Show A Little Restraint

Last night, in my attempts to avoid the State of the Union Address that was on damn near every channel, I found myself watching a couple different college basketball games. One of the games that I kept going back to because of the local implications was #19 UConn visiting unranked Providence. The game was close for most of the time, until Providence pulled away down the stretch for a double-digit victory. The students in the arena celebrated the victory by storming the court. Here's the thing: this was not a "storm the court" situation.

I understand that Providence basketball has not had a great deal of success the last couple of years, but they are not some bottom-feeding program that has never tasted victory. They are a very respectable Big East program that has had multiple NCAA appearances and has made a couple deep runs in that tournament. In addition, while UConn is ranked and just beat the then-#1 Texas Longhorns, they also have six loses and were not exactly on a hot streak having lost three of their last five games heading into last night. Plus, they were without their Hall of Fame coach who is taking a leave of absence to deal with a medical issue. In other words, this was not exactly a miracle win. I just think the Providence students should have shown a little more restraint.

I'm all for getting excited and filled with school spirit, but there is a point at which showing a little self-discipline is in order. You know, act like you expect to win. Here are the only times I feel like it is ok to storm the court:

1. When it is a Division 1AA school beating a Division 1 school: then it's truly a David beating Goliath situation. Unfortunately those big boys never travel to small schools, so those kids never get the chance.

2. A team with several years of losing records beats a traditional rival in a close game. And it has to be a real traditional rival, none of this manufactured "one side considers it a rivalry while the other side doesn't."

3. When your team beats an undefeated, highly ranked opponent. This also needs an add-on, because if you are in the Top 25 yourself, then no storming of anything.

Other than that, there is no reason to rush the court. Also, if you are at one of those traditional powerhouses, then it is really never acceptable to rush the court until you win the National Championship.