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march madness?
Sometimes I love TV. Today was that day. I just saw Barton College beat Winona State in mens college basketball to win the D2 National Championship. And it was unbelievable. Barton was the underdog of underdogs. Winona was undefeated all year and they led seemingly for much of the game. I was drifting in and out of sleep. But I caught the last couple minutes.
Down by 5, a young man named Anthony Atkinson made me jump up and down like a small child. He scored his team’s last 10 points including three ridiculous layups/drives to the basket. The most beautiful pat of it? He was at the free throw line with a chance to tie it with seconds left (after a most improbable turn of events put them in that position). He missed it. The game looked lost. He hung his head and had this look of utter sadness on his face. But then later, there was hope! A steal and seconds later he goes on to score the game winning basket as time expired. What a testament to a battle, any battle, never being over until you decide it is. Going into the tournament no one gave Barton a chance to win the tourney. No chance going into the game. And then at the end of game it looked like they miraculously had a chance and then blew it. But, still, they went on. And they won.
That’s why I watch TV. To be inspired. To be wowed. And that was certainly it. Google News “barton college” or click here to read about it. Wow.
6 comments to march madness?
— 03/24/07 at 9:03 pm
I was there for their first Elite 8 game and Ant, as Anthony is known, pulled off any amazing shot from outside the NBA 3 point line at the buzzer. This kid was a serious clutch player. My friend works for the college. When they chant, “We Believe!’ They mean it. He hit another in the clutch in their final four game. I saw him cry the first game and my friend, who was at the tournament the whole time, said he cried every time they won. They are an amazing team and I hope they get credit on Sportscenter and in Division II for being an amazing team. Ant should win the Cousy Award that he is nominated for this year.
— 03/24/07 at 9:27 pm
Yeah, he’s my favorite player in college! I love it! This is sports at its purest– and I can’t wait to see what he does next. If he ends up in the NBDL, I’ll actually go to see him play. Ant for President!
— 03/26/07 at 8:35 am
Did you watch The Traheels get whooped by Geaorgetown yesturday? The game went down to the wire which lead it to overtime, but Georgetown pulled away after that. It was a great game!
— 03/26/07 at 4:18 pm
I did watch the Gtown game, but it was –NOTHING– compared to the Barton College game. That was the greatest college ball game I have -ever- seen!
— 03/27/07 at 9:58 am
Without YouTube this would not be made possible….
Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzmQmz9Kdc
— 03/29/07 at 3:33 am
Pablo beat me to it!
Wow that finish…the steal and final layup…made me grin widely. I love an underdog kicking arse in that fashion.
I’ll bet that Winona player who lost the ball felt horrible. They didn’t even have to do anything to win but protect the ball.
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