March Madness: 15 Greatest Gus Johnson Moments (w/ video)
By Jacob Rude
13. “Marcotullio….OH! He hit it!”
TECHNICALLY, this wasn’t in March, occurring on February 29, 2012. However, on any regular year, it would have been in March, so we’ll allow the exception.
This is proof that, even in a remarkably dull environment (seriously Northwestern. You’re down one possession with the 11th-ranked team in the nation and you can’t even utter a peep?), Gus can create enthusiasm and excitement at the drop of a hat.
The Wildcats were doing the thing where they act like they want to be a tournament team but not really and, with their tournament hopes basically on life support at this point, they were left with fighting for pride and grasping at straws. Considering their lack of NCAA tournament appearances, I’m sure it’s a familiar feeling for Northwestern.
With the Buckeys ahead just three, the Wildcats were looking for star John Shurna to save them, but he was being denied the ball, leaving it in the hands of Alex Marcotullio, who calmly buried the near-30-footer to tie the game.
And in typical Northwestern fashion, they still managed to lose the game, Law of Gus be damned.
Next: 1996 - Princeton vs. UCLA