Butler carries 13-game winning streak with their eyes on the championship game

This Butler-VCU game should be for the national title. No, they aren’t the most athletic or talented teams, but sometimes it’s more about teamwork and desire. Both of the qualities the two “underdog” teams possess.

Virginia Commonwealth was one of the teams that others counted off because they didn’t deserve to make the tournament. According to these ESPN experts, VCU had not earned a NCAA bid and its all on the NCAA committee. At least Dick Vitale admits his error and ate crow. And that’s what makes the tournament special.

Sure I’m bias, but my two favorite things about VCU is that they knocked off Purdue and their coach comes across as a guy I’d want to play for. If you haven’t seen the video of VCU ending their practice, check it out. Dubbed the iron man drill, a player takes a charge, sprints around, hustles back and forth before being done. Best part is, the young Shaka Smart is last, then gathering in a team huddle to close practice. How many other coaches do that.

Butler comes into the game as a three point favorite, but Butler and VCU are rolling. The Dawgs are arguably the hottest team in the country, winners of 13 straight. But VCU knows how to win, having to win an extra tournament game to carry on, playing in the First Four.

Much of Butler’s success the last four years has to be attributed to senior Matt Howard. I don’t know him personally but he comes across as a genuinely nice guy with a passion for the game. We know he carries himself well in the classroom, with a 3.9 GPA and a two-time Academic All-American. ESPN personality Jay Bilas said it best, “There’s not a more valuable player in this Final Four than Butler’s Matt Howard. Great college player.”

Howard will play some time in the NBA but he thrives in the college ranks. What he has given Butler in his four years is immeasurable. He is part of a special senior class that has been with Coach Stevens since he was named head coach four years ago.

In regards to this Final Four matchup, the dogs must take care of the ball like they have most of the year. VCU is a tremendously athletic team that will get up and down the court and try to get in their head. Free throws, a usual strong point for Butler as always will be critical,

And maybe more luck will be on Butler’s side with their mascot, Blue II finally able to attend the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA bans live mascots from games with the exception of the Final Four. He probably has more fame than anyone on these two teams.

I believe the Bulldogs will get it done tonight and earn a trip back to the championship game. Certainly an impressive feat after losing Hayward last year making this run even more spectacular. Just two months ago, this same Butler team lost to Youngstown state but they haven’t lost since. Stevens is a fantastic coach and will make necessary adjustments all game long.

Because my Indiana Hoosiers aren’t playing, I have no favorite in these games. The pair of games features the young up-and-coming coaches versus the proven cheaters. In that case, I’m hoping Butler or VCU wins it all, that way we can be sure it won’t be vacated in a few years.