Santa Clara Men's Basketball - No "Hail Mary's" Needed

 

                                                                                                                       

It's been 18 years since the Broncos took out a nationally ranked team.  

The win this past Tuesday was no "Hail Mary."  Our last three wins against the Gael's going back to 2015 were decided by a total of four points.  In 2015, Jared Brownridge won it with a buzzer beater.  In 2019, Josip Vrankic won it with a put back in the final seconds and in 2021, Keshawn Justice blocked a Tommy Kuhse shot and sank a free throw to close it out.   

At Leavey on Tuesday, Randy Bennett's team had a plumbing problem.  It wasn't a water pipe that exploded, but it was P.J. "Pipes" that took advantage of leaky Gael transition defense burying three, 3 pointers that gave us a huge boost.  Josip Vrankic did damage at the end with two key layups and then Keshawn Justice got to Tommy Kuhse again, like he did in 2021, with a clutch steal.  Our 77 points were the most allowed this season by one of the best defenses in the NCAA.  

The crowd provided big adrenaline rushes fueled by plays made by this team; which they are not used to seeing.  The Pipes' 3's, along with a one step thunder dunk from the baseline by Carlos Stewart off an assist by Jalen Williams, ejected fans from their seats.  The second court storming by the students at the end should light a fire for Saturday's game against USF.  A solid total team win.  

It will take that type of performance and more to take down USF on Saturday.  Although St. Mary's beat USF in San Francisco, they were down by 23 points mid first half and by 17 at halftime and came back to win by two. 

USF features two outstanding guards, Shabazz and future NBA draft pick Bouyea.  Both are cat quick and can shoot it from anywhere, drive it and pass it.  They have a good big in 6'10" Massalski who can score from the low block and is a frequent find off their driving guards for layups.  They have two other shooting guards that are 41% and 45% from the 3 point area.  They are good enough defensively and are able to outshoot most opponents.  If we keep the ball moving, find, and trust our guys to take/make good shots, it should be fun to watch.

The road ahead gets tougher from here as we have three straight road games* vs LMU, Gonzaga, and Pepperdine.  We then host Portland February 26th, who just beat USF. 

It would be great to keep our run going and finish the league schedule in the top 4 to ensure a bye in the WCC tournament.  That would give the Vegas oddsmakers and some post season committees something to think about.

 

*Note:  The Monday February 14th game versus Portland has been cancelled.