Recap and Pictures from One of the Greatest Title Games Ever
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 11:39AM Just a few hours later, I am still in disbelief over what might have been. I bet I relived that halfcourt shot by Gordon Hayward a thousand times last night in my sleep. At no point did I ever think that Butler was going to lose. Everyone I talked to yesterday that asked…I confidently said the Bulldogs would beat Duke.
The final minute of play was so incredible. The Bulldogs get the stop they desperately needed and only trailed by one with seemingly the final possession. Timeout on the court and Lucas Oil Stadium was just in a frenzy. The possibility of a real life Hoosier movie was about to unfold right in front of our eyes. I tried to take it all in during that timeout. Butler fans were out of their minds jumping up and down, clinching their hands. Some were praying. Some were holding their breath. Duke fans were screaming “One more stop!!!” Police officers were cheering and excitingly talking to each other. The camera operator on the crane camera for CBS was pumping his fists. Even the normally jaded media members knew we were all about to have a story of a lifetime.
When Hayward took the baseline jumper with :04 left I watched the ball arc through the air. I was doing my best geometric analysis . “Is it high enough, does the distance add up…the angle looks right…OHH it looks good….YE….NOOOOOOOOOO”
The entire building just deflated as the Bulldogs quickly fouled. The much smaller group of Duke fans scream in ecstasy.
That sets up what looked to be an even more incredible finish. I knew Butler didn’t have timeouts and the Dogs had to get it down the court quickly. The free throw is missed and Hayward has the ball. When it left his hand I thought of Washington’s Luke Zeller who won a state title for the Hatchets in Indy with a halfcourt shot. Again, my geometry classes come into play. I kept thinking, I think it could bounce in. I was in the far corner so my angle was pretty spot on. It was so close. 70,000 fans gasped at the same time. The shot just missed and Duke survived what would have been the greatest ending to a sporting event of all-time.
I was up in Indy with my cousin Jared, and my good buddies Jason and Bo. I am so fortunate to be able to witness such a remarkable Final Four. Here are a few pics from last night’s game:
Reader Comments (2)
Great pictures Lance. I'm very jealous.
Awesome post as always! Glad you had a great time, just wish the end result had been better.