What a thrill of a game to go to.
Some of my overall thoughts:
-- Sports generational trauma is real. My dad and I are both Mets fans. I wasn't comfortable with our lead at half time, or even with six minutes left after we got the lead back up from 9. It's very funny looking back on it, because that is such a silly thought with an elite defense + coach like this.
-- Still stand by what I said early in the game. The split attendance-wise was probably 55-45 STJ to UConn. I think the team's success and everyone's interest got everyone by surprise, and fair enough. But next year, I want this to be 80-20. Hopefully season tickets double and MSG/STJ is more comfortable in holding out sections for students. Under no circumstances should we be allowing MSG to be giving out feevo discounts to UConn fans. There were also more empty seats in the 100s this game compared to other games. Probably resellers who weren't able to resale. But this game very legitimately had people packed in the 400s. Very much a sellout.
-- First time I noticed the board attempt to do crowd chants with defense and go johnnies. Happy to see.
-- Loved to watch the UConn chirper in the section over from me get quieter and quieter as the game went on. Guy looked like he was going to cry. An older UConn fan leaving had to give him a pep talk.

-- Our team can win the national title. I find it hilarious to read opposing teams' boards still question us. But we've got two very elite closers: RJ and Kadary. We've got an elite defense. We've got elite length and speed. Depth isn't going to matter as much in March. It's wild to say this with a straight face but it's true. We're right there with that second tier group of teams.
-- Imagine someone telling you we win with those stats and in this fashion, but RJ goes 4-18. Wild, but just happened.
-- Aaron Scott not getting into foul trouble was a massive development. Kept him on the court longer than he could in other games. An all-time favorite Johnnie.
-- Sim Wilcher can be a stud next year. Never wilts under pressure, defense has become close to elite, and his mid-range is money. Just has to hit FTs and 3s more consistently, and stop with the silly fouls. Will be really important to keep him.
-- Deivon Smith is officially back. Maybe the guy I trust the most shooting 3s on the team. He does so much for our transition game.
-- If Lefty can provide us even five minutes of competent basketball, that will go a LONG way in the Big East tournament when we're playing 3-4 games back-to-back. I loved what I saw. I hope MullinsRevenge didn't combust by his conflicting rooting interests.
-- Don't underestimate Ayo's importance to this team. He led the team in a couple of huddles and their breakdowns. Glue guy. Really importnat in this era.
Looking at a top 6 or 7 ranking tomorrow, assuming the voter in South Florida stops being a crazy person. Win Wednesday, and we can all be celebrating our first Big East regular season championship on Saturday on CBS.
LFG!!!