Setting the Stage
Every year millions of sports enthusiasts from around the world gather around TVs and flock to stadiums to enjoy one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year: a 64-team tournament where the best college basketball teams compete in a win or go home bracket known as March Madness. Every year, the tournament leaves viewers with priceless memories of success and defying the odds or tragic heartbreak and the agony of defeat. This year in particular was quite unique, with all four number one seeds reaching the Final Four in the men’s bracket, an occurrence that hasn’t happened since 2008. Auburn, Houston, Duke, and Florida, four juggernauts that dominated the rankings all season long, set the stage for a heavyweight clash for the ages as the programs competed for recognition as the best college basketball team in the nation. In the end, Florida defeated Houston 65-63 to claim their third national championship, but their path to basketball immortality was not as black and white as the box score may suggest.
Final Four Chaos
The first matchup of the Final Four between Auburn and Florida was a back and forth clash between two SEC programs that had each spent time as the top team in the nation. In a thrilling explosion of second half offense and defense, Florida overcame an eleven point deficit to knock off Auburn 79-73 and clinch a national title berth. On the other side, Houston stunned the world, knocking off title favorite Duke with a generational comeback at the end of the game, wiping away a fourteen point deficit in the final eight minutes with smothering defense to clinch the title berth and a shot at their first ever national title.
Notable Title Storylines
The leading storyline entering the game was Florida’s high-powered offense against Houston’s smothering defensive prowess. All year, the two teams had been the top performing teams in their respective categories, setting the stage for an exciting game between two teams centered around opposite skill sets. Another interesting dynamic was between the two coaches. For the Gators, Todd Golden, the 39 year old will cement his name in the history books by becoming the 3rd coach ever to win the national title after never having any coaching wins in March Madness. On the other hand, 69 year old Kelvin Sampson is high up on the list as one of the most experienced coaches in March Madness, looking to bring Houston its first ever championship.
The Game
The first half was all Houston, with their smothering defense and gritty playstyle helping them attain a twelve point lead while also keeping Florida Gators star Walter Clayton Jr. scoreless in the first half. “I thought the game was all but over after the first half,” said sophomore March Madness-enthusiast Forrest Houle. “Houston was sticking to their game plan and succeeding and Florida just did not seem to have an answer.” However, in the second half Florida finally broke through Houston’s ironclad defense, forcing the Cougars into foul trouble early in the half and capitalizing on turnovers and transition points to cut the lead completely down with minutes to go. Clutch free throws from Florida and a costly out of bounds call on Houston guard Emanuel Sharp put the Gators in prime position to close out the game up two with under twenty seconds to go. With the national title on the line, Florida forced a key defensive stop as time expired, preventing Houston from an attempted shot and winning 65-63. “What a game to remember,” said sophomore Matthew Stratton when asked about the title game. “Both teams fought so hard and were so evenly matched that it made the whole experience very enjoyable”
Looking Forward
With March Madness closing for the year the timer begins once more, as people reflect on the successes and failures of their favorite teams and fantasize about what next year’s tournament may bring. Every year you can count on the tournament to bring excitement and tension and after reflecting upon the culmination of this year’s tournament, I can confidently say that this year was no different.
