Wow!! What a let down the National Championship game was. At a time when you need to be at your absolute best, on the biggest stage there is, both teams struggled. Uconn and Butler both play outstanding defense but at times it was comical how the ball just wouldn't go in the hole. Butler shot 18.8% for the game and launched more 3 pointers than 2 pointers. Still they only lost by 12. Anyone else would have lost by 30. Butler actually took the lead right before halftime and led by 6 after their first possession of the second half. That is where the fun ended for them. Kemba walker and Jeremy Lamb got it going and Butler never threatened again. Uconn's size was the difference. They challenged shots, actually blocking 10 of them (tying the championship game record), dominated the backboard and just wore Butler out.
The look on Brad Stevens face down the stretch was of utter bewilderment. He had tried everything he could do. He called plays (that worked), changed defenses and tried to speed up and slow down the game. There isn't a whole lot you can do if your guys just aren't making shots. He is a classy guy and that translates to his players who handled the loss with dignity and pride. They have the distinction of having lost consecutive title games to 2 legends of the game in Calhoun and Coach K. They also share that with The Fab Five and Vi Slamma Jamma who probably didn't handle it the same way.
Good luck to Butler in the future. It is refreshing to see a coach who doesn't wreak of arrogance. He is someone I would want my kids playing for and learning from. Butler is in good hands. Hopefully he will stay in Indianapolis.
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