The Siena Saints not only upset Vandy, but crushed them from start to finish. Fran McCafrey’s game plan of isolating Kenny Hasbrouck and running plays to give Tay Fisher open 3’s worked to perfection. Hasbrouck ended up with 30 and Fisher was a perfect 6-6 from behind the line.
McCafrey, who has taken three different schools to the NCAA tournament, led a MAAC to the second round for the first time since 2004, in the process he has elevated his status as a front runner for both the Providence and South Carolina openings.
Jeff Capel might have something to say about the South Carolina job if he wants it. His Sooners disposed of St. Joseph’s behind the rugged play of Blake Griffin and Longar Longar. However, it was the shooting of senior David Godbold who exploded for 25 points (came into the game averaging only 6 points) that was the difference for Oklahoma.
North Carolina as expected routed Mount St. Mary’s and Mississippi State knocked off Oregon.
Charles Rhodes scored 34 points for the Bulldogs and are my pick to make some noise.
After watching Oregon and Arizona lose their first round games it was clear that they didn’t deserve to be in the field of 64.
