A Guaranteed Lose

Tune in tonight at 7pm on ESPN and you are guaranteed to see a team lose. Now, that is not particularly original, since most sporting events conclude with a loser, but what makes tonight's game interesting is that EVERYONE loses, no matter who wins.

When Notre Dame and Kentucky take the floor tonight, the only glamorous thing about the game is the name on the jerseys. Notre Dame is finishing out what has to be considered the most disappointing season in the country. Tabbed as high as sixth in the preseason polls, the Irish were considered a Final Four contender when they met up with the Tarheels in Maui in November. Thirteen losses and a tenth place Big East finish later, they are hosting an NIT game. Even cutting down the nets in the Garden would feel a little hollow for the veteran-laden ballclub.

Kentucky is looking to salvage the worst season since the probation scandal rocked the Bluegrass in the late 80's/early 90's. Many predict that Billy Gilespie is walking a tightrope with no safety net the remainder of the season; meaning one wobble and he's falling off. The Maniac agrees wholeheartedly, a change is certianly not unreasonable for the Cats. Supposing Patterson and Meeks both go pro (quite likely), looking at the meager freshman class currently enrolled and a less-than-spectacular recruiting class coming in, it is easy to envision next year being (gasp) even worse for the Big Blue.

The winner tonight advances to Madison Square Garden and their season continues. Another game, another week left to reflect on what could have, should have been. Win or lose, neither team wins tonight.

So... if they win, does the NIT banner go up there as well? Methinks no...

Want More? Have something to Say?
Read, Rant, Agree, Disagree...Curse at Us (nicely please)
Do it all @ MarchManiacs.com