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March 14, 2008

Cardinals host sectionals with berth in Final Four on line

By CLIFF CONNERS The Press Republican Fri Mar 14, 2008, 12:30 AM EDT

PLATTSBURGH -- Tom Curle has led Plattsburgh State to a 97-46 record in his five seasons at the helm of the men's basketball program and an amazing 66-22 showing the past three years.

It's obvious Curle has the program heading in the right direction. But, he couldn't have done it without the likes of Anthony Williams and Travis Gorham leading the way.

Tonight, Williams and Gorham look to keep their careers and national title hopes alive when the Cardinals, ranked seventh in the final D3hoops.com poll, take on Brandeis University, ranked fifth, in the sectional round (Sweet 16) of the NCAA Div. III tournament at Memorial Hall. Tip-off is set for 8:15 p.m.

Defending national champion Amherst College, ranked No. 3 nationally, and unranked Richard Stockton College will lock horns in the first contest at 5:30 p.m.

It has been a long journey for Williams, Gorham and the rest of the Cardinals who have participated in four NCAA tournament games over the past three years.

In 2006, the Cardinals lost an overtime heartbreaker to Hamilton in the first round. After an unbelievable win over Rochester (a Wiliams buzzer-beating three from just inside half court) in last year's first round, the Cardinals fell to St. John Fisher the following day.

This year, Gorham, Williams and Plattsburgh State's four other seniors have taken it a step further, earning a trip to the Sweet 16.

And, to top it off, they get to play at home.

"It's a beautiful feeling to move one step further in the NCAA tournament, but it makes it even more special that we are playing these games at home," Williams said. "We felt confident we could get to this point right from the beginning of the season.

"We thought we were good last year, but the chemistry and talent that we have with the new guys we brought in this season has made us a special team. This was one of our main goals, but from here it is one step at a time."

Not enough can be said about this year's team. The Cardinals have done just about everything right, and their only two losses came in succession. One at the end of the first semester (the second game of a tournament in California), and the other to begin the second semester.

Other than that, the Cardinals have been perfect, including a 13-0 home record and wins over Clarkson and Middlebury, who were both NCAA tournament teams.

"This year showed how fast the program is moving forward, and that's a testament to the coaching staff, players and the school," said Gorham, a six-foot-six rebounding machine. "Since the first day I got here, I wanted this program to become more successful. And, it has.

"Now, it's a matter of taking care of business and keeping this thing going. If we don't produce now then nothing else matters. This is what we have been working so hard for over the past three years."

Williams is averaging 24.1 points a game. He has set two school records (single-season and career points), was named a pre-season All-American (along with Gorham) and was named SUNYAC Player of the Year for the second straight season. Oh ya, he was also SUNYAC tournament MVP.

But, he would not be the player he has been over the past three seasons if it weren't for Gorham, Khlyan Hunt, Ricky Rider and Antwane Miller running the floor with him.

Gorham is a two-time SUNYAC all-conference selection. He was last year's SUNYAC tournament MVP, was named to the SUNYAC tournament team once again this year, joined Williams as a SUNYAC First Team member this year and was the only player in the conference to average a double-double.

Hunt (a SUNYAC Second-Team choice), Miller and Rider have flown underneath the radar throughout their successful careers.

That said, this team has a legitimate chance at a national title. They have the right coach and the perfect assortment of players. More importantly, though, their attitude and focus is where it needs to be. And, that's because they are an experienced and confident group.

"Personally, the rankings and records look good on paper, but they mean nothing to me," Gorham said. "All that matters is what happens at the end of this season. We want to put a ring on our fingers and hold up a national title next weekend, but we know we have to take care of things one game at a time.

"When all is over, we want Plattsburgh State be next to the No. 1 in the national rankings. To do that, we need to win the national championship."

In order to even reach the Final Four, though, the Cardinals will have to get through two games this weekend. First on the list, Brandeis.

Brandeis is 22-5 this season, but three of its losses came in a row during the middle stage of its season. Since then, the Judges have won 10 of their last 11 contests to ascend to No. 5 in the national rankings.

They are a hard-nosed, well-coached group that knows how to win. Like the Cardinals, the Judges are in the midst of back-to-back 20-win seasons.

"They get in your face on the defensive end," said Curle. "We have got to take care of the ball if we want to win this game. They are quick, athletic and will get into your space.

"We can't let them make us uncomfortable and rush things," he continued. "We need to be physical with them and take care of the ball. If we can take care of the ball and get good shots, we will be right where we want to be.

"We have reached a goal we set when the tournament started, but it's not a bad thing to dream big. Now that we are close to a Final Four we are going to take this one game at a time. That's the only way to handle it."

For Gorham and Williams, their senior year couldn't have played out any better. It's not over yet, however. They want four more wins, but they want two more at home, especially.

"It's a big advantage for us to play at home," Gorham said. "We have fed off the crowd so much that having homecourt makes us even better. We also can keep our regular routines, relax and get ready to play.

"This is what it's all about. Let's do this, man."