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Tampa subregional
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 21, 2003
1. A HEALTHY DELONTE WEST: The 6-foot-4 sophomore shooting guard averages 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He can hit longe-range jumpers or drive to the basket, which makes him tough to defend. He also is one of the better rebounders. With West in the lineup, Saint Joseph's is capable of playing with just about anybody.
2. PAT CARROLL AT HIS BEST: The sophomore small forward is one of the nation's premier 3-point shooters (he made eight in one game), and he'll need to play big. If West can draw defenders from Carroll, point guard Jameer Nelson should be able to get Carroll some open looks at the basket. He must convert.
3. MAINTAIN DEFENSIVE INTENSITY: The Hawks led the Atlantic 10 Conference in scoring defense (59.3), field-goal percentage defense (.369) and blocks (5.59). But Auburn, which averages 70.9 points, will provide a stiff test because of its athleticism. The Tigers are strong at dribble penetration, which leads to many easy baskets.
4. TOUGH REBOUNDING: Saint Joseph's isn't a great rebounding squad, which could be a problem against the formidable Tigers frontline. Auburn is big and physical. A lot of pressure will fall on the Hawks' 7-1 center, Alexandre Sazonov, and 6-10 forward Dave Mallon.
5. NELSON, NELSON, NELSON: Carroll and West are solid, but Nelson is the best. The more he has the ball the better Saint Joseph's will be. This is his chance to show the nation how good he is, something those in the Northeast already know.