A couple of observations from Saturday night.
1. Atmosphere: A+ Students stood the entire time, super loud, engaged, really upped the atmosphere. I saw barely any black and gold in the stands, although they did manage a few half hearted V-C-U chants.
2. Jay-Nel: The booing of Jay-Nel was perhaps the best part of the atmosphere and made a clear impact on the game. Watched the CBS replay last night and it was evident on there every time with the announcers commenting on numerous times. If we know anything from our year with Nelson is that he is not a mentally tough player. And so we saw the same Jay-Nel last night that anytime there was any type of pressure on him, we saw last year. A bunch of dribbling, afraid to initiate the offense, afraid to take a shot, a liability on defense. It was 4-5 when he was out there.
3. D-Lo & Mooney: Didn't see many people comment on this but it looked like Mooney was about to get T'd up when D-Lo ran over, grabbed him and physically took him to the other side of the court. I don't think you see many college players doing that to their coaches. Speaks to D-Lo's leadership, his relationship with Moon, as Mooney let him do it. Also, I've noticed Mooney much more engaged in the game this year, from being more demonstrative with the officials, to constructive criticism on the bench. Nice to see all around.
4. D-Lo play: Jordan King, rightfully so, is getting all of the props for his game on Saturday. But it was D-Lo who made a ton of big plays, particularly when VCU was making a run (early in the game and in second half) it was D-Lo making shots, forcing a turnover, driving it into the lane, hitting bit FT's at the end.
I for one do not want to see VCU in the semi's. We are a better team, but they match up really well with us. We have to play our A game to beat them. I personally think we match up better with Dayton and Loyola Chicago. But it looks like we are going to get them in the semi's.