As his many fans know, Harrogate for some time now has been consumed by the spectacle of March Madness. A&M's loss to Memphis last night was one of the bitterest pills Harrogate has ever swallowed as a sports fan. The controversial ending didn't help matters, but 'tis time to let that go.
What is in order is congratulations. And gratitude to an Aggie basketball team that made the sport matter in College Station, and likely set the stage for it to matter for years to come. In the middle of their incredible accomplishments this year was the incomparable Acie Law, depicted above walking off the court after last night's heartbreaking loss. His is without a doubt the most important basketball player Texas A&M ever had, and he will be a fine NBA player as well; likely he'll wind up with several championship rings on his finger by the time his career ends.
Bottom line, the tournament is cruel. Very Highlander. In the blink of an eye you are irrevocably gone. Only one team can win its last game. The thing to do as a basketball fan, then (that is if you want to stay sane), is to allow yourself to appreciate what your team accomplishes, rather than what it doesn't. Even perennial powerhouse North Carolina "only" has two national championships following Michael Jordan's magical shot in 1982.
So, A&M, thank you for the season.
And like cruel Nature herself, the Tournament will now March on without thee.
Enjoy the catastrophic finale to come, Readers. Enjoy.
2 comments:
Missing a lay-up is controversial?
Sadly, there were actually TWO missed layups during that crucial last minute and a half. And those were daggers with which A&M struck themselves.
What controversy that stemmed from the ending had to do with the ticky-tack free throws with 3.1 seconds left. Many of us saw it as not very dissimilar from a bailout after Memphis blew three chances to convert from the field.
But as they say, that's the way the ball bounces. And in the end, if somebody in maroon grabs a friggin rebound in those final seconds, it's sealed for them.
Post a Comment