5 Thoughts: #1 Texas A&M 72, #4 Washington State 56 (NIT, semifinals)

1. Defense wins championships - Until the last four weeks, I was beginning to subscribe to the notion that defense wins games but offense wins championships. This Texas A&M team has renewed my faith in the fact that defense truly can win championships.

The first 20 minutes of game time in Madison Square Garden was one of the toughest offensive performances to endure (from my courtside seats). The Aggies made 1-of-9 from behind the 3-point line and 3-of-8 from the foul stripe.