With the beginning of the NCAA Tournament, we've entered the part of the season where every senior is faced with the end of their collegiate career with their next loss. Angel Robinson took that to heart this afternoon while putting up 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals to lead 8 seed Marquette to a first round (yes, the women's tournament only has 64 teams, so this is the first round) victory over 9 seed Texas, 68-65.
Robinson did a lot of the heavy lifting throughout the game, especially in the second half where she scored 15 of her points to help lead Marquette back from a 45-37 deficit with 16 minutes remaining, but the win wouldn't have been possible without Tatiyiana McMorris hitting one of her three 3 point baskets with 9 seconds left to give Marquette the lead for good. Texas had one last chance to tie, but Kathleen Nash got caught in traffic and couldn't even get a shot off before time expired.
Awards and whimsy after the jump:
Abbie Willenborg Player of The Game: Angel Robinson, although it was close. Paige Fiedorowicz played like a senior should in the NCAA Tournament, with 14 points and 6 rebounds.
Clare Barnard Undersung Eagle of the Game: I'm not going to give it to any one player here, but to the entire team for their defense in the game. They only committed NINE fouls the entire game, which led to Texas shooting ZERO free throws.
Up Next: Marquette plays #1 seed Tennessee on their home floor for a trip to the Sweet 16 on Monday night at 6pm Central on ESPN2.
Whimsy: LOOK AT THIS DOG.