Final Four

National Title Game Recap: UConn Wins Third National Title

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:06:07 -0400

Given the defensive numbers that both Butler and Connecticut boasted going into Monday night's matchup for the national title few expected a high-scoring contest. But what ensued at Reliant Stadium was stunning, as a game that featured just 17 turnovers combined (11 for the Huskies) looked far uglier than anyone expected. Thanks to their dominance scoring inside and a good job of challenging shots, Jim Calhoun's team won the school's third national title by the final score of 53-41.

Kemba Walker, who has led the Huskies all season long, made just five of nineteen shots but scored a game-high 16 points and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. But the catalyst offensively for UConn was freshman Jeremy Lamb, who scored all 12 of his points in the second half and sparked a 22-3 run that essentially put the game away.

Shelvin Mack led the Bulldogs with 13 points but shot 4-for-15 from the field, and as a team Butler made history and not in a good way. Brad Stevens' team could not find their groove offensively, shooting 18.8% from the field to set the record for worst percentage in title game history. Butler's 9-for-33 showing from beyond the arc was trumped by an even worse percentage inside the arc: 3-for-31. Why'd Butler shoot so poorly on the biggest stage in college basketball? A combination of two factors: UConn's length/ability to challenge shots, and the Bulldogs missing a number of shots in the paint.

"I thought we got decent looks in the second half. We just missed quite a few," said Coach Stevens of his team's offensive struggles. "Credit UConn for defending the way they do because I thought they challenged shots better than any team we've played all year."

Neither team was particularly good offensively, with UConn shooting just 34.5% for the game. But they were able to get hot (comparatively speaking) early in the second half, going from six points down following a Chase Stigall three pointer twenty seconds into the half to up 13 with 7:33 remaining. Butler made just two field goals over a 13-minute stretch, and by that point am 11-point deficit felt more like 21.

The Bulldogs outscored UConn by 24 (27-3) from beyond the arc but disadvantages from two (36-6) and the foul line (14-8) left them in the role of runner-up for the second straight season. As for UConn, they ended a remarkable run through tournament play in March: 11-0. Add in three wins in Maui back in November and the Huskies went 14-0 in tournament games, not to mention 17-0 against non-conference opponents.

While the Big East coaches may not have been far off in their projection of this team (preseason pick to finish 10th in the conference; finished tied for 9th), outside of those directly connected with the program what this team has accomplished was unfathomable back in February. Last season, one that featured a serious lack of leadership, finished in the NIT with an 18-16 record. But with a leader as powerful as Walker the youngsters were able to grow, ultimately resulting in UConn winning the national title.

"From last season, the loss to Virginia Tech, coach, he gave me the keys," said Walker. "From that point on, I just drove. I called these guys, told them that we gonna work hard. Just be ready to come and work hard. That's what they did."

The Huskies did just that with Shabazz Napier coming off the bench to once again change the flow of the game, and Alex Oriakhi (11 points, 11 rebounds) and Roscoe Smith blocking four shots apiece (UConn finished with 10 blocks, a big reason why Matt Howard and Andrew Smith combined to shoot 3-for-22). One player doesn't result in a championship, something UConn has put on full display in both New York (Big East Championship) and the NCAA Tournament.

So while the Huskies head back to campus with another title, where does this leave the Butler program? To simply point out the fact that the Bulldogs are the fourth school to have lost consecutive title games would be terribly unfair. To get to this point in consecutive seasons is an admirable achievement in itself, and solid proof that there's a very good program (and not just a team) that calls Hinkle Fieldhouse home.

It all began with Barry Collier's tenure as head coach, and while the names have changed on the floor and in the head coach's chair throughout the years the success has remained. This much can be guaranteed: Butler will be heard from in the future. Monday simply wasn't their night.

National Championship Game Preview: Your Commentary

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:34:44 -0400

9:23 PM (CBS) (8) Butler (28-9) vs. (3) Connecticut (31-9)

The end of the college basketball season is here, for better or worse, and the national title game matches a pair of teams few expected to get to this point on Selection Sunday much less at any point during the regular season. The Butler Bulldogs are back where they saw their season end a year ago, and if Gordon Hayward's half-court shot were a few centimeters to the left we're talking about a possible repeat. Instead, they look to avoid going home empty-handed for the second consecutive season with the Connecticut Huskies standing in their way.

UConn's season began in earnest with a great run through the Maui Invitational with junior guard Kemba Walker leading the way. But while Walker has continued to play like one of the best players in the nation, the youngsters have matured by the game and have been pivotal figures during the month of March. Jeremy Lamb, Shabazz Napier and Alex Oriakhi are three of the key figures for Jim Calhoun's team, and if they can get one more solid outing from this group a third national title for the program could be on the horizon.

Butler was able to calm down on Saturday night after temporarily being drawn into the helter-skelter game that VCU preferred, winning 70-62 behind 24 points from Shelvin Mack and 17 and eight rebounds from Matt Howard. The difference for the Bulldogs was their ability to get to the foul line, making 20 of 26 while VCU went just 8 for 13. That may not be the case tonight as UConn gets 21% of their points from the foul line as well, but points from the charity stripe will likely be one of the key factors in the outcome.

Connecticut hung on to beat Kentucky 56-55 thanks to a pair of key plays from Napier, a reverse lauyp to give them a six-point lead and two made free throws that sealed the game. UConn ran out of gas late but the same went for Kentucky, who continued to fire away from the perimeter despite losing their legs in a game that lacked whistles in the second half. Could fatigue be a concern for Walker, who has seen nearly every possible type of defense/defender this season and will have to deal with Ronald Nored tonight?

"The reason I was tired was because that long stretch, we didn't get that [media] timeout," said Walker on Sunday. "It was a fast-paced game. That was the only reason I was a little out of breath. But as long as I stay mentally tough and my team stay mentally tough, just like we've been doing throughout this whole post-season, we'll be fine."

Offensively the Huskies are a point better when it comes to scoring and they're practically even when it comes to both offensive and defensive efficiency. But if there's one thing to watch it will be how the two teams get their points. On the season Butler scores 31.5% of their points from beyond the arc, making 35.5% of the shots they take. UConn will have to chase players such as Mack, Zach Hahn and Chase Stigall off the arc or at the very least make sure the Bulldogs have to take challenged perimeter shots.

Kentucky outscored UConn by 24 from three on Saturday night but their poor shooting from both two (34.2%) and the foul line (4 for 12) cost them the game. Butler shoots 73% from the foul line and with Howard and Mack they do a good job of finding quality shots with an eFG% of 50.9%. One other concern for UConn will be how they control the defensive boards. Kentucky grabbed 15 offensive boards on Saturday, and Tyler Olander, Charles Okwandu and Roscoe Smith will all need to help out Oriakhi to avoid a similar situation tonight.

Butler also handled the offensive boards in their win, grabbing 16 and out-rebounding VCU 48-32 on the night. But given VCU's propensity to shoot from the perimeter, it was a little easier for the Bulldogs to control the boards in that situation. The ability of Napier and Walker to get to the basket will pose a challenge that Butler hasn't seen often in the Tournament, and when they have (Florida) those guards lacked the control that UConn's possess.

"The thing that UConn doesn't get enough credit for, everybody talks about how good those guards are with the ball, I think they're great cutters," remarked Butler head coach Brad Stevens. "I think when they put [Walker] off the ball with Napier on the one, he's as difficult if not more difficult."

This is going to be a fun matchup to say the least. While much of the attention will center on Walker and rightfully so, Connecticut's youngsters also have the ability to make plays. Lamb was somewhat quiet on Saturday night but given what he's been able to do this month it would come as no surprise if he were to rise to the occasion. Butler's players have more Final Four experience given their run last year but in Jim Calhoun, UConn has a leader with two national titles to his credit. These may not be the two "best" teams in America when breaking them down, but there's no doubt that the Bulldogs and Huskies are playing the best basketball at just the right time.

Final Four Recap: Butler and Connecticut Advance to Title Game

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:06:01 -0400

On March 19th two teams advanced out of the Washington, D.C. subregional, making their way to the Sweet 16. And on Monday night those two teams, Butler and Connecticut, will play for the national title.

In the first game of the night in Houston, Butler was able to withstand an early barrage of VCU three pointers to take a six-point lead into the intermission. After an even start the Bulldogs allowed themselves to be drawn into the Rams' hectic style of play, breaking the pressure for three pointers instead of attacking the rim. VCU, who went into the game shooting 43% from three in the NCAA Tournament, made four of ten in the first half. By comparison Butler attempted 13, making just three, but what saved the Bulldogs was their ability to get to the foul line.

Butler outscored VCU 11-2 from the charity stripe in the first half and 20-8 for the game, and when you break even in points from three (24 apiece) the numbers from the foul line tend to add up. Butler used the foul line and a 48-32 edge on the boards to end VCU's dream run by the final score of 70-62. Shelvin Mack led the way with 24 points and six rebounds and Matt Howard added 17 and eight caroms to return the Bulldogs to the point where their season ended a year ago.

"I thought our inability to get out in transition took away from some of the three-point attempts we typically have," said VCU head coach Shaka Smart. "Again, they did a great job scrambling and getting out on shooters. We put it on the floor. We got in the lane. We just didn't make enough plays from there."

The key word leading up to the game was "tempo", with the bigger concern for both teams being what happened within each possession. Butler took some rushed shots early but as the game wore on, the experienced Bulldogs made better use of the 66 possessions (the season average for both teams). VCU opponents had a turnover percentage of nearly 23% on the season and with just nine miscues Butler finished with a percentage of 13.6%, which is better than their average on the season (16.9%).

Defensively the Bulldogs were able to slow down VCU despite the fact that the Rams assisted on 74% of their made baskets, limiting them to 41.6% on two-point shots to go along with the aforementioned numbers from beyond the arc (Ed Nixon, Joey Rodriguez and Brandon Rozzell combined to shoot 3-for-18 from the field). And without the major advantage they enjoyed in wins over Florida State and Kansas last weekend, VCU couldn't overcome the whipping they took on the boards. Jamie Skeen however was outstanding for the Rams, scoring a game-high 27 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists in his final collegiate game.

But despite the end of their run Shaka Smart's club will be remembered nationally for their run to Houston instead of the fact that it ended at Reliant Stadium. For a team few thought had a shot of simply making the field to get all the way to the Final Four is a remarkable achievement, something they'll all realize once a little bit of the pain subsides.

"VCU's run was inspiring to a lot of people, including us," said Butler head coach Brad Stevens. "The way that they played, the way that they really beat a lot of unbelievable teams handily was remarkable and probably made them the hottest team in the tournament coming into this game."

While many (beforehand) bemoaned the perceived "quality" of the first matchup due in large part to the absence of household names, in all honesty Butler and VCU put forth a more artistic showing than Connecticut and Kentucky. The game featured a pair of important runs, with the Huskies taking control once Shabazz Napier entered the game halfway through the first half to take a 31-21 lead at the half.

Kentucky, as they've done multiple times in the Tournament, stormed out of the locker room to regain the lead five minutes into the second half thanks in large part to the hot shooting of Doron Lamb. From there what ensued was a seesaw battle that was absent of whistles, resulting in the under-8 media timeout not coming until 2:09 remained in the game. Napier made two big plays late, scoring on a driving layup to give the Huskies a 54-48 lead with 2:28 to go and grabbing a loose ball following a DeAndre Liggins missed three in the final seconds with the Huskies up 54-52.

Napier's two free throws gave UConn an insurmountable 4-point lead with two seconds remaining, and Brandon Knight's three pointer as time expired had no effect on the outcome. So despite fatigue and some interesting decisions in crunch time Jim Calhoun's team finds itself one win away from a national title, and despite the praise given their offensive weapons it was defense that got it done for UConn.
Napier's bigger contribution was his defense on Knight, who shot just 6 for 23 on the night in his toughest outing of the Tournament.

The freshman led the Wildcats with 17 points but on a night where he didn't have it offensively, Kentucky steadily got away from their interior game. Terrence Jones scored seven of Kentucky's 10 points before the first media timeout...and finished with 11 points for the game. Josh Harrellson finished with just six points, and outside of Lamb the Wildcats weren't particularly efficient on the perimeter either. That all conspired to end a season few people expected before the season began.

"I thought the 1 for 10 down the stretch was the key to the basketball game," said UConn head coach Jim Calhoun. "We knew we were not going to make every shot, but if we can defend them, we can win this basketball game."

Kemba Walker led the Huskies with 18 points but due to fatigue he had to find other ways in which to help his team and he did just that. Walker also accounted for seven assists, six rebounds and two steals on the night, and Jeremy Lamb scored 12 points to go along with nine rebounds and four assists. Neither team had their legs down the stretch but UConn dug deep defensively, keeping Kentucky out of the lane and forcing them to settle for challenged twos (34.2% on two-point shots, UConn finished 59.4%).

"They played well. They defended us. They were physical," remarked Kentucky head coach John Calipari of UConn's performance. "They blocked some shots down the stretch that were killers for us. Like, why did we just pull it out, don't just throw it at the basket."

It didn't help matters that Kentucky made just four of twelve free throws; simply put the Wildcats have a much better chance of winning with a percentage closer to their season average of 71%. UConn's big men were also instrumental in the win despite allowing 15 offensive rebounds. Alex Oriakhi grabbed 10 to go along with his eight points, and despite a quiet stat line (four points, one rebound) Charles Okwandu gave the Huskies one more needed banger in the paint. Jeremy Lamb and Roscoe Smith combining for 17 rebounds was also a factor for UConn, who remains undefeated in games against non-conference opponents this season.

So the stage is set for Monday night, matching up a program that's become a national favorite over the last two years with a program looking to win its third national title. Both teams can point to moments within this season as the catalyst for their respective runs (Butler losing at Youngstown State, UConn's practice following their loss to Notre Dame in the regular season finale). And neither was expected to come close to the stage that will be their canvas back in October.

National Title Game: (8) Butler vs. (3) Connecticut (9:23 PM, CBS)

Notable Performances

1. G Shelvin Mack (Butler)
24 points (8-11 FG) and six rebounds in the Bulldogs' 70-62 win over VCU.

2. F Jamie Skeen (VCU)
27 points, six rebounds and three assists in the Rams' loss to Butler.

3. G Kemba Walker (Connecticut)
18 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the Huskies' 56-55 win over Kentucky.

4. F Matt Howard (Butler)
17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals in the Bulldogs' win.

Kentucky/Connecticut Preview: Your Commentary

Raphielle Johnson — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:43:30 -0400

(4) Kentucky vs. (3) Connecticut 8:49 PM (CBS)

How they got here
Kentucky (East Region champions)
W 59-57 over (13) Princeton
W 71-63 over (5) West Virginia
W 62-60 over (1) Ohio State
W 76-69 over (2) North Carolina

Connecticut (West Region champions)
W 81-52 over (14) Bucknell
W 69-58 over (6) Cincinnati
W 74-67 over (2) San Diego State
W 65-63 over (5) Arizona

The champions of the SEC and Big East tournaments meet in the second semifinal, with Kentucky looking to extend their 10-game win streak while UConn has won nine straight. Yes the two teams met in the title game of the Maui Invitational (an 84-67 UConn win on November 24th), but that game really doesn't exist when it comes to figuring out what may happen on Saturday night. The two teams are that different. John Calipari's received increased production and leadership from his upperclassmen, and the youngsters have stepped up to aid UConn head coach Jim Calhoun and star guard Kemba Walker.

The Huskies' run, winning nine games in 19 days, has been an unprecedented one made possible not just by the excellence of Walker but also the play of Jeremy Lamb. The freshman more than a few overlooked back in October has blossomed over the last month, averaging 18.3 points per game in the NCAA Tournament. Lamb's scored in double figures in each of the last nine games, and late in the win over Arizona it was he the Huskies ran off of baseline picks instead of Walker for a pair of key baskets. Classmate Shabazz Napier (8.0 ppg, 3.0 apg) offers Walker the chance to rest on the offensive end by playing off the ball, and Napier can knock down shots as well.

Up front Alex Oriakhi and Roscoe Smith are two of the players UConn will call on Saturday night, with the former leading the team in rebounding on the season. Oriakhi's grabbed double-digit rebounds in the first two NCAA Tournament games and will need to be a factor on the glass if UConn is to win on Saturday. Oriakhi also averages just under 10 points per game, and he'll need to finish inside while dealing with Josh Harrellson and Terrence Jones. Smith allows UConn to play small with him at the four in spurts when Tyler Olander and Charles Okwandu don't enjoy beneficial matchups.

As for the Wildcats, they essentially go six deep with Eloy Vargas being the seventh who could see action in this contest. Their effectiveness has been affected by the play of their three upperclassmen, who stepped into the role of leaders following that loss at Ole Miss on February 1st. Harrellson, affectionately named "Jorts" by the fan base, averages a team-best 8.8 rebounds while also scoring around eight points per game. The Wildcats will use Harrellson in ways outside of banging in the paint, and how UConn deals with this will have a lot to do with the outcome.

Harrellson can be used not only in ball screens but also in handoff situations, where he can either give the ball to a perimeter player while effectively setting a screen or fake the handoff. Once the fake happens the senior becomes a threat to turn and go to the basket, something he's been able to do throughout the current run. This level of contribution is a far cry from what was expected of the Missouri native upon arrival in Lexington, which is a credit to his hard work.

DeAndre Liggins may end up being the most important player on the floor for Kentucky due to his defensive ability, and he's been a solid contributor offensively as well. Averaging 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, Liggins is also one of the best defenders in America and stands to see quite a bit of Walker. Liggins averaged 13.5 points and 3.5 assists per game in Newark last week while also pestering both Ohio State and North Carolina defensively.

"You have a 6'6" player with long arms who can guard a point guard, a two-man, a three-man, and if I wanted him to, he could probably guard the four," remarked Coach Calipari when asked about Liggins. "Whoever is hurting you, he can go guard."

Darius Miller rounds out the upperclassmen trio (Vargas is a JUCO transfer in his first season at Kentucky), and when aggressive offensively Kentucky as a whole becomes a better team. MVP of the SEC Tournament, Miller averages 11.1 points per game on the season and shoots 48.5% from the field and 44.9% from three. Before scoring 10 points combined in wins over West Virginia and Ohio State the junior from Maysville, Kentucky reached double figures in 10 straight games. If not for his 17 against Princeton there's a good chance that Kentucky is at home instead of Houston this weekend.

There's also no mistaking the impact of the three freshmen, Terrence Jones, Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb. Knight runs the show at the point while also leading UK in scoring with an average of 17.3 points per game (4.2 assists/game as well). Simply put, Knight is a winner. He didn't make a single field goal going into the final seconds of the Princeton game but was still the option Coach Calipari chose, and Knight responded by making the game-winning basket. He's alternated poor shooting games with outstanding performances in the tournament, and if form holds it could be a long night for Knight (22 pts against UNC). But don't bet against him when it comes to making winning plays down the stretch.

"Brandon didn't have his best game against us, but I definitely expect him to have a better game," said Oriakhi. "He's definitely the leader for that team. He's been making clutch plays for them and has gotten them this far."

Jones is as gifted as any frontcourt player you'll find, averaging 15.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game on the season. His scoring numbers may be down in the NCAA Tournament (high of 12 came against WVU) but the Portland native has a better understanding of the ways in which he can have an impact outside of scoring. Jones is averaging 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in the NCAA Tournament, and four of his six turnovers in the tournament came in Sunday's win over North Carolina. Lamb is the team's third-leading scorer with an average of 12.3 points per game, shooting 49.7% overall and 48.1% from three. UConn has to keep tabs on the freshman from Queens, who can silently kill teams who fail to acknowledge his presence on the floor.

The two teams are about even when it comes to rebounding with both having rebounding margins right around a plus-4. But the Huskies grab 14 offensive rebounds per game, a number that Harrellson and Jones (among others) need to keep UConn from reaching if Kentucky is to win. Assists and turnovers are close as well, although the Wildcats allow opponents to assist on just 48% of their made baskets (UConn allows 51.5%). The job for Kentucky is a simple one on the defensive end: make Walker work for everything in hope that he struggles, making the others beat them. Given how the Huskies young players have stepped up however, that could end up being just as bad as allowing Kemba to score 30-plus on his own.

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VCU/Butler Preview: Your Commentary

Raphielle Johnson — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:37:53 -0400

(11) VCU (28-11) vs. (8) Butler (27-9) 6:09 PM (CBS)

How they got here
VCU (Southwest Region champions)
W 59-46 over USC (First Four)
W 74-56 over (6) Georgetown
W 94-76 over (3) Purdue
W 72-71 over (10) Florida State
W 71-61 over (1) Kansas

Butler (Southeast Region champions)
W 60-58 over (9) Old Dominion
W 71-70 over (1) Pittsburgh
W 61-54 over (4) Wisconsin
W 74-71 (OT) over (2) Florida

The first semifinal at Reliant Stadium should be a good one, not even considering the obvious storyline of two teams from non-BCS conferences meeting in the Final Four. Shaka Smart's Rams, a team few had making the field of 68 on Selection Sunday, have not only taken advantage of their good fortune but have been impressive in doing so.

VCU has won four of their five NCAA Tournament games by ten points or more, most recently jumping Kansas after a 6-0 deficit to win the Southwest Region final in San Antonio on Sunday. The words of the naysayers have motivated this group, but most importantly they've played their best basketball of the season at just the right time.

"Our video guys are constantly taping all the things that the prognosticators say," remarked Coach Smart on Friday afternoon. "We print off every single article that talks about our game, that talks about Butler. We'll certainly use some of the things that are said."

As for the Bulldogs, they've won 13 straight games since the much-talked about loss at Youngstown State on February 3rd. Brad Stevens made the decision to use point guard Ronald Nored as a reserve, allowing junior guard Shelvin Mack to make more plays on the ball and players across the board have stepped up. Chrishawn Hopkins is a good example of this, as he came off the bench to make a couple important plays in the Elite 8 win over Florida. Mack and Matt Howard are the two "stars" for Butler, and when they're at their best the Bulldogs exemplify every aspect of the "Butler Way".

Guard play is a staple of basketball period much less making a run in the NCAA Tournament, and good examples of this will be on display on Saturday evening. Senior point guard Joey Rodriguez, who very nearly left the VCU program after the coaching change two years ago, runs the show for the Rams offensively. Averaging 10.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game on the season, the Floridian has tallied five assists or more in eight of the last nine games.

In what was arguably the best offensive performance of any team in the Big Dance to date Rodriguez handed out 11 assists in the Purdue win, a game in which VCU averaged 1.36 points per possession (North Carolina scored 102 in their win over LIU but on 93 possessions). Rodriguez's ability to put his teammates in the best position possible to score has led to impressive offensive showings from a number of players, not just forward Jamie Skeen.

Skeen (15.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg) was outstanding in the win over Kansas, scoring 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds against the Jayhawks' highly-touted frontcourt. The matchup between the Wake Forest transfer and Matt Howard will be a tough one, but there's no doubt that Skeen can get the job done.

"[Skeen] is probably the best low-post scorer in the tournament," said Rodriguez. "I think if we get him the ball, we'll be able to play with him and do some things we did against Kansas. If he comes out aggressive, ready to attack, then I think we'll be fine."

On the perimeter the Rams have a number of experienced contributors, from wing Bradford Burgess to guards Ed Nixon and Brandon Rozzell. Burgess and Rozzell both shot 40% or better from beyond the arc, and VCU has shot 40% or better in each of the last four games. Butler limits opponents to 32.6% from three on the season so something's got to give there. VCU's offense sparks their defense, a full-court pressure they refer to as "havoc". Is it outright running? No, each of these teams is right around 66 possessions/game on the season. But what happens within those possessions will likely determine the outcome on Saturday.

Butler does a good job of valuing the basketball, turning the ball over just 11 times per game on the season. VCU has forced opponents to turn the ball over on 22% of their possessions, with Florida State handing it over 23% of the time and Kansas 19% last weekend. Mack, Shawn Vanzant and Ronald Nored will all be key in this aspect of the game if the Bulldogs are to play within their comfort zone.

"You have to be prepared for multiple looks," said Howard of VCU's defensive strategy. "They're going to press. They'll play a little bit of zone. Then they also have a good man to man. I think when you're really scoring the ball really well too, that gives you energy defensively."

Howard (16.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and Mack (15.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.6 apt) are the offensive leaders for Butler but they've got other players who can hurt VCU if the Rams don't account for them. Vanzant's averaging three times as many points per game as he did last season, and his growth is a big reason why the Bulldogs overcame important personnel losses to return to the Final Four. Vanzant's reached double figures just once in the NCAA Tournament (Wisconsin) but he's tallied four assists in two of the four wins and grabbed seven rebounds in the win over Florida.

Nored's biggest contribution will more than likely come on the defensive end, where he ranks among the nation's best when it comes to on-ball defenders. His job offensively is primarily to get guys the best possible looks, and with a team field goal percentage of 44.3% Butler's done a good job of that for much of the season. Butler hasn't shot below 40% from the field since their win over Detroit back in February, and in the nine games since they've held their opponents below that mark four times.

Also important offensively are forwards Khyle Marshall and Andrew Smith. Marshall, who comes off the bench, scored 10 in the win over Florida and has scored 23 points in the last three games (7.7 ppg; averaging 5.9 on the season). Smith has surpassed his scoring average of 8.8 ppg just once in the NCAA Tournament (11 vs. ODU) but he shoots 62% from the field and understands his role. Going up against Skeen, Juvonte Reddic and Toby Veal (the latter two have been important contributors up front), Marshall and Smith will need to contribute if the Bulldogs are to win.

Also impacting the tempo will be rebounding, something the Bulldogs have been better at throughout the course of the season. VCU is a minus-3.8 on the season in rebounding margin, and while they've navigated that issue to this point the Rams were a minus-15 against Florida State and minus-10 against Kansas. If VCU can promote a game of "havoc" they'll be able to do so once again. But accomplishing such a feat against Butler is far easier said than done.

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Elite Eight Sunday Recap: VCU and Kentucky Complete Quartet

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 03:46:46 -0400

The opinion that this season provided the NCAA Tournament with the weakest bubble in history did not stop many pundits from bad-mouthing the VCU Rams. Instead of worrying about what the experts thought of their inclusion Shaka Smart's team moved forward, taking care of USC, Georgetown, Purdue and Florida State to get to Sunday's Southwest Region final. Top-seed Kansas awaited VCU and the Jayhawks got off to a quick start, scoring the first six points of the game. But that did little to deter the Rams, who took control of the game and despite a second-half Kansas rally won 71-61 to earn their first-ever trip to the Final Four.

VCU stayed the course despite the early deficit, making nine of their first thirteen three-pointers to wrestle away control of the game in impressive fashion. Startled by the shift in momentum Kansas became rushed and fell behind by as many as 18 points in the first half before heading into the locker room down 41-27 at the break. The Rams defensively were able to get at the Jayhawks, forcing eight turnovers and taking full advantage of a team that seemed more prepared to show up for a coronation as opposed to a street fight.

Kansas shot 31.2% from the field in the first half, making just two of eleven from three while also missing seven of their twelve free throws. "When your shots aren't falling you have to defend and have something to fall back on," said Kansas guard Tyrel Reed after the game. "We didn't do the best job in the first half and dug ourselves a hole."

To their credit Kansas fought back early in the second half, going on a 17-3 run to cut the deficit to just two points. But the Rams refused to wilt, pushing their lead back up to ten points in the next four minutes. From that point forward the Jayhawks would get no closer than five, ultimately adding to their legacy under Bill Self of dropping NCAA Tournament games to lower-seeded teams. But Sunday's result is all about VCU, who didn't even get together as a team to watch the selection show two weeks ago. Now they'll be headed to Houston to take on Southeast Region champ Butler next Saturday night.

"They knew we could win. And we talked before the game about how nobody else really matters, what they think," said Coach Smart. "And that's our theme throughout the NCAA Tournament since we were selected. And our guys have done a phenomenal job of putting all the doubters aside, putting all the people that didn't believe in us aside and going out and doing their job."

Joining VCU, Butler and Connecticut in Houston will be the Kentucky Wildcats, who won the East 76-69 over two-seed North Carolina in Newark. Kentucky shot 6-for-11 from three in the first half and also got John Henson into foul trouble in taking a 38-30 lead into the break. Henson picked up three fouls in the first 20 minutes and was ineffective for much of the contest, finishing with four points, nine rebounds and no blocks in 23 minutes of action.

All five starters reached double figures for the Wildcats with Brandon Knight's 22 leading the way, and it didn't hurt that Kentucky limited Kendall Marshall to 2-for-10 shooting while Harrison Barnes needed 19 shots to score 18 points. Tyler Zeller led the Tar Heels with 21 points and nine rebounds. Offensively Kentucky won the game from the three-point line, making 12 of 22 to UNC's frigid 3-for-16. Thanks to that percentage the Wildcats were far more efficient (110.1 efficiency) than UNC opponents managed to be throughout the season (94.5).

Once again veterans stepped up for the Wildcats, with Josh Harrellson battling inside with the North Carolina big men for 38 minutes (12 points, eight rebounds) and DeAndre Liggins doing an exemplary job defensively on Marshall in addition to making a huge three late. Liggins got the start for Doron Lamb with the task being to slow down the freshman point guard and he did just that. With a six-man rotation one could argue that Kentucky has six starters, but most importantly all have been ready to contribute in some form in each of the Wildcats' four wins.

"[Liggins] defends, he is unselfish, he makes plays, his skills are improved," remarked head coach John Calipari after the game. "I'm really proud -- and I am on him now. I am on him to do the right things and if he screws up, he knows he will be there. But he performs. He is not afraid. He is making plays."

Next up for Kentucky is Connecticut, who soundly whipped them 84-67 in the title game of the Maui Invitational behind an outstanding performance from Kemba Walker. But both teams are different now, as UConn's youngsters and Kentucky's veterans have stepped up as the season's worn on. The same progression stands for Butler and VCU as well. There may not be a great deal of NBA Draft lottery-level talent at Reliant Stadium but there's no disputing the fact that each team has earned their ticket to the Final Four.

Notable Performances

F Jamie Skeen (VCU)
26 points and 10 rebounds in the Rams' win over Kansas.

G Brandon Knight (Kentucky)
22 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals in the Wildcats' win over North Carolina.

F Tyler Zeller (North Carolina)
21 points and nine rebounds in the Tar Heels' loss to Kentucky.

F Marcus Morris (Kansas)
20 points and 16 rebounds in the Jayhawks' loss to VCU.

Final Four Schedule (Saturday, April 2nd)
6:09 PM (11) VCU vs. (8) Butler (CBS)
8:49 PM (4) Kentucky vs. (3) Connecticut (CBS)

Poll: Who Will Win the National Title?

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:43:45 -0400

2011 Final Four: Houston

Shawn Siegel — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 19:49:29 -0500

April 2 and April 4, 2010

Houston, TX

Reliant Stadium

Houston will host America's premier college sporting event - the 2011 NCAA Final Four.

Selection Sunday will be on March 13, 2010, and the following weeks will lead up to the semifinals in Houston. The first men's national semifinal on Saturday, April 2 will begin at approximately 6:00 p.m. (ET) and as usual will be televised on CBS. The men's national championship game will air at approximately 9:15 p.m. (ET) on Monday, April 4. (Complete 2011 NCAA Tournament V Schedule.)

Like the last two year, the 2011 Final Four will be held in a football stadium. The event is "hosted" by Rice University & Houston University

Want to head to the games? 2011 Final Four Ticket Info & Links

Reliant Stadium
One Reliant Park • Houston, TX

Reliant Stadium Seating Chart & Parking Info

Directions to Reliant Stadium

Other Final Four Activities & Sites

+ Final Four 2011 Event Schedule

Bracket Town, Awards Ceremonies, Concerts, More

+ Houston Downtown Map

Links:

+ 2011 NCAA Tournament

+ NCAA Tournament: Other Venues

+ 2011 Final Four Info on Wikipedia

+ Official 2011 Final Four Website

2011 Final Four: Reliant Stadium Seating Chart & Parking

Shawn Siegel — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:01:19 -0500

Reliant Stadium
One Reliant Park • Houston, TX

Parking

There are thousands of parking spaces within a short walk of Reliant Stadium in Houston. Parking Map.

Reliant Park Website

2011 NCAA Tournament

Other 2011 NCAA Tourney Venues

2011 Final Four Houston: Schedule of Events

Shawn Siegel — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:39:35 -0500

There's more to the Final Four than just the games.. check out these other exciting events the NCAA has to offer. Info culled from NCAA.com and other sources:

Thursday, March 31st - Monday, April 4th

Bracket Town refreshed by Coca-Cola Zero

Location: George R Brown Convention Center
Admission: $10 (ages 12 and over), $6 (ages 3-11, college students*, senior citizens (55 and older), and military*), Free (ages 2 and under)
*Appropriate ID required. Tickets may be purchased in advance at participating area Meijer stores or on the day of the event at Indiana Convention Center.

Hours: Thursday, March 31: 5 -- 10 p.m.; Friday, April 1: 10 a.m. -- 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 2: 10 a.m. -- 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 3: 12 -- 8 p.m.; Monday, April 4: 12 -- 7 p.m.
Description: Come play with the best at Bracket Town refreshed by Coca-Cola Zero - the ultimate fan experience. Fans of all ages can test their skills and enjoy championship action with basketball competitions, clinics, performances, autograph sessions and photo ops, the latest in interactive games and demonstrations, prizes and more. Everyone's a champion at Bracket Town.

Tickets: Tickets

Friday, April 1st - Monday, April 4th

Powerade 3v3 Tournament
Location: George R Brown Convention Center

More Info: Registration & Info

Big Dance Concert Series
Location: Discovery Green

Hours: Friday 4-10:30, Saturday 11:30-8, Sunday 3-10:30

Acts: Kings of Leon (Saturday)

Friday, April 1

USBWA Awards Breakfast
Location: George R Brown Convention Center
Admission: $75
Hours: 8 a.m.
Description: The basketball writers will hand out the organizations' National Coach and National Player of the Year awards.

Final Four Team Practices
Location: Reliant Stadium
Admission: Free
Hours: Noon - 4 p.m. (Gates open at 11 a.m.)
Description: Come watch the student-athletes from the 2011 NCAA Final Four teams in their final practice before the national semifinal games. Enjoy the opportunity to hear from each head coach of the participating Final Four teams after the practice session is completed. Fans in attendance will be randomly selected to win national semifinal and championship game tickets throughout the day! Practice times are based on team seeding:
Noon - 12:50 p.m.: Game No. 1 Lower Seed
1 - 1:50 p.m.: Game No. 2 Lower Seed
2:10 - 3 p.m.: Game No. 1 Higher Seed
3:10 - 4 p.m.: Game No. 2 Higher Seed

Reese's College All-Star Game
Location: Reliant Stadium
Admission: Free
Hours: 4:30 p.m.
Description: The Reese's College All-Star Game features two teams comprised of the top collegiate senior student-athletes in the country. For the fourth year, the game will be played in the Final Four venue and will provide Indiana residents and other NCAA basketball fans the chance to see many of the best college basketball players perform in action for free!

Tip-Off Tailgate presented by Infiniti

Location: Reliant Stadium, Blue Lot

Admission: Open to game-ticket holders only

Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Description: The Tip-Off Tailgate presented by Infiniti is a new pregame addition to Final Four Weekend festivities, and will feature live music, food and beverages (for purchase) and sport interactives.

Saturday, April 2

NCAA Youth Clinics (sponsored by vitaminwater
Locations: University of Houston, Houston Baptist University, Texas Southern University, John Reagan High school
Admission: Free (Participants must be between 8-16 years of age [boys and girls] and pre-registered).
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
NCAA Youth Clinics Registration
Description: The NCAA Youth Clinics are a community outreach program that connects kids ages 8 - 16 with the basketball championship and provides them with resources designed to have a lasting impact. Participants receive sport instruction from NCAA coaches and student-athletes and get valuable information on fitness, healthy lifestyles and sportsmanship. The clinics also feature a session for parents and guardians with information on recruiting, academic and eligibility issues.

Tip-Off Tailgate presented by Infiniti

Location: Reliant Stadium, Blue Lot

Admission: Open to game-ticket holders only

Hours: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 3

NCAA Final Four Dribble
Start: Herman Square at City Hall
Finish: George R Brown Convention Center
Admission: Free
Hours: 3 - 4 p.m.
Description: Basketball fans, under the age of 18, will have the opportunity to dribble from City Hall to the Convention Center. Participants will receive a free basketball and t-shirt courtesy of the NCAA. Participants wearing the Final Four Dribble t-shirt will also receive free admission to Bracket Town on event day.

AT&T NABC Guardians of the Game Awards Show

Location: Cullen Theater at the Wortham Center

Admission: $15

Hours: 6 p.m.

Description: Come see the top men’s college players and coaches, as well as some legends of the game, receive awards from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The Division I All-American first and second team members will be present along with two coaches making it to the NCAA Championship game. Among the awards to be presented are the UPS NABC Coach of the Year Awards, the NABC Player of the Year Awards, the Under Armour Defensive Player of the Year, Big Man of the Year and the Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T to the nation’s most outstanding player.

Monday, April 4

NCAA Sports Career & College Expo
Location: Butler University - Hinkle Fieldhouse
Admission: Free
Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Description: The NCAA Men's Final Four Sports Career & College Expo will enlist professionals from all aspects of the sports industry to inform, educate and enlighten high school and college students on athletics and non-athletics sports career options in addition to giving them an opportunity to meet with local and national college representatives.

NABC Championship Trophy Presentation Celebration
Location: National Champion Team Hotel
Admission: Free
Hours: Postgame
Description: Winning coach and student-athletes will be presented with the NABC championship trophy in a pep rally setting for all fans to enjoy.

Games: Televised on CBS HD

Reliant Stadium.

Semifinals:
Saturday, April 2nd
Game #1: 6:07 PM ET
Game #2: 40 minutes after the conclusion of game #1

National Championship Game
Monday, April 4th
9:21 PM ET

For other smaller events, check the NCAA website for the latest Houston Final Four events. Please email shawn@collegehoops.net if you'd like to add an event to the list.