Teams such as Virginia Commonwealth, Wichita State, and George Mason have made it a requirement that college hoops nerds pay attention to the mid-major conference tournaments. Every year it seems as if one of those scrappy, senior-laden, well-coached teams you've only heard of when you fill out your bracket goes and harpoons Georgetown.
The Colonial Athletic Association crowned their representative in the Big Dance last night when the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens men’s hoops team capped off a dream season, winning their first regular season and tournament titles in team history. If history is a guide, the Hens' luck may have run out as they are a winless in post-season play. However, this year may be different. The Hens were blessed last night by a guy even luckier than they.
When VP Biden calls from Chile to wish u luck, u gotta get it done!! Go Blue Hens!!!
— Monte Ross (@CoachMonteRoss) March 10, 2014
I don't know about you, but I sleep easier at night knowing my vice president can find time in a diplomatic mission to phone the head coach of a mid-level college basketball team to wish them good luck. What about your home town state of Pennsylvania, Joe? My Penn State Lady Lions could have used a call before they got bushwhacked in the second round of the Big Ten tourney last weekend.
The Blue Hens kept the game close, riding big man Carl Baptiste for 24 and 8. Hens Coach Ross drew up the game-winning lay-up for Baptiste, letting the forward bullrush toward the basket.
Joe treated Paul Ryan similarly during their 2012 debate. Someone needs to get Paul Ryan off that P-90x and teach him how to draw a charge. That William & Mary defender took that elbow in his sternum like a champ. PDR could learn a thing or two from that.
The Hens scurried away with their fifth-ever NCAA tournament appearance.
According to ESPN's latest Bracketology, the Hens are a projected 13 seed and are matched up with a significantly more formidable mid-major, the San Diego State Aztecs. It's hard to see UDel breaking the slide to come away with their first tournament victory.
A lot like Biden's presumed 2016 run for the presidency, the Blue Hens will almost certainly be bounced early.
