Who needs a regular season?

It wasn't a very pretty end to a miraculous post season run, but a win's a win. No matter how ugly it was, it's not going to bring down the UConn Huskies and their contingent of fans off Cloud 9. No snide remarks like "Any other team could have beaten both of those teams last night" or "UConn wasn't THAT good this season" can wipe the smiles off the alumni and the 16,000+ undergrad student currently enrolled in Storrs, CT. In simple terms, it doesn't matter. Those other teams didn't win when they needed to advance so they got eliminated. The only team who stepped up to the challenge every single time was UConn and look what it got them, the National Championship.

Yes Butler exhibited the worst shooting performance ever in NCAA title game history, shooting a measly 18.8%, and while as un-entertaining as it was for the rest of the sports world, it will go down as quite possibly one of the greatest sports moments in UConn's history. Most of the world expected it to be a defensive game, but with more of an offense to it from both sides. Neither team shot well, UConn just shot better and that's all they needed. What was their defensive key to winning this game? REBOUNDS. UConn had 51 rebounds on the night. They blocked out the normally outstanding Butler rebounding team, who didn't lack in rebounding with 43, but they just didn't have the offense to match. UConn's Jeremy Lamb lit up the 2nd half, scoring all of his 12 points reigniting the entire Husky Nation. While Butler failed to make any of their shots go in, UConn didn't let up one bit. They kept the pressure on causing the Bulldogs to scramble and hope they could make something work. UConn's relentless defense shut down Butler's inside game completely with 10 blocks and holding them to just 3 2-pt field goals. If you would have asked Brad Steven's before the game that UConn was only going to score 53 points, he would have been thrilled, but not with his team on the losing end of this surprising end to the season.


Last night's title game brought an end to one of the greatest post season run's in NCAA history. No I'm not being biased because I'm a Husky Hardcore, but it's undeniably one of the greatest. There's something about this title for UConn Country that is just a little bit more special than 1999 and 2004. In 99, Rip Hamilton and his team took down the mighty Duke Blue Devils 77-74. Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon and Co. roared through the 2004 tournament as a #2 seed proving to many they should have been a #1. 2011 is different. There was a different walk a different smile on Jim Calhoun's face when accepting the trophy. It wasn't all about flash and fancy plays, it was back to basics. One simple thought: win.

Starting with their heartbreaking loss to Michigan State in the 2009 Final Four, they took a step back and started over. Rather than recruiting All-Stars who don't always need coaching, Calhoun found raw talent in players like Shabazz Napier, Alex Oriakhi and Jeremy Lamb who were willing to learn and be coached. What was going to reignite this team was Kemba Walker. The ultimate success of this team would fall on his shoulders. As Calhoun said post game "I needed this team as much as they needed me". The bond of trust from Calhoun to Kemba and then Kemba onto his team mates can't be matched. If Kemba wasn't having a good night against Arizona, Calhoun trusted him when he said they needed to give the ball to Jeremy Lamb and in turn Lamb trusted Kemba to get him the ball to score.

Pre-season, Connecticut wasn't even ranked. Besides the star power in Kemba Walker no one really knew just how good they were going to be. After the Maui Invitational, a lot of people changed their POVs. The Huskies stormed through Hawaii defeating future NIT Champions Wichita State (83-79), Michigan State (70-67) and future Final Four Kentucky (84-67). Kemba Walker and the Huskies had arrived. Regular and conference season began with more ups and downs than the roller coasters at Six Flags. They started pushing their way up the ranks of the AP polls but then suffering tough Big East losses would throw them back down a few places. Then they'd play teams like Texas, at Texas and rise once again on the shoulders of the Kardiac Kemba. Despite their phenomenal play outside of the Big East conference they faltered to a 9-9 conference record losing 4 out of their last 5 games.

Something happened the day after their regular season ending loss to Notre Dame. They had the best practice that day, that spark was back but they still had the daunting Big East tournament in front of them and with their poor record in order to win the tournament they'd have to play 5 games in 5 days. Nothing anyone thought was possible. Oh wait, it was. 5 in 5 with a staggering 130 point performance from Walker and Jeremy Lamb emerging with double figure points in every game. Magic happened in those 5 games at Madison Square Garden. Walker was playing the best minutes of his career, Calhoun was feeding off his energy calling plays and the rest of the team was using his passion and heart to drive themselves past exhaustion. Saturday night after defeating Louisville they could finally rest, but not for long. NCAA tournament play was set to begin on Thursday in Washington D.C. 5-0 in post season, 8-0 tournament play.

Would Connecticut be too tired after their Big East tournament performance? When asked about fatigue Kemba's reply "We're not going to let fatigue get us. When I'm on the court my heart takes over". They came out storming in the first round and manhandled Bucknell. Tired? Wouldn't have known it. After a rocky first round, they knocked out Big East opponents Cincinnati guaranteeing a Big East team to the Sweet 16. After the dismal performances of the upper seeded Big East teams in the first few rounds the 9th and 10th teams (UConn and Marquette) were the only ones left. Moving out to Anaheim, to play San Diego State in a near home game, the Huskies continued their road to Houston. Elite 8 vs. Arizona, a scary game in the least but with an 18-7 run in the 1st half while Derrick Williams was on the bench, UConn sealed their spot in the Final Four. 9-0 post season, 12-0 tournament play.

The UConn-Kentucky re-match wasn't going to be the same as Maui. Both teams were very different from November. It was visible that the Huskies were tired, Kemba had played all 40 minutes of the past 3 games. Would the 5 in 5 finally catch up with them? Physically maybe, but emotionally and mentally, hell no. Despite the late charge from Kentucky, Shabazz Napier getting fouled after his rebound of Andre Liggins' final 3-pt attempt took him to the line. Both free throws went in. Game Over. UConn is headed back to the Championship and well, we all know how that ended up; the championship title. 11-0 post season, 14-0 tournament play.

You push the Huskies back against a wall, they will find a way to win, no matter how ugly it may be. You don't see Coach Calhoun smile often, but when he does it's a beautiful thing. Monday night was about as good as it gets for him. He became the oldest coach at 68 to win a national championship and joined an elite club of 4 other coaches (Wooden, Rupp, Knight, Krzyzewski) to win 3 or more titles. Still want to say he's not one of the greatest? You can't argue it. No better team than this years Huskies to launch him into legend status.

UConn had everything this year: offense, defense, Kemba Walker, teamwork, trust, athleticism, heart, power and determination. They played well enough in the regular season to get themselves into the NCAA tournament, maybe not have been a top team during the year, but when it mattered most they did what other teams couldn't do: win. 11-0 in post season and 14-0 in tournament play. UConn played the best 420 minutes (540 in tournament play) than any other team in the NCAA giving them the 2011 National Title.

Until next year...

U! C! O! N! N! UCONN! UCONN! UCONN!

And then there were 2...

One of the most surprising, if not the most, Final Fours in the history of the NCAA tournament did not disappoint last night. Well at least for 2 teams and their fans it didn't, but for 2 others it left them silenced, heartbroken and sent home empty handed. Not without the usual NCAA Final Four drama. No matter the outcomes of the 2 games: Butler beating VCU, VCU continuing their Ultimate Cinderella run or Calipari and the Wildcats cruising past Calhoun and the Huskies, Kemba and his Husky Orchestra defeating the winningest program in NCAA history it was going to the an unexpected Championship game on Monday night. Butler v. UConn? VCU v. UConn? Butler v. Kentucky? VCU v. Kentucky?

The match-up between Butler and VCU was going to the battle of the Cinderellas. Both teams have proved their worthy of being in the Final Four, especially the Rams, after barely making the tournament and then hearing about it for 2 days before their play in game in Dayton that they shouldn't have been picked. Hey Critics, you still think they should have been left out of the tournament field? These two Mid Major programs have proved they can hang and play better than the big dogs, but now they have to go up against one another. Both teams shoot well from the 3 point arc but also have phenomenal defenses to stop what seems to be anyone in their tracks. From the start it was a close game, either team going up a few points but then the other answering right back with a few more. Up by 6 at the half, butler seemed to be putting on the touches of what took them to title game last year, however no one was counting out VCU yet. Roaring back into the 2nd half VCU was still very much in the game, but then time started to wear on them and Butler played the final stretch of the game like champions where VCU struggled and fell short. Before we knew, Butler was up by 10 in the last minutes of the game. 70-62. Butler advances for the 2nd time in 2 years. VCU the first of 2 teams sent home, but their run in this tournament said something about NCAA basketball. No one will ever forget their run and I'm sorry George Mason but from here on out it's going to be "Who is going to be this year's VCU?" The Bulldogs rejoiced in the locker room, back in familiar territory now all they had to do was wait to find out who they're going to play Monday night.

Kentucky vs. UConn. Calipari vs. Calhoun. Knight vs. Walker. Wildcats vs. Huskies. Both programs have extraordinary fanbases who camped out long before the doors opened to Reliant Stadium to ensure their front row seats in the student section. Were the Huskies going to continue their extraordinary run in the post-season or would the Wildcats finally find a way to beat the team that a month ago, on long month, seemed to be far from even getting passed the 1st round of the tournament. Both teams with phenomenal star players in Kemba Walker and Brandon Knight, both teams with tough defenses, and both teams with a lot to prove. Each team made a run in the 1st half in a very physical game but with a cold shooting Kentucky the game seemed to be in Connecticut's hands. Kentucky came out in the 2nd have swinging cutting that lead down to 1 with Liggins and Knight draining 3's. Husky Nation started to get worried, but it was far from over. UConn tightened up their defense, shut down Josh Harrelson, and started to make plays. With 2:30 left Shabazz Napier drove to the basket with a sweet hook shot to take the lead to 6 but Liggins fought right back and cut the lead to 3. Down by 2, Napier loses the ball and Kentucky calls the TO. Kentucky could either tie the game or win, Liggins took the final 3 with 4 seconds left, a great shot, but fell short. Amongst the sea of giant players Shabazz extended his arms and came up with the rebound, getting fouled with only 1.7 seconds left. Make both of his free throws, game over. Talk about pressure. He made the first and now refocus, take a breath, look at the hoop. Swish. Game Over. Hands down the biggest buckets of this kids season, if not possibly his career. Despite Knight's final 3 pointer at the buzzer, it wasn't enough. UConn is going to the Championship game.


So it's set Monday night: Butler vs. UConn. Bulldogs vs. Huskies. Stevens (rookie) vs. Calhoun (veteran). 6 months ago neither of the teams thought they'd be in this position. Even a month ago, both teams struggling in regular season play weren't even close to being picked for the Final Four let alone the championship game, yet here we are, they're the final two teams left. The only real different right now between these two teams is 1 win. UConn is on a 10 game winning streak starting from their improbable 5 games in 5 days Big East Championship run (Butler played 4 games in the Horizon League Championship). This is a game that will be talked about for years. If Butler wins, they will cap 2 of the greatest tournament runs in history, a runner-up and then coming back the year after with a National Title. If UConn wins, they bring the trophy back to Storrs for the first time since 2004 also giving Calhoun his 3rd title joining the elite club of 5 coaches who have each won 3 championships and pushing UConn into "NCAA Blue Blood" status.

We all know who I'm cheering for obviously, but no matter the end result of tomorrow's game, I'm so proud of this team and what they've done. Myself (as well as the rest of Husky Nation) will never forget what they've done. They are reminiscent of the 2004 team and we all know how that ended up. The Huskies have found improbable ways to win and they have one more test in Butler. Their 13-0 tournament play this season has gone like this from the beginning: Witchita St, Michigan St, Kentucky (Maui Invitational), DePaul, Georgetown, PITT, Syracuse, Louisville (Big East Championship), Bucknell, Cincinnati, San Diego State, Arizona, and Kentucky again. Will Butler be their latest victim? All signs right now are pointing to yes, but the Bulldogs aren't going to go away easily. All eyes on the game tomorrow night will either be rooting for Butler or UConn, seemingly more people rooting for Butler, but Husky Nation is loud and will be heard in Houston from across the country. Maui-Manhattan-D.C.-Anaheim-Houston. We're bringing it all back to Storrs.

1 more game left, THE game. 40 minutes until we have a new National Champion.

4 Tickets to Houston Please.

3-4-8-11. Huskies-Wildcats-Bulldogs-Rams. Connecticut-Kentucky-Butler-VCU. Calhoun-Calipari-Stevens-Smart. Walker-Knight-Howard-Rodriguez. No matter the way you look at it, this is NOT the Final Four than anyone predicted. Well everyone except for the 2 people on ESPN's Tournament Bracket Challenge who have these teams. I would like to speak with them and find how they picked those 4. The final test before heading to Houston wasn't easy for any of these teams, but they prevailed and deservingly got their tickets booked for the trip of a lifetime.

#8 Butler vs. #2 Florida 74-71 (F/OT)

Thanks to the man pictured above, Shelvin Mack, 26 point game the Butler Bulldogs are back in familiar territory. They are the first team since UNLV in 1990-91 to make it to back to back Final Fours from a Mid Major conference (Horizon League). They have fought and scrapped their way back to this point and they have the most experience of the other 3 candidates. 5 of their players returned from last year's squad so they know the intensity and the pressure to play at this level (UConn is a distant 2nd experience wise with only 2, Kemba Walker and Donell Beverly). This Butler team has won against the likes of Old Dominion, a team no one thought they could even get past, the #1 seed PITT on a last second foul by Robinson, the Wisconsin Badgers who possibly played worse than their loss against Penn State in the Big Ten championship, and the Florida Gators who seemed to have everything pointed in their favor going into that game. Head Coach Brad Stevens and his Bulldogs are in a position this year unlike last year, they aren't the underdogs, they actually are among the favorites in this group of 4. Will they prevail this year, maybe on a buzzer beater that instead of last year bounces off the rim, finds nothing but net?

#5 Arizona vs. #3 Connecticut 63-65

This game was probably the toughest match-up between the 8 teams. Both programs have been exceptional in the final stretches of the season, Arizona surging to what some people thought was going to be a serious National Championship contender and UConn on a current win streak of 8 in a row. Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams were the players to watch, the stars who were leading their teams to victories that people thought weren't possible. Both coming off big wins against Duke and San Diego State, the game was going to come down to the wire. Arizona got off to a hot start but once Williams picked up his 3rd foul in the 1st half, it was UConn's turn taking an 18-7 run, which ultimately won them the game. For the Huskies it wasn't the fire of Walker than won them the game, it was the quiet freshman Jeremy Lamb who seemingly couldn't miss a shot. A few unbelievable 3's, some base line jumpers and big steal for a dunk added up to his 19 points. Kemba knew he wasn't playing well and told Calhoun "Lets give it to Jeremy, he's on fire" and he couldn't have been more right. With 1:43 left Walker made a fade away jumper to but the Huskies up by 5 but Arizona followed suit and brought it within 3. The final possession belonged to the Wildcats. Williams went up for a 3, missed. Rebounded by Arizona, kicked out to Hune with 3 seconds left. Miss. Huddled under the basket both the Huskies and Wildcats went up for the ball, but it was too late. Game over. UConn wins. The last times UConn has made it to the final four they have come out of the West playing in Anaheim. There is something they love about that region. Can they finally come out on top after 7 years without a championship? All signs point to yes right now. Walker is on a mission to end his career on top and he's not stopping until he does.

#11 VCU vs. #1 Kansas 71-61

The Cinderella story isn't over yet. Since 2006 it's always been "Who is going to be this year's George Mason?" after this tournament it's going to be "Who is going to be this year's VCU?" This incredible run has been nothing short of... well... incredible. Critics, announcers, and fans alike thought they were done with Kansas. Of course the players on Kansas even thought they were going to win. They were so confident even that one of the Morris twins told Joey Rodriguez at the pregame captains meeting "The run ends here." Rodriguez thought otherwise; "We'll see". The game started off in the Jayhawks favor as expected, but then the VCU spark was ignited and they went on a run to put them 18 up over Kansas. Was this really going to happen? At the start of the 2nd half the Rams still lead by 14, but Kansas proved why they were a #1 seed. They brought the score to 46-44 but then a 9-2 run by VCU punched the 3rd ticket to Houston. That was it. All the #1 seeds are gone before the Final Four for only the 3rd time in NCAA history. Going from barely on the bubble, to the first four, to the final four. Can they do the impossible and win it all? At this point I'm not counting any team out. Yes they may have the least experience playing at this level but the Rams have proved that they aren't to be underestimated anymore.

#4 Kentucky vs. #2 UNC 76-59

The final spot in Houston was up for grabs. Historic NCAA teams going up against each other, it was bound to be a blood fest. Going into this game both teams had 105 NCAA tournament wins. Who was going to take the lead? Roy Williams vs. John Calipari. Wildcats vs. Tar Heels. The game remained close until the Wildcats took a commanding 11 point lead but only went into the half up by 6. 20 more minutes. Who would last? Kentucky relied once again on the shoulders of freshman Brandon Knight who throughout the tournament has been beyond clutch. The Tar Heels made a surge in the 2nd half to what it seemed like would be yet another NCAA victory. The Wildcats held off UNC for their 106 NCAA tournament victory, one more than UNC. Tyler Zeller and Harrison Barnes put all they could on the court with 21 and 18 points respectively but it wasn't enough for the phenomenal rebounding of Kentucky's Harrelson. By the end of the game it seemed to be a somewhat new rivalry has been created. The NCAA tournament will do that to you. Can Kentucky keep this hot streak going and hold up the trophy in one week?

So there we have it, the 2011 Final Four. Saturday #11 VCU will play #8 Butler in the first game and #4 Kentucky will play #3 Connecticut in the second. Will this finally be the year a Cinderella team wins the Big Dance? Will the storied program in Kentucky return to the top? Does Kemba Walker have what it takes to carry his team to the Championship? Can Butler make one more buzzer beater to win it all this year? Will VCU be the first team to take home the National Championship after starting from the play in game? In one week we'll have our answer. 40 minutes stands between these 4 teams and their goal to get to the championship. 80 minutes will stand between 2 of these teams before they can cut down the net. Like the rest of this tournament, nothing is impossible. Nothing.