Charlie’s rules for 21 might have thrown me for a loop, but it wouldn’t have mattered the way that I played.

The part of the game I thought would be the only way Duke stays in the game turned out to be their downfall. The Blue Devils could not hit a free throw to save their lives. Meanwhile, Auburn hit all their free throws, so every time they scored, the Tigers extended their lead.

The fading light certainly didn’t help Duke as they struggled to get rebounds when the ball went off the rim. Or it could be that I am just not used to shooting while trying to dribble to a spot. I always was the type of set shooter that would fire off a pass instead of driving to the basket.

But it was a thorough beating – Charlie shot better from three-point range. Charlie shot better from the line. Charlie was just better. Auburn 21, Duke 14.

Congratulations to Auburn on winning the Ball Don’t Lie championship.