Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Duke-Butler: My ideal final (and CBS's, too)

I wrote my column today about why Duke-Butler would be the ideal Monday night final for this 2010 NCAA championship, and why CBS undoubtedly thinks so, too.

In terms of ratings, that would be a bonanza -- Butler, a No.5 seed, an underdog and basically a home team from Indianapolis that would snatch up thousands of tickets sold by the two losing teams after Saturday's games; vs. the great and powerful Duke, which has one of those national reputations like the Dallas Cowboys that networks absolutely love. No one is neutral about Duke, and people tune in because of that.

On the other hand, West Virginia vs. Michigan State? I'm sure Bob Huggins and Tom Izzo would love it, and certainly both teams have had fantastic seasons. But that matchup doesn't exactly make most hearts around the country go pitty-pat.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Scott, your heart goes "pitty-pat"? Really? What, did you write this for your 3 year-old?

Anonymous said...

I'll be watching, regardless of the teams, because I'm a basketball fan. However, Saturday I will be a HUGE West Virginia fan.

la said...

Blah blah blah blah

Anonymous said...

JB said - Check the maps! Most of the nation is picking WVU. They are the team the country is wanting to win. Butler only has Indy and Duke hasn't been strong all year. They backed in as a NO 1seed. Look at their record and RPI.

Anonymous said...

Duke's record: 33-5
Duke's RPI ranking: 3
Duke's SOS ranking: 8
ACC regular and tourney champs

Yeah -- Duke was just lousy this year...

Anonymous said...

"Check the maps! Most of the nation is picking WVU."

Note: the Las Vegas line started with Duke as 2 point favorite and is now moving to a 3 point favorite. Most gamblers are clearly favoring Duke to win.