McKillop a winner in his first game at MSG
Bob McKillop’s smile was infectious. Fans, ushers and media members all were smiling after seeing the Davidson coach before his team played in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.
A native of Queens, McKillop had a very good playing career at Hofstra before becoming a successful high school coach on Long Island, which led to his long run as the head man at Davidson.
Until he took the 23rd-ranked Wildcats into the building on Tuesday, McKillop had never coached a game at Madison Square Garden.
“I saw many St. John’s games in this building. I grew up in South Ozone Park and my best friend growing up there was Kevin Joyce, who played at South Carolina and had some great games in this building,” McKillop said. “I’ve seen some great players in this building. The Knicks with Red Holzman. I’ve got memories solidly embedded in my mind about how great this building is.”
The smile was gone at game time, but it was back and bigger than ever after Davidson beat West Virginia 68-65. Stephon Curry missed 12 of his first 13 3-point attempts before making his last three to rally the Wildcats.
“It was a joy to be back here in New York and win in this place,” McKillop said.
Flying high at Dayton
They’re dancing and winning in Dayton.
The Flyers are off to an 8-1 start and the credit could be given to some foot work that comes from dance classes.
Senior forward Charles Little is in a ballet class this semester. Sophomore Chris Wright is studying tap dance this term.
“Tap is really difficult to do, but it pays off,” Wright said. “After my ankle injury last year, it really helps with my flexibility and footwork.”
Twins pouring it in
Chavis and Travis Holmes are keeping VMI in pursuit of a third straight scoring title by averaging a combined 59.7 points per game this season.
The seniors are also marching up the career scoring list for twins. Their total of 2,928 has them fourth on the list.
The No. 1 twin duo was a little one-sided. Johnny and Eddie O’Brien scored 3,263 points for Seattle U. in the early 1950s. Johnny had 2,733 points in his three seasons while Eddie had 530 in his one season at the school.
On the court
Temple 88, (8) Tennessee 72: At Philadelphia, Dionte Christmas scored 35 points and hit three straight 3-pointers during a game-changing stretch for the Owls (5-3). Tyler Smith led the Volunteers (6-2) with 17 points.
(12) Notre Dame 74, Boston U. 67: At South Bend, Ind., Luke Harangody had 23 points and 15 rebounds and the Irish (7-2) finished with a 10-1 run to extend their home winning streak to 41 games. Corey Lowe scored 19 points to lead the Terriers (5-4).
(16) UCLA 72, DePaul 54: At Anaheim, Calif., Josh Shipp and Jrue Holiday scored 14 points each and for the Bruins (6-2) in the John R. Wooden Classic doubleheader. Mac Koshwal had 12 points and eight rebounds for the Blue Demons (4-4).
(19) Georgetown 79, (17) Memphis 70 (OT): At Washington, DaJuan Summers had 21 points and seven rebounds and Austin Freeman scored 18 points for the Hoyas (7-1), who outscored the Tigers (5-2) 13-4 in the extra period.
(23) Davidson 100, Chattanooga 95: At Davidson, N.C., Stephen Curry had 41 points for the Wildcats (8-1, 1-0 Southern Conference). Stephen McDowell scored 31 points for the Mocs (1-6, 0-1), who lost their fourth straight game to a ranked opponent.
Massachusetts 61, (25) Kansas 60: At Kansas City, Mo., Ricky Harris had 18 points, Chris Lowe added 12 and the Minutemen (3-6) used a stingy defense to hold off the Jayhawks (7-2).