2009 Final Four Recap

The Final Four featured two rather lackluster games. Michigan State against Connecticut was the more intriguing matchup as it turned out. But there was a more interesting storyline heading into Saturday's semifinal round.

Seniors from three of the Final Four teams lost to George Mason in the NCAA Tournament in 2006: UNC, Michigan State, and UCONN. Talk about a lasting legacy! Now if we can get at large bids for mid majors, we'd be set.

Michigan State got off to the quick start, but UCONN returned the favor and the first half was competitive. The game closely resembled the Spartans contest against Louisville as the Big 10 champs pulled away in the second half. But UCONN made State a bit nervous at various points in the second stanza. The Spartans always seem to have an unheralded and balanced bunch, who follow the winning lead of their coach, Tom Izzo.

The Spartans were led by Raymar Morgan and Kalin Lucus. Durrell Summers had the game of his life, including a man slam over Stanley Robinson. Summers also hit a key and-one down the stretch, although he totally airballed a three from the corner late in the game. UCONN didn't give the necessary effort, which was the case with Louisville as well, although perhaps Michigan State's play just made it appear that way. Robinson was really the Huskies best player with 15 points and 13 rebounds, although their other starters put up some numbers. Freshman Kemba Walker had a nightmarish game, particularly down the stretch, where he made sure his team's comeback chances were nil.

In the other game, UNC took an early lead and never looked back. Villanova shot terribly, which they could ill-afford. UNC has looked like the strongest team throughout the Tournament. They haven't played a game where the opponent ended within a dozen points of the Heels. They could coast, but if they are in dogfight, the lack of competitive games in the last month could be a factor on Monday night.