In the world of Division II athletics, often you are watching players who aren’t the cream of the crop athletically.
They have considerable skill but also understand that – just as the commercial says – they will be going pro in something other than sports.
Except maybe, DaQuan Brooks.
Brooks dropped two Washington’s more than a Grant on an opposing team in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. For those not up on which U.S. Presidents are on U.S. Currency, That’s 52 points – a career high – which included 45 points in the second half.
It also happens to be the second highest point total in D-III tournament history.
From NCAA.com:
Brooks connected on 14 of 24 shots in the second half including 5-12 from beyond the arc. He also handed out a game-high five assists.’
“All it takes for me is to see the ball go through the hoop one time and I get my confidence back,” Brooks said.
In the first half, upon his own admission, Brooks was “thinking too much” and was held to just seven points on 3-of-11 shooting…
Yeah, I usually only score seven points in a half when I’m “thinking too much” too. Only, for me that means, concentrating intensely on the game and my ability to score.
Western Connecticut State was behind by eight points with just over 18 minutes to play. That’s when Brooks went “Beast Mode” on everyone.
Brooks scored seven consecutive points to pull the game even at 52 with 12:03 remaining.
CNU pulled away again, though. This time a seven-point lead, 73-66 with just under six minutes to play.
But, Brooks had other plans. WCS would score 18 of the games’ next 24 points, including 13 from Brooks to take the lead, 81-79. It was the first WCS lead since the 11:10 mark of the first half.
WCS would then cruise to a 94-84 victory. And a shot to play in the second round.
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