NCAA Tournament, Ray Mernagh, Villanova News

BREAKING DOWN BIG EAST DANCE OPPONENTS: ROBERT MORRIS

by RAY MERNAGH

#15 vs. #2 Villanova, 12:30 PM (Providence)

Robert Morris tries to shock the world early Thursday in a 2 vs 15 pairing with Villanova.

RMU has tough kids, led by frosh guard Karon Abraham who puts up 13 points a game. They also have veteran bigs in Dallas Green (6’8″, 210) and Rob Robinson (6’8″, 215) — both are seniors that can run the floor and make shots (particularly Green who’s made arguably the biggest BASKETS in Colonials history both this March and last) and they both shoot over 50%. Velton Jones and Mezie Nwigwe round out the starting lineup. RMU’s coach Mike Rice will go eight deep with guys that get 13 minutes a game or more.

This team is littered with kids from the Philly area who will be AMPED up to face Villanova. As a team the Colonials average 68 points and give up 65. They turn the ball over though so that could be their main undoing against Nova. If they do lose I’d be shocked if Rice isn’t announced at another school within a short period of time. He’s put in his time at the NEC school and can leave with his head held high knowing the foundation and successor are firmly in place. With the Seton Hall opening, among others, we’re wondering if Rice will bypass the A-10 level and go straight to a Big Six-type job. Word on the street is that Fordham is his if he wants it at somewhere between 400-500 K a year, but Rice, who’s been incredible both winning games and bringing in talent via his recruiting connections, could have much bigger options at this point. It says here that the AD that hires him will be making an intelligent call because the fiery Rice has what it takes to be a big-time coach.

Tickets to Providence pod for games involving ‘Nova and Bobby Mo, among others…

– Dunkin Donuts Center (Providence, RI)

NCAA Tournament Providence Tickets – Session 1 March 18 2010

NCAA Tournament Providence Tickets – Session 2 March 18 2010

NCAA Tournament Providence Tickets – Session 3 (Second Round) March 20 2010

NCAA Tournament Providence Tickets – Strip (Inlucdes all Three Sessions) March 18 2010

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