College Hoops Thread '09-'10

[The Poet]

Now for the thing you've been waiting for, at least in part for some of you:

Dayton 79 - UNC 68 = Congratualtions to the Dayton Flyers for winning what might just be the last NIT Championship game ever played, ending a storied tradition that goes back to 1938. (In case you've missed it, the NCAA is contemplating an expansion of The Dance to 96 teams, which may finally pull the plug on the patient they've been trying to slaughter for the last 30 years - but that's another issue). As a Tar Heel, I say this with all sincerity, for a number of reasons. Not only did they play better in this game, thus deserve the victory, but they have spent a good part of the previous 40+ years since 1968 trying to win another NIT. As Dayton has little chance of ever winning the NCAA Tourney, this is in effect their "national championship", so it means a lot more to them than it ever could to UNC. Let's face it: Had the Heels won, their fans would have said "Eh, OK, good for them" while their detractors would have countered with "Big freakin' deal!" But now the Flyers can fully enjoy it, untainted with any negative vibes at all, and made all the sweeter in that they can crow to their children and grandchildren that they beat mighty Carolina for the crown.

As a good Tar Heel, I will never deny anyone else the right to their well-earned slice of glory and joy. , Dayton.