My thoughts -
Watched the game without about 20 other SJU fans in a bar in NYC tonight. The reality is that, without D-Lo, and with Branch playing at 30% (where he is still our best point), we knew it was going to be an uphill battle, as will all games be for the rest of the year.
I was proud of our heart tonight. Providence is on a roll and not an easy place to play, and we were in a position to win the game. As far as the crowd getting into it - well they have a chip on their shoulder because we beat them out for several high profile recruits. You could tell that Prop Joe from The Wire wanted this one, as he should after the beat down he got last year in Carnesecca and the recruiting trail. With a team that has several major contributors who are upper classmen and minus D-Lo and 75% of Branch, they should beat us. If they didn't, shame on them.
It is hard from a fan standpoint to go from being on the NCAA bubble, with a chance, to the NIT. But that is reality for us right now. But I was proud of the guys tonight, with my only frustration being that Bourgault didn't play more at the end when we desperately needed someone to sink an outside shot. I understand SOME of the negative stuff being posted (though others are delusional), but we are going to be in fine shape going forward. Hopefully the guys can make enough shots to steal one at ND, and make the Marquette game more meaningful.