College Basketball at its Best!

Last night’s Xavier/ Kansas State game was a game like no other in the this year’s NCAA Tournament. Anything that could happen last night could for these young men.

Example 1:
You’re up 3 and the other team has the ball, do you foul? Here’s why I will never foul in this situation: K State planned on fouling before the shot was taken. As Holloway went past a screen, Clemente for K State grabbed him as he went by to foul and put him to the line. But it wasn’t called. So when Holloway got around the screen, the next K State player came over to foul but at that time Holloway had already begun to get into his shot motion. This foul was called and now Xavier’s best FT shooter was on the line to make 3 to tie the game. Even after being iced after the second make, Holloway calmly makes the 3rd. Just let him make a shot of a lifetime – off balanced, with someone in his face. Now imagine if he makes the 3 and now they are shooting for the win??? Make them make shots is what I always say.

Example 2:
Never give up. No matter how much time was left. Xavier played so smart and did the right things to keep them in the game. They fouled quickly to keep as much time on the clock as possible. They took the first scoring option right away whether it was a drive to the basket or 3. Everyone understood who had to have the ball and what they had to do. This kept them within a shots reach at the end of regulation and overtime. Kansas State did a great job hitting their free throws down the stretch. Even though Xavier lost in double overtime, they showed tremendous heart and gave themselves a chance. They told everyone that they were prepared to play all night because they didn’t want to lose that bad.

Example 3:
Big time players step up for big time plays. Whether their NBA stock was rising or putting them on the map, Xavier and Kansas States best players were their best players. Clemente taking over in the second half; Holloway hitting the big shots and controlling the game, Crawford hitting the 3 send it into 2nd overtime; Pullen coming back to hit two 3’s after falling asleep on an inbounds play.

This is basketball at its best; two teams refusing to go home and willing to battle to the end. It's too bad that someone had to lose last night. I appreciate the effort. This is why I can't watch the NBA after the tournament for a while.