‘Let’s win this game for all the small schools that never had a chance to get here.’ – Merle Webb from Hoosiers.

And for the second year in a row, the Butler Bulldogs delivered – and have now made consecutive Final Fours. All the small schools that never had a chance to get there will show their players that it is possible if you just believe and play solid basketball.

So, let the Hoosiers mysteria begin again.  Butler is here to stay – and they have shown that they were not just Gordon Haywood last year. They had a lot more talent on that team – and that talent is drilling clutch three-pointers when the game is on the line, getting to the free throw line when necessary, and grabbing offensive or defensive rebounds, or playing stifling defense when it is most critical.

Congratulations also go out to the Connecticut Huskies who have continued their unbelievably hot March. The Huskies have now won 9 games in the last 19 days on their march toHouston. I keep hearing things like – they have to be getting tired with all the basketball they have been playing – they can’t keep this going. Well, the Huskies have kept going and now are just two victories away from one of the most unbelievable runs that I can remember. And the Big East breathes a sigh of relief that after getting a record 11 teams in the tournament, the Huskies helped ensure that they at least got one team into the Final Four.

So, congratulations to both ButlerandConnecticut. They have punched their tickets to Houston. One can only hope that Sunday’s games will be anywhere close to as good as tonight’s overtime battle between the Bulldogs and Gators, and the two point contest between the Huskies and Wildcats.