SHANE WILSON
It’s all or nothing from here on out.
That is what’s probably on the mind of every Emporia State men’s basketball player right about now. If I were in the same predicament, it would definitely be in the forefront of my mind. Let me reiterate.
It’s all or nothing from here on out.
In the most epic of circumstances, this team came through to get to postseason play. With a trip to the MIAA Tournament on the line, ESU beat hated rival Washburn – in overtime, no less. The stakes were high, and this team shined like it hadn’t all season long.
So now what?
You’d think after a game like the last one against Washburn, this men’s team could just go home and relax. Take a break. Think about something else. Maybe even wax nostalgic about what a great game that was.
Not hardly.
It should be every apparent that a trip to the MIAA Tournament is serious business. The winner of the tournament receives the conference’s automatic bid to play in the regional tournament – and a chance to continue their season.
I’d have a hard time believing anyone involved in the MIAA Tournament is taking it easy in light of the implications. Don’t be fooled – this Emporia State men’s basketball team is probably preparing like their livelihood depends on it.
That’s because it does.
One loss in the tournament signifies the end of the road. The hopes and dreams for that team, particularly the seniors, will be dashed with a single blemish on the tournament bracket. The winner, however, will have the opportunity to fight another day.
I think the “win or go home” attitude can’t possibly be overstated.
I know many of you are thinking that this team is not prepared to do battle in the conference tournament. With a loss like the team had against Ft. Hays State less than a week ago (47-94), it’s hard to imagine a successful outcome for the Hornets come Friday when they face – you guessed it – Ft. Hays State.
What people don’t realize is that it is very difficult for a team to beat another team more than once in a season, let alone three times. Don’t let the recent 3-0 run from the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys over the Philadelphia Eagles lead you to believe different.
When the Hornets face off against the Tigers of Ft. Hays State, it will be quite the skirmish. Hays is playing for the right to continue on in the MIAA Tournament, too. The game will be close, and when you see the look in an Emporia State player’s eyes, you might just know what it is now: determination. Determination and fear. Not the kind of fear that turns your head away from a scary movie, the kind of fear that pushes you to the edge of excellence. Or failure.
It’s all or nothing from here on out.
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