3/29: We play #1 seed Southern Methodist, 24-11, for the title. Yet again we're the underdog. I believe we have been for every game in the tournament. They have a good outside game and they take care of the ball. We have an edge inside. They are 0-5 vs. top 25 teams; we're 1-8, so not much better. It comes down to who comes to play at this point.
3/30: Back and forth. Up 3 after 10. Up 7 at halftime. 12, 4, 4 steals for Mill, 11, 1, 4 for Sam. Tuck has 3 fouls and did nothing. Stats are close but we're shooting better, 48.7% to 41.7%. It's a game!
“You closed out the half strong. Come out just as strong to start the 2nd. This is for the trophy, guys. 20 minutes away from something you'll never forget. Stay focused and don't let up!”
We get it to 16! Up 26 with 10 left! Almost there! Up 32 with 5 left!
95-60! Champions! We won the 2nd half by 28!
19, 1, 6 for Gary Sams, 16, 6, 3, 5 steals, 3 blocks for Mill. 15, 6, 7 for Ster, 12, 9 for Bowe, 13, 5 for Ken Coll, who rarely plays; best game of his career!
+16 RBs, 8 TOs. We shot 49.4% to 36.9%.+24 in the paint. When it was all on the line, in the final 20 minutes, we soared like eagles.
Only one close game in the entire tournament, the 2 point win over Missouri in the 2nd round. We won the last 3 by 36, 21, and 35. Amazing!
4/3: #7 Louisville is the NCAA champ. The team watched the game together. My kids want to play them. That won't happen, of course.
4/4: Awards: Rash Mill makes the Big Ten second team and that's it.
Our TP stays at 54.
Would I move? Very doubtful. I want to build something here.
On the other hand, my dream school, UConn, came calling. I'm driving there for a visit. Not flying because I want to keep the visit under the radar.
I can't say yes, much as I want to. I made a commitment to build something here.
4/23: I'd better get a budget increase!
$4,500. What am I supposed to do with that! I suppose I can buy East Gold and National Basic, not go to any camps, and hope that $38,460 is enough to recruit with- against teams that have half million dollar budgets. Should have gone to UConn!
24-13. Frustrating and difficult season that wound up with the NIT title! Overall, for 15 seasons, 428-109, .797.
Last game for Mill and Ster. Everyone else is back.
The plant scientists think they've solved the problem. No new crops yet but they're hopeful.