First, Mason slowed down Robinson, a strong rookie of the year candidate who finished with 22 points.

Mike Holmgren, a coach of the year candidate, will not let that happen.

This year only 19* candidates were competing for the national crown.

St. John's had bottled the player of the year candidate all afternoon, holding him to 11 points.

A national player of the year candidate this season, Hansbrough is known for his competitiveness on and off the court.

The newcomer thanked the player of the year candidate for a lesson.

The team has the inside track for home-field advantage in the playoffs and Dennis Green is a strong coach of the year candidate.

Many speculated that this would be a fight of the year candidate.

That said, this year candidates in New York are once more lining up to try.

He averaged more than 14 points in November and December and looked like a rookie of the year candidate.