Brady on Niagara, Marist

Editor’s note: Poughkeepsie Journal sports reporter Phil Strum is in Raleigh, N.C., to cover the Marist College men’s basketball team in the National Invitation Tournament.

RALEIGH, N.C., 6:45 p.m. — Got a few little things to update for everyone from the quiet confines of the hotel before I head over to the crazed atmosphere at Reynolds Coliseum. By the way, it's Phil again.

Matt Brady on tonight's game between Niagara and Kansas: "For a while, they'll be able to hang in there with Kansas. Everybody thinks Kansas will eventually wear them down. But Niagara's had a terrific season under some stressful situations they encountered early in the year. So I'm happy to see our league represented well."

Brady on tonight's game: "They're unbelievably skillful," the coach said of N.C State. "They're terrific passers. Probably the best passing team we've played in my three years. They're a team that is extraordinarily well-coached. I would think that this is going to be close. Hopefully, we'll make the baskets at the end to put us over the top."

Here's an interesting article from Tim Peeler on the N.C. State website on the crazy few days thay have had: http://www.gopack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=827856

OK I am off to Reynolds Coliseum in a bit. Check in later!