Today I listened to the SVP & Russillo podcast and the One Big Thing done by Ryen Russillo was about the Big East. Here's the link if you want to hear it, One Big Thing. Good stuff. Anyway it got me thinking since this is the last real Big East Tourament before conference realignment takes place. I thought about the best moments of the Big East Tourney in my lifetime (mostly UConn related but that's because they have had some amazing moments recently).
Talik Brown vs Pittsburgh 2002
Talik Brown was pretty much the worst shooter I can remember playing at UConn. That might be a little harsh but him making this shot was incredible. An absolute bomb with the shot clock running out. Sealed the Big East Title over Pitt, who were my most hated Big East team by far. Talik Brown. ONIONS.
Gerry McNamara carries Syracuse
The video is a long one but it might be worth watching. In 2006 the Orange won four games in four days basically because of McNamara. Buzzer beater to beat Cincinnati. Huge 3-pointer against UConn to force overtime. Game-winning assist to Eric Devendorf against Georgetown. And then defeating Pitt to win the title. Incredible run.
Syracuse vs UConn 6 Overtime Game
One of the most incredible basketball games I've ever seen. Six overtimes. I couldn't believe it. It's one of those games where I remember where I was, at Mike Moriarty's house. Awesome, awesome game throughout. The game lasted 3 hours and 48 minutes. Eric Devendorf almost hits the game winner at the end of regulation, which would have been horrible because he is easily in my top 5 most hated college basketball players ever. I felt like UConn would eventually win it. Especially Kemba's half court shot at the end of the second OT, which bounced off the back of the rim and went straight up. I thought it was going to drop. Up by six in the 3rd OT but Andy Rautins hits a tying 3. Jeff Adrien had a shot at the buzzer but missed. I'm basically having a heart attack now. Then in the 5th overtime at the buzzer Adrien grabbed a rebound and had a great looked but missed. Then the 6th overtime everybody on UConn fouled out and Syracuse won. But this game is easily in my top 10 sporting events ever witnessed.
Cardiac Kemba
Gerry McNamara might have had an impressive Big East Tournament run in 2006 but Kemba Walker tops him in my opinion. In the 2011 Big East Tournament, Kemba put the team on his back. 5 games in 5 days and then eventually to the national championship. This was the highlight for me though. Breaking big Gary McGhee's ankles to hit the buzzer beater against Pitt. Classic.
I'm sure there are more moments out there that I missed but it's definitely a sad thing that there won't be any more moments like this. The Big East will be missed.
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