Santa Clara Men's Basketball - "Don't Stop Believin" - The Roller Coaster Continues

 

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Don't stop Believin' 

     

                                                                                                               

Last week allowed Bronco season ticket holders, alums, and fans to experience the pride and thrill of a resounding season sweep of the USF Dons on Saturday in San Francisco, followed by pure frustration after a dominating loss in Moraga to St. Mary's.  

After a resounding SCU win versus the Gaels in Leavey eight days ago, we witnessed that our team has as much talent and grit as the perennially dominant top two teams Gonzaga and St. Mary's.  That reality came crashing down Wednesday night as the roller coaster of this season hit its apex and slid down the tracks having lost the opportunity to secure the second seed in the WCC tournament AND put a legitimate NCAA tournament invite in doubt.

It was a reminder of last year at Leavey when we played a good first half and then collapsed in the second half in another St. Mary's rout.  Our "Chairmen of the Boards" were on sabbatical Wednesday night, surrendering 51 Gael rebounds; 21 that were offensive for a +30 margin.  The last time that happened was in 2015 against Gonzaga.  

It happens to lots of other good teams as well.  I mean Gonzaga lost to 5-12 Portland this season.  It's not so much that we lost in one of the toughest road arenas to play in, but it was the way we lost.  On offense we had only 8 assists; half our average.  We were not moving and cutting and were left with late in the clock tough shots or a difficult drive into traffic in the paint.  I guess the best news from this game is that Allen Graves appears healthy and scored 20 points in the loss. 

Despite this, all is not lost with the higher expectations for finishing this season.  The only game that matters is the next one - Oregon State.  Another must win.  Following that, as the 3rd seed in the WCC tourney, we will play in the quarterfinals against either Oregon State, Pacific, or USF to get into the semis and another shot at - you guessed it, most likely St. Mary's.  Love to have that on a neutral court!  

Everything considered, given the newness of this roster and the transfer out of key players, a record of 23-7 is great and, frankly, unexpected except by our coaches.  So let's not stop "believing" and get behind this team for a strong finish and post season opportunities!