The dichotomy was visible again yesterday: one's interest in the Big Dance games is directly related to the degree of disparity between the opponents. Of course, that changes if one has a connection to one or both participants. If that is not a factor, then the average viewer engages more in the David-Goliath matchup than in the Goliath-Goliath or David-David contests.
You can count me as an average viewer, for Sunday's Virginia Commonwealth-Kansas game was much more exciting to me than North Carolina-Kentucky's game. VCU, despite its fantastic start that had the befuddled Jayhawks gasping for air at the wrong end of a 41-27 halftime score, always looked like it would run out of gas. The suspense was terrific, as Kansas found its legs and VCU lost its shot in the first seven minutes of the second half. The lead was down to two for the Rams. Then, magic happened. VCU regained its spark with a reserve guard and the Jayhawks cooled off. The Rams hit a few more three's, and VCU posted a 71-61 win.
Coach Tupaca-Shaka Smart willed his team to victory.
Jamie Skeen had 26 and Brandon Rozzell had 9 for the Rams, while Joey Rodriguez, Ed Nixon, and Toby Veal provided smothering defense. The arrogant Morris twins of Kansas had their trash-talking mouths sealed for the season. That's entertainment.
Meanwhile, the second game between Kentucky and North Carolina held no such allure or comeuppance. It was Goliath versus Goliath. While both schools are in power conferences, they were not overhyped conferences this year. Therefore, they weren't necessarily teams you love to hate, unlike those found in the highly touted Big East and Big Ten.
One could take issue with Kentucky coach John Calipari's resume and trail of NCAA infractions, although he's never been personally proven liable. One could take issue with his one-and-done recruiting philosophy with the largest recruiting budget in Division One basketball.
Still, this year's Wildcats feature two long-termers, DeAndre Liggins and Josh Harrellson, as well as freshman superstars Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones. Kentucky is a public university in a beautiful state that lacks an NBA franchise. Kentucky has beautiful ranches.
Ambivalent feelings also surround the Tar Heels of UNC. North Carolina is a member of basketball royalty, and they aren't innocent when it comes to recruiting ultra-bluechippers who leave school early. Yet, Coach Roy Williams exudes class, even when he moved from Kansas to Chapel Hill. The school is academically respected: it is Cal-Berkeley to Duke's Stanford. Finally, Chapel Hill has been a cultural mecca for alt-rockers for over thirty years.
Therefore, my eyes were glazed over watching the Kentucky-UNC game. The only way to watch a game of minimal interest is to DVR it and fast-forward through more than just the commercials. That's what I did. What did I learn? Calipari is not only a great recruiter, but he is also a great game coach. The Wildcat poise was never in question, even when UNC made its predictable run. As a result, Kentucky won in convincing fashion, 76-69. Were they quicker than the Tar Heels? Outside of center Josh Harrellson, the answer was an emphatic yes. Plus, they utilized more teamwork and floor leadership.
Unfortunately, the brackets lead to David-David and Goliath-Goliath matchups in the Final Four semifinals. Since UConn is ESPN's backyard darling from the overhyped Big East, it will be easy to root for Kentucky. Does it matter who wins the battle of the cinderellas? I like both teams, but it would be a bigger upset to have Virginia Commonwealth go all the way. Remember, VCU was blasted for even being in the tournament. They've had to win five games in the Big Dance to get to this point. Yet, Butler has restored brilliance to basketball in the Hoosier state.
VCU is quicker, while Butler is more fundamentally sound. The biggest question is not who will win, but which coach, Stevens or Smart, will leave their respective team first for a power conference school waving wads of cash and a lavish expense account at them. Only time will tell.
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