Alamodome, San Antonio Texas,
Missed free throws and a three point shot call reversed to a two pointer ended Memphis's, from Conference USA, run to their first NCAA Basketball Championship. Memphis's Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas Roberts missed 3 of 4 free throws down the stretch to allow Mario Chalmers to send it into overtime with a three point bucket with 9 seconds left. Chalmer's shot was a clutch shot which will be remembered as one of the biggest in NCAA history. An earlier last second three to beat the shot clock by Rose was ruled a 2 pointer after review. College basketball allows for these reviews by the officials on major stoppage of plays.
Two evenly matched teams played their hearts out for 45 minutes giving up their bodies at every chance. Memphis built up a 8 point lead at the 2:12 mark but Kansas came rolling back by hitting threes from Chalmers and Sherron Collins coupled by a two from Darell Arthur and a free throws by Chalmers. Memphis did not have a single field goal from the 2:37 mark to the 59 second mark in the OT period.
Memphis never gave up but waivered in their posture which was evident from their free throw shooting at the end of the game. They would not hold their follow through the freebie causing them to miss. Missed free throws plagued Memphis throughout the tournament.
Kansas's biggest attribute was their unwillingness to die. Collins's three at towards the end came off of a steal. This allowed Kansas not to play the foul and hope they miss at the line game.
The overtime period had Kansas comming out strong and building a 6 point lead halfway through overtime. Memphis was not able to convert on any of their open shots except for one and could only add two free throws for their OT points.
This was an amazing game to watch and if you missed the game it probably will be re-aired on ESPN Classic or another one of their channels. Both teams played with a vigor which makes this game go down for the ages. You never knew at a single point which team would win.
This was Kansas's first Title in 20 years. Memphis ends the season with the most wins ever in a single season, including the NCAA Tournament with 38 wins.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
2 comments:
prediction
bill self leaves to coach OSU
danny manning becomes coach at KU
It's a possibility. I don't agree with changing schools like that after a major win. I know things are can become stagnent, but your defending national champions and you build bonds with the players and school. There are better times to leave than after you win it all. Look at the greatest coaches and players in history; they committed themselves to one team, maybe two their whole careers.
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