Pressure-packed hoops flaring up tempers on the hardwood
By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer
Pressure-packed hoops are back. College players ultimately carry the brunt of the mental challenge of making a shot or stop to get in the NCAA Tournament or to advance in college basketball’s showcase. Coaches can get caught up in the heat of the moment when wins and losses are tied to their job security or upward mobility in the profession. Fans are also fired up. Villanova coach Jay Wright says the pandemic is part of the reason tempers are running hot on and around the hardwood.