Are You Missing Out on the Sweet Science?

It’s no secret that boxing has fallen long and far from its perch and golden age back in the 70s and 80s, but regardless of where it stands now, it still provides more drama than any other sport. If you missed the big fights in the month of March, you missed three bona fide fight-of-the-year candidates, plus the possible emergence of the next big thing at heavyweight.

First, there was the epic rubber match between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, the two best super bantamweights (122 lbs) in the world. In the first fight, Marquez won after Vazquez was unable to continue due to a badly broken nose that caused difficulty breathing. In the rematch Vazquez stopped Marquez in the sixth round. And that brings us to the third fight, held this past March 1st, where the two warriors fought on fairly even terms until this spectacular 12th round.

The next week, the man boxing fans hope can be a viable threat to current heavyweight kingpin Wladimir (yes, this Wladimir Klitschko), David Haye of Great Britain, destroyed fellow Brit and cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccaranelli in two rounds. Haye, who has dabbled a little in the heavyweight division before, plans on moving there permanently later this year.

OK, back to those fights-of-the-year candidates. The second entrant from March took place on the 15th in the long, long-awaited rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. Back in 2004, Pacquiao floored Marquez (the brother of the aforementioned Rafael) three times in the first round of their featherweight (125 lbs) title bout. However, Marquez fought back to win the vast majority of the next 11 rounds to earn a disputed draw.

Pacquiao, who was a rising phenom back in 2004, came into this fight as the undisputed most exciting fighter in boxing and one of only a couple worthy challengers to Floyd Mayweather’s status as pound-for-pound king of the sport. But Marquez is no pushover, and in fact he is considered a top 10 pound-for-pound fighter himself.

This time around, there would be no three-knockdown first round, but that’s not to say there wasn’t some fantastic action.

Finally, March 22nd featured a lightweight championship bout between linear champion Joel Casamayor and rising Australian star Michael Katsidis. Casamayor, at 36, was considered ripe for the picking, having put forth a lackluster performance in getting an absolute gift decision against Jose Armando Santa Cruz in his previous fight this past November. Katsidis, an all-action/no-defense fighter, is considered to be the next Arturo Gatti in that respect. The fight was a back-and-forth battle going into the tenth round.

As you can tell, March was quite the month in boxing. The more people are aware of just how dramatic and captivating the sport can be, the more they will come back for more.

Something Different

Compared to the Tiger talk this is something different, and you probably wont hear much about this from the great talk radio shows in Memphis like the Sports Bar or Sportstime Extra, but today the NFL Schedule will be released at 1:00 P.M. Memphis time (probably before this is actually posted since my blogs take a while to clear the press). Anyway, it’s 7:41 AM Tuesday, April 15 (the glorious tax day), and the Schedule has not been released. Invariably each year, though, I find myself excited until the release, and then bitching for the next nine months about how the NFL royally screwed the Eagles over and gave the Dallas (SUCKS) Cowgirls an easy schedule. Not since the 2004 season has the NFL made the Cowgirls head to Philadelphia in the cold, and for a while that enraged me to no end. Just yesterday, though, Andy Skrzat (fellow Sports 56 WHBQ employee and also a devout Eagles fan) reminded me of the reality of sports: If the Eagles really want to make sure Dallas (SUCKS) gets to come to HELL frozen Over (the Linc in late December or January), they will take care of their own business by winning the most games in the NFC and clinching Home Field Advantage. Since that 2004 Season, though, we have failed to ensure that the Cowgirls could come to Philly in the Cold through various losses which we could have avoided had we played well.

Ironically, the last time Dallas (SUCKS) even had to go to Philadelphia for the second of the two meetings, they played in Philly in Mid-November of the 2005 Season. Philly led 20-7 and Donovan pretty much handed the Cowgirls the win with his Interception to Roy Williams, which Williams returned 40 yards for a touchdown and effecively ended Philly’s season (McNabb was injured on the return and the Team was demoralized after that loss). We would then wind up actually hosting Washington for our season finale, yet the game had no meaning and the Eagles lost. See what happens when I get what I want and am actually happy about the schedule? A season of turmoil and collapse, with two disappointing home games late in the year (hey, i wanted those home games but i wanted to WIN them too).

Still, the previous two seasons I have been like a kid on Christmas the day the schedule comes out, only to feel demoralized in some way. Two years ago I was hoping to get a division game over Christmas break, and i got that wish in the form of the second and third of three straight division games on the road. Of course i was unable to make those games and the first of those three division road games (the one at Washington) occured right in the midst of exams. That Dallas game on Christmas in the 2006 season originally was supposed to be held in Philly (I would have gone to that with my brother and sister, who are also devout Eagles fans) but for some reason it got switched to Dallas. We wound up winning all three of those road games in route to a miraculous Division Title with Donovan out with that torn ACL.

Last year, again hoped to get the late season Division game at Home. We got it with the New Jersey Giants coming to Philadelphia in Week 14 (again in the middle of my exams, a game i could not attend). Well, we wound up allowing Plaxico Burress to torch us for the millionth time (he had both of the Giants’ two touchdowns against us last year) and our offense was inept after the first drive of the game, as we lost 16-13, a defeat which pretty much eliminated us from the playoffs (not officially but more or less it was the final nail in our coffin). The following week we had to return to Dallas (SUCKS), again playing their for the second game in our season, and somehow acutually played as a team and with good defense, pulling out a 10-6 win. Yet again, when i get what i want (a late season division game at home) we botch it, and yet again, when i find myself griping with the scheduling (due to a late season division game on the road, especially at the Cowgirls) we somehow win.

The bottom line is that the Eagles have no control over how the league schedules our games (yes i know i dont play for them but Philly fans have an emotional connection to their teams like NO other fans, especially all those bandwagon Dallas (SUCKS) fans). Anyway if we want to ensure we get a late season division game at home, we need to take care of our business. Even then, we still have to win the game if we get a division team at home in the playoffs (or late in the season) or the location is null and void. When the schedule is released, I will invariably either complain because the Eagles “got screwed” in the deal, or because we got what i wanted but (i know i’ll be convinced) we’ll find a way to mess up our good deal. The bottom line is we just need to win the first game of the season and take the season one week at a time

Birdfeed: I HATE the Cowgirls and their obnoxious fans. Hell I’ll probably do a blog on them sometime too, but I must clarify why i always refer to them as Dallas (SUCKS). At Eagles games we chant DALLAS SUCKS either when they take the field, are on the field (that does mean all game when we play them) or when we see them lose on the scoreboard. DALLAS SUCKS….To me, the Giants are the New JERSEY Giants. They play in Jersey, are located in Jersey, and could pick anywhere in the state of New York as their location and stadium if they want me to acknowledge them with the name of that state. The Jets will also have a New Jersey placed in front of them in a few years when they relocate to Jersey (they play in Jersey now but are located in NYC)…..Wednesday, April 16, 2008 is the One Year Anniversary of the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech. Tech is located about an hour and a half from my home (of Lynchburg, VA) and the shooting still hurts me today. May the 32 Victims Rest In Peace.

Sunday On The Couch

Brunched at Bosco’s in Midtown: Proscuitto and artichoke omelette was pretty amazing.  The bagel with salmon, cream cheese, capers, and onion is an automatic, as is a side of bacon.  Pretty good bloody mary as well! 

     - Top 5 brunches in ‘08

• 5. Tugg’s
• 4. Blue Monkey
• 3. Owen Brennan’s
• 2. Bosco’s
• 1. Blue Plate

Went to Baskin Robbins for the first time ever.  I know that’s sad, but I was always a Dairy Queen guy growing up - Peanut Buster Parfait, Kit Kat Blizzard, Dipped Cone, Mister Misty- FORGET ABOUT IT!  Anyway, walking into BR31 brought the best aroma to my nose in a long time!  I just don’t understand why they stopped at 31.  They should be up to 100 by now.  Got scoops of birthday cake, world class chocolate, and york peppermint patty in a cup lined with a waffle cone.  Pretty good stuff while watching the Masters.

How good are Drumsticks out of the freezer?  From taking off the paper top to eating that chunk of chocolate at the bottom of the cone- Pretty Amazing! 

Speaking of the Masters, what a disapopointing Sunday.  Sure Trevor played well, but no one ever threatened, or came close.  I want scores!  I don’t need 64 or even 68, but how about a 69 or a 70?  I’d like a great shot to actually count for a score instead of a save. I also miss Tiger actually making a charge.  Every time he wins, he blows away the field this year.  I want drama.  There was none in this Masters.  It actually made me wonder what golf would be like if there was no Tiger Woods.  Not sure how much I’d watch.  Did Phil even play on Sunday?  I misremember.  What has happened to Retief?

Verne Lundquist is one of the best old generation broadcasters left.  He’s great on golf and his college football is worth staying home to watch the SEC game of the week.

I had the bacon western burger at Carl’s Junior a couple of weeks ago.  I can’t help but think that all burgers would taste better with an onion ring on it.  As much as I love Alex’s burgers and Dyer burgers, you can’t tell me they wouldn’t be better with a single onion ring on it!  Quarter Pounder with cheese- Better with an onion ring!  Whopper- Better with an onion ring!  Heck, a Subway club- Better with an onion ring! 

Keanu Reeves sucks! 

Interviewed Joey Dorsey at the Grizzlies game last night.  He was in good spirits and had some great things to say about the Tigers and the support of the fans.  He mentioned how much they wanted to win for the entire city.  He said he hasn’t had time to cherish the accomplishments of the season yet, because it still stings a little.  Joey added that Saturday night’s Grizzlies game was the first time he left his room.  I asked him about his plans this summer and he said he’s gonna be working hard especially on his offensive game, ball handling skills, mid-range game, and post up game because he feels the defense is already there.  After the interview, the fans behind the basket gave Joey a standing ovation.  It was pretty cool.

Can’t get enough of the NHL Playoffs.  As I’ve said many times before, there’s no more coveted trophy than Lord Stanley’s Cup.  The passion the players play with in the NHL playoffs is like no other sport.  If you’re not a fan of hockey, here are 2 helpful hints to enjoy the greatest game on ice.  1- if the game is tied, watch the last ten minutes of the third period and overtime.  There’s nothing better, especially if it’s a clinching game.  2- Hi def TV.  If you have hi def, the game is much better than it used to be on television.  All hockey fans ever wanted was to eliminate the blue line and have a salary cap.  It has made the game so much better.  It’s the only strike that may have saved a sport.  Even though it was hard to get fans back, they’re coming back now and the game is as good as ever.  Check it out if you get the chance.  However, be warned.  If you thought basketball officials were bad, the NHL might actually be worse. 

Diff’rent Strokes or Facts of Life?  I say Facts of Life.  Blair and Jo were pretty hot in the day.  Tootie always brought a lot to the table, and Mrs. G always had some good quips.  Diff’rent Strokes was good until the entire cast became criminals and the red head hoosier stepkid joined the show.  The better question is Blair or Jo?  Tough call.  What about Mr. D or Mrs. G?  I take Mrs. G.  She made a good pastry.

Not a fan of the bathroom attendant.  I’m expected to leave a dollar to turn on water to wash my hands?  I don’t understand why we don’t tip at a concession stand, but we do at a beer stand.  I think we should tip checkout people at the grocery store.  They work harder than a guy pouring beer or turning water on for me in a bathroom. 

Would you rather listen to Reggie Miller do a game or Billy Packer.  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I would take Packer. 

As tough as I have been on them in the past, I was pleased with the Grizzlies Dance Team this year.  It was the best team and the best dancing I’ve seen for the Grizzlies since they moved here.  Still not among the top ten, but climbing the ladder.  They’re like Rudy Gay.  I hope the leap they take next year is similar to this season!   Thought the grannies were better this year too.  Plus, to end the season with the Quick Change halftime show was a great finisher to what has been a tough season.  Most disappointing thing about the home finale, OTHER THAN STANDS COLAPSING, was missing Peter Edmiston’s wedding.  Congrats Peter.  So upset I missed the celebration.  You know how much I love a good dance.  Was there a group chicken dance?

Finally watched Saturday Night Live with Christopher Walkin from last week.  He’s one of the best hosts ever, along with Alec Baldwin!  His opening monologue was very funny.

Female hunters between the ages of 6 and 15 are up 50% from last year!  That’s a lot more future women with guns!  Yikes!

Watched the movie Shooter on the plane this week.  Pretty good.  Mark Wahlberg is pretty intense.  Plus, government assasination coverup movies are always pretty strong.  Always end the flights with episodes of Arrested Development on DVD.  One of the best sitcoms in the last decade.  Office is number one, which just started up again this week.  So glad the writers strike is over.  I’m sure I’ll have a top ten in the next couple of weeks. 

Watched 30 Rock this week.  If you saw it, you know what I mean when I say- How amazing would MILF Island be?  I’D WATCH!

Speaking of the Office and Milves, how about Jan on the office?  Crazy MILF, but a MILF nonetheless.

Jackie Chan turned 54 last Monday.  WOW!  Other birthdays last week- Tony Dorsett (54) Hugh Hefner (82) John Madden (72) Mandy Moore (24) Steven Seagal (56) Dave Letterman (61) Vince Gill (51) Ricky Schroeder (3

Crawfish Festival next Sunday on the riverfront.  Can’t wait.  It’s the Official start of summer as far as I’m concerned.  The sun will be shining, the crawfish will be peeling, and people will be getting sunburned.  I love the sunburned people!

Life goes on…..I think

I cover the Tigers and other sports programs and organizations for a living. I am not an Alum nor a member of the Blue Crew, or a 50 year fan of the program. So if I’m not any of that, than why does this sting so much?

Even when you cover a sports team for a living, and act as impartial as you can, you still grow close to the members of that program. It doesn’t alter your viewpoint, nor sway your judgement, but you find yourself internally rooting for that team.

This season has been as enjoyable as it gets. The team played out of their minds, and for the most part, the players were aproachable and downright enjoyable to speak with. Coach John Calipari and I have always had a good relationship, and that continued during this magical year. It’s that and much more that makes this hard to swallow. You almost feel that you have a stake in the team beyond just covering the story.

I realize this will pass like everything else, but for me it’s just hard to imagine any Tigers fan being able to let this one go anytime soon. This one stings and will certainly linger. However, in time we will all move on, and look forward to the next sport, the next team, the next season. And at that time we will do it all over again, for life certainly does go on.

WOW

Having no personal vested interest in the Kansas-Memphis game, I decided to watch the game with my friend Mark and some of his buddies. Considering Mark was a lifelong tigers fan (at 24 years of age), watching it with a true fan (as opposed to one of these bandwagon fans) figured to bring a sense of excitement. We watched it at a local Memphis establishment with a gathering of Tigers fans. The game itself gave off the impression that Derrick Rose was going to take over in a (dare i say it) Michael Jordan style. He certainly came to life in the second half and really put the Tigers ahead, scoring 15 of his 18 points in the Second Half.

Still, you got the feeling that Kansas was not dead yet, as they chipped away at their 9 point deficit and trailed the Tigers by just four with 1:53 left. With 1:23 left in the second half and the Tigers up 62-56, Joey Dorsey committed one of the more mind boggling fouls I’ve seen. Standing at the top of the key, he bumped Kansas Guard (and Tournament MVP) Mario Chalmers out of bounds. Sure Tigers fans can question whether it was that tough of a push, but it definitely drew contact, and raises the question of WHY Dorsey was standing at the three point line trying to guard a much faster guard? The foul proved costly, as it was Dorsey’s fifth. Chalmers made both free throws and trimmed the Tigers advantange back down to four. That foul would come back to haunt the Tigers in overtime, as they had no answer inside for Kansas’ Darrell Arthur, Darnell Jackson, and the driving attack of Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers. The Tigers lacked he ability to get any defensive push inside in the extra frame, and ultimately Kansas came away with the Championship.

Still, back to the experience at the establishment. At some point late in the second half and the tigers up by 9, somebody yelled out that the Tigers had won the Championship. Not to say that the Tigers players heard the comment and slacked off, but a proclamation like that just reeks of a jinx. If any Eagles fan had yelled that i would have gotten into a cursing match with them immediately after such a bold proclamation. Anyway, it seemed like clockwork the game unraveled after the claim and before i knew it, the place was dejected and the Tigers had fallen. The most painful part, though, came from my boys Mark and Hunter. They both just stood there in tears, eyes welling up and and empty look of shock. To make a long story short, we ended up hanging around the shopping center near “the establishment” (no, it wasn’t a strip club) until 12:15am, trying to cope with the loss.

NO way in HELL will I pretend to be a Tiger fan. If you are a bandwagon Fan, I have no respect for you because you really don’t know what it means to suffer with your team and you probably don’t feel real pain right now. This is going to sound so cheesy but what the hell? Still, I haven’t seen group of sports fans so dejected since we Eagles fans were when the New Orleans Saints eliminated us from the playoffs back in January 2007. Being a fan of Philly teams, has exposed me to more than my fair share of pain and agony and it sucks. It does take a while to get over because you never really know if you’ll get that chance to win the title again. Our superbowl loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIL still haunts me to this day, because we blew a chance at the title then and haven’t gotten another shot since. I’m still anxiously waiting for a title, but I wonder if we’ll ever get that chance again. That’s the toughtest reality the Tigers fans must endure right now, is the possibility that they may not get this chance for a while. Not to say second best is good enough (it sure isn’t for Philly fans), but keep your heads up cause your team gave Memphis a hell of a run.

Hangover

I went to Calhoun’s last night, which is a favorite hangout of mine and, incidentally, a favorite hangout of a lot of Tiger fans and coaches. Usually, Calhoun’s is packed out, but last night, there were only a few people there. I sense a palpable hangover throughout the entire city from Monday night’s game. I can’t say that I’m surprised, because if I put myself in Tiger fans’ shoes and that happened to North Carolina, I’m not sure I would have even been back to work yet this week, much less be going out to bars trying to have a good time.

Speaking of Calhoun’s, it really is a fantastic bar. It’s a bit small, but the atmosphere is great. They have a few things at Calhoun’s that any bar needs to be successful:
–A Golden Tee machine: In order for me to take your bar seriously, there must be a Golden Tee machine in it. This one is a little retro, and the trackball is a little dicey, but the selection of courses is fantastic.
–A great jukebox: Now, I can’t say that it is as good as the jukebox at Earnestine and Hazel’s, because there is no bar in America with one that good. But Calhoun’s has a terrific one–one of those newfangled ones where you punch in your song and download it. Whether you’re a fan of the Ramones or Garth Brooks, they have at least one song on there for you.
–Fantastic bartenders and friendly staff: This is where Calhoun’s really sets itself apart from other places I’ve been. The bartenders at Calhoun’s, Lauren and Michelle, are the two best bartenders I’ve ever had in Memphis, bar none. You will never be sitting there waiting for a drink, ever, regardless of how many people are there. It has been slammed multiple times I’ve been in there, and not once did I ever have to go to the bar or even ask for a drink. They are very friendly as well. The owner, Max, is fantastic as well. I’ve never seen an owner of a place make such an effort to hang out with and interact with customers. It’s nice to see.

So for what my opinion is worth, Calhoun’s is great, and is definitely worth stopping in regularly. It is on G.E. Patterson just east of Main St. a few doors down from the Arcade.

The Masters is underway today, and I can’t get one thing out of my head–the pretentiousness of the whole thing. The Masters, perhaps more than any other tournament, has this holier-than-thou air. Everyone always talks about how great the Masters is, and the course is phenomenal and incredibly beautiful, but this note of snobbery is always there…from the arrogance of Hootie Johnson to the whole concept of the green jacket. Just kind of rubs me the wrong way. I like the British Open better.

I guess it’s going to take a while for Tiger fans to get over this loss, and I certainly understand that. But I think this will make you feel better: ZOMBIE STRIPPERS!!

About Last Night…

A lot will be made of last night’s national championship game. People will talk about Kansas’ unbelievable comeback, about Memphis’ epic collapse, about missed free throws, about why Derrick Rose didn’t foul Sherron Collins.

But more should be made about the fact that regardless of the outcome last night, and the absolute heartache that any Tiger fan is feeling today, that a team captivated and united a city, and that should be celebrated. More should be made about the fact that beneath all of the tattoos and the rough exterior, this team was actually a collection of good people, and maybe that will remind us to look beneath the surface here at home and not judge based on appearance. I am not a Tiger fan, but a North Carolina fan, and for that I get unbelievable amounts of grief. But I do appreciate what the Tiger basketball team symbolizes in this city. That there are plenty of things, whether black or white, rich or poor, inner city or suburbs, that can bring this city together and unite us as one. And as we were reminded last weekend with the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that was his dream.

Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose are likely headed to the NBA, and Joey Dorsey will head there as well. The Tigers may or may not get two highly sought-after recruits in Tyreke Evans and Devin Ebanks. The Tigers will have a different, but still very good, team next year. But Memphians should never forget this team, the 2008 runner up, just like they haven’t forgotten the 1973 runner up, as more than a basketball team, but a symbol–as divided as Memphians are in so many ways, they can rally together around a single cause that transcends all that divides us.

On to the game.

It is tough to pinpoint a single moment when it began to slip away for Memphis. As for me, I would have to say that Sherron Collins’ steal and three probably began the momentum shift. The cruel irony of the Tigers’ missing free throws is hard to ignore. All year long, John Calipari has been preaching that they would “make them when they have to,” and they had. Until the last 16.8 seconds of the final game of the season.

There were a couple of other key moments in the game. Joey Dorsey’s fifth foul was needless and silly, and not having him in the overtime period, as John Calipari correctly pointed out postgame, is a major reason why they lost the game. With Memphis’ guards completely outclassing everyone the entire tournament, it was an easy pick that they would in this game as well. Mario Chalmers and Sherron Collins were terrific though. Collins is a total bulldog, and Chalmers may be the best player on their team. Darrell Arthur completely outplayed Joey Dorsey, who was hampered by foul issues. Arthur will end up being the best NBA player off of this team, in my opinion. What poise Kansas showed getting back in the game–they made every play that they had to make. A worthy champion to be sure.

As hurt as Tiger fans are today, all should appreciate what this team meant to this city, and maybe this team reminded us that there are certain ties that bind. The symbolism, I hope, will not be lost.

The Time Has Come

It’s tough waiting around for this game to start, but it must be alot tougher for the team. Nobody can imagine the anxiety that’s running through the Tigers players and coaches as they sit in their Hotel rooms and wait to head over to the Alamodome. Of course if you’re a former player who’s been in this position, than you know exactly what they’re going through.

I think the team has handled this whole situation extremely well, and while I expect to see a little nerves tonight, I think the Tigers have been about as calm, cool and collected as a team can be playing in the national spotlight.

Win or lose, this has been an amazing ride, and the team has represented the city as tremendous ambassadors. Now it’s up to the other members of our community to represent the city in the right manner as they celebrate either a title or a national runner-up. Keep in mind that the team has made a positive impression on the nation. Make sure we do so as a community.

Here we go….my prediction……Memphis 82 Kansas 73. Let’s go Tigers!

Tonight IS THE Night!

It’s been an incredible last 48 hours for the Tigers, and it’s all building to tonight’s National Championship game. Here in San Antonio, I can tell you that Tiger Nation is outnumbered by Jayhawk Nation, although I am seeing more Tiger shirts and hate today than I have all weekend long. That’s important, because I really feel like there’s going to be a significant noise advantage for Kansas in the Dome tonight.

Derrick Rose should be fine tonight. I know there’s been a lot of talk about his stomach issues, but what do you expect when the young man eats like a kid getting home after trick-or-treating? I’m not saying I don’t enjoy the delicious sweet treat every now and again, but I also try to mix in some actual semi-nutritious food every now and again. Derrick needs to start doing that.

Wait.

On second thought, scratch that idea. The guy is leading this team into the championship game playing better than any Tiger PG ever has - don’t change a thing! Just make sure you know the quickest way to the bathroom in case some of the Runts or Nerds decide to start the stomach a’rumblin.

It has been a distinct privilege to be able to cover this team over the last three years, and it feels like it’s all been building to this point. In Oakland, it was plainly obvious they just weren’t ready to be a Final Four team and the mistakes they made showed it. In San Antonio last year, they were immature and were one player away from being able to compete at the highest level. This year, they are ready. I can’t put it more clearly than that. They have gone through as much adversity as any team in recent memory, and they’ve come through it not unscathed, but rather, unleashed. This is a fearless team, and that starts with the fearless freshman at the helm. Chris Douglas-Roberts is right there alongside, with a chip on his shoulder and a gleam in his eye. They are not afraid of this moment, as some teams can be. They are ready.

If they lose, it won’t be because they were unprepared or nervous. It won’t be because they’re not tested against the toughest competition in the country. If they lose, it will be because the better team beat them. Kansas is a fantastic team, and would be a worthy champion. They’ve got a dynamic backcourt, a silky-smooth shooter who plays great defense, and a quartet of big men who can defend and be physical. This is the toughest test of the year for Memphis, and there would be no shame in a loss.

They’re not going to lose. Kansas doesn’t have the answer for Rose and CDR - no one does. And Joey Dorsey finally seems to get it. If the Tigers get a performance just like the one they put up against UCLA on Saturday night, they will win the national championship. And they are more than capable of doing just that.

Memphis 73 Kansas 64 - just too much talent and too much defense for the Jayhawks.

Your One-Stop Tigers-Jayhawks Link Shop

vs.

A collection of links from various media outlets talking about tonight’s game:

Andy Katz, ESPN.com: Calipari seeks vindication

Mike DeCourcy, SportingNews.com: Rose and Rush under the spotlight tonight

Gary Parrish, CBSSports.com: Calipari and Self let the players play

Stewart Mandel, SI.com: Title game should fast and furious

The Edge, CBSSports.com: Title Game Breakdown

Dana O’Neil, ESPN.com: Rose and CDR vs. KU’s backcourt

Luke Winn, SI.com: Counting Down to the Title Game

Gerry Ahern, Yahoo! Sports: Is Joey Dorsey all grown up?

Tale of the Tape, USAToday.com

Pat Forde, ESPN.com: A look at Kansas coach Bill Self