Tigers Take CUSA Crown; Beat Houston 71-59
by John Branston
"Compared to everybody else, I don't know. I do know this. I don't think they're lining up to play us. That line's empty," Calipari said.
Chris Douglas-Roberts and Antonio Anderson each scored 17 points and the Tigers extended their winning streak to 22 straight, beating Houston 71-59 on Saturday to wrap up their second straight Conference USA Tournament Championship.
The Tigers (30-3) already had their NCAA Tournament spot assured without the automatic berth. A No. 1 seed last year with the same record, they may have earned a No. 2 seed for their second straight and 20th NCAA appearance overall.
Calipari didn't campaign much except to point out his Tigers have won nine straight on the road and couldn't get a Top 25 team to visit Memphis.
Houston coach Tom Penders lobbied for Calipari, and essentially the league, and said the Tigers deserve at least a No. 2 seed. He said Memphis would have won the national title last year if not for a bad game against UCLA in the regional final.
"There are a lot of teams that may have a little bit more publicity or national recognition, but they're outstanding in every area," Penders said.
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