Your Milwaukee Panthers pulled off an historic comeback last night against the Wright State Raiders in Rd. 2 (Quarterfinals) of the 2021 Horizon League Men's Basketball Tournament. With a win probability sinking as low as 0.03% at its lowest point (per KenPom) it was Milwaukee who walked off the court victorious 94-92 and ended WSU's previously-brilliant '20-'21 season.
And our season goes on.
The contest last night featured some familiar style of Panther play: running out to a huge insurmountable deficit, and then getting right- back- in- the- race at some point in the second half. However, we are used to (1) seeing the short end of the stick in these situations and (2) seeing this happen with double-digit deficits when we are down by 12 or mayyybe 16 late in the 2nd Half.
But down by 24. With 6:26 left. And them boys did the dang thing. All the usual starting scorers made hay, with the OG* senior leadership crew of Gholston, JT and Lucas doing the most damage in the face of Wright State's vaunted frontcourt. After not much to be pumped up about this season, this most recent victory was a much-needed shot in the arm for a fanbase perpetually wondering, "what if?".
Don't take my word for it. Everyone from SVP of ESPN to FoxSports and all outlets local were singing the praises of this resilient group that seems poised to show its true mettle when is counts most. Te'Jon. Dre. JT. Amir. These are names that will become harder and harder to forget with each thrilling Playoff W.
Some or all of them may be back next season as the COVID restrictions and season-alterations have given everyone another year of eligibility. Despite whatever happens with the makeup of this team after this season is in the books, what is as encouraging as obvious is that the team is right in the thick of it- in March- fighting to play in the Big Dance and they seem to be loving it; playing as free and cohesive as at any point since any of these guys arrived on campus.
Credit to the players. Credit to the staff and coaches. Keep it positive and level.
Cleveland State lies in wait next Monday night. Tune in for some potential history, and if nothing else, a high probability of an entertaining college hoops playoff battle between two foes as old as Time. I know Norris will be watching.
Comments