Apologies for the late update on last night's auto bids, but this half of the March engaged in a little early St. Patty's day merriment at Irish bars in Philly. Huge bubble news as New Mexico State joins Houston as bid stealers, with a 69-63 win over likely at-large dancer Utah State in the WAC championship game. NMSU relied once again on the gutty play of guard Jahmar Young, who sank Nevada in the semi-final on the Wolfpack's home court with an elbow game-winner. He didn't disappoint Saturday night, hitting a tough baseline runner over a double team to put the game out of reach for USU. The Aggies bring some excellent All-Name candidates to the Dance, such as Hamidu Rahman, Hernst Laroche, and my favorite, Troy Gillenwater. This result definitely changes things for bubble teams like Virginia Tech and Illinois, and makes today's championships most likely must-wins for Minnesota and Mississippi State, and maybe even Georgia Tech.
In the Big East title, game, Georgetown started off sizzling, and largely played well throughout, but West Virginia clamped down on defense from the mid-point of the first half onwards, and of course Da'Sean Butler continued his ridiculous clutch shot streak fto propel the Mountaineers to their first ever Big East tourney title, 60-58. Georgetown looks like a 2 or 3 seed in terms of level of play, but their resume will push them down to a 4 or 5. Hard to see the committee's "eye test" letting them make the Hoyas a 6. Very dangerous 4 or 5, setting up a possible dynamite Sweet 16 matchup against an unlucky 1 seed. Oh, and this time when West Virginia won a title in the Garden, they spelled the school's name right. Oh NIT, you try so hard....
Butler's heroics below. Now I diligently watch the ACC, SEC, and A-10 championships.
No comments:
Post a Comment