The trials and tribulations of a team on the NCAA Tournament’s do not have an equal in the sporting world. It’s part pennant race, part BCS, and part backroom deal. It’s must-win games, scoreboard watching, computer rankings, and politics all mixed into one.
Despite a 9-7 record in the ACC, Florida State found themselves on the outside looking in on selection Sunday last year. In an effort to avoid that fate, they made a concentrated effort to beef up the non conference schedule and take the decision out of the committees hands.
This time last week, it appeared the Seminoles were on there way in. They were riding high off the first win at Cameron Indoor Stadium in the history of the program. Duke may not have been up to the usual number one seed standards, but this was the kind of win that enables programs to make that jump and secure a spot in the Big Dance. Couple that with the early season win over #1 Florida and strong computer numbers, they were poised to see March Madness for the first time since 1998
Now, just a week later things aren’t quite as rosy. It has become apparent that that Duke’s struggles are no fluke. While, any win on the road in the ACC is a good win, a win over this year Blue Devil squad means less than it has in a decade. It certainly wasn't the resume maker the Seminoles had hoped.
For their part, the Noles haven’t helped themselves much. They played uninspired ball at Clemson to bring them back to 500 in league play. The even bigger loss may have starting point guard and number two scorer Toney Douglas breaking his hand against the Tigers.
Fast forward to Sunday afternoon, it’s de ja vu for the Seminoles. Boston College ripped out their hearts on a last second shot for the second time in less than three weeks. Leonard Hamilton and company are feeling the pressure of facing must win games. They are back in a familiar place, the bubble.
Despite a 9-7 record in the ACC, Florida State found themselves on the outside looking in on selection Sunday last year. In an effort to avoid that fate, they made a concentrated effort to beef up the non conference schedule and take the decision out of the committees hands.
This time last week, it appeared the Seminoles were on there way in. They were riding high off the first win at Cameron Indoor Stadium in the history of the program. Duke may not have been up to the usual number one seed standards, but this was the kind of win that enables programs to make that jump and secure a spot in the Big Dance. Couple that with the early season win over #1 Florida and strong computer numbers, they were poised to see March Madness for the first time since 1998
Now, just a week later things aren’t quite as rosy. It has become apparent that that Duke’s struggles are no fluke. While, any win on the road in the ACC is a good win, a win over this year Blue Devil squad means less than it has in a decade. It certainly wasn't the resume maker the Seminoles had hoped.
For their part, the Noles haven’t helped themselves much. They played uninspired ball at Clemson to bring them back to 500 in league play. The even bigger loss may have starting point guard and number two scorer Toney Douglas breaking his hand against the Tigers.
Fast forward to Sunday afternoon, it’s de ja vu for the Seminoles. Boston College ripped out their hearts on a last second shot for the second time in less than three weeks. Leonard Hamilton and company are feeling the pressure of facing must win games. They are back in a familiar place, the bubble.
-PS
No comments:
Post a Comment