Nunnie on the Sideline
By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
My immediate impression as I watched the women’s NCAA Championship game featuring Iowa and South Carolina was that the Gamecocks were going to have to win the game decisively! Don’t leave it in the hands of the officials because some of the calls were so inconsequential that they should have been allowed to play on. It seemed that just a touch or brush caused a whistle. I was proud of Coach Staley maintaining her composure in the face of the abject scrutiny. I know that the Gamecocks had an advantage inside with Kamilla Cardoso, but because of their depth, I thought they should have run the Hawks out of the gym. These comments are based on the first half. Let’s see how things unfold in the second half. After watching the conclusion of game, there are several takeaways: the players decided the game, not the officials. Dawn Staley stuck with the game plan of getting the ball inside to the game’s MOP, Kamilla Cardoso, allowed the veterans and young freshman alike to play and perform as they had all season and Dawn Staley again gave praise to the AlMighty God that we serve. As she put it, “ He closed one window last season but opened up another one this year- 2024.”To go undefeated through out the regular season, tournament play, defeating some very talented, disciplined opponents along the way, and win a national championship by going 38-0 is nothing short of a miraculous achievement. Her teams play with class and poise, ( never get rattled) obviously products of Coach Staley’s tutelage and influence. Congrats on a season that can only be replicated. Doesn’t it feel in some way like the Gamecocks have become America’s team. I know I was rooting hard for them .
I really don’t expect tonight’s men’s final between U Conn and Purdue to be competitive. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. I would love to be wrong. As I watched the intense, competitive first half with the score a fairly close 36-30 Husky lead, I totally underestimated Zach Edey’s talent as a scorer, rebounder, shot blocker, screen setter and inside force.
The second half proved the complete opposite as U Conn’s superior talent and depth, especially Tristan Newton, the East Carolina transfer who was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player. The strategy was simple: deny three point opportunities and single Edey, who seemed confused when put in pick & roll situations. Fatigue was also a factor as Edey played the entire game, plus the Huskies dominated offensive rebounds and loose balls, converting numerous second shot opportunities. The final score- 75-60 – symbolized U Conn’s superiority.
Congratulations to the U Conn Huskies, winners of consecutive NCAA championships, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since Billy Donavan and the Florida Gators in 2006-2007.
