Around the Rim with Brian Delaney and the Ithaca Journal

Below is an excerpt from Brian Delaney's Nov. 17 "Around the Rim" blog entry on the Ithaca Journal website:

Lots and lots of hoops to catch up on... so let's start most currently and work our way back.

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Harvard went triple overtime against William & Mary on Sunday, with Jeremy Lin hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. Here's video of the shot. Gotta like Lin's game. Kid can play.

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Now, Cornell-Alabama.

First, Lin and Ryan Wittman split Ivy player of the week for their respective performances.

The importance of the win is clear. After losing games like this to Syracuse, Indiana and Minnesota last year, the monkey is off this senior class' back. Considering what's ahead, they no longer have to worry about "Is this the night we get a signature win?" They can just play ball.

Couple notes from Donahue on the win:
First, he said don't read too much into the playing time and minutes. Alabama's press dictated that Dale and Wroblewski be on the court more than Donahue would typically like. Also, an ankle injury to Adam Wire in pre-game warm-ups limited his availability. With three games in the next six days, expect a little more spreading around of minutes.

Second, Foote played 35 minutes and was at his best down the stretch. "His conditioning level is amazing for a guy his size," Donahue said.

Third, a Donahue quote: "I think we played well in a lot of aspects; I wouldn't say we played great. I think we played like a veteran team plays. We made critical stops when we needed it, took care of the ball when we had to and made big plays offensively to answer all their runs."

Senior Jon Jaques did a video blog from the road. He's also been writing for the NY Times.

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Odds and ends:
- Max Groebe appeared to tweak an ankle in Monday's practice. Looked minor.
- Cornell visits UMass on Wednesday night, game time scheduled for 730 but probably more likely for an 8 p.m. tip-off with a 530 women's game scheduled.
- UMass is 0-1 with an 84-67 loss at Central Florida last Friday. Ricky Harris had 15 points, and the Minutemen tossed up 38 three-point attempts. The UMass preview will run in tomorrow's paper.
- Lastly, tickets for Seton Hall are still available, but going fast.