The Jayhawks, dubbed the "other" semifinal on a historic weekend in New Orleans, sent a strong message with their triumph over Villanova.
NEW ORLEANS (CBSNewYork) — Villanova assembled in a tunnel outside their makeshift dressing room before jogging onto a basketball court put out inside a football stadium. They crowded together and took turns shouting, blocked off by security officers. Let's f——— f——— f——— f——— f——— f We've figured out what this s—- is! Keep your group together! Believe! They turned and walked out together, their spirits full of desire and resolution, ready to grab a game that few thought they could win.
The incident would have been a wonderful opener or climax in an underdog sports film. This wasn't, however, a sports movie about underdogs. This was Kansas, powerful Kansas, a more experienced squad with more NBA prospects, better statistics—higher averages in almost every category; points, rebounds, blocks, steals, assists—and, most importantly, better health. As if anybody needed reminding, as the starting lines were unveiled on Saturday without Moore in his regular spot, television cameras zeroed in on Villanova coach Jay Wright comforting Justin Moore, his injured guard.
A basketball game turned into a demolition derby over the following two hours, serving as a reaffirmation of Kansas men's basketball and its national title hopes. The Jayhawks' message landed with the ferocity of a Mike Tyson uppercut flush on a dubious chin on Saturday.
The rest of the sports world could focus on and obsess over Mike Krzyzewski's final NCAA tournament run, a historic instalment of the legendary Duke-UNC rivalry, and the possibility of a rare fairytale ending for a sport that is short on moments free of scandal. On Saturday, Kansas would show up and deliver that message, strong reminders of a programme, its proud history, and its most recent team, now one win away from breaking up another pair of nets on Monday night.
