UD part of wide-open Atlantic 10 tourney

Margin for error from in A-10 clashes is small says GW’s Hobbs, UD’s Gregory.

By Doug Harris, Staff Writer 12:52 AM Thursday, March 11, 2010

George Washington basketball coach Karl Hobbs was dejected over being knocked out of the Atlantic 10 tournament by Dayton on Tuesday night, March 9, knowing the league is so balanced that every team surviving to the quarterfinals in Atlantic City might be capable of riding a hot streak to the title.

“This year, it’s as wide open as it’s ever been,” said Hobbs, who won tourney crowns in 2005 and ’07. “Anyone can win that tournament.”

UD coach Brian Gregory agreed, saying the league doesn’t have one dominant team. He believes those who earned byes separated themselves from the rest of the field simply by making a few more plays in crunch time.

Third-seeded Richmond, for instance, was 9-2 during the regular season in games decided by five points or fewer, while fourth-seeded Saint Louis was 8-3. Top-seeded Temple was 3-1 and No. 2 Xavier 5-4.

UD has struggled in those tight affairs, going 3-8 this season.

“You’re talking one possession, two possessions here or there,” Gregory said. “Now eight teams going to a neutral site ... and somebody has to win three straight games. There are no shortcuts. There are no free passes.

“This league has been so good from top to bottom, so difficult, those battles that have been waged over the last two and a half months are only going to intensify these next three days. It’s going to be crazy. The quality of player, the intensity of play, it’s going to be as good as there is (in conference tournaments).”

After being picked to win the league and finishing 8-8, UD players are relishing a shot at redemption.

“It’s a new season. It’s a new season for everybody,” junior forward Chris Wright said. “This is the time when Cinderella teams are forming. Everybody is playing their best basketball now. It’s win or go home.”

Contact this reporter at  (937) 225-2125 or dharris @DaytonDailyNews.com.