4/2: #1 seed, #2 ranked, #3 NET Virginia, 34-5, for the title. They got an unbelievably tough break in yesterday's game. Their starting SG and leading scorer broke a finger on his shooting hand and he's out, AND their starting PF broke his elbow and is also out. Incredible!
We started the season beating them by 22 at our place when they were haelthy, but that's a long time ago. They're very good at PG and SF but I don't know how they can overcome those injuries, particularly since they've only had one practice to work the two new guys in.
4/3: This is unimaginably exciting!
Both teams show early jitters, then they take a lead. We come back. Tied after 10. Down 4 at the half. -8 at the line. The refs are killing us. Will Witt is playing terrific ball, 15 and 3. Thom got in early foul trouble and Witt took over. Both teams are shooting exactly 50%. The bench is +17.
"I need more from my bigs and from you, Earl. Make those shots you make and no dumb fouls!"
Down 4 with 10 left.
92-84 and the national championship!
+10 for the bench. Will Witt, our #3 guard, was the title game MOP. He had 22 and 3. Thom had an excellent 2nd half, winding up with 19 and 5. Both teams ended up shooting exactly 50%. We took 10 more shots. +8 in the paint, 6 fewer TOs.
Post Game Press Conference (Excerpts):
"Coach, how does a team like Vermont win the national title?"
"Heart, guts, desire, belief, hard work, teamwork. But even with all of that it couldn't have happened without the change in the transfer rule. Look at how many of our key players got here by transferring- Thom, Brad, and Witt. We wouldn't be nearly the team we are without those three."
"Still, Coach, it has to be an unbelievable feeling."
"It's something we will all carry with us for the rest of our lives."
Talk about Will Witt."
"Was there ever a better sub! Many legendary John Havlicek for the Celtics in the old days. Witt was our 3rd leading scorer, 3rd in assists, and as good a defender as we have. And don't forget Fero Miri and Will Kili, who were outstanding subs inside. Our bench was a huge factor and they certainly made the difference tonight!"
"Repeat?"
"That's a topic for another day. Tonight we're going to enjoy what we accomplished!"