Stanford Sends Men's Basketball Home From NCAA Tournament

March 23rd, 2008
By Harrison D. Sanford
ANAHEIM, Calif. — While the verdict is still out on which is the better academic institution, Stanford proved to field a better basketball team as it knocked Cornell out of the NCAA tournament this afternoon, 77-53. In its first NCAA tournament appearance in 20 years, the Red fell victim to what many of the Cardinal’s opponents have this year: its defense. The Red, who came into the game as one of the better shooting teams in college basketball, shot 30 percent from the field — including an NCAA tournament low 15 percent in the first half.... Read More

Stanford Defense Contains, Dale, Wittman, Cornell Offense at NCAA Tournament

March 23rd, 2008
By Josh Perlin
ANAHEIM, Calif. — With 13:40 left in the first half and Stanford leading 11-4, sophomore Ryan Wittman finally freed himself at the top of the key, and more than a yard behind the line, fired up a 3-pointer with a defender coming at him. Hitting the floor from contact in time to watch the shot fall in, Wittman hurried back on defense, not knowing it would be his only made shot of the half. ... Read More

Huskies’ athleticism too much for Red

March 23rd, 2008
By Keenan Weatherford
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — At 7 p.m. on Easter Sunday the women’s basketball team strode confidently onto the biggest stage to take on the biggest opponents: UConn, a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament and the No. 1 in the country. The size of the crowd didn’t fluster the Red’s play or decision-making, nor did the importance of the game. The size and speed of the Huskies did in the Red’s 89-47 loss in its first ever tournament appearance. “[The players] were a little surprised with [UConn’s] speed,” said head coach Dayna Smith. “They talked about it in the timeout: ‘She’s just so quick.’ We knew their speed, but it doesn’t look that way on tape, it’s a greater speed when they’re out on the court. They needed to get over that initial disbelief. After that we calmed ourselves down a little bit. Not enough, but a little bit.”... Read More

Women's Basketball Tops Dartmouth in Playoff for NCAA Bid

March 23rd, 2008
By Josh Perlin
NEW YORK CITY — Senior co-captain Gretchen Gregg grabbed a rebound and dribbled straight for sophomore point guard Lauren Benson at the top of the arc. You would have thought the game was still in contention, until the two players smiled with joy, and Benson heaved the ball to the ceiling as the clock expired and the team mobbed the floor. Using unmatched efficiency on both ends of the floor, Cornell never relinquished the lead and toppled Dartmouth, 64-47, in the playoff game to determine the Ivy League’s NCAA bid. The win capped the greatest season in Cornell women’s basketball history, with the team scoring 1889 points and winning 20 games, an Ivy title and an NCAA Tournament invite: all for the first time in its 37-year history. ... Read More

A Gameplan Breakdown ... Literally

March 20th, 2008
By Josh Perlin
Wow. I love the Cornell men's basketball team. What an incredible ride this team has put us all through this season, bringing our University some national recognition — and hopefully, some more money (insert shameless plug here) — while lifting our school spirit and unity. Covering the team here in warm and sunny Anaheim, Calif., has been an incredible experience, regardless of the game's final score. ... Read More

It Was More Than A Good Season, It Was HISTORIC ... But It's Over

March 20th, 2008
By Josh Perlin
There's no denying this was a historic season for the men's basketball team, but it's about to come to an end. With 3:35 left in the game, Stanford leads 71-44. After keeping it close early, the team has been unable to hit any shots and is being decimated on the boards and in the post in general. Wittman (2-of-10) and Dale (3-of-15) were held to 1-of-15 combined in the first half, despite playing nearly the full 20 mins each. Cornell is shooting 14-of-53 as of right now, but was merely 4-for-32 by halftime. That's 15.6 percent at the half, and 42.9 percent in the second half. It's tough to win games shooting like that. Stanford, on the other hand, is cruising. Aside from shooting 50 percent or better in both halves, the Cardinal is currently out-rebounding Cornell 45-24. ... Read More

Keys to the Game

March 20th, 2008
By Harrison D. Sanford
For the record, I got Marquette beating Kentucky in my NCAA brackets but as I sit courtside and watch the two battle, I could care less how my predictions work out. Any other year, I would be glued to the television set, drink and snacks at immediate disposal and brackets in hand. But as the game continues to go back-and-forth, I can only focus on the Red’s upcoming matchup with the Cardinal. Here are the announced starting lineups:... Read More

Five Quick Ways to Get on TV at the NCAAs

March 20th, 2008
By Josh Perlin
So, you've made it all the way to Anaheim, Calif., and you want everyone to know it. What better way to do that than be on television, right? The footage lasts a lifetime, everyone can see it — especially if you record it — and it's much easier than calling, writing and telling everyone you know. But getting on TV is easier said than done. So here are five ways for you to make it happen: ... Read More

Multimedia Madness

March 20th, 2008
By Josh Perlin
According to ESPN SportsNation, right now, 93.2 percent of fans picked Stanford to beat Cornell tomorrow. Whatever happens, Harrison, Rob Burris (from The Red Light) and myself have captured some incredible multimedia over the last 36 hours.... Read More

Cornell, Stanford Face Divergent Pressures in NCAA Matchup

March 20th, 2008
By Josh Perlin
ANAHEIM, Calif. — One team is making its first appearance in 20 years; the other is battling for its first NCAA Tournament win since hiring a new coach in 2004. The pressures faced by Cornell and No. 11 Stanford couldn’t be more divergent, and it was evident in the answers given by the teams at media day today. “You know, now, if you lose, there’s no second chances, no tomorrows,” said Stanford junior guard Mitch Johnson. “So I think everyone’s playing with their backs against the wall.” ... Read More