Memphis

You totally HAD that game, guys.

I mean, if it’s true that all forces in the universe are equal - all that 10th-grade zen metaphysics wildness - then the Kansas championship was equal parts comeback and, dare I say, that other C-word.

You were up nine with two minutes to go. I’m not one to nitpick after a 38-2 season (well, who am I kidding, of course I am!), but there were a few things you could’ve done differently.

Joey Dorsey, you didn’t need to foul Chalmers so late in the game (while you were ahead!) when straight-up defense would have killed valuable clock.

There was no reason to switch into a box-and-one and concede the passing lanes in an effort to guard the three-ball. Those low post alley-oops and backdoor cuts killed you guys all night.

And, dearest Tigers, those free throws. 4-of-7 from the line? Really? With the national championship hanging in the balance? Do you realize what you’ve just done?

You gave Billy Packer something to salivate about ad nausea all through the overtime session.

Memphis can’t shoot free throws? Yeah, I get that. Thanks.

Most disappointingly, Mr. Rose and CDR disappeared when it mattered most. In the game’s final seven minutes, the two accounted for six points.

Don’t be discouraged, it’s just some TOUGH LOVE. Coach Cal, you’ll be back next year, and I sense an NBA future loaded with riches and accolades for many of you players out there.

But this one’s gonna hurt - for a while.