Teaneck, NJ - There are games that are contested at a pedestrian pace, coaches putting their collective mark on the offense, and ultimately the game.
Sacred Heart 90, Fairleigh Dickinson 85. This was not one of those slower paced affairs. The tempo was more NASCAR pace. Teams got out and ran, attacked the basket and if stopped, simply pitched out to the perimeter for a three-pointer.
The game at FDU’s Rothman Center had little bearing in standing to the home standing Knights. They have not qualified for the Northeast Conference post season tournament. Visiting Sacred Heart is in and jockeying for seeding. Regardless, both teams put it all on the line.
The beauty of these late-season conference meetings is evident when both teams are competing, putting it all on the line. Especially the team whose season will quietly end in another 48 hours. A young FDU team losing its 15th straight could give the home followers a hope for the future. Fans may revel in the knowledge coach Greg Herenda is brining more talent into the fold. It bodes well for the future. In this late season matchup they can take solace and pride in the work ethic. The realization the FDU players lamented the setback. No playing out the string. A foundation has been put in place.
In a scene of scheduling irony Sacred heart served a perfect example. A year ago coach Anthony Latina’s group suffered through a 20-something loss season. A young team learning the hard knocks of conference life. Today they are in the NEC playoffs. While the scoreboard showed a loss, the lessons afforded this night were not lost on the young FDU club.
Outside Rothman Center. The 24 degrees is balmy compared to recent evenings:
Sacred Heart coach Anthony Latina on the sidelines:
FDU's Stephan Jiggetts looking for room as Sacred Heart's Cane Broome defends:
Official Brian O'Connell in a dialogue with Anthony Latina:
Courtside neighbor Ray Curren of Big Apple Buckets and his trademark golden basketball:
A Sacred Heart ball handler on the move. Attacking the basket was a priority for both teams:
FDU coach Greg Herenda gives his postgame remarks courtside with play-by-play announcer Jon Lauder:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.