Turpin Time

The Big Dance Is The Best

Posted by: Jim Turpin

Sunday, March 8, 2009 11:08 AM

     We were at a birthday party Saturday night at Jupiter's in Champaign.

     Lots of food, drink, conversation, and fun - oblivious to the dozens of TV sets, all tuned to sporting events.   Then, suddenly, somone shouted, "Look at that!!"

     Everything came to a halt - and everyone focused on a basketball game.  Seconds remained and the score was tied.  The team with the ball (we didn't at that time even know who was playing) tried an alley-oop dunk - wham!! - they took the lead.  But 3.8 seconds remained.   The other team then raced down the court and threw up a jumper that send the game into overtime.

    By now we were hooked.  We found out it was Morehead State and Austin Peay.  They were playing for the Ohio Valley Tournament Championship and a trip to the big dance.   In the two overtimes that followed each team made some amazing shots - and we cheered our heads off - not really caring who won or lost.  Finally, Morehead State won it 67-65.

     This kind of stuff is happening all over America as conference champions qualify for the Big Dance.

     Once the field has been set - America goes to work.

     In every office, board room, construction job, beauty parlor, school, bar, club, and virtually anywhere else people in the USA gather - the pools begin, the brackets are filled out - many of them by persons who never watched or attended a college basketball game all season.  (by the way, they are oftentimes the ones who win the pools.)

     America goes nuts when the 65 team field is named.

     Does this happen during the World Series?   The Super Bowl?  The Indy 500?   NASCAR racing?  The NBA finals?  Bowl games? 

     I think not.  All those events draw enormous crowds and dominate TV screens, but, it seems to me, they don't reach out and grab folks the way The Big Dance does.

     And, somewhat sadly, teams and coaches are judged on getting to the Dance and winning some games - not on their overall records or even conference championships.

     So, let's get these tasty conference tournament appetizers out of the way - enjoy them all - then it's on to the greatest sports feast produced each year.....

     The Big Dance......March Madness......One and Done.

     YES!!!!!!!

   

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