Team #81 - New Hampshire

On Friday November 12th, 2020 I was able to see my 81st ever Division I College Basketball team. This time it was the New Hampshire Wildcats. New Hampshire was taking on the Marquette Golden Eagles. I did a little more research this time on the Wildcats before they tipped with the Golden Eagles. I saw they a very experienced team and expected to finish in the Top 3 of the America East Conference. New Hampshire was lead by Senior forwards Jayden Martinez and Nick Guadarrama. Both are expected be top players in the America East this year. New Hampshire really gave Marquette a runs for it's money. The game was very back and forth during the 1st Half.  With about five minutes left in the 1st half, it was looking like New Hampshire would take a lead into halftime. But a 15-5 Marquette run fueled by Justin Lewis and Darryl Morsell to end the half gave Marquette a 34-29 advantage at Halftime. 

For the first five or so minutes of the 2nd Half, the action was very similar to the first. Back and forth, nobody having more than a five point lead. No matter what Marquette did, they could not shake New Hampshire. At the times, when you would thought Marquette would start to put New Hampshire away. The Wildcats would hit a big shot to keep it close. Down the stretch, the game was very closely contested. With about 30 seconds to go Nick Guadarrama hit a huge three pointer to make it a 70-71 game. At this point, I knew the game would come down to free throws. In the 30 seconds of the game, Justin Lewis made four critical free throws to seal the deal. Darryl Morsell finished as the leading scorer with 26 points for Marquette. Morsell's 26 points might have been the quietest 26 point game I've ever seen. With players like Colin Gillespie and Jared Rhoden in the conference, it is doubtful Morsell will be the player of the year. However, he does have a legitimate chance to make the 1st Team All Big East. 

Until next time,

Brad Hosmer