NCC 43, (15)Augustana 41
Summary
This game had the feel of an old-time basketball game in front of a packed house.. We spent the first 5 and a half minutes locked in a 0-0 tie before Augie (16-5, 6-4) opened the scoring. The teams started to pick up from there as the offenses got in rhythm, but Augie led most of the half, going up 22-17 at the break. The Cardinals (15-6, 9-1) made their adjustments to get back to a one possession game for almost the entire 2nd half. It was tied at 38 with 4:41 left before Augie got a three to take the lead with 4:23 left. They would not score again as the Cardinals closed them out on defense.
Key Stats
- Teams combined: 28-92 FG (30.4%), 41 turnovers. The Vikings shot worse (14-48) and turned it over 25 times, but this shows how physical and competitive a game this one was. Both teams played excellent defense and had some struggles on offense. The Cardinals nearly lost this one from the free throw line (9-15), but Augie missed its opportunities too (11-19).
- Aaron Tiknis (NCC): 6-11 FG (3-7 3PT), 4-5 FT, 19 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl. He was clearly the best player out there on a night where Landon Gamble couldn't buy a layup (0 pts) and Derek Raridon was held to 3 points (all FT's). The hybrid forward was everywhere trying to have an impact, and hit some huge shots for the Cardinals all game long.
- Brandon Kunz (AUG): 3-5 FG, 6-9 FT, 12 pts, 12 reb (4 off). Came off the bench and was an excellent presence for the Vikings with teammates getting in foul trouble. Something the Vikings can build on as they make their run at a CCIW crown.
I think this was probably the biggest game I've ever done public address for, but it was a somber night with the passing of Shaun Wild. But the turnout was great, and the fans were fantastic in helping give the Cardinals a home court advantage, something I try to do every game (since I was filling in for Jim Godo, the normal men's announcer). I got really into the game, even feeling headaches with a couple three calls. With about 3 minutes left, Clark Teuscher, the Sports Information Director, told me to "take it down from 11 to 10" because he "didn't want to lose me if the game went to overtime". I tried, and timeouts helped.
Anyway, this was the first sweep of Augie in what seems like forever, and the Cardinals are unbeaten at home this season (which could be a huge advantage if they top the conference standings). A tough team to beat with a great defense, and have multiple options to score with.
Bonus Feature
This was tough to do since I had to get it from my iPhone. I apologize for the shaking of the phone. I was really anxious/excited when doing this last night. I also threw off the team's order of running out; I think normally Jim does them in numerical order, I tried more of a Ray Clay style. I do like how Derek did a Jeff Hornacek-esque move by running out before his name was called. I respect his humility, and how he lets his game speak for itself. But anyway, yesterday's lineups:
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