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.

The Sweet down to The Elite

We went from 64 to 32 to 16 in one weekend. As many as 16 games per day so with only 4 games Thursday and Friday it was depressing to go through Mon-Wed with no basketball whatsoever. No matter what channel you were watching or where you were, once 12/11c came around, there was basketball on somewhere. Well at least on TBS/ESPN/CBS/TruTv. Once we got through those opening rounds, we weeded out the teams that weren't worthy, the ones who didn't show up to play and the ones who maybe were wrongfully booted from the tournament. Down to the Sweet 16 teams returned back to their respective campuses for a day or two before heading back into battle. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday seemed to take forever... and finally Thursday was upon us.

#3 UConn vs. #2 San Diego St 74-67

San Diego State had a very big advantage over UConn in this game. Not only were they a bigger team with a dominant front court under the basket, but they were playing in Anaheim, CA. A mere 100 miles from campus. Meanwhile the Huskies had to travel nearly 2,800 miles across the country from Storrs, CT. But that's how UConn likes it. The West region has been very good to UConn in the past, however in playing teams in their home state UConn was 0-7. Was it time to steer the boat in the other direction? Indeed it was. A close game through much of the first half kept everyone on their toes until Kemba Walker came a live and UConn closed on a 19-5 run. Coming back out in the 2nd half, San Diego State wasn't going to go down easily. That is until Jeremy Lamb decided it was time to break out. Combined Walker and Lamb scored 60 of the teams 74 points (Walker: 36 pts, Lamb: 24 pts). This UConn team is on a mission to get to Houston and bring the trophy back to Storrs. They're not going to let anything get in their way. When Walker is on fire, the rest of the team feeds off of him. Right now, there is no stopping this train. U! C! O! N! N! UCONN! UCONN! UCONN!

#3 BYU vs. #2 Florida 83-74 (F/OT)

Florida/BYU First Round 2010... BYU sent the Gators home with a 99-92 2OT victory. Florida was back this year and out for blood. They weren't going down easily. The entire game was a battle. Jimmer Fredette didn't disappoint anyone with his 32 point showing, but it wasn't enough. Tied at 36 at the half it was anyone's game. Bucket after bucket dropped for each team. With less than a minute left BYU was sent to the line. Making the first of 2 free throws game was tied at 68. Regulation over. Into OT we go. Florida came out swinging and never let up. They weren't going to have a repeat of last year. There was nothing the Cougars could do. They were out played 15-6 in OT. Fredette's phenomenal season is now over. Florida advances to play Butler on Saturday.

#5 Arizona vs. #1 Duke 93-77

Were we going to see another #1 seed go down Thursday? It was possible, especially after Duke's narrow escape from Michigan in the round of 32 but many believed Duke was better, more experienced, and would come out on top. If you picked Duke, you thought wrong. Arizona went into halftime 6 points down. 20 minutes is a lot of basketball to play but Duke is one of the best 2nd half teams in the country. Arizona had an uphill climb if they wanted to win. Not only did they climb, they destroyed the Blue Devil's mountain. The Wildcat's 55 point 2nd half might be one of the best 2nd half performances in college basketball history. They seemingly did nothing wrong behind the lead of Derrick Williams. Once they started climbing, Duke wasn't going to catch up. As the minutes ticked down, Duke found themselves in unfamiliar NCAA territory, on the losing side. Defending champions were gone and another #1 is sent home empty handed. Who's next? The Wildcats face the Huskies on Saturday.

#8 Butler vs. #4 Wisconsin 61-54

4 words can sum up this game for Wisconsin: Too little too late. Jordan Taylor dropped a few 3 pointers and got the Badger bench pumped up in the last minutes, but there wasn't enough time. Wisconsin was down by as much as 20 at one point, and Butler seemed as though they weren't letting up anytime soon. Nothing seemed to be going right for the Badgers last night, they weren't making shots, making stupid errors and all around just playing sloppy basketball. But that's what this tournament is about, it's not the regular season. If you don't show up for 40 minutes, or even just a few minutes, you might be gone. So with that, Butler continues their march to the Final Four, while Duke was stopped short. Could this be Butler's year to win it all?

#11 Marquette vs. #2 UNC 81-63

Well that was completely un-entertaining. Nothing about this game made me want to keep watching. UNC showed that they are clearly the superior team without question. They were exceptional. Despite Marquette's fighting in the 2nd half, there is only so far you can go after you've already dug yourself into that deep of a hole. With less than 2 minutes to play "Blue Steel" comes in. UNC rolls their way once again to the Elite 8. Hats off to Marquette though for not giving up, they still came out to play in the 2nd half. Mad props.

#12 Richmond vs. #1 Kansas 77-57

The Jayhawks and the Morris twins... did we expect anything less than a complete dominance over Richmond. While the Cinderella story for the Spiders was fun to watch leading up to this match-up, going into a game against this Kansas team, it's hard not to think it's an automatic loss. Kansas took control from tip-off and never slowed down. They're a very fast team and if they go on a run it's hard to stop them. Richmond never stood a chance.

#4 Kentucky vs #1 Ohio State 62-60

This match-up was about as close of a true "neutral" field. Both schools are similar in distance (Ohio State a little bit closer) so fans despite having to drive some ways are willing to make the trip. You could hear in the arena there seemed to me more Ohio State fans with the near constant "O-H! I-O!" chant through out the game. After a quick pull away by the Buckeyes in the opening minutes, Kentucky fought back bringing the 1st half to a close tied 30-30. Anyone's game. Starting off the 2nd half, same deal, back and forth, back and forth. D. Lighty from 3 is like a cobra striking a victim, you're doomed no matter what. Something mentally with Kentucky clicked in the 2nd half, they started making plays both offensively and defensively, making the Buckeyes really focus. Neither team let up. It was going to come down to the end. Big night from non-star players were going to be deciding factors as players like JD Sullinger seemed to start to crack. 2 minutes, Kentucky down by 1. This is why we love NCAA basketball. Under a minute, Kentucky up by 1. Up by 3. Diebler for 3. Tied. Up 2. And that's the game. Kentucky wins. Down goes another #1.

#11 VCU vs. #10 Florida State 72-71 (F/OT)

Now this was a match-up that few people could have predicted. #11 play in seeded team VCU against the #10 Florida St Seminoles in the Sweet 16? It wasn't surprising to see these teams go point for point in the first half. They were very evenly matched teams, it was going to come down to who could play the whole 40 minutes. Going into the half, VCU seemed to be in control. Despite going into the half down, FSU came out ready for another 20 minutes and quickly took control of the game and the lead. But VCU ain't going down w/o a fight. They're run in this tournament will be talked about for years. Just over 4:00 left FSU has pulled within 3. Is the Cinderella story over for VCU? Will the more experienced Seminoles come out on top? I said it would come down to who would play for 40 minutes. Well with :20 they're tied at 65. And we're going into OT. Unlike the Florida/BYU OT this one isn't over in the first 2 minutes. with 1:30 left VCU is only up by 1 70-69. Here come the Seminoles but VCU wasn't going to let it happen. Buzzer beater lifted the Rams over the Seminoles continuing them on their incredible run starting from the play in game. Can they beat Kansas? Anything is possible at this point in the tournament.

With the Elite 8 finally set to go tomorrow, it's going to be a battle for blood. Some teams with nothing to lose while others have everything to prove. This tournament has proved that seeds don't always matter, it's about what teams show up for the whole 40 minutes. Like VCU who had to play just to GET IN to the tournament and here they are on their way to the Elite 8. Who will be in Houston next weekend? It's up to each coach, each player, each team to decide their destiny. How will your team (if they're still standing) fare?

Onwards to the Sweet 16...

What a weekend... let me say it again... what a weekend. Going into the first rounds I felt pretty confident about my bracket, I had a good amount of upsets and a few of the clear top teams to make it through this weekend. Some match ups went the way most of the sports world predicted however some upsets, no one really saw coming. Once one upset occurred it seemed like all the other teams saw the light and realized it was their time to shine. Let's go day by day and recap just exactly what happened. Despite what the NCAA and the rest of the t.v stations are saying the first 4 play in games ARE NOT round 1. If there were a full field of games those days then yes, that's round 1 but 4 games does not constitute as round 1 of tournament play. Therefore we begin with Thursday.

Round of 64 Day 1: Thursday 3/17

A common theme of the first 16 games seemed to be "Winning by less that 3 points." 5 of the games were decided within the last minute of regulation. The biggest upset of the day came when Morehead St defeated Louisville 62-61 with a late 3 pointer. Very few people expected Louisville to make it to the championship but to lose in the 1st round, that was a shocker to say the least. The 8/9 match-up of Butler and Old Dominion provided entertainment to say the least with Howard last second layup to win. The Princeton Tigers fought ti'll the end against Kentucky and the Temple Owls flew over the Penn State Nittany Lions in the final seconds of a buzzer beater. UCLA somehow managed to hold off Michigan State in the final seconds to advance. While there were a handful of heart attack games the rest were what was expected. UConn dominated Bucknell, Pitt cruised past UNC Asheville as did San Diego St and Florida over Northern Colorado and U.C Santa Barbara respectively. But the big upsets, other than Morehead St came from Gonzaga over the injured St. John's and Richmond over Vanderbilt.

Round of 64 Day 2: Friday 3/18

Nothing short of exciting from the 2nd day of 16 games. More upsets, more heartbreaks and more domination. Continuing the fall of the Big East, Villanova lost to George Mason and Georgetown lost to VCU, but Syracuse and Notre Dame won as well as Marquette with the upset over Xavier. Top teams Duke, UNC, Ohio State, Kansas and Purdue proved why they were in the tournament. However, Texas narrowly escaped Oakland 85-81 as well as Washington edging out Georgia 68-65. The 30 point domination of Michigan over Tennessee was a shocker but then again Bruce Pearl decided to provide enough distraction for the team to lose their focus on what was important, winning. Arizona narrowly escaped Memphis while Florida State upset the Aggies from Texas A&M. All in all a good day in baseketball. And so we move on to the weekend.

Round of 32 Day 1: Saturday 3/19

First games of the day almost seem like nothing compared to the excitement of the last 4 games. Kentucky while trailing most the game came through to beat West Virginia, Florida escaped UCLA, Richmond ended the Cinderella story of Morehead St, and San Diego St survived Temple in Double OT. All pretty standard, but then came the prime time games. Then came Butler/Pitt, many of which expected a Pitt dominance. You thought wrong. The Bulldogs fought until the end keeping the game from going into OT. Matt Howard rebounded the ball with .8 left on the clock and would take the final heave down the court hoping for a miracle. As he throws up the ball he's fouled by Robinson as he admits "it was all my fault" The ball more than likely was going nowhere near the rim forcing overtime but instead sending one of Butler's best to the free throw line to potentially win the game. Makes the first, misses the 2nd but with .8 on the clock not even the best players could make a shot like that happen. With that our first #1 seed is gone. BYU cruised past Gonzaga and Connecticut lead by who else, Kemba Walker, showed why they deserve to be in this tournament ousting Cincinnati in the last 1:35 of regulation. And then the Badgers can thank Jordan Taylor for blocking Kansas State's last 3 point attempt to tie the game to force overtime.

Round of 32 Day 2: Sunday 3/20

The final day of the opening rounds came upon us and it seemed like an eternity before it was over for some teams at least. #1 seed Duke got a scare from Michigan a game in which everyone expected to be a blowout and #2 UNC barely escaped Isiah Thomas and the Washington Huskies on what many are arguing was the officials fault for not blowing the whistle or reviewing the play clock at the end of the game as well as not calling the goal tending on Thomas' last shot, while it was only a 2, it's the principal of the matter. Ohio State and Kansas sent George Mason and Illinois home packing. However, the rest of the games weren't so easy. Arizona squeaked by Texas as they seemed to completely deteriorate at the end allowing the Cats to capitalize and win 70-69. 11th Big East ranked Marquette took control of the game at the end to close the chapter on Syracuse 66-62. A game most thought was pretty much given to the Orange. No we're not done yet. Cinderella team VCU, who had to play in one of the 4 games just to make it to the tournament was up against Purdue. It's about to strike midnight, oh wait, not just yet. Not only did VCU beat Purdue, they dominated the entire game. Never letting up keeping their game plan and making baskets. Say goodbye to another top team. But it didn't stop there, 10 seeded Florida State man handled 2 seed Notre Dame, a team many thought was headed to the Elite 8 at least.

Thus concludes the opening weekend of the 2011 tournament. We have an 8/4 (Butler/Wisconsin) 11/2 (Marquette/UNC), 12/1 (Richmond/Kansas) and an 11/10 (VCU/Florida St). This is why they call it March Madness. If the top teams always won and there were no upsets it wouldn't be as exciting. No one expected to see a double digit team guaranteed to the elite 8 but either VCU or Florida St will be there. Despite the dismal showing of the 11 Big East teams, 2 remain: UConn and Marquette. No they're not the 1 and 2 teams from the big east, not even in the top 5. They are the 9th and 11th teams from that conference. UConn has won 7 in a row, they're not ready to lose just yet. Marquette has got nothing everything to gain but nothing to lose. If they lose to UNC, it's expected, if they win, it's just yet another bracket buster. Some of the top favorites in Kansas, Duke, Ohio St, UNC, and Kansas are still in the running, but this year more than ever, no one is safe. The only team who seems to be on an unstoppable track is Ohio State, but even their team is vulnerable. Teams now have 3-4 days to travel to their designated regional locations, practice, devise game plans and prepare for the biggest games of the season. You lose, you go home. You win, you advance. It's not just about the skill anymore, it's about who wants it more. Which team can show up and play better for a minimum of 160 more minutes. Who wants to hold that trophy in Houston on April 4th.

Time to Dance... Leave it on the floor

So it begins, what some sports fans call the best time of the year. Starting last week with Championship Week in college bball. A week this year that did not disappoint. Upsets, historic runs, buzzer beaters, overtime heartbreaks, the works. You name it, it happened. After teams finished their conference tournaments they awaited their fates on Selection Sunday. Waiting just to see where they're going to start their journey to the big stage. Despite a few disses from the selection committee, the new field of 68 was set and ready for the next 3 weeks.

For the first time in tournament history there were 4 play in games. Teams battled not to advance in tournament, but rather for a chance just to play. Not only play but potentially play against some of the best teams in the 64 team field. With those games finished we can look to the tournament. First round play begins today with 16 games. 16 2 hour games of pure bliss, that is unless the team(s) you're rooting for fail to do what is necessary to win. Players and coaches have been preparing themselves this entire season just for this month. It's what every team strives for and once you're there, there's no looking back. All you can do is put everything you got on the floor and hope it's enough to move onto the next round.

There are some interesting match ups in these first rounds, with some people talking about some serious potential upsets. Not only are these games about who has more talent, physically, but about who mentally can hang with the big dogs. There are teams who you can almost always count for at least a win or two in the tournament (Washington, Gonzaga, Xavier) because they know how to play on this level. They may not be the best team in the field but matched against another team with similar or better skill, these experienced teams still have the advantage. It's a different kind of game, different atmosphere and if you haven't played in it before, it can sometimes make the best of you. Not say that young inexperienced teams cant succeed in the tournament because they absolutely can, but in this kind of tournament, experience often trumps skills.

There is no other tournament that provides this much excitement in college fans across the country. Don't get me wrong I love the BCS and I love college football, but March Madness has a different effect on people. During BCS season you don't find random luke warm sports fans rushing to find pools to join and place bets on teams they haven't watched all season with hopes that they'll win the whole thing. People basing brackets of mascots and colors, which coach they think is cuter, flipping a coin, there is no other sporting event that does this to people. Everything about the tournament is exciting. Whether you're watching just to watch a good game, rooting for your alma mater (UCONN), praying that the team you bet on in Vegas wins it all so you come home with some $$$, it's exciting. Watching the 12 seed upset the 5 seed, even if it ruins your bracket, makes you rethink about what you're going to do the next year.

Tournament is underway, who's going to take the title this year? Can your team hang long enough to make it to the title game? Are they tough enough? Let the Madness begin... It's time to dance.

UConn Football

A school really known for anything other than basketball is now hearing more about it's football program on ESPN than basketball. Well not really especially since the women's team are 2 wins away from tying the all time winning record of 87 games in a row (John Wooden's UCLA team) and the men's team is finally showing themselves to be worthy of ranking again thanks to Kemba Walker. But for right now, at least until January, UConn country is looking at the football field. Last night thousands of UConn students, alumni and fans were glued to ESPN during the BCS special to find out that UConn will be playing Oklahoma in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ on January 1st.

UConn football has been far from a powerhorse like many teams from the SEC, Big 12 or the Big Ten, but in the last few years they have come from a nearly invincible team to right in the mix of things. While we maybe don't deserve to be in the Fiesta Bowl like some other teams but it's the way things panned out and we can't change it at this point. We're going to a bowl game, it's happening, and we're ready for it.

I was at UConn from 2005-2009, but being from Wisconsin I grew up watching Badger football. It's just a notch above the program UConn has and not to mention a very different atmosphere at the games. I went to my first football game the first week at UConn (student-athletes get in free) and while different than the games I've seen at Wisconsin, it was a lot of fun. Like any college sporting event it's a time for students to come together and have a great time. As my years continued at UConn I got to know some of the players. You see them in class, in the training rooms and around the campus (even sometimes at the bar) and unlike some other bigger programs, they don't feel so unapproachable because of their "celebrity" status. So when we're watching these games on tv or at the stadium you look at them more as peers and you can actually say "hey I know that guy!". Randy Edsall has a different type of program and while it may not work for other teams, it works at UConn.

Edsall is still building a program, but going from 1-AA to a BCS bowl in 12 years is pretty damn good. No we haven't beaten a lot of powerhouses but this team is slowly establishing themselves as a team that should be recognized. We don't have any flashy all stars or Heisman trophy candidates, but we do have a group of phenomenal athletes who together work as a team. Last season we lost one of our teams best players, Jasper Howard, in a fatal incident after the homecoming game victory against Louisville. The next weekend we played Notre Dame @ South Bend, a very emotional game for the UConn community. This was quite possibly going to be one of the biggest games to date that UConn would play. A team like Notre Dame, who in recent years has fallen off, but is known historically for their success is playing an unknown program from UConn at home. I don't think a lot of people thought it was going to turn out the way it did, but UConn prevailed. For us it was a big moment, a win over that kind of program in prime time tv. Fast foward to the current season. UConn traveled to Michigan to play in the Big House. We faltered in the beginning of the game and fell behind, but coming back out in the 2nd half we played pretty well holding our own. The experience for our team to play in that kind of environment really helps for future seasons.

Now that the season is over, UConn players are watching tapes of Oklahoma and vice verse, preparing for one more game of the 2010 season. It's not the national championship, but it's still a big deal. These players need to think about this as just another football game, 4 15:00 quarters to execute plays and score more points. As a UConn alum, it's an exhilarating feeling to be able to watch my school in a BCS game. I've watched many games throughout the years wanting a team to win, but it never meant as much as this one. Let's Go Huskies!