Here are my keys/observations for the game:

 

1) Mason hit what seemed like everything they shot in the first game (62%) and outside of Ferguson the rest of Elliott couldn't throw it in the ocean. Just like the first Rose Hill game where RH shot 53% and Elliott 28% those percentages will even more out in the second game.

2) Elliott will need to hit 12-14 treys which they have done on many occasions.

3) The longer they keep it within striking distance the more the nuetral fans (several thousands) will pick up and start to cheer for the underdog which could provide energy to Elliott and turn into a Rupp Arena home court advantage for the Lions.

4) Rupp Arena is not Mason Fieldhouse and Elliott played 2 games there last year and Mason has played zero games there the past few years.

5) Kentucky lost to Vanderbilt by 41 yet won the other game in OT. Things have a way of evening out especially when you have a team with the quality, pride, and character of Elliott County. They remember the worst defeat they have ever had just like they remembered the first Rose Hill game.

6) Mason may win by 10-12 points, but Elliott will give a great effort and be in the game late into the 4th quarter.

 

I hope Mason is overconfident and cocky. That will also fuel the boys from Sandy Hook's determination and will to win.

 

Past few years? They made it the year before last, if I'm not mistaken. These boys have experience at Rupp..

Heres a good question for everybody,With this being a late tip so everybody is off work how big will the crowd be here?Mason has set records before at State and EC seems to pack a crowd.Could be interesting.

 

I predict the largest crowd of the first round for sure. Elliott will bring a bunch, Mason always has good support, and a lot of people will want to see future Wildcat Darius Miller.

Past few years? They made it the year before last, if I'm not mistaken. These boys have experience at Rupp..

 

They weren't there last year as I have been 10 years in a row and haven't missed a game. Yes they were there year before last as I remember a nice sophomore by the name of Miller.

They weren't there last year as I have been 10 years in a row and haven't missed a game. Yes they were there year before last as I remember a nice sophomore by the name of Miller.

 

Didn't say they were there last year, I said they were there the year before last.

 

You said they hadn't been there in the past few years. I take that as being more than 2 years ago. They have won 5 regional titles in the last 7 years, and 2 in the last 3 years. They've definitely been there for the past few years. These kids know what it's like to play in Rupp against big crowds under pressure situations. They have had that experience before. And I don't think that they'll overlook anyone at this stage in the game. When it's down to one and done in the tournament, it's best not to look anyone over, even if you beat them by 20+ earlier.

I'd love to see Elliot pull off the upset but Mason just has way too many weapons for the Lions to deal with. If Miller doesn't go off on them, they have several others that are more than capable.

 

Elliot had another great year and back to back trips to Rupp is something the Lions should really be proud of. I'd love to see them make a run at a state title but this just isn't their year to do it. With all that talent returning, the folks from Sandy Hook have a lot to look forward to next year.

 

I'll go with Mason by around 15. If Elliot manages to catch fire though, this one could get interesting.

 

Mason 76

Elliot 61

 

Good luck to both teams.

Didn't say they were there last year, I said they were there the year before last.

 

You said they hadn't been there in the past few years. I take that as being more than 2 years ago. These kids know what it's like to play in Rupp against big crowds under pressure situations. They have had that experience before. And I don't think that they'll overlook anyone at this stage in the game. When it's down to one and done in the tournament, it's best not to look anyone over, even if you beat them by 20+ earlier.

 

OK--Point taken and I agree. Let's lace them up and see what happens on Thursday night. If you guys win by 30 again then great!!!

OK--Point taken and I agree. Let's lace them up and see what happens on Thursday night. If you guys win by 30 again then great!!!

 

I don't care how much we win by...just as long as we win! :thumb:

 

 

And I found this on Danny Weddle's website....the Royals have won 2 out of the last 3 regional titles, and 5 out of the last 7. They've definitely been there for the past few years :thumb:.

OK--Point taken and I agree. Let's lace them up and see what happens on Thursday night. If you guys win by 30 again then great!!!

 

This might be a good time to bring out that "underdog" speech you gave in the East Carter thread. That was a good post and actually applies here.

I would love to see our 16th region representative win and I will be pulling for Elliot Co.. I just think that Mason has too much for the Lions (maybe too much for anyone in this years sweet16 ).

 

Mason 78

Elliot 60

This might be a good time to bring out that "underdog" speech you gave in the East Carter thread. That was a good post and actually applies here.

 

Yeh guess I was preaching to the wrong crowd in that thread. The dog has gone out of under. I am at the point now where I don't have the energy to say much more. Let's just play ball Thursday night and see what happens. I think most Elliott fans know we are a huge underdog, but just want our kids to make a respectable showing and hang tough on Thursday with a chance to win in the end.

Yeh guess I was preaching to the wrong crowd in that thread. The dog has gone out of under. I am at the point now where I don't have the energy to say much more. Let's just play ball Thursday night and see what happens. I think most Elliott fans know we are a huge underdog, but just want our kids to make a respectable showing and hang tough on Thursday with a chance to win in the end.

 

:thumb: That is about all anyone can ask for. Good Luck to Elliot. :thumb:

Mason Co will be too much. Mason Co by 10-15

Could this be a trap game for Mason?

They blow out Elliott last month, they are high after winning the 10th and could they be looking ahead to the Paducah Tillman/ Greenwood winner?

Elliott could be in a favorable position if Mayes can get them in the right mindset that they indeed can play with Mason.

Mason County

The advantage Elliott has is that they have already played Mason once. Granted they got taken to the woodshed, having faced Mason, Elliott's players know what to expect. The challenge for Elliott's coaches is to come up with a game plan that gives them a chance.

 

The disadvantage for Mason Co. is that they won the first meeting by 29 points I believe. they have to avoid overlooking Elliott.

 

Obviously, mighty Mason Co. is the heavy favorite, but I expect this game to be more competetive than the first. If it stays close midway through the 4th, Elliott has a chance.

 

If you are a fan of the sweet 16, then this is a must see game.