March Madness: Manhattan College Jaspers vs. Louisville Cardinals

For the first time in 10 years, the Manhattan College Jaspers will head to the NCAA Tournament. The selection committee matched 13th seed Jaspers with 4th seed and defending national champions, Louisville Cardinals. A surprise to many, especially Manhattan College Head coach, Steve Masiello, who played for and was an assistant coach under Rick Pitino, Louisville Cardinals' Head coach. 

The odds are against the Jaspers, and tonight's game fits well with the underdog story they've carried all season.  

It's easy to be impressed with the Louisville Cardinals, and rightfully so!  But, let's not forget the great numbers the Jaspers put up this season.  They started the season 11-2 and ended it 11-1; they also won 22 of their last 27 games, and 6 of their 7 losses came by 6 points or less.  The Jaspers also played really well at away games, they came second only behind Wichita State, in most wins (16) away from home.

Another factor is senior guard George Beamon.  He averaged 19 points and 6 rebounds this season.  He is undeniably the leader of the team and his presence this year (Beamon was injured last season when the Jaspers played and lost against the Cardinals) will make a big difference.  

It will be an interesting clash- student (Massiello) vs teacher (Pitino), and defending champs vs underdog!

Tune into TNT tonight at 9:30 to see the Jaspers play against the Cardinals! 

Let's go JASPERS!!!!