#1 UConn vs. #11 George Mason
How about George Mason?
From the start, UConn looked a lot more into the game than they did against Washington, building an early seven point lead. But the Patriots weathered the early Husky storm and were able to take the lead, 29-28, with 3:08 to play in the first half. UConn came right back with a 15-5 run to take a 43-34 lead at halftime.
Though I desperately needed UConn to win this game (and the title) to win my pool, I still found myself rooting for the underdog. George Mason’s feisty, resilient play is infectious and puts UConn’s often lackadaisical demeanor to shame.
The Patriots fought back in the second half, eventually taking the lead 52-51 on a three point basket by Lamar Butler. On the next possession, Butler hit a rare four point play when he was fouled on another long range shot. But the Huskies showed some fortitude as well, riding Rudy Gay in the second half to stay in the game. Down 74-72 with five seconds to go, Marcus Williams pushed the ball up court to Denham Brown, who drove baseline, lofting up a reverse layup that seemed to hang on the rim forever. Finally, it fell through, forcing an overtime.
In the extra period, George Mason jumped out to a four point lead and UConn was playing catchup the entire time. With six seconds left and the Patriots up two, Jai Lewis had an opportunity to ice the game, but missed both free throw attempts. Brown brought the ball up again with an opportunity to tie, but instead went for the win and his three missed its target.
I never thought I’d type this – George Mason is going to the Final Four. As a #11 seed they are officially a Cinderella story. They shoot the ball well and play good defense. They also have good guard play with Butler and Tony Skinn and good interior play with Lewis and Will Thomas. Looking forward to a matchup with Florida and Villanova, it is not likely that the Patriots will go quietly.
