Tennessee Wears Down St. Francis in Final Four
Detroit, MI - The St. Francis dream season came to an end tonight at the hands of #2 seeded Tennessee. Amidst foul problems, Will Felder was unable to find any support for his 27 points, as both Red Flash Front Court starters fouled out in the second half. Tennessee shot 26 free throw attempts and had four players in double figures. St. Francis, the cinderella surprise of this year's tournament now has a big question to resolve, as it returns all five starters, but will Coach Brandin Knight leapfrog if he gets the opportunity. He spoke to reporters after the game.
"You know, I'm just so proud of these kids that I can't focus on something like that right now. All I will say is that it will take a lot to tear me away from this team, my attachment to them is familial." Knight was a 3 year starter at the University of Pittsburgh before moving into the coaching world. At St. Francis he is 56-14 with 29 conference wins. "Before I make any decisions I will talk it over with the players and my staff before moving forward."
Final Four
#2 Tennessee 69, #5 St. Francis 56
#1 Georgia Tech 84, #11 Florida 74
National Championship
#1 Georgia Tech 68, #2 Tennessee 63
#2 Tennessee 69, #5 St. Francis 56
#1 Georgia Tech 84, #11 Florida 74
National Championship
#1 Georgia Tech 68, #2 Tennessee 63
2011-2012 Awards
National Champions - Georgia Tech - 30-7 (13-3)
Player of the Year - Mouphtao Yarou, PF, JR, Villanova - 23.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG
Mid-Major Player of the Year - Ryan Rossiter, PF, JR, Siena - 22.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 2.1 BPG
Coach of the Year - Paul Hewitt, Georgia Tech
Defensive Player of the Year - William Mosley, C, SR, Northwestern St. - 13.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.8 BPG
Big Man of the Year - Mouphtao Yarou, PF, JR, Villanova
Freshman of the Year - Monty Bigby, SG, Duke (#1 SG, #1 OVR 2011) - 11.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.6 SPG
St. Francis Award Winners
Conference Champions - St. Francis Red Flash (15-3)
NEC Conference Coach of the Year - Brandin Knight (34-4)
NEC Freshman of the Year - Harry Goodrich, C, 6'10" - 6.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG
1st Team All-NEC - Will Felder, Harry Goodrich
2nd Team All-NEC - Umar Shannon
Freshman All-NEC - Harry Goodrich