Reflection on the Final Four and upcoming championship game

 

Final Four logo (Google Images)

After some bizarre upsets and multiple buzzer-beaters the Final Four games were played out on Saturday night.  Those games wouldn't disappoint as both games weren't decided until the final minutes of regulation.  VCU had a historic run come to an end as they lost to Butler, falling just short of reaching their first ever national championship.  According to ESPN out of 5.9 million brackets filled out online only two had the correct final four.  This shows you the type of year it's been with an 11,8,3 and 4 seed shaping up the Final Four.  This meant that there wouldn't be a 1 or 2 seed in the Final Four for the first time in the history of the NCAA tournament. 

Jimmer Fredette (Google Images)

The second game featured Connecticut and Kentucky, which served as the "heavy weight" contest in a lot of fans eyes.  The game featured two high major teams with an All American in Kemba Walker and a Freshman conference Player of the Year in Terrence Jones.  Walker would come away with the win as he has every time in his last 10 games including the Big East tournament.  It seemed as if he was playing inspired ball as usual, but from my view point it appeared like playing with a chip on his shoulder.  The USBWA player of the year award was given to Senior guard Jimmer Fredette Friday over Kemba Walker and a few other finalist.  Although the award is voted on before the NCAA tournament starts, this would help motivate any inspired athlete.  Jimmer Fredette had one of the most historic scoring outburst the NCAA has ever seen, but his team is no longer in the tourny due to a tough overtime loss to Florida.  Kemba on the other hand didn't quite put up the guady numbers that Jimmer did however, his team is heading to the national championship. 

Many people believe this year showed that mid majors can play with the "big boys".  Butler is making a strong case as they head to their second straight National Championship game.  After last years unexpected run, I believe they have what it takes to win a championship IF they can stop Kemba Walker.  That is a big question mark considering the type of run Uconn has made on their improbable 10 game win streak.  With the run Uconn is making, along with the underdog tag Butler is carrying this game surely will be one for the ages.  The upcoming game championship game will be played on Monday around 9.  I'm taking Connecticut in a close one because the combination of Uconn's guard play is significantly stronger than Shelvin Mack in company.  What do you think about the potential match up of Uconn and Butler?  Do you think this is a sign that mid-majors can play with the high-majors?  We will find out soon enough, but I believe mid-majors are slowly working their way up the rankings and will eventually win a national championship.