Maybe I Think Dominance is Sexy: The Tournament Squares Pool

Two years ago, I wrote in this space that dominance should look like the UConn run to back to back national championships. That two year run included 12 consecutive NCAA tournament wins by double digits and a six game win differential in 2024 of +140. That point differential is the highest in the history of the NCAA tournament. 

The 2023 UConn team was outstanding. The 2024 UConn team was absolutely insane. And, I didn't think we would see anything like it for quite a while.

Well, the University of Michigan has entered the chat. Wow! 

I have thought for quite a while that this team was a juggernaut, and last night seemed to validate everything that I have seen from them all year. This with their best player injured and the entire front line in early foul trouble against Arizona.

Do you remember back in November and December when this team was putting up unreal tape against their out-of-conference schedule? 

Do you remember when they beat San Diego State by 40, Auburn by 30 and Gonzaga by 40 on consecutive nights in a Las Vegas tournament? I watched it and knew then that this Michigan team was the real thing. And now, they are the first team in NCAA tournament history to score 90+ points in 5 straight tournament games. Oh, and they won them all by double digits. 

They aren't going to get to a +140 point differential, but the Wolverines have been absolutely dominant in this tournament run.

So, I guess it is fitting that this juggernaut will face UConn tomorrow night for the national championship. 

UConn is not a patsy here. They will be playing in their third national championship game in four years. This is the first time this has happened since Kentucky did it from 1996 through 1998. A sore spot for your tournament host who still can't believe that Tony Delk hit those 6 3-pointers in the first half of that 1996 final game against Syracuse. Still hurts. A lot. 

Anyway, I am really looking forward to this final. Hopefully, it be more entertaining than the two games last night. 

As for the squares pool, we had two first time winners last night and neither was me. 

One more game to go!

Also, for those of you who follow the chronicles of the Southwestern Central Scorpions basketball program, please visit the newly opened merch store. 

--Your Tournament Host