I can say with great confidence that Monday was my first chance to watch a college basketball game begin at 9:30 a.m., and as disorienting as that was, it was nothing compared to what happened over the next two hours. On the bright side, win or lose, it’s still Hawaii outside.
The Lahaina Civic Center is a nondescript building barely a stone’s throw from the ocean, and if you didn’t know it was there, you’d easily miss it. The simplicity of attending a game at a gym this small is one of the perks of the Invitational—walk through the door and you’re 20 feet from the court. No concourse, no concessions, just hoops. And Jay Bilas. Maybe I’ll say hello to Jay tomorrow.
Seton Hall’s section was small but boisterous—like their team, those folks brought the energy, though leading pretty much start to finish probably didn’t hurt. It was a frustrating first half but no cause for alarm, and I didn’t entertain the idea of losing this game until Seton Hall started the second half with that big run.
This is all my fault, probably. I sat next to some of USC forward Ezra Ausar’s family on my flight out and told them confidently that we’d see them on Tuesday. I know better, but the start to the season has gone to my head. It was inevitable that State would play its worst game of the year after that. Sorry, everyone!
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That was just a terrible defensive effort on State’s part and the execution at the other end was lethargic. As the game wore on I began to feel that Jerry Deng was specifically trying to ruin my morning. But no can do, Jerry; we’re in Hawaii, pal, and I will not be bothered (for long).
NC State will need a much better collective effort over the next two days, as it’s tough to be successful when Matt Able is the only guy who shows up for one entire half. We’ll see how another day of breakfast basketball suits everyone.
