David vs. Goliath. You’ll hear this comparison plenty of times leading up to the tip-off of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship tonight. Little Butler University taking on mighty Duke! In the Final Four games Butler struggled against Michigan State, pulling out a 2-point win while Duke cruised over West Virginia by 21 points. Most commentators predict Duke will crush Butler. But, I think it will be a closer game than most people think. Maybe Cinderella has one more bit of magic left to show us…
This has to be the least interesting NCAA tournament I can ever remember, despite (because of?) all the upsets. I don’t think it will be close, but then I don’t really care enough to be paying close attention.
I’m a Big East fan.
You’re right about this being a chaotic tournament, Jeff. Duke is the only #1 seed to make the Final Four. Of course, on Saturday night, Duke looked like an NBA team.
Any midwestern team gets my vote. Plus underdogs. George-living in western New York do you feel like an east coast person or a midwesterner?
Actually, Patti, I feel like a Canadian.
And now they want to go to 96 teams next year? Insanity.
I thought the NCAA was crazy when they went to 64 teams, Jeff. But going to 96 is pure greed. Imagine trying to figure out your brackets with East Tennessee A&M College and St. Mary’s of the Perpetual Pain.
We’ll be watching tonight, though I expect Duke to blow Butler away, a score similar to Saturday’s game. As to the tournament over all, I enjoyed it this year, I like watching the mid-bracket games and enjoy an upset or buzzer-beater. I don’t like the expansion idea, but they will do what they want. After watching 60 Minutes last night, I was reminded yet again that anyone with power can do anything they want in pursuit of profit, whether anyone else wants or likes it (or that it’s good or moral). The only good thing I can think of is that it could bring additional monies to some of the smaller schools (Butler’s share tonight will be huge).
So tonight I’ll watch. Then it’s boring time until footballs starts.
Fortunately, I’m a hockey fan, Rick. That will take me into June with the NHL playoffs. NFL training camps start in July so that’s minimal “boring time.”
I agree with George – greed greed greed.
I’m rooting for the U Conn women to finish a second consecutive undefeated season tomorrow.
U Conn looks unstoppable, Jeff.
Just three hours to go, guys (and Patti). The ribs go in the oven in 45 minutes, the potato salad and deviled eggs are ready, I’ll make the guacamole in an hour, we’re all set.
Yum! You know the secret to a great party, Rick. Good food!
Looks like you were right about a close game after all, Rick. Dave Barry was rooting against Duke, by the way.
I figured it would be a close game, Jeff. Although out-classed, the Butler Bulldogs play tough defense. The Dukies had to work for this Championship.
I figured it would be a 15 or 20 point win for Duke, and I was delighted at what I watched. Butler did a fabulous job and should be very proud, even if they couldn’t quite beat Goliath. It was a great basketball game!
Butler almost pulled off a miracle win, Rick. Very enjoyable game. And, both teams should be proud of their efforts.