We’ve reached the cul-de-sac on the Road to the Final Four. (Unnecessary admission: I once sang “End of the Road” as a joke, karaoke style, back in college. What a night that was, but I digress.) Of course I’ll be live-blogging tonight, so be sure to check back in at 9. For now, how about some serious analysis.
It is rather humorous how so many people decided that, hey, one of the 1s had to be weaker than everyone else, so let’s pick on the team without the pedigree! I have no problem bragging: I saw this coming. For anyone that didn’t take Memphis to get to the Final Four, you were kidding yourselves, or just weren’t paying attention. This team is four points away from being undefeated and making tonight’s game something along the lines of the top sports story of the year.
Memphis should win this game. They deserve to be favored. I love watching CD-R get his points in whatever unconventional way he does, Antonio Anderson is the definitive glue guy and can you believe that they’re averaging single-digits in the turnover department? Amazing when you consider the hectic style they play.
As for the ‘Hawks, remember: Kansas was up 40-12 on North Carolina, so before we all go and jump on that Memphis bandwagon we should note that Kansas is just as deep as the Tigers and can run just as well. Mario Chalmers, can you do what Darren Collison clearly couldn’t?
Will it be a half-court game? If it’s not, you have to believe that Rose’s ridiculous 94-feet speed gives the Tigers a decided advantage. It’ll be bittersweet to know that this will be the last game for him and CD-R. (Man KU players, too.)
I’m interested in seeing if Joey Dorsey will have his way with Jackson and Arthur (maybe Cole Aldridge again?). I’m pretty impressed that Dorsey could score zero points, grab 15 rebounds and be as vital as he was. I still think he’s got a lot of maturing to do (what? because he isn’t saying stupid things BEFORE games, all of the sudden he’s a great guy?) but I have liked what I’ve seen.
I’m also interested in what Nantz will say to end the night … no prediction here, I’m sure it’ll be as cheesy as anything.
Will it be Packer’s last game for CBS? There’s been some murmuring.
Does the free throw issue finally bubble up to the surface for Memphis in this one?
I’m amped. This doesn’t have the same giddy feel as the first few days of The Tournament, but I still get plenty geeked for it.
It’s been 5 years to the day since Syracuse won their championship… me thinks I’ll celebrate in my cube at work with some one-shining-moment and orange juice.
Derrick Rose has a bit of a ‘melo aura to him. Go Memphis!
I agree the Rose has a bit of ‘Melo to him, and I thought about putting up a post on that today, but I’ll wait until tomorrow if it in fact happens.
I’ll put up some One Shining Moment ‘03 version right now to appease the Cuse contingent that frequents here.
i think memphis has shutdown all critics and as great as kansas looked memphis looked much much better…..
on a side note no mention of the tennesse/lsu game from the womens game that was easily the best game this weekend…..yes i said it. candance misses a game winner but her teammate throws down the putback for the win…and uconn loss..tsk tsk.