I don't think I have even been so excited as I was yesterday after the buzzer to a certain second overtime sounded. And you can't blame me, I was not even two years old the last time BYU won an NCAA tournament game in 1993. Many people thought Florida would be an "easy" game, but isn't it only right that after waiting so long, the victory came on a few miracles and an unlikely hero amidst the huge shadow of Jimmer Fredette.
I'm talking Michael Loyd, Jr. As a red-shirt sophomore, Loyd has recently stepped up in the biggest ways. His breakout game came against New Mexico when he essentially carried his team with 19 points, and greased lightning speed and athleticism. That game didn't end the way they hoped, but his new-found confidence carried on to an 18-point first half at Utah. So, why not choose the NCAA tournament to make your career high even higher? When Jimmer wasn't shooting his best against Florida, and when the Cougars desperately needed a spark, none other than Loyd came off the bench and scored 10 straight points. He continued throughout the whole game to light BYU's fire, and was virtually the only offensive threat in the first overtime (thanks to the amazing three by Jackson Emery that made it possible). For a less-than-excellent free-throw shooter, he made all of his freebies when they counted the most. I consider him the reason the Cougars were in this game, shooting his way to a new career-high at 26 points. He also shot 70% from the field, 9/10 on free-throws, and went 3/5 from beyond the arc.
On to Jimmer. No one outside of the Mountain West considered him a premiere player, or much less even knew his name. They know it now. With no threes in regulation, he got his points grinding to the basket. Come second overtime, it was finally his turn to make his mark. Two break your ankles crossovers lead to two three-pointers at the bottom of the net before the defenders even know where the ball went. Icing the lead with blocks, steals, and free-throws, a 99-93 victory never tasted so sweet. 37 points ain't too bad, either. He couldn't have done it without the rest of the team, but Jimmer Fredette lead the Cougars to victory. He even landed the front pages of ESPN.com, CBSsports.com, and analyst after analyst can't stop talking about the boy from Glens Falls, NY. They all want him to be the next Stephen Curry and "March Darling". With a win tonight, he'll do it. His performance was so unforgettable, that when a player in another tourney game did really well, they said he "went Jimmer" on them. Finally the recognition he deserves.
Kansas State is a really good team, but the Cougars have all the confidence in the world. They finally broke the curse and can play with that huge worry out the window. They also have the motivation that a win means not only the Sweet Sixteen, but the chance to play in Salt Lake City! That would be incredible...it's hard not to get ahead of myself! 2 seeds aren't indestructible, with Villanova already going down today to a number 10 St. Mary's. There's hardly been a game that hasn't been a close one. Whatever happens, this has been the best season in terms of wins (30), and most fans would say has been the funnest to watch. I'd have to agree. I LOVE this team!
Some great articles on Jimmer and the game...
And last but not least, a great picture slideshow courtesy of Jaren Wilkey.
1 comment:
What a fantastic year for BYU Sports. In fact, what a fantastic run of 4 years. We're living in great times.
You really need to add a link to CougarCorner.com on your blog!
Post a Comment