"While I hate to get ahead of myself, it looks like a UMD/Springfield final could be one of the best matchups in Hampton Inn Classic history. Remember to listen to tonight's games to see if it happens." - Me, about five hours ago.
Oops.
The Corsairs squandered a 12 point halftime lead, and Springfield was ice cold right from the opening tip. We'll still get the matchup, and it should still be really good, but it will surprisingly come as the 1 PM consolation game.
The Westport Police Department may field a noise disturbance call or two coming from the Hampton Inn tonight, because there are two very fired up teams dwelling there in Wheelock and University of New England, who play each other in the Hampton Inn Classic championship game tomorrow at 3PM.
The Corsairs will remember this game as one that they let get away. Despite leading the entire game to that point, the Corsairs gave the lead away for good when Victor Oruonyehu nailed a three pointer to give the Nor'easters their first lead of the game at 85-83 with 1:12 to play. UMD committed an immediate turnover, giving New England a chance to ice it, which they were never able to do.
The Corsairs got a stop with 37 seconds remaining, and had a great shot at the win. Matt Walker had a brief instant of opportunity, during which he put up a three from the corner in front of his bench, but missed off the front rim. The Corsairs fouled, and their very supportive home crowd was able to get them two misses. With the second chance, Jeff Macchi got fouled and was given the chance to tie from the line. He made the first, but then airballed the second.
The Nor'easters still couldn't put it away, missing the first of two with 6.7 seconds remaining to bump their lead to 86-84. Off the inbound, Macchi found Brandon Shelton free in the backcourt. He sprinted down the sideline, past the three point line, and put up a shot off his back foot from the paint. He missed, Macchi missed a follow-up tip, and Shelton missed a tip on top of that.
Five shots. Four would have tied it, one may have won it. The Corsairs were 0-for-5. Wow.
Wheelock's 61-56 win over Springfield was a brickfest/snoozer right from the start. While certainly a big win for Wheelock, one would have to think that it's no indication of the challenge Springfield figures to pose tomorrow.
Rest up, everyone. There's a huge day of basketball ahead tomorrow. And thanks to Mr. Oruonyehu, it's starting awfully early for Corsair fans.
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