thefinishline 04/05/10
Final Four Championship Game: Butler v. Duke
By Shawn Brown
On Saturday four teams came to Lucas Oil Stadium with one goal in mind…to win the championship. Duke's defeat of West Virginia was not shocking, but who knew Butler would get past Michigan State? With the 52-50 win over the Spartans, the Bulldogs head into the final on a 25-game winning streak, the longest since 1999. How did they do it? Gordon Hayward! He dropped 19 points and kept his team in the game. However, some will argue whether or not Butler's truly a championship caliber team after that 10-minute scoring drought in the second half, but Michigan State didn’t really capitalize. The game was decided by free throws.
So here’s the real question: If Butler plays sloppy tonight, will they hold up against Duke? With the way Duke buried West Virginia with their 3-point attack Saturday, I have my doubts.
Going beyond the actual championship game, some of the players on both Duke and Butler have a strong faith in Jesus that helps them keep life in perspective. Keep an eye on these guys during tonight's game: Butler’s #20 Gordon Hayward and #5 Ronald Nored, Duke’s #20 Andre Dawkins, and their double threat, Miles and Mason Plumlee. Watch today's The 700 Club to hear from these athletes and more from The Final Four, and then get my wrap-up from Indianapolis on Tuesday's program.
On Saturday four teams came to Lucas Oil Stadium with one goal in mind…to win the championship. Duke's defeat of West Virginia was not shocking, but who knew Butler would get past Michigan State? With the 52-50 win over the Spartans, the Bulldogs head into the final on a 25-game winning streak, the longest since 1999. How did they do it? Gordon Hayward! He dropped 19 points and kept his team in the game. However, some will argue whether or not Butler's truly a championship caliber team after that 10-minute scoring drought in the second half, but Michigan State didn’t really capitalize. The game was decided by free throws.
So here’s the real question: If Butler plays sloppy tonight, will they hold up against Duke? With the way Duke buried West Virginia with their 3-point attack Saturday, I have my doubts.
Going beyond the actual championship game, some of the players on both Duke and Butler have a strong faith in Jesus that helps them keep life in perspective. Keep an eye on these guys during tonight's game: Butler’s #20 Gordon Hayward and #5 Ronald Nored, Duke’s #20 Andre Dawkins, and their double threat, Miles and Mason Plumlee. Watch today's The 700 Club to hear from these athletes and more from The Final Four, and then get my wrap-up from Indianapolis on Tuesday's program.