2008 NCAA Tournament

Stanford Sends Men's Basketball Home From NCAA Tournament

Harrison D. Sanford — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Josh Perlin — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Huskies’ athleticism too much for Red

Keenan Weatherford — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

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.”

Women's Basketball Tops Dartmouth in Playoff for NCAA Bid

Josh Perlin — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

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.

A Gameplan Breakdown ... Literally

Josh Perlin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:55:00 -0400

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.

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

Josh Perlin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:58:34 -0400

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.

Keys to the Game

Harrison D. Sanford — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:26:25 -0400

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:

Five Quick Ways to Get on TV at the NCAAs

Josh Perlin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:35:48 -0400

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:

Multimedia Madness

Josh Perlin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:29:11 -0400

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.

Cornell, Stanford Face Divergent Pressures in NCAA Matchup

Josh Perlin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:05:00 -0400

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.”

Submit Your Questions Here!

Josh Perlin — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:55:00 -0400

Hey everyone! Have any questions for the players or media? Want to know about the festivities, or anything else about the 2008 NCAA Tournament in Anaheim? Submit your questions as comments below and we'll answer them RIGHT HERE, as soon as we get the chance.

Underdog Cornell Faces Stanford in NCAA M. Hoops Tourney Opening Round

Harrison D. Sanford — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:30:00 -0400

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Some reporters have called it the “Battle of the Nerds.” Some have branded it the “Battle for the Better Red.” But tomorrow’s matchup between the Red and the Cardinal can simply be titled a first round matchup in the NCAA Tournament. The Red (22-5) has an opportunity of a lifetime, facing a No. 3-seeded Stanford (26-7) in its home state at the Honda Center.

“It’s just a wonderful opportunity for us,” said sophomore Louis Dale. “We have nothing to lose. We’re just going to come out and play as hard as we can. … I don’t think we’re really focusing on being the underdog. We’re just going to stay within ourselves and do what we can do.”

UCLA Takes The Court

Josh Perlin — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:40:00 -0400

So, UCLA just took the court, and let me tell you something ... this team is on another level. Stanford, a No. 3 seed, seemed very playable. This team does not.

Here's an example:

The entire team starts taking half-court shots. I don't know if they do this normally, but it's media day, so why not, right? Freshman Kevin Love steps up to half court, and without even striding or basically moving anything other than his arms on a two-handed throw, makes 2-of-3. (Facial expression: unchanged).

Seeing that this is too easy, he moves back to the far foul line: three-quarters court. Same thing: no run-up, no step; nothing. He makes 2-of-4. (Facial expression: unchanged).

The Cardinal is in the Building

Harrison D. Sanford — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:00:00 -0400

The Cardinal(s) hit the floor for practice open to the media and they are all about business.

Stanford head coach Trent Johnson stood in the middle of the court, clapping his hands and his players dribbled down the court alongside in a workmanlike manner.

Immediately, I look for the Lopez Twins. As you will see tomorrow, these are legit 7-0 footers. Our photographer/videographer Rob Burris immediately said to me, “those dudes are big,” and Rob is 6-6. Having a true 7-0 footer nowadays is a rarity for any professional team – let alone a collegiate program. Having two of them makes matters worse.

We Are Here Now

Harrison D. Sanford — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:45:00 -0400

The Red have played games in some of college basketball’s biggest gyms this year. From the Carrier Dome, to the Cameron Indoor Stadium to the The Palestra at Penn. But none of those can stand to the experience of finally stepping onto the floor of the Honda Center. At 12:45 p.m. Pacific, the Red got its first chance to finally step onto the court that they hope to upset the Stanford Cardinal on in a practice open to the public.

With cheerleaders, the band, alums and administrators watching, the team conducted a series of light drills. As The Red players were generally upbeat, head coach Steve Donahue was all business. With players gong through your basic basketball drills, Donahue viewed attentively … arms crossed, legs spread, no smiles.

And It Begins ...

Josh Perlin — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:07:42 -0400

So all the media madness has started. We got to the Honda Center without any problems, thanks to a media shuttle and only a five-minute drive. We're all set up now waiting for press conferences and practices to start.

We've taken a lot of pictures and some Red Light footage, which will all be posted tonight. (Update: posted here.)

The Kentucky news conference just happened, and they're out on the practice floor right now, so we're just waiting on Cornell to come out.

12:05 PACIFIC TIME, 3:05 EASTERN TIME

CORNELL NEWS CONFERENCE

ESPN NEWS

Wednesday's Schedule

Josh Perlin — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:30:00 -0400

For Coverage of the entire men's basketball team's NCAA Tournament run, direct from Anaheim, click here.

Tonight, Cornell got to practice in Anaheim for the first time.

Tomorrow, the teams that will play on Thursday have their press conferences. Cornell is scheduled to have it's media session at Noon and an open practice around 12:45 p.m.

Just talking with some players and others in the media, although a heavy underdog, it seems to Harrison and me that Cornell CAN DEFINITELY WIN this game. Harrison will deal with the keys for Cornell much more in-depth, but here are a few we see for now:

Traveling With Royalty

Josh Perlin — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:22:41 -0400

Editor's Note: Sun Senior Writers Josh Perlin and Harrison D. Sanford are traveling with the men’s basketball team to Anaheim. This is their story:

9:58 a.m. — We Better Hurry

After picking up Harrison in my car, we park at my house, forget to lock the car doors (or at least I don’t recall doing it), and speedily drag our luggage to Bartels. This is a microcosm of how the last 24 hours have been: disorganized and rushed. Only 15 hours ago, Harrison and I learned we would be seated on the plane to Anaheim with the team, at which time I made a four-hour drive to Ithaca to cut my Spring Break short. Harrison was already in Ithaca, lucky him.

10:10 a.m. — March Madness

Warm Weather, Blue Skies

Harrison D. Sanford — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:20:07 -0400

March 16, 2008

In a room with so many people, it was almost scary how quiet the place became as North Carolina was named the No. 1 seed. The winner of the Coppin State/ Mt. St. Mary’s game was given the chore of facing the Tar Heels. A collective laugh echoed from the room as some players joked about the possibility of being that 16-seed facing Tyler Hansbrough and the Tar Heels.

As a matter of fact, we joked about the situation and how pissed some of the players would have been. Junior Jeff Foote would have stormed outside and kicked the first squirrel he saw. (Refer to Sun Senior Writer Lance Williams’ 10 Questions piece with Jeff Foote to understand the reference.)

Selection Sunday Preparation

Harrison D. Sanford — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:10:51 -0400

March 16, 2008

Even before Newman Nation rushed the court on March 1, Cornell basketball fans were waiting for yesterday’s selection show. All the talk about seeding, locations and possible upsets whirled through my head – and many others – consistently. Cornell’s 20-year exclusion from the selection show was halted yesterday as Greg Gumble announced the Red as one of the NCAA Tournament’s 14-seeds.

The blogs that I will be writing daily until the Red are no longer in competition, will look at the whole NCAA tournament experience inside out.