What’s Trending is a column examining the week that was in college basketball social media. Griffin Wong (@griffwong90) is your weekly host.
The Curious Case of Murray State
Murray State, a team beloved by many mid-major apologists, went down in heartbreaking fashion to Belmont last weekend, and will discover its ultimate fate tonight. The consensus seems to be that the Racers had a great year but their résumé just isn’t quite up to snuff. That said, crazier things have happened (I’m looking at you, 2006 Air Force).
More Marshall Henderson?
Marshall Henderson, the (in)famous Ole Miss shooting guard, graduated last year, but he’s still making his way around the social media world. Before I show you what he’s getting noticed for this time, let me give you some reminders of his antics.
It’s safe to say the guy could ball, but he was an easy target for opposing SEC fans. The former star was in Nashville to watch his Rebels take on South Carolina in the SEC Tournament earlier this week. After a four-point play gave Ole Miss a late lead, the Rebels inadvertently fouled the Gamecocks’ Tyrone Johnson as he released a desperation three. Johnson made all three free throws, giving Ole Miss the loss that might just burst their bubble. Henderson’s reaction was fitting.
Tough loss.
Notre Dame Takes the ACC
In the history of the ACC Tournament, schools from outside the state of North Carolina have only been crowned champion a total of 12 times. After Notre Dame’s 90-82 win over North Carolina last night, it has now been four years of Tobacco Road-free champions in a row. Will Louisville, Syracuse, and the rise of Virginia keep the title away from Tobacco Road for the foreseeable future? Maybe not, but North Carolina and Duke will certainly face tougher roads to the title than they are used to.
The Battle for the One Seed
Just last week, the college hoops world seemed fairly confident in Kentucky, Virginia, Duke and Villanova as the four #1 seeds we would see come tournament time. After losses in the ACC semifinals, Duke and Virginia may be in the discussion for removal from that line. Can Arizona, which hasn’t lost since early February, steal a top seed after cruising through the Pac-12 Tournament? How about Wisconsin? Could a Big Ten title today push the Badgers up? All of these questions will be answered tonight, but until then, all of us can play the guessing game.
Quick-Hitters
-Quite the feel good story out of Albany: Peter Hooley, who recently lost his mother to cancer, hits the buzzer-beater that sends the Great Danes to the Big Dance. Check out this shot… onions!
-More Championship Week buzzer beaters: Oregon’s Joe Young.
-How about Iowa State’s Monte Morris?
–Tyler Kalinoski caps an 18-point comeback win for Davidson.
-Saving the best for last: Dennis Mavin with the half-court heave to send FIU to the Tournament.
-Oh my, Willie.
-Frank Mason to Wayne Selden for the one-handed alley-oop.
–Marvin Clark with the sledgehammer.
–Montrezl Harrell with silly hops on this ‘oop.
-Sweet dish here by Spike Albrecht.
-Look out Gregg! Purdue’s Raphael Davis goes diving into the stands and takes out CBS sportswriter Gregg Doyel in the process.