Duke Wins National Title - Butler No Pushover

The Duke Blue Devils are the National Champions once again, having beaten a scrappy Butler Bulldog squad that simply would not go away. Kyle Singler was the Final Four MVP after lighting up the Bulldogs for a hard earned 19 points and 9 rebounds. The Blue Devils needed every one of them to secure Coach K's 4th National Championship.

The Butler Bulldogs more than held their own on the biggest stage. The Bulldogs were down as many as six late in the game and yet they still would not go away. It appeared that the Bulldogs would pull out the win with 16 seconds left. Gordon Hayward drove the lane and lofted a fadeaway shot that nearly went in with about six seconds left and Butler only down by one. After Brian Zoubek hit a free throw and missed the second, Hayward launched a half court shot that bounced off the rim. Had that shot of fallen, the Bulldogs would have made history. As it was, the Blue Devils simply had enough gas to outlast the Bulldogs.

The Blue Devils dominated the box score on paper, but the scoreboard did not reflect it. Butler has a way of doing that to teams. Just ask Michigan State. They are so tough defensively that they find a way to stay in every single game. This is exactly what happened in the National Championship game. Duke seemed to be dominating until Butler suddenly was within a couple of points.

Duke continues a two year run of schools out of North Carolina winning the National Title. Last season, the North Carolina Tar Heels took home the crown. The Blue Devils are enjoying this up and down tobacco road to be sure and next year is likely to be just as big. Butler also is in prime position to continue their success next season as they are returning the bulk of their starters.

Congratulations to the Duke Blue Devils for their National College Basketball Championship Title.

Source:

ESPN Recap Duke / Butler