Dancing Again

Two weeks ago, after the Orange came up short against Villanova, missing three threes in the final seconds, it looked like we might be buying NIT tickets again. That would have made three straight years without a tourney bid. And it would also have meant that PH2 would yet to have played in the NCAAs. But three easy victories, followed by yesterday’s road win at Marquette guarantees that Cuse will get a bid this year, regardless of what happens in the Garden this week. The other PH, the one we all know and love, had given up on the Orange, and had written off the season. But last night he apologized, and admitted the error of his ways. For his penance, he promises to wear Orange underwear and pajamas all of March. In addition, every day for a month he must watch a tape of the Cuse-OK State game from the 2003 second round. That was the game when Melo and company came from 18 points down to continue their run toward the title. Now I don’t think this year’s bunch are as gritty as 2003, but they did come back from nine down yesterday.

Other good signs were that Jackson had a strong game; he hasn’t been playing well of late. And that Rautins continued the recent hot streak that began during the second half against Rutgers. We need his shooting. And we need to keep the turnovers down. Yesterday wasn’t too bad, except for a stretch in the second half when they dozed off and let Marquette back into the game. Flynn and Devo had their pockets picked bringing the ball up court. And we had one of those lazy inbounds plays where the ball ended up in Marquette’s hands under their own basket.

It’s hard to gauge this recent run, because Cuse beat three lousy teams before yesterday, and because Marquette isn’t the same with James on the bench. Still, with the exception of the first half against Rutgers, they have played with much more intensity over the last couple weeks, acting like they knew they had to play hard every night. No nights off. The Big East tournament might be indicative of whether this season has really turned around; whether everyone is healthy again; and whether there is hope for anything beyond a first round game.

I celebrated with a cherry juice, things not being quite back to normal yet. But at the same time, I’m pleased to announce that the barbeque pit had its home court opener on Friday night. Cousin Bruce, once known as Waxie, was in town, and we grilled those big fat strip steaks we love so much. Put a bit of the Israeli rub on them, fired up the grill, and filled the back yard with the savory aroma of steaks on the fire. A sign of things to come. Steaks on the grill; Big East tournament later this week; and an invitation to the NCAAs next Sunday night. Go Orange.