3/7: We play #7 seed Central Michigan, 13-17, 10-10, in the quarter finals of the MAC. They beat us by 15 there, then we won by 20 at home. Their C is out and their SF will play hurt. We’re healthy.
3/8: They take the lead early on. Down 9 after 10. 36-41 at the break. We trailed by 11, tied it up, then fell behind again. 3 fouls for Grey. Poor shooting and D. We got nothing from our starting guards.
“Win or go home!”
We catch up then it’s back and forth. Up 1 with 10 to go.
83-80. We escaped. They missed an open three at the end. 28, 7 for Roon, 16, 4 for Ferk, 10, 3, 3 for Shel, 14 assists for Blan. +30 in the paint.
Next comes the team I LEAST want to face, #6 seed Kent ST, 18-14, 11-9. They beat us twice in games we let get away. I’ll frame it to my guys that we’re ready to beat them but…
Both games were close all the way.
3/9: Up 7 after 10. 43-35 at the half. 16 for Grey. Tuck and Roon each have 3 fouls. We’re shooting better than they are. +18 in the paint.
They’re staying close, Up 9 with 10 to play.
71-66! We broke their curse on us. It was a one possession game or tied 6 times in the last 2 minutes. 17, 10 for Ferk, 18, 4, 2, 3 for Grey, 10, 3, 1, 4 for Bowe. +22 inside.
It’s #1 seed Western Michigan, 22-9, 15-5, in the title game. We beat them by 14 at our place. We think we’re better inside but Tuck has to show up and our bigs have to stay out of foul trouble.
3/10: Back and forth. Down 1 after 10. A late run puts us up 46-34 at the half. 13 for Tuck, good guard play. We’re shooting 57.1% to their 45.5%. We’re not beating them by a lot inside.
They’re closing the gap. Up only 3 with 10 left. A mini-run helps!
84-74 and the MAC title! 20, 5 for Tuck, who definitely showed up! 12, 3, 5 for Grey, 10, 10 for Roon, 14 for Shel. +24 inside.
We won’t get a good seed, but we’re in!