We played the six games of separation game with the four teams headed to Norfolk for the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament that start Sunday. Virginia, by the way, subs in for Kevin Bacon.
James Madison: The most obvious connection given JMU is a state school, and has four players from Virginia (Jalissa Taylor, Chesterfield; Courtney Hamner, Manassas; Nikki Newman, Harrisonburg; and home town girl Lauren Whitehurst Chesapeake (Indian River High). The Dukes have won the last two times they have played on the Constant Center floor, both times defeating ODU.
Temple? Consider the coaching staff. Head coach Tonya Cardoza graduated from Virginia in 1991 after leading the Cavaliers to four straight NCAA appearances including one Final Four. A Kodak Honor Mention All-American, she played in 121 games for Virginia.
Her assistant Waynetta Veney, a Hampton High School graduate, was the fiery point guard when East Carolina met ODU in the 2000 CAA tournament in the Constant Center. Veney was also an assistant to W&M coach Debbie Taylor.
Temple center Brittany Lewis, who won't be on the floor, is sitting out this season after transferring from Virginia Tech.
Southern? If you were around on March 20, 2006, you might remember Duke romping past Southern 96-27 (an NCAA record for lowest points scored in a game). They will play UConn on March 20, just so you know.
Southern also fell 67-41 this year to W&M at the Gator Classic consolation game.
UConn?
A long, long time ago as Don McLean says in "American Pie,", Geno was assistant coach to Debbie Ryan (1981-85). Another less dubious connection, UConn routed Richmond this year on Nov. 27. The Huskies last played in Norfolk on Dec. 21, 2001, defeating the Lady Monarchs 84-70. They have never played in the Constant Center.
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