NCAA Men's First Round in Providence

After the disappointing loss by Northwestern last night, we started Day 2 in Providence with a tasty egg/sausage sandwich prepared by Coach followed by 10a.m. stouts awaiting the arrival of his folks, Nick, and Caitlin. 

Pre-lifeinbirmingham, Scottie and I attended the Round 1 and 2 games in Chicago at the United Center, but I remember sitting way up top (aka cheap seats), so today as we headed over to the scene of the NCAA Men's Basketball Round 1 & 2 games at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, I remembered my glasses!  However, I was immediately impressed with our seats in the Dunk and almost didn't need them.  There wasn't a bad seat in the house.  We even had a good angle to watch the CBS announcers Bill Rafferty and Verne Lundquist.

First up was (2) Villanova Wildcats vs. (15) Robert Morris Colonials.  Villanova star Scottie Reynolds was on the bench to start the game.  I guess he had a little too much fun on St. Patty's Day!  But he made an entrance after 4 minutes.  The game was a battle coming down to a last minute play with Villanova going for the win, but it wasn't good.  And the first game of the tournament and in Providence went to OT!  Of course, our section, and really, much of the stadium decided to cheer for Robert Morris.  How could you not after the effort by the team and their coach?  Again, it came down to a buzz beater in OT, but Villanova hung in.  After the game, the Robert Morris coach and team walked toward their fans giving them some love for all their support. It was nice gesture to see the players acknowledging their fans!

Next up (10) Saint Mary's Gaels vs. (7) Richmond Spiders.  I picked the upset here, and was it ever.  The game swiftly got out of control with the big guy from Saint Mary's, Omar Samhan scoring 29 total and that was with foul trouble.  We booked it out a little early from this game for some much needed sustenance!

Coach brought us to a tasty burger joint, Luxe Burger Bar where we could build our own burgers!  Mine below with Gold Label Beef, Jarlsberg Swiss, Baby Spinach, Sprouts, Guacamole on a Whole Wheat Bun! Tasty! 

A full belly and a few Narragansett Lagers later, I was ready for Session 2!  First up for the second session, (3) Georgetown Hoyas vs. (14) Ohio Bobcats.  Ohio pretty much tore Georgetown to pieces on the court and off the court (what an incredible band!), and I think everyone in attendance was pretty fine with that upset!  

The last game of the evening paired (6) Tennessee Vols vs. (11) San Diego State Aztecs.  While the Vols brought quite the fanbase, I think I was in the minority elsewhere cheering for them, but I had to support my Dad's alma mater!  The Vols led the first half, but SDSU came back in the second to make it a down to the wire finish.  SDSU ordered up another buzz beater for us to watch, but they fell short losing 59-62. 

See more pictures in my photo album.