by Craig on March 18, 2010
Melvin Goins drained a critical three-pointer, his fourth of the game, with :19 remaining as the 6th seeded Tennessee Volunteers edged 11th seeded San Diego State 62-59 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Goins finished with 15 points off the bench for the Vols, who advance to play 14th seeded Ohio in the 2nd round of the Midwest Regional.
The Aztecs delivered the effort and intensity needed to come out of Providence with their first-ever NCAA tournament win, but were unable to hit the big shots when needed down the stretch. Kawhi Leonard airballed a contested three-pointer at the buzzer that would have tied the game. Leonard finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
D.J. Gay had a solid game with 16 points, including three big free throws with :09 left to cut the lead to one. The Aztecs were undone, though, with their shooting from beyond the arc. SDSU was 3-for-18 (16.7%) from three, and was outscored by Tennessee 24-9 from distance.
After the jump, read more PLUS Craig and Chris break down the game in a brand-new 619 Sports podcast: Continue Reading →
by Craig on March 15, 2010
PASL-Pro commissioner Kevin Milliken (left) hands the championship trophy to Sockers coach/GM Phil Salvagio
DEL MAR–The Sockers are back, and now they’ve got the title to prove it.
Paul Wright had a goal and four assists, Kraig Chiles scored a hat trick, and the San Diego Sockers withstood a furious rally from La Raza de Guadalajara, prevailing 9-8 at the Del Mar Arena to claim the PASL-Pro North American Championship.
Riley Swift (in gray) was named tournament MVP after collecting 37 saves in two games
Goalkeeper Riley Swift, who followed up a 16-save performance in the semis with 21 saves on Saturday night, was named tournament MVP.
“It’s championship time,” said Swift, “These were two tough games, but we knew what we wanted to do, and we made it happen. It’s been way overdue to finally bring a championship back to San Diego, and I hope there’s more to come.”
It’s the 11th major indoor title for the Sockers, but the first for this collection of young talent and aged greatness.
“We worked so hard for this,” said a relieved Wright after the game, “I can’t believe we’re going to raise another banner up here.” Continue Reading →
