Game 5: Charleston Championship Day

I have to believe that the brackets were set up in hopes of a Georgetown - NC State final. Well the organizers of the Charleston Classic got their wish as the two teams from the power conferences advanced to the championship game. I was mildly surprised that George Mason didn't give NC State a better game.

In what is becoming typical fashion, Georgetown wore down NC State in the second half to capture what is hopefully the first of many titles this season. The Hoyas turned a halftime tie into a 82-67 victory that might be forever known as the Henry Sims coming out party.

Sims, a highly regarded freshmen 2 years ago, has yet to consistently contribute on the collegiate level. I hope that is all changing as he looked the most comfortable I have ever seen him yesterday, especially as the Hoyas ran their offense through him during the game's most critical stretch. In just 15 minutes Sims was able to contribute 5 assists and 9 rebounds. He also had 4 points but that wasn't the important part. The important part was his vision and feel for the game in the high post of the Princeton offense. I can't say enough about his play so I'll just stop and pray that it continues.

I've been waiting for Hollis Thompson to have a game like yesterday all season (5 games). Not only did Hollis lead the team in scoring but he hit shots and went to the hoop. Oh and he had 9 rebounds. It's funny how those three pointers become easier to hit once you start going to the basket a few times.

Lubick seems to be going through some growing pains as a freshmen right now. He's got a great motor but it's not clicking for him right now. I hope he turns his frustration into hard work and pushes through this. You can tell he will be a player.

The only disappointment for me was the lack of meaningful time for Sanford. I know there is a log jam at the guard position but he has to get minutes. I'm hoping that yesterday's lack of time was due to the fact that State is a rather tall team. There are going to be a lot of available minutes next season and Sanford is going to get a lot of them.

Chris Wright really has picked up where he left off from last season. He had 24 assists in the three games to earn MVP of the tournament. Clark was also named to the All-Tournament team. I'm still scratching my head as to who Julian didn't find himself on that team. 13 blocks in 3 games is pretty sick the last time I checked. Especially when you weren't even supposed to play after being ill.


Random: I know it's early to look at RPI and SOS but Georgetown's three opponents in this tournament went 2-1. That's the best possible scenario. Basically you want to beat all of your non-conference opponents and then root for them the rest of the way to make you look good. So far that has been happening for the Hoyas.

That was the last time I watch a game with sound when Jason Williams is doing the color. He's beyond awful. I'd rather list to Vitale. There. I said it.