So, all good things come to an end. In this case the truncated season of 2020/2021 college basketball season ended last night. Baylor University won its first ever NCAA National title, defeating top-seeded Gonzaga University from Spokane, WA. It was not the expected "Battle of the Titans" but a steamroller wipeout of a pretender to the throne. The Zags had come off a win against a threat to their unbeaten status by the UCLA Bruins who needed to be beaten by the miraculous buzzer-beater at the end of overtime by freshman, Jalen Suggs. The 40 foot jump shot arced its way to the backboard glass as the last 2+ seconds timed its fateful journey. Suggs celebrated appropriately, jumping to the top of the courtside pavilin section. The Zags were emotionally relieved to win but could not duplicate the effort against Baylor, the determined Texans looking to make school history.
The game soon was out of hand, the Zags falling behind early and never threatening again. Baylor's overwhelming defense made up for offensive efforts, and Gonzaga couldn't fine a suitable response. Time and again Baylor leaped out to a 20-point lead and the disheartened crew from Spokane limped along without much aggressiveness needed to match the Bears. Coach Mark Few from Gonzaga had a season to be proud of, going undefeated until the title game. Yes, being undefeated is a rarity, but most often only a dream, a hope, and hardly a goal of its own. Maybe next year.
And the Women's NCAA Title
Stanford U.'s team did it- winning their first title since 1992. Coach Tara Van Deveer put herself into the record books with her win. It was a close contest, the Cardinal winning by only one point : 54-53. Doesn't get much closer.
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