National Championship Game thread

[Titanxman04]

Incase anyone is wandering around on XH, I'll be in the chatroom to discuss the game. Just know, I'm a Duke fan. :D

[GoMuskies]

Matt Howard's going to start hitting and is going to go Ellis Myles on Duke's ass. That big dumb oaf of Duke's can't check Howard. Howard just has to hit the good shots he's creating (and mix in a made free throw maybe).

[Titanxman04]

Matt Howard's going to start hitting and is going to go Ellis Myles on Duke's ass. That big dumb oaf of Duke's can't check Howard. Howard just has to hit the good shots he's creating (and mix in a made free throw maybe).

Howard is struggling against big Z. He's way to small and Z is too big and strong. Plus, that kid is playing like a MAN this tourny.

[GoMuskies]

Howard is using him on the offensive end, but he's just missing his shots. Howard's been a mess this Final Four. Heyward and Howard have three combined points, and Butler has a lead. That's a good sign for the Dawgs.

Butler sure as hell plays some defense.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Please win Duke...Lance McCallister will think he's a living God if Butler wins

[stophorseabuse]

Butler getting jobbed by the officials. I refuse to call out officials during Xavier games, but they are not playing. Butler getting str8 DUKED with 6:22 left.

[GoMuskies]

Butler has to hit open threes. That's killing them.

[GoMuskies]

Didn't Plumlee just tackle Mack?

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Butler getting jobbed by the officials. I refuse to call out officials during Xavier games, but they are not playing. Butler getting str8 DUKED with 6:22 left.

They got away with what should have been an AND 1 on Singler.

Anyways, anyone else see how Zoubek has developed at Duke? Hardly a reliable contributor his whole career until this season, and Duke just took off after he did. Its amazing really. Hopefully Kenny can take some notes

[GoMuskies]

Zoubek is tall. And.....that's it.

[Titanxman04]

Zoubek is tall. And.....that's it.

Watch that kid contorl the paint. And he follows the game plan. He knows he's not the scorer. I almost wish he'd take it up more, but he has better options. We would love him at X.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Watch that kid contorl the paint. And he follows the game plan. He knows he's not the scorer. I almost wish he'd take it up more, but he has better options. We would love him at X.

He pushes people around, plays good D, gets boards, alters shots, occasionally scores, and is aggressive without fouling. Such an improvement over his first 3 years when he was pretty much useless

[Titanxman04]

Hayward does that all the time. Running and literally slamming his body into someone mid-air. He did it to X a lot. He gets away with it somehow. It should be a foul. He purposely initiates that contact before even going for the ball.

[GoMuskies]

He plays terrible D. Howard missed a few easy ones after going right around him, and Butler's backup center just came in and scored five straight on him. He's super slow.

[stophorseabuse]

holy shit, that jump ball just then was WORSE than the jump ball call on Lyons @ Butler. Ouch.

Zoubek is better than just tall now. He has really developed a nasty streak on the glass. I hope Kenny has similar development as well.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Hayward does that all the time. Running and literally slamming his body into someone mid-air. He did it to X a lot. He gets away with it somehow. It should be a foul. He purposely initiates that contact before even going for the ball.

Howard is really good at that too. They draw fouls extremely well, yet never seem to ever get called for them on the other end.

[Titanxman04]

He pushes people around, plays good D, gets boards, alters shots, occasionally scores, and is aggressive without fouling. Such an improvement over his first 3 years when he was pretty much useless

Its been fun watching him grow up throughout the ACC tournament through now. He's been playing absolutely solid, where as some games throughout the season, he would disappear. He's been a HUGE part of taking this team as far as it's gone. Big, big rebounds.

[chico]

Veasley is not a scorer - he's shooting too much.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

He plays terrible D. Howard missed a few easy ones after going right around him, and Butler's backup center just came in and scored five straight on him. He's super slow.

I'm not saying he's an NBA player. I'm just saying the guy has worked hard and actually become effective on the court. He took a ton of abuse from Duke fans the last 3 years.

2/3 from the field, 5 rebounds(2 offensive), a block, and around 3 shots altered.

[GoMuskies]

Jukes has 10 now. A season high already.

[stophorseabuse]

Really good game so far.

[Titanxman04]

Really good game so far.

I concur.

It's been fun to watch. There's blood in the water for Butler... but then again, I think Duke has the ability to play a lot better than what they are. We'll see what happens. This game is FAR from decided.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Duke's bench doing zilch

Butler out rebounding Duke 21-17

Bench points for Butler - 15-0

[Titanxman04]

Duke is alsoa team that lives and dies by the three. If they start shooting it well, look out.

They also need to shut down Butler's three point shooting. Plus, that guy, Jukes? He's playing out of his mind right now.

[GoMuskies]

Butler's gonna need a big half from Heyward. I think Howard is just out of it for some reason (perhaps the lingering effects of the concussion).

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Butler's gonna need a big half from Heyward. I think Howard is just out of it for some reason (perhaps the lingering effects of the concussion).

And that ridiculous Stache he has. I would say that's the effects of the concussion but he had it for the whole year

[GoMuskies]

I think Stevens just has a good plan with Howard and Jukes. There's no way Zoubek can guard those guys. Jukes is executing the plan for sure.

[Titanxman04]

I think Stevens just has a good plan with Howard and Jukes. There's no way Zoubek can guard those guys. Jukes is executing the plan for sure.

What game are you watching? Zoubek is taking care of Howard fine. Jukes is the one giving him fits.

[GoMuskies]

Howard is getting right around Zoubek. He's just missing. Howard is off (and he was off against Mich. State).

[chico]

I agree with Go. Howard is too quick and slippery for Zoubek and if he starts hitting his shots (and stays out of foul trouble) Butler should win this game.

Butler's only shooting 34%, Duke 50%. Butler's rebounding is keeping them in the game.

[Titanxman04]

Howard is getting right around Zoubek. He's just missing. Howard is off (and he was off against Mich. State).

Zoubek is altering his shot. He's quicker. But Z is just too big and strong. He's not allowing Howard a clean look.

[GoMuskies]

Now, to give Zoubek some credit, I think he surprised Howard when he took that charge (and there's no way Zoubek can be knocked down that easily). That was a very nice play by Zoubek.

[Titanxman04]

Everyone tries to draw charges. Its part of the game. Howard definitely dropped his shoulder into Z.

[PM Thor]

I don't see dooks 3 point game getting much better, and that's a testament to Butlers defense. It will continue, methinks.

I believe Butler is going to take this. They are making some massive mistakes, and still are down only 1. Gawd, how awesome would it be to have Coach K outcoached by a 33 year old? Ha!

I'm not torn any more. Ever since tipoff I am rooting for the Bulldogs.

I HATE dayton.

[GoMuskies]

As I said, it was a nice play.

Duke -4.5 in the second half.

[boozehound]

And that ridiculous Stache he has. I would say that's the effects of the concussion but he had it for the whole year

I agree 100%. The worst mustache since Adam Morrison. His friends and family need to have an intervention.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Now, to give Zoubek some credit, I think he surprised Howard when he took that charge (and there's no way Zoubek can be knocked down that easily). That was a very nice play by Zoubek.

Haha, I was cracking up when Z took that charge.

I am rooting for Duke solely because Lance McAllister will be unbearable in this city if Butler wins with his anti-Xavier drivel

[GoMuskies]

Red Sox play the Yankees here tomorrow. Very few people in this town are going to notice what happens tonight either way.

[PM Thor]

I agree 100%. The worst mustache since Adam Morrison. His friends and family need to have an intervention.

X2. That thing is an abomination.

[GoMuskies]

OK, someone fouled the hell out of that Dookie with no call. I guess it does happen.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

OK, someone fouled the hell out of that Dookie with no call. I guess it does happen.

And here comes the Zoubek of old. Fouling like crazy at the 3 point line

[Titanxman04]

Let it be known, Z wasn't on Howard there.

[GoMuskies]

How did Matt Howard foul Zoubek on that play?!?

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Let it be known, Z wasn't on Howard there.

haha, I never thought in a million years, I'd be rooting for Duke while defending a big Duke oaf on a Xavier message board, but here I am. Cmon Big Z! And Duke!

And another offensive board for Z!

[GoMuskies]

Getting chippy.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

How did Matt Howard foul Zoubek on that play?!?

He didn't. His Stache did

[Drew's Crew]

How did Matt Howard foul Zoubek on that play?!?

Seriously, that was hilarious to see coach K call for a foul.

What a loser.

[Titanxman04]

Butler's D is nasty. Mean while, Duke is failing to play and D.

[PM Thor]

Butler's D is nasty. Mean while, Duke is failing to play and D.

Duke looks terrible on D. Butler is taking advantage of the high post, dribble driving right past the bigger duke guys who don't seem to know how to close off the lanes.

Butler is going to do this!

I HATE dayton.

[GoMuskies]

I don't think that fould should have been on Howard.

[Titanxman04]

Howard just made a big mistake, waving his arms frantically to try and get that rebound, ends up hitting a Duke player, and he's right back on the bench.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Singler is freakin good. A better version of Hayward in my opinion

[GoMuskies]

Every time Butler gets the lead, Duke answers right back. Frustrating.

[Titanxman04]

Singler is freakin good

Word.:D:D:D

Rebounds now tied at 24 and 24.

Duke also has 6 blocks to Butler's 1.

Duke has more steals.

Butler with 11 fouls, to Duke's 7.

[PM Thor]

Howard just made a big mistake, waving his arms frantically to try and get that rebound, ends up hitting a Duke player, and he's right back on the bench.

I was upset when X lost the recruiting war to get Howard, but wow, he is a liability out there. He can't seem to stay out of foul trouble, and they aren't even good fouls, just dumb, dumb fouls.

I HATE dayton.

[stophorseabuse]

Honestly, Butler will not be allowed to win this game. If it stays tight the calls are going to go crazy the last 8 minutes. I do not fathom the officials letting Butler get this win.

[kyxu]

Word.:D:D:D

Rebounds now tied at 24 and 24.

Duke also has 6 blocks to Butler's 1.

Duke has more steals.

Butler with 11 fouls, to Duke's 7.

Your love affair with Duke is quite gay.

[Titanxman04]

Honestly, Butler will not be allowed to win this game. If it stays tight the calls are going to go crazy the last 8 minutes. I do not fathom the officials letting Butler get this win.

It MUST be a conspiracy to let Duke win.

[GoMuskies]

If Zoubek fouls out, Duke wins.

[X-band '01]

Jukes was very close to getting Duke-d on that call.

[Titanxman04]

Your love affair with Duke is quite gay.

I can't help it. Three generations of Duke fans in this family. Remember, I always said X comes first.

[West is Best]

Matt Howard is one of the most frustrating players to watch... picks up fouls he has no business getting. I don't know if I could take it had he gone to X

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I was upset when X lost the recruiting war to get Howard, but wow, he is a liability out there. He can't seem to stay out of foul trouble, and they aren't even good fouls, just dumb, dumb fouls.

I HATE dayton.

Ya, he's frustrated. I gotta admit though, he's getting good looks and he's making good offensive moves. They just aren't falling and then he flips out. His stache however is showing great composure

[GoMuskies]

There's the terrible charge/block call we were all waiting for. I hate Duke.

[PM Thor]

Hayward gets duke'd.

What a terrible call.

I HATE dayton.

[kyxu]

Terrible charge call on Hayward. Scheyer moved right into him.

Thanks for reminding me why I hate Duke.

[GoMuskies]

Dammit, not Zoubek!

[X-band '01]

If Zoubek fouls out, Duke wins.

One more foul and you may get your wish.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

There's the terrible charge/block call we were all waiting for. I hate Duke.

Your man Zoubek has 4. You may get your wish.

[stophorseabuse]

Oh my god what a TERRIBLE charge call on Hayward.

[chico]

No A-10 team made the finals, but at least their officials did.

[Titanxman04]

You know, it's amamzing how when you're rooting hard for a team, how biased one becomes.

Not saying that was a bad call. it was! Absolutely agree.

But I'm assuming I'm seeing missed calls against Butler that those who are rooting for the Bulldogs are not.

Deep down, we all wear tinted glasses somehow.

[GoMuskies]

Your man Zoubek has 4. You may get your wish.

My wish?!? I want Zoubek on the floor all 40 minutes.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

My wish?!? I want Zoubek on the floor all 40 minutes.

Unfortunately, Brian Zoubek found a way to hack into my computer and change my avatar, all while sitting on the bench with 4 fouls

[stophorseabuse]

The calls Duke gets come from observations of hundreds of Duke games, 97 of which I had NO rooting interest in. It is real.

[X-band '01]

Wow - I have just now noticed Matt Howard's little pubestache. At least Tiger did a better job of growing his facial hair in less time.

[Drew's Crew]

Oh my god what a TERRIBLE charge call on Hayward.

Yeah but they made up for it by giving him free throws the next time down the court.

That foul on Z was absolutely terrible. Watched it in slow-mo....didn't even touch him.

[GoMuskies]

Put Zoubek back in K!!!! He promises not to foul!

[X-band '01]

How long does it take to finally call a jump ball down low? Are they waiting for another Butler player to get hurt down there?

[DART87]

Duke gets more calls than AT&T.

It was funny, at one point during the WV game you could hear Huggins yelling at the refs about it. Saying something about their inability to make a call against the Duke All Americans. (HD audio does have its benefits)

[PM Thor]

Butler won't go away....

I HATE dayton.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Put in Zoubek!

THERE HE IS!

[chico]

They're just daring Veasley to shoot.

[GoMuskies]

Zoubek creates opportunities for Butler every possession.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Zoubek creates opportunities for Butler every possession.

hahahahaha.

Zoubek is the Chuck Norris of College Basketball. See right there, Zoubek did a great job of getting out of the way of Scheyer

[Titanxman04]

That Butler kid tried to undress Scheyer! Good call and huge bucket!

[GoMuskies]

Scheyer definitely got fouled. But not by Jukes.

[X-band '01]

4 on both Howard and Jukes; Butler will likely have to play small for a good period of time now. And that was an El Cheapo foul by Jukes to boot. (sigh)

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

4 on both Howard and Jukes; Butler will likely have to play small for a good period of time now. And that was an El Cheapo foul by Jukes to boot. (sigh)

Gotta admit. Jukes is a pretty sweet last name. Almost as sweet as Zoubek

[stophorseabuse]

Under 8 to go. You gotta play one of the big guys, if they foul out the other ones gotta come in. No time to play it safe right now.

[PM Thor]

That was definitely a foul. But a foul on the floor, no doubt.

I HATE dayton.

[GoMuskies]

Thomas fouls before Zoubek could. HUGE for Butler.

[Drew's Crew]

Scheyer definitely got fouled. But not by Jukes.

Yeah he did. Classic lazy defense move. Stick your knee out as the guy is going by you. I used to try it all the time. Terrible play by Jukes.

[Titanxman04]

Thomas fouls before Zoubek could. HUGE for Butler.

You mean for Duke?

[GoMuskies]

No, for Butler. Butler can't win without Zoubek on the floor.

[Titanxman04]

Yeah he did. Classic lazy defense move. Stick your knee out as the guy is going by you. I used to try it all the time. Terrible play by Jukes.

You're a dirty basketball player, Drews... Thats why I stopped playing with you.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Only Zoubek is capable of grabbing a great offensive rebound, then throw it to the other side of the court. He's simply too strong for his own good. Throwing Howard down with 1 arm, throwing the ball down the other end of the court.

[GoMuskies]

That's some classic Zoubek basketball right there. Stay in there big fella.

[chico]

Mack has disappeared this half. He needs to knock down a couple three's.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

That's some classic Zoubek basketball right there. Stay in there big fella.

He is masterful at his craft of inconsistency. It is now time for Zoubek to take over

[GoMuskies]

That's intentional on anyone but Duke and Greg Oden.

[PM Thor]

No harm intended, just a good play. Looked bad, but no.

I HATE dayton.

[GoMuskies]

I reserve the right to not be objective at this point.

[stophorseabuse]

holy shit. What is the point of having a flagrant foul? I have seen that called flagrant a hundred times this year.

Not intentional, but flagrant.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

That's intentional on anyone but Duke and Greg Oden.

Notice who was first on the scene to calm the situation down and make sure everyone was ok...You can't teach that

[GoMuskies]

I think K called time out to draw up a play to get Z a three-pointer.

[X-band '01]

He is masterful at his craft of inconsistency. It is now time for Zoubek to take over

Don't you mean NOT take over?

[GoMuskies]

Butler REALLY needs Zoubek to take over at this point. Someone tell Singler that Zoubek is supposed to shoot.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Butler REALLY needs Zoubek to take over at this point. Someone tell Singler that Zoubek is supposed to shoot.

Zoubek just did a great job of standing his ground against Howard and not doing anything

ZOUBEK WITH THE TIP!

[Titanxman04]

Either way, what a GREAT game so far.

[GoMuskies]

Heyward hasn't really done much. Now would be a good time.

[kyxu]

You've got to be kidding with that Butler/Hoosiers montage.

I hate American sports programming.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

You've got to be kidding with that Butler/Hoosiers montage.

I hate American sports programming.

Hopefully Jordan Crawford and Xavier will be a large part of the "One shining Moment" montage tonight.

And of course Brian Zoubek

[PM Thor]

You've got to be kidding with that Butler/Hoosiers montage.

I hate American sports programming.

Seriously. That was pathetic. Almost as pathetic as whatsherface singing One Shining Moment later tonight.

I HATE dayton.

[golfitup]

Just b/c it says Butler on their jerseys doesn't mean they can't have a good team. Drives me nuts.

[GoMuskies]

Hoosies works. Milan was a terrific team, just like Butler.

Picket fence for Heyward. Don't let the paint dry.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

We are due for a clock malfunction sometime in the next 3 minutes

[GoMuskies]

Butler was shaky that possession and couldn't afford to be.

[Titanxman04]

We are due for a clock malfunction sometime in the next 3 minutes

I'd rep you but it won't let me.

[GoMuskies]

Zoubek is keeping Butler alive!!!!

[XUglow]

How do you lose Howard?

[stophorseabuse]

What a game to end the best tourney I have ever seen.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Singler time. Off a zoubek pick is my prediction

[XUglow]

Calling Jimmy Chitwood.

[Titanxman04]

I hate you time warner!

[GoMuskies]

Zoubek showing off his soccer skills! Multi-talented.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Zoubek deflection!

[GoMuskies]

Yep, picket fence time!

[stophorseabuse]

Butler can play for one shot to win the national title. Holy shit.

[PM Thor]

If I ever see Gus Johnson, I am going to run up and punch him in the back of the head, then run away laughing.

I HATE dayton.

[stophorseabuse]

Zoubek showing off his soccer skills! Multi-talented.

I also saw his wrestling skills. Takedown.

[Xman95]

I'm guessing Butler wins it on a Heyward cheapy at the buzzer.

[GoMuskies]

Just hope Butler gets off a shot. Seriously, I don't even care that much if it goes in. Just get a shot off.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Great job by Zoubek on the inbounds. He is doing a great job at being tall

[Titanxman04]

I feel sick to my stomach.

[X-band '01]

Or gets it inbounds with the ball.

[stophorseabuse]

Just hope Butler gets off a shot.

Gets it in bounds

[Titanxman04]

OMG.... Z made a huuuuge play there. GREAT D!

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Zoubek!!! Great rebound!!! Zooooouuuuuuuubek

[PM Thor]

That was a good set, just missed the shot. Butler can still do this.

I HATE dayton.

[GoMuskies]

That was idiotic.

I won my parlay.

[Titanxman04]

DUUUUUUUUUKE!!!!! National Champs!!!!!!!!!

What a game. Holy Hell. Having a near heart attack over here, but wow, what a game!

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Alright I'm back to hating Duke. Cmon postgame interviews, get it over with. I want to see the montage

[gladdenguy]

Thank gosh....I never rooted for Duke so hard in my life. That will never happen again unless they play UC or any Big East team.

[kyxu]

Wow. Still a great finish. Butler should be damn proud of what they've done.

If Xavier was in Butler's position right now, I'd just be beside myself and absolutely heartbroken.

I would also be floating in a puddle of whiskey and urine.

[X-band '01]

Could you imagine that place if that last 3 by Hayward went in?

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Thank gosh....I never rooted for Duke so hard in my life. That will never happen again unless they play UC or any Big East team.

I feel so dirty after rooting for Duke that I need a shower.

[PM Thor]

I think I saw 2 of my top 5 tournament games ever...THIS YEAR.

X/KSU.
Butler/Duke.

What a great, great tourney this year. Holy crap I wish every year was as good as this year. Simply awesome.

I HATE dayton.

[GoMuskies]

Butler just needed Zoubek to be a little more assertive at the offensive end.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

How many Xavier and Jordan Crawford clips will be in the montage?

[Xman95]

I'm guessing Butler wins it on a Heyward cheapy at the buzzer.

WOW!! Certainly wouldn't have been a cheap one if he hit that at the buzzer. Damn that was close!

By the way, I'm not a fan of Duke, but Coach K is one of the classiest coaches in the business. Duke is very, very lucky to have had that man on its sidelines all these years.

[Titanxman04]

2010 National Champs!

You all take your showers, the party is just beginning up on the Lake! We're breaking out the good bourbon!

It's a celebration, bitches! :D:D:D

-------

Again, what an incredible game. Duke just didn't take advantage of missed opportunities by Butler and couldn't pull away. Butler hung in there and made it one hell of a game. I won't forget this one anytime soon.

[SixFig]

notice how the refs and announcers didn't mention Howard unneccesarily rough hit during the last shot.

That kid is dirty and gets all the calls. Adam Morrison junior.

[danaandvictory]

I don't understand the intentional miss at the end.

Great game. I am completely awestruck at how relaxed Butler has played in these late rounds and how well their team of unheralded recruits play under immense pressure. There's a lesson here for XU, and I hope the next time we get deep in the tournament we play with similar poise.

[drudy23]

I think I saw 2 of my top 5 tournament games ever...THIS YEAR.

X/KSU.
Butler/Duke.

What a great, great tourney this year. Holy crap I wish every year was as good as this year. Simply awesome.

I HATE dayton.

It was a good game, but let's not get crazy with it.

[pizza delivery]

The hatred for Butler, surpassing the eminently hate-able Duke, is totally puzzling. Go Butler, great season!

[D-West & PO-Z]

What a bad decision to miss that FT intentionally. Why?

[KabeX]

Could you imagine that place if that last 3 by Hayward went in?
I just thought the same thing. Oh my. I don't care if you were rooting for the Dawgs or not (for the record I was), it would have made the off season that much more interesting.

As an aside - anyone notice Howard's body check at half court on the last shot? I like all their players ... except him.

[Xman95]

What a great, great tourney this year. Holy crap I wish every year was as good as this year. Simply awesome.

Just think, pretty soon you'll have 32 more teams giving you great games! (Stupid NCAA.)

[Titanxman04]

I think I saw 2 of my top 5 tournament games ever...THIS YEAR.

X/KSU.
Butler/Duke.

What a great, great tourney this year. Holy crap I wish every year was as good as this year. Simply awesome.

I HATE dayton.

West Virginia/Xavier
OSU/Xavier (still too bitter though)
BYU/Florida
Northern Iowa/Kansas

[XULucho27]

notice how the refs and announcers didn't mention Howard unneccesarily rough hit during the last shot.

That kid is dirty and gets all the calls. Adam Morrison junior.

He's got the dirty 'stache and all. I agree I'm not a fan, everyone else on that team though, ok by my book.

[xsteve1]

Don't understand why Zoubek missed that foul shot on purpose. Almost cost them the game.

[golfitup]

Hey everyone! Let's expand!


Seriously, EFF the NCAA.....

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

The hatred for Butler, surpassing the eminently hate-able Duke, is totally puzzling. Go Butler, great season!

My decision to root for Duke had nothing to do with the Butler team. It had everything to do with a local radio guy who's ego is already the size of Terrell Owens and had Butler pulled it off, this radio personality would have wanted his face on Mt Rushmore

[Titanxman04]

Don't understand why Zoubek missed that foul shot on purpose. Almost cost them the game.

Hope he makes the second free throw, and then you foul right away afterwards on the inbound.

Either way, my second favorite team still wins.

[Xman95]

As an aside - anyone notice Howard's body check at half court on the last shot? I like all their players ... except him.

On the replay it just looked like a hard, solid screen. Just because the defender crumbled like a graham cracker under a brick doesn't mean it was a bad screen. I'm not saying I'm 100% correct because I may not have watched it closely enough. But that's what I saw.

[PM Thor]

It was a good game, but let's not get crazy with it.

Are you serious?

Name another championship game that was as good as this one please. And name another game in the round of 16 as good as the X/KSU game.

I stand by what I say. Both rate in my Top 5. A great, great tourney.

I HATE dayton.

[golfitup]

On the replay it just looked like a hard, solid screen. Just because the defender crumbled like a graham cracker under a brick doesn't mean it was a bad screen. I'm not saying I'm 100% correct because I may not have watched it closely enough. But that's what I saw.

Yeah, seemed clean to me as well.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think coach k decides to set up his grandkids for life and takes the nets job.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Are you serious?

Name another championship game that was as good as this one please.

I HATE dayton.

Houston/NC State
Kansas/Memphis
UNLV/Duke

But I did like this one quite a bit

[KabeX]

On the replay it just looked like a hard, solid screen. Just because the defender crumbled like a graham cracker under a brick doesn't mean it was a bad screen. I'm not saying I'm 100% correct because I may not have watched it closely enough. But that's what I saw.
Fair enough. I've seen a lot of him so I might be a bit biased. That and the porn mustache reminds me of another .... from the Pacific NW.

[SlimKibbles]

notice how the refs and announcers didn't mention Howard unneccesarily rough hit during the last shot.

That kid is dirty and gets all the calls. Adam Morrison junior.

Howard was getting clobbered down low the whole damn game. Besides that, on nearly every one of Zoubek's screens he was giving hip-checks or sticking his leg out a bit to the Butler player going by. Whatever. Butler lost. I have no issues with Howard. He doesn't seem to be any dirtier than most of the bangers down low. Morrison was just a prima donna who got the superstar treatment from the refs.

[XULucho27]

On the replay it just looked like a hard, solid screen. Just because the defender crumbled like a graham cracker under a brick doesn't mean it was a bad screen. I'm not saying I'm 100% correct because I may not have watched it closely enough. But that's what I saw.

Yea I thought it was just a great, solid screen but then I watched the replay and slowed it down on my DVR he absolutely lowers the shoulder then brings the elbow up on Singler when he makes contact. Unnecessary. He already had the position for a great screen, the rest was just bush-league. Sorry didn't mean to rant.... Is it November yet?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah, seemed clean to me as well.

Same here.

[KabeX]

$h!t. Now comes the TuesdayAfterTheNationalTitleGameLetDown. Wait. Perhaps another beer is in order first.

[drudy23]

Are you serious?

Name another championship game that was as good as this one please. And name another game in the round of 16 as good as the X/KSU game.

I stand by what I say. Both rate in my Top 5. A great, great tourney.

I HATE dayton.


I'm with you on the X/KSU game.

Don't think this was one of the best tournament games I've seen, as you said. It was a great game, but I've seen many better tourney games.

[XULucho27]

$h!t. Now comes the TuesdayAfterTheNationalTitleGameLetDown. Wait. Perhaps another beer is in order first.

What letdown? Tomorrow you can watch second game in a series of 2,397 meaningless regular season baseball games!

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

What letdown? Tomorrow you can watch second game in a series of 2,397 meaningless regular season baseball games!

Or he can watch UConn Women's basketball win by 20 in the finals for an undefeated season with an average margin of victory in the 30's

[GoMuskies]

What will Butler be ranked next year preseason if all of Heyward, Butler, Mack and Stevens are back?

#5?

[danaandvictory]

UNLV/Duke


The UNLV/Duke semifinal was one of the best games of all time (and I think that game was the first time I saw a team foul intentionally up 3 in the closing stages to avoid a tying basket). When they played in the final the year before, UNLV boatraced them by about a million. That may have been your point.

The Butler/MSU game was one of the most brutal games I've ever seen, this was pretty well played. I don't think Butler's system allows for real "beautiful" basketball. They are more Germany than Brazil.

This tournament was generally outstanding and dramatic basketball, so the obvious thing to do is let in every mediocrity possible to completely foul the thing up.

[KabeX]

Or I can watch the entire season of 24 (DON'T tell me what happens!).

[GoMuskies]

UNLV/Duke would have been better in hindsight if it wasn't widely assumed that UNLV was shaving points.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

What will Butler be ranked next year preseason if all of Heyward, Butler, Mack and Stevens are back?

#5?

Still a lot of big unnamed superstar high school seniors who haven't signed yet. But I'd have to think Butler would be at least #5

[XULucho27]

Or I can watch the entire season of 24 (DON'T tell me what happens!).

It's a great season, Jack Bauer takes on America's latest threat, the Sub-prime Mortgage debacle.

[drudy23]

Worst One Shining Moment video and rendition ever.

HORRIBLE!!!!

In every regard.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

The worst 1 shining moment in my opinion ever.

Only 1 Xavier clip - Jason Love pounding his chest on the ground

No crawford anything.

And Jennifer Hudson butchered the song

[xsteve1]

Really pathetic OSM, no Crawford shot.

[drudy23]

OSM has officially jumped the shark.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Now the NCAA is expanding to 96 teams. Way to ruin everything NCAA

[KabeX]

NCAA has jumped the shark

[Titanxman04]

Actually, two Xavier clips...

The other was a quick shot of a KSU and Xavier player battling for position.

None the less, Mizzou got at least 5 clips of them... Xavier "2"... Umm, how many consecutive sweet 16's does Mizzoue have? Oh? Whats that you say? Less than 3? Hmm...

[X4LIFE]

Honestly, I didn't care who won. I tried to cheer for Butler. But found myself cheering more for Duke. I listen to the "smack" from UK fans,Ohio St fans,and UC fans (when UC was relevent,lol). I don't want to hear it from Butler fans too. Plain and simple. I can enjoy golf and baseball a little more this offseason. But, I can't wait for next season.

[Xman95]

It's a great season, Jack Bauer takes on America's latest threat, the Sub-prime Mortgage debacle.

That Barney Frank sure is a slippery devil...at least until he runs out of lube. (Too much? Nah.)

http://fromtheleft.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/barney_frank_the_man_pimp_by_conservatism.jpg

[Xman95]

It's a celebration, bitches!

I'm Rick James, bitch. Enjoy yourself!

[xubrew]

Honestly, I didn't care who won. I tried to cheer for Butler. But found myself cheering more for Duke. I listen to the "smack" from UK fans,Ohio St fans,and UC fans (when UC was relevent,lol). I don't want to hear it from Butler fans too. Plain and simple. I can enjoy golf and baseball a little more this offseason. But, I can't wait for next season.

i think we talk way more smack toward butler than they talk about us. what's funny is that the smack talk on our end really didn't pick up until this year. it's as if that now that we have less room to talk, we're doing more of it.

besides, if butler wants to talk smack toward xavier, the result of this game had no impact on their ability to do it, while having walked the walk to back it up. by every comparison you can come up with, butler was better. the fact that they lost to duke in the title game doesn't change that.

had butler won, i think it would have actually shut the uks and ohio states of the world up a little bit.

[KabeX]

Agree. The smak talk thing is really stupid. Butler is really good. They've been good all year. We lost to them by a point on their floor on a controversial call. 3 years ago I predicted a final 4 for X this year. I was a little off but then again I have a day job. What we learned this year was that we are a hell of a lot closer to this that we might have imagined. The future is bright (regardless or Jordan's decision). I got my shades on.

[Bmuskie]

Worst One Shining Moment video and rendition ever.

HORRIBLE!!!!

In every regard.

I couldn't agree more. That was absolutely terrible. There were so many great moments from the tournament, so many great shot, that they missed. Spent way too much time showing clips of players either pounding their chest or hanging their head in agony. Where are the great moments (not to mention too much time showing Jennifer Hudson). Terrible!