With the score tied at 52 and one minute to play, the Hoyas had at least one possession left to try to take the lead and let their top-ranked defense do the rest. But with 40 seconds left, on their first drive downcourt, sophomore guard DaJuan Summers took an open shot that went straight down the center of the cylinder, catapulting the Hoyas to their first back-to-back regular season Big East Championships in their 101-year history.
“I came through the baseline because I wanted to stretch the defense out but no one came,” Summers said. “So when Jon penetrated at the top of the key he made the pass and I was set and ready to shoot. I knew if he passed it I was open so I got my feet together and followed through and hit the shot.” That kind of playmaking has reaffirmed the Hoyas’ status as a contender in this post-season.
“You get good players and you allow them to make decisions,” Head Coach John Thompson III said.
As a sophomore, Summers has increased his production by a full two points and three rebounds per game, all while establishing himself as a defensive force. If the Hoyas are to repeat as a final four team, his contributions will have to balance the inside threat of first team all-Big East player Roy Hibbert.
