Headed for Dayton
Christine Baldini
Issue date: 3/18/08 Section: NEC Champions
|
The 2007-08 Northeast Conference Champions, fresh off last Wednesday's victory against Sacred Heart, gathered together in Purcell Hall to watch the unveiling of the rest of the 65-team bracket.
"Prior to the start of the Selection Show we found out that we would be in the Play-In Game with Coppin State, so we weren't that surprised; but overall we all are overwhelmed at the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament," said senior captain Chris Vann.
For sophomore Jeremy Goode, the sheer fact of seeing his team's name flash on the television screen was exciting in itself.
"Well we knew earlier that we would be in the Play-In Game, so I mean it was more of a [reaction] to seeing our name across the screen," Goode said.
The Mountaineers triumphed against Sacred Heart, 68-55, to earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. Vann, who was riddled with fouls early in the game, sat out the majority of the contest, unable to physically help his team on the court.
With the absence of its senior leader, the Mount relied on its bench to put up points.
Goode also attributes this season's success to the depth and versatility of the team.
"I think this year's team has a variety of line-ups and we can play more out in the open because people are faster on this team than last year's," Goode said.
When looking toward the match-up against Coppin State, the Mount will rely on its best asset: defense. As the conference's No. 1 defensive team, opponents average 66.9 points against the Mountaineers."Defense, defense, defense and transition offense [are our greatest strengths]," Goode said.
Even though the Mount presents a great threat defensively, it will need to perfect its all-around game.
"I think there is always room for improvement, so we'll need to fine tune every aspect of how we play Mount basketball," Vann said.
The Mount has not been to the NCAA Tournament since 1999, and this year's team has a chance to be part of history.
"It feels great," Vann said of the team's achievements. "To have accomplished something that can never be taken away is superb. However, the Mount shouldn't expect anything less of the program in the near future. There are many more championships to be won."
Although the Mount is focused on tonight's game right now, expectations for future seasons have been set, and the Mountaineers are ready to arise to the challenge.
"It's good [being in the NCAA Tournament] because we have the opportunity to make it our own," Goode stated. "It feels good to know that we are continuing to set our expectations higher for years to come."
Be the first to comment on this story