Okay, I confess. Twelve days have passed since that atrocious UNC vs. Duke game, and I can still hardly discuss it. It was a nightmare — an unbelievable, unforgettable nightmare.
In all my years of watching or playing basketball, I never saw or participated in a game called so poorly by the refs. That crew of ACC refs missed call after call that any junior high ref should have been able to make. How is that even possible if they’re trying to do their jobs honorably? I doubt I will ever forget or get over that.
And for all the Dukies who want to share their snide remarks about whiny Carolina fans, my response is: Look at the tape. The tape doesn’t lie, and it doesn’t cheat. It’s also not intimidated by Coach K’s constant stream of abuse. Just look at the tape. The proof is there for all but a completely blind person to see.
That said, I would like to add that our guys should have still pulled out that game in spite of the despicable calls and non-calls. They weren’t quite mentally tough enough to get it done, however.
Also, congratulations to Austin Rivers for playing a great game and for hitting a helluva shot to win the game. He showed that he had the courage and the skills to excel on a big stage. I don’t appreciate the middle-finger salute he offered up to our student section once the game ended, but that wasn’t any worse than the obscenities shouted by their team trainer as he ran off the court. What great examples of class, sportsmanship, and respectability!
Anyway, as I was scanning the net tonight, I ran across this podcast on Tar Heel Bred Tar Heel Dead. Andy and Reed do a nice job sharing their thoughts on that Duke game.