Houston’s upset of Duke Saturday night was a real shocker as for once Duke not only lost a close game when it mattered most, but also was on the receiving end of a bad referees’ call at a critical point in the game. For more years than I care to remember, Duke has invariably been on the other side of both those dynamics. Thank you karma, and ABFT!
For those of you who missed the game’s crazy ending, check out this short video which begins with Duke being up by 6 points and having only one minute left to play.
Houston hit all of their free throws while Duke missed. Houston hit big shots down the stretch while Duke did not make a field goal the final 3 minutes of the game. And after Duke missed a critical free throw, the refs called a very questionable foul on them that allowed Houston to then hit both of their free throws and take the lead for good. It was their first lead of the game since 15:52 in the first half.
As for all of the post-game outcry from Duke fans complaining about the refs, it had many of us laughing and saying “Suck it up buttercup! Now YOU know how it feels to get screwed royally by the refs at the end of a close game!”
However, Houston absolutely did outplay Duke down the stretch and deserved the win; but too, they were very lucky to have done so as the Blue Devils simply blew it with or without the refs even being a factor.
Speaking of surprises, I was not aware that that Godfather fella could sing:
As for tonight’s championship game with Florida, I am sticking with and rooting for the Cougars in general and Kelvin Sampson in particular to get his 800th career victory. My concern is that Houston’s euphoria over upsetting Duke may put them in hangover mode and Florida is every bit as awesome as Duke is/was. The point spread is only 1.5 in Florida’s favor, so it might be one of those games where you take a look at how the mascots would match up to help guide you in your betting preferences. Bottom line, messing with a gator while being hungover does not figure to end very well.