NCAA Championship Game Review: Butler vs. Duke
The 2010 NCAA Championship Game between the Butler Bulldogs and the Duke Blue Devils is being called a classic for the ages and perhaps the best championship game of all time. That is debatable but one thing is not: it sure was entertaining.
Duke, the basketball power, famous coach, big name roster proved with a 61-59 victory that it belongs among the greats of college basketball. Butler, the unproven school, young coach, and lack of household name roster proved with its performance that every school has the opportunity to exceed expectations in the tournament.
Duke was led by outstanding junior Kyle Singler while Butler received tremendous contributions from senior forward Avery Jukes, sophomore guard Shelvin Mack, and of course, sophomore Gordon Hayward. Hayward had two opportunities to win the game for Butler, once on a fade away jumper from the baseline and then again a half court shot at the buzzer. Neither shot went down enabling Duke to give it’s hall of fame coach championship number four.
The game went back and forth with multiple lead changes. The heavily favored Blue Devils could never shake Butler. Butler hung tough throughout and had moments when you thought they would pull ahead.
Duke’s overall experience and ACC toughness proved too much for the Horizon league champion Bulldogs, who were undefeated in their conference season. After the game, Duke players suggested that this was their toughest game of the season.
College fans were treated by two programs that play basketball the right way.
