Is there such a thing as a good loss?

Courtesy of Parliament    

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Don’t you hate it when people, sports writers, coaches, whoever, say, “that was a good loss”?

Well, guess what?

They’re right.

#1 Memphis Tigers went into yesterday’s matchup with #2 Tennessee, 26-0.  This matchup versus the second ranked team in the nation, was most likely Memphis’ last true test until the NCAA Tournament in Mid-March.  Sure you might think in theory that telling your players -young kids, about their mistakes in the game, and what areas they need to improve on, over and over in team meetings and practices would work.  But when you are undefeated, unblemished, especially to young kids, you get a false sense of complacency. 

 

Calipari will use this opportune time to get his players hungry again.  You tend to get lazy at the top, or not work as hard.  The Tigers probably know alittle bit about that, since earlier in the season, Calipari insisted his undefeated team stay for two days of practice during the Holidays, instead of going home to families.  The free throw shooting will certainly be a topic of interest.  Maybe the Tigers won’t ever shoot 75% as a team, but I think Calipari would be happy will at least 50%, I mean come on.

Sure it would be nice to get into post season with an undefeated team, that could go on, run the table and win it all.  But the ultimate goal is to WIN the championship.  Getting a loss in late February could be just what the doctor ordered for this Memphis team.  Looking back at the Pats, hey maybe a late season loss would have done them some service in the Super Bowl.  Who knows?  All I know is that Memphis is my pick to win it all.  And I for one am glad to see the Tigers get a loss under their belt. 

The Tigers loss to Tennessee won’t hurt theirtournament seeding.  Memphis is a #1 seed, no doubt, and is still probably going to be the #1 seed overall. 

And MEMPHIS is still the team to beat.