CBI Final Tied at a Game Apiece

By Henry Gula

The Broncos advanced through the first three rounds with wins over the University of Vermont, Purdue University and Wright State University and are now tied 1-1 in the "best of three" championship series with the George Mason Patriots from Fairfax, Va. 

The 16-team field consists of teams not selected for the NCAA Tournament or the NIT Tournament. It is often regarded as the third most prestigious postseason event. Teams were invited based upon performance during their conference and non-conference schedules, as well as how well the team was playing at the end of the regular season.

The Broncos were invited to this year's tournament, along with 15 other teams. Notable teams included were George Mason, the 2006 NCAA Final Four Cinderella story and the University of Texas.

Throughout this year's CBI run, senior guard Kevin Foster led the Broncos in scoring in each of the four tournament games, scoring 20 or more in all four games and upwards of 28 in each of the past three.

"It's really about my teammates trusting me," said Foster in a press conference after the team's first win over George Mason. "We don't want to lose. I just have to make sure I'm making senior plays and right now I'm making those shots and winning plays on the defensive end."

Starting with their first round win at home against the University of Vermont, 77-67, the Broncos have been on a run through the tournament.

The Broncos played their second-round game in Indiana at Purdue University. Santa Clara sophomore Brandon Clark returned to his home state and had the opportunity to play in front of almost 40 friends and family.

Clark sunk two pivotal free throws with 8.6 seconds left in that game to seal the 86-83 win for the Broncos. Clark's special moment was complimented by Foster's season-high 34 points and eight assists. Niyi Harrison added 11 rebounds to help the Broncos win only their third game in school history against a Big Ten Conference opponent.

"We played like we trusted each other and we were able to keep our composure at the end when they made a run," said Head Coach Kerry Keating in a press conference after that game. "Brandon Clark has been a key part of our team this year and a great addition."

Keating was right, and the Broncos won their semifinal game against Wright State of Dayton, Ohio by score of 81-69.

Foster scored 33 that night, becoming the third Bronco in school history to score 30 or more in back to back games. He sunk six three-point shots, putting him in sole possession of fifth place all time in the same stat category in NCAA history, passing Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry.

"Kevin Foster is the best player we have seen all season and it's not even close. That's no disrespect to any of our competition this year - he's just that good," said Wright State Head Coach Billy Donlon after the game.

The Broncos then returned home for the opener of their three-game championship series with George Mason. The Bronco seniors closed out their home careers with a 81-73 win over the Patriots.

"It was a little close early and we were trying to make the home run plays late," said Keating after the game. "We have to understand how to handle the pressure at the end of a game."

A 73-66 loss last night at George Mason forced a pivotal third game which will again be played at George Mason. A late surge by the Broncos fell short and the Patriots were able to hold Foster to just 16 points on 6-15 shooting. 

"We knew coming in that we had to win the first one," said forward Marc Trasolini. "We don't plan to (lose)."

Foster concluded, "Now it's time to bring the championship back."

Contact Henry Gula at hgula@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.