I've been a fan of women's basketball for some time
now, and this year I have been a fan of Stanford,
albeit from afar. I actually thought Maryland would
win the tournament, but Stanford ended their hopes.
Then I was pulling for Rutgers, but they couldn't get
past Connecticut. I find it hard to root against Tennessee,
and I have to admit that game wasn't much fun to watch.
But Tennessee prevailed, and tonight they face Stanford
in a match I think Stanford should win.
Of course I thought Memphis had everything wrapped
up against Kansas with a nine point lead and less than
two minutes to go last night in the mens finals.
So whaddoo I know.
This much I know. Stanford plays basketball the way
its supposed to be played. They are unselfish, and while
they do have a legitimate star in Candace Wiggins,
everybody else gets in on the act too. They do all the
little things well, and they play smart to boot.
A sequence near the end of the game with Connecticut
where every player touched the ball before a shot was
made should be shown to every kid who picks up a
basketball, male or female. Oh, and by the way, that
shot was the dagger that ended all of Connecticut's dreams.
After the game Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma was
asked what he could have done to stop Stanford. His reply
was superb. He said, "Some nights...it's not what you do
wrong...it's what the other team does right."
That was right on the money.
Connecticut played well. Stanford played exteremely
well, and that was the difference.
Tonight will also be the last time you can see Candace
Parker, who will undoubtedly turn pro in the weeks to come.
She's a very class act, and a helluva basketball player too.
She's got a dislocated shoulder, and won't be 100 per cent,
which is too bad. But she'll be playing, and Tennessee has
a special kind of voodoo it brings to these championship games.
But voodoo or not, I'm predicting a Stanford win. Whatever
happens, you'll see a good game.
From the big saddle,
Jim Whelan
P.S. While watching the March Madness I have also
been watching the television advertising. Stay tuned this week
as I give my uncensored opinion of what's good and bad.
In the meantime, get your company on the Money Train
by calling The James R Whelan Agency, who makes the best
deals in the business. 206 407 3124
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