Illinois was the best team on the floor. Their players had the most class in America, before and after the game. Even in defeat, their fans had more class than any other fans in America.
So what went wrong? Sean May went 10-for-11 from the floor, and he had it easier because James Augustine was held out of the game with four fouls, at least one of which was an absolute non-foul; he then fouled out as soon as he re-entered the game.
The Illini couldn’t drop a three-pointer, shooting just 12-for-40, and many of the shots were wide open. Their defense was much better, and so was their ball control. I’d still take Illinois four out of five. They were the better team. They showed class in defeat.
But we must congratulate North Carolina. They got the trophy.
