Monday, March 10, 2008

Davidson loss would be inexcusable

To hear Southern Conference coaches talk, tonight's Southern Conference championship game will likely be nothing more than a coronation for Davidson.

The Wildcats are 17-point favorites against Elon and have won 21 straight games entering the 9 p.m. championship game (ESPN2). UNC Greensboro coach Mike Dement said Davidson was head and shoulders above the rest of the league, and so did Wofford coach Mike Young.

But all that talk would make a loss that much more devastating for Davidson.

The Wildcats are nationally ranked, and some have argued that Davidson would make the NCAA tournament even if the Wildcats lost in the championship game of the Southern Conference tournament.

I can't see that at-large berth happening now.

Elon is a nice story, winning three straight games to become the Cinderella of the Southern Conference. But the Phoenix has an RPI above 200, and lost six straight games at one point this season.

There's no excuse for the Wildcats to fall back on if they lose. Davidson will have almost a home court advantage, because more than 1,000 fans are expected to cheer for the Wildcats, and less than 200 for Elon. The Phoenix will also be playing its fourth game in four days.

Davidson has dominated conference opponents of late, and hasn't trailed in six of its last seven games. Another quick start will likely snuff out any hope for Elon.

But if the Phoenix can hang around, tonight will make Davidson sweat for more than just the conference championship.

-- Kevin Cary

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Expect that Elon fans number to increase with the school sponsoring several buses down from campus to Charleston this afternoon.

Anonymous said...

Elon could bring their entire student body and it shouldn't make any difference--the Cats just need to play their game and they'll be fine.

Anonymous said...

Don't underestimate Elon. Even though Elon lost both games to Davidson this season, they were close games. Winning this game won't be as easy as Davidson may think.

Marcus Prince said...

# 25 davidson 86 Elon 52. A rude awakening for Elon. " ABUSE "

Marcus Prince said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

believe me, no one on campus is taking the game against Elon for granted or think it's in the bag. However, you can bet our bus of students will be on their way shortly!

Marcus Prince said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marcus Prince said...

Elon fans do not waste your money to take a bus to Charleston SC. Take my advise and you will be a winner and have enough money to buy a paper and read how Elon got abuse. Be Smart!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

marcus prince... go be an @sshole on your own time

DrFrankLives said...

It's pretty clear Marcus is not a Davidson grad. We are far more erudite in our arrogance

Anonymous said...

DrFrankLives, whether or not you are correct in your speculation about Mr. Prince's educational background is irrelevant. Davidson is a small college, and thus we appreciate the support of many non-graduates who join us in celebrating the successful marriage of athletics and academics. More importantly, we would never comment in a newspaper blog in a way that might publicly embarrass another man, unless he described himself as erudite. Arrogant, indeed, but why?