Prior to the game, star wing Julian Champagnie shared with the local press that “he has been defended much tougher this year.” Local coaches have confirmed that “teams have loaded up against him.” Champagne felt he “has not been good enough this season” and states that neither he nor any of his teammates have given up on turning the season around in the last two games and the Big East tournament.
As fans entered Carnesecca there was an optimism. “We beat them a couple of weeks ago at their place,” one fan shared. A second was excited because, “we have Joel Soriano back.