By Chris Vaccaro
In a game of epic proportions best fit for a 24-inch television, the Pride men's basketball team defeated the University of Nebraska, 70-61, in a simulated first round NIT game on EA Sports' 2006 March Madness.
On PlayStation 2, the rosters were set, the bench warmers were ready and raging fans, screaming a pre-set "Go-Team-Go," lit up Hofstra Arena for a historical athletic gala in Hempstead.
In the Pride's first ever post-conference championship playoff victory, I found myself gripping my fist tight as junior guard Loren Stokes dished passes to senior forward Aurimas Kieza for hard earned points midway through the first half. And it was even more gratifying when senior Adrian Uter had huge game-changing blocks, forcing the fans to erupt. This was all to the displeasure of Husker head coach Barry Collier, who appeared angry on the sidelines when he raised his fists.
While the simulated game displayed good team spirit from the virtual University students in attendance, tonight's game against the real Cornhuskers will be a big test and an important game for fans that have rallied around the Pride for the last 20 consecutive home victories.
The Pride's rejection to the dance floor was a heartbreaking experience for players and students, and although the NIT, simulated or real, isn't as magical as the NCAA Tournament, the players get a chance to prolong their season and play for the fans.
Senior forward Wes Wilkinson led the Cornhuskers with 13 points and six blocks, but his efforts weren't enough. Senior Aleks Maric dominated in the paint and gave Uter trouble at times, but the rest of the team didn't match up with the quick and effective Pride.
Kieza led both teams in scoring with 35 points and seven rebounds, amidst an array of dazzling floor work and a well-known presence in the paint. Stokes was invisible on the scoring sheet with six points, while sophomore guard Antoine Agudio finished with 10 points.
If the real Pride is fortunate enough to win tonight, these simulated matches will continue. Hopefully, a game console won't be the only driving force behind an NIT Championship.
Chris Vaccaro is sports editor of The Chronicle and Suffolk County Sports Editor of Long Island's Ultimate Athlete magazine. He can be reached at sports@hofstrachronicle.com.
Kieza scored 35 points in a simulated NIT Pride victory.