Open Thread: The National Finals
I think it's safe to say the nation's two best teams have made it to the season's denouement. Kansas and Memphis each throttled their semifinal opponent, setting up not just a clash between the two best teams, but a delightfully intriguing match up, as well.
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How Memphis Got Here: The Tigers warmed up by rolling UT-Arlington, survived Mississippi State, then flipped on an extra gear, running Michigan State, Texas, and UCLA out of the gym in turn. They've been at times dazzling on offense, and consistently suffocating on defense, using their length and athleticism to control the perimeter and their size and strength to man up the paint. Most devastating of all, they're converting turnovers and missed shots into transition points with impressive ease as Derrick Rose makes his case to be the top player selected in the NBA Draft.
How Kansas Got Here: The best defense in the tournament, dusting Portland State, UNLV, Villanova, Davidson, and North Carolina. The Jayhawks have simply smothered the opposition, holding all tournament opponents to less than 50% eFG. The offense has been less efficient, but the defense has been so strong that only Davidson was within striking distance with under 5:00 in the game.
The Match Up: This is just a fascinating game to me, for a number of reasons. We've watched Memphis just destroy three very solid teams in a row, in large part because they're a semi-pro team in the open floor; off turnovers and missed shots, they've been unstoppable. And yet on the flipside we've got Kansas, who took the tournament's other great transition team - North Carolina - and completely shut them down on Saturday night, holding the Tar Heels to 0.83 points per possession (season low for UNC).
What gives? If the Jayhawks can manage the Tigers in the open floor, the pressure on Memphis to perform in the half court becomes a factor. Thus far in the tournament, they've looked mighty impressive in that capacity, as well, but it was an issue at times during the season. You have to think Bill Self has seen the last three games and said to himself, "We're making Memphis beat us by the jump shot. Period."
On the flipside, what do we make of Kansas' scoring ability against a Memphis defense that has proved itself a match up nightmare for every opponent its faced this tournament? And should we be concerned about Kansas' somewhat alarming turnover rate, up over 20% in each of the past three games? Will Rush, Chalmers, and Robinson collapse at the feet of Memphis' freaky athletes on defense?
You know you've got a great match up on your hands when both sides present enormous challenges for the opponent. AW has phoned in his pick and is taking the Jayhawks, 84-80. I think he and I wound up about tied in our first weekend picks this year, so we'll make this one for all the marbles. I'm taking Memphis, 74-71.
Enjoy the game.
--PB--
Update [2008-4-7 23:53:54 by HornsFan]: It's Kansas, with a thrilling come-from-behind 75-68 win in overtime. Congratulations to the Jayhawks on their third national title.
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76 comments
Comments
i didn't realize that they were so big
goodness
by abcdmetrius on Apr 7, 2008 8:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Robinson needs the official
to help him keep it in bounds.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 8:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Like a heavyweight fight
Early flurries and probing. Memphis has shot better. The first round doesn't mean much yet.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Memphis is slipping.
Better get it together.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 8:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
KU counterpuching well
Memphis feeling sting of fouls, playing more deliberate and defensive, first round to KU.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 8:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tigers off the ropes; now there's some real
action in the middle of the ring. I think Memphis realize that KU always wants to put the knife in your back.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 8:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Basketbrawl at its finest.
My 'hawk buddies are quite "vocal".
We got a game.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 9:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What?
whills and I aren't enough? Two old farts reliving their youth?
Maybe all the "kids" are at the bar.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately
I am at work, so all I get to watch is game tracker.
by Wells on Apr 7, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you need more description just ask.
Hate to hear you're stuck at work.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't lost focus, Wells
we don't need any rockets-n-shit re-entering orbit prematurely.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kansas, Rds. 2,3,5; Memphis, 1,4.
Kansas edge on RBs and fouls.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 9:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Rose
is missing some petals tonight.
1-4, 3 pts.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 9:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They've gotta have him.
KU is slowly controlling the game. He's the wildcard.
And, damn, they have to keep Bobby out of commercials.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how roy williams is showing his face
in a kansas crowd is beyond me.
by UTrumbo on Apr 7, 2008 9:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kansas is really set up to be more aggressive now
However, I didn't realize how prone they have been to making TOs. That little weakness could be lethal.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 9:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
KU not hitting threes
but most of those I've seen have not been good shots. So, Memphis is alive, with Rose coming on.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jayhawks didn't do enough
while he was in the coma.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wells, hope you get to see this.
Just a great, tough game. I been wondering just how in the hell we beat KU.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Of course
it would be the best NCAA final in years, as I have not missed one in a long time.
I meant to Tivo it, just in case, and forgot.
by Wells on Apr 7, 2008 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully, CBS will have it available for a while
Six minutes of fury left. KU cold. Need threes but are not playing for them directly, but not getting much in paint now. Memphis and Rose are hustling.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
fuck..kansas is let it slip away
by vy til i die on Apr 7, 2008 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you can watch it online
even after it's over.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
and that shot is what you call..BULLSHIT..lol
by vy til i die on Apr 7, 2008 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now, Memphis is getting lucky on that bank three
Up 8 and that's critical with it under 4.
Kansas hadn't had any good runs this half and that is ominous for them.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ah, was getting a drink and didn't see it.
Still lucky to beat the buzzer.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big block. Memphis looking for dagger.
Bring on the fouls. KU starting it early enough.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
re:
it's all in their head now..hopefully it continues
by vy til i die on Apr 7, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
that was a FOUL..and should have been a tech on cdr
by vy til i die on Apr 7, 2008 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont understand
why the rules change at the end of the game
by titans10 on Apr 7, 2008 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reminiscent of the UT/Tech game
the one we lost. We were on the comeback and started fouling early. Then we got it down by 3 and Johnson makes the mistake of fouling when all we needed was a defensive stop. KU is going for the stop though.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2008 10:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How many times does that happen
You're fortunate to get them to miss FTs, only to let them get the offensive rebound. That's got to be frustrating.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2008 10:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
KU needs a little luck
and Memphis has been getting the bounce.
Good chess game. The Kansas break and attempted layup was a mistake; had to kick it out to keep the scoring opportunity.
Now it's down to Rose.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Did Memphis get
2 offensive rebounds in a row?!
by Wells on Apr 7, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
KU got a steal but layup blocked,
taken by Memphis.
Then the action where you're talking about, where Memphis missed 4 of 5.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
by vy til i die on Apr 7, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, they got it. OT.
Just a hell of a shot.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
damn..i NEED to study for propulsion..oh well!
by vy til i die on Apr 7, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dear guys
words can not describe how much I hate you guys.
by Wells on Apr 7, 2008 10:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, Wells.
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/playby...
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We love you too, Wells.
Sometimes you just gotta get lucky.
What are those rays at my window?
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calipari having a main course of Crow?
I really want to see Calipari eat his words about his team being able to hit free throws when they count.
Go KU!
by UTAth on Apr 7, 2008 10:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where the F is Gus Johnson? These
announcers are killing me! This is the most exciting title game I can remember and these guys are monotone...
by the1austin on Apr 7, 2008 10:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
John Calipari
What's your excuse now? You've been telling us for MONTHS that your team's free throw shooting was never an issue. You said your team would make them when it mattered. Now what?
9-15 from the line, including missing the front end of a 1 and 1.
If Memphis loses, I'm looking forward to his post-game press conference.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2008 10:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
KU playing like it has new life.
Memphis needs to get over it.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
18-3 run!
that's insane...i'm so glad Calipari is full of horse shit!
by vy til i die on Apr 7, 2008 10:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
re:
yeah!!!!!!!!!! rock chalk jayhawk..reminiscent of the super bowl
by vy til i die on Apr 7, 2008 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wells
why can't you watch the game? It's online. Is your internet speed too slow?
Well here is the link if you have the speed.
http://www.janeironation.5gigs.com/n...
Click on Mem/Kansas game.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2008 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was not watching
because I was trying to get my work done, big presentation on Thursday. But when the game went to overtime I turned it on.
by Wells on Apr 7, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kansas execution of the end game
has been superb.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Mario Chalmers, MVP. Hell of a shot.
Big 12 rules.
by whills on Apr 7, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Down by 9 with 2:12
and win by 7.
Simply amazing.
by horndude on Apr 7, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
At least
by Kansas winning, this probably increases the chances of Arthur and Chalmers leaving, to go with Rush, Jackson, Kaun, and Robinson.
We will most likely be favorites to win the Big 12 next season. I think Barnes gets his first Big 12 tournament title as well.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Attention Longhorns
See why you need to make your free throws? OK, now go shoot 100,000 practice shots before next season.
by Caradoc on Apr 7, 2008 10:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
CONGRATS KU
Wow...Chalmers...just WOW! Way to step up and drain that shit. I new once they got to overtime KU could just take over and finish out. Memphis CHOKE! What about those FT's Calipari? Huh? Ya that's what I thought.
BIG XII baby!
by owenh on Apr 7, 2008 11:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
and to Bill Self
Fantastic coaching, gameplan, motivation everything! At under 4, down 8 or 9 I was calling it a game. Nope, proved me wrong. Really great job.
by owenh on Apr 7, 2008 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Attention all basketball coaches
This is why you foul when you're up 3 at the end. Don't give them a chance to tie the game.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2008 11:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah, I was wondering about that...
figured it was just one more in a long, long string of brain-farts from Memphis, but actually read in an article this morning that they thought they HAD fouled Collins before he passed it to Chalmers.
Oh well, still a huge mistake. Don't kind of foul, foul the heck out of him...
That was truly a terrific game. But Memphis surely did choke it away. Not only the missed free throws - although if you make just 1 of the 4 you missed, you win the game - but also the sloppy turnover on a lazy in-bounds play when they were up by 7, the stupid 5th foul by Dorsey challenging on the perimeter against a quicker guy, and all the other things they seemed to do in a panic. Now, my only question is: Why, oh why, couldn't they do some of that against Texas????? I know, I know, the matchups weren't as good and they really had no pressure on their free throws... still... just a few misses, come on, tigers!
by agent orange on Apr 8, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fouling hard
got to make sure you go after the ball on the foul though, if you give them two shots and the ball then the strategy backfires.
by Wells on Apr 8, 2008 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rush injured his ACL
at the end of last season. He was supposed to go pro last year and not be on this KU team. Instead he comes back and helps his team win the whole thing. Everything happens for a reason.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2008 11:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs




























