Memphis vs. Kansas

There were soaring highs and crashing lows. Now we've reached equilibrium, and we're ready for a final run to the finish. The best part of this game: Dick Vitale. We've been waiting all night and day to hear this guy's voice. Nothing not to love about this match: Elliot Williams and a Memphis squad the country is sleeping on against a Kansas squad that still has a lot to prove after a bumpy offseason.

We've got chicken wings, pizzas, and alcohol. Two are left: Big Dan and Rob. Let's take this baby to closing time!

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Big Dan is currently taking a shower to wash off the grime of the previous 23 hours. No hot water in the apartment. The kid just yelled that there are warmer showers in Siberia. The Michigan State vs. Gonzaga game was an absolute thriller. The final minutes were better than any basketball we've seen all day. Lucas can take the ball to the hole.

The plane I took back from Vegas offered Satellite television by Directv. ESPNClassic was showing an old ACC game: North Carolina against Clemson. A young man by the name of Jordan was balling for the 'Heels. But Dick Vitale described a Clemson player as not having "the white man's disease." I don't think were going to hear that one on television again any time soon.

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I really like Josh Pastner, looks like a guy meant to coach. The guy played ball for Lute Olson. His wiki page describes him "as a tireless recruiter for Calipari" which means he probably got his hands a little dirty. If he stays clean as a head coach, or just clean enough, I think we're going to see good things out of Pastner. Two of my favorite coaches battled earlier tonight: Izzo and Few.

Memphis had trouble with the deep ball last year, and it appears three point country is going to be out of reach again. They don't look confident shooting from deep. They're going to have to rely on athleticism to get to the whole, and their length to play great defense.

Cole Aldrich missing teeth. Really nasty looking. Doesn't make him any more intimidating, just looks like he got pulled out of the circus to play ball for the Jayhawks.

Where is this guy now: Brandon Rush.

The former Jayhawk champion is averaging 7 points and 4 boards for the Pacers in the league. Excellent college player; he was a difference maker in the finals game against Memphis.

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In the last decade, we've been lucky to see some excellent championship teams. Teams with great athletes, skill, and depth. I don't get the same vibe from this Kansas team that I got from a team like Florida that mixed great outside shooting with two excellent big men, and a swing guy like Brewer. The 2005-06 Gators were my national champion pick that March because, even as a three seed, they had more weapons than any other tournament team--including UConn. I don't get that vibe at all from this KU squad.

Of course I say all of this after picking them to make the Final Four.

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Andy Katz is clearly about to crash and burn. Sounds like he's about to fall asleep on the set, mid sentence.

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I really thought Memphis was going to put more points on the board than this.

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We're at 48-44 with 4 and change left on the clock. Both teams are pretty inept on offense. Marcus Morris is absolutely covered in tattoos, more than you can believe. ESPN is advertising nice double header: Syracuse vs. California and North Carolina vs. Ohio State. Very solid matches.

Wow, Memphis is trying hard to get a bucket under the hoop. Its not working out, Mack just dished the ball out of bounds. And Kansas just knocked the ball out of bounds on the other end. Its ugly in St. Louis.

This is a gutty game by Memphis. All the credit to them hanging tough and then forcing KU use their last timeout on the inbound!

What an intense ending. That ball went everywhere but down. Only a half of hoops left.