Video: The greatest game ever played?
posted at 1:50 pm on March 13, 2009 by Allahpundit
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Not quite the very greatest — that’s still Duke/Kentucky — but it’s in the pantheon. Four hours, six overtimes, eight foul-outs, 244 points, and none of it would have happened if the refs had gotten the call right on the buzzer-beater at the end of regulation. Watch it yourself; it comes at around 2:00. How do you not give the shooter the benefit of the doubt when it’s that close?
My boys in orange are going all the way this year — to the regional semifinals, where we’ll inevitably be bounced by some powerhouse from the ACC. Their next game, incidentally, starts about … eight hours from now. Drink up, kids.
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“it’s the most wonderful time of the year … ”
:-)
Buckaroo on March 13, 2009 at 1:57 PM
No basketball fan on any level, so you cant quote bias, but it was pretty clear that he still had the ball in his hand in the replay (which they obviously looked at whether they will admit it or not before making the call)
Kelligan on March 13, 2009 at 1:57 PM
It’s really not that close in slow-mo.
myrenovations on March 13, 2009 at 1:58 PM
AP – Sorry, but the refs got the call right at the end of regulation. It was as close as I can remember seeing, but I saw at least one replay where the clock was clearly at zero, the lights were on, and the ball was still touching Devendorf’s fingers. Plus, the decision they made meant the game would be decided by the players in OT.
The ‘Cuse won it in the end. The spectacle of the game should kick Syracuse up at least notch to a #4 or possible a #3 seed. Don’t taint it with whining.
connertown on March 13, 2009 at 1:58 PM
AP… Duke/KY. Utterly classic.
I’m a NC girl…and we have intense preferences here. Can’t stand those who say you can simultaneously love UNC and Duke…riiight.
But, I guess if you’re an outsider, it’s different. Personally, I’d rather see the ACC go down than UNC take the title.
Mommypundit on March 13, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Those are the words of a true fan.
myrenovations on March 13, 2009 at 2:04 PM
I had no idea AP was a ‘Cuse fan.
Oh, and they clearly got the call right. Did you not watch that slo-mo? The border was red and the ball was in his hand.
jimmy the notable on March 13, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Greatest game ever? Right. This game doesn’t even touch the triple overtime OSU vs. UT game from 2007. The call at the end of regulation was correct affirmed by Bilas and Raftery. Just because it’s the Big East doesn’t make it the best.
GRANDLAKE OK on March 13, 2009 at 2:09 PM
After watching the full replay too, it was quite a shocker (not really) that once Syracuse’s ball hogger fouled out, they quickly took a heavy lead. Hmm…
Kelligan on March 13, 2009 at 2:11 PM
The ball was leaving his hand as the light went on. SCORE.
Allahpundit on March 13, 2009 at 2:11 PM
EPIC EFFING GAME.
I tuned in around the third overtime.
Syracuse would be near-immortal if they win tonight.
SCOOPTHIScarlos on March 13, 2009 at 2:11 PM
It was still on the tips, no score.
myrenovations on March 13, 2009 at 2:13 PM
BANNED.
Allahpundit on March 13, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Allah, I have one agree and one disagree.
First, the disagree: the refs got it right at the end. Had he let go .02 earlier, he would have saved his team another 3/4 of a game, but he didn’t. Had they inbounded better, the shot would have gotten off in time.
Secondly, the agree: it was an amazing game, one to be remembered, but, I concur, Duke / Kentucky 1992 was slightly better.
flutejpl on March 13, 2009 at 2:17 PM
OT: Cramer v. Stewart is up, Allah. I get the feeling you’ll want it.
MadisonConservative on March 13, 2009 at 2:17 PM
One other comment before Allah bans me: I am going to be pulling for the Orangemen tonight.
flutejpl on March 13, 2009 at 2:19 PM
‘Cuse/UConn was a good game. Best ever? We all have our
“best ever” moments in bb. Mine was in Columbus, Ohio at the NCAA first and second round games. My team, UAB, vs #1 seed Kentucky in the second round.
This game brought tears to the eyes of tough,war veteran grown men. I love the game of basketball, especially at Tourney time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyKsOwfeXRo
dragonash on March 13, 2009 at 2:19 PM
AP, maybe if you washed the Cheetos dust off your fingers before scratching your
‘nadsboys, they wouldn’t be orange.RMCS_USN on March 13, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Basketball? Isn’t that the game where a bunch of wannabe rappers try to throw a ball through a ring? Don’t tell me there’s a college version of that?
keep the change on March 13, 2009 at 2:21 PM
It was clearly in his hands.
jimmy the notable on March 13, 2009 at 2:22 PM
WVU all the way, baby.
myrenovations on March 13, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I went to Syracuse when they had ‘Melo and won the National Championship. I stopped paying attention to the game during the 3rd OT when it looked like UConn had the game wrapped up.
MobileVideoEngineer on March 13, 2009 at 2:23 PM
I watched the last 5 overtimes. U Conn and Syracuse both had chances at the end of every overtime to win it and just didn’t have the legs. It was amazing to watch. My son called every overtime correctly (that we would go to another one) with 2 to 3 minutes left in each one.
I love watching UConn/Syracuse matchups. They are always good.
PastorJon on March 13, 2009 at 2:25 PM
I say Duke/Kentucky’s the greatest, but I’m a Duke fan so I’m biased. I also put Duke over UNLV in 1991 in that category, since UNLV had won something like 50 games in a row and trounced Duke by 30 points in the championship the year before. But again, I’m biased. :)
VanPalin on March 13, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Yours truly was at Duke/Kentucky – seated lower level, behind the basket where Laettner hit the shot, amidst a whole bunch of Duke fans.
I’ve attended a lot of sporting events in my day, but that was probably the best of ‘em. This phrase is overused, but it really was absolute pandemonium inside the Spectrum when he drained that shot.
GO CATS! BEAT LOUISVILLE!
World B. Free on March 13, 2009 at 2:34 PM
What ACC powerhouses? The Big East teams are going to eat them for lunch. North Carolina just barely beat Virginia Tech, and the only reason they won was because the refs handed them another game an a silver platter. You breath on Hansbrough and the refs call a foul. Hansbrough fouls a VT player with seconds left, and the refs call a jump ball giving the ball over to NC. What a joke.
Dukies and Tarheels will have a tough go in the tournament. Even though they’ll probably get very high seeds and play close to home …. as usual.
Go Orange!
fogw on March 13, 2009 at 2:34 PM
As a lifelong ‘Cuse fan I was elated they won.
Of course I found this out at 5:30 am this morning.
Duke-Kentucky was easily a greater game since so much more was riding on the outcome. Villanova over Georgetown and NC State over Houston were also classics, especially since they were title games.
Hidden classic: First ever Big East Championship: Syracuse 81, Villanova 80 in 3 OT at Manley Field House. Downer: No automatic bid and Syracuse was snubbed. Leo Rautins played in that game and his son played last night.
JammieWearingFool on March 13, 2009 at 2:36 PM
UNLV would have had that game if Larry Johnson had just taken the damn shot instead of passing it off. I hate Duke.
Jvette on March 13, 2009 at 2:36 PM
the championship in 1952? with UNC went 3 OT’s I think
jp on March 13, 2009 at 2:37 PM
I was going to post that Basketball is the lamest and dumbest sport out there. But I decided to follow the rules about not having anything good to say.
BierManVA on March 13, 2009 at 2:38 PM
What doubt? He was still touching the ball at the buzzer.
jgapinoy on March 13, 2009 at 2:41 PM
By the way AP, if we get by Louisville tonight I’ll be rooting for your Orange against WVU in the late game.
….because it would be great to beat you a 3rd time this season for the Big East Championship.
World B. Free on March 13, 2009 at 2:41 PM
ok, it was a good game, but I still remember Georgetown/Villanova as the best.
catlady on March 13, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Greatest game? When George Mason beat UConn in the tournament.
Actually, it was when Boise State beat Oklahoma, but that’s the wrong sport.
jimmy the notable on March 13, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Syracuse will get bounced first round, just like my Nuggets with that orangeman, Carsmello Anthony.
FireGeorgeKarl.com
kirkill on March 13, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Short? Can’t jump? Slow? must be one or all 3 of those.
kirkill on March 13, 2009 at 2:44 PM
As a Syracuse alumn I really couldn’t care less about Duke or UNC. I always despise UConn during the regular season. No matter how good Syracuse happens to be, we always have trouble with UConn in the regular season.
I agree with another poster that said the ACC is nothing this year. The Big East is head and shoulders above everyone else this year. I really hate Pitt and UConn, but they are both just as good as Duke and UNC and nobody else in the ACC can really match up with Louisville, West Virginia, and Syracuse. I would throw Marquette in there, but with their star player out… I’m not so sure how well they’ll do.
MobileVideoEngineer on March 13, 2009 at 2:45 PM
People have mentioned some really good games here. While I’m a Big East fan, I still think that NC State over Houston was a bigger upset than Villanova over Georgetown, but I seem to be in the minority.
Two other games worth mentioning as classic:
1. Duke beating UConn to go the Final Four when Laettner hits the shot in Overtime (or was it Double Overtime)? That game is overshadowed due to Laettner’s “other” clutch shot. I was at the game in the Meadowlands. Unbelievable.
2. Louisville beats Kentucky in 1983 (I think) to go to the Final Four. First time they had played each other since 1959, due to Kentucky’s refusal to play Louisville. After that game, Kentucky had to start putting Louisville on it’s schedule. Game went into overtime. I remember that Kentucky jumped out to a huge lead, and then Louisville started pressing, and Kentucky fell apart. Loved that game.
asc85 on March 13, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Duke-Kentucky was easily a greater game since so much more was riding on the outcome. Villanova over Georgetown and NC State over Houston were also classics, especially since they were title games.
JammieWearingFool on March 13, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Great of you to mention Villanova v. Georgetown and NC State v. Houston. Will anyone EVERY forget Jimmy V running all over the floor?! Oh, the Villanova game was excellent.
Ah, it gives me chills.
Like someone said above, it is the most wonderful time of the year!
Oink on March 13, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Oink on March 13, 2009 at 3:11 PM
OOPS.
“EVER forget…”
Oink on March 13, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Which game was it with Christian Laetner(sp) stepped on that kid’s head when he was down?
Oink on March 13, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Great game, not the greatest. Sorry AP but the Heels are going back2back
youngO on March 13, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Seeing as how we’re talking basketball, yeah, it kinda DOES.
As to whether or not it’s the greatest game ever?
Greatest game I’ve ever seen, and that covers a lot of ground.
SuperCool on March 13, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Great game – the Orange have been playing well lately, as my beloved Marquette squad learned to their chagrin recently.
Mr. D on March 13, 2009 at 3:19 PM
How? Kansas won last year.
fogw on March 13, 2009 at 3:22 PM
As long as my Heels beat DOOK I could care less about the ACC tournament. The Heels are going to be the #1 seed in the NCAA tournament anyway. The ACC crown just adds to the hardware.
redneckrick on March 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
What a game! As a cuse grad it was even sweeter coming against UConn. I hope someone has legs left for WV tonight though.
I have to disagree with AP. They play like they did last night and hit their free throws, they can take any ACC team.
Go ORANGE!!!!!
Hammerhead on March 13, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Not only am I a Syracuse alumn, but I worked that game last Saturday. I was in the TV truck, but it was still cool. When I was checking in cameras inside the Bradley Center, Jim Boeheim walked right by me and I was able to tell him good game. I didn’t have time to really mention that I was a Syracuse alumn and I was wearing a press credential that said Marquette. It was still cool though.
MobileVideoEngineer on March 13, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Not gonna happen tonight. I’d be amazed if they had anything left in the tank…and we just knocked off the #2 team in the country. Big East finals here we come.
I second that. LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS!
mountaineer for liberty on March 13, 2009 at 3:37 PM
LET’S GOOOOOOO….
mountaineer for liberty on March 13, 2009 at 3:38 PM
You, sir, are now my sworn enemy. :) Go Duke!
VanPalin on March 13, 2009 at 3:52 PM
A college basketball thread–I love it!
AP, you need hi-def. As much as I wanted it to count (As a Duke fan, I do not like UConn), it was still on his fingertips when the lights went off. No basket. They redeemed themselves and put UConn away in the 6th OT. No contest.
On another note, Devendorf sure runs his mouth. There’s trash-talking and then there’s a time to shut up.
conservative pilgrim on March 13, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Definitely the greatest game in college basketball. It was high quality, high stakes, high pressure, high performance. I never tire of watching it on the Classics channel.
Amen sister! Some shades of blue are better than others.
conservative pilgrim on March 13, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Please tell us all that you are kidding. You wouldn’t really ban someone for speaking truth to power, would you?
If so, then BANNER, BAN thyself.
connertown on March 13, 2009 at 4:00 PM
I’m a Western New Yorker, so go Orange.
At least the city of Syracuse has something to be happy about (for now). I mean, have you ever been to Syracuse? If Utica is the armpit of NYS, what does that make Syracuse? The rectum?
Pope Linus on March 13, 2009 at 4:00 PM
It could be worse. That call could have decided the game at that point. But in this case it was just overtime. If Syracuse had been down a point or two, then it sucks.
There was a game earlier this year that was closer than that. In this case, whoever got the call won the game. It just happened to go to the home team.
BYU at ASU
TechieNotTrekkie on March 13, 2009 at 4:11 PM
After college, it’s not much worth watching. But while the players can still be persuaded to play as a team instead of five prima donnas, there’s no better sport.
Quisp on March 13, 2009 at 4:11 PM
allah, its looking like my team OU may get a crack at the ‘cuse in the 2nd round. OU rolls.
ousoonerfan15 on March 13, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Ooops. Got one too many ‘http’ in there.
The actual link is
BYU at ASU
TechieNotTrekkie on March 13, 2009 at 4:12 PM
You know, you should be more careful when you craft sentences. You need to write them with your critics in mind.
Let’s take a look at what you’ve done:
“My boys” — racist, sexist!
“in orange” — why bring color in? Is Orange somehow better than the other team’s color? Racist. Also, how do you think the other team feels when you root for “your boys in orange?”
“are going all the way” — stop shoving your sexual promiscuity down our throats. And stop advancing your color-based-homosexual-agenda down our throats too.
If your “boys” in “orange” are “going all the way” then keep it to yourself you racist, sexist, must-win-at-all-costs, homosexual activist!
/
Montana on March 13, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Yeh, I catch your drift (pun intended). I lived in the Syracuse burbs for seven years. Brutal winters up there.
When asked about their weather, a Syracuse native will tell you, “We had a great summer last year, it fell on a Wednesday.”
GO ORANGE !! BEAT WV!
fogw on March 13, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Montana that was stupid.
Those who are always up in arms about “racism”, “sexism”, and must win at all costs mentality, are usually the ones that are also homosexual activists.
MobileVideoEngineer on March 13, 2009 at 4:21 PM
I missed it! GRRRRRRRR!
sabbott on March 13, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Go Orange. I’ll take any win like that as small karmic payment for the Greg Robinson Era.
Kapitan on March 13, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Dude, when it’s a championship game. And correct me if I’m wrong, but if his hands are still on the ball when the clock hits zero, it don’t count.
Doesn’t matter. The TARHEELS take all comers.
SouthernDem on March 13, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Georgetown fan here. As if my year hasn’t been bad enough, I have to find out that AP and JammieWearingFool are both Syracuse fans?
And best game? Try the 1984 Final Four game against Kentucky. Kentucky fans hate that one more than they hate the Duke game.
Selkirk on March 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM
That game was almost as good as the Georgetown-Villanova championship game, 04/01/1985.
Almost.
JohnGalt23 on March 13, 2009 at 5:43 PM
No contest. The player still had contact with the ball when the last 10th of a second ticks off. By rule, time has expired, and the shot doesn’t count. If there had been any gap between his fingers and the ball at 0.0, they’d have probably given it to him.
And yes, the refs use replay to make determinations. I think it’s required for any shot taken (or foul called, for that matter) with under three seconds left in either the half or the game.
Hell of a game, though. I have a friend who gets his wife court-side seats for the Syracuse games during the tournament, so they must have been absolutely delirious
last nightthis morning when it was over.nukemhill on March 13, 2009 at 6:18 PM
*slap.*
Reaps on March 13, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Don’t worry. Maryland will take care of the duckies tomorrow.
You’re welcome. Really. It was nothing.
And yes, the Dorfman needs to shut the hell up. That kind of crap doesn’t belong in college ball. Shoot your mouth off all you want in the NBA. Nobody gives a shit then. But let the NCAA games be a little purer, please.
nukemhill on March 14, 2009 at 12:20 AM
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