UConn vs Butler

[MADXSTER]

Who will win??

Need to vote by 2pm Monday

[American X]

PSA: Have a mop and bucket handy. Your head is going to explode because Butler is going to win the national championship.

Dumbfounding how simple yet effective Butler's strategery is - eliminate mistakes from their game and allow the other team enough space to implode under the pressure of the bright lights. Pitt undisciplined, Florida handed the game to them TWICE, VCU spit the bit down the stretch, Butler executes just enough on offense, makes foul shots, wins.

Honestly, is Brad Stevens the best coach in America? Amazing how he is able to attend junior high and coach this talented, but not overwhelming, group to this level. Imagine if Gordon Hayward was still on the roster.

Oh how I wish last year's or next year's Xavier squad was in this field.

[Benxman]

Agree, American X; Brad Stevens just might be the best coach in America. To get to the final game of the NCAA not once, but twice in a row, is quite a feat for any coach, let alone one at a (do I dare say it?) Mid Major school from a Mid Major conference. Let's face it, has any coach done this before?

I don't know. Just sayin'.

GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

[X-Fan]

I'm sure Butler will prove me wrong, but I think UCONN will win. I think Lamb will be the "X" factor that will cause all sorts of issues for Butler...which will open up lanes/shots for Walker.

Hopefully it will be a very enjoyable game.

[Muskied]

Oh how I wish last year's or next year's Xavier squad was in this field.

I like where your heads at..but this thinking is BS. Butler was an 8 seed, and we beat them..and lost to ODU. By all accounts, we had a better shot then they did this year....they could have wished they had last years team in this field also...but they played their game, and have beat the odds.

We could make the same run....anyone could...VCU almost did. Sure, it takes a bit of luck, and Xavier has been close to that fortune. Don't forget though that Butler has been on the other end of that luck too several times the past 10 years...they are just taking advantage most recently.

Again...do I think we have more talent next year? Sure, but chemistry isn't guaranteed. This years team had an opportunity as a top 6 seed, and it didn't happen. You really can't wish for much else, and the rest is up to those on the court.

[SixFig]

This is a choice between hearing two different things for the rest of the offseason...

A. ESPN crowing about how the 9th place or whatever team in the Big East won, thus proving all the "greatest conference ever" crap.

B. Butler fans giving us loads of probably deserved shit for passing us.

I would go with choice B.

[Muskied]

This is a choice between hearing two different things for the rest of the offseason...

A. ESPN crowing about how the 9th place or whatever team in the Big East won, thus proving all the "greatest conference ever" crap.

B. Butler fans giving us loads of probably deserved shit for passing us.

I would go with choice B.

Definately....and Butler passed alot of programs with this...I mean, they are the only Indiana school to ever go to back to back f4's....if they want to focus on giving Xavier shit...I'd say they are wasting their time. Go focus on keeping IU in thier hip pocket, rather than an atlantic 10 team from Ohio.

[blobfan]

I'll be rooting for Butler but I'm not confident enough to vote for them to win. I much prefer seeing them national champs to UConn.

[LadyMuskie]

I'm pulling for UConn because Butler fans are getting on my nerves and I can handle all the Big East bull better than obnoxious Butler fans throwing a National Championship in our face, even if they have a right to do so. I went to Kroger the other day and saw five different people wearing Butler sweatshirts. There were more people wearing Butler shirts than Elder shirts. That's saying a lot for the west side.

I'm also pulling for UConn because that means someone near and dear to my heart wins the Xavierhoops Bracket contest. I don't know what that means exactly, but I think, at the very least, it helps "Judy from Accounting" in next season's Xavierhoop's March Madness event hosted by Michigan Muskie. :p

[CinciX12]

UConn wins: We still hear about how the Big East is the equivalent to the birth of Jesus. Nothing changes there.

Butler wins: The pathetic irrelevant losers in Indy get more cocky.

I vote that nothing changes.

Please win UConn.

[smileyy]

Winning doesn't validate Butler any more or less than they've already been validated. Last year, it was in question whether they could beat Duke. This year, nobody has any doubt that they could beat UConn.

I want Butler to win so we don't hear about how 9-9 in the Big East is good enough to win the National Championship.

[XU-07]

UCon will win. They will win because they can execute better because they have the better athletes. I expect that Butler will lose by 4. They have the horses to make it a game but not to win the game (unless UCon has an off night).

[Xavier]

This is a choice between hearing two different things for the rest of the offseason...

A. ESPN crowing about how the 9th place or whatever team in the Big East won, thus proving all the "greatest conference ever" crap.

B. Butler fans giving us loads of probably deserved shit for passing us.

I would go with choice B.

Just hope MOR doesn't read this. Hard to argue back to back National Championship games with winning it all the second time though.

I don't hate Butler the way I hate UC or even Dayton. I think the game between schools means more to them then us (at least for me). I like Howard and wish he decided on Xavier instead. He is underrated and a very good player. I also can't stand Calhoun. He is one if the biggest scum bags in the game and with the slap on the wrist he got this past year for his recruiting violations....I want Butler to win this one.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I gotta root for Butler. As much as I like Kemba, I cannot root for Calhoun. He is scum. So go Brad Stevens and Butler.

That being said, I think UConn wins. Should be a fun game though.

[powerofX]

I gotta root for Butler. As much as I like Kemba, I cannot root for Calhoun. He is scum. So go Brad Stevens and Butler.

That being said, I think UConn wins. Should be a fun game though.

Best of both worlds...Uconn wins and spares us from hearing about Butler and then the championship gets vacated after Nate Miles helps the NCAA put the clamps on Calhoun.

[X-band '01]

They wouldn't vacate this year's title because of any Nate Miles misdeeds. Prior seasons, perhaps, but not 2011.

[powerofX]

They wouldn't vacate this year's title because of any Nate Miles misdeeds. Prior seasons, perhaps, but not 2011.

Too literal read on my post. I mean Miles would open the NCAAs eyes on what really goes on there...and they would then find other reasons to vacate this year. No way that the Miles incident is an isolated one.

[xavierj]

I think Butler gets it done. UCONN has to be running on fumes. I think Brad Stevens finds a way to put the clamps on Kemba and Butler will win a low scoring game 61-56.

[Professor X]

Some are going to agree with this statement and probably many won't. But it seems like to me, many of the reasons we root against Butler or don't want Butler to win center on the fact that we are a little jealous of their success and that they got over the Final Four hump before we did, and did it with a lesser program, lesser facilities, less money, less highly-regarded recruits and in a lesser conference. Really, what they have done these past 2 seasons is pretty remarkable and I have to give credit where credit is due. Stevens is a great coach and win or lose tonight that program and school have a lot to be proud of. We talk a lot on here about how much we love Xavier for doing things the "right way." Well, it seems Butler does those things pretty well too and though I wish it was XU in this game as the standard bearer for all non-Big 6 teams, I am okay with it being Butler and will be rooting for them tonight.

[Muskied]

Maybe a bit of Jealousy, but it is what it is at this point, which is ultimately good for teams like Xavier...not to mention, ESPN is going to explode.

Honestly, I think Butler wins tonight, and it's not close....Like a 69-55 cruising.

[PMI]

Maybe a bit of Jealousy, but it is what it is at this point, which is ultimately good for teams like Xavier...not to mention, ESPN is going to explode.

Honestly, I think Butler wins tonight, and it's not close....Like a 69-55 cruising.

You can't be serious. You want to give me UConn +13.5?

[Xavier]

Some are going to agree with this statement and probably many won't. But it seems like to me, many of the reasons we root against Butler or don't want Butler to win center on the fact that we are a little jealous of their success and that they got over the Final Four hump before we did, and did it with a lesser program, lesser facilities, less money, less highly-regarded recruits and in a lesser conference. Really, what they have done these past 2 seasons is pretty remarkable and I have to give credit where credit is due. Stevens is a great coach and win or lose tonight that program and school have a lot to be proud of. We talk a lot on here about how much we love Xavier for doing things the "right way." Well, it seems Butler does those things pretty well too and though I wish it was XU in this game as the standard bearer for all non-Big 6 teams, I am okay with it being Butler and will be rooting for them tonight.

Its not just Xavier jealous of Butler- almost every program in the country should be. Back to Back NC games and possibly winning one of them? Yeah, almost every program is jealous

[XU05and07]

Mike Vick going to be present at the game? I hear tonight is going to be a dog fight

[GoMuskies]

Let's go butler!!!!!

[PMI]

Well, about 12 minutes in and so far this is one crappy National Championship game. These teams look like they're trying to shoot into Dixie cups. I hope this picks up.

[GoMuskies]

Definitely ugly. Both sides are playing awfully well on the defensive end.

UConn's issue is that everyone on their team not named Kemba Walker isn't very good, and Butler is making sure two guys are on Kemba whenever he makes a move. Kemba's gonna need some help, and the stiffs on his team aren't providing any yet.

[Xman95]

Still can't believe this is the National Championship match-up.

[PMI]

Definitely ugly. Both sides are playing awfully well on the defensive end.

UConn's issue is that everyone on their team not named Kemba Walker isn't very good, and Butler is making sure two guys are on Kemba whenever he makes a move. Kemba's gonna need some help, and the stiffs on his team aren't providing any yet.

Lamb is very good. Problem is, he got into foul trouble even earlier than Kemba. Mack's shot at the buzzer was literally the only highlight of the half. I'm about to change the channel to Dancing with the Kardashians or whatever the other networks are showing. Has to be more bearable than this.

[xavierj]

Some are going to agree with this statement and probably many won't. But it seems like to me, many of the reasons we root against Butler or don't want Butler to win center on the fact that we are a little jealous of their success and that they got over the Final Four hump before we did, and did it with a lesser program, lesser facilities, less money, less highly-regarded recruits and in a lesser conference. Really, what they have done these past 2 seasons is pretty remarkable and I have to give credit where credit is due. Stevens is a great coach and win or lose tonight that program and school have a lot to be proud of. We talk a lot on here about how much we love Xavier for doing things the "right way." Well, it seems Butler does those things pretty well too and though I wish it was XU in this game as the standard bearer for all non-Big 6 teams, I am okay with it being Butler and will be rooting for them tonight.

I think the majority of the people on this board want Butler to win. And 65% have picked them to win. I think you are focusing too much on the minority. Hell I can tell you most on this board hate UC and Dayton a hell of a lot more than Butler. I have no problem with Butler at all. They are classy, they play hard, they are not cocky and they play within the rules. They don't claim to have the best fans in the world (Dayton) and they don't scream about 1961 (UC).

[Kahns Krazy]

I win an extra $100 on the tiebreaker in the office pool if the total score is under 146. I like my chances 20 minutes in. At this pace, they'd need about 6 overtimes to hit 146.

[xsteve1]

Still can't believe this is the National Championship match-up.

To be honest college basketball suffered a big time down year this year. Just so much mediocrity.

[pizza delivery]

Half time show from the pundits:

Worst championship game ever.

Butler has high IQ, awful talent.

Uconn is syked out.

[TJMuskie06]

Butler only has 6 fgs and they have the lead at the half? That's crazy.

[pizza delivery]

No mention of the balls out defense both teams are playing. Instead it's just a horrible half of basketball. Worst ever in fact.

[Muskied]

Barkley just said Kemba is the only player who will play at the next level...really? That was the most slanderous comentary of a half time I've ever heard....was it their goal to try to make everyone forget Butler ever played in a Championship?

[GoMuskies]

My guess is Butler pulls away in the second half. UConn should have blown Butler out in the first half when Butler was struggling. I think Butler starts hitting a bit and runs away with it.

Of course, if Kemba catches fire all bets are off.

[GoMuskies]

Barkley just said Kemba is the only player who will play at the next level...really? That was the most slanderous comentary of a half time I've ever heard....was it their goal to try to make everyone forget Butler ever played in a Championship?

Barkley is just pissed he has to be there. He's pretty clearly demonstrated during the Tournament that he has no interest in, or knowledge about, college basketball.

[waggy]

Probably comes down to the final possession, Butler ball.

[danaandvictory]

When Butler wins this -- and they will -- it's going to be the equivalent of a team winning the World Cup on four straight penalty shootouts after 0-0 draws.

But you know what? That doesn't go on the trophy.

[Xman95]

To be honest college basketball suffered a big time down year this year. Just so much mediocrity.

The last couple years. I agree with Jay bilas that the last great college team was probably the UNC squad that won it (with Hansbrough). And even that team might not warrant being called great.

I think the talent is really starting to spread out more and we're not seeing as many dominant teams. There are more programs like X, Butler, Gonzaga, etc. that are taking talented players these days instead of places like UNC just having insanely talented benches. For the most part the bigger programs have better talent, but the gap isn't nearly as large as it used to be.

Who knows? Maybe I'm just bitter than it's Butler there and not X. But I just don't see either one of these teams as championship material. And I honestly didn't see X in that role either. But, when thinking about it, there weren't many that seemed to be so good it would be shocking if they weren't playing for the trophy. That includes OSU. They were good, but not the unslayable beast the media created. Like you said, it's a down year. Of course, I'm all for another down year next season if it means X will be playing on the last Monday!

[pizza delivery]

Rehashing why, perhaps, Butler was lucky to get past Pitt. Maybe Uconn would have a worthy opponent had Butler not uglied up that game.

[Xman95]

My guess is Butler pulls away in the second half. UConn should have blown Butler out in the first half when Butler was struggling. I think Butler starts hitting a bit and runs away with it.

Of course, if Kemba catches fire all bets are off.

You should have a career in politics! "Butler could run away with this if they start playing better than UConn, but UConn has some talent and could outplay Butler in the second half. One of these teams will be a champion tonight.":D

[TJMuskie06]

Barkley may not want to be there doing college basketball, but at least he has bashed the Big East all tournament

[GoMuskies]

Finish them Butler!

[pizza delivery]

I call BS on CBB not having talent. Lot's of great teams haven't finished their season's right. KU and Memphis were great teams. What do you want from a great team? UNLV dominant? Perhaps it's a bit overdue that we see an undisputed champ, but this year doesn't strike me as that different than others. What, 5 non big 6 schools got at large bids? CBB is still top heavy, for sure. Butler is just shoving up people's craw right now. F them. This is college basketball. Let the jokes keep coming.

[X4LIFE]

Ugly game. I'm hoping Butler wins. I like their coach and players. Shows what a program can do when they have kids that will stay for 3 or 4 years and build some chemistry and learn to play together. I truly feel no jealousy towards Butler. I wouldn't feel any towards any other team either. I see some comments saying Butler has passed Xavier as a program. That's really not true at all. Who on this board would say George Mason or VCU has passed X as a program because they reached a final four? X has had the final four as a goal of the program before Butler was even dreaming of a Sweet 16. Butler simply reached X's goal before X did. Notning wrong with that. X is still on the rise and the best is yet to come. For now, I'll enjoy watching a non big six team try and won a championship.

[paulxu]

Barkely is great. "This game is ugly. I went out with ugly girls in high school."

If this comes down to a last possession call, Cahill will screw somebody for sure.

[SixFig]

I see Stegall (sp) of Butler shooting 3's and I can only think "If only Brad Redford was healthy"

[paulxu]

Hell, I just think "we beat this damn team."

[danaandvictory]

Hell, I just think "we beat this damn team."

We beat them when we were playing like crap.

Mack was not 100% though.

Weird season.

[GoMuskies]

They were playing like crap, too.

[paulxu]

One of the heads said this was the lowest scoring half since 1946 or something like that.

That is ugly.

[xavierj]

I don't think it is less talent but more. Not as many kids are playing baseball and everyone is playing basketball year round. When I was young you went from sport to sport. Now with AAU kids are playing year round and there is just more kids who are equal. So its not like it used to be when only a handful of teams got the best players, now there are probably 30-40 teams who are getting really good players and really there are a lot more teams capable of winning then there used to be.

[pizza delivery]

I don't think it is less talent but more. Not as many kids are playing baseball and everyone is playing basketball year round. When I was young you went from sport to sport. Now with AAU kids are playing year round and there is just more kids who are equal. So its not like it used to be when only a handful of teams got the best players, now there are probably 30-40 teams who are getting really good players and really there are a lot more teams capable of winning then there used to be.

Bingo.

[GoMuskies]

Butler better figure something out on offense. They're not dealing well with all that UConn length.

[pizza delivery]

Butler better figure something out on offense. They're not dealing well with all that UConn length.

Lamb, as always, is the key. Really, without Lamb Kemba is Jimmer or Wall or just plain SOL.

[pizza delivery]

You know, in baseball, it's called a pitchers dual. In CBB it's called crappy offense. I don't see it that way tonight.

[GoMuskies]

Damn, mix in a made bucket, eh Butler? This is like UK vs. Georgetown in '82.

[waggy]

Butler trailed both Pitt and/or Florida by a pretty big margin late didn't they? I remember them going on a big run against one of them.

[xsteve1]

Butler needs to start making some shots. Just really struggling shooting the ball.

[paulxu]

Butler can't hit the ocean

[GoMuskies]

Butler's even been awful from the FT line.

[Muskied]

It's wierd how everyone loves Steelers football, but can't stand a basketball game in the 50's.

[GoMuskies]

It's wierd how everyone loves Steelers football, but can't stand a basketball game in the 50's.

UConn/UK was in the 50s. I don't recall CBS calling that an awful game.

[pizza delivery]

I gotta say, that's the Butler whistle right there.

[Kahns Krazy]

Does Butler know the second half started? Is that a 20-1 run?

[pizza delivery]

Ooh, Smith just ruined their chances right there. Don't like that.

[GoMuskies]

Hard to win scoring 3 points in 9 minutes.

[paulxu]

It's hard to win a NC when you shoot 15%.

[GoMuskies]

Damn, almost feel sorry for Butler at this point.

[pizza delivery]

Wow, Butler just pushed that rebounder on his ass. He said, "What the fuck!"

[GoMuskies]

We get a "What the f***!" out of UConn. Perhaps the highlight of the game.

[X-Fan]

This looks like the Butler team that Xavier beat. Can't make a shot.

UCONN up 13 with less than 6 to go...this game is over.

[pizza delivery]

Smith is the goat right now. Howard's a close second.

[TJMuskie06]

They scored their 8th point of the HALF with 6 min left in the game.

Anyone else catch that F bomb that the microphone caught a few minutes ago under the UCONN basket when it looked like a Butler player pushed a UCONN player out of bounds?

[xavierj]

It's wierd how everyone loves Steelers football, but can't stand a basketball game in the 50's.

Butler is going to be lucky to hit 40. They look like a division II right now. Funny they don't seem to be getting every bounce and lucky roll tonight.

[pizza delivery]

Butler get's the "hey, they're just a scrappy little team" no calls quite often.

[GoMuskies]

Smith is the goat right now. Howard's a close second.

Everyone for Butler is the goat. Except maybe Stigall (or however it's spelled).

[paulxu]

Unfortunately reminds me of Tu's 1 for 8 against Marquette.

[pizza delivery]

The blocks are the psychological advantage right now. Uconn is a periennial shot blocking leader. It was the x factor coming in.

[Muskied]

They scored their 8th point of the HALF with 6 min left in the game.

Anyone else catch that F bomb that the microphone caught a few minutes ago under the UCONN basket when it looked like a Butler player pushed a UCONN player out of bounds?

I believe it was more like "what the F-"!

[paulxu]

Just what I didn't need...a Cahill closeup.

[theleague]

I feel like I'm watching a MAC game, and that is not a good thing.

[TJMuskie06]

I believe it was more like "what the F-"!

Yes it was. It was bery nice!:D

[SixFig]

These announcers talking about how bad the offense is is making the game unpleasant. It's supposed to be fun.

[pizza delivery]

Damn, I want a Tyrone Hill type shot blocker at X again. Please, please, please!

[TJMuskie06]

So much for a low scoring game favoring Butler

[xavierj]

Damn, I want a Tyrone Hill type shot blocker at X again. Please, please, please!

Jalen Reynolds? Hopefully.

[GoMuskies]

So much for a low scoring game favoring Butler

I think it favored Butler. They just needed to shoot something close to 30%

[TJMuskie06]

I think it favored Butler. They just needed to shoot something close to 30%

Yeah. I didn't expect Butler to shoot lights out tonight, but I think we all expected them to shoot better than 10-15% from the field as a team.

[Masterofreality]

I'll say it first:

But-a-ler Bills

Get to a championship game multiple times, then choke it away. Anyone who shoots less than 20% in any game, championship or otherwise, choked. Going to a zone defense on multiple possessions after you fall behind, choked.

That game was there for the taking. Make open outside shots that UCon(n) was giving you, you put huge pressure on them, you open up the inside for back doors and you win. Miss them, choker, and you lose. I'm looking at you Stigall, Mack, Vanzant and, yeah you Howard.

Thanks for making my nightmare come true. A Big Greased team wins the F-ing Tournament. B-espn will be insufferable.

[CinciX12]

Hahahaha Hahahah.

Lulz.


No really..hahahaha

[GoMuskies]

Got a "sh**!" in that same corner. The mic is apparently too sensitive there.

[GoMuskies]

I'll say it first:

But-a-ler Bills



I wish we were the Xavalo Bills.

[BlueGuy]

I feel like I'm watching a MAC game, and that is not a good thing.

Or a Horizon game.

[TJMuskie06]

Got a "sh**!" in that same corner. The mic is apparently too sensitive there.

They should turn that microphone up. It is the most consistent thing on the floor tonight.

[GoMuskies]

I really hate that prick Calhoun.

[TJMuskie06]

Would anyone else have fouled long before they finally did? I understand there was a decent amount of time left, but they let UConn run off almost a full shot clock

[xavierj]

41 points for the national championship? Got another half right? Yikes.

[TJMuskie06]

Holy shit. I looked away from the screen and thought those were gunshots

[CinciX12]

Ahahahaha

[pizza delivery]

Woah. Butler redefined many things tonight, the surest of which is how NOT to shoot the basketball.

[Kahns Krazy]

Yawn. I doubt the womens championship will suck that much, and I really hate women's hoops.

[pizza delivery]

This was Butler's game to lose. I mean, 4 more shots go down, they shoot 25% and win it all.

[CinciX12]

The worst shooting performance in national championship game history.

I don't know what could be more fitting.

[XU 87]

This was the worst NCAA game I've seen since DePaul beat UD in double OT back in '04. MOR, remember that gem?

[SixFig]

Over/under 5 years till this Championship is vacated.

[pizza delivery]

Uconn shot 35% against Butler. Not like they did themselves proud.

[GoMuskies]

Over/under 5 years till this Championship is vacated.

Would Butler hang a banner?

[pizza delivery]

Uconn is so unlikeable.

[CinciX12]

Would Butler hang a banner?

Technically they wouldn't be called the champion.

Is Butler dumb enough to do it? Yep. I bet even 4000 people might show up to the 1st game of the season to see it too.

[Muskied]

Is there an NCAA rule against free hotel razors? Jesus did UCONN just go through puberty last night? Someone mix in a shave please. They all look like POW's. Stay Classy.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier 1st round vs. Butler championship game. Who you got?

[pizza delivery]

Welp, thus concludes CBB 2010-2011 boys and girls. Cheers to all who followed!

And we're going to whip some serious axx next year, GO X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GoMuskies]

At least it wasn't Kentucky.

[GoMuskies]

Got a "damn ni**er" in the trophy presentation. FCC is sending CBS a large bill in the morning.

[PM Thor]

Worst. Ever.

Butler sucked balls, so did Uconn. It wasn't even like the D was good either, tgey, just stunk it up. Horrible. And Uconn as national champ? So, unlikable. Forgetable doesn't do this crap justice.

I HATE dayton.

[CinciX12]

Is there an NCAA rule against free hotel razors? Jesus did UCONN just go through puberty last night? Someone mix in a shave please. They all look like POW's. Stay Classy.

Stay classy?

Good lord you were in favor of prohibition I bet.

[Xman95]

Hell, I just think "we beat this damn team."

So did Youngstown State! And Evansville...and Wright State...and Milwaukee, twice. Butler was a solid team that played well in the tourney and got some good match-ups. They aren't extremely talented, but they have one heck of a coach in Stevens. He's the biggest reason for their back-to-back appearances in the championship game.

[Muskied]

Stay classy?

Good lord you were in favor of prohibition I bet.

I'm not sure what that means...but to clarify, the last part was sarcasm.

[CinciX12]

I'm not sure what that means...but to clarify, the last part was sarcasm.

Then I was too dumb to realize it. All is well. My bad.

[Muskied]

Then I was too dumb to realize it. All is well. My bad.

no worries what so ever. Basketball just hit the reset button, so life is good. XU Undefeated so far, and I can't wait for the next seaso to get started.

[Snowboarder]

I am glad Butler lost. They play ugly basketball and it would have been a much better game if VCU would have played Uconn. Why all the hate on Calhoun, he did commimt violations but nothing that major, plus that Miles kid is a scumbag. Calhoun is a cancer survivor and he has donated millions of dollars to cancer research at Uconn.

[Xman95]

Woah. Butler redefined many things tonight, the surest of which is how NOT to shoot the basketball.

No, the definition created by the Dayton Flyers is still the one to go with.

[PMI]

To be honest college basketball suffered a big time down year this year. Just so much mediocrity.

Yes, there really was. A very random tournament after a regular season that lacked much greatness.


Barkley just said Kemba is the only player who will play at the next level...really? That was the most slanderous comentary of a half time I've ever heard....was it their goal to try to make everyone forget Butler ever played in a Championship?

I heard that, but I think what Charles meant was a player who could take their game to the next level tonight. At least that's how I took it. Either way, that's a slap in the face to Shelvin Mack. Jeremy Lamb is definitely playing in the NBA.


I call BS on CBB not having talent. Lot's of great teams haven't finished their season's right. KU and Memphis were great teams. What do you want from a great team? UNLV dominant? Perhaps it's a bit overdue that we see an undisputed champ, but this year doesn't strike me as that different than others. What, 5 non big 6 schools got at large bids? CBB is still top heavy, for sure. Butler is just shoving up people's craw right now. F them. This is college basketball. Let the jokes keep coming.

There is talent, but there were no great teams. I mean we just saw a Final Four with a 3 seed, 4 seed, 8 seed and 11 seed. of the top 8 teams (at least) in college basketball, as determined by the committee, none of them could make it to Houston? This was just a year where it was totally up for the taking, more so than ever. Hell, if Xavier could've played in tonight's game I would have loved our chances. Just no greatness, but made for a fun, random tourney.


You know, in baseball, it's called a pitchers dual. In CBB it's called crappy offense. I don't see it that way tonight.

Wow. You didn't see crappy offense? I saw good defense without a doubt. But I saw some piss poor execution on offense, especially by Butler. If you want to call that a pitcher's dual I' suppose you'll agree with me that baseball is a lesser sport than basketball? Seriously, that was an awful game with some of the worst offensive execution imaginable on such a stage. Butler has nothing to be ashamed of with the run they had, but you know they know they blew it tonight on the offensive end.

[pizza delivery]

It got uglier almost right as I said it was great defense. Overall though, yes, I think this game should be regarded as an excellent defensive game. The easy shots missed were a product of the intensity throughout the game.

[kmcrawfo]

Technically they wouldn't be called the champion.

Is Butler dumb enough to do it? Yep. I bet even 4000 people might show up to the 1st game of the season to see it too.

Following the Memphis vacated FF:

The NCAA has forced Memphis to vacate all of its men's basketball wins from its 2007-08 national-championship runner-up season under coach John Calipari for using an ineligible player (Derrick Rose). There have been 11 occasions where a Final Four appearance has been vacated, but no men's basketball title has ever been stripped. Should a championship be vacated, the runner-up doesn't get handed the trophy retroactively. An NCAA spokeswoman said that the vacating of victories and titles only affects the penalized institution.

[Masterofreality]

This was the worst NCAA game I've seen since DePaul beat UD in double OT back in '04. MOR, remember that gem?

I've tried to purge it from my memory, but it keeps coming back like a rash.

Then again. It's nice to remember to rub Cryer noses in it.