Starting guards have Davidson in Elite company
by JEFFREY MARTIN, Special to FOXSports.com
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Another big night from sophomore sensation Stephen Curry was expected — and that's precisely what he delivered, a 33-point night, one more stellar outing in a March already full of such performances.
But for Richards (11 points) to do what he did, well, the Wildcats are nothing short of special when they're both playing at that level.
"To have an assist-turnover ratio of 13-0 in a Sweet 16 game, I think, is unparalleled," McKillop said. "Now, Steph Curry is averaging 30 points a game. I think it's a pretty darn good backcourt."
No arguments here, and certainly none from Wisconsin, which finished its season with a 31-5 record.
The stage — and really, that's what the propped-up makeshift court at the 50-yard line of Ford Field is, just a large stage — belonged to Curry, who has become the face (make that baby face) of this tournament. The kid with the quickest release in the land was on fire again, converting what few doubters remained Friday.
Curry displayed the whole arsenal. A step-back three. Going glass from 16 feet. Pump-faking to let a Badger pass by through the air, composing himself and connecting on a three. A runner in the lane.
There doesn't seem to be a shot he can't make, and he took 22 Friday. He made 11, including six 3-pointers, scoring 22 points in the second half.
"I stopped being amazed with Steph Curry back in December of last year," McKillop said. "What he did today is what I expect from him. He does that so consistently."
LeBron James was in the house, on hand for the Cleveland Cavaliers' game tomorrow night at the Palace of Auburn Hills, and he could only grin after an impossible reverse lay-up by Curry in the second half. What was the slogan of James' Nike ad campaign from a few years back?
We are all witnesses?
James was just that Friday, a witness. So were the approximately 53,000 in attendance — some Davidson fans, conveniently enough, wearing red shirts bearing the word "witness" on the front — and the millions watching at home.
Who hasn't Curry impressed? Who haven't the Wildcats, unquestionably the tournament's feel-good story and now winners of 25 straight games, impressed?
Don't cheapen this by applying the dreaded "Cinderella" label. Dispel that myth. Not here, not with Davidson. The Wildcats (29-6), champions of the Southern Conference, stood toe-to-toe with the mighty Big Ten and prevailed, which shouldn't be a surprise. First it was the West Coast (Gonzaga) and then the Big East (Georgetown).
Next up could be Big 12 champion Kansas, which handled Villanova, 72-57.
Look out, Jayhawks, and be warned — it's not just Curry and Richards. Just listen to Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan:
"We knew Curry could score 30-some points and we could still win," he said. "And between the two of them, as far as Richards and Curry, they could get 40 to 50 points, and we'd still have a chance to win if we hit some shots. But if the other guys are going to go five-for-five, two-for-two — I mean, give those guys credit."
What about two big threes for Bryant Barr? How about forward Andrew Lovedale, who didn't miss in 23 minutes and scored 12 points? Or forward Boris Meno, whom McKillop lauded for outstanding energy?
Still, it comes down to Curry, who is averaging a staggering 34.3 points in three games — his coach short-changed him by 4.3 points — and Richards, the guy who finds Curry for open looks but can call his own number when the situation warrants.
They're responsible for Davidson being here, back in the Elite Eight for the first time since consecutive appearances in 1968 and 1969.
"What Steph and J-Rich are doing and what our team stands for is just a continuation," Davidson guard Max Paulhus Gosselin said. "I feel a lot of people in the nation are getting behind us now and really trying to encourage us in the dream we are going after."
A whole lot more after Friday.
Jeffrey Martin is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com. He also writes for the Wichita Eagle. He can be reached at reyheath@gmail.com.
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