While I’m not sure you can call a go-ahead shot hit with over one minute left on the clock a game-winner, when St Mary’s upset Villanova earlier today, Mickey McConnell’s bank-shot 3-pointer with 1:16 left in the game was indeed a dagger. Or a back-breaker. Or one of the bigger display of “ONIONS” you’ll see today.

McConnell’s unlikely shot was aided by a slick, little crossover that left his defender flat-footed. It’s things like McConnell’s deadly three that makes March such an awesome time of the year.

In other news, how good is St Mary’s? After smoking Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference tournament final, the Gaels have to be one of the hottest teams in college basketball. While Villanova got close down the stretch, it was clear which team earned the “better” designation. While St Mary’s will now be embraced as the 2010 Tournament’s Cinderella, that has as much to do with the fact the Gaels are an unknown commodity.

For those of you who at least watched the WCC final, their success shouldn’t be so surprising.

Oh, and just in case you think McConnell’s shot was a fluke, think again. In his last three games, including their win over Gonzaga (McConnell was named the WCC Tournament’s MOP), McConnell is 12-22 from behind the 3-point line. If that’s not the definition of a “deadeye,” they might want to reconsider the meaning.