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A Sister’s Charming Act
In every NCAA tournament, there’s at least one lower-seeded team–a Cinderella–that captures the heart and imagination of the nation whilst we watch our brackets crumble under the pressure of shocking upsets. Normally, this Cinderella of sorts solely references a men’s basketball team. However, this year, March Madness may finally have a true Cinderella in 98-year-old Sister Jean…
Good News: The Ramblers of Loyola-Chicago narrowly defeated the Nevada Wolfpack 69-68 tonight to reach the Elite Eight.
Better News: Cinderella’s slipper heartwarming and quick-witted spirit will continue to be in the international spotlight, befitting the uniquely-special character of college sports during this time of year.
Redefining the Sweet 16
It was destined to happen one day. My timeline was within the next 10-15 years. But it happened a little earlier than that…
For the first time in NCAA college basketball tournament history, a #16-seed has upset a #1-seed!
The UMBC Retrievers (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) not only defeated but dominated the overall #1-seed UVA Cavaliers 74-54 in Charlotte, North Carolina just moments ago. While UVA would’ve won 99 games out of 100 against UMBC, the Retrievers secured that one win at the most important time on the biggest stage to make college basketball history. Perhaps it’s fitting this game happened on March 16. As in march on, 16…march on.
And the college basketball Retrievers Underdogs for the ages will do just that in this tournament fittingly called March Madness.
I Wish This Buffet(t) Deal Was in My Hometown
Bracket filled-out? Check. Doing well so far on Day 1? Check. Currently working for Warren Buffet? No…
“In an interview with CNBC last month, Buffett said any employee who accurately predicts all Sweet 16 teams will receive $1 million per year for the rest of his or her life.”
–“Warren Buffett’s NCAA tournament bracket challenge: Perfection earns $1 million a year for life” by Tom Schad, USA Today
“The Oracle of Omaha” is clearly in the spirit of the “one shining moment” in March Madness. This isn’t the first time the 87-year-old has made a similar wager for his employees. And not only is it amazingly generous to award $1 million/year for the rest of your life (damn!), but to award a perfect Sweet 16 is the stunning part of this spectacular monetary equation. Not a perfect bracket or a perfect Final Four, but a perfect Sweet 16. That’s not a slam dunk by any means, yet it is possible with a little bit of luck.
It’s not a chocolate factory, but it’s still pretty good.
3-6-Shine
2016 National Championship: Villanova defeated UNC 77-74.
2017 National Championship: UNC defeated Gonzaga 71-65.
What a difference a year makes. Literally.
The North Carolina Tar Heels battled the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a great close NCAA title game last night. The shooting for both teams did not inspire of a lot of NBA Jam-worthy moments and the officiating became the third squad on the court instead of the invisible hand that ensures the game remains under control. Still, the final couple minutes provided terrific drama and millions of viewers saw the Tar Heels play with a determination motivated by a feeling that they felt they had to win the championship this year.
That was the deciding factor concerning UNC’s late fuel of adrenaline and basketball prowess with the national championship on the line.
And UNC’s winning finish not only gave Roy Williams his third national championship with the Tar Heels and UNC its sixth national championship, but also one more shiny thing…
The ceiling is the roof for this UNC basketball program, as Michael Jordan might say (well, he actually did say those words about a month ago).
Either way, the ceiling (or the roof) in the Dean Dome will be adding another national championship banner.
Congrats to the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 