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March 19, 2000 By Mark Soltau SportsLine.com Senior Writer |
Video: NCAA Tournament highlights Soltau: Defensive attitude finally pays off for Wisconsin NCAA Tournament schedule and results
Stromile Swift cradled the basketball like a newborn
and strode to center court. For several seconds he savored the moment, then
slammed the ball on the floor. It bounced high in the air, nearly hitting
the overhead scoreboard.
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"Just a little bit of emotion," said the LSU sophomore. "I was happy."
Swift had every reason to be. At the start of the season, few figured the Tigers for NCAA Tournament-material, let alone Sweet 16ers. After hugging the SEC cellar the past two seasons, respectability was the top priority.
LSU has it now. The Tigers earned it with Saturday's 72-67 win over Texas in the second round of the NCAA Western Regional at Huntsman Center. After a shaky start, they scratched and clawed to stay in contention, then made the big plays down the stretch.
Swift, a dynamic 6-foot-9 sophomore from Shreveport, La., delivered the knockout blow. With 1:56 remaining and LSU clinging to a 62-60 lead, he stuffed All-America center Chris Mihm from close range, then followed his own miss at the other end for a four-point advantage. He was seemingly everywhere for the fourth-seeded Tigers, who advance to Albuquerque, N.M. on Thursday to play sixth-seeded Wisconsin.
"I don't know if it was the turning point," said Swift, who scored a game-high 23 points, added 13 rebounds and two blocks. "It kind of motivated the team and got us going."
And how. LSU turned up its defense, scrapped for every loose ball and converted most of its free throws to secure its 28th win of the season, one shy of the school record set in 1980-81.
"Texas was looking a little down, so we just kicked up our defense a little more," said freshman point guard Torris Bright.
Senior center Jabari Smith, who also had a hand in the win with 11 points and seven rebounds, had trouble fathoming what his team had just accomplished. Other than watching it from his couch, the NCAA Tournament has been only a pipedream.
"It's a funny kind of feeling because I've never been there," he said. "I've only watched it on TV. I'm going to take tomorrow off and enjoy this with my teammates."
That said, Smith cast a hopeful glance at LSU coach John Brady, seated to his left. Had he spoken too soon? Nope, Brady consented.
"There's not a better story nationally than what's happened at LSU," he gushed. "To go to the Sweet 16, I couldn't be prouder of this collection of people. And we're not done yet."
How did the Tigers regroup after Thursday's hairy victory over 13th-seeded Southeast Missouri State? Swift said he challenged himself after a sub-par performance that included 13 points and six blocks. He knew he was capable of more.
"It got me going for this game," Swift said. "I was just looking forward to the challenge."
Some thought he was nuts for attending LSU, which hadn't produced a winning season since 1992-93. Due to NCAA sanctions, the Tigers will be limited to nine scholarship players again next season, but Swift felt he could help renovate the program and attract better players.
"It's a great feeling," he said. "I came to LSU when it was not a good time to come. But I knew I could play and if I came, others would follow behind me."
Brady didn't need an airplane for the return flight to Baton Rogue. He was already sky-high. Asked if he had a preference between Arizona and Wisconsin, who played in the second game, Brady could hardly contain himself.
"LSU's in the Sweet 16," he said. "We'll take on all-comers right now."
Dumb move
Brady committed a coaching gaffe late in the first half and was lucky it didn't cost him. Smith picked up his second foul with 13:22 remaining in the first half and avoided another until about two minutes left when Brady wisely replaced him. For some reason, he put him back into the game and Smith quickly collected his third foul with 34 seconds left.
Fortunately for Brady, Smith finished the game with four fouls and scored seven points in the second half. Had he fouled out earlier, the outcome might have been different.
Mihm's the word
After a decent start, Mihm wound up with 10 points on 5-of-14 shooting and committed five turnovers, most for walking. It was not a memorable performance by the 7-0 junior center.
"It was frustrating," said Mihm, who missed several attempts from point-blank. "I just couldn't find a way to put it in. They (Tigers) did a good job of sealing at the end and that's how they won the game."
Credit Smith and Swift for throwing off his rhythm. Also the 6-foot-4 Bright, who has quick hands and is disruptive.
"Torris did a good job of swiping at the ball, making him travel," Smith said.
No Wagner
Texas coach Rick Barnes said the toughest part of the defeat was realizing he had coached senior guard Ivan Wagner for the final time. Wagner scored a team-high 19 points and chipped in four assists.
"I might coach for 20 years and never have an opportunity to coach another guy like him," said Brady. "I've said all along that he is one of the most underrated players in the country."
Looking ahead?
On Friday, Arizona players Richard Jefferson and Gilbert Arenas said they would love another shot at LSU, which blasted the fifth-ranked Wildcats in Baton Rogue last January, 86-60. When asked if players had looked past Wisconsin at the post-game press conference, Jefferson was interrupted by coach Lute Olson.
"Don't even respond to that question," Olson bristled. "Our team was ready to play. You could feel the electricity in the locker room. For anybody to make that statement is ridiculous."
When a member of the media snickered, Olson added, "It's not funny."
With that, Jefferson left and Olson stayed.
"Any further intelligent questions?" he asked.