Kentucky v. West Virginia
Kristi and I sat in Pizza by the Pound, the best and most local pizza parlor in Paducah, Ky, yesterday evening, after having worked as dressers at the Four Rivers Performing Arts Center for three shows of "Storytime," a cute kids theater production. We were exhausted, and wanted to have a beer and a one of the Pizza by the Pound's great pizzas and watch Kentucky play in the Elite 8 finals of the NCAA bball tourney.
Luckily, we go the last two open seats at the bar, the best place to watch the main TV. The game had just started, and Kentucky had jumped out to an early 6 - 2 lead. From the first couple minutes, it looked as though West Virginia had no chance. But that changed. When all was said and done, a sloppily played game by both teams ended up with West Virginia winning by seeming to be the team that least wanted to lose.
The officiating and the play wasn't very good. But Kentucky missed crucial freethrows down the stretch and couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from the field when it counted. They can only blame themselves. To say that there was disappointment in Pizza by the Pound, which fell into stunned silence as the last seconds ticked away and it became clear that Kentucky was going to lose.
It's just too bad that Murray State blew their game against Butler. Butler has had a lot easier time with their larger school opponents since they squeaked by Murray. It could be Murray going to the final four, and wouldn't that have been a hoot? I'd hate to predict who is going to win. It's wide open now. It would be fun to see Butler take it, but I also like Tennessee and Michigan State, who are battling as I write. But it will be fun!