Holter, 6-9, So.
F — Steven Roundtree, 6-8, Fr.
F — Dominique Morrison, 6-6, Sr.

8:26: OK, we are here back for the men’s basketball game. Get ready for the starting lineups.

7:26: But, before I go, here’s a great music video to enjoy.

I'm not going to lie. I'm a little jealous of this reader-submitted photo.

7:23: Final, Missouri State 83, Lamar 60. Back with stat geekage and other between game entertainment after a dinner break.

7:22: Wilkerson hits a wide open 3, then makes a steal and hits both free throws. In her first Division I game, she has 10 points. Don’t think she can play at the D-I? Check out this story.

7:21: Garbage time breaks out. Wilkerson spots up for a 23-footer and misses everything but the long side of the backboard. The LBs lead 78-58 with a minute to play.

7:19: Garrison starting to pad her stats a little more. She’s up to 33 points, even though she’s out there with a ton of freshmen. After a dead ball, she takes a seat to a nice ovation — from the 3,000ish, who are here. Then on the inbounds, Hannah Wilkerson makes her first MSU field goal, a deep 3. Another nice ovation from the crowd.

7:15: Jasmine Malone hits another mid-range J. She has 12 points in the game, giving MSU a nice second scoring option until Roberson comes back. BTW, Roberson hasn’t played in the second half and logged five first-half minutes.

7:14: Garrison scores again, giving her 31 in the game. By the way, that gives her 24 in the second half — one more than Lamar.

7:11: The crowd still isn’t very large, but both Adam Leonard, Keith Pickens and Nafis Ricks are chilling in the student section, which has about 25 students in it. Ugh.

7:09: Garrison hits two more FTs and she has 29 points. With the game at 67-48, she takes a seat on the bench. If you’re keeping score at home — and I know you are — MSU is outscoring Lamar 33-17 in the second half. There is 5:14 left.

Well, the people who are here for the Lady Bears game are enjoying it...

7:04: Garrison puts the ball on the deck and fouls out Whitaker. Garrison completes the 3-point play and she has 27.

7:03: By the way, in case you forgot (like I did), this game is a part of the WNIT. Just sayin’.

7:00: Anther small mini-spurt from MSU builds the lead to 62-48. Garrison has an assist to Buer, who is winning over the crowd, puts in a jumper. 7:41 left.

6:56: Lamar just can’t handle MSU’s pressure defense. Kendra Roberts steals a pass and goes in for an uncontested layup. It’s 58-45 Lady Bears with 10:10 left. MSU is outscoring Lamar 24-14 in the second half.

6:50: Screw the headband talk, Garrison is red-hot from deep. She cans a 3-pointer from the wing on a nice feed from Regan Soldner. She’s up to 22. 35-plus isn’t out of the question. After a Plumley 3, Lamar cuts lead to 52-45. And as I type, Garrison scores again. 24 and counting.

6:48: Garrison scores back-to-back buckets and all of a sudden has 19 points. There’s still 14 minutes left. LBs up 49-41.

6:44: Lamar finally scores on a nicely designed play. MSU has settled down in the halfcourt, yet is still forcing turnovers. Buer showing why she’s nosed her way into the starting lineup as she buries a midrange J. 45-36 LBs after a Boshe layup. MSU might win by 20.

Headband, or no headband? That is the question. So far, it's headband.

6:42: The LBs are on a tear. Garrison buries another 3 to make it 41-34 MSU with 17:05 left in the second half. That’s right, Lamar hasn’t scored in the second half. MSU is forcing turnover after turnover.

6:37: Garrison makes both FTs to make it 36-34. It’s the first lead of the night for the LBs.

6:35: Garrison isn’t messing around. She’s shed the headband you see on the right of the screen, grabs an offensive rebound and sinks a 3. No joking around. Wait, she just summoned the headband from the bench as she goes to the FT line. OK, maybe a little joking around. The 3 ties the game at 34.

6:29: Halftime stat geekage:

Missouri State (31) – Casey Garrison 7 points (3-of-10 shooting), Lacey Boshe 6, Christiana Shorter 6, Jasmine Malone 4, Karly Buer 4, Hannah Wilkerson 2, Kendra Roberts 2

FGs: 11-of-35 (31.4 percent), 6 steals, 4 turnovers

Lamar (34) — Kalis Loyd 9, Jenna Plumley 9, Danielle Heithoff 8, Trashanna Smith 6, Ang Green 2

6:24: For your halftime entertainment, let’s turn it over to Antoine Dodson. “Hide your kids, hide your wife, hide your kids, hide your wife.”

6:18: Lamar finally gains some composure and gets to the FT line to calm the crowd down. Loyd calmly buries two and it’s 34-29 with 42.6 seconds left in the half.

6:15: And the Lady Bears showed up. They’re on a 9-0 run, propelled by four straight steals, two by Jasmine Malone. After an offensive rebound by freshman guard Karly Buer, Garrison buries a 3. Make it an 11-0 run after two Buer free throws. 32-29 LBs.

6:10: After playing minimal minutes in the preseason, Jaleshia Roberson gets an emphatic blocked shot. Yes, just months after giving birth, she brutally rejects a Lamar post player. I can’t believe she’s out there, and I can’t believe she’s channeling her inner Dikembe Mutombo, either.

At the timeout, it’s 32-18 Lamar, 3:20 p.m. left in the first half.

6:08: Hannah Wilkerson checks in. Yes, that Hannah Wilkerson, the state’s leading high school scorer. And 21 seconds in to the game, she gets her first….foul.

6:06: Out of the timeout, Lamar storms back, on a 12-1 run after a Plumley 3. JQH is silent right now. 30-16, Lamar. The Cards are killing the LBs inside and MSU can’t find a way to score, either. Bad combo.

5:58: OK, we are back on track, just like the Lady Bears. After falling behind 18-9, the LBs have stormed back with a 6-0 spurt, capped by a Boshe layup.

5:40: The scoring is nothing to sneeze at, unless you consider MSU’s Casey Garrison scored her first bucket of the campaign. Yes, she is on the preseason list for the Naismith Award, given to the best college basketball player in the country.

5:34: We are live from JQH Arena, and I literally got goosebumps from the intro video for the Lady Bears as they ready to take on the Lamar Cardinals. I am out of control. Can’t be more excited that basketball is officially back.

OK, let’s get you into the game. Thanks to a few technical difficulties, we are getting started a little late, but we’ll give you the necessary information as the game unfolds.

If you have any questions or comments, submit them below, or e-mail them at Allen@TAGsgf.com.

Hang on, it’s going to be a fun night.

5:30: Starters for Missouri State:

1. Karly Buer, G, fr.
2. Jasmine Malone, G, jr.
3. Casey Garrison, G, jr.
4. Lacey Boshe, F, jr.
5. Christiana Shorter, F, so.

Starters for Lamar:

1. Monique Whittaker, F, 5-11, Jr.
2. Trashanna Smith, F, 5-11, Sr.
3. Kalis Loyd, G, 6-1, So.
4. Jenna Plumley, G, 5-3, Sr.
5. Ang Green, G, 5-7, Jr.

——

Now, the fun begins.

As we know, the Ozarks’ collective interest revolves around the Missouri State basketball season, both men’s and women’s. And tonight, we get a doubleheader look at both teams. The Lady Bears, picked to win the Missouri Vallen Conference, open up JQH Arena’s regular season at 5:35 p.m. when facing Southland Conference favorite Lamar. The Bears face Oral Roberts, the No. 2 team in The Summit Conference, at 8:35 p.m.

Allen Vaughan will be Live Blogging the event courtside, providing real-time analysis, information and commentary. If you’re not familiar with our Live Blogs, you can click here to do some homework. They are the perfect compliment with or without radio access, and are perfect for mobile phones. Even if you’re at the game, follow along on your mobile phone. It’s like having another person hanging out with your group.

If you’ve missed our preseason MSU coverage, here’s a recap:

• 5 questions about MSU men’s basketball
• ESPN picks MSU men to make NCAA Tournament
• MSU men picked second in MVC Conference, Weems picked to all-MVC team
• Lady Bears picked to win MVC
• MSU men signing day
• Lady Bears signing day
• Video interview: Kyle Weems
• Video interview: Casey Garrison

Empty stands host a downpour as the Bears opener is postponed for Friday afternoon (1 p.m.).

9:09: Game has been officially postponed for tomorrow at 1 p.m. Free admission and parking for everybody.

9:07: Don’t you love when anything dealing with kickers is the indicator? Speaking of I took a kicker in my first fantasy draft in the 12th round (of 15). Yeah. I’m that guy.

9:05: 25 minutes until a decision. God I hope they kickoff sometime around midnight. There is a half joke in the pressbox about the game starting late. That is getting curbed, the kicker nets are getting packed up.

9:04: I went to college with a guy we called Ride the Lightning. He got struck by lightning twice. Good dude, too. Ben Dryer, if you’re reading this, how’ve you been?

9:02: Totally playing. This is how I feel:

8:58: Do you feel as good as I do right now? Actually, this is how I feel:

Missouri State players made it to the tunnel, but were promptly turned away.

8:52: Eastern Kentucky press is shutting it down. I won’t shut down. Not now. Not ever.

8:49: People are running around on the field, not players, but people. Let’s get this thing going. Here comes the rain.

8:44: Final decision pushed back to 9:30. Stay tuned.

8:26: Tornado drill is over.Everybody at the stadium was packed into the racquetball courts hallway at ground level. Two people had guns (cops). And two people had beer (not including the cops or myself – sadly for the latter). It was steamy. We still have a half hour until officials determine whether we have a late start or will play tomorrow. I climbed a lot of stairs to keep this coming, so I hope you stick around.

7:49: Tornado Siren, getting booted from press box. Be back sometime.

7:44: There’s 50 minutes on the clock, officials will wait until 9 p.m. to make a decision. It could still be played then, but could also get postponed for tomorrow.

7:37: The clock was reset to an hour. As an Eastern Kentucky SID just said, “I wish they’d just make a decision so we can watch football somewhere.” It just pisses me of. We’re at a football stadium. The worst part is the student section actually turned out. It was starting to fill and now there are five students bravely waiting. They don’t even fit under their one shared umbrella. In other news – Leonard Pope makes a redzone catch to put the Chiefs on top of the Rams, 7-0.

7:26: Live blog is going to be put on pause. Check back for more news. The quickest we’ll have game action is 45 minutes (8:13 p.m.). I’ll continue to update weather delays. Thanks for reading and staying patient.

7:22: The team came to the tunnel with less than 10 minutes on the lightning clock. As the Bears made it about 20 yards out of the tunnel, they were sent back. The clock has been reset to 30 minutes.

7:19: I think Chiefs fans are going to enjoy the running back duo. Who cares about the depth chart? They compliment each other well. Jones looks good tonight, he’s so patient behind his blockers – something that eluded Larry Johnson in late 2008.

7:17: Some sort of decision was just made on the field. Terry Allen returned to the giant inflated helmet on the North end of the field.

7:15: 16:04 on the lightning clock – no recent flashes (no jinx, no jinx, no jinx)

7:10: Chiefs and Rams preseason games under way … updates could spread out until there’s action at Plaster. I’ll try not to let that happen, but can’t promise anything.

7:08: Got to think this game can’t be rescheduled too easily. They’ve got to get it in any way possible. I’m prepared for a late night. Hope you are too.

7:07: In my eyes, this game should’ve started at 7 anyway, so we’re just a little behind. 25:00 on the lightning clock.

7:03: The lightning clock was reset again. Here’s more video of Nathan Scheer, this time against CBC. Bear Nation on the footage, @DBear5 on the link. Already a little amped for basketball season and football season is yet to begin. Damn you Mother Nature.

The South endzone at Plaster Field is a little more visible with the shiny new light.

7:01: Press box invaded by a random man in a Michigan shirt claiming allegiances to Art Hains. He stole our chips. It’s OK he probably needed them more than us. Don’t worry. He received the boot.

6:56: The first song News-Leader sports editor Pam Clark thinks of about the rain? “Rainy Days and Mondays by the Carpenters.
What’s that? You want video of it? Of course.

6:49: Media member states the obvious – Missouri State would be making a killing right now if they could sell beer. Obvious, but could you imagine the revenue? Damn. The lightning clock froze at 6:00, now it resets again. I’m getting settled in. The fans who just came back in promptly head to the exits.

6:45: @DBear5 tweeted a link to this highlight reel of Missouri State basketball newbie Nathan Scheer (Boriga) vs. DeSmet. Enjoy! – 9:13 on the lightning clock.

6:42: The view here at the top of Plaster is pretty sweet, Plaza Tower(s) stands above the trees. (Desperately seeking content)

6:39: EKU and MSU have never played before, and the way the lightning clock continues to reset, they may not. The Pride band has officially lost its section as the crowd refilters to its seats. Another big strike, hoping it doesn’t reset again (14:31 left on lightning clock – word is they will get a 20-minute warmup if we get there).

6:34: As per suggestion of the News-Leader’s Erin Bolen – former Branson and global country icon Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love a Rainy Night”. She also points out the faint rainbow to the south east.

Coaches and officials (and News-Leader photographer Jerome Nakagawa) huddle to discuss weather issues.

6:31: Terry Allen walked away from coaches meeting with the officials scratching his head – 23:47 until lightning clock ends.

6:26: Lightning clock reset again – 30 more minutes. MSU student worker quips “why can’t we play in a dome?” while remaining dry in a press box.

6:23: Eastern Kentucky notes – This is the fifth straight year the Colonels have opened on the road. Sophomore quarterback T.J. Pryor was the 2009 Ohio Valley Conference freshman of the year (I’m checking to see if he’s of relation to Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor). EKU’s defense returns all 11 defensive starters.

6:20: News-Leader sports writer Erin Bolen reports that there’s a severe weather warning until midnight. She adds torrential downpours expected throughout the night. Oy.

6:16: After one reset of the lightning clock, we have 17:12 until kickoff.

6:14:  We will keep you entertained. Jon Poorman, sports editor of the Missouri State Standard, suggested some Lil Wayne. So, here you go.
Lil Wayne and Eminem, “Drop the World”

6:06: Speaking of TAGsgf.com sports editor Allen Vaughan, read his five storylines for the Bears this year.

6:04: Weather Delay Entertainment – Al Pacino’s inspirational speech from Any Given Sunday (marginal compared to Allen Vaughan’s version on The High Road.

Missouri State opens tonight against Eastern Kentucky.

6:01: The lightly peppered crowd clears out as a downpour arrives. Expect a longer delay. Don’t worry, though. The MSU Pride Band is playing on.

5:59: Lightning delay … 30 minutes. Prepare for 30 minutes of nonsense.

5:55: Notable scratches for the Bears from tonight’s game are running backs Drew Temple and Mikael Cooper-Falls. Needless to say Stephen Johnston (no relation) will see a load of carries.

5:52: Without specifics, our scout friend is here for Missouri State linebackers and offensive linemen (cough: David Arkin, LT, and Antoine Wilkinson, LB).

5:48: Happy 90210 Day and welcome to Plaster Stadium where Missouri State opens its season against Eastern Kentucky with massive expectations that start and end with the word “playoffs.” The new lights at Plaster are warming up and according to the press massager, the lights are lightning proof. Tonight I am parked next to a scout from the Tennessee Titans. We’ll try to get more from him as the night goes on.

9:45 p.m.: As the fireworks of AM Pyrotechnics illuminate the crowd in yellows and purples, it seems a good time to examine where this Cardinals team is at heading into its last stretch of road games before a possible, if not likely, postseason. I have dogged this team for much of the year, describing it as an off year and saying that they’re not that good. In the games I was here for that was true; there have been some decidedly weak performances at times. But the players on the field tonight looked smarter, more coordinated and more capable than perhaps at any point this season–exactly how you want to go into the do-or-die playoff situations ahead. Now they’ll travel to Tulsa (which is the only team that can take the Cards out of the playoff scenarios with an outright second-half season title) and then to Arkansas to finish the regular season as scheduled. I like their chances, particularly if the middle of the order (Aaron Luna aside) can continue to manufacture runs when needed. Fingers crossed on that one.

With that, I’ll sign off. Thanks for reading, and, hopefully, we’ll all be back here in about 10 days when the playoffs start.

9:38 p.m.: Classy finish by the Cards, as manager Pop Warner brings the team out onto the field to tip their caps to the fans as a thank you for their support this season. Even the press box is impressed, and these guys don’t budge for anything.

9:36 p.m.: Reifer works steadily through the ninth, getting Ryan Mount on a liner to right field for the last out of the game. Final score: SGF Cardinals 3, Arkansas Travelers 1. Feels good to end the home schedule with a win, doesn’t it?

9:32 p.m.: The answer to the trivia question you didn’t know to ask: 6,456 people officially attended tonight’s game.

9:28 p.m.: Swauger also strikes out swinging. Meanwhile, the Cards change pitchers again, bringing in Adam Reifer (RHP, 4-7, 4.47 ERA). Delgado pitched pitches in two innings with one strikeout, no hits and no earned runs.

9:26 p.m.: With Matt Carpenter on at first, Andrew Brown and Aaron Luna rack up outs (Luna striking out swinging) to bring up Chris Swauger, who is 1-3 with a home run tonight.

9:20 p.m.: Internet spazzed for a few. In that time Delgado got Travelers bats out 1-2-3, with the last out coming on a hit straight back to his glove. About to start the bottom of the eighth with Pugliese on the mound. Pitching line for Ryan Brasier: 7 IP, 3H, 3R (0ER), 105 pitches, 4K.

9:11 p.m.: DeJesus flies out to deep left for the second out of the seventh. The wind is still blowing the flags in the outfield as though they’re attached to moving boats rather than stationary poles, but it’s not carrying high hits to left as much as I expected. That, or maybe there haven’t been that many high hits to left. Probably the latter. Kozma also flies out to end the seventh. Still a 3-1 Cards lead.

9:06 p.m.: Curtis gets on at first as the Travelers start warming up newcomer Nick Pugliese (RHP, 0-0, 0.00 ERA) to replace Brasier.

9:03 p.m.: Delgado gets through the top of the seventh without incident. “Sing with me,” our seventh inning stretch singer says partway through “God Bless America.” Okay. Gooooood bless Ameriiiiiicaaaaaa, my hoooooome sweeeeeeet hooooome. You did it better, ma’am.

8:59 p.m.: Delgado now in to pitch for Springfield, so let’s get you caught up on how starter Brian Broderick did: 6 IP, 92 pitches, 9H, 1 ER.

8:54 p.m.: HOME RUN, CARDINALS! Chris Swauger mashes with authority, sending one over the St. John’s sign on the side of the Cards training facility to put another ball on the roof. It’s his fifth of the season for SGF, and he scores two in the process. 3-1 Cardinals in the bottom of the sixth. Tony Cruz then flies out to end the inning.

8:51 p.m.: Aaron Luna reaches second on two–yes, two–errors, by second base and right field. How is that even possible?!

8:50 p.m.: Delgado still warming up for SGF as Andrew Brown flies out to shallow right for the second out of the sixth after an uneventful Matt Carpenter at-bat. DH Aaron Luna will get his turn next.

8:44 p.m.: Lopez’s freeze at third comes back to haunt the Travelers. Ryan Mount flies out to center on the next at-bat, and with two out Lopez can’t take advantage and run in for a score. Another case of below-expectations effort for Arkansas.

8:40 p.m.: Moore belts one right over the head of Cards first baseman Andrew Brown for a base hit. Jimerson hits next into a double play, though, leaving Lopez at third waiting to score. He probably should have on that play already; he had the room to run with and froze.

8:37 p.m.: Roberto Lopez leads off the top of the sixth with a base hit up the middle. Jeremy Moore comes up and starts fouling off pitches as the Cards warm up Ramon Delgado (RHP, 1-2, 1.42 ERA).

8:34 p.m.: It all comes to naught. Antone DeJesus can’t capitalize on the runner at second and the inning ends without a run scored.

8:31 p.m.: The Barker-Phillips-Jackson “Guess the Flag” game comes on the Hammons Field screen as Jermaine Curtis sac bunts to advance Jones to second. The answer is Liberia, a flag that looks a lot like that of the United States, only with one star in the blue square and a different number of stripes. This makes me wonder: Why do so many national flags around the world repeat this basic setup and color scheme? Are we the chicken or egg in this, as the metaphor goes? These are questions I ask when a baseball game needs to move along better.

8:29 p.m.: Daryl Jones, batting next-to-last tonight, gets the Cards’ first base hit of the night with a low shot to right field in the bottom of the fifth.

8:26 p.m.: Even-more-bizarre statistic: It’s the top of the fifth and the Travelers’ Abel Nieves is now 3-for-3 and a home run away from hitting for the cycle after hitting a single. The same is not true for the next man in the lineup, though, as Efren Navarro hits into a double play to end the top of the inning. Still tied 1-1.

8:24 p.m.: Bizarre, but true, statistic: SGF Cards: 1 run, 0 hits, 0 errors. That’s about as positive an outcome as a team can hope for without actually causing said outcome.

8:18 p.m.: Aaron Luna hits a beauty… right to center field for the first out of the fourth for the Cardinals. Not surprising, given his anemic (.202) average on the season. Swauger pops up to shallow right, too. Brasier, in spite of a couple of costly moves, is hanging in this game on the mound for Arkansas.

8:15 p.m.: Campos gets on at first, but Arkansas catcher Beau Brooks lines out to left field to leave him stranded. The middle of the fourth arrives in a still-tied game.

8:11 p.m.: Broderick is still on his game, getting Charlton Jimerson for another strikeout looking. Ryan Mount gets a solid hit after Jimerson, but it carries too high into right field and Chris Swauger gets under it for the catch. Two out.

8:08 p.m.: Carpenter struck out swinging for the second out, leaving Andrew Brown to try and do his best. He suffers the same fate as Carpenter. Still tied after three.

Above: Ivan Pavlov, NOT DJ Casper, the man behind the "Cha Cha Slide" song. It's okay; easy mistake. Now please stop clapping your hands.

8:05 p.m.: Matt Carpenter up next for SGF, bases still loaded. I just realized an important upshot to having the season winding down: I will soon be rid of that “everybody clap your hands!” song. Hammons Field PA system, you are not Pavlov, and I am not your dog.

8:02 p.m.: Brasier walks in a run, as Kozma takes on a full count and Brasier sends one low and outside. 1-1 tie in the bottom of the third. “At least he’s still working on a no-hitter,” comes the quip from my right.

8:01 p.m.: Kozma fouls a pitch straight back, just over the netting… and headlong into a window in one of the luxury suites just below the press box. By the sound, I’d say it’s totaled. Please send the bill to: Kozma, Peter, courtesy of Hammons, J.Q.

7:58 p.m.: Brasier hits Antone DeJesus to load the bases in the bottom of the third for the Cards. Kozma will get the chance to be the RBI hero. Meanwhile, what else can Arkansas be subpar at?

7:54 p.m.: Jones is out relatively quickly for the inning’s first out. Jermaine Curtis is up next, terrorizing the mezzanine with his foul balls. .220 batting average in full effect. Luckily, the Travelers aren’t fielding cleanly. Another dropped easy play at second gets Curtis on and moves Cruz to second.

7:52 p.m.: Cruz is on at first after an error by Arkansas third baseman Jesus Campos. Daryl Jones, it’s clutch time.

7:49 p.m.: Lopez gets on base, but Jeremy Moore‘s chopper straight to first base assures the end of the inning with a double play. Catcher Tony Cruz will lead off the bottom of the third for SGF.

7:47 p.m.: Efren Navarro drives in Nieves on a sacrifice hit. 1-0 Arkansas in the third.

7:45 p.m.: Abel Nieves’s charmed night continues, hitting a triple to right field as Chris Swauger dives and punts it with his glove rather than catches it.

7:44 p.m.: Not only has the dry, searing summer taken its toll on local lakes and rivers, but it has left Hammons Field looking haggard in spots, too. Hard not to notice the corner outfielders standing on six-by-six squares of replacement grass, colored a little differently than the rest.

7:39 p.m.: Luna works up a full count before taking a way-inside pitch from Brasier to get a walk. He then makes a monumental baserunning screw-up, getting picked off at first after leading too much during Chris Swauger‘s at-bat. Swauger hits out to first on the next pitch. Mojo = killed.

7:36 p.m.: Brown flies out to shallow right. Kind of a muffled sentence as statements go. Aaron Luna up next.

7:35 p.m.: Andrew Brown leads off the bottom of the second. He leads the team in home runs with 13. Good time for a statement hit to make up for that drop at first earlier.

7:33 p.m.: Classic baseball moment just happened. Beau Brooks hit a dribbler up third base line, which the Cards infielders watched roll all the way up in the hope it would go foul. It didn’t. That’s the most embarrassing play of the night. I’m calling it now. Thank God Kiniry flew out to right to end the inning on the next at-bat and not make that look consequential.

7:30 p.m.: Ryan Mount wipes the (metaphorical) smile off Broderick’s face on the next at-bat with a prompt single, while Jesus Campos digs himself into an 0-2 count before slapping one to Kozma at short. The result is an out for Mount at second, but Andrew Brown drops the ball on the throw to first to get Campos on.

7:27 p.m: Charlton Jimerson leads off the second for the Travelers and hacks away at anything thrown in his direction for an easy out. Can I pitch against him next time? That looked like fun.

7:24 p.m.: Pete Kozma rips one to left, easily caught by Charlton Jimerson for the out. What can the .326-hitting Carpenter produce after him? Answer: Nothing.

7:19 p.m.: Bullet solidly dodged by Broderick, who gets Moore to fly out to left to end the inning with no runs scored. It will be interesting to see what the wind, flowing in from the east, will do to hitting tonight. Flags are all at full extension constantly. If you look closely you can even see a slight ripple in the digital scoreboard.

7:16 p.m.: Lopez reaches first on a single but Nieves goes nowhere. First and second on with two outs and Jeremy Moore up now.

7:13 p.m.: You can tell fall is fast approaching at Hammons. Shadows have already engulfed 85% of the outfield, which is probably a blessing for the fielders. Broderick is holding his own so far on the mound, currently working a tenacious at-bat from DH Roberto Lopez. 2-2 count.

7:08 p.m.: Travelers second baseman Abel Nieves hits a beauty of a shot to center field, over the head of Antone DeJesus for a double.

7:05 p.m.: As the audience, robust for this hour, sings its own National Anthem, here are the lineups, going one to nine:

Cardinals – DeJesus, Kozma, Carpenter, Brown, Luna, Swauger, Cruz, Jones and Curtis.

Travelers – Kiniry, Nieves, Navarro, Lopez, Moore, Jimerson, Mount, Campos, Brooks.

7 p.m.: Coming to you LIVE from sun-slathered Hammons Field in Center-City Springfield, Missouri where the fans are milling around the concessions areas for just a bit longer before finding their seats for tonight’s game against the Arkansas Travelers. Tonight is the last scheduled regular season home game of 2010 for the Cards (there will be more, almost certainly, but they will have some sort of playoff atmosphere) and people seem to be taking it in. Hell, I even high-fived Fetch, the Cards’ second mascot. What? It’s the end of the season. It’s a celebration.

Tonight Springfield pits starter Brian Broderick (RHP, 9-2, 3.08 ERA) against the Travelers’ struggling Ryan Brasier (RHP, 7-10, 5.55 ERA). Overall, Arkansas has been as comprehensively bad as they can, finishing well below .500 for the second half and the season overall. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are in good shape to get a playoff spot one way or another tonight. They’ll want to come out strong to carry momentum into their impending road trip, though.

Kyle Lohse's Bentley

8:33: Lohse’s last pitch is a swinging strike on a changeup for a strike out. 57 strikes and 28 balls for Lohse. The line:

5 IP, 12 hits, 5 runs — all earned — 4 Ks, 0 BBs

8:31: More minor league hijinks. After the Travs get their 12th hit, Pham bobbles the ball, allowing the runners to move up a base. 80 pitches for Lohse and he’s got another jam, second and third with two out.

8:29: Another lefty does damage to Lohse. A seeing-eye single to right field sneaks past Garcia and Brown. Another run scores. It’s 5-1 Arkansas and the Travs have 11 hits.

8:28: Lohse gets a ground ball to a drawn in second baseman. The batter going hom is caught in a rundown and somehow Lohse is in it. Lucky his ankle didn’t David Freese-like explode. The runner who reached on the Fielder’s Choice is on third base.

8:25: Lohse gives up a rope to left field, which is botched by Swauger for an error. Amarista is on second to lead off the inning. Leadoff hitters are 4-for-5 against Lohse tonight.

8:23: Lohse looking for a quick inning. He has 15 pitches left, which for him, is more than one innings worth.

8:21: Cards trying to rally with two outs. Runners at first and second with SportsCenter star Antone DeJesus at the plate. He flies out harmlessly to center. This looks like the big league offense recently.

8:16: Just found this on Twitter:

RT @ajlamb: @karybooherNL Fans watching Lohse warm up  prior to start were threatened with removal if they said anything in his direction

Lame. No, “Hey batta, batta”?

8:14: And strike three called on the inside part to retire Romine. That’s the pitch they’ve been hammering. Or, maybe he figured it out. That’s 65 pitches through four. He might have more inning left. Then it’s interview time, and possibly the end of this Live Blog.

8:13: Lohse has only elicited five swinging strikes all night long.

8:11: Lohse gets a grounder to third. Carpenter gets Navarro in a rundown and he’s tagged out. Runners at first and third now, with two outs. Lohse can somehow get out of this jam. But, it’s a lefty, Romine, who is 1-for-2 on the night.

8:10: The Travelers give Lohse an out via sacrifice bunt from Kiniry. Runners at second and third with one out. 4-1 Travelers, but it could get a whole lot worse.

8:08: Lohse serves up two more singles to lefties to start the innings. That’s nine hits and nine outs so far for Lohse.

8:05: Sorry, I took the bottom of the third to talk to fellow TAGsgf.com staffer and music guru Chris DeRosier during the bottom of the third. The only thing that happened in the scoreless frame was an MLB play from SS Andrew Romine, making a play to his backhand and a jumping throw to retire a Cardinal. And besides, you really care about Lohse, right?

7:58: Lohse gets Mount to end the inning on a ground out to second base. It’s his first ground ball out of the game. Ouch. Arkansas leads 4-1 after two and a half.

7:57: Moore lofts one to center field that’s a sac fly. Romine scores to make it 4-1.

7:54: Pitch No. 46 is a 2-2 changeup that fools Jimerson. Big league guile shows up in a big spot with runners at first and third with one no one out.

7:52: Lohse gets lasered again, this time by a line drive by Amarista. Jimerson is up, who singled against him earlier. That’s seven hits to 12 batters, if you’re counting at home.

7:49: Another rocket down the right field line for a double, this time by Romine. Lohse isn’t getting anything on his fastball and it must not be moving much, because it looks like a broken record.

7:47: Garcia is caught stealing to end the inning. Due up to face Lohse is Romine, Amarista and Jimerson.

7:45: To catch you up on the SGF offense, both Kozma and DeJesus K’d, then Luna stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. A Jose Garcia screamer to third base scores Luna. The ball was hit hard at Ryan Mount, who ole’ed it. It ellicits a few “That looked like Flip Lopez.” Chuckles ensue.

7:43: For those who have been asking, Lohse’s velocity hasn’t exceeded 89. And remember, the Hammons Field radar fun is notorious for being a mph or three faster than normal. Not a good sign.

7:41: TAGsgf.com staffer Brett Johnston chimes in via text:

The Westbrook trade has to look better for Cardinals fans.

Yes, but don’t you get the feeling that the sky is falling? The Cards can’t possibly keep up with the Reds, can they?

7:37: For the Cards, Luna singles to right field. Kiniry dives, but can’t make the play. Meanwhile, there is no baseball on TV. St. Louis is off and Kansas City is on the West Coast. So, everyone is watching, or paying attention to Lohse get his ass kicked by a bad Double-A team.

7:33: Lohse gets Kiniry to pop out to Carpenter in foul ground. Then he strikes out Tyson Auner looking, who doubled to start the game. Through 1 and a half, Arkansas 3, Lohse 0.

7:31: Another pitch inside to a lefty is hammered to right field for a double. Beau Brooks hammers one for a two-run double. 3-0 Arkansas.

7:30: First baseman Efren Navarro hammers a cutter inside to right field for a double. Lohse slaps his glove, says something very loud and lackadaisically trots to back up home plate. Second and third with just one out.

7:28: Ryan Mount pounds the fifth pitch, a high fastball, into center field for a single. All three hits have been ropes.

7:27: Jeremy Moore flies out to left field on a fastball. Second pitch.

7:24: Taking a break from Lohse, Tommy Pham and Tony Cruz ground out to shortstop, Matt Carpenter doubles to right field, Andrew Brown walks and Chris Swauger grounds out to second.

Due up to face Lohse, Jeremy Moore, Ryan Mount and Efren Navarro.

7:18: Arkansas DH Charlton Jimerson blisters a ground ball into left field. Auer scored from second base and The High Road with Allen Vaughan friend David Carpenter cuts off the throw and Jimerson is caught in a rundown. 7-5-3-4 if you’re scoring at home. Arkansas leads 1-0 and Lohse allows two hard hits in the inning.

Due up for SGF: Tommy Pham, Tony Cruz and Carpenter.

7:15: On a 2-2 count, Alexi Amarista lines out to right field.

7:12: Andrew Romine pops up to second baseman Jose Garcia on a 2-0 count. Lohse having trouble locating all his pitches. He’s thrown fastballs, changeups and curveballs. Emptying the clip, so to speak.

7:11: On a 2-0 count, Tyson Auer, a righthanded hitter, takes a fastball the other way and doubles to right field. Already time to go to the stretch.

7:10: First pitch, ball outside and in the dirt.

7:06: Lohse is taking the field now in No. 36. RH reliever Adam Reifer has Lohse’s 36.

6:55: Darryl Jones has been scratched from the lineup. Tommy Pham will be starting in his place. I break out with a “That’s it. Jones has been traded for Mike Lowell.”

Friend and former colleague Kary Booher, the SGF Cards beat writer for the News-Leader: “That’s not the guy you trade Jones for.”

I know, but it’s panic time, right?

6:54: Here are your starting lineups for tonight’s game. (The Cards are playing the Arkansas Travelers, by the way)

Ark (16-23, 42-67)

1. Tyson Auder, lf
2. Andrew Romine, ss
3. Alexi Amarista, 2b
4. Charlton Jimerson, dh
5. Jeremy Moore, cf
6. Ryan Mount, 3b
7. Efren Navarro, 1b
8. Beau Brooks, c
9. Rian Kiniry, rf

RHP — Tyler Chatwood

SGF (20-19, 58-51)

1. Daryl Jones, cf
2. Tony Cruz, c
3. Matt Carpenter, 3B
4. Andrew Brown, 1B
5. Chris Swauger, lf
6. Aaron Luna, dh
7. Pete Kozma, ss
8. Antone DeJesus, rf
9. Jose Garcia, 2b

RHP — Kyle Lohse

6:05: Hope you don’t think this is creepy, but after I heard Lohse drove his Bently down here, I had to get a pic. And, here is your TMZ-style journalism — thus, Lohse’s Bentley.

In case you were wondering — and I know you were — a 2009 Continental GT retails at $179,200. That’s not what model Lohse’s is, that’s a secret.

Look at those rims. Ridiculous. Welcome to Springfield. How many Bentleys do you think there are in SGF right now? Any? We will take pictures of any. Send them to allen@tagsgf.com.

Lohse at his Hammons Field locker

5:08: Kyle Lohse showed up to Hammons Field at 4:19 in his tight black Affliction T-Shirt and made his way to his locker. Springfield pitcher Scott McGregor was Lohse’s only “teammate” in the clubhouse and chatted the St. Louis righthander up, which led to the following discussion:

• McGregor: How many pitches you on?
• Lohse: 80, and possibly more.
• SM: So what happened? How did you get hurt?
• KL: I got hit by a pitch last season and it (screwed) up my forearm. I had surgery earlier this season. (Went into boring discussion about the semantics of surgery)
• SM: Really?
• KL: Yeah, it’s never happened to anyone before.
• SM: They going to name it after me?
• KL: I hope not. I hope no one ever has to go through this.

And that’s the backdrop for tonight’s rehab start. Lohse will have 80 (or more) pitches at his disposal. Actually, the Springfield Cardinals were in the dark on Lohse’s rehab instructions, and it felt like many weren’t happy about being the dark.

—————

Kyle Lohse

As Monday’s rehab appearance by now-out for the season David Freese proved, you never know what is going to happen when big leaguers hit Springfield. That’s why TAGsgf.com’s Allen Vaughan is going to be on hand for a Live Blog of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse’s rehab start at 7 p.m. at Hammons Field against the Arkansas Travelers.

Follow along for live updates and other treats as the St. Louis Cardinals righthanded pitcher will make his last expected tuneup before rejoining the big league club. Lohse has been on the disabled list since May 27 because of a rare forearm condition that led to a surgery that didn’t have a normal timetable for a return. In his 10-year MLB career, Lohse is 85-94 with a 4.71 ERA, and before going on the DL this season, Lohse was 1-4 with a 5.89 ERA in 47 1/3 innings.

Lohse has been on the disabled list since May 27 because of a right forearm strain. He is 85-94 with a 4.71 earned run average in 10 big-league seasons, including this year. Before being placed on the disabled list, Lohse was 1-4 and owned a 5.89 ERA in 47 1/3 innings, or nine starts.

This will be Lohse’s second trip to Hammons Field. The 31-year old Lohse made a rehab start last July against Frisco, lasting 4 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks, striking out three.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported today that Lohse is expected to throw 80 pitches, but will be allowed to go longer if he feels healthy.

4:06 p.m.: I’m gonna compose myself and talk stats for a minute: Shots on goal: Spain 18, Netherlands 13. Fouls committed: Netherlands 28(!), Spain 19. Corners: Spain 8, Netherlands 6. FIFA Man of the Match: Andres Iniesta, who has been anonymous this whole tournament until a few minutes ago, proving that anyone can be a hero in The Big Moment.

I’m gonna be real with you for a moment: I have waited 16 years for this moment. If you had asked me when I first watched the World Cup in 1994 if this could have ever possibly happened, I would have laughed and said no. A dream is realized today. For The Netherlands, meanwhile, the dream must wait for another year. It’s a cruel finish for them, but they have the talent to be back. I hope for their sake that they make it; The Videogame deserves its chance, too.

I have shots waiting for me to celebrate, so I’m signing off. Thanks for reading, and whether you rooted for the winner or loser, celebrate. It’s a beautiful day for soccer fans regardless. I’ll see you in 47 months for the next one.

4:03 p.m.: That’s it. Time called. Spain wins 1-0. The chants begin in the back of the room. “O-LE, ole, ole, oleeeee! O-leeeeee, oleeeeee!”

4:02 p.m.: Throw-ins by the Dutch getting cleared. Tick tock.

4 p.m.: Two minutes added time. The wind seems out of Holland’s sails.

3:59 p.m.: The texts are flooding into my phone. Just over a minute to go. Can the Dutch bounce back?

3:56 p.m.: INIESTA! GOAL, SPAIN! In the 107th minute. Yellow card not a minute later for Mathijsen. Iniesta? Really?!

3:54 p.m.: The ref calls another foul and Fabregas argues. No card, though. It’s amazing to me how much the players are willing to go toe-to-toe with the ref in this game. He’s handled it well, at least. If it were me I would send every one of them off for invading space. Holland’s set piece goes wide left as I type.

3:52 p.m.: The “Ne-ther-LANDS!” chants begin inside Farmers. I’m on my fifth beer. This is about to get interesting. 

3:50 p.m.: Xavi takes his shot off the set piece straight at the net and sends it about two feet over the crossbar. Not even a minute later, Gregory Van Der Wiel gets another yellow for Holland. It’s as if they’re trying to self-destruct.

3:49 p.m.: Heitinga sent off after his second yellow card! Netherlands a man down the rest of the game. Bad time to foul Iniesta on a move into the box. Set piece coming.

3:45 p.m.: Torres is in for Villa for the second OT. Clearly Del Bosque read my LeBron reference and got the message.

3:43 p.m.: The first overtime ends and there’s still no score. No sign of Fernando Torres for the Spanish, either. What are you waiting for, Del Bosque? LeBron’s “decision” didn’t take this long, despite ESPN’s best efforts.

3:41 p.m.: More Dutch substitutionage: Von Bronckhorst out, someone else in. I missed the name, but five bucks says it’s unpronounceable on the first try.

3:37 p.m.: Jesus Navas has his shot deflected off the thigh of a Dutch defender and goes wide of net for a corner. The corner bounces harmlessly out of bounds. Does anyone wanna score? Anyone? Bueller?

3:35 p.m.: Iniesta’s drive into the box is cleared out by the Dutch. Sub time! Rafael Van Der Vaart in for De Jong, I believe.

3:33 p.m.: No one at Farmers is happy with how tightly the ref is calling this game. I walked into a men’s restroom after regulation where everyone was badmouthing it. There’s more at my table now, too. Swallow the whistle, blue. If only for a minute.

3:31 p.m.: The last two Spanish efforts result in nothing. Almost five minutes into extra time. Another one by by Fabregas stopped by Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. Subsequent Dutch attack stopped, as well as the corner that comes after it. My head is spinning, and it’s not from the beer. Both sides are working hard now.

3:27 p.m.: Overtime begins and KSPR tries a picture-in-picture for the weather update. The bigger picture was the radar. I look out the window and the sun is shining. Cut the crap, people. Save it for later.

3:21 p.m.: Wesley Sneijder sends the ball in from about 50 yards out… to no one. Utterly pointless. We’re at the end of regulation. 

3:19 p.m.: We’re one minute into a three-minute stoppage time and Fernando Torres looks to be coming in for Spain. Time to force the issue.

3:18 p.m.: The Dutch came within a hair’s breadth of scoring. Offside looked to be called as they got the shot off. It bounced off the upright anyway. Too bad; Casillas had no chance at it.

3:14 p.m.: Cesc Fabregas is in for Xabi Alonso. This could start the Spanish push.

3:11 p.m.: Robben had a serious charge going and was stopped by Casillas again. He follows that by collecting a yellow card on a tackle not even a minute later. Epic bad move by one of The Netherlands’ best players. Composure is key here.

3:08 p.m.: Iniesta falls down trying to penetrate the Dutch box for a shot on goal. Clean stop by Holland. I am in shock that Del Bosque hasn’t put at least Torres in so far. There are less than 10 minutes left in regulation. They need to maximize his effectiveness and he’s watching the game same as you and I right now.

3:07 p.m.: We’re in the 79th minute and we continue to see more chipping and sniping by both sides with weak, overwrought fouling. Meanwhile, KSPR seems to have learned its lesson and stayed away. Thanks guys. The ever-present storm graphic in lower left looks great, by the way.

3:02 p.m.: David Villa misses off the set piece wide right of the net. I’ve discovered Spain’s issue: For a team known as La Roja–”The Red”–they’re wearing their blue alternate jerseys. It’s a mojo deficit. Simple as that, right? Okay, maybe not.

3 p.m.: The rest of my table is as convinced as I am that this is going to overtime. Spanish winger Andres Iniesta clutches his back after a very questionable tackle. It’s a foul called, but I disagree.

2:57 p.m.: Near miss! Villa’s rebound off a send-in from right wing goes high over the net, possibly deflected by a Dutch defender laying on the ground. I just shaved a few months off my life with that one. Meanwhile, substition by the Dutch: Dirk Kuyt out, Eljero Elia in. A forward-for-forward swap.

2:53 p.m.: We’re just past the 66-minute mark and I’m becoming convinced we’re going to decide this game in overtime, if not in penalty kicks. Neither side is going down without a fight. Speaking of which, there’s another foul and yellow card, a trip by Joan Capdevilla. A Dutch fan just strung together a series of curse words at me to describe it. Consider it R-rated play-by-play.

2:50 p.m.: Casillas deflects an Arjen Robben gimme just left of net. Amazing play.

UFC fighter Clay Guida: Really Spanish defender Carles Puyol? Smart money is on no, but who knows?

2:48 p.m.: The room at Farmers is so full there are people sitting on the floor. Everyone is watching in rapt attention. The slow-mo of Carles Puyol reminds me of Sean’s suggestion that he and UFC fighter Clay Guida are actually the same guy. He may have a point. Have they ever been seen in the same place at the same time?

2:46 p.m.: Iniesta comes down hard on Sneijder’s knee, meaning a free kick for the Dutch. Heitinga narrowly misses with a header sent in. Fifty-eight minutes in; how long before the subs start happening?

2:44 p.m.: Villa goes down after a tough tackle from Dutch defender John Heitinga. Another card. The yellows are mounting for Holland. Sean: “Are we in free throws yet?”  

2:42 p.m.: Yellow card on Van Bronckhorst sets up a free kick for Spain. Xavi will take it. Lofts clear of the net, high right.

2:39 p.m.: ANOTHER KSPR interruption. The room is livid. Dear TV people, let me be clear: You have a graphic in the bottom left of the screen already. We know a storm is coming. Get the bloody hell off the television and let the most important soccer game in recent history happen.

2:37 p.m.: Ground-level crosser by the Dutch rolls across the front of Spain’s goal, and Casillas lets it roll out of bounds. The Dutch in particular are starting to look like their usual selves, but both sides are still roughhousing a lot.

2:35 p.m.: I’m just gonna say it: KSPR just pissed off every single person in this building with its weather update interruption. Epic fail of massive proportions. I’m surprised there hasn’t been a drink thrown at the screen yet. Apparently we missed a Puyol header that didn’t score. Go away, KSPR.

2:32 p.m.: The second half gets rolling with The Netherlands moving upfield quickly. A bad through ball shuts them down. They may be opening up a bit, though.

2:29 p.m.: We’re scoreless at halftime. Both sides need to sort themselves out on the offensive end of the field and cut down the fouling spree. With that said, how ’bout a little entertainment? I thought about breaking out Shakira‘s “Waka Waka” again, since it’s the official World Cup 2010 theme song. Instead, though, let’s kick it old school with the best WC theme song ever, Ricky Martin‘s “The Cup of Life,” from France ’98:

No, I’m not being a homer. He’s totally from Mexico.

2:15 p.m.: The forty-fourth minute arrives and we have seen great defensive play from both sides. Spain’s play from the wings on offense has been terrible and the Dutch midfield hasn’t been able to feed the ball forward well. Two minutes of extra time. Shot by Robben deflected out by Casillas.

2:13 p.m.: Sneijder and Sergio Busquets slam into each other in the Dutch end. Busquets might not be able to have kids after that one. I’ll leave it at that.

2:09 p.m.: From my buddy Sean, who’s here watching the game with me: “It’s time to bring Torres in.” I agree. He’s been injured this whole tournament, so coach Vicente Del Bosque is limiting his minutes, but they need his speed and dynamic play to challenge the Dutch defense and stretch the field.

2:07 p.m.: Thirty-six minutes in. The ball has been mostly in Spanish territory in the last few minutes. A corner kick, set up as a low pass, is an easy pass to Dutch defender Joris Mathijsen that he absolutely wiffs on. Not a gimme goal, but opportunities like that don’t come all the time.

2:03 p.m.: Nearly catastrophic misplay by the Spanish. Puyol runs at a ball Casillas, the goalkeeper, leaps for, effectively headbutting Casillas in his man-bits. He crashes to the ground headfirst… and hangs on to the ball. Casillas could go over the middle in the NFL with focus like that.

2 p.m.: Thirty minutes in and we have seen more yellow cards than shots on goal. Neither side is into its usual routine. Spain, in particular, might be regretting the decision to sit Torres and Fabregas right now. You’ll see them sometime in the second half for sure, though.

1:59 p.m.: Another yellow card! Nigel De Jong puts a cleat straight to Xabi Alonso‘s chest. Are you ****ing kidding me?!?!? Alonso has to leave the field. This game could descend into ugliness if the two teams aren’t careful.

1:54 p.m.: Follow that with a yellow card for Sergio Ramos. The refs are not allowing anything to slide, which results in a lot of stoppage and no rhythm for either team. How long before someone doubles up and gets sent off at this rate?

1:52 p.m.: Robben’s charge at the goal is thwarted by Xabi Alonso, though it results in a foul. Ensuing set piece is headed away harmlessly. Another foul by the Dutch follows, and Mark Van Bommel gets a yellow card, which doesn’t emerge except after lengthy arguing by the player. The Dutch chippiness could be its own undoing.

1:49 p.m.: Spain’s vaunted ball control has not impressed thus far. Not surprising, since many of the Dutch players are veterans of Spanish league soccer and A.) play a similar style, and B.) know how to play against it. They have not, however, unleashed The Videogame… yet.

1:47 p.m.: As I type that, Carles Puyol takes down Arjen Robben. Retaliation? This early? Is Ron Artest on the pitch?

1:45 p.m.: I can smell fish and chips wafting in over my right shoulder. Meanwhile, Van Persie gets a yellow card for a tackle on Spanish defender Joan Capdevilla. That’s the second significant foul of the half for the Dutch, and its first yellow card.

1:42 p.m.: Sergio Ramos tries a shot at the Dutch goal that’s nearly kicked in by its own defense. Ensuing possession is a shot from left side by David Villa that hits the outer left wall of the net. The crowd certainly thought it had a goal to cheer for.

1:39 p.m.: The Dutch shoot a harmless lob at Spanish goalie Iker Casillas, and the ensuing possession results in defender Sergio Ramos… dribbling it out of bounds? Surprising mistake by the Spanish side, which loves its ball control.

Both sides have looked tentative early. This is like the first two rounds of a heavyweight boxing match. You’ve gotta feel out your opponent a bit and jab here and there. The big swings will come.

1:36 p.m.: Momentary Internet problem. Spain has already lost two scoring opportunities to offside calls, one marginal, one blatant. The Dutch are hanging back and playing a swarming D.

1:30 p.m.: Kickoff! To quote a song, “everybody’s talkin’ at me, but I don’t hear a word they’re sayin’. It’s you and me, SGFers. Tunnel vision time.

1:25 p.m.: My only real criticism of the World Cup final that I can ever recall having is the trophy. For an item you work four years for, battling every country in your region and then the rest of the world, shouldn’t it be… bigger? In my head I want something of Stanley Cup proportions. At least it’s made of gold… okay, hollow gold, but if it was solid you couldn’t lift it. I’m rambling at this point. Let’s kick a ball already.

1:21 p.m.: This is a packed, electric room. It’s amazing to think how many people live in Springfield who are expats and people with heritage ties to these two nations. The anticipation is crushing. This seems like a good time to mention, in the interest of full disclosure, that I have strong familial ties to Spain and I’m a ball of nerves waiting to see how this game goes.

With that said, let’s talk about the Dutch for a moment. Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben are two of the best playmakers in soccer today, and Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, captain for The Netherlands, is playing his final international game. The majority of analysts are picking the Spanish team, but don’t sleep on the Dutch. Not even a little. They leveled Brazil, after all, coming back in the second half a couple of rounds ago. No one does that to Brazil. Seriously.

1 p.m.: Farmers Gastropub is expecting about 100 people for today’s game, and it looks as though the estimate is coming good. I’ve never been asked for an extra chair so much in my life. Meanwhile, we have seen each team’s lineup ahead of the game and there are several interesting subplots developing.

First, Spain isn’t starting either striker Fernando Torres or Cesc Fabregas, leaving David Villa to hold things down as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 (defense-midfield-forward) formation. The Dutch are doing the same formation with Robin Van Persie up front. There are a surprising number of Dutch fans coming out in orange gear. Where have they been this whole tournament?

**********************************************************

After a month’s worth of World Cup soccer in South Africa only two teams are left standing, and neither of them rank among the usual suspects. For the first time in more than 30 years neither finalist in the tournament is a previous winner; somebody is taking home the gold-and-malachite trophy–okay, a replica of it, anyway–for the first time ever. Will it be the Dutch, with more playmakers than one can count? Will it be the Spaniards, masters of ball control and the total-team game? It all seems a little Colts (Dutch) v. Patriots (Spain) to me, only with a different kind of football, no possible shooting connections (plus) and no Gisele Bündchen (minus). 

For the final game of the tournament we’re resurrecting the World Cup Live Blog, coming to you direct from Farmers Gastropub downtown during the SGFSoccer.com watch party, starting at 1 p.m. TAG’s own Chris DeRosier will be there to bring you the sights and insights, both from the game and the room, not to mention his occasional stupid ramblings. If you’re already going to be watching, consider us your local, funnier-than-Alexi Lalas (not hard to do) companion. If you can’t get to a TV, we’ll be right here to guide you along in the proceedings. Either way, history will be made. See you Sunday.

4:05: Thanks for joining us for the US’ run to the knockout round of the 2010 World Cup. If the public demands more Live Blogs, we will be back for more World Cup. If you want more, email us at chris@tagsgf.com. Have a great weekend.

3:59: The US has officially been eliminated from the World Cup as Ghana wins 2-1, scoring less than five minutes into OT. Ghana will face Uruguay in the quarterfinals. It was quite a ride. Now, my questions is: Will soccer get more respect in the homeland?

3:58: Two minutes of extra time on the clock. On that last offensive exchange, US keeper Tim Howard was in on the header.

3:57: Dempsey and Cherundelo get shots on, but no good. Feilhabor misses short side and a corner fails.  Only minutes left.

3:55: The US is scrambling, but can’t get anything on the ball. Ghana’s Gyun created a goal on his own. The US can’t make that happen, although they are trying. Ghana is looking to exterminate the US for the second-consecutive World Cup. Two minutes left.

3:51: Cherundelo forces a corner kick. It’s thwarted by Ghana. Worse play afterward. Ghana can now milk this clock. What a depressing end… 6 minutes left, not counting extra time.

3:49: Meanwhile, the Cardinals beat the Royals 5-3. Hawksworth gets the win, Davies gets the loss and Franklin gets the save. Halfway through this second overtime period.

3:47: Our normal World Cup Live Blogger Chris DeRosier checks in via text and has the game plan for the US:

Draw foul. Get set pieces. Easy way to create shot opportunities.

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

3:46: The US looks gassed. They don’t have the same energy and Ghana is settling to play like the mid-90s New York Knicks. I’d be shocked is the US came back from this one.

3:43: We are now into the second 15-minute period. Will someone explain to me why this isn’t sudden death, or the Golden Goal?

3:40: Not much going on except for a bunch of Ghana flopping and posturing. I wish the US was doing that stuff. That would mean the Yankees were ahead. We have exhausted the first 15 minutes and have one extra minute of play.

3:33: A short corner kick just sails over the heads of Bocanegra and Edu. Just missed a goal by a few feet. The story of the US’ World Cup. Corner for Ghana coming up off the break.

3:31: Why didn’t Feilhabor start? He delivers a shot into traffic and it looks like it’s forcing a Ghana player to be taken off on a stretcher. Corner kick upcoming for the US seven minutes into the first extra period.

3:27: Ghana takes advantage of some sloppy defense and Gyan scores just three minutes into extra time. Bocanegra’s bump didn’t jar him enough and Howard can’t make the save. The US has the rest of these 12 minutes and another 15 minute period to answer.

3:23: The Royals have fought back to within 5-3 in the bottom of the eighth. Go-ahead run is at the plate with two outs. Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin is in.

3:19: A Ghana corner kick fails and we are tied after the first 90 minutes. 30 more coming up. Not sure if I can take it.

3:16: We pass the 90-minute mark and three minutes have been added. Any more US magic?

3:13: Sound is back on as we cross the 87-minute mark. The winner plays Uruguay Friday at 1:30 p.m.

3:10: The sound on our Mediacom HD just went out and is choppy. Good thing those vuvezalias, or whatever they’re called are still ringing in my head. 85 minutes have passed.

Boateng has a neck tattoo, but it's not as cool as Dallas Maverick DeShawn Stevenson's Abe Lincoln neck tat.

3:08: Dempsey smacks a free kick into the Ghana wall. Empty possession late in the match. We just passed the 82-minute mark. If this holds through regulation, OT is 30 minutes and not sudden death.

3:06: Altidore goes Randy Moss (or Dorial Green) and plays long ball into the box. As he’s falling down, he tries to squirt a left-footed shot that just trickles wide. 81-minute mark just passed.

3:03: Boateng is subbed out. Good news for the US. Ghana is starting to get some good looks on offense. I feel good about Howard in goal. I just hope this doesn’t come down to lame penalty kicks.

3:02: The US surgically dissect the Ghana defense, but Bradley can’t get enough on his left-footed shot. And my man Boateng is holding his right hamstring. He has an awful lot of Terrell Owens in him. We are at the 76-minute mark. Are we heading for OT?

2:56: Question — does the US need the kick in the arse to play this well, or have they figured something out about Ghana? I’m not smart enough to know the answer.

2:52: Altidore was just a step slow on a long ball. The Ghana keeper keeps the match alive. At the 67-minute mark and Ghana has a free kick just outside the box. Howard makes the save and starts the fast break the other way.

2:51: At 6-feet-1/2 inch, Boateng looks like LeBron James out there. FYI, Altidore is 6-1.

2:48: It’s good. Donovan puts it mid-shelf to the keeper’s right, off the post. We are tied at 1. The US has severely outplayed Ghana in the second half. We are tied at the 62-minute mark. It’s Donovan’s 45th international goal.

2:47: Penalty kick for Donovan!

2:46: The refs blow one as Feilhabor gets punted in the shin. If Bruce Lee would have done that, his leg would have broken.

2:44: As basketball coaches would say, Ghana is getting every 50-50 ball. They are faster and quicker.

2:42: Boateng is easily my favorite US opponent. Mainly because he behaves like an American. Loud. Brash. A-hole-ish. He takes out Donovan on a slide tackle, then taunts him, telling him to get up. How middle linebacker of him.

2:40: The Ghana keeper is turning into Drury men’s basketball coach Steve Hesser on the sidelines. Ghana’s defense looks gassed. And that’s not counting the, um, crotchal area that Dempsey just fell on. I think it was Mensah. Ouch-ah. Just crossed the 55-minute mark.

2:37: Boateng tries to cut one back across the box and it sails out of bounds. A close up reveals a monster neck tattoo.

2:35: Ghana looks to be making its offense happen with one-on-one move and US miscues, not good passing. Has US figured this out, yet, or does it matter? We just passed the 50-minute mark.

2:33: The US offense has it going now, forcing the Ghana keeper to make a great save on Feilharbor. Great pass form Altidore in the box. Three great chances in the first three minutes.

2:31: The second half is underway and Feilharbor is in for Findley, who missed the shot on goal earlier.

Kevin-Prince Boateng has the Ghana goal. He's a stud and has a frosty faux-hawk

2:24: Thanks to Twitter, we have some cool moves from Boateng.

2:16: It’s halftime and Ghana leads 1-0. Time to rest my eyeballs.

2:14: The Us sends one in and the Ghana keeper doesn’t field it cleanly. No danger, but it looks like the US could capitalize on some rebounds if they get close enough. And that’s halftime, virtually.

2:13: As well as Altidore played against Algeria, Boateng is the star of this game. If the US had him, they would be winning this game. We are two minutes from halftime.

The flag of Ghana

2:10: Skip Schumaker home run, it’s 5-0 Cardinals.

Meanwhile, commentator Ian Darke keeps talking about how important it is for the US to keep the margin at one goal. In other news, did you know you can’t use your hands in soccer?

2:07: Howard makes a great save on some crappy defense. Meanwhile, the striker is injured and the Ghana training staff starts spraying something on his leg.

My wife utters the following possibilities on what the spray was:

• What is that, some type of spray-on pain killer?
• Or is it some type of sock freshener so it doesn’t smell that bad when they take his shoe off?

I say it’s Tinactin, right John Madden?

2:04: Findlay gets a shot on goal, but it’s stopped cold by Ghana’s keeper. Maybe that will put some pep in their step. A shot from Dempsey is stopped, too. That makes the shots 7-4 in Ghana’s favor.

2:02: I couldn’t help but check. The Cardinals lead the Royals 3-0 on a 3-run Colby Rasmus home run. OK, back to soccer.

2:00: Mauriece Edu comes in for Ricardo Clark. The commentators are crushing Bradley for not playing Edu.

1:59: The US defense looks at least a step slow and Ghana is getting good opportunities. Vin Diesel-Tim Howard makes another save. Just about to the 30-minute mark.

1:57: Boy, the US defense gets bailed out by a bad pass from Ghana’s No. 21. He has a 2-on-1 and passes it too high. US needs a break.

1:52: Team US gets some offense and forces a save from the Ghana keeper. You can see why Ghana’s reputation says they are a little undisciplined. Some crafty passes create opportunity.

1:47: Poor play like Cherundolo as he gets swarmed by Ghana’s forwards. He picks up a Yellow Card and will miss the quarterfinal if the Yankees make it that far. Howard makes a nice save on a free kick from just outside the box. Ghana is controlling the pace and they’re playing in the US end. Need a fast break to tilt the field.

1:41: What do you think Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger are talking about?

My suggestion:

• Mick: Bill, what’s your favorite Stones song
• Bill: I Can’t Get No Satisfaction (now that I don’t have any more interns)

1:40: Another Ghana forward slips past the US defense, but he can’t settle the ball. Lucky break for Team US. As explosive at Altidore looked against Algeria, he isn’t finding any room, yet.

1:35: Not just because of the goal, but Ghana looks like they are better than England, Slovenia and Algeria. Could be a long day.

1:35: Wow, does Ghana look more athletic than Team US or what? Ghana forces a turnover and then Prince smokes a defender and goalkeeper Tim Howard for a goal to the left on the short side. And again, the US will have to come from behind.

Have you heard enough about how Ghana eliminated the US in the 2006 World Cup? Yes, we get the point.

How many you freaked out when Landon Donovan scored "that goal" on Wednesday? Get ready for more freaking, ladies and gents

1:32: My wife and two-month old daughter are watching with me and wifey quickly points out that it’s 8:32 p.m. in South Africa. For the record, it’s SAST, South African Standard Time.

While I’m typing World Cup trivia, No. 7 sends one through, but the US backers doubleteam a forward. Possession US. Dempsey quickly puts one on goal. Save Ghana at the 4:15 mark.

1:31: Ghana looks careless with the ball early. Donovan sends a cross through, but neither Altidore or Findley are there. Monster kick coming from the Ghana goalie.

1:27: And we’re off. Some pretty sweet names on the Ghana side. Will the US find a way to not fall behind?

1:22: Wow, in the opening celebration montage, I just saw the YouTube clip from Farmers Gastropub. Brett Johnston almost was seen by a few more million people. Unreal. Someone needs to get Steve “Ole” Olson some royalties on that video.

Meanwhile, I heard it was standing room only at Farmers Gastropub. Get ready.

1:15: OK, Allen Vaughan here and I’ll admit this up front — I’m not really a soccer guy.

However, my fellow TAGsgf.com staffers are and, while I haven’t fully embraced the sport, what I have done is embrace the storylines and my pride/patriotism. And today, they are juicy. I also am thoroughly entertained with the differences between the way soccer players and coaches speak, when compared to their football, baseball and basketball brethren.

For instance, when the ultra-smarmy Jeremy Schaap was interviewing USA coach Bob Bradley, the coach used this term.

Our fitness level is high.

What? What’s the “mainstream” sport equivalent of this?

• Basketball: We’ve been working hard and are in good shape.
• Football: We’re ready to hit someone.
• Baseball: We’re just trying to take it one day at a time.

*************************

You’d think there’s more time for Team USA to breathe, but just as we all have caught our collective breath since Landon Donovan’s Goal Heard ‘Round the World, the Land of Liberty’s soccer reputation is back on the line.

It’s a fine line between glory and embarrassment, as Team USA illustrated in Wednesday’s 1-0 Group C-clinching victory over Algeria. And now that the good guys are poised to do things Americans have never done. As the top seed out of Group C, the Yankees will face Ghana today at 1:30 p.m. and TAGsgf.com’s Allen Vaughan will be Live Blogging all of the action with commentary, analysis and other hi jinks.

Now, we know it’s a busy time of year. Maybe you will be watching from home with your friends. The Live Blog is the perfect companion. We also know it’s wedding season, so if you’re doing the right thing by friends and family, keep your mobile device handy. If you are a closet soccer fan, you’ve found the right place. Or, for all of our soccer peeps at the Farmers Gastropub watch parties, this one is for you, too.

And all at once — because you know you want to — break out your best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice and say it:

If we don’t win, we are Ghanas.

is.

The legend, Dominique Wilklns.

9:20: Here are my bulletized thoughts on the draft:

• Picks I loved: Wall, Turner, Monroe, Bradley, Bledsoe.
• Picks I hated: Ed Davis, Hayward, George, Sanders and anyone after No. 20.
• Also, props to Wesley Johnson for creativity on the outfit, and Aminu on the glasses, but everyone else was way too slick. Quit using stylists and use your local sorority advisees.

Thanks for logging on and following along. Don’t forget about our World Cup Live Blog at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

9:18: Washington mercifully brings the 2010 NBA Draft’s first round to an end. At least they take a player I like, Lazar Hayward. He goes to Washington at No. 30. Back with my final thoughts in a second.

9:11: Scott asks Jeff Van Gundy about the Orlando Magic, the team his brother, Stan Van Gundy, coaches. Are there two more different looking brothers than those two?

Meanwhile, Kentucky makes NBA Draft history and has its fifth player taken in the first round. Daniel Orton is the pick. He averaged 3.3 points per game last season.

9:09: Jacob bows out of what might be the single-worst televised NBA Draft. Only two more first-round picks.

9:07: Greivis Vasquez is the No. 28 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. Boy, he tortured ACC schools. Didn’t realize he’s 6-foot-6. I’m glad he’s out of the ACC.

9:00: Famous for dunking on LeBron James last summer, although we will never see the footage since Team LeBron confiscated the footage. Stu Scott says it became a YouTube sensation. I am ready to argue with Stu about its availability. I thought it never made YouTube. But who needs accuracy anyway?

8:57: Quincy Pondexter is taken by Oklahoma City. I wonder how many times he’s been called Poindexter. That’s how boring this draft is. Only four picks left. I can still hold out for a Pacers trade.

8:51: Memphis takes Dominique Jones with the No. 25 pick. How many games have you seen Jones play? And more importantly, how many more-famous Dominique’s are there? Dominique Wilkins. Dominique Dawes. Dominique Moceanu. Domonique Foxworth. Sorry, Jones.

8:46: Texas forward Damion James is taken at No. 24 by Atlanta. It reminds Jacob’s bracket and how he had Texas in this year’s national championship game. Just to remind you, Texas lost in the first round to Wake Forest and Aminu’s glasses. Jacob’s retort:

It was a sleeper pick.

8:40: This a good time to remind you all to do one of two things tomorrow night — Either head to Big Whiskey’s for the I-70 Basebrawl or Houlihan’s for Eddie Gumucio for the Patio Party. Meanwhile, the first senior is drafted, Clemson’s Trevor Booker to Minnesota.

8:35: Did Portland GM Kevin Pritchard get fired because Greg Oden is continually injured, or that he didn’t take Kevin Durant? Apparently he’s a lame-duck GM. Jacob says if he was Pritchard, he’d “take a dude from Crowder.” Awesome.

8:31: Oklahoma City trades Eric Bledsoe to the Los Angeles Clippers for a future first-round pick. That’s always a good deal, right?

8:26: Boy, this draft has been a dud. To make up for it, here is a clip of the Farmers Gastropub reacting to Landon Donovan’s goal (starring TAGsgf.com’s Brett Johnston.

8:23: Boston takes Avery Bradley, one of the guys I wanted the Pacers to take. Great defender and is athletic. He’s no Paul George, though.

8:19: We have another trade, although it’s not the one I’m wanting. Luke Babbitt is traded to Portland, possibly for the first time of many in his career.

Samaki Walker set the tone for fashion in 1996

8:17: The fourth Kentucky Wildcat is taken — Eric Bledsoe. Just as I’m starting to question the pick, he throws down a sick dunk in the highlight. I’m thisclose to jumping with both feet on to the Oklahoma City Thunder bandwagon.

8:12: We have our first “out of the crowd” pick as France’s Kevin Seraphin is No. 17 to Chicago. No, that’s not Kevin Seraphin, it’s Keveen Serapheen. Awesome.

8:05: Minnesota selects the freshly buzzcutted Luke Babbitt. The announcers say that Babbitt is the WAC Player of the Year. What does that say about Mr. Second Team Paul George?

Jacob just springs out of his seat to show us him and his wife at the Nevada-Missouri State BracketBuster game. We pause and rewind to see his wife. Cuonzo Martin just got a ton of air time.

8:02: Larry Sanders from VCU is taken at No. 15. How many NBA players are named Larry? Any? Who’s the most famous Sanders you know? Barry? Deion? Steve from 90210?

7:59: Wow, that’s the lottery? Boring. How is Luke Babbitt still available? That’s a joke.

7:56: The third Kentucky first-rounder is taken. Patrick Patterson goes at No. 14. Why did he get rid of the baby fro?

7:52: Boy, we could use a trade to mix this up a little bit. Or some more plaid pants. Houston is on the clock at No. 14.

7:49: Toronto selects Ed Davis, who I competely forgot about. I’m glad the Pacers didn’t take him. One word describes Davis.

Soft

He epitomized the horrible season for North Carolina.

7:47: Henry is crying. That always turns me off. Loving the Paul George pick now.

7:44: Back to back Jayhawks come off the board as Memphis selects Kansas guard Xavier Henry. Another guy I wish the Pacers would have taken.

7:41: We have our first official draft-night trade. The perfectly-groomed Ric Bucher says that Aldrich and Morris Peterson will go to Oklahoma City for two draft picks. Boring.

7:37: I’m calming down, and now excited the Pacers didn’t take Cole Aldrich like the New Orleans Hornets did at No. 11.

On a lighter note, I just told my mom why Stuart Scott has a glass eye. That was fun.

7:34: Full disclosure for a second. I am wearing my Indiana Pacers Tyler Hansbrough jersey. This time last year, I couldn’t have been more excited. Now, I couldn’t be more apathetic. He’s the best player available? I can think of 10 players I would have rather have.

God, I hope there’s a trade.

7:32: And jubilation turns to bleh. The good news about the Indiana Pacers pick at No. 10? He was All-WAC second team. SECOND TEAM. Jeez man. This beer tastes good.

7:25: And jubilation swarms the Vaughan household. Hayward is taken at No. 9. He will not be a Pacer. Someone get me a beer!

My mother says: “Does he even shave?”

Exactly.

7:22: Mark Jones is officially the goat of this draft. He’s blowing this. No fashion questions? This isn’t a serious process, is it? Who does Utah take?

• Jacob: Luke Babbitt
• Allen: Gordon Hayward

Hopefully they take both and the Pacers can’t select either.

7:17: Things are officially out of control. What is going on with Al-Farouq Aminu’s glasses? Why is this a good idea? He’s the No. 8 pick to the LA Clippers. Give me Samaki Walker anyday.

7:14: The Clippers are on the clock. Jacob points out that the Clippers have made the playoffs once in the last 18 seasons. No biggie.

7:12: The Pistons choose Greg Monroe. Somewhere, T of C boss Mark Fisher must be smiling somewhere.

7:07: My mother, a retired elementary teacher, tries to pronounce Ekpe Udoh. She gets Eck-Pay Ooh-Dough. Close enough. That’s the third T of C guy to go in the top six and if Greg Monroe goes here at No. 7, that will be three. Good stuff for the local folks.

7:05: Cousins says he’s a “kid who likes to have fun.” Just what every coach want to hear. And then Mark Jones has the nerve to ask him about his weight? But not Johnson’s outfit? Get Rachel Nichols or someone else to do these interviews. Is FireMarkJones.com available?

7:04: It’s a party at the Vaughan household. My parents just showed up with a gang of Imo’s Pizza. Excuse the grease on the Live Blog.

7:00: Cousins is the pick. You could argue that Cousins could have been the No. 2 pick.

6:58: The good folks at TheBigLead.com published an early bad fashion list. Enjoy.

6:56: For the record, I’m not buying Wesley Johnson as an NBA star. He was a nobody at Iowa State and emerged as a 23-year-old in D-I basketball. Sounds like a bust to me. Someone is getting a steal with Cousins.

How in the hell does Mark Jones not ask Johnson about the outfit? Fire him, now.

Sacramento is on the clock. The picks:

• Allen: Cousins
• Jacob: Kings need size. Ekpe Udoh.

6:54: Wesley Johnson is the pick and he pops up with a red tie, yellow shirt with a white collar and what looked like flannel pants. Someone get me a screenshot, immediately. We have a leader in the bad fashion clubhouse!

6:53: Minnesota is on the clock. Remember, this time last year, they took two point guards.

• Both Allen and Jacob say DeMarcus Cousins.

6:49: Derrick Favors of Georgia Tech is the third pick, to the New Jersey Nets.

No poor suits, yet, which is disappointing. Stay tuned.

6:47: New Jersey is on the clock. Here are our picks:

• Allen: DeMarcus Cousins
• Jacob: Luke Babbitt

6:45: Commentary: If Turner’s shortcoming is “Improve turnovers” he is in good shape. Also, how many times does Doug Collins have to get fired to prove that he can’t coach in the NBA? Where’s Lawrence Frank when you need him.

6:42: As everyone expect Philadelphia to select Evan Turner, let’s revisit the moment when Turner’s career almost ended.

6:40: As I’m typing, Jacob points out that seven people gave the Wizards’ pick of John Wall an F. Who did they want? Heyward? Jacob say he’s “Incredulous.”

6:38: And the Wizards will take John Wall, the first T of C alumnus. He could be the first of four former T of C players to go in the top 7.

Sorry, Kyle.

6:34: Did you see the Wizards war room? How many people does it take to make this pick? Or any pick? I’m pretty sure Jacob and I could draft for all 30 teams.

And Jacob says: “And not blow it that much.”

With that said, here are our picks

• Allen: John Wall
• Jacob: John Wall
• Former News Leader and current Indianapolis Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep: Evan Turner.

Hater.

In 2007, this is how Joakim Noah rolled on NBA Draft night. Who will be the 2010 version?

6:26: Who is this accountant nerd on air right now? Get him off the TV now. He’s as exciting as the WNBA. Hopefully he’s gone soon.

6:16: DeMarcus Cousins in on TV right now. Everyone thinks that he’s such a bad dude. All I remember about him is how he sobbed after he lost the T of C championship game to Christ the King’s Erving Walker. Everyone thought he was a bad dude — see “thug” — at the T of C and he was a nice guy. I’d draft him third behind Wall and Favors, personally.

6:06: My friend and fellow basketball freak Jacob Govero just walked in and we had a brief discussion on who the Indiana Pacers, my favorite NBA team is going to draft. We both instantly said Butler’s Gordon Hayward.

Let me clarify, that’s not who we would like, that’s what the pick will be. Not impressed by the pick? Neither are we.

6:00: Welcome to the NBA Draft, which is one of my favorite days of the year.

There has been some minor shuffling of draft picks, but nothing major. That’s one of the best parts of the NBA Draft, the anticipation. It’s what makes it all worthwhile. Well, that and the horrific fashion choices. Wit that said, here is a link to one website’s top (or worst) 25 suits in NBA Draft history.

It will serve as a good primer until the Washington Wizards select former Kentucky and Bass Pro Tournament of Champions alum John Wall is selected first. Wait, what? Did I ruin that for you? Just kidding, we’re in for a great time tonight.

———————–

While I understand that the NBA doesn’t have a ton of pull here in the Ozarks, you can’t say the same thing about the NBA Draft. Why? It’s a four-pronged attack on our heartstrings. They probably go in this order:

• Our love of college basketball
• Our love of fashion
• Our love of player personnel criticism
• Our love of making fun of people

There isn’t a better situation for this perfect storm than the NBA Draft. While it’s not the three-day primetime event the NFL Draft is, it is one of our favorite days here at TAGsgf.com and Sports Editor Allen Vaughan wouldn’t miss the opportunity to Live Blog the event, starting at 6 p.m. He’ll have running commentary, kneejerk analysis and other hi jinks with special guests. If you are new to the Live Blog format, here is a link to Vaughan’s NFL Draft version from April. Start from the bottom and go up.

Also, as Vaughan stated in his Thought Notebook Wednesday, there should be more Bass Pro Tournament of Champions alumni taken in the first round than ever. ESPN.com’s Chad Ford is even speculating that four T of C alums could be taken in the first seven picks. That’s Kentucky’s John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, Georgetown’s Greg Monroe and Baylor’s Ekpe Udoh.

But more importantly, which one is going to show up looking like Joakim Noah? See you at 6 and tell your friends. The Live Blog is the perfect companion to something you’ll likely watch anyway.

It's swagger time for Clint Dempsey (Left) and Landon Donovan (Right) of the United States if they're going to advance.

10:59 a.m.: The U.S. moves on, but it doesn’t have it easy from here. We’ll know who they play in the next round after this afternoon’s games. We’ll see you back here for more live blogitude when that game comes. Have a good day and enjoy more soccer. Go USA!

10:55 a.m.: Stats: Shots on goal: USA 22, Algeria 19. Fouls: USA 11, Algeria 21. Possession: USA 52, Algeria 48. Offsides: USA 1, Algeria 4. Cards: USA 2 yellow; Algeria 3 yellow, 1 red. FIFA Man of the Match: Landon Donovan. Wow.

10:52 a.m.: That’s it! Time called! The U.S. wins! The “USA!” chants begin at Farmers and the shots are passed around.

10:51 a.m.: Altidore tripped again. If this is the results, U.S. wins the group and advances with England. Time about to be called.

10:50 a.m.: The room just exploded. Meanwhile the Algerians are collecting… A RED CARD! Anther Yahia sent off after he and a few others chew out the ref. They’re losing composure at the end of the game.

10:49 a.m.: GOAL, USA!!!! Rebound off Altidore’s shot. It was Donovan!

10:48 a.m.: Beasley gets tripped in the box, asks the ref for a foul and HE gets booked. HUH?!?!

10:45 a.m.: England is about to close out a 1-0 win, by the way.

10:44 a.m.: The Americans are doing a poor job of thinking plays through and setting up, and the frustration is showing in the crowd here. Very quiet right now.

10:43 a.m.: Substitution for Algeria, bringing on Rafik Saifi, the “bad boy of Algerian football,” as the announcer puts it. As long as we’re not scoring goals, bring on the goons!

10:42 a.m.: Dempsey, cleaned of the blood on his face, takes the kick high over the net. Six-ish minutes left in regulation. Hurry up, boys.

10:41 a.m.: Yellow card on Algeria for tripping Altidore. Set piece!

10:39 a.m.: Dempsey just took a fist straight to the nose running at the net. He’s bleeding. He’ll have to come off.

10:38 a.m.: What’s this?! Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley is coming in for defender Jonathan Bornstein?! Beasley, the U.S.’s oldest player, hasn’t played all tournament.

10:37 a.m.: Bradley takes the set piece straight to the net and it’s deflected. The ensuing corner is cleared.

10:36 a.m.: Dempsey fouled about two feet outside the 20-foot box. We’ll see what comes of it.

10:34 a.m.: Allen: “If Bradley has hair, does that shot have a better chance of going in?” I’m afraid not, AV. His head would be just as sweaty. Either you can direct the ball at this point or you can’t.

10:32 a.m.: Coach Bob Bradley is cursing into his cupped hand as his son, Michael, misses a header at goal off a set piece. It’s time to pop this goal cherry already.

10:31 a.m.: 73 minutes gone in this game and the U.S. is looking like the better side overall with no score to show for it. Altidore knocked down and a foul results.

10:30 a.m.: Shots on target: U.S. 7, Algeria 2. Like I said, Howard could be reading a book in net today. Brett: “They’re hanging all over Jozy.”

10:26 a.m.: Another great coordinated attack by the U.S. is stopped by Algerian keeper Lounes Gaouaoui. I can’t hear the announcers with all the cheering by the crowd, by my buddy Sean texts to say color commentator John Harkes (an ex-U.S. player) is in doom-and-gloom mode. Shut it, Harkes. Altidore misses a shot as I type.

10:24 a.m.: That Buddle-for-Edu substitution, by the way, is taking off a midfielder and adding a forward. The U.S. is in all-out attack mode.

10:21 a.m.: Edson Buddle in for Maurice Edu for the U.S. Allen checks in via text to ask if the “American chokers” can overcome themselves and advance, since they should be up 3-0 and aren’t. As I type that they blow another obvious scoring chance. The answer, dear Allen, is self-evident at the moment.

10:19 a.m.: Yellow card for Jozy Altidore for a weak tackle against Algerian defender Rafik Halliche, who will have some sort of acting award waiting for him when he gets home.

10:16 a.m.: Remarkably few fouls in this game, too, I just realized. The refs, to their credit, are letting the players play and maintaining the ebb and flow of the game.

10:14 a.m.: Altidore streaks up left wing, passes to middle for a Gomez shot off the post that Dempsey rebound-shoots wide-left of the net. The crowd at Farmers just lived the pain in surround sound.

10:11 a.m.: It’s amazing to think how little U.S. keeper Tim Howard has been put to work in this game. The few touches he’s had lately have been collecting slow rollers and missed passes. At least he gets camera time to flex his Vin Diesel-ness, as our own Allen Vaughan observed.

10:09 a.m.: Pint of Guinness just became breakfast. I promise not to become Mike Shannon with this live blog. Algerian set piece is headed well over the net and is no threat. Brett declares he’s getting restless.

10:08 a.m.: The slow-motion faces of the players when jumping up for headers are priceless. Clint Dempsey winces like he’s taking a punch and the ball doesn’t even reach him.

10:06 a.m.: Both sides come out attacking. They must hear a ticking clock. Still 1-0 England in the other game.

Your World Cup Halftime Show, as suggested by Brett:

Brett’s coverage of yesterday’s Soccer All-Star games, in which 13 goals were scored in two games. It’s a good read.

Tag Team’s “Whoomp! There It Is:”

Product Review News asks the question: Is Kim Jong-Il’s invisible phone LG or Samsung?

Kim John-Il: Secretly Batman. Fr rlz.

9:47 a.m.: A minute of stoppage time still doesn’t get it done. We’re going into halftime of this one tied 0-0.

9:45 a.m.: Bob Bradley needs to calm the Americans down just a touch. They’re almost too eager to be the ones to score. I never imagined I would get to say that in this tournament. Shot goes way wide right after being taken from about 10 feet out of the box.

9:43 a.m.: Shot by Algerian midfielder Karim Ziani floats wide right. Thank goodness.

9:42 a.m.: Merr just asked me if Clinton had an “invisible phone” to call the U.S. coach the way Kim Jong-Il declared he does for North Korea. Why is every totalitarian dictator so ****ing crazy?! “What a loaded question,” Merr responds.

9:36 a.m.: Brilliant attack by the U.S.–a total gimme for Donovan– is blocked and the rebound is shot way high. I just exclaimed a few things not safe for print. Merr just went to walk it off. The tension in Farmers is thick.

9:34 a.m.: Carlos Bocanegra saves the U.S.’s bacon thwarting a great long pass and one-on-one scoring chance by Algeria. The counterattack by the U.S. is deflected left of net. “The U.S. contingent watching this game must be dying a thousand deaths watching this,” the announcer proclaims. It’s a little like that. Coffee helps.

9:33 a.m.: Great crosser from Cherundolo on the near sideline goes to Altidore for a sweet header that’s too easily blocked. Landon Donovan, in his hurry to get to the ball and take a shot, sends it out well wide of net.

9:32 a.m.: Algeria tries a cross from right wing that’s butted out by the U.S. defense. Rightly pointed out by the announcers: Algeria has to win to even have a shot to advance, and desperation to score will cause them to play more men close to the goal as the game goes on. This could play into the U.S.’s hands.

9:27 a.m.: England up 1-0 over Slovenia. They’ve been a crap team this whole time and could somehow win this group. Justice is a funny thing.

9:25 a.m.: The announcers still haven’t let it go regarding the not-goal. I’ll leave it with this: At least the U.S. has its swagger on. Without that they’re flailing. They can recover from something like this now.

9:23 a.m.: Brett: “But they cracked the nut, so…” Merr: “The U.S. has gotta be the best at scoring goals that don’t count.”

Don't pout, Bill. They're gonna let one count sometime!

9:21 a.m.: Chaos! Goal by Gomez disallowed for offside. Replay looks like it’s another bad call. Bill Clinton, in attendance, does not look amused.

9:20 a.m.: Our announcer on ESPN just called the Algerians “a tough nut to crack” and “good technicians.” They’re also a country that cost you points on Geography tests. Just keepin’ it real here.

9:17 a.m.: Two shots on net, if you can call them that, by the U.S. in about a minute. They’re certainly excited.

9:16 a.m.: Scoreless so far in the England-Slovenia game so far, by the way. If this group ends in a four-way tie and casting of lots there could be rioting. You know, somewhere.

9:15 a.m.: The U.S. is starting to control the ball in scoring territory more. An early goal would be huge. 

9:11 a.m.: Hassan Yebda gets the first yellow card of the game for Algeria for taking down Altidore. Good. We need him in one piece.

9:09 a.m.: I’m convinced U.S. defender Steve Cherundolo is determined to shorten my lifespan with his play with his blown coverage. Brett, on the other hand, likes that I called him a putz.

9:06 a.m.: Shot by Alegria goes off the post! “Where’s Gooch?!” Brett exclaims. US responds immediately with a shot by Gomez, followed by two set pieces. No result from either.

9:04 a.m.: Algeria’s determination is showing early with a couple of shots at net. Game 3 of Group Play is the time to go all-out like this. Good to see. Another packed room at Farmers Gastropub, by the way. If the last game was 92 people this one is easily somewhere in the 80s. These people have jobs, right?

9:00 a.m.: Quick note on lineups: Oguchi Onyewu is benched for the U.S. and Herculez Gomez is in at striker alongside Altidore. Good moves both, I think. I’m joined by Brett, my girlfriend, comedian Merr and Philip Dickey of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, btw. Cool, eclectic group. (/namedropping)

***********************************************

It’s time for Team USA to put up or shut up. Two riveting ties against England and Slovenia remain just that–ties–leaving the Americans in a precarious four-way tie in points in Group C going into the final game of Group Play against Algeria. In other words, if they’re not careful they’re going to wind up in a “PANIC!” scenario. There are several ways for the Americans to get to the Knockout Round, but the only one that matters is beating Algeria. If they can’t do that they will have tied or lost in all three Group Play games; if that’s the case they’re like an extra on Star Trek in the Knockout Round–they’re gonna get killed, and it won’t take a while. Wanna be a James T. Kirk, USA? It begins now. Tune in tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. as Chris DeRosier brings you the TAG Live Blog of United States-Algeria LIVE from the SGFSoccer.com watch party at Farmers Gastropub. We’ll be your eyes and ears whether you can’t see the game at all or would just like some added local flavor and accompaniment. We’ll keep you up to speed a bit on the England-Slovenia game (the other final game in USA’s group) happening simultaneously to see how it all pans out. It’s time, America. Let’s Kirk this.

11:05 a.m.: A moment for reactions here. First of all, make no mistake, the Americans got robbed on that no-goal. There was no offside involved. The call cost the game. This leaves the U.S. behind the 8-ball against Algeria in the last game and hoping Slovenia stumbles big in its last game against England on the 23rd. You may want to set your DVR for that one, even if the U.S. isn’t involved; our fate could be in that game’s hands.

Alright, that’s it for today. I have shots to take. We’ll see you back here for U.S.-Algeria on June 23 at 9 a.m.

10:55 a.m.: Stats: Shots on goal: U.S. 14, Slovenia 7. Fouls: U.S. 18, Slovenia 15… very, very surprising to see that. Possession goes 51-49 to the U.S. Four yellow cards to the Slovenian team, one to the Americans. FIFA Man of the Match: Landon Donovan. Um… okay. Michael Bradley, anyone? Bueller?

10:52 a.m.: Time runs out and the match ends. Altidore is livid, screaming at the ref. Bob Bradley is pissed, too, and just walks off the field. Clunky, botched end to the game.

10:50 a.m.: Clint Dempsey steps on the ball while dribbling upfield and falls into the leg of a Slovenian player (can’t see his name), who collapses in a heap. I think I just watched his lower leg snap in half.

10:49 a.m.: Only three minutes of stoppage time after all those fouls. The U.S. had better do something quick or they’re going to end up with another tie.

10:48 a.m.: Further replays show that not only was there no offside on the earlier not-goal but Bradley was bear hugged through the whole play. It’s sickening to watch.

10:46 a.m.: Howard bats out another shot on goal and then intensely chews out his defenders. I don’t blame him. Now? You can’t get back now?!

10:45 a.m.: Tim Howard comes through with a clutch stop. Use him sparingly now.

10:42 a.m.: Yet another Slovenian foul near its own net. Can we take the lead? Set piece results in a Maurice Edu goal for the U.S…. that’s called offside and discounted. Are you kidding me?!?!

10:41 a.m.: Michael Bradley’s first-ever World Cup goal is a gem, a right-footed pop just over the keeper’s hands as he, again, leans backward. He may be the new hero in the press after this. Superb game for him.

10:38 a.m.: GOAL, UNITED STATES!!!! Bradley on a pass from Altidore. I’m high-fived and slapped in the back as I type this. The “USA!” chants begin.

10:38 a.m.: Ten minutes left. Herculez Gomez comes in for the United States. That’s the last of the Americans’ available subs. Make it count.

10:36 a.m.: Farmers is a nervous room. A lot of very intent watchers right now. A goal will set this place off like a powder keg.

10:34 a.m.: Altidore gets impatient with numbers in his favor (more U.S. players around than Slovenians, I mean) and passes to far ahead of the right wing for anyone to get to it. This isn’t the time for plays like that.

10:31 a.m.: Loooooong throw-in from the left side results in a foul on the U.S., stopping the scoring chance. Moments later Bojan Jokic collects a yellow card for Slovenia. Keep clutching and pushing, guys. You’ll be a man down in no time.

10:30 a.m.: Slovenia is on a fouling spree at the moment, but the U.S. free kicks from set piece are ending up right in the keeper’s hands. If they get another goal it’s going to come from a charge, likely from Altidore. He’s in a track meet out there when he gets the ball.

10:29 a.m.: Less than 20 minutes to go in regular time. I want at least one more free shot… on net and on the house.

10:27 a.m.: Donovan’s set-piece kick winds up in traffic and eventually gets to Altidore for a shot straight at the keeper.

10:25 a.m.: Altidore taken down again on a charge up the right side of the 20-foot box. He gets up gesturing and fuming. The ref gives Marko Suler a hellow card. About damn time.

10:23 a.m.: “Now we know Slovenia is a very decent side,” our announcer proclaims. This should not be a revelation. I mentioned earlier that this game would be hellish for the Americans. True to form so far, but they’re in it.

10:22 a.m.: Benny Fielhaber misses a pass to Bradley. If it connects it’s a likely goal for the U.S. Everyone with me, now: Benny!

10:20 a.m.: Altidore tangles with Andrej Komac and ends up on the ground. Foul called. The physicality has definitely gone up a notch in this half.

10:19 a.m.: Slovenia is stumbling repeatedly when it has possession, but they’re accomplishing one thing superbly: wasting time. 

10:15 a.m.: Altidore is tripped in the box while charging the net. No call. Moments later a foul called away from the goal. Set piece by the U.S. fails as we watch Clint Dempsey get taken down with a wrestling move in front of the net. Karmic backlash?

10:14 a.m.: One U.S. goal, one round of shots for the house. Don’t get me wrong, Farmers staff, but I hope you’re kept plenty busy with that.

10:12 a.m.: The American defense is playing smarter, too. Good trapping and clearance by Jay DeMerit in U.S. territory to keep Slovenia away from the net.

10:09 a.m.: Slovenia skies the ball while controlling it in U.S. territory. We’re seeing a complete role reversal here in the second half so far. 

10:07 a.m.: Onyewu almost ties this for the Americans, sliding to get to the play-in kick from Donovan. Couldn’t get far enough. They smell blood right now… that’s a metaphor, by the way.

10:06 a.m.: Injury for Slovenia and play is paused for a moment. Donovan directs traffic for the U.S. in anticipation of the set-piece kick.

10:04 a.m.: GOAL, UNITED STATES! Donovan with an easy-looking shot with a difficult angle, from extreme right wing. The keeper missed it because he leaned back to keep the ball from crushing his face. More of that, please!

10:03 a.m.: The second half begins with the U.S. attacking immediately. Pressure’s on, boys. Watch the defense in the second half and see if it can keep up.

9:58 a.m.: The U.S. needs something to psyche it up. Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, this one’s for you: The best use of a Led Zeppelin sample ever. Soul Position performing at Scribble Jam 2002. Dear reader, your halftime entertainment. ”We breathe adrenaline, elevate organically:”

9:47 a.m.: The first half ends in a 2-0 deficit for the Americans. Coach Bob Bradley has a tongue lashing he’s saving up for this locker-room speech. I can feel it.

9:45 a.m.: Two minutes extra time in the first half. The announcers are talking about the U.S. lack of discipline. I couldn’t agree more. If you make Howard keep you in the game you’ll regret it in the end.

9:43 a.m.: I take that back. I’m overreacting. The truth is the Americans are getting scoring chances and should be able to capitalize. The sooner the better, though; two goals in this tournament, with as much as teams are loading up on defenders and midfielders and playing to stop scoring chances, is going to be a tall order.

9:41 a.m.: Disaster. Slovenia charges upfield and the U.S. defense gives up on the play, apparently expecting an offside call. Howard dives feet-first (bad move) and the ball pops over his left shoulder and into the net. GOAL, Slovenia! This game may be over already.

9:40 a.m.: THREE consecutive near-misses for the U.S. offense. They’re getting their opportunities and missing crossing passes by inches. Awareness, people! 

9:35 a.m.: THIS is what the Americans need: Jozy Altidore pushing the Slovene (is that a word?) D with his speed. Bostjan Cesar trips Altidore as he flies up right wing to get a yellow card. The ensuing set piece is a great bending shot by the U.S., ultimately blocked by Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic.

9:33 a.m.: The air is a little out of the room at a surprisingly full Farmers Gastropub right now. A U.S. goal and a round of shots would cure it for sure, but that may be a while yet.

9:29 a.m.: Slovenia’s set piece rolls off to the right of the field harmlessly. A moment later U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu narrowly avoids a foul and penalty shot as he drags down Novakovic in what could have been a scoring attempt.

9:27 a.m.: This game could end up exposing Tim Howard a bit. The unfortunate truth on the U.S. goalkeeper: He’s good, a worthy starter, but not great. If the U.S. defense doesn’t tighten up during this game they’re going to need him to be great.

9:23 a.m.: Allen checks in to ask why the Slovenian players fall over so much during contact from the U.S. “P***ies?” he quips. Playing for the foul is more common here even than in basketball, A.V. It can be more important to get the call in your favor at the right time, too, so they try and influence the ref early if possible. 

9:20 a.m.: Carlos Bocanegra to Landon Donovan into left-middle of the box, but ultimately he has nowhere to go with the ball and loses it. The Americans need to think through their plays more. As I type that Milvoje Novakovic deflects a Birja pass right at Tim Howard. Howard is going to have to do work today.

9:15 a.m.: Bradley is getting overzealous and fires one well over the crossbar for the U.S. Moments later, another charge by the U.S. is cleared to the left side. 

9:13 a.m.: GOAL, Slovenia! Valter Birsa fires one off his right foot from the top of the box that leaves Tim Howard stunned and immobile. Good shot, terrible reaction from the keeper. You wanna twitch or something, Tim?

9:10 a.m.: The Americans are having, um, clearing issues at the moment as Slovenia plays half-field offense and looks for an opportunity. 

9:06 a.m.: Michael Bradley is having early impact for the U.S. with a beautiful pass to Robbie Findley that ends up in a corner. Maybe the Americans are in more of an attack mode today.

9:02 a.m.: We’re not even 30 seconds into the match and Clint Dempsey is flexing his inner thug, tossing an elbow straight at the head of one of the Slovenian players. The man is helped off the field with an ice bag to his fae while Dempsey puffs his chests and jaws. It’s a little early to be frontin’, Clint.

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Last Saturday’s World Cup soccer game between the United States and England was one of the most exciting sports-on-TV moments of the year to date, not to mention one heck of a watch-party opportunity at Farmers Gastropub. The U.S. kept itself out of a hole by tying the better-but-unlucky Brits; now it’s time to see if it can really earn a spot in the Knockout Round. It begins with a potentially tough game against Slovenia that the Americans practically have to win for a chance to be among the last 16 teams standing. The watch-party crew at Farmer’s–120 strong last week–will be at full hum tomorrow with free shots on the line for every U.S. goal scored. We’ll be there, too, bringing you the latest World Cup Live Blog in case you’re stuck at your office desk and can’t flex your inner soccer fan/patriot. Come back tomorrow at 9 a.m.

3:28 p.m.: Stats: Shots on goal: England 16, U.S. 11. Fouls: U.S. 14, England 12. Possession: England 54 percent, U.S. 46 percent. FIFA Man of the Match: United States keeper Tim Howard. Damn right. Well, time to tab out. Thanks for reading. We’ll be back here for the next USA match against Slovenia on Friday, June 18.

3:25 p.m.: That’s it. The game ends in a 1-1 tie. Great work by the U.S. to fight its way back into the game after being outpaced early. They’ll get a point and try to win against Slovenia and Algeria to secure a spot in the Knockout Round. For England it’s a little disappointing, but they’ve shown they’re here to atone for a dismal showing in World Cup ’06. If Rooney gets his groove on they can be lethal.

3:24 p.m.: With 30 seconds to go, the “USA!” chants start again. When they end, Farmers owner Bill shouts “England!”

3:22 p.m.: The shots are getting hurried and desperate. One good, patient, coordinated attempt and the U.S. could steal this match.

3:19 p.m.: Four minutes stoppage time. The U.S. couldn’t put together a good shot from a corner kick.

3:18 p.m.: Donovan shoots from maybe 15 feet outside the box and sends the ball sailing about a me-space (aka 6 feet, 3 inches) over the net. Poor selection.

3:17 p.m.: The Americans finally get a coordinated push upfield going and blow it on a missed pass that rolls out of bounds. What is it gonna take?!

3:15 p.m.: U.S. substitution: Altidore out, Stuart Holden in. The crowd at Farmers approves.

3:13 p.m.: GREAT stop by the U.S. in a 4-on-2 situation. The ball rolls harmlessly to Howard for the scoop-up. Now if they could only get a shot on net…

3:11 p.m.: The U.S. fans here at Farmers are trying hard, but they need to keep up the noise at a constant. We’re in a lull in the room right now with less than 10 minutes left in a tied game.

3:08 p.m.: Heskey is swapped for Peter Crouch on the English side. Scott points out that most of this half has been played in U.S. territory.

3:06 p.m.: Less than 15 minutes to go in the game. Substitutions have begun. Findley is out for the U.S. as Edson Buddle comes in.

3:04 p.m.: Tim Howard will not be stopped right now. He shakes his head at the latest English shot attempt after he two-hand bats it away, wagging his tongue a little.

3:03 p.m.: Herculez Gomez is tripped on a run at the goal for the U.S. No foul called. Moments later, Robbie Findley makes a desperate sliding tackle on Gerrard that results in a yellow card. The Americans have to keep their composure.

2:59 p.m.: Rooney’s latest run up is cleared away. He also tries a leaping header moments later from the set piece that flies high left past the goal. Not today, Wayne. Not today.

2:57 pm.: England’s set piece results in a shot from 27 meters out by Shaun Wright-Phillips. I think he just shot it all the way back to England it was so far off.

2:53 p.m.: Altidore charges up the left side and rifles a shot to the near side of the net. Green is all over it.

2:48 p.m.: Yellow card for English defender Jamie Garragher. Brit coach Fabio Capello is not happy. The resulting set piece ends in a clunky header attempt, followed by another England card for a rough tackle on Clint Dempsey. Set piece there goes wide left.

Tim Howard? Not quite.

2:42 p.m.: Allen chimes in from home, referring to Tim Howard as a Vin Diesel lookalike. Not only is he playing like a stud at the moment, he apparently looks like one, too.

2:41 p.m.: Heskey gets all kinds of space and a clear shot on net for England, and Howard makes him look like a chump with the diving stop. Heskey = pwnd.

2:39 p.m.: With Howard beat by Rooney’s shot it took a miracle clear by the U.S. defense–behind Howard–to stop the goal. Rooney was offside anyway, the refs say.

2:39 p.m.: The physicality of this match is starting to ratchet up. Both sides are grappling and tripping for every ball.

2:37 p.m.: The U.S. dodges a bullet as an English cross misses its target, one Wayne Rooney. Dude can’t buy a shot on goal.

2:36 p.m.: It’s interesting to note how little impact English striker Wayne Rooney has had so far in this game. Scoring opportunities have been nil.

2:33 p.m.: The new Guinness keg has arrived! Let the second half begin!

2:24 p.m.: Missouri State soccer coach Jon Leamy tells me England’s keeper used poor technique and we got off lucky. Nice to hear it from an expert. He also tells me England has had serious goalie issues leading up to this World Cup and that there has been no clear go-to guy at the position. Nice to hear that from an expert, too.

2:19 p.m.: The half concludes in a 1-1 tie. Make no mistake: The U.S. got lucky that Green’s hands slipped and let the goal in. It was a stop otherwise. They need to keep momentum going in the second half and spread out the offense more.

2:11 p.m.: GOAL, USA! Clint Dempsey straight on at the keeper, who dives and loses it below his hand. It dribbles in in slow-mo while he watches and scrambles to get to it. Too late.

2:08 p.m.: How busy is it in here? We’re seven people crammed around a table made for four. Donovan’s show to low-left goal deflected by English keeper Robert Green.

2:04 p.m.: From the crowd at Farmers: “Score one for Timmy!” Mr. Howard, if we get on, it’s for you.

2:01 p.m: Tim Howard takes a cleat square in the chest blocking a shot by English forward Emile Heskey. He’s up and moving, but you have to wonder what that will do to his mobility as the game goes on.

1:59 p.m.: Dan on the U.S. D: “They need to get the heck back. The are slow as balls right now.” You can’t get analysis like that on EPSN, people!

1:56 p.m.: Yellow card on English midfielder James Milner for a crap tackle. Set piece by Landon Donovan leads to a header by Onyewu that narrowly misses.

1:54 p.m.: Spot assessment of the U.S. offense: Thinking too hard, setting up the play too much. Need to run and push more.

1:52 p.m.: My buddy Dan on the U.S. offense: “Spread out! Spread the hell out!” They’re not playing up to his standards at the moment.

1:50 p.m.: Scoring attempt by the Brits thwarted by the U.S. defense. They’re starting to hang in this game.

1:46 p.m.: The horns are in the room and blaring. Jozy Altidore misses a header to the left as the crowd erupts in “ooooooooohhhhhhhh!!!!”

1:42 p.m.: Well, the U.S. is getting its scoring opportunities. One shot at the keeper and a header gone wide off a set piece. They play it safe the next time and still get it cleared out.

1:37 p.m.: USA fans at the game may outnumber England fans 8,000 to 6,000, but English fans were the only ones who came to the stadium with flags to hang.

1:34 p.m.: Steven Gerrard scores a relatively easy GOAL to low-right net to put England up 1-0. Don’t panic, US!

1:32 p.m.: Kickoff! You can hear a pin drop in Farmers right now. “Are we gonna watch this game in silence?” one audience member asks aloud.

1:29 p.m.: England, apparently learning from the ’06 disaster, is going with a traditional 4-4-2 formation for this game. My piss-Rooney-off tactic from the Group Play preview looks like a dud.

1:27 p.m.: Time for the national anthem! Everyone in the room stands in unison and awkwardly stares at the screen; no one can hear the anthem playing. Finally a trace of “the rocket’s red glare” can be heard and the Farmers audience leaps into singing the rest.

1:21 p.m.: Some things to watch for during the game: How will sort-of-injured US defender Oguchi Onyewu hold up, can British striker Wayne Rooney get out of his scoring slump and how US keeper Tim Howard fares in his first World Cup start. The players emerge on the field to a roar from inside Farmers. I’ve never seen so many USA Soccer jerseys in my life.

1:12 p.m.: Kickoff is set for 1:30. Loud cheering erupts to ESPN’s highlights of the 1950 win by the U.S. over England. There is also loud jeering when English comedian Russell Brand shows up onscreen. Cue the chanting and clapping. One table over from me the braintrust of Cooper Sports Complex observes and smiles.

1:04 p.m.: By the way, in case you’re curious, Vegas lists England as a one-goal favorite. Odds are 2.5:1. I don’t encourage betting here, but in case you want to know what Vegas thinks, there it is.

12:56 p.m.: We’re LIVE from a packed, crazed Farmers Gastropub counting down to kickoff. The “USA” chants are loud and directed at anyone who walks in with an England-affiliated jersey. Wait till these people get a few pints in ‘em!

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It’s only the second day of FIFA World Cup 2010 and we’re already confronted with one of the tournament’s most hyped matches: The United States versus England. The two nations have a lot of ties to one another–you know, that whole Revolutionary War thing, for example–and the two soccer spheres of influence do, too. Then there’s the little issue of the last time these two teams played: 1950, when USA won 1-0. No, the British haven’t forgotten. Whether wanting a companion to enhance your viewing experience or simply can’t make it to a TV, stop by at 1 p.m. CDT as we live blog what should be an epic match live from Farmers Gastropub during SGF Soccer‘s watch party.

3:26 p.m.: Stats time. Uruguay, you got owned. Shots on goal: France 12, Uruguay 6. Fouls: France 20, Uruguay 13. Possession time: France 53 percent, Uruguay 47 percent. Both teams accumulated three yellow cards, but the red card against Lodeiro will take him out for the next game. They had better hope that doesn’t burn them against South Africa next Wednesday. FIFA Man of the Match: Uruguay forward Diego Forlan, who had his scoring chances in this match and, obviously, didn’t put one through. He’ll have a much tougher hole to dig his team out of from here.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you tomorrow at 1 p.m. for United States-England. For real this time.

3:22 p.m.: Game ends in a 0-0 tie. I’d like to say one of these teams looks like it could be of some consequence, but both looked flat to me over these 90 minutes. They’re also sharing the bottom half of the Group A standings right now since neither scored a goal. That’s what you get for lackluster play.

3:19 p.m.: Bad form, Uruguay. They just clearly cleared the ball out from their defensive end halfway across the field. They’re killing time to angle for the tie. Jerks.

3:16 p.m.: France just had all kinds of time with the ball in front of the net and couldn’t capitalize! Just as the tension is mounting, we’re into stoppage time. Tick tock, gentlemen. Three minutes of extra.

3:10 p.m.: BIG development for Uruguay. Midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro is sent off after his second yellow card, leaving the South Americans down a man for the rest of the game. Potential tide-turning situation.

3:07: Both sides are starting to feel the pressure to produce and are pushing harder for goal opportunities. In the last couple of minutes each side has taken shots that went just wide.

2:59 p.m.: It’s official: Nicolas Anelka out, Thierry Henry in. He’ll be the lone striker for France, with 18 and a half minutes to play.

2:55 p.m.: The cameras flash to Thierry Henry starting to warm up on the sidelines. Maybe he can inject some passion back into his team. Meanwhile the re doles out another yellow card on France for a ridiculous dive at the ball. Domenech is pissed. Is this going to get ugly?

2:47 p.m.: An ugly tackle by Uruguay results in a yellow card and a penalty shot. Way wide right.

2:43 p.m.: France still insists on trying shots from somewhere in Morocco. If you know your Africa geography, that might be funny. Removing the analogy, their shot selection is hurried and lousy.

2:34 p.m.: The second half begins much as the first ended. If I’m Uruguay I’m pushing up the field hard right now. It’s a very winnable game, but they have to be aggressive to get their chances.

2:17 p.m.: Halftime arrives with no score and two teams apparently in need of a nap and a Red Bull. These teams had better find some rhythm or there will be more heckling from my Lockshire friend.

2:12 p.m.: Both teams are playing plodding ball for the most part. Even France has slowed down to Uruguay’s pace. The fouling spree continues, too. There is no flow.

1:59 p.m.: France’s decision to use a 4-5-1 (four defenders,  five midfielders, one striker) formation sparked a conversation: Should the U.S. do the same? Better to keep Altidore out front and employ Landon Donovan as an attacking Midfielder, as Ole suggests is his best role? Hardcore soccer followers, chime in!

1:56 p.m.: Uruguay is putting on a spot-on exhibition of tight-arsed soccer right now, by the way. No bold actions or quick-transition drives at all.

1:52 p.m.: The best part about this match? Anti-France heckling. From my Lockshire friend after Ribery throws his hands up over a not-called hold: “Aw, get a coffee and a croissant, mate!”

1:51 p.m.: Yoann Gourcuff launches a shot from about 10 outside the box to somewhere in about Row 37. Settle down, France!

1:48 p.m.: All of us at the table are in agreement that the refs are calling this match much tighter than this morning’s South Africa-Mexico game. That could be bad news for France; yellow card already for Ribery.

1:44 p.m.: The low hum of the air horns continues again. It must be Chinese water torture to the refs. Uruguay carefully orchestrates a shot on goal to no avail. Hugo Lloris is paying attention in net, boys. You’ll have to do better than that.

1:41 p.m.: Heard at my table about Uruguay: “Statistically they shouldn’t get out of [Group A], but anyone can beat the French, especially with the way they got there.” This match is going to be fun.

1:37 p.m.: France missed a golden opportunity with a low cross from Franck Ribery reaching Anelka and getting a dud of a kick.

1:33 p.m.: Just getting started and I’m learning a ton already. First of all, my Lockshire friend tells me France coach Raymond Domenech is already out of his job with the team at the conclusion of the tournament. Not good for cred, to say the least. Also, Thierry Henry is, indeed, on the bench for the start. Nicolas Anelka is the team’s lone striker.

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Well, originally I was just going to live blog this morning’s opening match of World Cup 2010 between South Africa and Mexico, but by staff request (i.e. they want to come and watch the game, too) I will be doing another one for today’s second game, what should be a tight, exciting match between France, the ’98 champs and ’06 finalists, and two-time World Cup winners (albeit many years ago) Uruguay. I’ve also picked up more people in my posse for this one; Steve “Ole” Olson of SGFSoccer.com is still here, as well as one of his friends and a Farmers Gastropub regular from Lockshire, England. Let’s do this!

11:00 a.m.: A quick look at stats: Goals – Tshabala for South Africa in the 55th minute, Marquez in the 79th minute for Mexico. Shots on goal: Mexico 12, South Africa 9. Fouls: South Africa 16, Mexico 13. Possession goes 58 percent to Mexico and 42 percent to South Africa. FIFA’s Man of the Match: Siphiwe Tshabalala.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, traditional English breakfast is served at Farmers. Enjoy the rest of the day, catch Uruguay-France later if you can and I’ll see you back here tomorrow for the live blog of USA-England.

10:59 a.m.: The match ends 1-1; there is no overtime in Group Play, so it’s one point for each. Mexico will lick its wounds after having its first goal taken away on the offside penalty. For South Africa, a victory in everything but the score. They’re the lowest-ranked nation ever to make the World Cup, and they’re in only because they’re the hosts. A showing like this against such a skilled team is an impressive start and a much-needed point with France and Uruguay still ahead. We’ve also learned the name Siphiwe Tshabalala, which is a win in my book.

10:53 a.m.: Three minutes of stoppage time. South Africa won’t get many more chances as good as the last one, though. 

10:51 a.m.: Fate slaps South Africa! Brilliant long pass and a shot by Katiego Mphela clangs off the left post. The keeper for Mexico only now just got his breath back.

10:49 a.m.: The announcers just discussed how clean this game has been, and I have to agree. For all the concern early on about Mexico’s chippiness they’ve held their composure well in the second half. You could even say it’s been a contributing factor to their getting back in this game. A minute and a half left in regulation; time to see who steps up.

10:45 a.m.: A good drive by South Africa thwarted by an offside call. This is not a pro-offside room I’m in, by the way. Most feel it’s a stupid rule that breaks the flow of the game.

10:43 a.m.: That tying goal could have disastrous consequences for South Africa. Mexico is by far the more athletic team, and now they’re revived. 

10:40 a.m.: Mexico is back in this. GOAL by Rafael Marquez that almost seemed to happen in slow motion. He stopped the ball and booted a simple shot to middle-low net, right below Khune’s left hand. We’re tied!

10:37 a.m.: Steve just dropped this factoid on me: More World Cup tickets have been sold to people in the United States than to any other nation: 40,000 strong. For a country that “doesn’t embrace soccer,” that’s a shocking stat.

10:35 a.m.: It’s hard to believe how subdued the crowd is for leading a match 1-0 that they should be tied in. South Africa is 17 minutes from stealing a win in the first match of this World Cup and you would think the crowd was at a book reading. Well, a book reading with air horns.

10:31 a.m.: South Africa is owning this match right now. Another drive up the field and needle-threading pass ends in a diving block by the Mexican keeper. Momentum is all with the home team at this point.

10:28 a.m.: South Africa almost put the nails in the coffin. Gorgeous pass to the right wing results in a clunker of a deflection-shot on net. Mexico dodged a soccer ball-sized bullet.

10:22 a.m.: Mexico is back on attack. Shot to the high right side of the net stopped by keeper Khune in a leap.

10:19 a.m.: Moments later, another yellow card for the Mexican team. Two yellow cards for any one player will mean ejection and the team playing a man down the rest of the match. The Mexican side could be unraveling a bit.

10:16 a.m.: GOAL, South Africa! Siphiwe Tshabalala burns one in from the left side to the top-right corner of the net. Keeper had no shot at stopping it. Surprisingly low-key celebration by the home fans, though. It’s a party, people!

10:11 a.m.: Give South Africa credit for its effort. They’re doing everything they can to keep up with Mexico in this one. They just tried a cross in the Mexico side that just missed.

10:08 a.m.: The second half begins. Have I mentioned that Mexico is trying out its new all-black uniforms with the red and green accents of its national flag? I feel like I’m watching 11 Darth Vaders out there. I leave the “empire strikes back” and “death star” jokes to you on that one.

10:04 a.m.: Memo to all analysts: When you’re part of the in-studio crew, rock a three-piece suit like former player Steve McManaman. He may be the Deion Sanders of soccer analysts.

9:59 a.m.: You know, since Steve mentioned Shakira, this seems like a good time to bring you your halftime entertainment. She did the official World Cup song, “Time For Africa,” for which she made this video:

9:55 a.m.: Too good not to share, from Steve: “The number-one topic in the Twitterverse last night was how good Shakira looked in hi-def.”

9:51 a.m.: First half has wrapped up. Mexico has clearly outplayed South Africa overall, but their chippy nature could burn them, especially since they have no goals to show for all that skill so far.

9:48 a.m.: South Africa charges! Crossing pass just missed for a header and possible scoring opportunity. My latte is gone now. I’m wired and this game is getting good.

9:47 a.m.: A negative side of Mexico’s play emerges with a silly bush-league penalty for contact with a South African player. “There’s Mexico’s Achilles’ heel,” our announcer says. “Attitude,” Steve confirms.

9:45 a.m.: Mexico is still reeling a bit from the lost goal. Set-piece header goes wide right. Dos Santos is putting on a soccer clinic, though.

9:42 a.m.: HORRIBLE call costs Mexico a goal. Offside called on a goal from a corner kick. Our referee today is going to get a sit-down after this match.

9:37 a.m.: Mexico almost gets one. Beautiful up-top pass by Guillermo Franco results in a shot on goal that South Africa keeper Itumeleng Khune barely keeps his hands on. Then another one! This dam is going to break sometime soon. Khune can’t keep this up… can he?

9:30 a.m.: The slow-motion shot of Mexico coach Javier Aguirre a moment ago was priceless. He just had an aneurism on camera. Yellow card for South Africa leads to a set play that gets nowhere.

9:28 a.m.: Steve’s take on the most recent South Africa attack: “Aw, let the ball run!” Their enthusiasm may be getting in their way right now. The early-game jitters need to settle and the playmakers need to give one another space to work. They’re cutting off their own plays.

9:22 a.m.: South Africa blows a free kick and Juarez gets a yellow card moments later for Mexico. South Africa’s ensuing play is a bust and Dos Santos sprints across the field and fires at the net. It would be a goal if not for bad English on the ball that takes it wide left. He’ll be one to watch in this match.

9:18 a.m.: There’s a constant hum in the stadium, and it’s not the fans. I believe it’s air horns. South Africa continues on the attack. If they turn this into an early goal the stadium is going to explode.

9:14 a.m.: Steve tells me he has Mexico winning Group A and getting to the final eight. Our announcers just referred to this Mexican team as the best in its history. All of this comes again while they’re playing defense in their own side of the field.

9:10 a.m.: Already tries on net from South Africa. They’re pushing hard just on pure adrenaline.

9:05 a.m.: We’re LIVE from Farmers Gastropub! I’m accompanied by Steve “Ole” Olson of SGFSoccer.com for this match; consider him the real knowledge to my fake one. We’re also learning just how many languages ESPN can broadcast this game in at the moment. The stands in South Africa for this one are a swarming throng of supporters, by the way; gotta love that the opening match is always the host nation.

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The time has finally come to put the hype to rest and find out which nation makes the best soccer team in the world. FIFA’s World Cup 2010 begins at 9 a.m. CDT with the opening match between hosts South Africa and longtime United States rival Mexico. TAG’s own Chris DeRosier will be live blogging the game from Farmer’s Gastropub with a simple breakfast and, if circumstances favor it, maybe a celebratory pint. Yes, this classifies as “working.” If your personal version of “working” more involves cubicles and piles of paperwork, though, or you just want an entertaining companion to your viewing of the game, tune your computer screen in to this page and refresh frequently so you can follow along. Happy World Cup!

Rogersville shortstop Seth Conner smoked a two-run double off the left field wall in the fourth inning.

12:41: Thanks for following along. Check the site later today for our feature on Seth Conner and his incredible transformation from good to a future professional.

12:39: What a game! DuBourg advances to the Class 3 championship game to play the winner of Winfield and Pembroke Hill. First pitch is 1 p.m Saturday.

Rogersville will play the loser in the 10 a.m. third-place game.

12:34: Stat geekage:

Rogersville offense

• Travis Schlesener, 2-for-4
• Seth Conner, 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBIs, BB
• Austin Jessen, 1-for-4, triple, 3 RBIs
• Zach Herman, 3-for-3, 2B, BB
• Steve Nagrich, 2-for-3, RBIs

Rogersville pitching

• Randy Preslar, 3 1/3 IP, 8 R (7 ER), 9 H, 1 K, 1 B
• Tome Kirkland, 0 IP, 2 BB, 2 R (0 ER)
• Austin Jessen, 3 2/3 IP, 2 R (2 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K

DuBourg offense

• Nicholas Montero, 3-for-4, 2 RBIs, 2 SB
• James Schwent, 4-for-5, 2 RBIs, 3 R, 2 2Bs
• Tyler Zychinski, 2-for-4
• Jeremy Tyler, 3-for-4, RBI

DuBourg pitching

• Matt Linderer, 5 IP, 9 R (6 ER), 13 hits, 1 BB, 4 K
• Josh Wagemann, 2 IP, 2 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 2 K

12:28: Holiday grounds out back to the pitcher to end the game. DuBourg wins 12-11 in a crazy game. Conner was standing in the on-deck circle. What instantly comes to mind is T. Schlesener getting thrown out at home in the fourth inning.

Rog will play the loser of this game in tomorrow’s 10 a.m. third-place game. Back with stat geekage momentarily.

12:27: Schlesener strikes looking out on a breaking ball. Holiday is up. Conner is on deck.

12:24: Nagrich is in an incredible at-bat. Seventh pitch upcoming, full count. He takes ball four and there is a runner on with one out. Top of the order for L-R.

12:22: Gault grounds out to Linderer, the new third baseman. One down. Nagrich has reached all three times and has two RBIs.

12:20: Ward lines out to the second baseman. After six and a half innings, DuBourg leads 12-11.

Due up for Rog: Gault, Nagrich, T. Schlesener. (Conner would be fifth)

12:17: Jessen has settled in. He gets Cebulski and Linderer to ground out harmlessly. Two strikes on Ward. The crowd is starting to get fired up.

12:13: Herman walks, but ball four skips away from the catcher. The score remains 12-11 after E. Schlesener grounds out to second base to end the inning.

Heading to the seventh ining, BD leads 12-11.

Due up for BD, Cebulski, Linderer, Ward.

12:12: Young strikes out on a curveball in the dirt. Will Jessen get stranded at third? There are two outs and Herman, who is 3-for-3, is at the plate.

12:09: Jessen smokes a 3-1 fastball up the middle that skips over the center fielder’s head. All three runners score and Jessen ends up on third. I’ve never seen a ball shoot up like that in the outfield. It’s 12-10 BD.

12:07: Conner walks on five pitches, which was probably going to happen anyway if first base would have been open. Either way, the bases are loaded for Jessen, who is 0-for-3 and the lone Wildcat to not reach base.

12:05: Holiday tries to bunt and reaches on a FC 2-5 as the bunt looked to hit the plate, but the ump called it a fair ball. Nagrich is out at third with Conner coming up.

12:02: Rog won’t quit. Nagrich singles to reach for the third time and Schlesener gets hit second hit. That will be all for Linderer, who allows 13 hits in an inauspicious outing. He’s replaced by third baseman Joshua Wagemann.

11:57: A bad hop eludes Conner and Montero has another hit. It scores Tyler and Montero takes second. Schwent is retired for the first time to end the inning.

BD leads 12-7 after five and a half innings.

Due up for Rog: Nagrich, T. Schlesener, Holiday.

11:55: Mazzuca singles through the hole on the right side and Tyler moves to second. BD is looking to blow this one wide open like the Lakers did to the Celtics last night.

11:53: Tyler singles over Conner’s head and Zychinski scores to make it 11-7. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t see a high-scoring game coming today.

11:51: Zychinski takes second on a wild pitch and Althage flies out to the left fielder. Can Jessen walk the tight rope again?

11:46: Ward grounds out to the second baseman. Zychinski singles up the middle.

11:42: Schlesener flies out to right field and Herman wisely stays at second. Montero threw a laser to third. Gault grounds out to second and the inning is over.

After five innings, BD leads 10-7.

Due up for BD: Linderer, Ward, Zychinski.

11:41: Young strikes out swinging, but Herman strokes his third hit of the game up the middle. He stole a base in the second inning.

11:38: Cebulski offers at a pitch in the dirt and he’s called out on strikes. Rog flirts with danger, but escapes with the 10-7 lead in tact after five and a half innings.

Due up for Rog: Young, Herman, E. Schelesner.

11:36: Ball four to Schwent is in the dirt and Montero takes third. Jessen is flirting with more disaster.

11:34: It’s also not over for BD. Montero singles for the third time and steals his third base. Schwent, who is at the plate, has three hits, too.

11:32: Tyler is retired 4-3, but Mazzuca is hit by a pitch. Ethan Schelesener hoses Mazzuca at second, trying to steal. Rog has new life, especially if Jessen can throw scoreless innings. This one is not over.

11:27: Jessen grounds out to shortstop to end the inning. The Wildcats score five to cut the lead down to 10-7. Can Rog capitalize on the momentum?

Du up: Tyler, Mazzuca, Montero?

11:25: Conner obliterates one off the left-center field wall. Gault scores. Nagrich scores. Travis Schlesener scores is thrown out at home on a strong throw from center field. Conner ends up at third and it’s 10-7 with two outs. As someone in the press box said, Rog is playing angry.

11:21: Holiday lasers one up the middle to score Gault. It’s 10-5 with one out and Conner is at the plate. Did we mention he has 11 home runs? Should be drafted on Wednesday? This is fun.

11:19: Travis Schlesener smokes the eighth hit off Linderer up the middle, but it’s hit so hard that Gault can’t score. Bases loaded and one out for Holiday. Conner looms on deck.

11:17: Negrich gets his second RBI, this time hitting a double play ball that turns into an E6. Herman scores and Gault ends up on second. There is still only one out and it’s 10-4 Rog. Still a long way to go.

11:16: E. Schelesener  strikes out on a high fastball, but Gault singles to right field. Herman takes third.

11:15: For more on Rogersville’s Seth Conner, check back to the site this afternoon for an in-depth feature. He has an insprirational story you have to read.

11:12: Young bloops one over the shortstop’s head and it looks like a single, but the two outfielders hit each other and Young ends up on third. He’s plated by a Herman RBI double down the 3B line. It’s his second hit of the day and Rog gets one back to cut it to 10-3. Linderer is lucky to have the run support. He hasn’t looked dominating today.

11:08: Another wild pitch scores a run, this time it’s Linderer and he’s the seventh run of the inning. 10-2 BD. Jessen walks  and Jessen snares a line drive up the middle and flips it to Conner for the final out.

BD scores seven runs and brings 11 batters to the plate against three pitchers. After three and a half, it’s 10-2.

Due up for Rog: young, Herman and E. Schlesener.

11:05: Jessen freezes Zychinski on a breaking ball for the second out, but the next pitch is in the dirt and goes to the backstop. Cebulski scores and it’s 9-2.

11:04: Kirkland walks both batters he faces and he is out of the game in favor of Austin Jessen. In the meantime, Schwent scored to make it 8-2. There is still only one out in the inning and this feels like a mercy rule waiting to happen.

11:01: Cebulski steals second. Linderer walks. It feels like the dam is going to break at any second. Bases loaded and only one out.

10:58: Schwent takes third on a wild pitch. Kirkland makes a great play on a ground ball up the middle, but babies the throw to first and it skips in the dirt. E1. First and third, one out for Linderer.

10:54: Schwent gets his third hit of the day, blasting a line drive over the left fielder’s head. He reaches second and Montero scores to make it 7-2 DuBourg. Lotz has made a pitching change and Tome Kirkland will take over.

10:53: Montero singles to plate Tyler. DuBourg leads 6-2, and Montero promptly steals second.

10:51: A ground ball finds Conner, but it takes a funny hop and there’s no play at home. Zychinski scores and Mazzuca is out at first. On the next pitch, Althage scores on a wild pitch and Tyler takes third. There is still only one out and it’s 5-2 DuBourg.

10:49: Rogersville coach Brad Lotz goes to the mound for a meeting. He’s walking slow. He can’t be happy.

He’s even more unhappy now. Tyler lobs a ball over a drawn-in infield to load the bases. The Rog infield is in and this could be the game.

10:47: Zychinski lobs a ball to left field for a single. Not many of the five hits Preslar has allowed have been hit hard. On a sacrifice attempt, the ball gets past Preslar and Althage reaches. First and second, no one out for DuBourg.

10:45: Quick inning for Linderer. He gets Holiday to fly out to right field, strikes Conner out looking on a curveball and snares a grounder from Jessen and throws to first.

After three, BD leads 3-2.

Due up, Zychinski, Althage and Tyler.

10:44: We don’t have time to do much of this, but here is a video of Bryce Harper’s ejection from the other day. Harper is expected to be the No. 1 pick in next week’s MLB draft. Here are his stats, by the way.

10:39: Ward strikes out to end the inning. BD takes the lead 3-2 after two and a half.

Due up: Holiday, Conner, Jessen

10:38: Linderer plates Schwent on a sacrifice fly to center field. BD leads 3-2.

10:37: Cebulski grounds a ball out of the strike zone to first baes and moves Schwent to third with one out. Smart baseball.

10:36: Schwent rips a single up the middle that buzzes Preslar’s head. Schwent steals second on the next pitch.

10:33: Many of Linderer’s pitches look to be on the outside part of the plate, but in the strike zone. Travis Schlesener grounds out to second to end the inning – the third 4-3 putout of the inning.

After two, the game is tied at 2.

Due up: Schwent, Cebulski, Linderer.

10:32: Nagrich is a machine. The junior third baseman amends for his error and steals second base.

10:30: No. 9 hitter Steve Nagrish plates Mantle on a single to right field, immediately after Mantle took third on a ground out to second. The game is tied at 2.

10:28: Ethan Schlesener pops a single to center and the Wildcats are in business. Herman steals third and the throw gets past the BD third baseman. Herman comes to score and the courtesy runner Beau Mantle takes second. Rog has life.

10:27: Young grounds out weakly to second base, but Herman slaps a single to center field.

10:24: Preslar escapes danger and gets Montero to fly out to left field and strand two runners. After one and a half, DuBourg leads 2-0.

Due up: Young, Herman, E. Schelesener.

10:23: Despite a friendly hop, the Rog third baseman can’t convert a routine 5-3 and it goes for an error. Tyler can’t advance past second base. A wild pitch moves both runners up with two outs. Big moment for L-R.

10:21: Tyler reaches on an infield single that Conner gobbles up, but can’t do anything with. A few pitches later, Ethan Schlesener gobbles up a pitch in the dirt and throws out Althage at third base.

10:19: Zychinski flies out to center field and Althage walks. On a more interesting note, Latsch, the encyclopedia of STL HS sports knowledge, tells me the last time DuBourg won a district title was 1961 — the same year as the last time the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. Chew on that.

10:17: We are always looking to help good people out, so please patronize the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Live Blog by clicking here.

10:16: Jessen strikes out looking on an outside fastball to retire the side.

After one inning, DuBourg leads 2-0.

Due up: Ward, Zychinski, Althage.

10:14: Conner singles up the middle on a ball up. I’d look for Conner to steal.

10:12: Although the strike zone looked about the size of a coffee can, Travis Schlesener draws a four-pitch leadoff walk. It goes for not as Holiday grounds into a 6-4-3 double play.

10:09: Preslar elicits another fly out to center field to retire the side. After a half-inning, DuBourg leads 2-0.

Due up: T. Schlesener, Holiday, Conner

10:07: Cebulski plates Schwent on groundout to second base. One out, but DuBourg leads 2-0. A flyout to center field retires Linderer for the second out.

10:05: After a missed bunt attempt, Schwent gets jammed, but it falls in just inside the left field line. The speedster Montero scores. On the next pitch, a passed ball gets past Rogersville’s catcher and moves Schwent to third.

The only start that could be worse for the Wildcats would be home run-home run.

10:03: And Prelar’s first pitch is singled up the middle. Latsch leans over and says Montero — one of five lefties amongst the first six batters — will be stealing second in three seconds.

Before I can hit publish, Montero steals second.

9:57: If you need a primer on DuBourg pitcher Matt Linderer, The STL Post Dispatch’s prize jewel Nate Latsch wrote this story on him this morning, focusing on his respect for the late Darryl Kile.

9:53: Starting lineups:

DuBourg (23-4)

Nicholas Montero, rf (.368)
James Schwent, 2b (.375)
Michael Cebulski, cf (.391)
Matt Linderer, rhp (.371, 7-1 as pitcher)
Justin Ward, lf (.359)
Tyler Zychinski, 1b (328)
Timothy Althage, dh (.294)
Jeremy Tyler, ss (.297)
Anthony Mazzuca, c (.246)
(Joshua Wagemann is playing 3b)

Rogersville (21-5)

Travis Schlesener, lf (. 274)
Korey Holiday, 1b (.408)
Seth Conner, ss (.493, 11 HR)
Austin Jessen, dh (.393)
Joe Young, cf (.451)
Zach Herman, 2b (.306)
Ethan Schlesener, c (.266)
Trenton Gault, rf (.246)
Steven Nagrich, 3b (.328)
(Randy Preslar is pitching, 8-1, 2.81 ERA, 50 Ks, 47 1/3 IP)

9:45: Welcome to Meador Park for a slice of Ozarks history. The first Class 3 semifinal between Rogersville and Bishop DuBourg features a ton of intrigue, starting with Rog SS Seth Conner and DuBourg righthanded pitcher Matt Linderer.

While formulating a list of of Missouri’s top MLB draft prospects, both Conner, a Missouri State recruit, and Linderer, who has signed with Mizzou, are both in the list. Linderer totes his 1.37 ERA and his 76 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings to the mound. For Conner, he has as many home runs (11) as he does singles (11) and doubles (11).

Stay tuned for the lineups.

—————————————

Rogersville High School’s baseball team is in unchartered territory, and the TAGsgf.com Live Blog will be on hand to document the occasion.

Behind the strength of senior shortstop Seth Conner and a resilient pitching staff/defense, Rogersville has advanced to the state baseball semifinals for the first time and will be facing St. Louis-area private school Bishop DuBourg, which is also making its state baseball debut. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Meador Park.

Can’t make the game? Can’t get near a radio? Don’t sweat, Allen Vaughan will be on hand to give running commentary and analysis.

Tell your friends and we will get it off the ground at 9:45 a.m.

10:48: Thanks for logging on and having a little bit of fun with us. I’m still standing by my Lakers in 7 prediction, but the it doesn’t look promising for the Celtics — unless KG meets up with Ponce de Leon.

10:43: This one is over, so here are some final thoughts:

• Did you notice that Chris Rock and his hooligans aren’t in their seats any more? I hate Hollywood.
• The Lakers are way more physical than two years ago.
• Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson are funny. I’m glad neither are coaches/GMs.
• Have I mentioned that Kevin Garnett looks old?

10:38: The wifi here at Skybox isn’t the greatest. Nothing has changed except, well, nothing has changed. The bar is starting to clear out and the Lakers are still dominating. I can’t get over how old Garnett looks. It’s really sad.

10:18: If you need some vulgar entertainment, just head to Twitter.com/Buzzbussinger. The old man is out of control. Seriously.

10:15: Ron-Ron for 3 to push the lead to 84-64. Looks like the spread is true, but the 190 total is doubtful, unless garbage time breaks out and Adam Morison and Tyronn Lue put on jerseys.

10:13: Tyronn Lue sighting. He was right behind Doc Rivers, who is watching his team get dominated. Where is Cookie Belcher?

10:05: Jacob and I just had a conversation about the Kardashian family, which is much more interesting than this game. I’m floored by the Lakers’ dominance in this one, but we are more floored by how one Kardashian sister (Kim) can be infinitely better looking than another (Khloe). Lakers lead 75-62, 2:10 3Q.

10:02: How many of the fans in attendance at Staples Center even like basketball?

9:58: Gasol owns the boards. Jacob’s father-in-law may be right. This is the opposite of how he played in this series in 2008. He’s making KG look like LaSalle Thompson.

9:56: I keep waiting for a Celtics run. Is it going to happen?

9:53: Kobe dunks to extend the Laker lead. How long ago was it that he dunked between his legs? Oy, I’m getting old.

9:51: Atmosphere check from Jacob:

Not much has changed.

9:48: Kobe continues to get owned, yet the Lakers still lead. Lakers up 57-48, 7:58 left 3Q.

9:41: Jacob and I just finished talking about our high school playing days. It was decided that Jacob was a 6-foot-2 Lamar Odom with more finesse and I am the white version of Reggie Miller (which makes me more of Adam Morrison, no?)

9:19: OK, it’s time to take a break. Don’t forget to join us for the second half. In the meantime, enjoy one a portion of one of my favorite comedy skits.

9:16: What has happened to the Celtics? Somewhere, our music writer Chris DeRosier is very unhappy. Halftime as Rondo buries a long deuce at the buzzer. Lakers 50-41.

9:08: Gasol blocks Rondo, who has surprisingly been a non-factor. Gasol has nine points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Is Rondo a fraud, or is it the Lakers’ length that’s giving them problems? Why am I conducting basketball analysis? Where is Chris Rock? We need another promo for The Grown Ups.

9:04: Lakers 39, Celtics 35, 4:13 left. Time for more beers.

8:59: Kendrick Perkins scores. We Google him and not only did Perkins go to the NBA straight out of HS, he was drafted and traded for Troy Bell. That’s a blast from the past. Who would have thought that Bell wouldn’t have made it?

The good news? We have secured our halftime entertainment.

8:56: Man, the Lakers bench is terrible. It might cost them the series. And on cue, Kobe checks back in. Lakers up 32-31 with 7:31 left in the second.

8:51: Jacob points out that two of his favorite athletes of all time — Rasheed Wallace and Terrell Owens — have rules in place just because of their deliquency.

8:50: Pau Gasol gets owned by Rasheed Wallace, who is playing like he’s with the Pistons again. You have to love guys like Sheed and Lamar Odom who don’t do anything until the playoffs.

8:47: Atmosphere check from Jacob:

Smells like testosterone and menopause.

Come one down!!!!!!

8:44: First quarter intermission entertainment:

8:40: Paul Pierce buries two free throws. And here’s my official beef with Pierce:

I don’t like Kansas. Never have. But even more than that, I still have utter disdain for Pierce after that coming back to the court in the 2008 NBA Finals on a wheelchair. I still can’t forgive him for that.

Lakers lead the Celtics 26-21 at the end of the first quarter.

8:37: And Gasol takes a charge. That’s $50 bucks. What is that in Euros?

8:35: Why is Kobe taking such bad shots? The good news for the Lake Show? They’re winning while Kobe is taking bad shots.

8:28: Jordan Farmar throws one of the worst passes and has to commit an even worse foul. On the bright side, Tony Allen threw down a two-handed windmill after the whistle. Didn’t he learn that lesson already? Lakers up 18-16, 3:13 left 1Q.

8:24: And LBK kicks in again. Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, David Spade, Kevin James and some cougar blonde with her twins hanging out are sitting next to the Lakers bench. Who’s sitting next to the Celtics bench? Matt Damon and Ben Affleck?

8:21: Why haven’t they had more celebrity cameos? Where is Jack? Where’s the guy who sits next to Jack that no one knows? Where is Lindsey Lohan? Where is Fergie and her husband?

8:17: Pau Gasol is playing like no European ever has in the NBA Finals. He is dominating KG, who is starting to look like an old man. Jacob just tells me that his father-in-law loves Gasol. He thinks he’s awesome and the best player on the Lakers. I’m not so sure he’s wrong. Lakers up up 16-10 at the first media timeout.

8:11: And with Live Blog karma in tact, Artest nearly starts an Palace at Auburn Hills-like brawl. I’m firmly on Ron-Ron’s side now. Jacob just pointed out that Sasha Vujacic has rid himself of that brown shoestring that he wore as a headband-like accessory. Sad.

8:06: Starting lineups aren’t a surprise. My top three storylines are (and one that isn’t relevant):

• Will Ron Artest implode?
• Will Rondo end Derek Fisher’s career?
• Who is going to control Kobe?
• The one that isn’t a storline: The traditions between these two teams. You think these guys give an S about that?

8:03: Why is Adam Morrison in streets? Can’t believe he’s not playing.

8:00: Vegas odds on the game? Lakes by 5 1/2, total points 190 1/2. Series prices: Lakes -190, Celtics +155

7:45: OK, I’m only going to speak in the third person once, but Allen Vaughan (that’s me) and TAGsgf.com friend Jacob Govero are posted up at Skybox Bar and Grille waiting for the tip off of Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

To get the party started, the DJ is spinning How Bizarre by OMC. What’s more bizarre is that the pregame show isn’t on, but Stephen Strasburg’s final Triple-A start is — and Strasburg isn’t in the game any more.

This isn’t a good sign. However, here is my quick take on these Finals:

I don’t like this Celtics team. I still hate Paul Pierce from his Kansas days and I’m still in denial of how good Rajan Rondo is. And I love to see greatness, so that leaves me with Kobe Bryant winning his fifth title. Go LA.

Jacob just told me that he’s pulling for the Lakers. After we have a few more $2 Dos Equis, I might tell you why.

——————–

Yes, tonight is Game 1 of the NBA Finals. In our land of the Ozarks, there aren’t a ton of NBA fans to speak of, as most of them claim to be fans of college basketball over its professional cousin.

But let’s be honest. The NBA Finals are pretty damn cool.

And this year, it’s a special treat. Say what you want, I love long series and that’s what Boston vs. L.A. is looking like. I pine for Game 7. That’s why we are ramping up the Live Blog tonight and we’re taking it to a whole new level at the same time.

Follow along with Allen Vaughan and special guests as we bring you the normal updates, commentary and hi jinks that come along with the territory. Need Kobe Bryant jokes? Got ‘em. Hate the Celtics? Been a fan of either franchise since Magic and Bird? Russell vs. Chamberlain? We can go there, too. Or, if you’re just looking to kill some time while you’re watching the game at home, feel free to post your thoughts in our commentary section.

That whole new level stuff? Here’s where you come in. Allen will be Live Blogging at Skybox Bar and Grille in his TAGsgf.com T-shirt. Be one of the first handful of fans to find his tall, lanky body and say hi and you’ll get your very own TAG shirt and get your name in the Live Blog. (Buying him a beer wouldn’t hurt, FYI)

Admit it, you were going to watch anyway, right?

3:00: Thanks for following along on the Live Blog. Look for some future Q&As with Springfield Cardinals and NWA Naturals. Enjoy the rest of your day.

2:59: Johnny G is retired 4-3 to end the game.

W — Gorgen (4-0)
L — Santiago (0-3)
S — Sanchez (5)

2:57: Sanchez strikes out pinch hitter Kurt Mertins looking, then retires Van Stratten, who is yet to wake up.  5-foot-8 Johnny Giavotella is the last hope. Moustakas is on deck if he reaches.

2:55: McConnell gets the ultimate revenge. Rapoport is robbed by McConnell, who makes the play on a grounder to the second base side. Sick. Start making your Brendan Ryan-Adam Everett comparisons.

After 8, SGF leads 4-3.

Due up for NWA: Mertins (.263/.358), Van Stratten (0-for-2), Giavotella (0-for-3, BB)

2:52: Smith gets one over on his mortal enemy, NWA SS Chris McConnell. Trying to rob him for the third consecutive time, this time on a hot shot up the middle. Smith “legs” it out. Second hit for Smith.

2:51: Brown strikes out for the third time, this time looking. Forgettable day for the man called Brownie.

Cutler quickly rolls over on a pitch form the new pitcher, Ben Swaggerty for a 4-3 putout. Texas League commissioner Tom Kaiser calls him a “Texas League veteran pitcher.” I’m not sure that’s a good thing.

2:45: Seratelli singles, putting the tying run in scoring position, but Sanchez battles back and strikes out Orlando

After 7 1/2, SGF leads 4-3.

Due up: Brown (0-for-3 2Ks), Cutler (1-for-3), Smith, 1-for-3, 2B)

2:42: Mejia gets his second single in a row and this one plates Moustakas. NWA closes the gap to 4-3.

2:41: Sanchez dials up a fastball on the inside part of the plate to whiff Howell for the first time. He might not get a chance to earn the Golden Sombrero.

2:38: FYI, Sanchez has gone more than one inning three times, including his blow save on April 25th. Sanchez gets Robinson to ground out to the shortstop, moving Moustakas to third.

2:36: Sanchez’ numbers thus far:

1-0, 7 appearances, 10 innings, 0.90 ERA, 5 H, 8 K, 2BB

2:35: After an eight-pitch at-bat, Moustakas doubles down the right field line. Here comes Eduardo Sanchez for an extended save opportunity.

2:32: Reifer trots out to the mound to start the eighth. His longest outing of the season has already been equaled at 1 1/3 innings.

2:30: Instead, Chambers stays put and is sacrificed in a 4-6-3 double play off the bat of Sedbrook. Inning over. Bleh.

After 7 innings, SGF leads 4-2

Due up: Moustakas (0-for-3), C. Robinson (0-for-3, RBI), Howell (0-for-3, 2Ks)

2:29: Just as the Hammons Field scoreboard flashes that Chambers is hitting .353 during day games, he strokes his second single of the game. Surely he can steal off Hardy, who can barely hit 79 on the Hammons radar.

2:26: Moustakas must have woken up. He makes a nice play on a ground ball from Folli for out No. 1. Chambers is up.

2:24: Reifer has a easy 1-2-3 inning, striking out Giavotella to end the inning. He made that look easy.

After 6 1/2 inning, SGF leads 4-2.

Due up for SGF: Folli (o-for-1, sac), Chambers (1-for-2, BB, run), Sedbrook (1-for-3, RBI)

2:23: Gorgen’s line, and he’s in line for the W:

5 2/3 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), 2BB, 6 Ks, 104 pitches

2:21: Reifer gets McConnell to fly out to CF. Meanwhile, southpaw Matt Meyer is warming up for SGF. Moustakas is lurking, no matter how cold he is.

2:18: Hardy chews through the SGF order, striking out Kozma and getting a grounder back to the mound on DeJesus. 1-2-3 for the 79-MPHing fastballer.

After 6 innings, SGF leads 4-2.

Due up for NWA: McConnell (1-for-1, BB), Van Stratten (0-for-1, K), Giavotella (0-for-2, BB)

2:17: Rapoport grounds out to second base, getting mesmorized by Hardy’s sidearm delivery. Or, it wa the fact that both of them are in Double-A for at least their third season. A match made in heaven.

2:16: The final line on Santiago, who is in line to lose:

5 IP, 5H, 4 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 3 K

2:14: Now pitching for NWA: LHP Rowdy Hardy. The numbers on the 27-year-old southpaw:

0-0, 3 appearances, 5 2/3 innings, 0.00 ERA, four hits, 4 Ks, 0 BBs

2:12: This is the earliest Reifer has appeared in a SGF game this season. He’s normally slotted for the eighth, but this is a big spot. He retires Orlando with a fly ball to right field.

After 5 1/2, SGF leadsd 4-2.

Due up for SGF: Rapoport (1-for-2, RBI), Kozma (0-for-2), DeJesus (0-for-1, BB, R)

2:10: The numbers on Reifer thus far:

1-0, 4.26 ERA, 7 appearances, 6 1/3 IP, 7 hits, 3 runs, 11 Ks, 2 BB, 2 saves. Reifer has inherited two runners, but none have scored.

2:09: Seratelli, who launched a solo home run on top of the training facility, walks and moves Mejia to second. Reifer is coming in.

2:07: SGF reliever Adam Reifer is warming in the bullpen.

2:05: Gorgen is back in the groove, retiring Robinson on a grounder to short and Folli snares a line drive at third. Mejia quickly turns around a fastball to center field for a single. That prompts a visit from SGF pitching coach Dennis “El Presidente” Martinez. Can’t wait to interview him.

1:59: Fort the second time today, Smith is retired by a slick play by McConnell at short. Strong throw in the hole gets Smith by a half-step. It probably helps that his half-step is about three Adron Chambers steps.

After 5 innings, SGF leadsd 4-2.

Due up for NWA: C Robinson (0-for-2, RBI), Howell (0-for-2, 2Ks), Mejia (0-for-2, K)

1:58: For those of you who haven’t heard Adron Chambers talk, here is a video Q&A that we did with him before the season. Hilarious.

You’ll see what I’m talking about with his stories.

1:56: Cutler hits a lukewarm ground ball to Clint Robinson, the NWA first baseman, and he goes Bill Buckner on it. It goes through the wickets and both Chambers and Sedbrook come around to score. SGF leads 4-2 with two outs and Curt Smith at the plate.

1:54: An as Live Blog karma goes, I mention Sedbrook’s RISP numbers and of course, he cracks an RBI single. He lobs it over the second baseman and DeJesus scores. Chambers takes third and Sedbrook goes to second on the throw.

1:52: Chambers draws a walk, the second of the inning and the NWA pitching coach goes to the mound. Sedbrook, who is hitting .045 with runners in scoring position.

1:50: Folli sacrifices DeJesus to second with one out and “I shut down Sidney Rice when he was at South Carolina” Adron Chambers is at the plate. I really hope all of these stories are true. They are all awesome.

1:49: DeJesus leads off the inning with a walk. Because he’s not very good, I always think of DeJesus in Big Lebowski terms.

You don’t $%^ with DeJesus.

1:43: After an off-day at the plate, like Moustakas, I always wonder if these dudes go ever dare to go downtown the night before a day game. Big Whiskey’s? Trolley’s? Zan? Icon? Either way, Moustakas flies out lazily to Chambers in CF, working his way out of some trouble.

After 4 1/2, NWA leads 2-1.

Due up for SGF: DeJesus (0-for-1), Folli (0-for-1), Chambers (1-for-2)

1:41: After the training staff and SGF manager Pop Warner came to check on Gorgen, who came up gimpy after the last pitch, McConnell took advantage with a stolen base. All of a sudden Gorgen is laboring, having thrown 80 pitches through 4 2/3. And, he walks Giavotella to bring Moustakas to the plate.

1:38: Looking like a guy who thought he was getting the day off, Van Stratten whiffs on another breaking ball. It’s Gorgen’s sixth. Two down for Giavotella, who is 0-for-2.

1:36: Orlando is retired, but McConnell walks. It brings in Van Stratten, a regular who was supposedly getting the day off. He’s hiting .300 with a home run. Gorgen is laboring.

1:32: Gorgen comes back to earth, briefly. Seratelli launches a fastball onto the roof of the training facility. AS of now, it looks like there are 15 on the roof. How many by the end of the season? 50? 75?

1:29: Sorry, got caught up on the phone. And, of course, SGF scored. The recap:

After Brown and Cutler were retired, Curt Smith doubled off the RF wall and Rapoport knocked in his fourth run with a single up the middle. Kozma was retired 6-4 to end the inning.

After 4, the game is tied at 1.

Due up: Seratelli (0-for-1), Orlando (1-for-1), McConell (1-for-1)

1:18: Gorgen whiffs Mejia on what looked like a curveball. He fans the side and has set down five in a row, four via the strikeout.

After 3 1/2, NWA leads 1-0

Due up for SGF: Brown (0-for-1), Cutler (1-for-1), Smith (0-for-1)

1:17: Howell can’t figure Gorgen out. The NWA catcher strikes out for the second time and it’s Gorgen’s third-straight strikeout. His fastball isn’t topping 88, but his offspeed stuff has been hard to hit and in the strike zone.

1:14: For all of you scoring at home, Derrick Robinson has left the game and it’s started an entire outfield shuffle. Nick Van Stratten is in the game, batting first and playing RF. Orlando shifts from LF to CF and Seratelli goes from RF to LF. Got it? Good.

In the meantime, Gorgen has settled down, striking out Robinson looking on a backdoor slider. It’s his third K of the game.

1:13: Sedbrook grounds out to Moustakas at third, who makes a much better play.

After 3, NWA still leads 1-0.

Due up: C Robinson (0-for-1), Howell (0-for-1, K), Mejia (0-for-1)

1:11: As we are speculating on Robinson’s injury, Santiago embarrasses Chambers on a pickoff. Not only did throw beat him to the bag, Chambers flopped on the ground, trying to sneak back to the back. Hilarious? Yes. Out? Yep.

1:09: Folli golfs one to RCF, but it “gets caught up in the wind.” It’s caught by a new center fielder, who we can’t make out yet. Stay tuned.

1:06: Gorgen fans Moustakas on a high fastball that couldn’t have topped 88. Either way, not a good day for Moustakas. Robinston is stranded at 2B.

After 2 1/2, NWA still leads 1-0

Due up: Folli (.235/.257), Chambers (0-for-1), Sedbrook (0-for-1)

1:03: Giavotella flies out to right field. Gorgen has been effective, if you take away that error. And, on cue, here comes Moustakas.

1:00: Robinson easily steals his 15th base of the season, but must have either smacked his face into the base or Pete Kozma’s shin.

The delay has lasted a good 3 minutes. Hannema alleges that he was trying to get his bearing so he can steal third. Watch out.

12:56: NWA puts McConnell in motion and Robinson swings through the pitch. McConnell is hosed at second by Cutler, who allegedly isn’t that good of a defensive catcher. Take that, scouts. Blam-O!

Then, Robinson walks . The last time he was on base, Gorgen threw over to first no less than 5 times. Take a drink, if you have one. It could be a while before our next entry.

12:55: McConnell is easily the best player of this young game. After a slick play in the first to keep SGF off the scoreboard, he strikes a leadoff single up the middle. Now, the speedy Robinson is up. Will he bunt? It could be another single.

12:51: Santiago quickly dispatches Rapoport (6-3) and Kozma (8F) and he’s about to do the same to DeJesus, possibly the worst Double-A player. In fact, DeJesus grounds out to Santiago for a 1-2-3 innings.

After 2, NWA leads 1-0.

Due up for NWA: McConnell (.225/.319), Robinson (1-for-3), Giavotella (0-for-1)

12:45: Gorgen picks Orlando off first base to end the inning. (Serve, serve, serve)

After 1 1/2, NWA leads 1-0

Due up for SGF: Rapoport (.356/420), Kozma (.197/269), DeJesus (.100/250)

12:43: Seratelli golfs one to RF for an out, then Orlando breaks his bat for a single to right field. No. 9 place hitter Chris McConnell and his .225 (9-for-40) average is at the plate.

12:41: Mejia clobbers one to deep center field, but Chambers, who told KOLR 10′s Charlie Hannema that he played SEC football against Tim Tebow.

12:39: Catcher Charlie Cutler singles to right field and Brown scoots to third base. Curt Smith’s ground ball in the hole is nicely vacuumed by shortstop Chris McConnell, who slides to his right, pops up and throws Cutler out at second base.

After 1, NWA leadsd 1-0.

Due up for NWA: Mejia (.190/277), Seratelli (.152/282), Orlando (.212/276)

12:37: After Sedbrook lobs the Santiago’s first pitch to the right fielder for an out, the red-hot Andrew Brown hits a routine grounder to Royals wunderkind 3B Mike Moustakas. It wouldn’t be fair to say that he booted it, because he didn’t get close enough. E5 and he’s one step closer to a career as a DH in KC.

12:33: Adron Chambers grounds out to the second baseman. While the season is only two weeks old, it seems that every member of the media already has a story.

12:30: If you take away Gorgen’s error, he pitched well in the first. His offspeed stuff is working as he fans Howell, the catcher, on three pitches, including a changeup in the dirt.

After a half inning, NWA leads 1-0.

Coming up for SGF: Chambers (.241 BA/.349 OBP)), Sedbrook (.167/.318), Brown (.253/.325)

12:28: Robinson gets out his tennis rocket and volleys one softly up the first base line with the runner going from second. Derrick Robinson scores easily, Giavotella gets to second and C Robinson is retired 3-1.

12:22: What do I know? Gorgen changeups his way to an infield pop out by Moustakas. Curt Smith pockets in and now Gorgen is a double play — which he should have had earlier — away from a clean inning.

Clint Robinson, the NWA first baseman, is hitting .293 and .258 with runners on base.

12:19: Royals second baseman Johnny Giavotella smacks one back to Gorgen, who is so worried about Robinson’s Usain Bolt-like speed, that he completely misses SS Pete Kozma at second base and turns a taylor-made DP into a first-and-third with no one out for Mike Moustakas. The 3B uber-prospect has cooled off to .360.

Danger is ahead.

12:16: Naturals CF Derrick Robinson reaches on an infield single to second baseman Colt Sedbrook that probably should have been an out.

That probably means Robinson will add to his MILB-leading 14 stolen bases. If you’re counting, he has played in 18 games.

12:07: The book on NWA starter Mario Santiago:

After a rough start to the season, Santiago won his last start, allowing one run, while striking out four and walking none. He was a 16th round pick in 2006 and pitched for Low-A Burlington the past two seasons.

11:59: The book on SGF starter Scott Gorgen:

Last time he pitched, back on April 23, this was the 23-year-old righthander’s line:

7 IP, 1 R (earned), 4H, 2BB, 8K

He doesn’t throw hard, but has four pitches that make it go. He was a fourth-round pick in the 2008 draft out of UC-Irvine (yes, that makes him an Anteater). Batters are hitting just .215 against him this season.

After a rough Double-A season, Gorgen could be back on track to be a factor within the St. Louis organization. Today will be a great test against the most talented offense in the Texas League.

11:56: Here are today’s lineups

NWA (11-7)

Derrick Robinson, CF
Johnny Giavotella, 2B
Mike Moustakas, 3B
Clint Robinson, DH
Jeff Howell, C
Ernesto Mejia, 1B
Anthony Seratelli, RF
Paulo Orlando, LF
Chris McConnell, SS

P — Mario Santiago (3-0, 1.59 ERA)

SGF (11-7)

Adron Chambers, CF
Colt Sedbrook, 2B
Andrew Brown, DH
Charlie Cutler, C
Curt Smith, 1B
Jim Rapoport, RF
Pete Kozma, SS
Antone DeJesus, LF
Mike Folli, 3B

P — Scott Gorgen (3-0, 1.59 ERA)

11:27: Here is a pregame treat. While I was bumping around the Springfield clubhouse, and watching all of the drills, stretching, relaxing, etc, I came across St. Louis pitching coordinator Dyar Miller. He was poised outside the home team bullpen, watching SGF pitching coach Dennis Martinez give LHP Nick Additon some advice during his side session.

Here’s a sneak peek.

———————-

Baseball was meant to be played during the day, under the sunlight and not the bright halogen bulbs that most modern ballparks use, right? Well, today’s noon first pitch between the Springfield Cardinals and the NW Arkansas Naturals gives us that opportunity to see how the game was meant to be played.

Or, at least a good reason to play hooky from work, right?

Well, if you can’t get this afternoon off, Allen Vaughan will be at Hammons Field Live Blogging the event with the normal TAGsgf.com commentary, analysis and hi jinks. Can’t get away from your desk? No sweat. Just log on and shirk away a few minutes. Your boss will never know, and if you are the boss, go ahead and encourage the Live Blog to your employees as a much-needed mental break.

Now, as for the baseball, we detailed it earlier in the week, but not only is Springfield off to a good start, this NW Arkansas team is as good as it’s ever been and includes a half-dozen players that should gain impact roles with the Kansas City Royals in two years — if not sooner.

If you missed our daily farm report, you can click here to get caught up on all levels of the Cardinals and Royals organizations.

And, if you want a taste of what a TAGsgf.com Live Blog is like, check our Brett Johnston’s LB from Monday.

Jimmy Clausen freefalling like a fat kid off a skyscraper is the best thing to happen to the St. Louis Rams. They could demand a king's ransom for the No. 33 pick on Friday.

10:07: Thanks to everyone for reading and thanks to all of our special contributors, giving us real-time reactions to selections by their favorite NFL teams, or honking big time for their favorite college teams.Check back tomorrow to see if Missouri State’s Clay Harbor gets selected in the third round, like he was estimated to by some mock drafts.Post your thoughts below!10:05: Let’s be honest about what the Rams could demand for that No. 33 pick (the top pick in tomorrow’s second round).A 2011 first round pick and a fourth or fifth in this year’s draft? A second and a third pick to move down this year? As much as I like Taylor Mays, you have to pull that trigger, especially if you don’t need a QB.10:03: And with the No. 32 pick, Drew Brees announces that Florida State CB Patrick Robinson will be a New Orleans Saint.I’m going to refrain and hide from all of the first round analysis. I like to sound foolish when grading entire drafts. I won’t embarrass myself (Even though I thought Detroit did the best.).10:01: Mel Kiper looks like a beaten man. Mel, we will hire you to work for us next year.9:59: I’m not trying to sound like a broken record, but can you imagine the ransom the Rams are going to get for Jimmy Clausen with that No. 33 pick? Someone is going to make a sick offer. I’m hoping the Rams knew this all along, but they’re not nearly that savvy.It’s not likely, but possible they could get a future No. 1 pick for that No. 33 pick tomorrow. They should raise the stakes and extract maximum value. You know, what they should have done with the No. 1 pick.9:56: And the last pick in the first round goes to the New Orleans Saints. Stay away from Mays, I’m telling you.Why? Here is a highlight package of him. And, I’m a sucker for USC players.9:54: TCU Horny Toad Jerry Hughes, an OLB is the No. 31 pick to Indianapolis. The Colts seem to never screw up late in the draft.9:50: Taylor Mays is a beast. He may well end up at linebacker, but if the USC Trojan fell to the Rams at No. 33, I’d be elated. That probably means he’ll get draft at No. 31 by the Colts.9:47: Jahvid Best goes No. 30 to the Lions, who was my favorite RB in the draft. I went to San Francisco last summer and made a trip to Cal Berkeley. It was a nice place. I might rep my Cal T-shirt tomorrow.9:45: Brett Johnston brings up a good point:

Nobody really exciting in the first round. Maybe Bradford or Spiller, but nothing newsworthy for fantasy geeks.

9:44: Looks like the Lions just traded with the Vikings. Does that mean Clausen falls out of first round? Or does someone swoop in and trade for him? God, the Rams look foolish right now. Could have had Suh and Clausen. Damn.9:41: Can the Vikings do the same thing the Packers did with Aaron Rodgers? Guy who could have gone No. 1 overall, then take him to be Favre’s heir apparent?9:39: My father realizes the Clausen karma might be real:

OMG, Scott Pioli be strong don’t listen to Charlie Weis

9:37: The Tebow fallout continues. This from Brett Johnston:

I love the Tebow pick more than I love the Eric Berry pick. Donkeys could have done something there.

9:34: The Jets have to screw this one up, right? They’ve had too much of a charmed offseason. They got Smoketonio Holmes for nothing, signed LT and signed Jason Taylor. I love Rex Ryan, though. Can’t wait for Hard Knocks on HBO.9:30: Miami selects Penn State DT Jared Odrick at No. 28. Jon Gruden makes him sound like Suh and McCoy.Meanwhile, I’m still trying to figure out the Tebow pick. So, you’re telling me you traded both Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall and used one of those first round picks on Tim Tebow? How is Josh McDaniels less look-at-me than Brandon Marshall? I am starting to dislike McDaniels.9:26: Suddenly, the Dolphins are on the clock. That allows us to take a peek at the following YouTube clip as we wait for Clausen to be selected.9:24: New England takes Rutgers CB Devin McCourty with the No. 27 pick. Kyle Wilson is that much closer to going to the Rams.9:22: Scott Puryear chimes in with vitriol

I’m sick of hearing about what “A great teammate” Tim Tebow is going to be … Jon Gruden and all the other talking heads almost make it sound like no other football players even try. Blown pick by the Broncos. By midseason, who’s going to be their third (inactive) QB? Kyle Orton? Brady Quinn? First round picks gotta play. Stupid, wasteful pick by Denver.

9:18: My early Day 2 wish list for the Rams reads like this:

1. Kyle Wilson, Boise State CB
2. Jerry Hughes, TCU OLB
3. Taylor Mays, USC SS

9:17: The Arizona Cardinals do the NFL a favor and take Tennesssee DT Dan Williams at No. 26. If that would have been Clausen, my TV would have exploded.9:16: What does the Tebow pick do to Brady Quinn, who was acquired in a trade earlier in the offseason?

Merr – Brady Quinn’s been at prom for hours but will never get a dance.

9:15: My old man has a good point.

What are the thinking in Denver? Mel Kiper likes Jimmy Clausen better.

Seriously. Is this the end of Mel Kiper? McShay is kicking his arse today.9:14: Get Jeremy Schaap off my television. I don’t like that smarmy weasel.9:10: Wow, if Denver’s plan was to take Tebow all along, they maneuvered perfectly. With that said, ESPN’s interactive poll says 41 percent of America thinks the Tebow pick was an F. Haha.And this in from Gator fan Kyle Green:

Yeah son! Denver baby! Go Broncos, I’m a huge fan!

9:08: That was worth waiting for. Tim Tebow going in the first round to a hated team is too sweet to believe. Denver makes it official and takes the Florida QB at No. 25 after trading with Baltimore. Clausen is still on the board.9:06: And on cue, Chiefs fan Brett Johnston is in.

Merr almost had a heart attack, but I’m the one who’s going to. I hate tim tebow in the afc west. He scares me.

Merr – i’m surprised they’re not all praying right now

9:02: Wow, who would have thought that Tim Tebow would have been drafted before Jimmy Clausen? Tebow fans, rejoyce. Wow, how are the Chiefs fans going to feel about this?9:01: The Cowboys make it official. They trade up with New England to take Dez Bryant at No. 24, the wide receiver from Oklahoma State. Remember, he was suspended after some shenanigans with Deion Sanders. Reader Jacob Govero chimes in, saying, “I guess Deion payed off.”Nice play on words, Jacob.8:59: Did Dallas really just trade up to get Dez Bryant? He’s moshing with some dude in a house. Does that make Roy Williams the No. 3 receiver? That means how many first rounders have they spent on WR, and Miles Austin is still the best?8:56: Brett Johnston brings up a good point:

Since when do the raiders pick well and the broncos pick poorly?

He has a point, but the Broncos are still ahead a pick or two, right? Just not that high in the draft.8:55: I feel bad about my Clausen picture, but he keeps falling.8:53: Sooner Puryear is in on Gresham.

Carson Palmer is going to love Gresham…Think a young Antonio Gates. Really rose to the occasion in big games at OU.

8:51: I can’t tell if Bulaga is the last dude out of the green room, but Green Bay makes Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga the No. 23 pick. Chiefs fans, he was thought to have gone to you at No. 5.Did you see Bulaga’s tie? It’s properly hanging low enough, but the rest of it is too short. Buy a new tie, Bryan.8:50: Charlie Hannema, a proud Mizzou alum, is in on the Weatherspoon pick:

Spoooooooooooon. First time MU has players in first round in back to back years, ever.

8:47: If you had my father in the Clausen pool, you win. This is his latest Clausen-ism:

I hope Clausen gets drafted…I have the first pick in my fantasy league and maybe I could trade down to get him. but I don’t know, Mel Kiper really likes him.

8:46: Wow, instead of taking Dez Bryant, the Broncos take Demaryius Thomas a WR from Georgia Tech. Did anyone watch GT play this year? They threw, maybe, 10 times a game. How in the hell can this guy be an NFL wide receiver? This is great news for Kansas City fans.8:45: Looks like the Broncos have traded back in to get the No. 22 pick from New England. Incest thinks that’s weird.8:42: At No. 21, Cincinnati selects Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham. I guess that means the Chase Coffman experiment is over, right? Gruden points out that’s the fourth Sooner to be taken. John, you’re better than that.Speaking of, did you all watch Gruden’s QB camp? I’d love to do the same thing with Gruden, breaking down his on-camera game. Sounds like a TAGsgf.com exclusive.8:40: As ESPN cuts to Jimmy Clausen’s home in California, can he really be that big of a loser in tonight’s draft? Erin Andrews is at his house. He wins.8:38: With the No. 20 pick, Houston takes Alabama CB Kareem Jackson. I’m a little surprised that Boise State corner Kyle Wilson is still on the board. They must have realized he was from Boise State.8:36: News-Leader reporter and true-blue Pittsburgh Steelers fan T.J. Brice is in on the Pouncey selection:

It fills a major need. Pouncy was part of one of the best o lines at Florida. He’s a strong, physical lineman that could be a greaet asset at center or guard.

I should also mention that Brice is a huuuuge Florida Gator honk.8:35: TAGsgf.com staffer Brett Johnston is back after his Eric Berry hyperventilation fit:

Pouncey’s mom + Iupati’s grandfather = incredible (read: largest) offensive lineman

8:32: Atlanta uses the No. 19 pick on Mizzou’s Sean Weatherspoon, the first linebacker to be drafted out of Mizzou since the school started, or something like that. Congrats, Mizzou.8:30: Found this on Twitter, Adam:

@TheBigLead poor Bulaga from Iowa. Deion just grilling him. ‘have you heard … anything?’ feel bad for the kid. stuck in green room, phone not ringin

8:28: And another asexual pick, as the Steelers draft quickly to get the talking head attention off of them. At No. 18, they select Florida center/guard Maukice Pouncy. Hilarious moment as his twin brother, Mike is in the same frame. Will he show up to Steelers camp, too?8:26: At 17, San Francisco selects the first guard, Idaho’s Mike Iupati is selected. That’s two offensive lineman for the 49ers. And now, here comes the Big Ben jokes as Pittsburgh is on the clock.8:23: From the comment section:

Who will be this year’s Brady Quinn in the green room?

I wish Clausen was there.8:19: At No. 16, the Tennessee Titans select Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan. He was a guy who was supposed to go much earlier, supposedly. Nice double-breasted suit.8:18: From our STL Correspondent, Adam Kilker:

How long till a wide receiver is picked? Will someone like Bryant fall to the 2nd round? All the Rams need is a Sooner QB and a Cowboy WR

8:16: Merr checks in, echoing my thoughts:

Jimmy Clausen right now. Merr is scared of him in the division.

8:13: The Giants take South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul at No. 15. Does this give the Rams hope that they can trade for Osi Umeyiora?8:10: The New York Giants are on the clock. Mortenson chimes in on Clausen, saying it’s possible that he could fall to the end of the first round. Now, the real drama is clear. Which will happen first?

• My dad cracks on Clausen again
• Someone selects Clausen

Tim Tebow will platonically date your daughter and play QB. But, for who?

8:07: More from Kyle Green, lamenting in Jags land

And we just lost our franchise, too. Lol Bye Bye Bye

You could have had Tebow, Kyle. Peep him looking all righteous over there.8:06: My dad is back for more (and it’s more Clausen-bashing)

Is it too late for Jimmy Clausen to transfer to a Football Championship Subdivision team?

Who gets drafted first, Clay Harbor or Clausen?8:05: Seattle takes Earl Thomas, a safety from Texas. No one moved up the mock drafts more than this kid. He went from nowhere to a guy who can play CB and FS? Come on, really?8:03: The 14th pick is in and Seattle is up again. This has to be Clausen. Is anyone counting how many times I’ve said that?8:01: Just realized that my father texted me. This is one of the biggest developments in this NFL Draft. He has texted me less than 20 times in his life. That’s how powerful the Draft is.7:59: My brother in law, Rob, is a Miami Dolphins fan. He named his dog Marino for crying out loud — and the dog is a female. He checks in with thoughts on the Dolphins’ trade:

Great trade by the Dolphins. Got a late first round pick and a high second, plus a fourth. Grade trade. Build through the draft. Gotta love it.

7:57: My father checks in on the textoso line:

Jimmy who? And where is Notre Dame?

The Notre Dame bashing continues. This is why the Rams should have taken Suh. They could still trade in and get Clausen and it wouldn’t cost that much. Idiots.7:53: Philadelphia takes Michigan DE Brandon Graham at 13, the Wolverine’s only good player. Has Rich Rodriguez been fired, yet?7:52: Denver trades back again, picking up a fourth rounder and now two third rounders to go back to No. 24. Philadelphia uses all those picks in giving away all their players to take….7:49: San Diego trades up to take Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews at No. 12.Here’s a small story on why I hate Mathews. Fresno played in the first bowl game of the year and he fumbled twice to help me lose my first game in my fatally horrible Bowl Pick’ Em. Screw you Mathews.7:48: Twitter is dominating the ESPN broadcast. One of the FootballOutsiders.com folks says the following:

(SF) gets the No. 11 pick from Denver in exchange for a fourth-round pick. (113th overall)

7:46: Another trade! This time, the Chargers move up into Miami’s 12th spot. Why does this excite me?!? At least I’m not typing in caps!7:44: And in the most deflating moment of the night, the 49ers trade up to get … Rutgers OT Anthony Davis. Mel Kiper instantly gets on his knees with the shammy. Clean him up, Mel.7:42: Kyle Green, the Gator fan, who is also the only legitimate Jacksonville Jaguar fan texts the following. Consider this his official press conference:

I’m now a Chiefs fan. … Now tebow, no trade down, no dude from USG. &%&*it. At least he plays a position of need, but damn.

7:41: And we have our first trade to announce. Apparently San Francisco has moved up to Denver’s spot at 11. That has to be Clausen, right?7:40: Alualu is easily my new favorite player, since his name repeats the same sequence of three leters.A-L-U-A-L-U7:38: As I get ready to taunt Jacksonville for attempting to take Tim Tebow, the Jags pop off the first, “Who the hell is that?” By drafting Tyson Alualu, a defensive tackle from Cal.Everyone turns to Mel Kiper to get an education.7:34: A nice jab to the Raiders from friend and comedian Merr:

McClain isn’t even the fastest linebacker available. Not like the Raiders.

7:32: And the Bills take Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, the first running back off the board. This guy went from the second-best RB on his team last season to the next Chris Johnson. I hate to say it, but I’m calling overdrafted and bust on Spiller. Two years ago, he was a non-factor in the Gator Bowl against Nebraska.I would have taken Clay Harbor…7:31: The Bills have to take Clausen, right? This feels just like Brady Quinn, doesn’t it? High praise, freefalling like one of Dexter’s dead bodies into the Atlantic.7:28: With the 8th pick, the Oakland Raiders choose Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain, a bonafide beast, IMO.ESPN cuts to him in some place in Crimson Tide land and he’s mobbed by a throng of co-eds. I swear I saw Ben Roethlisberger there somewhere.7:27: And this in from former Drury basketball player and Florida Gator fan Kyle Green on Joe Haden:

Wow, that’s mighty early…

7:25: And now, the Raydahs are on the clock. ESPN says the pick is in. Are they going to trade for Big Ben(is) Roethlisberger? He would be the perfect Raider. The Raiders used to be known as thugs. As they move into the 2010s, does sexual deviancy move up on the list for their villain mannerisms?7:24: Cleveland chooses Florida CB Joe Haden, the guy who ran in the 4.5s at the combine. I expect commentary from my Gator fan friends momentarily.7:20: The Twitterverse is saying the Browns will take a cornerback. And as I type that, Florida’s Joe Haden is crying. Uh-oh. There is no crying on the Live Blog.7:17: OK, this has to stop. Are you watching the action demonstrations of these guys next to their profiles. This has to be the dialogue:

Russell Okung: “What do I do again?”ESPN production asst.: “Act like you are a cross between a cage fighter and America’s Next Top Model.”RO: “I’ve never watched MMA.”ESPN PA: “But, you’ve watched ANTM?”RO: “Bwahaha, aaahahaha, Karate chop! Judo chop!”

Even if none of that happened, it’s totally ridiculous. Stop it.7:15: The Seahawks select Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung. That makes five Big 12 picks in the top six. OK, now, will the Cleveland Browns select Jimmy Clausen?7:13: So far, the best fashion pieces on these dudes are the watches. I know it’s not cool to say “bling,” but those things cost more than an MMA fighter’s life insurance policy. Russell Okung’s is especially baller.7:12: More Oklahoma reaction from Puryear:

Geez … Kinda makes you wonder now what OU’s season coulda, woulda, shoulds been if all of their four first-rounders (counting Jermain Gresham) had stayed healthy!

7:11: Brett’s reaction to the Chiefs’ pick of Berry:

Too happy to type.

7:09: Early returns on the ESPN talking heads, as we wait for the Seahawks to pick.

• John Gruden: Stud
• Chris Berman: Tolerable
• Chris Mortenson: Useful
• Adam Schefter: Stud
• Tom Jackson: Fail
• Steve Young: Super fail

Eric Berry will bring his playmaking abilities to the Chiefs. TAGsgf.com staffer Brett Johnston is hyperventilating somewhere.

7:08: The Chiefs make it official and draft Eric Berry. He had to be the pick. Great defenses have great safeties. Actually, they don’t really, but that’s what Steve Young just said and I wanted to mock him.7:05: Looks like it’s going to be Eric Berry. Which just pissed off the women in the house.

“Well, that ruins it. I like it when it’s a surprise. That sucks,” says my wife.

I think she’s on to something.7:03: What will the Chiefs do? Don’t go to commercial. Draft Clausen! Draft Berry! Do something interesting!7:01: I knew it wouldn’t be long until TAGsgf.com staffer Brett Johnston would get involved. His thoughts:

OKUNG!

There are plenty of safeties in the draft, but nobody as exciting as Eric Berry.

6:59: Damn, more Oklahoma Sooners off the board. OT Trent Williams is the No. 4 pick to the Redskins. That’s three Sooners in the first four picks. Wow. I expect Puryear to chime in any second now.And this is what frustrates me the most about the NFL draft. I have no idea about offensive tackles. I have no ideas about the other players, either, but at least I think I do.That’s a perfect transition to…..The Chiefs!!!6:57: And the Suh-McCoy debate catches fire on the Live Blog. My brother-in-law, as die-hard as a Nebraska Husker fan as there is, pops off about McCoy:

I think McCoy from OK isn’t strong to play DT in the NFL. And won’t be as good as Suuuuuhhhhhhh.

6:56: This in from Puryear, the OU fan. He talks about Gerald McCoy:

GK McCoy a great pick for the Bucs. … High motor and higher character guy. Tampa fans are gonna love him and his engaging personality on and off the field. Low risk, high return choice for the Bucs, and a guy being called the next Warren Sapp. That’s high praise. .. I love it when it means something to these guys and McCoy’s tears say it all.

6:55: Come on, don’t you think it’s time for a trade?6:53: OK, with the Redskins on the clock, let’s talk Donovan McNabb. Is he going to be any good in Washington?6:51: Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy is the Tampa Bay Bucs’ pick at No. 3. That makes three consecutive Big 12 players, and we’re looking at a fourth for the Redskins. Honk away, Big 12ers.6:50: I have to admit, I enjoy John Gruden on ESPN’s broadcast. He’s not great, but he thinks he is, which is half the battle. And he’s kicking Tom Jackson’s ass. Can you butcher EnDomaKONG one more time, Tom? Jeez.

House of Spears is now a Detroit Lion.

6:47: I tracked down the only Detroit Lions fan in the Ozarks, the News-Leader’s new HS reporter, Matt Schoch. These are his thoughts:

During the college season, it was obvious that Nadonkeykong was the best player in the draft. Detroit is lucky there are teams like the Rams out there to skip him. That’s why teams like the Lions and Rams seem to pick where they pick every year. Lions fans cannot be happier about landing Suh. He would be can’t miss if he was going to a real team. But, as always, it IS the Lions.

6:45: This just in from KOLR/KSFX anchor and Mr. America Charlie Hannema:

Fresh off Suh’s donation to Nebraska ($2 mil), he will donate 2 million to city of detroit for wider streets. Feel free to link to him hitting parked cars.

6:43: Some more full disclosure. My wife is a Nebraska alumnus, and my mother-in-law works at the university. A bunch of grown women just went with a Suuuuuhhhhhhhhh in my living room.And naturally, they think his outfit looks “smooth.”6:41: This just in from Scott Puryear, the former News-Leader columnist and current talk show host:

Most logical pick for the Rams. Can’t score 10 points per game and win in the NFL, and D-tackles don’t score TDs. Now find Sammy some receivers and a tight end to throw to with that ultra accurate arm and the new, beefed up frame. … And stick it, Mel Kiper.

We should add that Puryear is the biggest Oklahoma Sooner fan I know…

This guys is your new QB, St. Louis Rams fans.

6:36: And the Rams make it official. Bradford is the pick. Duh.More importantly, the women in my house aren’t feeling his outfit.

“The blues don’t work,” says my Mother-in-law

6:34: The Sporting News came out with a ballerific NFL Draft preview and this is how they listed the Rams’ deficiencies:

High: WR, QB, DT, RB, OLB, DE, CB, TE

That’s eight, if you’re counting. When my sister asked why the Rams get the No. 1 pick, I replied:

Because they nearly won zero games last season.

6:32: OK, we will see how this Thursday night thing goes. And for full disclosure, I’m watching with my wife, mother-in-law, sister and 8-day old daughter. They couldn’t be more excited.6:30: And the Rams are on the clock. Are they really going to spend $50 million on Sam Bradford?6:27: ESPN’s Michael Smith just got the local Rams charters of Team Suh or Team Clausen all fired up by saying that Cleveland GM Mike Holmgren just got off the phone with the Rams brass. Do you really think this wouldn’t be out by now if it was happening?Stop teasing me.

Apparently Todd McShay and Mel Kiper got into each other something good a few minutes ago.

6:25: ESPN’s Tom Jackson just butchered the pronunciation of Ndamukong. Not only do I hope the Rams draft him, but I hope he’s off the board so these knuckleheads don’t knife fight his name.6:22: This just in from St. Louis correspondent and TAGsgf.com friend Adam Kilker

Just left work. Work next to Buffalo Wild Wings in Creve Couer. Two TV stations and one radio station there to celebrate the Rams sucking last year. It was freaking packed.

6:16: If you are already tuned in to ESPN, are all of these guys going to to get drafted in the first round? Or, is there strength in numbers in case some of these guys freefall? Somewhere Aaron Rodgers is cringing.6:15: Welcome to the NFL Draft, live from cyberspace (and my living room)!Here are a few links to some juicy pre-draft stuff:

• I’m sure you are Mock Drafted to death, but TheBigLead.com has posted more than 50 mock draft links.
• Apparently ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, Jr. got in to each other pretty good earlier.
• Also, there is little intrigue at the top, although I wish there was. In the spirit of muckraking, here is the text from a story by Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith:

Cleveland Browns front office boss Mike Holmgren says he’s enamored enough with Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford that he’s going to make one final pitch to the St. Louis Rams to try to acquire the first overall pick.Holmgren told ESPN’s Michael Smith that he would be willing to trade most of the Browns’ 10 picks and maybe some 2011 picks for Bradford. But Holmgren thinks the Rams will turn him down.”They shouldn’t do it,” Holmgren said. “They need a quarterback more than anyone in the world.”So Holmgren thinks, like everyone else, that the Rams will take Bradford. But he’ll try to convince them to take his trade offer instead.”It’s not going to happen,” Holmgren said. “I just got out of a meeting and I told everyone, let [the board] come to us. That said, I’m going to go make the call.”

I’m going to stand by my stance that the Rams should trade and stockpile picks. And Bradford isn’t worth the trouble, IMO.——————You’ve been devouring all of the NFL Draft coverage. You know the birthdates of your favorite team’s potential draft picks. You know what they prefer to eat. You know precisely how to pronounced Ndamukong. You understand that Dez Bryant is the next coming of Terrell Owens. You’ve been told Tim Tebow will be a draft bust, but that Sam Bradford is an indelible quarterback robot that can defeat terrorism and obesity.Still, you have to see it all go down. That’s what our Live Blog is for.Check back at 6:15 p.m. and join Allen Vaughan for running commentary, analysis and (borderline funny) jokes during our NFL Draft spectacular, which will feature a few special guests. Sure, you’re going to watch the draft on ESPN or the NFL Network, but if you’re looking for another companion, the Live Blog is a perfect solution.We unveiled our draft coverage over the last few days and we’ve posted it below.

• Allen Vaughan’s 5 draft scenarios for the St. Louis Rams
• Brett Johnston’s 5 draft scenarios for the Kansas City Chiefs
• Where is Missouri State’s Clay Harbor going to end up?

It’s finally spring and baseball has exploded all over television, the Internet and ballparks across America. Of course, Springfield has had to wait a bit longer for its in-person fix, but local baseball fans will have their patience rewarded tonight when the Springfield Cardinals host their home opener at Hammons Field against the Frisco RoughRiders. The game begins with first pitch at 7:10 p.m., and we’ll be there from beginning to end bringing you all the live-blog goodness only the TAGSGF.com crew can provide. For those of you who have already been following the team a bit while it was on the road, your pitching matchup tonight is Nick Additon (0-0, 3.60 ERA, check out his one-on-one with TAG’s Allen Vaughan here) for Springfield against Richard Bleier (0-0, 3.18 ERA) for Frisco. We’ll see you tonight at 7 p.m. to get things rolling. Happy baseball season!

3:27: Well, we got a glimpse into the crystal ball as to what this season is going to look like. Rasmus hitting No. 5 against righties should work, the Cardinals have a deep enough lineup to score without Schumaker getting on base and the bottom of the lineup can produce, with multiple RBIs from 7 (Molina) and 8 (Freese).

Don’t forget to check out our season previews, and look for a SGF Cardinal season preview very soon. Tomorrow is media day.

In case you missed our Opening Day coverage, here is the menu:

• Happy Balliday — A St. Louis Cardinal season preview
• Fresh decade, fresh start for Royals fans
• KC Royals podcast with KC Star columnist Sam Mellinger

3:22: Rolen taps back to Franklin and the game is over. St. Louis wins 11-6. Let’s go through the wack sportscaster run down:

• The Cardinals are on pace to go 162-0.
• Pujols is on pace to hit 324 home runs this season.
• Molina is on pace to have 648 RBIs.

Did I leave any out?

3:20: Chris brings up another point:

Question to you and the readers: One game obviously isn’t a good
sample size, but how much of this offensive production is McGwire’s doing? Thoughts?

My response is: Eh, maybe.

Pujols is obviously a G and knows how to hit, but there might be something to it. After hitting .250 last season, maybe a new approach has helped Rasmus, and possibly Molina. Molina was just trying to hit a sacrifice fly and it bloew out.

3:18: Yadier Molina deserves a lot of credit right now. Phillips hammers a Franklin fastball over Rasmus’ head in center field. Two score and what was once a 6-4 game, is now 11-6. It looks like Franklin needs a 7-run cushion every time.

3:17: More from Chris at BWW:

Sports-radio people were openly questioning La Russa’s decision to bat Rasmus fifth in this game, saying Ludwick should be in that spot. Rasmus is absolutely justifying it right now.

As I type that, Molina rakes to right and Scott is shouting at me that it’s Molina’s first Grand Slam. Priceless.

3:16: Dickerson singles to center field and Cabrera flies out to left field. Votto will come to the plate with two outs.

3:14: Franklin gets pinch hitter Johnny Gomes to pop out to Pujols.

3:12: Closer Ryan Franklin is in a game that he certainly can’t blow.

3:11: Mather strikes out on a breaking ball in the dirt. Inning over, but the Cardinals stretch the lead to 11-4. Due up for Cincinnati: Pitcher spot, Dickerson, Cabrera.

3:10: Wow, what a roller coaster for Cardinal fans with the catcher situation. This time last week, there was a moment when it looked like Matt Pagnozzi might have to start at catcher, with Jason LaRue being hurt. Instead, Molina plays and grand slams. Awesome.

3:07: I guess Molina is healthy, alright. He takes a pitch the opposite way and it carries out of the ballpark for a grand slam. Fourth home run of the day for the Cardinals and the first career grand slam for Molina. It’s 11-4 Cardinals with a five run inning, with only one out.

That’s two unexpected oppo HRs. Not sure who is going to finish the game, but it might still be Franklin.

3:05: Rasmus slaps one to left field for a basehit. Pujols is safe at home on a bad throw from Dickerson. That allows Rasmus to take second, while Holliday is at third. Then, pinch hitter Felipe Lopez is being intentionally walked to load the bases for infield-single hitting Yadier Molina. Cards lead 7-4.

3:02: Holliday can’t get it done, grounding to a drawn-in shortstop. Ryan is stuck in no-man’s land and can’t stay in the rundown long enough to get Pujols to third. Runners at first and second with Rasmus at the plate, one down.

3:01: Pujols gets even with Masset by getting a hit-and-run single past Rolen. Ryan takes third and Pujols waits at third. Big inning could be on the way for the Redbirds.

3:00: Masset walks Ryan and then throws up and in to Pujols. The Cincinnati crowd cheers. A-holes.

2:57: New Reds pitcher is Nick Masset, who had 20 holds and a 2.37 ERA. He’ll face Ryan to start the inning. Meanwhile, this in from BWW and Chris DeRosier:

It’s seriously Vendetta Day for Scott Rolen. I just want one close-up shot of him looking at the Cards dugout and sneering at La Russa. I know it’s happening. Feed my need, FSMW.

2:54: McClellan avoids disaster by getting Hernandez to golf a breaking ball to Holliday. The Reds strand two, but add a run to make it 6-4 Cardinals after eight. Due up: Ryan, Pujols, Holliday.

2:52: Freese makes a great play on the backhand, but can’t get the speedy Stubbs at first. Phillips stolen base now turns into a run, made worse by the earlier Freese error. Hernandez is the go-ahead run at the plate, with Rolen at second and Stubbs at first. A gapper will tie the game. 6-4 Cardinals, bottom 8th.

2:50: 3-1 count on Stubbs. Not good.

2:49: McClellan strikes out Bruce on a cut fastball that tails in to the inside corner of the plate. Bruce didn’t look comfortable during the entire at-bat. Stubbs is up.

2:47: Phillips pulls the Willy Mays Hayes play and steals third base without telling teammate Scott Rolen, who is on first base. Double play is still in order, but Phillips is on third.

2:46: And Cardinal fans come back to reality. A slighty-above-routine ground ball to Freese goes from a possible double play to an E5. Runners are on first and second with one out and Bruce to the plate. Again, he scares me, just as much as this Cardinal bullpen.

2:44: This in from BWW:

The heckling between the bar peeps has begun. “You couldn’t even hit our worst pitcher!” one drunk-ish guy yells at another. “Motte’s our worst pitcher!!” Drunk people have to spell everything out, don’t they?

Kind of wish I was there. McClellan looks flat, especially since we didn’t get to see him K Votto.

2:43: More super-fail from FSMW. They come back from the break to: “And McClellan strikes out Votto.”

Nice work guys. Apparently Kyle McClellan is in and he fans Votto. Then he walks Phillips. I hope FSMW realizes they need to do a better job. Someone write a letter.

2:42: Schumaker grounds out to go 0-for-5 on the day. Due up for Cin: Votto, Phillips, Rolen.

2:37: Mather pops out in foul territory to Votto on a pitch he should have hit. Mather still looks like he has too long of a swing. At Double-A, when he was a sensation here in SGF, that was fine. Now, not so much. Still, my wife thinks he’s the No. 3 best looking SGF Cardinals.

She says he’s third behind former 3B Travis Hanson and OF Terry Evans. When Googling to doublecheck, she said the No. 2 Google suggested search for Joe Mather was “Joe Mather Girlfriend.” Hmmm.

2:35: Someone just let the righthanded version of Randy Johnson onto the mound. The 6-foot-8 Logan Ondrusek comes in to make his MLB debut. He gets Freese to fly out to right field.  The fastball was clocked at 95.

2:32: Motte works out of the jam by getting Cabrera to pop out to Mather, who calls off Schumaker. Cardinals lead 6-3 after seven. Due up for STL: Freese, Mather, Schumaker.

2:30: Just as Hrabosky is talking about how the Reds hitters should take every breaking ball, because Motte can’t locate one in the strike zone, Dickerson whiffs on a breaking ball away. You may not like the Mad Hungarian’s schtick, but you can’t mess with that baseball logic. Cabrera, who is 0-for-3, is coming up next.

2:28: DeRosier chimes in from BWW:

I’m gonna say this now before the weather gets hotter and it
disappears: Jason Motte has the best beard in baseball. Meanwhile, that slow-mo of the slide into home plate had everyone pausing for a sec. Total big-screen hi-def candy.

2:26: 22-year-old rookie Juan Francisco singles on Motte’s first pitch and Stubbs just beats Mather’s throw. Runners are on first and second for Dickerson as the lineup rolls over. How much longer will Motte get to hang himself? Cards lead 6-3 in the seventh. Duncan comes out to talk to the former SGF Cardinal.

2:23: Motte walks Hernandez after a full count. Two on and run out as Stubbs shifts to second.

2:21: More fail on the FSMW crew. They don’t tell us that righthander Drew Stubbs is pinch hitting for Nix, which is why Motte is coming on. And Stubbs gets a one-out base hit. There was a lot of preseason hype for Stubbs as a potential leadoff man, or that’s what the fantasy geeks would tell you. (Yes, that’s me.)

2:18: Reyes fans Bruce. I love using the baseball verb of fan. And, that’s all for Reyes as righty Jason Motte is coming in.

2:17: Reyes is listed at 6-3, 250 pounds. If he’s as tall as I am and he looks that big, I’m saying he’s way larger than 250.

2:15: Dennys Reyes comes on to replace Carpenter. Carp leaves with the following line:

6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3K, 0 BB

Joe Mather comes on to play right field as Mather will bat in the 9 spot. Reyes would be the eighth batter next inning.

2:12: All 5-foot-6 of Herrera quiets the Cardinals, striking out Molina to end the inning. St. Louis leads after five and a half, 6-2. Due up: Bruce, Nixa, Hernandez.

2:10: Ludwick gives one a ride down the left field line, but Nix must have been shading him because he makes the play. Molina up with Holliday at first.

2:09: Rasmus looks like the guy who hit .160 against lefties. He fans on a that slider that strikes out most lefties on a 2-2 count. Ludwick is coming up. 

2:08: More DeRosier from BWW:

I am openly inviting the Reds to stop Albert Pujols right now. Not
saying they have to, but they could have worse ideas right now. Like having Aaron Harang try to check the runner at first again.

2:06: A Holliday single chases Lincoln. Southpaw Daniel Ray Herrera is on to try to quell Rasmus. Cards lead 6-2.

2:03: Mike Lincoln looks like a dude who hasn’t pitched in three years. He gives up a base hit to Ryan, then an opposite field home run to Pujols. While the home run was fantastic, the on-air exchange between FSMW’s Jim “The Cat” Hayes and Cardinal GM John Mozeliak was priceless. Maybe the highlight of the day.

(As the ball jumps off Pujols’ bat)

Hayes: And Pujols hits one into the gap.

(Ball goes over the fence)

Hayes: It’s gone (in monotone)

Mozeliak: Nice play by play, Jim.

This solidifies my fandom for Mozeliak. Not only did he turn Rolen’s skeleton into Glaus, plus one less year of double-digit salary, he turned three minor leaguers and $120 million into Matt Holliday and he cracked back on the on-air talent. Impressive.

2:02: This in from BWW

That Rasmus catch just lit a powder keg in this room. Bitter Old Man Rolen got robbed and everyone is loving it… except the two dudes in Derek Lee jerseys up at the bar. That’ll teach ‘em to show up early for the Cubs game. (Snicker)

2:00: Due up: Ryan, Pujols, Holliday. Cards lead 4-2 after six.

1:58: Colby Rasmus just sold 10,000 shirts with the last play. Rolen lifts what looks like is going to be another home run to LCF, but the Cardinals center fielder – and former SGF Cardinal – measures the ball, leaps and brings back a sure home run. He does it right in front of the Reds bullpen. Wow, Rasmus has that play, plus a home run, a walk and reached on a FC. Great day for the uber-prospect.

1:57: Down in the count 1-2, Phllips bounces out to Schumaker. Carp looks sharp.

1:55: Third time through the order agrees with Carpenter, at least against Votto. The first baseman dribbles one back to Carp, who throws him out. That’s a big F U to Votto.

1:51: Votto makes a sliding play to get Schumaker on a line out. Skippy is 0-for-4 and was robbed on that play. If it would have snuck past Votto, Phillips could have made a play, but the pitcher would have needed to cover. After five and a half, St. Louis leads 4-2.

Due up: Votto, Phillips, Rolen.

1:48: I was so amazed by Molina’s speed, as well as FSMW’s amazing fail as it came back to action with Molina down 0-1 in the count. Former Cardinal Mike Lincoln is in. Of course, Lincoln missed three years of baseball with arm and neck problems.

Crazy play ensues. With Molina running, Carpenter slaps one that deflects off of Votto’s glove to a diving Phillips. The second baseman flips it to a covering Lincoln at first base. Molina advances to second.

1:47: The following statement is 100 percent true – Yadier Molina reaches on an infield single. Yes, it’s true. He hits one sharply to Rolen’s backhand and his throw is late.

1:46: After five, the Cardinals lead 4-2. Due up for St. Louis: Molina, Freese, Carpenter. That’s 78 pitches for Carpenter through five innings.

1:44: Cabrera grounds into a double play, 6-4-3. Ryan looks so smooth at SS. I take back my “He looks like a pitcher at the plate” crack.

1:43: Schumaker is too passive on a ground ball and it bad hops him for an error. He didn’t look comfortable on that one. Dickerson reaches.

1:41: Former Cardinal Miguel Cairo grounds out to shortstop on the first pitch after pinch hitting for Harang. A disappointing Opening Day start from Harang. You can’t feel good if you’re a Reds fan if your “ace” goes five innings.

1:39: Ludwick battles Harang and Harang wins with a fly out to center field. Harang has thrown 93 pitches through five innings. After 4 and a half innings, St. Louis leads 4-2. Due up: Pitcher’s spot, Dickerson, Cabrera.

1:35: I didn’t think the minor leagues started until later in the week, but Harang checks on the runner at first and it gets away from Votto. Pujols scores and Rasmus stays at first. Cards lead 4-2.

1:34: Rasmus’ speed takes away the double play, but he reaches on a fielder’s choice, as Holliday is forced out to second. Pujols goes to third. Ludwick is up. He’s 1-for-2.

1:32: While the box score will read hit by pitch, Holliday’s jersey was nicked and he reaches first base. Pujols goes to second and now Rasmus is up with a chance to do some damage. Would you rather have Colby or Ludwick up?

1:30: Pujols calmly singles past the shortstop. I don’t want this to turn into the Pujols ballwashing campaign, but he is amazing. OK, I’m done.

1:29: Ryan pops out weakly on the infield. He’s looking like a pitcher at the plate today.

1:27: This just in from TAGsgf.com’s Chris DeRosier, who is at BWW right now:

Stop the bleeding! Suture now!!! This crowd is way flat right now.

1:26: On a 3-0 count, Hernandez flies out to deep left. Carpenter escapes a potentially tragic inning. On a side note, I feel nervous every time the ball is hit to Holliday. I’m wondering how long will that last.

Cards lead 3-2 after four. Due up: Ryan, Pujols, Holiday

1:23: With Bruce being held on, Nix’s routine ground ball to first base turns into a base hit. Bruce flies to second and the Reds are in business. Hernandez, who looked horrible in his first at-bat is up in a huge spot.

1:22: Bruce smokes a single up the middle. The same thing happened to Harang the second time through the order. Carpenter is not hitting his spots and the Reds are being patient.

1:20: Rolen earns that run back as a high Carpenter fastball turns into a monster home run to left field. Cards lead 3-2.

1:19: A pissed off Carpenter slices Phillips up with a strikeout. He struts off the mound angrily. You have to like that.

1:17: Cabrera grounds out to Ryan at SS. Then, Carpenter serves up a home run to Votto on an inside changeup. It drifts over the middle of the plate and Votto turns it inside out for a home run to left field. Carp allowed only seven HRs all of last season. Cardinals lead 3-1.

1:13: Carpenter sacrifices Frees to second and Molina stays at third. Big spot for Schumaker. Quickly, Schumaker grounds out to third. 0-for-3 for Schumaker, but the Cardinals lead 3-0 after three and a half innings.

Due up for the Reds: Cabrera, Votto, Phillips.

1:11: Freese delivers an RBI single through the hole on the left side. Scott Rolen gift wraps the run by cutting off a throw that might have outed Ludwick. He bobbles it and Molina gets to third. Not only did the Rolen-for-Glaus trade free up money to help sign Matt Holliday, but he gives the Cards a run. Thanks Scott, you red ass. Cards lead 3-0.

1:10: Molina is hit by the pitch and Ludwick will move to second. Freese has a big opportunity here. There is one out, but it was a lucky line drive that should have been a single up the middle. Second time through the order isn’t faring well for Harang.

1:08: Harang is starting to unravel slightly. A pitch up turns into a Ludwick single over the shortstop. Is a rally on the way?

1:06: LaRussa is a genius. Rasmus bombs a home run to left field on a golf swing with high tilt. It’s way gone an the Cardinals lead 2-0.

Side story: I recently purchased MLB 2010 the Show and fantasy drafted a team. I cemented Rasmus in a center field platoon, batting against righties. He (I?) homered in three straight games. This is definitely weird.

1:05: Last season, Harang’s Batting Aaverage on Balls In Play (BABIP) was above league average. With that said, Harang finds a hard-hit line drive in his glove. One out and one lucky out.

1:02: Dickerson grounds to Pujols and he flips to Carpenter for the third out. Carpenter has now set down seven Reds in a row. Cards lead 1-0 after three innings. Due up: Holliday, Rasmus, Ludwick.

1:01: Harang flies out to left field.

12:58: Carpenter strikes Ramon Hernandez on three pitches, the finale on a breaking ball in the dirt. He has two strikeouts and has allowed one hit.

12:55: Cardinals go down in order as Pujols flies out to center field. Cardinals lead 1-0 after two and a half. Due up: Hernandez, Harang, Dickerson.

12:53: After all of that, Ryan pops up 10th pitch and it’s caught in foul ground by Votto. Two down. Pujols still has the lone Cardinal hit.

12:52: Harang refuses to throw a fastball to Ryan. The eighth pitch of the at-bat is coming and Al Hrabosky is going on and on about his fun-loving attitude. Throw a strike, please.

12:49: Schumaker bounces out weakly to Votto at first base. No one can hit Harang’s breaking ball now. It looks like a curve.

12:45: Carpenter gets Bruce to ground out sharply to Schumaker. Bruce is a scary dude to me, but his batting average has stunk at the big-league level. He immediately gets Nix to ground out to Freese. After two innings, St. Louis leads 1-0. Due up: Schumaker, Ryan, Pujols.

12:43: Rolen flies out to left field on a 3-2 pitch that jammed him inside. Holliday makes this routine play. It’s about six months too late, Matthew.

12:39: Carpenter flies out to center field and the inning is over with Rasmus and Freese stranded. Due up for the Reds: Rolen, Bruce, Nix. 1-0 Cardinals after 1 and a half.

12:38: On cue, Carpenter swings at the first pitch and fouls it off. Will Creekmore taking the first shot for the Missouri State Bears thought that was predictable.

12:37: Harang pitches around Freese and walks him. Here comes Carpenter, who normally likes to bat as much as sane humans like to eat brussel sprouts. He likes to swing — and make an out — on the first pitch.

12:35: Molina grounds out to the first baseman Votto. Rasmus moves to third and here is David Freese. I think there is a lot of value having his bat in the No. 8 spot. It’s quite an upgrade from the Cesar Izturis days.

12:33: On a 2-1 count, the hit and run is on with Rasmus. Ludwick grounds out to former Cardinal Scott Rolen at third base, but Rasmus advances to second base. Would have been a double play ball otherwise. That’s why he’s been managing in four decades. Rasmus in scoring position for Molina. We’ll see how bad that oblique injury is.

12:31: Rasmus walks after the count was full. In 520 plate appearances, he walked 36 times. His on-base percentage was only .307 last year.

12:29: Fox Sports Midwest is getting an F so far. They come back from the break as Rasmus takes ball two after a 1-1 count. Step. Your. Game. Up. FSMW.

12:28: Due up for the Cards – Rasmus, Ludwick, Molina

12:26: Votto singles on a 3-2 fastball just past Schumaker. Carpenter starts barking at Votto, likely because of a borderline pitch on 2-2. Carp regroups and gets Phillips to bounce a 3-2 pitch to Schumaker. Cardinals lead 1-0 after one inning.

12:21: Cabrera grounds out to second baseman Skip Schumaker. Skip makes a nice play to his right and makes a strong throw. It’s still amazing to me that he has become any good at second base after being converted from the outfield. What a bonanza for the Cards. Even though his UZR fielding rating was a league-low -12.9, he still has a Wins Above Replacement Player share of 1.2. That’s how good he is offensively.

12:20: Carpenter whiffs Chris Dickerson, the left-handed leadoff man for the Reds. It was a slider in the dirt and Dickerson had no chance. It was like when I swing blindly on the video game, just hoping to make contact.

12:17: Holliday lines out softly to shortstop, but the jolt from the Pujols HR was severe. Thank God baseball season is back.

12:16: Pujols goes yard! He takes a 2-2 fastball from Harang and sends it out to left center field. Wow, that felt good. On replay, it was a two-seamer that moved back over the middle of the plate, belt high. Yak.

12:13: Live Blog karma is already kicking in. After I criticize Harang, he whiffs the first two Cardinals. Oy.

12:12: Schumaker goes down swinging on a breaking ball in the dirt. Uh oh. Skip only struck out 69 times last season in 586 plate appearances.

12:11: First pitch is a swing and a miss by Skip. Bad omen?

12:10: Tony La Russa has managed in five different decades. That’s old.

12:08: OK, we are minutes away from the first pitch to Skip Schumacher. My final score prediction: Cardinals 6, Reds 3.

What are yours?

11:59: Aaron Harang is a curious choice to be the Reds’ opening day starter. While he has ran into some tough luck, and I don’t put too much stock into wins and losses, he’s 12-31 over the last two seasons. The last two seasons, he has ERAs of 4.78 and 4.21. Prior to that, he had three consecutive sub-4 ERAs.

Baseball Prospectus predicts a 10-10 season, with a 4.01 ERA and a 28.6 VORP (value over replacement player), which makes him significantly more valuable than, say, Brad Thompson, who might be the perfect replacement player (average) pitcher.

Although, would you rather have had Bronson Arroyo or Johnny Cueto be the opening day guy? Tough choice.

11:56: Starting lineup analysis – Obviously Brendan Ryan is the weakest bat here, but they’re trying to maximize him by putting him in front of Albert. Ryan has a sparkplug quality to him, but over the years, La Russa has tried to get a “damage” bat there. That’s why I thought it was a perfect place for Colby Rasmus.

As for Rasmus, Tony must feel he’s ready for some big time things. He’s batting him fifth, ahead of Ludwick. Is it solely a tactic to mix up the righties in the middle of the order? I’d rather the answer be that Rasmus is ready to take a superstar leap.

11:52: Starting lineups

St. Louis Cardinals

2B – Skip Schumaker
SS – Brendan Ryan
1B – Albert Pujols
LF – Matt Holliday
CF – Colby Rasmus
RF – Ryan Ludwick
C – Yadier Molina
3B – David Freese
RHP – Chris Carpenter

Cincinnati Reds

CF – Chris Dickerson
SS – Orlando Cabrera
1B – Joey Votto
2B – Brandon Phillips
3B – Scott Rolen
RF – Jay Bruce
LF – Laynce Nix
C – Ramon Hernandez
RHP – Aaron Harang

11:45: OK, we are here live for the season-opener between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. and we will have the starting lineups in a few minutes.

First of all, let’s talk expectations. I lined out my season thoughts on the Cardinals below and you can read up on all of our coverage, if you haven’t already.

————–

It’s one of our favorite times of year, Major League Baseball’s Opening Day. To celebrate, the TAGsgf.com staff is celebrating with a Live Blog during the St. Louis Cardinals season opener at the Cincinnati Reds, which has its first pitch at 12:10 p.m.

Join Allen Vaughan for all of the analysis, commentary and hi jinks that go along with the Live Blog.

In case you missed our Opening Day coverage, here is the menu:

• Happy Balliday — A St. Louis Cardinal season preview
• Fresh decade, fresh start for Royals fans
• KC Royals podcast with KC Star columnist Sam Mellinger

As for the Double-A SGF Cardinals, media day is Tuesday and we will be back with that season preview on Wednesday.

Enjoy your day and come back at 11:45 a.m. for the Live Blog!

How did you do when filling out your CIT bracket? Wait, there wasn't actually one? Well, what is this, then?

9:09: The Bears finish 24-12, playing in the most games in a MSU single season. The Bears didn’t announce the official attendance, but look for it on Twitter.com/TAGsgf.

Thanks for following along. Look for the Live Blog to reappear on at MSU baseball games and SGF Cardinals games very soon.

9:06: All Tournament Team: Leonard, Weems and Creekmore from MSU and from Pacific Sam Willard and Demetrece Young. Creekmore is named MVP. That is not a joke, so I’ll type it again. Will Creekmore is named the MVP of the CIT. Congratulations, Will.

9:05: Stat geekage: MSU (78): Fuehrmeyer 2, Jehle 4, Mallett 9, Creekmore 10, Ricks 13, Weems 14, Patterson 16; Pacific (65), Nunnelly 4, Eveland 8, Willard 10, Huddleston 10, Ford 16, Young 17

9:03: No court rushing, but the team takes a stroll to The Cave (the student section) and then goes all WWF and slaps fives with the Jack Nicholson seats and the other first rows. Nice touch led by Weems.

9:01: It’s a final, MSU wins the CIT 78-65 over Pacific. Stay tuned for stat geekage and potential championship hi jinks. Patterson leads five Bears in double-figures with 16.

8:59: I’m half-joking, half-serious about the following questions: Will the fans rush the court? Will the team cut down the nets? Will there be a parade? Will the team hang a banner? Stay tuned.

8:57: Not much to report here except a Bears beatdown. Fuehrmeyer sinks what could be his last two college FTs, stretching the lead to 76-61 with 51.1 seconds left. MSU has 47 second-half points.

8:50: Bears starting to pull away from Tigers. It’s 69-58 after back-to-back Patterson baskets. After being in the doghouse, Patterson has been huge in this game. He has 15 points. Didn’t see that coming. 2:19 left. Now, the real drama begins. How will the school handle the victory? Cut down the nets?

8:46: Pacific seems to have given up. Weems blocks a shot and commit a foolish foul. Doesn’t matter, though. Bears have missed their last four FTs. Here comes the Pacific press. Bears lead 65-56, 3:39 left.

8:43: Trying to run off screens, Leonard is held and fouled on back-to-back possessions. He makes all four FTs and it’s suddenly 65-56 with 4:58. Pacific coach Thomason throws his hands in the air in disgust. He’s not a fan of the refs right now. The Bears are in the midst of a 19-6 run since Ford scored for Pacific at the 11:05 mark.

Now, let’s ask another question: What will the parade route look like?

8:40: Patterson comes off the bench and hits a jumper from the left baseline. Offensively, he’s superb, but it’s the defense that he struggles with, obviously. The FT is no good and the Bears are looking to stretch their 61-56 lead. 5:18 left. Bears already have 32 points, three more than they had in the first half.

8:39: Update Bears scoring leaders: Weems 12, Creekmore 10, Ricks 9, Mallett 7, Leonard 6. Then, Creekmore picks up his fourth foul trying to block a dunk. How many dunks do you think he’s blocked in his day?

8:37: After a rebound, Mallett gets out in transition and feeds Ricks, who weaves under traffic and scores. Bears back up 59-55, 6:05 left. You can see how big of an impact he’s made as a starter. What would have happened if he started all season?

8:36: Nunnelly hits a jumper from the right wing and Pacific draws closer on a nice, composed possession. Bears lead 57-55, 7:02 left.

8:34: Sam Willard answers the monster run with a 3-pointer from the top of the key after a timeout. Still, Weems scores from the elbow to make it 57-53 Bears. MSU’s energy level is through the roof right now. Now, let’s get back to the cutting down the nets conversation. This can’t happen, right?

8:31: I believe earlier in the CIT, Brett Johnston referred to the Tournament as the Will Creekmore invitational. He is earning the naming rights. After battling for a rebound and getting a Pacific foul call, Creekmore dishes from the high post to Ricks, who converts a 3-point play. On the next possession, Mallett jumps the passing lane and dunks with two hands. JQH explodes. 9-0 run after the Martin TO. Bears up 55-50 with 8:58 left.

8:29: Creekmore is asserting himself. He takes a feed from Weems and heads to the FT line. a 65 percent shooter, Jordan Creek hits both of the to tie the game at 50 with 9:51 left. Nice comeback by the Bears.

8:27: Creekmore makes the free throw and Nafis Ricks pulls his usual second-half steal and layup, or at least gets fouled. This time, he’s fouled and makes one of two. 50-48 Pacific, 10:18 left.

8:24: Ricks, Mallett, Leonard and Weems back on the floor. Mallett draws two defenders and dishes to Creekmore, who scores and is fouled. After a media timeout, he’ll get a chance to cut the lead in half. 50-46 Pacific, with 10:37 left.

8:21: Excuse me, that’s a 3-2 zone and it forces back-to-back turnovers. Pacific gets back-to-back layups and Pacific stretches its lead to 50-44 with 10:53. Martin has seen enough and calls timeout. Is there a coincidence that Fuehrmeyer and Jehle were on the floor during an offensive black hole? Hmmmmmm…

8:20: Patterson hits another fadeaway to bring the Bears within 46-44 with 12:12 left. Pacific’s 2-3 zone is bothering the Bears.

8:18: As I turn to TAGsgf.com’s Brett Johnston and say, “Fuehrmeyer should just pull up from 30 and say, ‘It’s my last game. What are you going to do about it?’ He pulls up for a guarded 3-pointer and is fouled before he decides to pass it. Weird.

8:16: Bears throwing up bricks here after the team has gone into a matchup zone. And, they leave Huddleston open for a 3 and he bangs it. Tigers up 46-42, 14:10 left.

8:12: Ford makes one of two FTs and Weems hits a floater to make it 43-42 Pacific, with 15:40 timeout. Media timeout and the sultry Sugar Bears are on the court. It’s the CIT BABY!!!!!!!!

8:11: Bears battle back a bit. A Weems 3 and a sweet Patterson fadeaway J from the right block sandwich a Michael Nunnelly dunk. It’s 42-40 Pacific, with 16:50 left.

8:09: The Bears can’t stand prosperity. Ford goes inside and scores and it’s followed by a Young 3. Pacific up 40-35.

8:06: Cuonzo “Knut Rockne” Martin gets the Bears ready to play. Jordan Creek converts a 3-point play and after a strong defensive possession, Leonard knocks down a 3. Tie game with 19:06 left.

8:02: And why hasn’t this happened recently, either?

7:56: Stat geekage: Pacific (35), Ford 9, Eveland 8, Young 8, Huddleston 7, Willard 3; MSU (29), Weems 5, Ricks 5, Mallett 5, Patterson 5, Jehle 4, Leonard 3, Creekmore 2.

Pacific is 5-of-7 from 3-point range, yet somehow only has one assist on their 12 field goals.

7:51: For your halftime entertainment, I pose the question: Why has no one tried to duplicate the 720 dunk? It happened in 2006.

Look to the left and you'll notice the home team not on the court. This was during the Star Spangled Banner. Very weird.

7:49: Fuehrmeyer is no Evan Turner. His 40-footer is no good and it’s 35-29 at halftime. The Bears have had little answer for Joe Ford and Demetrece Young. Back with stat geekage.

7:46: File this one in the “Only in the CIT” file. Eveland hits a 3 from the top of the key, turns around to the Bears’ student section to pound his chest once and slowly walk back the other way. A classic moment. The Bears wish they wouldn’t have seen it. With 4.2 seconds left in the half, Pacific is up 35-29.

7:43: After Pacific goes to a 2-3 zone, Jehle hits a 17-footer. Why do you shoot it from there? Back up a few feet and shoot a 3. Or, can Jehle make it from there? 30-27 Tigers, 2:43 left.

7:41: After being held scoreless, Willard, the Tigers’ leading scorer, goes to work on Weems and finishes a 3-point play. AFter Bears went small, Pacific went big. Ford scores after a Leonard 3 was blocked. Quickly, it’s 30-25 Pacific, 3:01 left.

7:39: This game has ground to a crawl. There is 3:52 and a Weems FT makes it 25-all. MSU has been more efficient in its comeback, but it’s been all about the lineup — one that should be featured prominently. And acctually, it probably works better with Creekmore as the fifth, since he doesn’t gum it off offensively (See: hang around the 3-point line like Patterson).

7:35: After criticizing the Bears’ lineup, they finally have it figured out. It’s easy to see that any lineup with Ricks, Leonard, Weems and Mallett in it can be competitive against most teams. Fill in the blank in the post. Still 25-24, 4:47 left in the first half.

7:34: Ford and Young could ball in the MVC any day. You can see why Ford was all-Big West last season. He hits a FT to make it 25-24, but the Bears don’t have anyone to stop him. He’s Weems’ height, but quicker and more explosive.

7:32: Ricks finishes a 3-point play, but it’s answered by a Ford bucket. A very competitive game with little defense. Tied at 24 with 6:30 left.

7:30: I saw this on MSUBearNation.com and just tweeted by the News-Leader’s Lyndal Scranton, but what do the Bears do if they win this game? Do they cut the nets down? Do they hang a banner?

Quit laughing, then discuss.

7:28: A Huddleston layup is nullified by a Ricks steal and layup. After a rare empty offensive possession for Pacific, Mallett takes his guy off the dribble and hits a tough floater. Nice basket, but Jermaine, where was that all season, especially near the end of games? It’s 22-21 Pacific, 7:38, media timeout.

7:26: Where do you go for a bucket? Of course, MSU’s 7-footer, Doghouse Patterson hits a 3-pointer, his seventh of the season. It cuts the lead to 20-17.

7:24: With the lineup of Fuehrmeyer, Leonard, Mallett, Jehle and Patterson out there, it’s no wonder Leonard has to force a 32-footer that’s no good. The Bears can’t score with this lineup. On the other end, Allen Huddleston, a 6-1 freshman from Merced California hits a 3. It’s 20-14, Pacific, 10:43 left.

7:22: Someone needs to check Demetrece Young. The 5-11 junior from Oklahoma City, Okla. hits another 3. That gives him 8 for the game and Pacific is up 17-4, currently on a 10-2 run after the Thomason timeout. 11:27 left, another FCS media timeout.

7:19: And there’s the answer to the Patterson question. Only after Creekmore picks up his second foul (I was mistaken earlier) does the once-doghoused Patterson enter the game. And he scores to tie the game at 14.

7:17: Pacific has responded to the timeout. AFter Demetrece Young buries a 3, Pat Eveland hits one that sandwiches a Weems bucket off a good pass from Ricks. It’s 12-10 Bears, and the aforementioned Jerome Jones throws a turnover that sends Pacific to the line. Young makes both and we are tied at 12, 13:24 left.

7:16: Man, these Fox College Sports timeouts are long. Way too long for this game. Wait, it’s a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!!

7:13: Leonard and Mallett bang 3-pointers, forcing an irate Pacific coach Bob Thomason to call a TO from the 3-point line in front of his bench. This could be fun. 10-4 MSU with 15:45 left.

7:10: Immediately after Weems hits an uncontested layup, Creekmore picks up his second foul with just under 18 minutes left in the first half. Will we see Patterson at all tonight? Isaiah Rhine checks in (Don’t count on it.)

7:09: After getting an offensive rebound, Ford gets blocked by Creekmore. Jordan Creek gets his own offensive rebound and scores to make it 2-0 MSU.

7:05: Much better crowd participation tonight. Have to give it up to the students. There’s about 500 more than the first three CIT games combined. If there were 3,000 for the first three games, there are at least 4,500 now.

7:01: Tonight’s starters: MSU, Jermaine Mallett, Kyle Weems, Will Creekmore, Nafis Ricks, Adam Leonard; Pacific, Sam Willard, Demetrece Young, Terrell Smith, Joe Ford, Michael Nunnelly.

6:52: “Weird moments in CIT history” strikes again. With 11 minutes still on the pregame clock, just after MSU went into the locker room, the Color Guard came out and MSU student choir “A Cub Bella” sang the Star Spangled Banner — without the home team on the court. Yes, check the picture to the right.

Has this ever happened? Is this Cuonzo Martin’s rendition of “My Mind’s Playin’ Tricks on Me” by the Geto Boys? Is this a pro wrestling match with sinister storylines?

Sorry, I’ll calm down. How am I supposed to react during a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME?!?!?!?!?!?!

(Maybe I shouldn’t have drank that last Mountain Dew before tipoff.)

Yes, that in the middle is the CIT championship trophy. Can you feel the excitement?

6:45: OK, we are live from JQH Arena, where we are waiting for the beginning of the CIT championship. All third-place game and “We’re No. 114″ jokes aside, there are some intriguing aspects to this game, which you can read about below.

Still no Michael Olowokandi sighting yet, but we are still holding out. Someone, quickly, say “Kandi Man” out loud three times. It hasn’t worked for me. Maybe if you make some type of Clippers joke behind it.

And here’s a random pregame warmup note. If Jerome Jones can acquire some basketball skills, his athleticism is unmatched on this Bears team. The others are cut from a mid-major mold, but Jones is high D-I, athletically. Now, about that basketball thing.

————————————–

Yes, tonight is the championship game.

Missouri State’s men’s basketball team (23-12) has kept its season going and will play for the Collegeinsider.com Tournament championship at 7 p.m. today at JQH Arena against Pacific (23-11). Aren’t going to the game? Don’t want to go to the game? Don’t worry, Allen Vaughan will be back at 6:45 p.m. to get our Live Blog under way, filled with all of the normal commentary, analysis and hi jinks you’ve come to expect.

Here are tonight’s storylines:

• How much credibility will the Bears gain if they win or lose if they can’t beat Pacific?
• What will a win do for next year’s MVC hopes?
• Will either team be motivated to play in the CIT championship after watching the big dogs whittle down to the Final Four?
• MSU is 18-2 at home this season. Can they protect it one more time?
• Will Michael Olowokandi make an appearance? (Just kidding. I don’t think Pacific’s top hoops alum is showing.)

Also, TAGsgf.com videographer Brett Johnston will be on hand to capture a video package from tonight’s game, so be sure to check back in the morning for those highlights.

ESPN Female Co-Host Appreciation - Michelle Beadle

8:57: Signing out from JQH Arena. Thanks for joining in.

8:54: Creighton wins. CIT Final Four: Creighton vs. Missouri State; Appalachian State vs. Northern Colorado-Pacific winner

8:50: With 2:03 to play at Creighton, the Bluejays lead Fairfield 60-53. It looks like they will be the Bears Wednesday opponent. The stat crew already packed up. So, tonight, you only get scoring stats: Missouri State 69 – Justin Fuehrmeyer 3, Nafis Ricks 13, Adam Leonard 20, Jermaine Mallett 4, Caleb Patterson 2, Kyle Weems 8, Will Creekmore 10, Isaiah Rhine 7; Louisiana Tech 40 – Jamel Guyton 8, Olu Ashaolu 6, DeAndre Brown 5, Magnum Rolle 9, Tevin Hall 2, David Jackson 10.

8:47: Adam Leonard set a single-season three-point field goal record tonight. He now has 98 on the year (he hit six on the night and led all scorers with 20 points). Stat geekage soon.

8:46: You can purchase tickets already for Wednesday’s home matchup at 7:05 p.m.

8:43: Modest crowd filtering out as Bears squeeze ball with 66-40 lead and less than a minute to play. It’s the Isaiah Rhine show, tough bucket at end of shot clock, converts 3-points play with free throw – grabs board on final La. Tech miss. Bears win 66-40. We’ll get stat geekage for you in just a few.

8:41: Rhine with a dirty rejection and primal scream. God love CIT basketball. Rhine with a defensive board and extends a possession with some glasswork on the other end.

8:40: Ricks hits a pair of free throws, he’s got 13 points. Leonard returns to the game. David Jackson hits a jumper to become first Bulldog in double figures. Bears lead 66-40 after a Jehle chip shot.

8:38: No offense to women’s basketball fans, but in front of me are a few people watching women’s basketball during a live men’s game. That’s how bad this game is.

8:35: Granted, the Bulldogs mailed it in a long time ago, but when Missouri State runs Ricks-Leonard-Weems-Mallett-Rhine it looks like a team which could be successful next yeat. A lot will depend on Rhine (who just hit a couple free throws). It’s going to be interesting to see if this is a CIT experiment only or a look into the future of Patterson’s playing time. Just too soft. Bears up 62-38 (3:59 to play)

8:32: Creighton pulling away from Fairfield to (hopefully) secure an all-MVC semifinal. Will people come to the Q for that? I’ve got to think they would. It’s more than just a leftovers tournament then, right?

8:30: As soon as I mention the lineup, we get a near wholesale sub for Cuonzo. Rhine checks in and tries to punch over a trio of Bulldogs, gets fouled, hits a pair – 60-36 (5:45); La. Tech hasn’t scored in nearly five minutes.

8:29: Jermaine Mallett running a little point with Ricks and Leonard both on the floor. Jehle and Creekmore on floor as well.

8:26: Marty Prather hoists a “WILL POWER” sign. I guess it’ll pass. He is, after all, the should be face of the CIT. Bears lead 58-36 (7:36)

8:25: Ouch, I could feel Adam Leonard’s dive for a loose ball with all five senses. The worst is definitely smell.

8:24: Leonard strokes again from deep. He’s hit six 3s, and leads the boat race with 20 points.

8:22: Fuerhmeyer with no-look pass to Creekmore who hits and gets fouled, he misses FT – first miss for MSU. Bears get offensive rebound, Leonard hits another three. 55-36 (9:33) Creekmore has 10 points and 7 rebounds. La. Tech appears to have thrown in the towel.

8:20: Ricks hits two free throws, Bears remain “Govero” at the line, Magnum Rolle with And 1 chance … before that the last five possessions went: miss-turnover-turnover-miss-miss … Rolle converts 3-point play 50-36 (10:23)

8:18: Creighton is beating Fairfield43-38 in the second half. If the Bluejays hold on, they will be heading to SGF on Wednesday in the CIT semifinals. Fun.

8:16: Jermaine Mallett gets his own rebound and an easy putback, 48-33 (11:31) AND it’s ESPN Female Co-host Appreciation Minute. Congrats Michelle Beadle!

8:14: Ricks blocks a shot then assists fast break three from Leonard. Ricks is everywhere, Bears pulling away. 46-33 (11:58)

8:13: The hundreds go wild as Ricks drains one from the left corner to put MSU back up 10, 43-33 (12:56) – Jehle picks up third foul on defensive end.

8:12: David Jackson And 1, brings Bulldogs to 40-33 after pair of Nafis Ricks FTs.

8:09: Bulldogs bucket brings it to 38-30, 14:30 to play.

8:05: Creekmore starting to rake in boards, there’s another on offensive end and easy putback – Bears lead by 10, 38-28

8:03: The cool part about an empty building (reaching for positives) is hearing all of the coach and player chatter.

8:01: Ryan Jehle checks in for first appearance, replaces Kyle Weems – Rolle hits a pair of FTs for the Bulldogs, 34-28 … Creekmore violently blocked on other end.

7:58: Mallett puts back offensive board before Guyton hits a three. Creekmore just screamed on a defensive rebound (it’s the exact opposite scenario of a tree falling in the forest) – Weems and Creekmore each score, Bears look good, 34-26 (18:12 in 2nd)

7:57: Second half begins … Bears were a Jacob Govero-like perfect from the free throw line in the first half (4-for-4)

7:54: Stat geekage – Missouri State 28: Kyle Weems 6, Nafis Ricks 4, Adam Leonard 11, Justin Fuerhmeyer 3, Caleb Patterson 2, Will Creekmore 2; Louisiana Tech 23: Olu Ashaolu 6, David Jackson 5, Jamel Guyton 5, DeAndre Brown 5, Magnum Rolle 2

Holy crap! Mike Tyson was on Dancing with the Stars?!?!?

7:43: For your halftime entertainment you get a grab bag to fill 13+ minutes … we’ll start here with the Hillcrest-Nixa game a couple weeks ago:

Just so you get an idea for how many people are at the Q tonight. Yes. 2 rows of students. Two.

7:41: Adam Leonard hits “another 3″. La. Tech loses ball on final possession before Fuerhmeyer dives horizontally while shooting in the paint to end half (media members in front of me are having to cover their faces in laughter). Bears lead 28-23 at the break.

7:39: Jerome Jones getting PT for the final stretch of the first half. Meanwhile, Patterson goes back to settling for long jump shot – still doesn’t fall.

7:37: If the CIT had a poster child, it might be Will Creekmore. Ugly post move nets MSU lead, 25-23 (1:23)

7:35: Tie ball game. Brown on personal 5-0 run after drilling a pull up trey (23-23; 2:15)

7:34: This is not a joke: Caleb Patterson just backed somebody down and scored. DeAndre Brown responds with a fallaway jumper.

7:33: Whoa! Kind of exciting. Olu Ashaolu finishes La. Tech fast break with two-handed dunk – gets a class B Technical for hanging on the rim. Adam Leonard hits both free throws – 21-18 (4:12)

7:31: Adam Leonard hits a 3 and La. Tech’s Magnum Rolle, who is playing on an injured ankle, drops in a layup – MSU leads 19-16 (4:53)

7:27: Fuerhmeyer buries a 3, Olu Ashaolu answers with a deuce – MSU leads 16-12 (6:45)

7:25: Not a whole lot going on here. Media timeout. On behalf of the media I must say, we may not have needed the break.

7:23: Players acting like CIT might matters, Weems just rugburned after a loose ball.

7:22: A Nafis Ricks layup is sandwiched by four points from Kyle Weems (two at the stripe), Bears regain lead, 11-7, 9:09 left in half.

7:19: Coaches in this tournament have to like the ability to play with lineups late in the year without much on the line. Jerome Jones just finished a quick run for the Bears.

7:17: ‘Dogs take lead on long ’2′ from Jackson which followed a Jamel Guyton crossover turned jumper from elbow (7-5, La. Tech, 10:57)

7:15: Consecutive Bears possessions – Patterson turnover-Patterson missed 15 footer-Creekmore missed 3 … still 5-3

7:13: There were 3,023 people here for the Bears opening round win against Middle Tennessee, unless they get a late crowd, looks like less than that.

7:11: Justin Fuerhmeyer, Will Creekmore and Caleb Patterson check in for MSU.

7:10: Totally lied to you in the starting lineups. David Jackson started for La. Tech, not Stegall. Jackson squares up from the top of the key to put Bulldogs on the board (5-3, MSU, 14:51) – timeout Bears

7:07: Missouri State playing real loose in early going – Ricks gets a steal on Rhine’s deflection, pass ahead to Weems for easy lay in (5-0, MSU, 16:27)

7:06: Mallett turns it over on second MSU possession. Bulldogs lead pass sails out of bounds. Bears ball, no score … check that, Adam Leonard stroke from right wing (3-0, MSU, 17:48)

7:04: La. Tech wins tip, misses first attempt, Rhine pulls down the board.

6:59: Bear Mania Basketball Band holding it down. With nobody soaking up the sound, it’s clean. Starting lineups: La. Tech – Jamel Guyton (6-3 sr. G), Olu Ashaolu (6-7 soph. G), DeAndre Brown (5-11 jr. G), Aaron Bartlett (6-3 soph. G), Kaiser Stegall (6-3 Fr. F); MSU – Kyle Weems, Jermaine Mallett, Isaiah Rhine (!), Nafis Ricks, Adam Leonard

6:56: Welcome to the Q. We’re just about ready to go. 1:03 on the pregame clock. I’m settling in and already some interesting news. According to Lyndal Scranton at the News-Leader Isaiah Rhine will be getting the nod for the Bears. There’s nobody here. Entire sections of empty seats. Ugh.

———–

Sure, it may not be the most prestigious tournament in men’s college basketball,  but they’re still playing and that’s what matters. After beating Middle Tennessee State, 87-79, the team which almost beat the team that beat the best team in the country (Missouri State) hosts Louisiana Tech in the quarterfinals of the CIT – an exclusive mid major postseason tournament which hasn’t even updated the schedule on its own page. Still, it’s just enough fun to carry us back into the real tournament on Thursday and, no matter the prestige, winning breeds success. As Allen pointed out this morning, Old Dominion won the crown a year ago and garnered an NCAA bid this year. So join me tonight at the Q for a 7:05 tip. We might be goofing off a little before then. You can keep up with the live blog from your PC, laptop or mobile phone. See you then. If I’m mobile enough, you might even get a video. BLAM-O!

When, if, I find a bracket it will be presented to you, but if the Bears win there is a chance they could host Creighton on Wednesday (very interesting).

8:31: OK, I’m signing off. Look for a column about the end of the regular season soon. Have a great night.

8:28: Look for an interesting quote from Wichita State’s J.T. Durley in an upcoming column. He speaks the truth.

8:27: More stat geekage:

• Wichita State was 24-of-25 from the FT line.
• MSU shot 35.3 percent (18-51) from the floor.
• Garrett Stutz finishes with 19 points, six rebounds and four blocks.

8:24: Stat geekage – Wichita State (73), Stutz 19, Hannah 15, Murry 13, Williams 9, Durley 8, Hatch 7, Manigault 2; Missouri State (63) Mallett 18, Weems 17, Leonard 9, Ricks 8, Creekmore 5, Pickens 4, Rhine 2

8:20: Still waiting on state geekage, but and in interview room. Bear with me.

8:11: WSU gets a late dunk and the final score is 73-63, Wichita State. The Shockers move on to face the winner of the next game between Illinois State and Indiana State.

8:08: Hannah hits two more FTs. On the other end, I wouldn’t expect anything less. They call a meaningless foul with 9.6 seconds left that delays the inevitable. Ricks scores two more and then Cuonzo calls a timeout.

WTF?

8:07: Now, the question begs:

NIT or CBI (or worse)?

8:05: These refs are out of control, and I clearly don’t care who wins. Poorly officiated game, leaving everyone pissed off. Bears still trail 69-61 and now they zebras are conferencing at halfcourt.

Time to empty out the mailbag again. From our comments section:

MALLETT DIDN’T TOUCH HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They showed it on replay twice!

I couldn’t see it. Can’t comment.

8:03: The refs don’t give Ricks the foul when he’s clearly trying to give it. Instead, they call him for an intentional. I’ve never seen back-to-back intentionals. Two more FTs make it 69-61, 22.2 left. Wow.

8:02: Leonard drives to the bucket and is rejected. Trying to catch the play from behind, Weems is called for an intentional foul on Murry. Weems fouls out and Murry hits both FTs. WSU up 67-61 with 30.4 left. Shocker ball.

8:00: Hannah does it again. He drives into the lane. Creekmore comes to help and he dishes to a wide open Stutz, who scores and is fouled. To make it worse, Mallett fouls out. Stutz hits the FT. WSU leaves 65-61, 52.3 left.

7:59: Leonard misses an open NBA 3, but Creekmore gets the rebound. He makes one of two FTs. WSU leads 62-61, 1:12 left.

7:56: You can see why Hannah gets so much respect. He’s making plays all over the place, including sinking two more FTs with 1:23 left. He has the last six WSU points and all of them in the last three minutes. He has 11 in the game. 62-60 WSU with 1:23 left.

7:55: Mallett hits one of two FTs. Tied at 60 with 1:52 left.

7:54: Hannah hits them both. WSU up 60-59. Can Bears step up down stretch, or will their season be defined by their inability to close down the stretch?

7:52: Another momentary stoppage in play. After a missed FG, the officials don’t restart the shot clock. Marshall’s antics work this time. Then, Ricks fouls Hannah on the floor. Two FTs coming up.

7:51: Ricks drives into trouble and the bench calls a 30-second timeout. That would be a good time to release the results of an official MSUBearNation.com scientific poll recently conducted:

We have calculated that MSU should have roughly 49 fouls if Marshall got his way

7:50: Weems hits both FTs. Bears back on top 59-58 with 3:47 left. Bears get a defensive stop in the interim. What’s the play?

7:48: I texted a friend who is a Bears fan and I asked him if the Bears are going to win. He texts back:

Bears by 12.

Someone call him a cab.

7:47: Durley fouls and now we have a media timeout. Of course. For Bears fans, Weems will be headed to the FT line, going for his first points since thet 2:05 mark of the first half.

7:46: Man, those media timeouts are long.

7:43: I hope FSMW is showing the Gregg Marshall show on the sideline. He’s making the whiniest coaches look pathetic. Calm down, coach. Hannah takes an extra step with no call to give WSU a 58-57 lead with 3:54 left.

7:40: The teams are trading FTs right now, with WSU winning the battle. Bears lead 57-56 with 5:33 left.

7:38: Where is my Creekmore highlight montage when I need it? The 6-foot-9 junior blocks a shot on one end and makes two FTs on the other. Bears build a 56-52 lead, 6:24 left.

7:36: Mallett drives and kicks to Pickens, who hits a 3. I question it, wondering aloud when the last time he hit one in a game. To my right, Fisher says, “But you were writing it down before it left his hand.”

True. It looked in rhythm and went in. Bears lead 54-52.

7:34: This has been a great game. Heading into a media timeout at the 7:47 mark, the next foul with send both teams into the bonus. Mallett leads all scorers with 17, while Weems has 15 and hasn’t scored in the second half. The Bears might want to find a way to get him open in the second half. 52-51 WSU, 7:47.

7:32: Ricks gets smoked on a legal screen, then Murry scores too easily to give 52-51 lead, 8:30 left. Reaction by Scottrade Center crowd on replay of Ricks smashing:

Ooooooooooooohhhhhhhh

7:30: Awakening another potential WSU monster, Hannah hits a tough J with the shot clock winding down. WSU is on a 7-2 run to take a 50-49 lead.

7:29: From the comment section:

Allen, can you ask Cuonzo in the post game “Why is Ricks not starting?”  Thanks

Love,

Bears fans everywhere (minus JF’s parents)

Duly noted.

7:28: Just when you think one of these teams might gets some distance on the other, Murry bangs a 3. 49-48 MSU, 10:57 left.

7:26: Lineup for Bears out of the media timeout: Ricks, Pickens, Mallett, Rhine and Patterson. Stutz hits both FTs. 47-45, 11:43 left.

7:22: What’s got into Mallett? He goes to work and draws a foul in the post. He makes two FTs to give him a game-high 17 points and Ricks duplicates a steal and a layup from last night. Bears on a 7-0 run to make it 47-43 with 11:43 left. Stutz is fouled trying to dunk on Zeke Rhine. Not in Zeke’s house.

7:21: There’s not much worse than back-to-back illegal screen calls. A big waste of time for everyone involved. Especially when normally they are makeup calls. Mallett drills a pull-up jumper to tie the game at 43, 12:53 left.

7:19: All of a sudden, Leonard is much more active. He is fouled on a 3 and hits his head on the deck. He’s wincing, but heading to the FT line. He makes one of three to make it 43-41, 13:44 left.

7:17: All of a sudden, MSU can’t get an offensive rebound. Shockers getting all kinds of opportunities. Durley gets two FTs and makes it 43-40, 13:59 left.

7:14: Leonard hits a 3 and goes into backtrot mode. WSU up 41-40, 15:19 left.

7:13: The Shockers respond with back to back buckets, including a dunk by Stutz. Do I need to remove the Glass Joe video? 41-37 WSU, 15:40 left.

7:11: And, as per Live Blog policy, once you get bagged on, you do something fantastic. Leonard hits a J to tie the game at 37 with 16:57 left. About time.

7:10: Mallett hits a tough J for his 13th point. Leonard is scoreless again. Hatch misses a wide-open 3 and Creekmore rebounds. Bears on the attack.

7:09: After some minor Internet problems, I need to apologize for feeding the karma monster. After you (and I) bagged on Stutz’s chin, he calmly buries a 3 to start the half. WSU up 37-33, 19:25 left.

7:02: More stat geekage

• MSU shooting: 10-of-30 (33 percent)
• WSU shooting: 13-of-25 (52 percent)
• Rebounding: MSU 18 (8 offensive), WSU 15 (3 offensive).
• WSU has five blocks, three from Glass Joe Stutz.

6:59: Stat geekage: Wichita State (33), Stutz 9, Hatch 7, Williams 7, Durley 4, Murry 4, Hannah 3. MSU (32), Weems 15, Mallett 11, Ricks 4, Creekmore 2, Pickens 1.

6:57: In honor of Garreett Stutz’s chin, which is taking a lot of heat (despite his nine points), here may or may not be his doppleganger taking a lot of heat, too.

6:51: After Mallett makes two FTs to look like what could have been a halftime lead, Hatch hits a lefty 3 with 2 seconds left. Tough shot with a defender in his face. Mallett’s halcourt heave is no good, and after one of the best halves of the year for the Bears, they still trail 33-32 at halftime.

6:50: Bears go to a 2-3 zone and Williams hits a 3. Game tied at 31, 47 seconds left.

6:48: Weems hits a huge 3 for his 12th point of the game. He also has four rebounds. Pickens gets a steal and makes one of two FTs. Bears lead 31-28, 1:00 left.

6:45: Tim Fisher of Iowa Sports Connection takes a look ahead and gives us a prediction (He’s sitting to my right):

Both of these teams will be in the championship game next year.

Hmmm. Might happen.

6:43: Weems throws one up that hits high off the glass, to the rim and high off the glass again. He goes up over the back of a Shocker and tips it in — high off the glass. WSU leads 28-27, 3:04 left first half. Last media timeout of the half.

6:41: Stutz is having a big half. The aforementioned behemoth hits from 15 feet for his seventh point, then Williams scoots in for a layup after a nasty Creekmore attempt. 28-25 WSU, 4:04 1H.

6:40: From our comments section:

I’m fairly sure Stutz’s chin is about 8 inches long.

Well, he’s 7-foot, so it probably is. I’m 6-3 and my chin is, oh, never mind.

6:37: The Shockers sandwich a Mallett 3 with free throws and a Stutz bucket. In my opinion, the refs look like the Bears did last night against Evansville. Let’s hope they get their act together, like MSU did. Lots of screwy calls on both ends. WSU leads 22-21, 5:38 1H.

6:32: Ricks scores to give Bears an 18-16 lead, 8:13. To answer Adrek on the comments section:

Was that not a goal tend a minute ago?

I couldn’t see, but Jones looked like it was and Cuonzo Martin and his coaching staff looked like they they were stomping out a shoe fire and moving their hand up and down like a hip hop show. Is this a good time to mention that you should go to the Mac Lethal show tomorrow night at LemonDrop?

6:30: Murry schools Jones on a sick, I’m-penetrating-no-just-kidding-no-I’m really-going-to-school you move on the baseline. 16-16, 9:59 left.

6:28: Weems is being very assertive, both on the defensive glass and offensively. He drives and hits a floater to give MSU its first lead, 16-14, 10:55 1H.

6:27: It’s time to give the bench some love. Rhine is playing well. Can he score? Not really, but he does some great intangible work. Then Jerome Jones gets in the game and locks up Hatch for a five second call.

6:23: Mallett hits a 3-pointer to tie the game at 14, 12:34 left. Bears are hanging around. This really does feel like a home game for the Shockers, minus the band, which is pounding my right ear drum like Brittney Griner clotheslining that Texas Tech player.

6:21: The legions of WSU fans give the always entertaining sarcastic clap after a monster foul discrepancy. As Sturtz tries to dunk, Rhine gets him on the arm. First foul on the Bears comes at the 13:02 mark. Sturtz makes one of two FTs. 14-11 WSU.

6:20: Isaiah Rhine checks in for Patterson. We might only see CP for 8 minutes max. This physical stuff isn’t for him.

6:19: In a game hes perfectly suited for (see: tough, physical and overplaying the passing lanes), Ricks hits a floater in the lane after checking in. Shockers up 13-11, 14:33 1H.

6:16: Creekmore scores inside on a pick and roll to stop WSU 6-0 run. The Bears need to use more P&R, since no one knows how to guard it. Ever. Nice feed by Leonard. WSU up 13-9, 14:33 left.

6:15: And our first Shocker joke. Again, from our comments section:

FSN just showed an older lady holding a sign that says ” all I want 4 my birthday is a shocker” I cant stop laughing

If you don’t know why that his outstandingly, gut-laugh funny, use Google. Here’s hoping the old lady knows exactly what she’s talking about, rather than being a casualty of unintentional comedy.

6:12: Each team is making tough shots. Durley is taking Weems down into the box with a lot of success. He has two buckets and it’s 11-7 WSU with 16:10 left 1H.

6:10: Kyle Weems hits an NBA 3 to tied the game. Most of the time when people say that, they’re guessing. Not this time. This floor has the NBA line on it. 3-3, 18:46  1H.

6:08: Wichita’s Clevin Hannah bangs a tough 3 to start the game and for the bazillionth time, the Bears go to Creekmore to start the game. Creekmore forces up an ugly and it goes wide. Not a good start.

6:06: And it begins. From our comments section:

MSU fans are too busy having JOBS, something WSU fans can’t say

Awesome.

6:04: Starters – Missouri State, Justin Fuehrmeyer, Adam Leonard, Jermaine Mallett, Kyle Weems, Will Creekmore; Wichita State, Clevin Hannah, Graham Hatch, Toure’ Murry, J.T. Durley, Garrett Stutz.

5:56: We’re again, right next to the Bears band, which was loud when the B-E-A-R-S came out. But, when Wichita rolled out, this place erupted. I’d venture to say there are less fans than last night, but waaaaaaay more Shocker fans than Bear fans.

I’m sitting next to the sports director of Missouri State’s Student online radio – The Growl’s Nolan Epstein. We are estimating the ratio of WSU fans to MSU fans is somewhere between 5 to 1 and 7 to 1. Not a good showing for Bears fans. Hopefully, you are all at home following on the Live Blog.

5:50: Let’s get some STL Rams business out of the way. Did you see they signed AJ Feeley? I haven’t seen the dollars, but I’m not overly concerned. Aren’t the Rams going to win 3 games max anyway? What’s the worst that happens, AJ Feeley starts the opener until Sam Bradford/Colt McCoy/Jimmy Claussen starts?

Now, if Feeley plays more than four games, I’ll puke.

5:46: OK, we are live from Scottrade Center. My real estate has plummeted as I’m directly a row back of where I was last night. I’m not complaining, just telling you so you can see me on TV…

There was a lot of interesting stuff on Twitter in the past hour, but the most interesting might have come from College Basketball statistician Ken Pomeroy:

Wichita St. outscored Missouri St. by 5 over 136 possessions this season. Should be a good MVC quarterfinal tonight. (From @kenpomeroy)

Hopefully that will make for a good matchup.

————————–

Now, the fun begins.

After escaping Evansville 52-46 in the play-in game Thursday, the Missouri State men’s basketball team gets to enjoy the role of spoiler, taking on No. 2 seed Wichita State in a 6:05 p.m. Missouri Valley Conference Tournament quarterfinal tonight at Scottrade Center.

Here is the local media roundup from today, in case you missed it.

• The SNL’s Lyndal Scranton addresses Adam Leonard’s late-second heroics, as well as recaps Thursday’s victory.
• SNL Sports Editor Pam Clark talks about how the Bears are reversing roles from favorite to underdog tonight.
• KOLR 10′s Dan Lucy recaps the game, with some highlights, as does KY3.

Now, what’s at stake tonight? It’s funny how wins at this time of year can completely change your perspective on an entire season. With a loss to Evansville Thursday, it would have made a mockery of the season and caused a thud that would be heard all across the Ozarks and the MVC. Instead, the Bears now have a shot to validate the entire season and get into the MVC’s final four, trying to become the conference’s first NCAA Tournament representative to emerge from the play-in round. Will it happen? I wouldn’t bet on it. (Bears are a 3-point underdog today, if you care.)

How important is 20 wins? Depends on who you talk to. The Bears are 20-11 heading in to tonight’s game and while 20 wins sounds nice, Bears coach Cuonzo Martin had a nice line about it last night.

“The university has a great tradition. Southwest Missouri State. Missouri State. For these guys, it’s not about what about happened in the past, from the standpoint of they won this many games in the past, this is our program, this is our tradition. But, I tell them this, ‘This is your second season. This is where we start from here.’ And that’s what it comes down to. As far as wins and losses, we’ll be successful. Exactly to this date, we were 11-20 (last season) and now we’re 20-11. That’s just progress. At the end of the day, we haven’t done anything, in my opinion, but it’s 20 wins. I expect, God-willing, if our guys stay healthy, we get 20 wins every year. That’s part of a program. You don’t want to be 11 wins, 15, 16, when you’re building a program, you’re trying to be a champion. 20 should be expected.”

As we say around the secret TAGsgf.com headquarters, Blam-O!

Enjoy the Live Blog and tell a friend. I fully expect you to watch it on Fox Sports Midwest, and to chime in with our comment section at the bottom.

10:47: Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for the 6 p.m. Live Blog between MSU and Wichita State. 5:45 sharp!

10:39: I’m in the press room, waiting on the teams. Here is the stat geekage: Scoring – Bears (52) Weems 12 (11 boards, too). Creekmore 9, Patterson 8, Ricks 8, Mallett 5, Fuehrmeyer 3, Leonard 3, Pickens 2, Jones 2; Evansville (46) Holmes 13, Cox 9, Ryan 6, PVT 6, Lacey 6, Haarsma 3, Jones 2, Taylor 1

10:29: It’s over. Weems and Mallett add FTs and Evansville can’t score. Actually, the Aces didn’t score over the final 3:22. Wow. Bears advance to play No. 2 seeded Wichita State in the 6 p.m. quarterfinal tomorrow night. Back with stat geekage.

10:27: And Hannema is the big winner. I ask him what he’d do and he says, “Leonard is going to hit one.” Bingo-bango. On cue, Leonard swishes a 3 to make it 50-46. The Aces can’t score and foul the Bears. Time to head to the Landing.

10:26: Personally, I’d do a pick and roll with Ricks and Creekmore, then look for Weems on the wing.

10:25: Leonard misses another shot with the clock winding down. He is 0-for-6. Meanwhile, Evansville’s Ryan misses a 3 with the shot clock winding down. Bears ball, timeout, up 47-46 with 49.4 left. Can the Bears close one out? Who gets the ball here. I’ll tell you what I think shortly.

10:24: Two Weems FTs give the Bears the lead, 47-46 with 2:55. After an empty Aces possession, the Bears are looking for a good shot.

10:22: Holmes converts two FTs for his first two points of the half. They give Aces a 46-45 lead with 3:21 left. EU on a 7-0 run.

10:19: Omen Nos. 2 and 3, within 30 seconds of each other. Ricks drives in, gets off balance and comes down on his hand. Meanwhile, Lacey scores in transition. Then, with a wide-open path to the bucket from the baseline, Patterson bricks a dunk short. Not pretty. Bears still led 45-44, with 3:22 left, but it’s hanging by a thread.

10:17: Mallett scores inside, but it’s quickly quelled by a Colt Ryan 3. 45-42 Bears, 5:01 left.

10:12: After a missed EU FT, Patterson scores inside. The Bears are on a 15-5 run over the past 7:41. Bears up 43-39, 6:04 left.

10:11: Bears starting to play with some more urgency. A Weems 3 after an offensive rebound makes it back-to-back trips for the Bears with second-chance points. 41-39 Bears, 6:46 left.

10:10: Creekmore gets an offensive rebound, scores and is fouled to give the Bears their first lead since the 26-24 halftime margin. He misses the FT, but it’s 38-37 Bears, 7:31 left. WC has a Bears-high nine points.

10:08: Hannema turns around and asks some Wichita State coaches what they get out of it. They say something to the effect of, “Evansville makes it ugly.”

10:06: At the 8-minute TV timeout, Pickens makes a play, scoring inside to cut it to 37-36, with 7:58 left.

10:02: After a couple of empty possessions, Ricks hits a tough mid-range J, but PVT!!!! gets into it. I’m adding exclamations to PVT’s handle because of his statue-esque stylings. 37-34 Evansville, 9:57 left.

9:58: Haarsma gets one of two FTs, but Mallett gets on the board with an offensive rebound. Evansville up 35-32, 11:05 media timeout.

9:57: Ricks picks an Evansville pocket, takes it the basket with a siiiiiick reverse layup. Will this spark the Bears? 34-30 Evansville, 12:26 left.

9:56: Hannema offers up something that makes a whole lot of sense to me: “Isn’t this a good time for Cuonzo to take a T to get the team fired up?” It’s worth a try.

9:54: Leonard comes off a screen, catches the ball, pump fakes and hooks the Evansville defender. Offensive foul, his third. That’s three more fouls than Leonard has points. Neither Leonard, nor Mallett have scored. It’s danger time for MSU.

9:52: The good news? MSU gets on the board with a Patterson bucket. The bad news? Evansville answers it and gets a Ned Cox 3 to boot. Evansville up 34-28, 12:52 left.

9:49: MSU’s band is upset that the Evansville’s band played a song at the timeout. That’s more effort than the Bears are putting out.

9:47: With 15:00 on the clock, we are at a timeout. MSU looks listless. What can Martin do to fire them up? They’re clearly not fired up on their own. I’ll pose the question again — How embarrassing will this loss be?

9:46: We now bring you a new special segment called “Omens that MSU is going to lose to Evansville in the Play-In Round” Omen No. 1. Patterson misses two FTs. Bears haven’t scored in the first five minutes of the half.

9:44: Haarsma, the Aces’ version of Ryan Jehle, scores inside. Evansville has scored all five points of the half. Evansville is up 29-26, 16:04 left.

9:42: Creekmore scores underneath, but it’s wiped out by an offensive foul call, similarly to how WC cleared out Haarsma. He has three fouls. Evansville is playing harder than MSU. 27-26 EU, 17:30 left.

9:40: Back under way at Scottrade Center. Leonard to Weems pick-and-pop doesn’t work, but the Denver Holmes project continues. He drives and dishes to Colt Ryan, a favorite of former SNL writer Kyle Neddenriep. Ryan cans the 3 and Evansville leads 27-26, 19:31 left.

9:37: More halftime entertainment: Breakdancing from So You Think You Can Dance’s Legacy.

9:35: More stat geekage:

• Both Leonard and Mallett are scoreless, combining to shoot 0-for-5
• Bears had 10 fouls, two apiece from Creekmore, Leonard, Rciks, Patterson and Mallett.
• MSU has five assists and 10 turnovers. Aces ratio is 1-1 (6 apiece)

9:32: Stat geekage – Scoring – Bears (26), Creekmore 7, Weems 6, Ricks 4, Patterson 4, Fuehrmeyer 3, Jones 2. Evansville (24), Holmes 11, Lacey 4, Cox 4, PVT 4, Taylor 1.

9:29: This is much better. Not that the Sugar Bears are awesome, but the Evansville team is worse. They are wearing White shirts, black pants and shiny gloves as a Michael Jackson tribute. Awful.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Evansville Aces Dance Team!

9:27: This is disgusting, but will work for halftime entertainment.

Yes, they let me in.

9:23: Another ill-advised over-the-back foul gives Ricks two fouls, too. Troy Taylor hits a free throw and a last-second Leonard 3 is no good. MSU leads 26-24 at halftime. Back with stat geekage and halftime entertainment in a moment.

9:22: The zone works and forces a turnover. Weems hits a 3 in transition to give MSU a 26-23 lead. Apparently the Lacey bucket was a two. My bad. 51 seconds left.

9:20: Ricks hits two more FTs to cut the lead to 24-23. Leonard is back in as the Bears go into a 2-3 zone to end the half.

9:19: The Denver Holmes offense works again. He comes off a screen, gets a step on the defender, takes him to the paint and kicks out for a Kavon Lacey 3. Bang. Aces lead 24-21, 1:43 left.

9:17: Bears are ice-cold on offense, to boot. Fuehry is 1-for-3. When’s the last time he shot it three times in a half? That’s how desparate the Bears are, but at least he senses that he needs to do something. In the interim, Ricks is fouled on a defensive and makes two FTs. They are the Bears’ first two points since the 6:44 mark. 21-21, 2:55 left.

9:16: Nothing says Arch Madness like PVT vs. Isaiah Rhine. Wow.

9:15: Personally, the Bears look like they are scared to lose this game. Poor decisions. Poor execution, and that doesn’t include shotmaking. That includes charges, over-the-back calls and poor passing. At the last media timeout of the half, it’s 21-19 Evansville.

9:12: Creekmore also has two fouls. Digging deep into that roster.

9:11: Ladies and Gentlemen, that barf bag in front of you can also be used to stop hyperventilation. Cox scores back-to-back easy buckets to give Evansville a 21-19 lead with 4:30 left in the first half. The Aces are on a 13-2 run over the last 4:21.

9:10: The Bears continue to make poor decisions on offense. Leonard picks up his second foul on a charge, putting him on the bench with Mallett and Patterson, who also have two fouls. The current MSU lineup: Pickens, Weems, Rhine, Jones, Ricks. Ouch.

9:07: Patterson hits an ugly fadeaway, but is answered by the inside force that is Pieter Van Tongeren (PVT). After some Evansville FTs, it’s 19-17 Bears, 6:20 left.

9:04: Holmes scores and is fouled by Creekmore. He can’t believe it, the foul, that is. Evansville should just run him off screens and use him like Reggie Miller or Rip Hamilton. Wait, sorry, don’t tell Marty Simmons. Meanwhile, Holmes hits the FT. 17-13 Bears, 7:34.

9:01: Evansville finally gets on the board. Pieter Van Tongeren gets a layup after he misses the first one. It’s the first offensive rebound the Bears have given up in a while. 17-10 Bears, 8:07 1H.

8:59: The Bears are starting to play some defense, and box out. After a Creekmore layup and a Patterson fadeaway, it’s 17-8 with 8:51 left in the first half. Bears on a 7-0 run and no one else but Holmes has scored for Evansville. That’s eight points in 11 minutes.

8:55: Fuehry buries a 3 to make it 13-8, 11:15 left. After a turnover, he tries another, but it’s short. The Bears nearly pick up another over-the-back foul.

8:54: This game doesn’t have a good flow to it, which is bad news for the Bears. Junior varsity, anyone?

8:50: Somebody needs to guard Denver Holmes. The Olathe South (Kan.) sophomore converts a 3-point play after Patterson tries to draw an ill-fated charge. Holmes has all eight Evansville points. 10-8 Bears, 12:25 left.

8:48: As Pickens misses a layup after a steal and Mallett is called for an over-the-back foul, Hannema points out all four Bears fouls have come on the offensive end of the floor.

8:45: After the first media timeout, Jerome Jones ends up on the court. No, I don’t think this was an accident. If it was, it was a fortunate one. He cleans up an offensive rebound and puts it in. 10-5 Bears, 15:00 1H.

8:44: For the second-consecutive night, in a completely different zip code, KOLR/KSFX superstar Charlie Hannema is co-piloting. Hardest-working duo in the Ozarks sports media? I’d say so.

8:42: Fearful of another charge, Creekmore steps out and hits a 3. 8-5 Bears, 16:41 1H.

8:40: Right in front of us, Denver Holmes rises up in Mallett’s face and bangs a 3. Next possesion, he goes Reggie Miller on Mallett, loses him on some screens and hits a jumper. It’s 5-5, 17:10 1H.

8:39: Creekmore makes amens and scores inside, which is quickly followed up by a transition 3 from Weems. Bears up 5-0, 18:40 1H.

8:37: As every Bears game begins, they pound it inside to Creekmore. He bangs around and picks up a charge 15 seconds into the game. Nervous yet?

8:35: Starters – MSU, Kyle Weems, Will Creekmore, Adam Leonard, Justin Fuehrmeyer, Jermaine Mallett; Evansville, James Haarsma, Denver Holmes, Kavon Lacey, Colt Ryan, Ned Cox.

8:29: The good folks at MSUBearNation are live chatting about this game tonight, too. Check it here.

8:17: OK Bears fans (and Bears haters), we are live from Scottrade Center in St. Louis, where the sparse crowd is stil slightly buzzing from Josh Young’s 15-foot fallaway jumper with 1.5 seconds left to beat Southern Illinois 63-61.

(Let’s just say, we are all excited it wasn’t overtime.)

I’m on the front press row, smack dab on the baseline and directly across from the Bears’ bench. That also means, I’m nestled next to the BearMania band. We will see how my hearing goes throughout the night.

I’ll be back with starting lineups and more fun shortly.

——————

OK Bears fans, it’s time to acknowledge and embrace that knot in your stomachs tonight. And that’s why we are on hand for tonight’s play-in game at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

That’s right, it’s Arch Madness and the Missouri State men’s basketball team is fighting for its life — and to extinguish any embarrassing moments. And Allen Vaughan is here to Live Blog it, with all of the usual trimmings, including a stream of running commentary, analysis and hijinks.

I wanted to write about this earlier, but tonight’s 8:30 p.m. game between the No. 7 seed Missouri State and No. 10 (see: last) Evansville has a metric ton on the line for the Bears. No, I’m not in the camp that thinks the Bears can pull off a miracle run, winning four games in four days, with the intensity rising for each contest. But, I will say that if the Bears lose tonight’s game, it will be a monumental step back.

We can talk about all of the visual improvement of Missouri State’s program and fans can claim to be happy with 19 wins, but what will the reaction be if the Bears can’t pull this one off? A loss to Evansville, really? Honestly, what will it be? Rage? Shoulder shrugs? Somewhere in between?

And, of course, none of this is disrespectful to the Aces. In the last half of the MVC regular season, Evansville beat Northern Iowa and Wichita State, the conference’s top two teams. The Aces finished 9-20, but finished the season 3-3, just like Missouri State.

It should be fun, and remember, this one isn’t on TV.

Here is a sneak peek of Parkview High School's gymnasium. Yes, that means fellow TAGsgfer Brett Johnston is in the house with his camera.

7:27: Well, I’m off to do some interviews. Thanks for reading. See you Wednesday for the sectional at Southwest Baptist University.

7:26: The Hillcrest girls win the district, 54-49.

7:24: Parkview principal Chance Wistrom (yes, he’s Grant’s brother) just grabbed the mic and said that more than 6,000 people attended the tournament.

7:22: Nixa is your C5-D11 champion with a 62-47 victory. Hill finishes with 18 to lead Nixa. Dingman has 21. The Nixa crowd pours it on with a fantastic “District Champs” chant. They aint’ wrong.

7:20: Thomas hits a step-back 3 to make it 58-45 with 59.4 left. You can’t help but wonder how different this would have been with Pugh and Ogden in the lineup.

7:17: Two more FTs from Hill make it 54-40 with 1:42 left. Dingman has all of Branson’s 11 points in the quarter and has 19 in the game. It’s not enough, though. Nixa will play the winner of tonight’s C5-D12 title game between Hillcrest and Joplin. Wish I could timetravel to get there.

7:15: After another questionable call, I just put together that the referee that called Bethanie Funderburk for that charge in the girls’ semifinal loss on Wednesday, is working this game. I’m surprised Nixa fans haven’t realized, but then, I’m also relieved he is still alive.

7:13: The News-Leader’s Straight Flush Michael Stacy’s Twitter account says the Hillcrest girls are up 45-40 on top-seeded Willard with 2 minutes to play.

7:12: The foul parade might start now. Dingman gets a leaner to go, which is only his second field goal. Nixa leads 49-35 after Norman makes a free throw. 3:43 left.

7:09: Wheels are starting to come off for Branson. Nixa is currently on an 8-0 run and the lead is 48-33, 4:06 4Q.

7:08: Branson misses two more free throws. They are starting to mount up. Not good when you’re down two starters. Look for Nixa to milk it here.

7:05: Thomas thinks he gets another block, but instead he gets his fourth foul. Hill scores his first points of the half to make it 47-33 Nixa, 5:23 left.

7:03: Not that it matters, but Norman picks up his fourth foul. Nixa has an army of talent. Meanwhile, Fisher sticks a 3 that extends the Eagle lead to 45-33 with 5:53 left. Timeout Branson. This might be the signal that this one’s over.

7:01: On a nifty in-bounds play, Norman catches it in the air and tosses in an 8-footer. When we played tall guys with athleticism, we were taught to step on their foot. Was that wrong? (It worked)

7:00: No throat stepping yet. Ben “Wallace” Goodman blocks a Thomas shot and starts a break. The crowd thinks Norman scores and is fouled, but Dingman draws a charge.

6:58: Dingman hits two FTs to cut it to 38-31. Hill throws up a desperation heave that hits the air-conditioning unit. Will Nixa step on the throat, or can Branson mount a comeback?

6:56: Ruder hits a dagger 3-pointer. He has nine points off the bench. Did we mention Nixa has about 11 players who could start on most teams? Another one of those, Matlock tips in a missed shot to give Nixa a 38-29 lead with 1:05 left.

6:55: Jantz, who hasn’t played all tournament,  drops in a 3-pointer. Nixa’s Bundy steals his thunder and sticks a jumper. Nixa up 35-29, 1:16 3Q.

6:54: With Dingman not able to make jumpers, Thomas is asserting himself. He draws a foul and finds Daniels for a layup. After getting a rebound, Daniels turns it over and Ruder is fouled in transition. FTs: Good. Good. Nixa extends lead to 33-26, 2:08 4Q.

6:53: Branson is trying to steal minutes with both Daniels and Andrew Jantz, who didn’t play in the first half.

6:51: After being a monster in the last meeting, Keeney is a non-factor. He’s scoreless and picks up his third foul at the 4:00 mark. Thomas gets an offensive rebound and gets fouled. He misses both and Nixa still leads 31-24, 3:18 3Q.

6:49: Teams are trading buckets now. Koomen’s jumper makes it 31-24, 4:20 3Q.

6:47: Branson’s depth might come into play here. Thomas picks up his third foul. Matlock makes one of two FTs. Nixa extends lead to 26-18, 6:24 3Q.

6:45: Branson has come to play here in the second half. No points on the board, but on two separate possessions, Keeney is blocked right at the basket. Once by Dingman and again by Thomas. Two very athletic plays. Still 25-18 Nixa, 6:51 3Q.

6:44: In the Class 5 District 12 girls’ championship game, Willard leads Hillcrest 25-22 at halftime. The winner gets Kickapoo on Wednesday.

6:41: This just in, Missouri State earns the No. 7 seed and plays No. 10 Evansville in the 8:35 p.m. play-in game Thursday night. That’s good news, seeing as how that would match up the Bears against Wichita State or Illinois State with a victory. Better than Northern Iowa, right?

6:39: Stat geekage – Branson scoring: Dingman 6, Thomas 4, Helsel 4, Koomen 4; Nixa scoring: Hill 12, Ruder 5, Woodman 4, Matlock 2, Norman 2.

6:38: Whew, Brett has footage of the dunk. Can’t wait to put that online.

6:34: With fouls to give, Branson smartly fouls before Nixa can get any offense. With 2.7 seconds left, Norman’s layup is no good and the Eagles lead 25-18 at halftime. Back with some stat geekage momentarily.

6:33: Koomen hits a jumper and makes it 25-18 with 1:11 left. Nixa is holding for the last shot.

6:32: So much for that momentum. Ruder calmly buries a 3-pointer. Nixa up 25-16, 1:45 left

6:31: I hope Brett got video of that dunk.

6:29: Dana Thomas steals a pass and throws one down over Matlock. Everyone who wasn’t awake, is now. Osborne calls possibly the greatest timeout in basketball history. This place is rocking, no matter who you’re cheering for. That dunk might have been worth a dozen. Nixa leads 22-16, 2:45 left.

6:27: Zac Hill scores again. He has 12 in the game. Nixa up 22-14, 3:08 2Q. Branson digs deep into the bench and pulls out sophomore

6:26: Ruder scores to curb the Branson comeback. Dingman escapes on a break and is fouled. Free throws: Good. Good. Nixa 20-14, 3:48 2Q.

6:25: Dingman is back and so is Branson. Helsel scores and after drawing a charge, Thomas scores and gets fouled. He misses the free throw, one of five missed FTS from Branson this half. 18-12 Nixa, 4:35 left.

6:23: Branson switches to a 1-2-2 zone, which I saw George Mason try to use on Northeastern (Go Huskies! That’s where I went to Grad School) to no avail. After an empty possession, Hill forces a turnover and lays on in. To make it worse, Dingman is shaken up trying to make a block. 18-8 Nixa, 5:20 2Q.

6:21: Branson’s frustration grows. Norman is blanketing Dingman and the Branson junior gives him a two-hand shove. The official calls Norman for the foul first and Nixa coach Jay Osborne comes unglued. Fun stuff. After getting fouled, Laveareaux misses both free throws. 16-8, 6:07 2Q.

6:20: After the travel, Norman scores inside. It’s 16-8 Nixa at the 7:11 mark. Branson hasn’t scored since Helsel’s layup at the 2:05 mark of the first quarter. It’s been nearly 4 minutes without a point.

6:18: Dwight Howard has taken over Gabe Woodman’s body. He comes up with an emphatic block on Dingman that goes into the extra seats behind the baseline. He celebrates like he high-stepped into the end zone in the Super Bowl and then causes Branson to travel. Unreal.

6:17: And out of nowhere, Gabe Woodman emerges, scoring on an offensive rebound and a post move. Nixa ends the first quarter on a 6-0 run and leads 14-8.

6:15: Zac Hill is a one-high schooler wrecking crew right now. He’s scored the last eight Nixa points.10-8 Nixa, 1:28 left AND Branson’s Dana Thomas just picked up his second foul.

6:13: Talk about versatility and toughness, Tee Helsel gives a little hesitation dribble and lays one in off the glass. Branson takes the lead 8-7 with 2:05 left.

6:12: Hill bangs a 3. Branson isn’t getting anything inside either. Dingman hits one just inside the arc. 7-6 Nixa, 2:50 1Q.

6:11: Zac Hill hits a jumper. Nothing inside yet for Nixa. 4-4, 4:45 1Q.

6:09: It’s very physical inside and Branson just caught a break. Keeney picks up his second foul on an illegal screen. But unlike other programs, the Eagles bring in stud freshman Jalen Norman off the bench. Dingman makes both free throws and it’s 4-2, 5:03 1Q.

6:07: After Avery Dingman misses two free throws, it brings up a good point. As dominant as both of these teams have been, both of these groups are very inexperienced. The group that’s more mature should win. While I talk about this, Koomen answers with a 15-footer of his own. 2-2, 6:26 1Q.

6:06: After getting bludgeoned by Keeney in the first matchup, it’s no wonder that Nixa tries to get it on him. The Pirates sink in and Matlock buries a 15-foot jumper. Nixa up 2-0, 7:36 1Q.

6:04: We are positioned right behind Branson’s bench. The ever-stoic Branson Coach Randy Bishop looks at his team with his arm raised and yells, “This is what we’ve been wanting all along!” Great stuff.

6:03: Nixa starters – Jordan Keeney, Zac Hill, Ben Fisher, Kam Bundy and Seth Matlock; Branson starters – Dana Thomas, Tee Helsel, Avery Dingman, Matt Koomen, Paul Stevens.

6:00: It’s very loud here. This is why we play all the games all year long, to not only hope that we see a great game, but see the fantastic experience. OK, enough cheesiness. Let’s get this crackin’.

5:55: My pick? Nixa. I just think the Eagles are too deep and too tough, especially with Branson missing Pugh. The Branson junior is the best on-ball defender in the Ozarks and would make it tough for Nixa’s young guards.

5:50: We’ll be back with the starting lineups soon, but look for Paul Stevens and Ricky Lamereaux to get extended minutes for Branson. They have to be feeling good about that, considering the duo sliced up Kickapoo on Thursday.

5:45: What is cracking?  We are live from Parkview High School for the highly anticipated Class 5 District 11 boys’ basketball championship. Why do I say highly anticipated? Not only do we have two state-ranked teams, but this gym is almost to capacity and we are 30 minutes before the game.

And now, the bad news. Not only is Branson without starting guard Chris Ogden, who is out because of a citizenship violation, but junior guard Sam Pugh will miss the game with a badly sprained ankle that he suffered in Thursday’s semifinal. How will that impact the third meeting between these teams, considering they have split the two meetings?

It doesn’t look good for Branson, who lost 64-63 to Nixa on Feb. 20.

——————————–

And now the moment we’ve all been waiting for — the championships.

That’s exactly why Allen Vaughan is heading to Parkview High School tonight to Live Blog about tonight’s Class 5 District 11 boys’ championship game.

If you’re not familiar with our Live Blog history, we essentially crank up a laptop and pound out running commentary throughout the night. If you can’t be in attendance, but want more than quarter and halftime updates, we are your place. Need scores from other districts? We’ll update when we have them. Even if you are at the game, you can use our mobile site to keep up (Just use TAGsgf.com and it should fit in your normal browser). We also offer halftime entertainment and other fun things to occupy your multitasking mind.

If you want some past examples, we don’t mind a critical eye. Here are some recent Live Blogs, starting with a recap of this week’s coverage — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Enjoy, and if you want to contribute, or throw out some questions, leave them below in the comments section.

Is tonight the beginning of a championship run for the Lady Chiefs? Or will Glendale continue the series of upsets?

7:25: State geekage – Kickapoo is led by Smith’s 14 points and Carroll adds 11. Armstrong also scores 12. Glendale was led by Deines’ eight points. Don’t forget to come back to TAGsgf.com for the boys’ championship Live Blogat 5:45 p.m. tomorrow night. I’m off to interview the winners. Have a great night.

7:23: After celebrating with a “Who said they could beat the Chiefs?” the Kickapoo seniors run over to hug Coach Phillips. It’s this class’ first district championship and first for Kickapoo since 2005.

7:22: Kickapoo wins 49-27, holding Glendale to 27 points in 32 minutes. Impressive stuff defensively.

7:20: It’s officially garbage time. Kickapoo puts in the subs and the SuperFans chant, “You can’t beat us.” True that.

7:18: Carroll finds Armstrong on a cut for a 3-point play. Poo up 48-27, 1:57 left and the Falcons turn it over.

7:15: FYI, the sectional game against the District 12 winner is 6 p.m. Wednesday at SBU.

7:13: Smith makes two FTs and Annie Armstrong makes the most athletic play of the tournament. She blocks Cline’s layup attempt and then keeps the ball inbounds to start a fastbreak. She’s a star waiting to happen. Poo up 42-26, 3:19 left.

7:11: Kickapoo is milking the clock and settling for layups. Landolt gets fouled on the way to the hoop and makes both free throws. Poo up 40-25, 4:05 left.

7:08: Falcons have only committed five second-half fouls, so no FTs yet. Cline and Carroll exchange buckets. Poo 38-25, 4:36 left. Justin McMillin reports that with 6:37 left West Plains leads Marshfield 28-19 in the Class 4 District 10 championship.

7:06: Clark hits two free throws and Glendale is in a full-court press. We might be here all night long with the upcoming slew of FTs.

7:02: Graham sinks two FTs. Poo up 36-21 and that district championship is in site. Can we start speculating on how far the Chiefs can go? Surely, Kickapoo will handle either Hillcrest or Willard and it’s up to the Columbia contingent.

7:01: Carroll scores, but Deines answers. 34-21, 6:19 left.

6:59: As we have a quarter break, it’s time to call out a few of the spectators. There are clearly defined student sections, but a group of “too-cool-for-that” of students on each baseline chairbacks. Come on, suck it up and cheer with your classmates. Get over yourselves. OK, back to the game.

6:58: Wells hits a 3-pointer and cuts it to 32-19 after three quarters. Glendale is desperately trying to get back in, but it’s going to take a monumental effort. Smith has a game-high 12 points.

6:56: Glendale is in the 1-and-1 and Deines makes two FTs. Can Glendale mount a min-run? Kickapoo up 32-16, 1:00 3Q.

6:54: Clark scores in the paint for Glendale at the 2:28 mark and Wells scores the possession after that. Bad news? Kickapoo answered both times. 32-14, 1:10 left 3Q.

6:52: Smith finds a wide-open Carroll on the break. 28-10 Kickapoo, 2:39 3Q.

6:50: Glendale gets called for a 5 second call, not inbounding the ball in time. We have played 20 minutes and Glendale has 10 points. Ouch.

6:49: More Smith. She hits a jumper in the pain and makes it 26-10 Kickapoo. The Chiefs’ defense is swarming. 3:29 3Q.

6:48: Smith is taking over. She has back-to-back steals and should have picked up an assist on a missed layup. When she is assertive, Kickapoo is tough to beat. Kickapoo up 24-10, 4:00 3Q.

6:47: Smith misses a layup, but gets her own rebound and puts it back in. Glendale is yet to score at the 4:41 mark. Kickapoo leads 24-10.

6:45: Two more scoreless minutes to start the half before Makenzie Smith’s 3-pointer. Kickapoo leads 22-10. 5:45 3Q.

6:44: We’re under way in the second half and it’s more of the same. tight defense and bad offense. The weird thing is Glendale is somehow still in this game.

6:37: For your halftime entertainment, here are some links (Parkview’s firewall won’t let me post them directly:

• USA’s dismantling of Finland in hockey
• An NBA rookie report, focusing on Stephen Curry
  
• ESPN’s top plays from last night

6:34: Stat geekage – Kickapoo scoring, Smith 5, Carroll 4, Graham 4, Armstrong 3, Schroff 2. Glendale scoring, Deines 4, Clark 3, Cline 3. Turnovers – 24 total, 12 by each team.

6:32: Another turnover that’s making SFM Stacy’s hand hurt. Kickapoo’s Armstrong misses a 3 and that’s the end of the half. I’m glad that’s over. Kickapoo leads 19-10 at the half. Stat geekage ahead.

6:31: Deines finds daylight underneath and scores. Kickapoo turns it over and Glendale has a chance with 22 seconds left.

6:30: Emily Cline comes off the bench and gets a 3-point play, but it’s answered by an Armstrong 3. 19-8 Kickapoo, 1:01 left.

6:29: There it is. Deines post up and scores. She misses the And-1 free throw and Rachel Schroff scores on the other end. Glendale’s official scoring drought was just more than 12 minutes long. Halves are 16 minutes. 16-5 Kickapoo, 2:14 left.

6:27: Jordan Graham cuts through the lane for a bucket and Smith hits a free-throw line jumper. It’s 14-3, Kickapoo and Glendale is going on more than 10 minutes without a point. 3:08 left in the half.

6:25: Hole. Lee. Crap. More turnovers. And, you’ll notice, there are no fouls. Partially because the refs aren’t calling any, except charges. This is hurting my eyeballs. 10-3, 4:00 2Q. More than five minutes without a point from either team.

6:21: An grade-school basketball game just broke out. In the last five possessions, we’ve had a double dribble, a carry, three walks, an airball, a jump ball and and a dozen turnovers. I’m not kidding. U-G-L-Y, I wish I had an alibi. Still 10-3, 5:45 2Q. Timeout on the floor. There is a God.

6:19: Let’s put it this way Kickapoo is treating Glendale like the US hockey team treated Finland today.

6:18: Kickapoo turns it over, but Glendale airballs the final shot. That’s 1-for-7 for the floor, missing its last six for the Falcons. Clark hit that shot at the 7:41 mark of the first quarter. The Falcons haven’t scored yet and have zero offensive rebounds. Kickapoo leads 10-3 after one quarter.

6:16: The run is up to 10-0. Glendale has no rhythm offensively. Kickapoo leads 10-3, holding for the last shot.

6:14: Jordan Graham scores and Landolt is headed to the free-throw line with 58.3 seconds left in the first quarter. Kickapoo is up 9-3. SFM Stacy says Glendale is 1-for-6 from the floor, missing its last five. The Falcons haven’t scored for nearely seven minutes. Deines needs to assert herself. She’s 0-for-1.

6:13: After an in-bounds play, Glendale loses track of Smith. She buries a 3 to make it 7-3 Kickapoo, 2:08 1Q. Kickapoo is locked in on D right now, with no offensive rebounds to be found for Glendale.

6:11: Glendale is mixing up its defenses and having success. One time down, it’s a half-court trap. The other time, it’s man-to-man. Kickapoo is clearly trying to get it to Carroll inside and the Falcons have adjusted. On the other hand, Glendale hasn’t scored for 4 and a half minutes. Still 4-3 Kickapoo, 3:06 1Q.

6:08: I touched on this during Wednesday’s blog, but Casey Carroll’s growth as an offensive player is incredible. She posts Wells up and scores back-to-back layups, as well as grabs an offensive rebound. 4-3 Kickapoo, 5:10 1Q.

6:06: Glendale’s Anna Clark controls the tip, passes it around a few times and gets it back for a 3-pointer. Glendale off to another great start, which fueled the Nixa upset.

6:04: The crowd is sparse, but it looks like the Kickapoo fans outnumber the Glendale fans. Also the Glendale student section looks more populated than the SuperFans. Hmmmmm.

6:03: Kickapoo starters – Amanda Landolt, Liz Reida, Makenzie Smith, Casey Carroll, Annie Armstrong; Glendale starters – Katie Harold, Julia Wells, Anna Clark, Megan Deines and Kate Frazier.

5:57: The News-Leader’s Straight Flush Michael Stacy is seated next to me and he poses a good point. “Gotta love the Jock Jams.” Seriously, why is this still acceptable? Jock Jams, which must have sold 10 zillion copies, came out in 1995. That was 15 (!) years ago. Can ESPN not afford to do another installment? Does Michael Buffer still get you excited? Sure, Ya Kid K gets fofillions from ASCAP for all the spins, but come on.

5:56: Coach Phillips is here and at midcourt with the team captains, who are meeting with the refs. I can’t help but wonder how she actually feels.

5:47: What’s crackin’ everybody? I am live from Parkview High School for the Class 5 District 11 girls’ basketball championship featuring the No. 2 seeded Kickapoo Chiefs and the No. 4 Glendale Falcons.

If you don’t know by now, Glendale upset Nixa, the defending Class 5 champs on Wednesday and are playing great basketball. Led by Megan Deines and the emerging Julia Wells, Glendale beat Nixa 49-48.Glendale hasn’t won a district title since 1998.

On the other hand, Kickapoo has a lot to play for too. Putting the obvious Stephanie Phillips situation aside, Kickapoo hasn’t won a district title since 2005 and as an extra reminder, Coach Phillips had the team carry around all four of the team’s district runner-up trophies from the past four years as a reminder.

There is a lot on the line for this one.

——————————–

And now the moment we’ve all been waiting for — the championships.

That’s exactly why Allen Vaughan is heading to Parkview High School tonight to Live Blog about tonight’s Class 5 District 11 girls’ championship game. It’s the culmination of the best basketball district in the state, the one that produced last year’s Class 5 champion. As for that champion — Nixa — The Eagles were upset in the semifinals by tonight’s surprise finalist, Glendale, which will take on No. 2-seeded Kickapoo in tonight’s 6 p.m. final. (The boys’ championship game is at 6 p.m. Saturday.)

If you’re not familiar with our Live Blog history, we essentially crank up a laptop and pound out running commentary throughout the night. If you can’t be in attendance, but want more than quarter and halftime updates, we are your place. Need scores from other districts? We’ll update when we have them. Even if you are at the game, you can use our mobile site to keep up (Just use TAGsgf.com and it should fit in your normal browser). We also offer halftime entertainment and other fun things to occupy your multitasking mind.

If you want some past examples, we don’t mind a critical eye. Here are some recent Live Blogs, starting with a recap of this week’s coverage — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Enjoy, and if you want to contribute, or throw out some questions, leave them below in the comments section.