...And Out

As expected (or decided) prior to the game by the sports world in general, the Hogs lose to Bucknell.

Second half free throws certainly were a big factor in the loss. The free throw line is where you have the game in your hands. Had we shot better from the line, we would probably have won the game.

The Hogs played hard. Bucknell has a great defense in the half court. Their offense was clever in setting up threes and they knocked them down. You have to give them credit. They're a very tough, solid basketball team.

People talk about guard play in the NCAA Tournament as being the determining factor in who wins or loses. While I think guard play is important, it seems to me that the team that can play "roughest" the best tends to win. Officials make it to the Final Four by calling less instead of more.

The game was very physical. The Hogs have struggled all years against physical teams. When you are playing a very physical team you tend to get tired and frustrated and not shoot very well, especially from the foul line.

Nolan's Hogs tended to do well in the Big Dance because the rougher the game became the more they liked it. I coach teams by having them play very rough in practice so that any game seems easier. Plus, the referees only have so many whistle toots they are going to use for each team, so rougher doesn't necessarily result in more fouls. The rougher bunch usually wins it seems.

The very definition of "tournament tough" includes playing with poise, executing well and shooting well, in a rough game.

It was a good game. There's not much to be critical of in our play. While we missed free throws and some key shots, we made two more field goals and one more free throw. Those guys were just as good as we were and could play rougher better. Plus, they could shoot threes.

However, I'll confess that as a fan I felt we were playing the sporting world plus the referees (letting the rough play go, which disadvantaged the Hogs), plus the announcers. Bucknell makes a great story for CBS and the tournament. But that's just part of being a fan.

Hats off to Bucknell. The Hogs made an amazing run to even make the Dance.

I look forward to next year.