Absolutely amazing. Illinois put on an immense amount of pressure on the ball down the stretch. Down 8 with a little over a minute to go, they did everything right to get back in the game. My heart goes out to the Arizona players and fans; I know a loss like that hurts.
I think Lute Olson is a good coach, but shame on him for not getting the ball to Salim Stoudamire in the final possession. He is a better shooter, better player, and more clutch than Hassan Adams. Sure Stoudamire passed the ball instead of forcing up a shot at the end of regulation, but that doesn't change the fact that he should have had the ball again for the overtime finale. More than any other team sport, basketball relies on individual excellence. As a basketball fan (I actually favor Illinois over Arizona), I would be content to see Stoudamire miss that shot, not Adams
|