With no time left on the clock, if he makes all three, Memphis completes an improbable run into the NCAA Tournament. If he fails to make two, their dancing dreams are over.
It had already been a gutsy performance for Washington against Louisville, one of the best teams in the country, and his body language assures onlookers that he will not fail to continue the success he has exhibited on this day. He makes the first free throw.
His goal now becomes simple. Make two free throws to win the game, or fail and lose.
The next free throw rims out. Washington's heart sinks. The inner workings of his soul become visible. He needs to make this final shot to send the game into overtime and give his team a chance against mighty Louisville. The ball leaves his hands and in slow motion hits the iron. The ball rolls. It falls to the ground. And with it so does Darius.
Darius Washington Jr. is lying on the ground petrified. You don't have to be a fan of Memphis to feel your heart break for this kid. "Someone needs to help that kid up," Jim Spanarkel poignantly states on air. His teammate tries, but Washington's body is stiff with grief.
That was one year ago today. Memphis didn't make the NCAA tournament in 2005. But it is 2006 now and Memphis is one of the best teams in the nation. Darius Washington Jr. is a big reason for the Tigers' success. Memphis won the Conference USA tournament final, the very game they lost one year ago. If you watched the end of that game last year, you cannot have anything but a feeling of justice for Memphis and specifically Darius Washington Jr.
Other thoughts on Championship Week:
Wyoming's Justin Williams' triple double, only the second in the history of the Mountain West Conference. He had ten blocks fairly early into the second half against Utah.
Gerry McNamara had a Big East tournament to remember. Syracuse becomes the first team to win four games in the Big East tournament.
Jay Bilas' analysis on which teams should get in and which should be left out was much more reasoned today. It was as if he answered everything I called him out on. Does Jay Bilas read my blog?
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