Collegehoops.net All-First Round Team & MOP

It may have been Good Friday for the rest of the world, but for college basketball fans it was a Great Friday.  While Thursday’s opening round games had their moments, Friday’s slate of action was full of what makes the NCAA tournament great – upsets, nail biters, buzzer beaters & great individual performances.

Not surprisingly, Friday’s top performers dominate CHN’s All-First Round Team.

CollegeHoops.net First Round MOP: Stephen Curry, Davidson

40 points, five steals, 8-10 3pts

Could it really be anyone else?  Dell’s little boy was on fire against Gonzaga, almost matching his teammates point for point (Curry – 40, rest of the Wildcats – 42).  There are few NCAA players that can light it up like Curry can and as the ‘Zags found out, he can be deadly efficient (14-22 FGs, 4-6 FTs, 8-10 3pts).  You think John Thompson and Georgetown are having nightmares about him yet?  And to think, a wise CHN scribe mentioned that this might happen..

MOP Runner Up: Tyrone Brazelton, Western Kentucky

33 points, five assists, five rebounds, two steals, 6-10 3pts

Point guard Tyrone Brazelton seemed to be everywhere on the court for the Hilltoppers on Friday.  In addition to scoring a career-high 33, he set up teammate Ty Rogers for the game-winning, buzzer-beating, desperation three-pointer in overtime.  Western Kentucky will need more of Brazelton’s relentless attacking to get past San Diego and gain entry into the Sweet Sixteen.

CollegeHoops.net All-First Round Team:

Guard: Tyrone Brazelton, Western Kentucky

Guard: Stephen Curry, Davidson

Guard: Jack McClinton, Miami - 38 points, four rebounds, three assists

McClinton’s 32 second half points matched opponent Saint Mary’s total.  Enough said.

Forward: Jonathan Cox, Drake - 29 points, 16 boards, 2 blocks, 4-6 3pts

Killer stat line - the only thing missing was the W.

Forward: Sonny Weems, Arkansas - 31 points, five boards, two steals

At least Weems left some room for improvement – he did miss two of the 14 shots he took against Indiana.