The Halfcourt Trap: Turning Points Edition.

The Trap comes to you with a heavy heart this week. The passing of Etta James takes from the American music scene one of its most passionate and soulful voices. She will be missed terribly. Now, to the levity. A huge sports weekend is here. Wall to wall hoops on Saturday is the perfect lead in for tomorrow's NFL conference title games. Let's get down to business.

1. Today's battle with UCONN will test Tennessee's resilience. The Volunteers suffered a torturous, self inflicted defeat in Athens on Wednesday. Cuonzo Martin's troops need to rebound against the defending national champions to keep their postseason hopes on life support. The loss at UGA was the direct product of poor ballhandling and wretched transition defense. If UT doesn't clean those two areas up substantially against the Huskies, it'll be a long Saturday afternoon at TBA.
2. UCONN doesn't arrive in Knoxville hitting on all cylinders, either. The Huskies have been wildly inconsistent in Big East play and enter TBA off a home loss to Cincinnati. Having Ryan Boatright unavailable, which leaves Jim Calhoun with next to no depth at the point, is a major factor. That said, the overall level of play hasn't been what was exepected of this talented group. Andre Drummond has been good, but not the revelation he was expected to be. It'll be interesting to see how he and fellow frosh Jarnell Stokes match up against each other.
3. The biggest under the radar game of the day takes place in Hattiesburg. Southern Miss and Marshall battle in a tilt that will go a long way toward deciding who emerges as the main threat to Memphis at the top of Conference USA. Further, it will give the winner a leg up in the battle for positioning in the NCAA Tournament at large pool. The Herd, who lost to West Virginia on Wednesday night, have a history of post Capital Classic hangovers. Tom Herrion's club will have to shake that trend or Larry Eusctachy's charges will make them pay the price.
4. Speaking of West Virginia, the surprising Mountaineers host resurgent Cincinnati today in Morgantown. The novelty of Bob Huggins facing the school where he made his name nationally has worn off over time. Now, it's just two hardnosed teams playing tough, aggressive basketball. The winner keeps themselves in position to grab the second spot in the Big East. That's the kind of finish that would play well with the Selection Committee come March. Those are some high stakes.
5. Sometimes, having the courage to choose a seemingly painful option is rewarded. The Denver Nuggets are a perfect example. Being extorted into trading alleged franchise face Carmelo Anthony put Denver in a situation many likened to Cleveland after The Decision. Instead, George Karl has taken his young and atheltic roster and kept the Nuggets steaming along as a playoff caliber team. Danilo Gallinari is showing every indication of being an All Star caliber player offensively. Sometimes, biting the bullet pays off the long run.
6. On the other hand, Denver's trading partner is an absolute mess. They have no point guard. Amare Stoudamire is lost on the floor. Tyson Chandler has proven to be a role player, not a gamechanger. However, Carmelo Anthony is the biggest issue. His petulance, best exhibited by his acting like an extra from The Wire during last night putrid loss to Milwaukee, has created a toxic environment at MSG. Mike D'Antoni looks to be one step from gone and the roster has been built in a manner that kills and flexibility. Tough times in the Big Apple.
7. Suddenly, the Sacramento Kings are showing signs of life. DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans have responded to the firing of Paul Westphal, which they essentially caused, by playing at or near the level of their tremendous talents. That's good news for Keith Smart, who deserved another shot after his abruptly shortened tenure with Golden State. Had the Maloofs and the front office not wasted their first round pick on the hype of Jimmer Fredette, they'd have a roster loaded with young talent at every position. As it is, they're at least showing a pulse. That's progress.
8. The point of no return comes for Pitt today. The Panthers expect to get Travon Woodall back on the floor for their Big East battle with Louisville today. Woodall's absence has been sited as the main culprit in the Panthers' utter collpase in conference play. As it stands now, Jamie Dixon's group probably needs a 9-3 finish to have any shot at making the NCAA Tournament. While that seems like a stretch even with Woodall, it was a total impossibility without him.
9. Baylor returns to Waco looking to bounce back from the beating Kansas administered to them Monday night. In their first loss of the year, the Bears were soundly trounced in every facet of the game. Missouri comes to town tonight for a nationally televised battle. This one has major Big 12 title implications. The winner stays a mere step behind the Jayhawks. Conversely, the loser will be two games down early and looking for help to get back in the race. The Ferrell Center should be rocking.
10. Vanderbilt gets a chance to validate their in league resurgence at home against Mississippi State. The Commodores righted the ship shortly before SEC play and have carried that over into conference action. They look like the second best team in the league right now. Mississippi State has stumbled on the road, but still brings a cadre of NBA level talents to Nashville. The Bulldogs could use a big road win for their resume. The 'Dores would like to keep pace with Kentucky. There's a lot on the line at Memorial Gym today.

I'll be back in this space soon. Stay classy, 8th.