BY PAUL GOTHAM BROOKLYN -- Move over Ali Farokhmanesh and Kevin Pittsnogle, Thomas Walkup has this NCAA Tournament's version of a surname begging to be used as a verb. Walkup has a name to remember and game to go with it. Friday night, he torched No. 3-seed West Virginia for 33 points in a convincing 70-56 victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. "Thomas does … [Read more...] about Walkup’s game is one of tradition
NCAA Tournament
Wright and Villanova not hiding from the truth
By PAUL GOTHAM BROOKLYN -- The narrative chases Jay Wright's Villanova Wildcats. Since reaching the 2009 national semi-final Villanova hasn't advanced beyond the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Despite averaging more than 30 wins a season over the last three years, Wright's Wildcats have won just two games in the Big Dance in their three previous trips. Just don't … [Read more...] about Wright and Villanova not hiding from the truth
Stephen F. Austin and West Virginia bring matching levels of pressure
By PAUL GOTHAM BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- It's no coincidence that the No. 14 seed Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and No. 3-seed West Virginia Mountaineers are mirror images. Stephen F. Austin's Brad Underwood is a Bob Huggins disciple, and the third-year coach doesn't hesitate to praise Huggins. "He's the single best communicator with people and with players that I've ever seen," … [Read more...] about Stephen F. Austin and West Virginia bring matching levels of pressure
Patience rewarded; English and Iona ready for challenge ahead
By PAUL GOTHAM The last time Iona reached the NCAA Tournament, A.J. English watched from the sideline. The freshman made 17 appearances including six starts before a wrist injury ended his season in late January. Iona fell to Ohio State, 95-70. It was the Gaels second straight trip to the Dance. Three years later, English will get his first opportunity on the sport's … [Read more...] about Patience rewarded; English and Iona ready for challenge ahead
FGCU rolls FDU in NCAA Tournament, advances to face UNC
Courtesy of FGCUAthletics.com DAYTON, Ohio - Dunks put Florida Gulf Coast University on the national radar three years ago. Tuesday night in the first game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament, a dunk started a dominant performance by 16th-seeded FGCU (21-13) over fellow 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson (18-15) as the Eagles cruised to a 96-65 win, moving on to face top-seeded North … [Read more...] about FGCU rolls FDU in NCAA Tournament, advances to face UNC