April 1, 2006
Hey baby, the Cinderella story of George Mason is over. There is no glass slipper, but the Patriots had the greatest run in the NCAA Tournament ever. In my 27 years at ESPN, and throughout my coaching career, I have never seen a story like the one from Jim Larranaga and his gutty kids. Beating three national champions (Michigan State, North Carolina and Connecticut) was amazing.
It was a dream which all little guys -- the low majors and mid-majors -- will utilize in the future. I can hear the cries of coaches everywhere ... If George Mason could do it, so can we.
But, in the end, the Patriots ran into an outstanding Florida club.
This Gators team has so much balance and different weapons. Lee Humphrey, who was my X-factor in my discussion on "SportsCenter," was key, shooting the trifecta. Florida was up five at halftime, but Humphrey came out and scored his team's first 10 points, including three straight 3-pointers. And, all of a sudden, it was 40-28.
His long-range shots helped open up the middle as Al Horford and Joakim Noah helped the Gators extend the lead to 51-32. Florida was able to stretch out George Mason's defense. Donovan also did a super job utilizing his bench, getting the most out of his reserves.
The bottom line is the defensive effort by Florida was so impressive. They shut down the perimeter game of George Mason. The Patriots were shooting 42 percent from 3-point range in the tournament, but not here baby. The Gators were hitting 3-pointer after 3-pointer and those 12 treys were a big difference. Florida also did a great job on the offensive glass.
I was also impressed by the play of Corey Brewer on both ends of the court. The Rowdy Reptiles were jumping with joy, returning to the national championship game. Remember back in 2000 in Indianapolis, Florida made it to the title game but lost to Michigan State.
The SEC has to be happy to see Florida in the championship game and I am not talking football. Billy Donovan and his kids would like to get that first national title and bring it back to Gainesville.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
