Guest Contributor Ray Floriani: A Quick Recap of San Diego State & Temple

by Ray Floriani

LYNDHURST, NJ - A heartbreaker for Temple and Atlantic Ten fans in general. A continuation of a magical journey for the Aztecs. San Diego state defeated Temple 71-64 in two overtimes to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. The numbers:

		Off.
Team	Poss.	Off.
Temple	73	88
San Diego State	71	100

* Inside play was a major point in deciding this contest. Temple managed only 37% (19 of 52 ) from two point range. San Diego State, especially in the second OT, defended the lane very well. Granted, there were some easy shots missed by Temple during the game but the Aztecs did reject six Owl shots. The 6-9 Malcolm Thomas came up big for the Aztecs with 13 points,9 boards and 4 blocks. Ramone Moore scored 17 points but was the only player who shot the ball (7 of 12 from the floor) reasonably well for Fran Dunphy's club. Both teams had TO rates under the 20% mark. Temple checked in at 15%. San Diego State was 18%. Not very high but a few of their 13 miscues were of the type that could have cost them the game.

greyCat Note -- A preseaon favorite for the A-10 Title, the Owls overcame injuries to keep the chances alive. Eliminated in the A-10 semi-finals by eventual champion Richmond, Temple nevertheless went on to break Coach Dunphy's winless run in the NCAA Tournament when they beat Penn State on Thursday. Despite the loss on Saturday, Temple finished with a 26-7 record on the season, and with nearly all players (except All-Conference Lavoy Allen) returning next season, can look forward to another successful Big 5 and A-10 season.

Guest Contributor Ray Floriani: NIT Semi-Finals

by Ray Floriani

NEW YORK CITY -- The final two teams are set. Baylor defeated San Diego State 76-62 and Penn State held on for a 67-59 win over Notre Dame in the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden. This guarantees, actually the Final Four field guaranteed, the winner will capture their first NIT title. The final numbers:

	Poss.	PPP	eFG%	TO%
Baylor	67	1.13	63	19
San Diego St.	68	0.91	52	28

What Baylor did to get to Thursday -- Shoot the ball. They literally attacked on the perimeter with an uncanny 11 of 22 from beyond the arc. LaceDarius Dunn had 23 points including 6 of 9 from three. Baylor’s Curtis Jerrells paced all scorers with 25. Jerrells is a problem for defenses as he is a deft penetrator as well as a perimeter threat. Baylor defended , in three NIT games their defensive PPP was over 1.00, largely be forcing 19 turnovers.

A good deal of action took place beyond the arc in this one. Baylor took 44% of their field goal attempts from three. The breakdown.

		3 Point
	FGA	FGA	%Att.
Baylor	50	22	44
San Diego St.	53	23	43

Baylor shot 50 percent (11 of 22) from three compared to the Azrecs’ 9 of 23 (39%) which contributed a good deal to the outcome.

The nightcap featured a physical battle with a good dose of transition.

	Poss.	PPP	eFG%	TO%
Penn State	66	1.02	46	9
Notre Dame	66	0.89	40	11

What Penn State did well -- Defend and hold on. The first half Notre Dame had a .58 PPP and eFG mark of 26%. The Irish missed shots but credit the tough Penn State defense. The second half ND found the range and Luke Harangody (17 points) came alive. Notre Dame also disrupted the Penn State offense with full court pressure and half court traps. The pressure didn’t show up in turnovers but it did force Penn State into rushed and/or ill advised shots.T he Irish had what was almost a twenty point deficit, down to a two possession game in the stretch. Penn State never lost the lead largely due to a big Jamelle Cornley (16 points) jumper with just under four to play.

Over 11,000 attended. Penn State had 18 busloads make the trip from Happy Valley and Joe PA, saluted with a standing ovation, was in attendance.