New York, NY

If one were to ask me to describe this time of year in college sports, I would compare it to Christmas time. The conference tournaments would be the holiday parties leading up to the big day, or in this case, the big dance. The Big East Tournament, held in basketball’s Mecca, would be like attending a Christmas party in the North Pole. New York is the birthplace of basketball. This year Georgetown, was the guest of honor after winning their first Big East Conference Tournament since 1989.

The countdown to the coronation of the Georgetown Hoyas as Big East Champions began with 9:32 left in regulation. Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon called time out, walked out to the three point line and took what seemed to be  a deep breath of submission. His Pitt Panthers we down nearly 20 points. Aaron Gray was unable to score and the rest of the team was shooting well below 30 percent from the floor.

Tournament MVP Jeff Green scored 21 points in a game that was never in doubt.  The Hoyas jumped out to a quick lead and at one point scored 13 unanswered points as the hapless Panthers offense struggled to find their rhythm.  Adam Gray was nearly held scoreless in the first half. Gray finished with 5 points. The center became increasingly frustrated with his offensive woes that continued for the entire game.

The Hoyas appeared to get every bounce and loose ball in the contest. Their defense stifled an already struggling Pitt offense. Roy Hibbert posted a double double, 18 points and 11 rebounds. Patrick Ewing Jr. was held scoreless, but his on court hustle contributed to Georgetown convincing win.

The official celebration began with 1:32 seconds remaining. John Thompson III began pulling his starters and hugging them as they came off the court. The crowd, was full of Georgetown supporters who made the worlds most famous arena the Big Apple Verizon Center. 

During the post game celebration, the fans chanted, “ six more wins”  with hopes that their team will used the momentum from this tournament victory to end up in Atlanta, GA in just three weeks for the National Championship Game. The final score from Madison Square Garden was Georgetown 65 Pitt 42. The Hoyas will return to Washington D.C. on Sunday and await their seeding  and destination fate in the NCAA tournament.