St. John's vs. Seton Hall: A Win's a Win (But Not by 35)
Well, well, well... it turns out my prediction skills are about as accurate as a blindfolded archer after three espresso martinis. No, St. John's didn't win by 35 points as I so confidently declared. Not even close. But as the ancient basketball philosophers say: a win is a win.
The Red Storm managed to squeak by the Pirates in what can only be described as basketball's answer to a tense political thriller – lots of dramatic moments, unexpected twists, and enough anxiety to make fans contemplate taking up knitting as a less stressful hobby.
St. John's players spent most of the game apparently trying to prove that shooting percentages are merely suggestions, not requirements. The rim seemed to have a personal vendetta against them for stretches of the game, rejecting shots with the enthusiasm of a bouncer at an exclusive club.
Seton Hall, for their part, refused to play the role of sacrificial lamb, fighting back with the stubbornness of someone who's been told the restaurant is closed but can clearly see people eating inside.
The coaches paced the sidelines like expectant fathers, occasionally erupting into gesticulations that would make an Italian grandmother proud. The refs, as always, made calls that somehow managed to infuriate both sides equally – a true achievement in impartial aggravation.
In the end, St. John's pulled it out, proving that basketball, like life, doesn't always care about your point spread predictions. The victory may not have been the 35-point demolition I envisioned, but hey – the W column doesn't ask "how pretty was it?" A win is a win, even if it was uglier than a Christmas sweater designed by a committee.
Next time I'll lower my prediction by, oh, about 30 points or so.
