At the end of the day on Monday, no matter how far Butler came throughout the season, and in the tournament, it just was not enough to beat the UConn Huskies and capture the title. It was a good run for the Butler Bulldogs to say the least, but not winning the title in the Championship game is something that has happened to Butler twice now in two years. So will they be back for a third year in a row in 2012 for another shot at the title, or will they not even make it into the tournament?
In 2010 the Bulldogs lost to Duke in the championship game of the NCAA Tournament by only 2 points. They were the darling of last year’s tournament, but after losing their star forward Gordon Hayward to the NBA it seemed that the great season they had in 2010 would not be repeated in 2011, says The Washington Post. The trip to the final game was not an easy one for the Bulldogs to get there they had to beat number one seed Pittsburgh, number 2 seed Florida, and number 4 seed Wisconsin, and to everyone’s surprise the Bulldogs not only made it into the tournament, but beat the top ranked teams to make there was back to the final game to have another shot at the National Title.
Monday night in Houston Texas it seemed as if neither team had really come prepared to play basketball. Both UConn and Butler had too many turnovers, with the Huskies only making two of their first nine shots and the bulldogs making only one of nine. At the end of the game it was UConn who came out on top, using their defense and determination they overcame a double digit deficit with numerous three point shots. The Bulldogs made only 12 of the 64 shots they attempted says The Washington Post, and fell 53-41 to the UConn Huskies. The final stats for the game were nothing compared to what had gotten the Bulldogs into the final game. Butler shot just 18.8 percent from the field, making only 3 of 31 from two point range, and 9 of 33 from three point range. With these kinds of stats a Division One NCAA team would be lucky to win any game, let alone a National Title. So what happened? Was it just not meant to be once again, or does the team look back and accept the fact that they did not play to their full potential in a time in which was all too important to play at their best. I am sure as a coach Brad Stevens will look back on the 2010-2011 Bulldogs season and smile, but it will always be in the back of his head that they once again had a chance to come out on top, but failed to do so. So onto next season right? With dedication and hard work I am certain the Bulldogs will have a chance to make a run for it and come back into the NCAA Tournament with a chance to win it all. 
Cassie,
ReplyDeleteThere is always a chance for a team to become better by learning from their mistakes, and of course...practice, practice, practice. Nice job on the detail.
Samantha
Sam,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the feedback. I know from playing on a team that started as nothing that with determination you can always turn nothing into something.
Cassie
Cassie,
ReplyDeleteYou had some really nice detail throughout your blog, great job. I personally did not think it was that great of a game and I think that everyone was cheering for the underdog, but maybe it will happen again next year.
Melissa Cunningham
Hi Cassie,
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess there is always next year and did their coach treat them to pizza at Pizza Hut anyway? I like that commercial because there is too much emphasis on winning and too little on sportmanship.
Ruth Hall
Cassie,
ReplyDeleteI don't watch basketbal so thanks for giving the background of how they did in previous years! Hopefully they will come back again next year!
Alisha O.
thanks for the comments everyone.
ReplyDeletecassie
Cassie,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Yes, they had another great year and people will remember that they lost for the 2nd year in a row in the title game. However, I feel that they have a very good coach and the team doesn't have as much talent as others. But the team sure played as a team and it was really enjoyable to watch. Again, Great post.
Cassie,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I know absolutely nothing about basketball, I found your post to very intriguing. I especially loved the photos you have posted within your blog. Following sports teams is iconic around the world, and having a favorite sports team such as yours is always exciting. For me, i cant get enough of the Steelers, but i hope the Butler Bulldogs pull through the next season for you. Very good information within your blog. Thank!
Jennifer Samios
I loved your photos in this blog. I hope that the Butler Bull dogs get better. With practice I am sure that they will.
ReplyDelete-Kendra McCracken
Cassie,
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blogs about sports. Every consider being a sports reporter on a tv station? You have such a passion for sports at every angle. Good Work.
Alison