Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Wednesday N.I.T. Turmoil

The first night of N.I.T. Quarterfinals are in the books, and for the second straight night, we had some legit action on the hardwood. Both #1 seeds fell, leaving Kentucky as the lone SEC team in post-season play. Two of the Trizzle's favorite non-Georgetown teams got wins tonight to send them into the semis of the N.I.T. (Contrary to popular belief, it is not called the Not Invited Tournament.)

- #2 Penn St. 71, #1 Florida 62 - If you know anything about the Trizzle, you know that I have been high on Penn St. all year. Jamelle Cornley, PSU's go-to big man had a superb game scoring a game-high 23 points and grabbing 12 boards as well. Oh yeah, he hurt his shoulder late in the first half, and played almost the entire second half to secure the Nittany Lions victory. Talor Battle had 13 points, but shot a dismal 8-21 from the field. Gator's senior Walter Hodge had only 7 points in his last collegiate game ever. May I remind you that Walter Hodge was the only Florida player to stay after the back-to-back Championships. The end of the game was a surreal moment. Florida was down by 9, but the student section in Gainsville was still cheering "WALTER HODGE.....WALTER HODGE" That right there is why I love college basketball.

- #3 Baylor 74, #1 Auburn 72 - I have been a big fan of Baylor for the past two years. The improvement their program has made in the past 36 months is second to none in the entire country.. Their roster has been way to good this year to fall to a streaking SEC team in Auburn. LaceDarius Dunn led the Bears with 19 points and was just one rebound shy of the double-double. Curtis Jerrels had a spectacular game, hitting the go-ahead basket as well as posting 16 points and 8 assists. To round out the night for Baylor was big man Kevin Rogers, who got the double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. For Auburn, senior Quantez Robinson ended his college career on a down note, being shut down for the majority of the game, as he ended with just 4 points.

Tonight's Games

- 7:00PM: #4 Kentucky @ #2 Notre Dame
- 9:00PM: #2 St. Mary's @ #1 San Diego St.

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