SoCon Tournament Central: Semifinals Review

Davidson 65, Appalachian State 62- The Wildcats trailed 41-28, and seemed to be out of the game. Then they came back and took a 57-51 lead. But Appalachian State was not done, and Nathan Healy shot a three at the buzzer to tie the game. He missed it, and Davidson survived and advanced. It was a tremendous game. Jake Cohen's foul trouble was exactly what Appalachian State needed. It caused the Wildcats to have to go to their bench more frequently. This helped keep Appalachian State in the game. It was a great game that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole night. It was thrilling. This is the sort of intensity that you don't often get in the bigger tournaments- the big favorite playing for their tournament lives against a scrappy underdog in a game that really matters. It was amazing.

College of Charleston 68, Elon 60- Every time the Cougars started to pull away, Elon would go on a run, but the Phoenix were never able to take the lead. That put College of Charleston in the championship game opposite Davidson. This was a solid, winning performance by College of Charleston. They played with heart- something this program has lacked in previous trips to the SoCon Tournament. Willis Hall came out and scored 16 points, and has every opportunity to wind up on the All SoCon Tournament team. The Phoenix are heartily disappointed to be not advancing to the NCAA Tournament. One of the best seasons in program history ends short of their schools first trip to the NCAA Tournament. Very disheartening. But the Cougars now get a shot in their final game in the SoCon to advance to the NCAA Tournament.