2008 Woodie Awards
PC upsets WVU in push for NCAA bid
Kevin O'Brien '07
Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Sports
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The Friars fell short at Notre Dame on Thursday, Feb. 15, losing 81-78, but rebounded to grab two crucial home wins: A 71-66 victory over St. John's on Saturday, Feb. 17, followed by a 64-61 upset of No. 22 West Virginia on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
"As you get towards the end of the year, the games all become more magnified," Head Coach Tim Welsh said. "Once you get to this point, you're in the mix of a lot of discussion about post-season stuff. We really haven't talked about that, but the guys know what each game means."
With their record now at 17-9 and 7-6 in the Big East, the Friars are still within reach of a 20-win season-the number they'll need to have any shot at dancing next month. The loss at Notre Dame removed any margin for error, as a win there would have given PC a better shot at the Tourney.
Saturday's win over St. John's was a study in frustration, as the Friars looked stagnant en route to a 30-28 halftime deficit. But a 14-2 run to open the second half gave PC control of the game.
"St. John's does not give you anything," Welsh said. "As you see, right to the end, they gave us everything we wanted and plus. They're a good basketball team, so it's a good win and we're happy."
One of the keys to PC's victory was the ability to knock down free throws. A little more than a week after a 7-16 effort at the charity stripe sabotaged any chance of a win at then-No. 7 Pittsburgh, the Friars hit 18-20 free throws, including several crucial ones down the stretch.
Sophomore Weyinmi Efejuku continued his role as team barometer. After scoring just seven points in 17 minutes of action against the Fighting Irish, Efejuku bounced back with a game-high 22 against the Red Storm. PC is currently 15-1 when the sophomore guard scores 13 or more points.