In Quebec as in the United States, Bennedict Mathurin has become the darling of the media since the beginning of March Madness. After just two games, he has established himself as one of the most talented players in the tournament. However, his work is far from done.
Posted at 6:54 p.m.
The University of Arizona Wildcats first beat the Wright State Raiders 87-70 before beating the TCU Horned Frogs 85-80 in overtime.
In his team’s first game, the Montrealer collected 18 points.
In the second, he collected 30. A performance that did not go unnoticed and which was marked by a monstrous dunk in the second half that went around the world.
“My teammates were teasing me, because I hadn’t dunked since the beginning of the week and now was the perfect time. My teammate had the ball, the player covering me lost me, I cut in the direction of the basket, it was a chance not to be missed and I took advantage of it. I jumped as high as I could and I did my dunk, ”he explained at a press conference on Wednesday.
This achievement has given his team an immeasurable dose of energy as they prepare to face the fifth-seeded Houston Cougars. A duel which will be fiercely contested and in which Mathurin will still be able to shine to help his team advance in the table.
The Quebecer is aware that he attracts the attention of both NBA fans and recruiters. Nevertheless, he has a goal in mind and it is not about individual triumph. He wants to do well, obviously, but simply to help his team.
“There are a lot of people who see what I’m doing because I’ve been playing well since the start of March Madness and that’s pretty normal, but I stay humble and I continue to do what I have to do, because the work is not finished. »
At the start of the season, the 19-year-old athlete aimed to improve in all phases of the game. His training did not steal his place as the first seed and Mathurin is delighted to live this first experience at March Madness with such a talented and promising group of players.
“It’s really a great experience […] and I really enjoy being on the field with my teammates. To have won is a good feeling, and I always want to win the next game and repeat that game after game. »
Mathurin is on a mission and he is preparing to play the most important matches of his career over the next few days. There are only 16 teams still undefeated in the tournament. Mathurin and the Wildcats will play late Thursday evening.