Metro Writers Honor Official by Ray Floriani SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – We have some items of importance from the notebook, starting with an award for an official. A number of players, coaches and personalities were honored at the Metropolitan Writers banquet this Spring. Among the group of very deserving recipients […]
Author: Ray Floriani
Imus’ Words Are Nothing New
Imus’ Lack of Class is Nothing New by Ray Floriani EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Kevin Anderson was getting prepared to present the first Maggie Dixon Coach of the Year award at the Metropolitan Writers Dinner on Tuesday. As Anderson spoke about the accomplishments and legacy of the late Army mentor, […]
Mountaineers Take NIT Championship
Mountaineers Defy Expectations, Win NIT by Ray Floriani NEW YORK – Coaches will tell you the first four minutes of both halves are crucial. Getting off to a good start is crucial. The last four minutes of the first half are almost of equal importance. West Virginia used that time […]
East Regional Notes
Comebacks Rule East Regional by Ray Floriani EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – It was a weekend of comebacks. The East Regional final was simply an amazing comeback and one of the most exciting finishes in a building which has seen its share. Semifinals Geoegetown 66, Vanderbilt 65 North Carolina 74, USC […]
NIT Semifinals
Close Calls in NIT Semifinals by Ray Floriani NEW YORK – The 70th edition of the National Invitation Tournament came to New York. The region was treated to a classic two days earlier in East Rutherford, N.J. on the other side of the Hudson. Here in the Big Apple drama […]
New Jersey TOC Notes
Contrasting Final Games at New Jersey TOC by Ray Floriani EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New Jersey Tournament of Champions doubleheader at Continental Airlines Arena gave us two contrasting contests. The girls staged a nail-biter, while the boys championship saw the favorite lead from tap to buzzer. Scores: University 68, […]
Big East, NIT Notes
Big East Tournament, NIT Reflections by Ray Floriani The Big East final reminded us of the old coaching cliche’, “You can’t teach height”. Simply, 7’2″ Roy Hibbert of Georgetown was too much in the 65-42 pasting of Pitt in the championship. All season the media (yours truly included) and other […]
Big East Semifinal Notes
Big East Tournament Semifinal Notes by Ray Floriani NEW YORK – Friday night in New York. You couldn’t ask for a greater setting for excitement. The Big East Conference semifinals provided that special drama and aura worthy of this setting, a Friday evening at the “world’s most famous arena”. Georgetown […]
Atlantic 10 Tournament Quarterfinal Notes
Atlantic 10 Tournament Quarterfinal Notes by Ray Floriani ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Day two of the Atlantic 10 Tournament gave us the quarterfinals and a new locale for this event. The first news of the day was provided on the boardwalk heading into the arena, Anthony Solomon was released by […]
Big East Opening Round Notes
Big East Tournament Opening Round Notes by Ray Floriani NEW YORK – Big East opening round scores: Villanova 75, DePaul 67 Syracuse 78, Connecticut 65 West Virginia 92, Providence 79 Marquette 76, St. John’s 67 The game of the day on this first day of Big East action could be […]
