Final Four

I shouldn’t be watching, but this year’s NCAA Men’s Final Four is pretty good.

In the first game, Virginia bled the clock on each possession and carried a ten-point lead into the last five minutes. It seemed Auburn wouldn’t have enough time to erase the deficit. But then the Tigers went on a tear, overtook the Cavaliers, and looked set to win the game. At the very end, the Cavs went back on top due to some clutch three-point and free throw shooting – aided, also, by the refs’ no-call of a double dribble.

Sir Charles’s Tigers had previously KO’d a series of bluebloods – Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky – and they matched Virginia’s will, though the Cavs set the pace through most of the game. The blown call resulted in a heartbreaking elimination. Afterward, Sir Charles said he was close to tears.

Right now, it’s halftime of the game between Michigan State and Texas Tech. The two ferocious defenses have kept the score down to 23–21 (in favor of the Red Raiders). I don’t think either of these teams will pull very far ahead, which should make for another good ending. The winner will be a nightmare opponent for Virginia.