Villanova Battles Siena in 12 v. 13 Match Up
12th seeded Villanova, about as close to wearing slippers as a Big East team can be, will face an even bigger Cinderella story in the 13th seeded Siena Saints today. Tip off is just after 12 noon.
The match up guarantees that a 12 or 13 seed will make it to the sweet 16 this year. I find it a bit tough to look at a Big East team as a Cinderella story but this Villanova team had been written off multiple times this season. As always, look for the feisty Scottie Reynolds to lead the way for the Wildcats.
It's at this point in the tourny that most Philly fans can put away their dislike of rival Big Five schools and pull for the local squad to keep on advancing. I'm sure that's easier for me to say as I am not a bitter SJU or TU alum.
Oh, and there are Philly ties between Siena and VU! I just can't quite figure them out after reading that article.
It's at this point in the tourny that most Philly fans can put away their dislike of rival Big Five schools and pull for the local squad to keep on advancing.
Even this TU alum finds himself agreeing... Wright has kinda won me over, and I just want to root for something other than my brackets. I had Siena losing in this round anyway.
Posted by: Matt P | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Also, I'm assuming Big East poon > MAAC poon.
Posted by: Matt P | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 12:10 PM
My sister is an SJU alumnus. I spoke with our mother yesterday, who diplomatically supports both teams (as well as Dad's alma mater, Temple), and when I mentioned 'Nova's victory Mom said, "Your sister's first reaction was, 'I hate that team.'"
Good times, good times. Easter with the family today should be fun!
Posted by: Chamomiles Davis | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Jay Wright is handsome.
Posted by: bboova | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 02:28 PM
What phil martelli is the best looking coach in the big five, the crown used to belong to Chaney though.
Posted by: Paul | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Re: Jay Wright is handsome.
I'll preface this with the fact that I am a VU alumnus, so it's not based on hate. But, I encourage you to check out Wright without his makeup and on a day that he is not scheduled to be on TV (perhaps wait outside of St. Mary's gym in the summer when he's running--but not really--practices). In person, his facial complexion actually is pretty drunk unshaven college guy-like. On TV, however, I am convinced he applies a little foundation and powder.
Posted by: Phils Phan | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 03:26 PM
As a big sju fan, it really sucked today watching two teams that the hawks beat this year battle to get in the sweet 16. Not to mention that nova squeaked in the tourny and won two games.
Posted by: mike c | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 03:37 PM
The big question now to all of us college hoops fans whether you're for Nova or not (which you should be at this point if you like big 5 basketball in my own opinion), is whether or not you think that Nova can get past Kansas into the Elite Eight. I'd like to hear your opinions.
I think Kansas is an excellent team, and they have shown that in this tournament as well. However, I think our guards can match up with them nicely and it will be a fantastic game. I have to give the edge to KU, but I think Nova has a chance.
Posted by: GreggyD | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Stokes and Reynolds will have to shoot even better than they did today, and Dante Cunningham will have to play the defensive game of his life for Nova to be even close... or Kansas can just really shit the bed, but I doubt that's gonna happen.
I'm just happy we are able to root for them for another game and to know that they will be playing their hearts out.
Posted by: T | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 06:22 PM
I am a huge Nova fan and as much as I would love to see them advance to Elite 8 I do not see them even having a chance against Kansas. They are way too talented and much bigger then Nova.
Posted by: 215 Sports | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Now that Nova is in, this season ticket holder isn't ready to say that's enough. Nova disciplines their teams with the '85 legacy, and they will treat this with atleast the mentality that winning is as much a possibilty for them as it is for Kansas. Nova defense and take good shots (like today: .536 FG, .462 3-PT).
The game was dull today, mostly from the 39 trips to the line for Sienna. They had nearly half the total Nova score possible from the line. Lucky for Sienna, because they could not do much against Nova's D. (.357 FG, .286 3-PT) But that was my prediction, because Sienna previously had their way with Vanderbilt who has a non-existent D.
Take a rest boys...there's work to be don
Kool-aid anyone?
Posted by: Benjamin | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 08:52 PM
needless to say I did not have this matchup in my bracket... as a matter of fact it's in shambles
Posted by: Johnny G | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 09:02 PM
With Georgetown upset I can't imagine anyone's bracket is looking pretty right now.
At this point I don't even care; my only concern is rooting on the Wildcats against Kansas.
I'm still trying to process the fact that this is Villanova's third trip to the Sweet Sixteen in four years, and this after a year when they weren't even expected to get a bid.
Posted by: Chamomiles Davis | Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 10:01 PM