So Close to First Place by Joe Streator

What a game!

Down 18 at the 10  minute mark of the first half; then three minutes later down by 10 and we played even ball for the rest of the first half.  The feeling was improving with five quick second half points but we gave those back almost as quickly to be back down 10 with fifteen minutes left and then, unbelievably tied two minutes later.


I had some concerns when Gardner was laying sprawled on the court; it's one thing to come back from losing Otule but almost impossible to continue playing winning ball with both of them out.  What were you thinking when Vander Blue stepped to the line with 8.9 seconds left, knowing he was shooting under 62% for the year?  I had visions of.....

Well, we won and are now in second place all by ourselves, for a few hours, in the Big East.  I found myself in a rare situation cheering for Huggins right after the game.  Sure would have been nice to be tied for first but I also like a two game lead over his team.

We finally have a great game at the line shooting thirty-two free throws and making 78% of them.  And wouldn't you know it Villanova made 80% of their 30 attempts but all their fouls hurt them badly.  And how about that three point shooting?  Not bad at almost 39% but after the quick start by Nova getting all the attention, who would have thought we would shoot a better percentage than them and only make one less while we were at it?  Not bad at all.

I like the kudos Crowder is receiving.  If we can continue playing well he is going to play himself into a second round pick...hopefully with the 'right' team.

Now comes Seton Hall and then six of our last eight games are on the road.  When all is said and done, we have done what we had to do so far but the real tests are about to begin.

4-4 during the last eight games will bring down most of our spirits; it won't be terrible but it will send us into the tournaments with little momentum.  And as those NY Giants, and some of you are fans of them aren't you, have shown, momentum is a very nice ally.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!!

Joe