On to Boston

Yes, I know. Cuse has been in Boston for several days. But tomorrow morning, we are getting on the road, and heading to the Garden to see the Orange play in the regional finals. It’s their first trip to the finals since 2003, when I saw them beat Auburn in the sweet sixteen. There’s all kinds of interesting symmetry with 2003. That year the first two rounds were played in Boston; this year it’s the regionals. That year, in the sweet sixteen, they won by one point, same as tonight. They haven’t had a one-point win in the tournament since 2003. So who knows?

Good thing there are no style points in basketball, because that sure was an ugly finish tonight. Couple good points from the win. CJ Fair had his first good game in the post-season, and we needed every one of his points, and his rebounds. Our guards played a great game, driving the lane, and hitting four of six threes. Keita filled in adequately in the post, even though he choked on a couple shots from six inches out. Christmas was mostly AWOL tonight, but as long as we get a credible game from one of the big men, there are enough other guys who can put points on the board. The Orange scored only 64 tonight, but still had four guys in double figures. That balance has been a strength all year long.

As I post this, Louisville has already knocked out Michigan State, meaning two Big East teams are in the regional finals, and one number one seed is heading home. Right now Ohio State is handling Cincinnati, who has already over-achieved in my opinion, but Marquette is off to a decent start against Florida.

One more thing. I didn’t have the Orange Fashioned at half-time, because I thought they played a good first half, and there was no need to change anything. But when Wisconsin tied things up, I went downstairs and made one, and who’s to say that it didn’t help out. I mean, everyone has to do his part. Saturday night -- Go Orange.