A Little "Madness' Means Memories
They call it "March Madness." And, even before the NCAA DI Road to the Final Four Tournament gets started, the "madness" has taken root.
Evan Turner's 40-foot game-winning shot that lifted Ohio State to a last second win in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament was one example. The freshmen helped the top-seeded Buckeyes defeat rival Michigan and showed why he is a national player of the year candidate.
In the first round of the Big East Tournament, we watched Georgetown topple top seed and 4th ranked Syracuse. That was followed by Marquette 6-for-6 3-point performance in the second half against 10th ranked Villanova. Marquette's Lazar Hayward hit a crucial three down the stretch that kept alive the school's bid for its first-ever Big East title. Not to be outdown, Notre Dame's big defensive effort led to their upset of Pittsburgh. Then there was John Wall's 23 points and nine assists to help Kentucky turn back a game and upset-minded Alabama squad. A day later, Marquette and NotreDame had their conference runs end but it didn't detract from the optimism and hope that those earlier wins generated in the team, fans and observers around the country.
In the Summit League, we witnessed unbelievable basketball in both the men's and women's games. For some schools like North Dakota State, it was a hard luck weekend. Each of their men's and women's teams lost by one point in overtime. For others, like the SDSU women's team, there was exhiliration after a heart-stopping overtime win in the finals which gave them a second straight bid to the Big Dance. And for another school, Oakland, it meant expectations were reached as this team, dominate all season, rolled through the tournament to gain its entry into the spring's biggest sporting event.
As this weekend unfolds and conference tournament champions get a bid to the big show, the energy and spirit of players, fans and others will be high across the country.
We will see there is indeed magic in March, even before the dancing begins. It isn't just the coming of the spring that makes our steps a little quicker and our energy higher but it is this college basketball tournament that keeps alive hopes and dreams from young and old alike. We will see young men and women step up and make big-time plays in the face of pressure from all sides. As a result of their play, we will see smiles resonating on friends, parents, alumni and anyone who enjoys the spirit of competition.
Some of those smiles will become tears and frowns. Yet, to others the bustle of the crowd, the screeching sneakers, the intense athletic competition, pep rallies and waves, will only make the smiles brighter. Because...they will be part of magical moments that create unforgettable memories.
Evan Turner's 40-foot game-winning shot that lifted Ohio State to a last second win in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament was one example. The freshmen helped the top-seeded Buckeyes defeat rival Michigan and showed why he is a national player of the year candidate.
In the first round of the Big East Tournament, we watched Georgetown topple top seed and 4th ranked Syracuse. That was followed by Marquette 6-for-6 3-point performance in the second half against 10th ranked Villanova. Marquette's Lazar Hayward hit a crucial three down the stretch that kept alive the school's bid for its first-ever Big East title. Not to be outdown, Notre Dame's big defensive effort led to their upset of Pittsburgh. Then there was John Wall's 23 points and nine assists to help Kentucky turn back a game and upset-minded Alabama squad. A day later, Marquette and NotreDame had their conference runs end but it didn't detract from the optimism and hope that those earlier wins generated in the team, fans and observers around the country.
In the Summit League, we witnessed unbelievable basketball in both the men's and women's games. For some schools like North Dakota State, it was a hard luck weekend. Each of their men's and women's teams lost by one point in overtime. For others, like the SDSU women's team, there was exhiliration after a heart-stopping overtime win in the finals which gave them a second straight bid to the Big Dance. And for another school, Oakland, it meant expectations were reached as this team, dominate all season, rolled through the tournament to gain its entry into the spring's biggest sporting event.
As this weekend unfolds and conference tournament champions get a bid to the big show, the energy and spirit of players, fans and others will be high across the country.
We will see there is indeed magic in March, even before the dancing begins. It isn't just the coming of the spring that makes our steps a little quicker and our energy higher but it is this college basketball tournament that keeps alive hopes and dreams from young and old alike. We will see young men and women step up and make big-time plays in the face of pressure from all sides. As a result of their play, we will see smiles resonating on friends, parents, alumni and anyone who enjoys the spirit of competition.
Some of those smiles will become tears and frowns. Yet, to others the bustle of the crowd, the screeching sneakers, the intense athletic competition, pep rallies and waves, will only make the smiles brighter. Because...they will be part of magical moments that create unforgettable memories.
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