One More Win To Gr8ness

The buildup to this Final Four matchup vs. Louisville was growing tiresome by mid-week. Every angle had been explored, exposited, and exhumed: Cal vs. Rick, Freshman vs. Upperclassmen, Overdogs vs. Underdogs. I finally had to go down to the local dialysis center and slap some old Aggie fan just to blow off some steam. Couldn't find any Cardinals anywhere.

Well, thank God Saturday finally arrived...and thank Him further that the Cats pulled it out.

I'm gonna be as absolutely magnanimous as possible and first congratulate the Louisville team. They played hard and clean, they brought a ton of energy, and they kept it close just about the whole way.

But as Brother JC has been pointing out for a couple of weeks now... we're just better. This year is our year. And now only Kansas provides an impediment to that Eighth Banner.

I was extra-proud of Darius Miller and the game he played against the Cards. I liked the steal/breakaway jam with the one hand raised, and he made a big three in the second half that took a little wind out of the dirty birds. Mostly, Darius just played a calm and steady game, and that was crucial considering how this semifinal had big streaks back and forth for each squad.

Kentucky of course had more streaks, and I thought early on that there was at least a slight chance that it could have turned into a laugher. Unfortunately, MKG's foul trouble put a damper on things, and I suppose Pitino's squad was simply not going to allow the UK lead to grow too far out of reach, even if that took a severe slowdown in pace. But I'm absolutely lovin' the hot start approach for UK, and would sincerely hope for a repeat Monday night against the J-turds.

If plaudits are something that Anthony Davis has any further need of, then I will also toss some his way. The youngster threw down a couple of crazy lob jams that finally brought out the best in those stupid CBS camera angles. Witness the Unibrow from 30 feet above court level! Now from behind the glass! We've also installed one in his refrigerator!

But Davis put up his standard double-double on the biggest stage of all, and he's spent the entire week collecting this or that trophy, from this or that voting group. I'm hoping tomorrow he REALLY settles any Player of the Year debate against Thomas Robinson. I don't know that they will personally face off much, but over 40 minutes there are bound to be a couple of moments where the long arms and quick hops of Mr. Davis will have a chance to shine.

Of course ultimately it's teams that wins games and championships, and collectively this squad has a mere two blemishes. They've come back to New Orleans looking to seal the deal on a stellar season. All year long, they've exhibited great poise and grit, and that's exactly what they will need against Kansas.

On, on U of K.