Butler v UConn tonight for the 2011 NCAA Championship

UConn celebrating Butler's win over Pitt

I've seen more than enough of UConn and Butler, since I went to the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the 2011 NCAA Tournament in Washington, DC.  I was at the Verizon Center for all the sessions and was fortunate to have a seat near the tunnel where UConn came in and out.  I watched UConn cheer and celebrate when Pitt was defeated by the Butler Bulldogs.  They obviously knew felt that their road to a 2011 NCAA Championship would be smoother if Pitt was eliminated.

It should be a good match-up tonight.  Even though I've seen these two teams play "live" enough to last me a lifetime, I will watch.

I think Vegas has UConn as a 3-4 point favorite.  I'm not a huge fan of Jim Calhoun, but I do like Kemba Walker.  I didn't know that much about him, until I watched him play "live", but you can tell that he definitely enjoys playing the game.  It's also apparent that he and Coach Calhoun have a great relationship.  I watched them smile and discuss the game on the sidelines and you can tell there's mutual respect there.

I'd put my money on UConn, but have to admit that I'm impressed with Brad Stevens and his team's poise and "fight".  Plus, it goes without saying (i.e. but I'll do it anyway) that it's quite an accomplishment to make it to the Championship game, in back-to-back years!

Hmm, maybe I'm a little more interested in the game than I thought...  Oh, well.  I'm still content with not making the trip to Houston.

Based on the reaction in the tunnels, UConn wanted to see Butler defeat Pitt and had to know that they "might" see the Bulldogs at the end of the road.  To quote the Pussycat Dolls, "Be careful what you wish for, 'cuz you just might get it."  Ok, Huskies ~ let's see what you got!

THE WIRK

Butler advances to Sweet 16 after upsetting Pitt ~ "Big Mack" scores 30

UConn watching, in the wings of the Verizon Center

Butler did it again.  They found a way to win and defeated Pitt on Saturday.  Jamie Dixon's squad was behind 30-38 at the half.  Brad Steven's Butler Bulldogs eeked out a controversial victory.  Depending on what side of the fence you're on, you might believe that certain fouls shouldn't be called at the end of close games.  I'm of the belief that the "right call" is the "right call" no matter what the score of the game or what the score is.

Here are some of my favorite pics that I took at the game.

Pitt coach, Jamie Dixon, is fired up

Butler Coach, Brad Stevens, always seems so calm

The Pitt player knows the end is near

Butler players celebrate a hard-fought win!

At the Verizon Center, the final score of the game was Butler: 71 and Pitt: 70.  Shelvin Mack (i.e. I'm going to call him "Big Mack") played huge by scoring 30 points.  From my seat, I could see the UConn players celebrating once Pitt was eliminated.  ****  Needless to say, with Pitt exiting the tournament, UConn's road to an NCAA Championship became a little smoother.

Yes, Butler did it again! 


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March Madness ~ Butler v Pitt and Cincinnati v UConn @ Verizon Center tonight

I overheard a guy, on Thursday, asking an usher who was playing on Saturday.  Umm, yeah.  Obviously the guy is new to March Madness.  I told him that there was no way to know Saturday's match-up until the games on Thursday were played.  He still looked confused.


 I'm looking forward to tonight's Butler v Pitt match-up.  I'm rooting for Jamie Dixon's Pitt squad.  The 2nd game on the schedule is Cincinnati v UConn.  I'm from Ohio, so I'll be rooting for the Bearcats.  I'm not a Jim Calhoun/UConn fan.  I'm not sure why.  UConn is such a tough team, but I like to root against them.  I have to admit it, that it was exciting to watch Kemba Walker play on Thursday.  After the game, Kemba signed some autographs for UConn fans in the student section where his mother was sitting.  Those are some lucky fans!

Oh, and for the record.  Louisville killed my bracket, so don't even ask me about it.

I've done 8 games in 2 days (i.e. Washington, DC and Cleveland, OH)...  I'm on a Craig Sager like streak, and I love it!  In the past 2 days I've eaten: 2 hot dogs, chicken tenders, a salad, pizza, nachos, Sour Patch Kids, and Dippin' Dots.  I've washed it all down with Diet Coke and water.  ****  The venues where the games are played are dry (i.e. no alcohol is served). 

Based on what I've ingested, if I don't have a heart attack, I'll see you at the Verizon Center tonight!


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Happy St. Pat (Riley) Day!!! NCAA Tournament, Washington DC

Today I went to the NCAA Tournament in Washington DC and I saw one of my all-time favorites at the Verizon Center .  PAT RILEY.  I'm such a huge fan of the man.  I love everything he does (i.e. Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks).  He looks great and his smile is killer.  The man is a WINNER.  Plus, I have a huge crush on Erik Spoelstra (i.e. even before he became head coach), so Riley would be "like" a "father-in-law".  ****  No, I didn't tell Riley, I had a crush on Spoelstra.  To be honest, I forgot ~ plus that just sounds silly! 

Regardless, what a great St. Pat(rick's) Riley Day!!!

Shout out to another one of my favorites, Bob Ferry (i.e. former GM of the Washington Bullets/Wizards and the best person to hang out with when a loved one is having surgery on his foot).  Bob Ferry is the BEST.  Nothing but class from the man, and he's another gentleman who I adore seeing.  Great smile, big hug, and nothing but love!

An actual tournament post will come when I settle in a few days ~ but trust me these 2 men were my highlights!

Recap:
Butler won.
Pittsburgh won.
UConn won.
Cincinnati won.


THE WIRK