By Paul Gotham
Surveying the Atlantic 10, Metro Atlantic Athletic and Patriot League.
I’m your Huckleberry
A few (yes, Mr. Davis and Mr. Machir we see you.) didn’t think Dayton’s Kevin Dillard had it in him. After back spasms cut short his performance Wednesday night against Illinois State, UD’s point guard was expected to sit on the sideline while Murray State’s Isaiah Canaan had his way. Instead Dillard dished out eight first-half assists on his way to a ten dime day. Dillard capped it by scoring 11 of Dayton’s final 13 and 18 points overall as the Flyers outdistanced the Racers, 77-68.
Oh yeah, and don’t miss first-team all hair: Ed Daniel.
Back in the New York Groove
Or maybe I should have started this with: Where have you gone Chris Gaston, the Fordham Rams turn their lonely eyes to you…
Fordham’s double-double man has returned and picked up where he left off. After sitting out six games because of arthroscopic knee surgery, Gaston has averaged more than 17 in three games since his return. The Rams will need him as they head into A-10 play.
This is an incredible stat on Gaston. He has 53 double-doubles in just 88 career games. An unbelievable player. #Fordham #Rams
— Ryan Michael Lazo (@RMLazo13) December 23, 2012
With his last field goal, Gaston has eclipsed the 1,500-point mark for ninth all time at Fordham. #Rams lead 25-16 — Ryan Michael Lazo (@RMLazo13) December 23, 2012
Six games? He sat out games after knee surgery? If only we had the technology and know-how during Bobby Orr’s career.
Thumbs up
Can’t say enough about Xavier’s gesture. Great job.
Sweet butter
Billy Baron and the Canisius Golden Griffins continue to roll. The Griffs went into Philly and spread around a heap of love with a 72-62 defeat of the Temple Owls. With the win, Canisius improved to 8-2 for the first time since Lyndon Johnson occupied the Oval Office. Canisius did follow that with a loss at UNLV, 89-74, but it is hard to overlook the changes on Main Street Buffalo.
Baron scored 19 and handed out five assists in the win over Temple. He followed that with a 30 point, six assist outing against UNLV.
The #Griffs rank 3rd in the nation in 3-pt. FGs made per game (9.6/GM) and 18th in 3-pt. FG% at 40% in the latest NCAA rankings. #MAACHoops
— Griffs_MBB (@Griffs_MBB) December 24, 2012
Funny how Johnson’s term was known for starting social reform. Still waiting on that aren’t we?
Youssou notches his first double-double
The Bonnies fell at North Carolina State, but not because of Youssou Ndoye. The 7′ sophomore netted a dozen points and corralled a baker’s dozen of rebounds. Great article on the Bona Big Man and his unexpected journey in the Buffalo News. Click here to read it.
In case you missed it
@c_manhertz is True Grit @nickveronica @tsuj10 @picknsplinters @rmlazo13
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 18, 2012
Alcorn State at Canisius, Thursday night. Iona at St. Bonaventure, New Year’s Eve afternoon. More Ryan Lazo and Joe Manganiello material on the way. #GIDDYUP
Great stuff, Paul. Man, that Gaston kid is really something, isn’t he? The double-doubles stat is amazing. Loved the Lyndon Johnson material as well.