Big Apple Classic Has Promising Start
by Ray Floriani
NEW YORK – It is an event planned to be an annual happening. There were growing pains, as expected, but the inaugural Big Apple Classic provided a showcase for four schools not frequently seen on SportsCenter. It featured a doubleheader with teams from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). In the opener Bowie State (MD) and Virginia Union (Charles Oakley’s school) faced each other in a CIAA matchup.
The entire event is set up to mirror the NBA’s All Star Weekend. The games were on Saturday afternoon, but starting the Thursday up to game day, there were receptions, events and parties sponsored by the organizers and advertisers.
Coming into this event, Bowie coach Luke D’Alessio had mixed emotions. He was thrilled to have his program appear and be showcased at MSG, yet deeply concerned about facing a squad like Virginia Union so early in the season. His fears proved prophetic.
Union sped to a 48-25 halftime lead and it didn’t get any better. How did D’Alessiuo’s afternoon go? With 1.2 seconds to go Virginia Union was inbounding the ball on the baseline. They set up a play that found sharp shooting guard totally unguarded. Steve Miller proceeded to bury an uncontested three. Nothing but net.
The D-II power thoroughly dominated in virtually every facet of the game. Sophomore forward Greg Thondique dominated with 19 points 10 rebounds. In the backcourt, Miller added 16 points (4 of 5 from three). Va. Union held Bowie to 27 percent shooting while forcing 26 turnovers.
Bowie guard Gil Goodrich epitomized the afternoon for his school. A senior guard averaging 27 points per game, Goodrich scored two points on 1 of 14 (0 for 7 from three) shooting.
Said a happy but gracious Va. Union coach Dave Robbins, “We probably played over our heads. Bowie is much better than they showed today.”
D’Alessio felt different. “We didn’t match their (Va. Union) intensity,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s the Garden or a rec center with no fans, you have to match Virginia Union’s intensity all night.” He did promise, “Things will be different when we meet again. I’m certain.”
In the nightcap it was the MEAC meeting of Howard and Hampton. On their first three possessions Howard scored each time, setting a tone for a 95-84 victory. Eugene Myatt led all scorers with 22 points but the 6-6 sophomore forward did his most dame scoring 18 after intermission for Howard.
It was a huge win for Howard and not only because it was in the Garden. Of greater significance was the defeat of a MEAC rival in Hampton, the defending conference champion whom observers peg a contender to repeat in March.
The MEAC is an interesting conference to be included here. You have teams like a Howard and Hampton (the media guide cover reads “The Frantic 40”) who love to get out and run. The league, though, is not all run n’ gun. In fact, Delaware State, one of the group’s more successful schools in recent years, gave Duke fits in the NCAA tournament a few years ago with their deliberate Princeton-esque style. The Big Apple affords exposure to fans who normally wouldn’t get an opportunity to see a MEAC school prior to ESPN’s Championship Week.
The crowd for the afternoon doubleheader was 6,600 in the first year of the event. With it getting off the ground, there is room to grow and attract more fans. Teams from conferences as the CIAA and MEAC deserve an opportunity and place to feature their programs.
On The Baseline
- All four schools brought bands and cheerleaders. No surprise, as getting to New York and MSG is truly special. Virginia Union cheerleaders even jumped in with the team for pictures during the post-game trophy presentation.
- About 30 minutes after the first game, two Bowie State cheerleaders were practicing routines in a space near a concession stand. Bowie’s team needed the practice, but maybe their cheer squad felt the same.
