Happy hump day!
One day more! The countdown is almost over to March Madness.
Last night’s play-in games caused some excitement, but the
real play starts tomorrow. And, of course, this week’s Top 5 will stick with
college basketball.
The topic: My Top 5 memorable March Madness moments.
1.
Kansas State vs. Xavier, March 25, 2010: This
game was epic. Every time one team seemed to take control, the other stormed
back. Jacob Pullen drove to the hoop. Terrell Holloway knocked down clutch
3-pointer after clutch 3-pointer. Then there was Jordan Crawford’s 35 footer to
send the game into double overtime. On top of all that, Gus Johnson had the
play-by-play, making the game that much more exciting. I watched every minute
of it, and still get chills every time I watch the highlights. The best March
Madness game I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of good ones.
2.
Kansas vs. Memphis, April 7, 2008: This is the
best national championship game I’ve ever witnessed. You want talent, this game
had plenty of it. Derrick Rose was the nation’s best player that year and a
future No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. Darrell Arthur led the Jayhawks
that night with 20 points and 10 boards. Brandon Rush still enjoys an NBA
career as does Memphis’ Chris Douglas-Roberts. But this
game was all about the shot. Memphis kept missing free throws, and Mario
Chalmers made them pay with a 3-pointer to bring the game into overtime. Kansas
dominated the extra period, and the rest is history.
3.
Stephen Curry, 2008: A lot of people forget that
the year Kansas won the national championship, it had to beat Steph Curry and
Davidson in the Elite Eight. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed an individual
performance quite like this one. Step back 3s. Ankle-breaking crossovers. No look
passes. Unbelievable layups. I want this kind of performance in the NCAA
tournament again, but I don’t think it will ever match the greatness of Curry
in 2008.
4. George Mason’s run, 2006: The original
Cinderella, at least for me. Never in my lifetime had I seen such an
unthinkable run to the Final Four. I’d heard about them in the past, but I’d
never witnessed it. George Mason’s run was incredible. Upset after upset. Michigan
State. North Carolina. Wichita State. Then finally, UConn, the No. 1 overall
seed that year. It was a run for the ages, and it sparked runs by other
mid-majors now. I don’t think VCU or Butler goe to the Final Four if the
Patriots don’t win. That’s the great thing about March, anything can happen.
5.
Duke vs. Butler, April 6, 2010: This was another
game for the ages. Butler made an improbably run to the title game, beating
Michigan State in the Final Four. Duke was the prohibitive favorite as the only
No. 1 seed standing after regional play. The Bulldogs gave the Blue Devils all
they had, and were two shots away from winning the game. Gordon Hayward missed
them both off the back iron, including a last-second half court heave in
desperation. If the shot had gone in, this would probably be No. 1. But instead
Duke took home the crown, but the game still left a lasting impression.
Top Videos:
-Here are ESPN’s top 75 NCAA Tournament moments.
-Phil Jackson was introduced as the president of basketball operations in New York yesterday.
-President Obama picks Michigan State to win it all in his bracket.
Thanks for reading and enjoy Thursday’s round of games.
Reach me at: award6344@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @_andrewward
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