By Nunnie Robinson, WSG Sports Editor
In last week’s column we chronicled the travails of our Florida Panthers, who surprisingly, won 3 consecutive games but remain in last place in the highly competitive Eastern Conference with diminishing playoff hopes. The Miami Heat, conversely, won 8 straight games before losing to a talented Orlando Magic team, not only a division rival but currently sitting in first place in the highly competitive and improved Southeast Division, while holding on to a razor thin half game lead over the Heat. The Atlanta Hawks, after posting a 10 game winning streak, are in third place followed closely by the Charlotte Hornets.
The Heat’s Bam Adebayo’s record setting 83 point scoring outburst against the perennially mediocre Washington Wizards was still an incredible scoring feat, solidifying its place as one of the Heat’s all-time great performances. Unlike the Panthers, the Heat are assured of a playoff berth. However, the latest loss to the Magic makes winning imperative if they are to avoid a Play In spot.
March Madness, college basketball’s Super Bowl, World Cup and World Series in concert, is here. Locally, the 7th seeded Miami Hurricanes will play the 10th seeded Missouri Tigers on Friday in the West Region where the Arizona Wildcats are top the seed. The Michigan Wolverines hold the No. 1 seed in the Mideast, Florida is the top seed in the South and heavily favorite Duke has secured the top seed in the East Region.
On the Women’s side, UConn is No. 1 in Regional 1, UCLA in Regional 2, Texas has garnered the top seed in Regional 3 and South Carolina holds the top spot in Regional 4.
Kudos to Tennessee State University , winners of the Ohio Valley Conference, earning the Tigers a 15th seed and a matchup against Iowa State of the Big 12. MEAC Champion Howard University, no stranger to the tournament, earned a First Four spot against UMBC, the winner earning the right to face the formidable Michigan Wolverines. The third HBCU to earn a berth in the tournament is SWAC Champion Prairie View, which will be pitted against Patriot League Champion Lehigh in another First Four matchup, the winner having to seemingly overcome insurmountable odds against No.1 South Region seed Florida.
Two HBCU women’s teams punched their way in the tournament: the SWAC Champion Southern University Jaguars, who will play Southern Conference Champion Samford in a First Four play in game, the winner having the ignominious honor of facing Regional 4 No. 1 seed South Carolina. The Bisons of Howard have set themselves apart athletically as well as academically, joining their male counterparts in qualifying for the tournament. As the 16th seed, they must travel to Columbus with the daunting task of playing the Ohio State Buckeyes on their home court. I somehow wonder if a paycheck and fleeting prestige are adequate compensation.
My question for you to ponder: If the NCAA can offer national champions in football on the FBS and FCS levels, why not in basketball? Congratulations to all of our HBCU compatriots!!!!
Finally, the USA faces Venezuela in the finals of the World Baseball Classic, an international tournament first held in 2006. Featuring professional players worldwide, it is traditionally held every 4 years during MLB spring training and has only grown in popularity.
Not withstanding, the NFL maintains a presence with free agency before March Madness and the draft just over a month away.
