Mario Chalmers delivered the biggest shot of his career. His three pointer with 2 seconds left in regulation helped Kansas come from 9 down with just over 2 minutes.
Credit this win to three things. First, Bill Self tried everything he could to take Memphis out of their offensive game plan. He even tried a box and one. When that didn’t work he resulted to fouling. By starting to foul and continuing to foul they found Memphis’ achillis heel. Memphis missed 4 of 5 free throws in the last minute.
Third with a three point lead why didn’t Calipari have his team foul. He lost a chance for his first national championship when he didn’t elect to foul. Poor decision making by Calipari and his team cost them this championship more than anything that Kansas did.
This Kansas team was deeper than any team in the tourney, but it was the mental toughness that Bill Self developed in his team that gave them the ability to come from behind.
Darrell Arthur proved he was the best post player in the game. Derrick Rose showed why he is the best point in the game. However, he will always be remembered for missing the free throw that would have clinched it.
Finally, could this be the last game Bill Self coaches at Kansas. Oklahoma State has offered him a $6 million signing bonus, plus a salary of $4 million per year. That is a lot of money, but I think he will pass on it.
Tonight it is good to be a Jayhawk. If you are from Memphis, look for a mass exodus to the NBA. Rose, Douglas Roberts and Coach Cal will all be heading to the pros. Look for Cal te take the Bulls opening.
