That time of year for the men’s basketball team is bouncing into town again.
We all know the story. We remember what happened like it was yesterday (or just last year, whichever you prefer). A hot start to the season, two back-to-back wins against ranked opponents Villanova and St. John’s, and, eventually, a Top 25 ranking.
Then, just as fast as the jubilation had swept through South Orange, it was gone.
A year ago, the Pirates finished their season 4-13 after those two big wins. That dropped them from their peak No. 19 ranking all the way to a 16-15 record with no postseason play.