For those of you who regularly follow my blog, which is probably about two people, you remember my prediction for the fate of the UNT Men’s Basketball team. If I remember correctly, it was back in December when I prophesized their current state. This past week, UNT knocked off Denver in the semifinals of the Sun Belt Conference championships, led by Tristan Thompson’s 19 point output. The very next night, UNT again was victorious over Troy, this time led by Eric Tramiel, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds. The wins sealed UNT’s second conference championship, and more importantly second NCAA tournament bid in the last four years. The team also set a record with 24 wins this season.
The NCAA tournament, also known as March Madness, welcomes only the top 65 Division I teams in the nation. The tournament is single elimination, and UNT still has yet to find out who they will face in the first round. Last time they were in the tournament, they faced No. 1 seeded Memphis in the first round, which resulted in an early exit for the Mean Green.
I highly recommend supporting the team by watching their first round game. I know a lot of the bars near campus will have it on their televisions. Put on some green and get crazy for the home team! This is another huge step for UNT in improving their athletic program. The University also has plans to build a new football stadium, which will be ready for the 2011 season. Being a sports fan, I like to see these strides within the athletic program.
My prediction for the Mean Green in this year’s tournament? I could easily say championship all the way baby, but I’m gonna be realistic and say that they will make it to the Sweet 16. This would be a huge boost for the university’s reputation. This Sunday the team will be at the Pourhouse Bar and Restaurant in Denton to watch the tournament selection show where they will find out who they play in the first round.
