Well the Big East Got One In

Through all the bashing and all the mocking the Big East was able to beat out the Big 10, Pac 10, either the ACC or SEC based on today's outcome, and maybe even the Big 12 in terms of Final Four teams. Connecticut was able to raise the Big East flag and are on their way to the Houston. They did so in a game of runs, that saw Connecticut pull away enough towards the end to hold on for the victory, and continue their incredible run. A testament to the Big East is that Connecticut went 9-9 during regular season play, while going undefeated against out of conference opponents, and that continued again last night. They have also not lost in a tournament setting, as they improved that record to 12-0.

Kemba Walker continued his superb play, hitting big shot after big shot down the stretch for the Huskies, and Jeremy Lamb is establishing himself as a preseason first time pick in next year's Big East. Derrick Williams got into foul trouble early and this put the Wildcats in a hole, trailing by seven at the half. In the second half Williams flexed his muscles, drawing a number of fouls that got players like Alex Oriakhi in foul trouble of his own and Arizona pulled back into it, taking a lead at one point. Connecticut and Kemba were too much though. and once again Jim Calhoun finds himself in the Final Four out of the west region.

What would you have called me if in November of 2009 I said that Butler would be in two straight Final Fours? You would have called me nuts, but here we go again, Butler is going to Houston, and Brad Stevens could almost name the college that he wants to coach at and the school would consider making a coaching change on a whim. They have been able to avoid the potential 9-8 upset special in the first round (or round two if you will), then continue to defeat regular season Big East champions Pittsburgh, Big 10 juggernaut Wisconsin, and regular season SEC champions Florida. No big deal right?

They did it as they always do, great defense and getting the other team to play their style of basketball. They really were able to shut Florida down, with the exception of Vernon Macklin who was kind enough to get into foul trouble for the Bulldogs. Shelvin Mack hit big shot here, big shot there. Matt Howard got a huge rebound on this play, loose ball or charge call the next play. They had role players step up in Shawn Vanzant. Now they even have freshman coming in and getting three pointers like Chrishawn Hopkins, and huge three point plays and 10 points like Khyle Marshall. Butler is the epitome of a team, and a team that will not give up, as they found themselves down 51-40, and then what do ya know Brad Stevens pushes all the right buttons and they find themselves back on their way to the Final Four. Chrishawn Hopkins? Really? That was the card he played, seemingly out of nowhere, and IT WORKED.

Connecticut is heading to Houston because of Kemba Walker being the best player in college basketball, Jeremy Lamb growing and emerging, and Jim Calhoun being a great coach who knows how to win tournaments. Butler is on their way because Brad Stevens is a great coach and certainly knows how to win tournament games, they have college stars in Mack and Howard, and they are getting supporting cast members to play their roles, and exceed them at times. Two similar strategies, a different hierarchy at this point, but both going to Houston for the Final Four.