In the quarterfinals of the CIT, Northern Arizona will host Kent State on Friday, March 27 as they look to extend their season. An early guess after the game was that they might have to head to Eastern Kentucky, but I am glad to report that was incorrect.
A prediction from KenPom's computer models as NAU losing 65-64, so obviously this should be a very evenly matched contest.
Northern Arizona is 21-14 on the year, while Kent State is 23-11. It should be a fine matchup, and hopefully NAU can keep things going!
Follow me on Twitter @bigskybball
Arise from your slumber, Lumberjack fans. Show up and give this team some support. Students are back on campus after spring break....it's on a Friday night....it's free for students and $5 for community members.....all of the lame ass excuses not to show up are void for this one. I'm driving up tomorrow. Go Jacks! -MTJack
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ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone would argue with the notion that NAU ended the season as the best team in the Big Sky Conference. Beating much more physically talented teams (like Kent St. last night) with smart basketball and complete dominance on the glass. Two players with 15 boards each! Not taking anything away from EWU, they earned the NCAA berth hands down, but NAU did beat EWU (in Flag) and at this point has evolved to being the best team at the end of the season. The credit for this evolution from beginning to end of the season goes to Jack Murphy and his staff. NAU not only ended the year tops in my book in the Conf, they were clearly and easily the most improved. The in-season development of Len Springs (reduced his largest liabilities significantly), Jordyn Martin (turning also into an offensive threat), Yanku (becoming a top 3 conf guard), Z Reynolds (turned into a viable defensive and offensive option off the bench) is nothing short of miraculous! It would be neat to see this team win this tournament. Can't wait to see what Jack does with next year's team...I predict some growing pains because we are losing some key cogs, but after watching him coach this year I wouldn't take NAU off the list of potential conference leaders next year. #1JacksFan
ReplyDeleteLen Springs, Jordyn Martin, Zachery Reynolds and NAU's bigs have been the difference in the post season. My girlfriend is far from being a sports fan but she said that last Friday's game was exciting and that Springs and Reynolds were particularly fun players to watch due to the sheer joy they exhibit on the court. Keep playing like that and the Jacks are right in it the rest of the way for this tournament. Are you heading up on Tuesday, #1JacksFans? Work won't allow but me but I'm there on Thursday if they win and host the championship. --MTJack
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