Archive for Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Mario and the miracle!
Big 3 forces OT, lifts Kansas
Kansas University's Mario Chalmers (15) leads the celebration as time runs out on the Jayhawks' 75-68 overtime victory over Memphis. Chalmers hit a three-pointer to tie it with 2.1 seconds left in regulation, and the Jayhawks went on to win their first national title in 20 years.
April 8, 2008
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2008 NCAA Tournament
6News Championship Celebration
Audio Clips
2007-08 April 7 KU-Memphis
- Bill Self talks with the media after winning the first national championship of his decorated coaching career
- Brandon Rush talks about Monday's win and what's next for him
- Darnell Jackson talks about the perfect culmination to a long year
- Darrell Arthur talks about stepping up in more ways than one en route to 20 points and 10 rebounds Monday
- Jeremy Case talks about Mario Chalmers' heroics and ending his career on the highest of notes
- Mario Chalmers talks about his now-legendary late-game heroics
- Rodrick Stewart talks about enjoying the final win of his KU career despite the pain in his knee
- Ronnie Chalmers talks about how his son's heroics were a long time in the making
- Sasha Kaun talks about KU stepping it up big in the paint - namely Darrell Arthur
- Sherron Collins talks about where this win ranks in his life's accomplishments
NCAA Championship Game
- Jayhawk fans: Read their stories and check out our fan photos »
- Send us your videos and photos!
KU vs. Memphis
- Arthur comes up big (04-08-08)
- Tigers lament loss (04-08-08)
- KU works overtime for title (04-08-08)
- 'We're better than everyone' (04-08-08)
- Nearly 40,000 turn out to commemorate win (04-08-08)
- Campanile to ring in KU victory in National Championship (04-08-08)
- KU cancels classes Tuesday to celebrate victory (04-07-08)
- Around and about Lawrence on the night of the NCAA championship (04-08-08)
- Keegan: Kansas' best - ever (04-07-08)
- Kansas basketball notebook (04-08-08)
- Extra Minutes: Kansas 75, Memphis 68 (OT) (04-08-08)
- Commentary: Title mends Jayhawks' grieving hearts (04-08-08)
- KU's previous Final Four history (04-08-08)
- What others are saying about... (04-08-08)
- Final four No. 1 Seed vs. No. 1 Seed (04-08-08)
- NCAA Tournament MOP's (04-08-08)
San Antonio — Mario Chalmers raced to his mother, Almarie, and hugged her tightly on the Alamodome court, streamers falling from the rafters after Kansas University's one-for-the-ages 75-68 national championship victory over Memphis on Monday night.
"He said, 'We did it. We did it. We did it,''' Almarie Chalmers beamed with pride. "My son : his heart, his guts. It's unbelievable."
Chalmers, KU's junior guard from Anchorage, Alaska, with ice in his veins, calmly drilled a deep three with two seconds remaining.
The shot completed KU's improbable comeback from a nine-point deficit (in the final 2:12) and forced overtime.
"Mario saved us like he always does. He hit the biggest three of his life when we needed it the most. That's why we call him Mr. Clutch," KU's Brandon Rush said.
The three completely energized the Jayhawks and deflated the Tigers.
KU opened the overtime with baskets by Rush, Darrell Arthur and Darnell Jackson and grabbed a six-point lead halfway through the five-minute session.
Memphis did cut the gap to three (71-68 at :51), but Final Four MVP Chalmers hit a pair of free throws at :45 and Sherron Collins two more at :18.2 to complete the scoring, setting off a wild celebration following KU's third official national title in history and first since 1988.
The victory would have been impossible without Chalmers' shot heard round the world.
"I had an open look. I had a person in my face. It was just a lucky shot," Chalmers said.
Pressed further, he admitted there might have been a wee bit of skill involved.
"I thought it was going in when it left my hands. It felt pretty good when I released it. I'll let everybody else talk about history. I just think it was a big shot," Chalmers said.
KU coach Bill Self realizes the shot will be replayed over and over in what will go down as one of the great games in NCAA championship history.
"It will probably be the biggest shot ever made in Kansas history," Self said. "You know when 'Danny and the Miracles' won it in '88, they were up four late or whatever (against Oklahoma). So I don't think it had a play like that (in closing moments).
"I don't know about the '52 championship team. It's remarkable he shows that much poise when the pressure is on," Self added.
The entire KU team showed a lot of poise in erasing the nine-point deficit in the final 2:12. The Jayhawks were still standing after a Derrick Rose-led 16-4 run turned a 47-44 deficit (at 9:21) into a 60-51 Tiger lead.
Rose had 10 points in the run, including a deep bank shot just in front of the three-point line with no time left on the shot clock.
"Coach told us to calm down, try to attack them on offense and put them on the line," said Arthur, who was sensational with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Coach said something else, too.
"He said, 'Believe, believe,''' Chalmers said. "We never gave up. We believed."
KU also received some help from Memphis, which finished with a 38-2 record compared to national champ KU's 37-3 mark.
A Collins steal and ensuing three, that followed an Arthur bucket, cut Memphis' nine-point lead to 60-56 at 1:45.
"Sherron's steal and three were two of the biggest plays of the game. We were right in it," Self said.
Chris Douglas-Roberts (game-high 22 points, four more than Rose and Chalmers) made two free throws at 1:29, points that were answered by Chalmers, who made two free throws at 1:23.
Douglas-Roberts then bricked the front end of a one-and-one at 1:39, followed by an Arthur hoop, cutting the gap to 62-60 at 1:00.
Douglas-Roberts missed two free throws at :16.8, while Rose made just one of two at :15, meaning Memphis led just, 63-60, with 10 full seconds to play.
It gave KU a mathematical chance to tie, and Chalmers didn't disappoint.
"I didn't expect them to foul (before he shot)," Chalmers said of Memphis' strategy. "I expected them to guard and try to stop me from hitting the three."
Memphis coach John Calipari had hoped for a foul before the trey.
"We're gonna foul with 10 seconds to go, and they run away from us. The kid makes a shot over our arm. And that's why we lose," Calipari said.
"Ten seconds to go, we're thinking we're national champs, and then a kid makes a shot, and all of a sudden we're not."
After KU won, boy did the Jayhawks celebrate.
Arthur and Jackson hugged at center court as tears streamed down both of their faces. The players after the trophy presentation stood on a podium and watched CBS' "One Shining Moment" together on the big screen.
Even ex-Jayhawk Julian Wright, who left KU last year after his sophomore season for the NBA, joined in the fun on the podium.
"I don't know if it was a miracle, but I guess it was pretty miraculous," KU senior Russell Robinson said of the victory. "I'm going to enjoy watching it on TV over and over. I guess that is an instant classic.
"I'd say we won because we never gave up. You know : all you can do is believe. That's what we did. We believed."
KU made a believer out of Memphis, too.
"The way Kansas fought to take that game, they deserve to be national champs," Calipari said.
More like this
- Campanile to ring in KU victory in National Championship 6 comments / April 8, 2008
- Tigers lament loss April 8, 2008
- What others are saying about... 1 comment / April 8, 2008
- Arthur comes up big 1 comment / April 8, 2008
- KU works overtime for title April 8, 2008
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8 April 2008
at 6:02 a.m.
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Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
Super Mario! Wow! Great job coach and team.Rock Chalk!
8 April 2008
at 6:03 a.m.
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LogicMan (Anonymous) says…
Congrats team and coach! Great work.Thanks to Memphis for the big challenge.
8 April 2008
at 6:17 a.m.
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Rickyonealku (Anonymous) says…
What a Team Team Team….2008 NCAA National Champs….
8 April 2008
at 6:24 a.m.
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NitroGoose (Anonymous) says…
wow! just wow!!Thank you, coaches and players. Awesome, awesome season!!!
8 April 2008
at 6:49 a.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
BigPrune predicts big money for Self, he deserves it.
8 April 2008
at 7:15 a.m.
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Pogo (Anonymous) says…
Meanwhile, back in the real world:”baghdad (Reuters) - Attacks on U.S. and Iraqi forces in Baghdad increased sharply in March, the U.S. military said on Tuesday, and the U.S. ambassador warned violence would spiral further…..Deaths of U.S. soldiers (in Iraq) averaged a little more than one per day over the past four months, but eleven have been killed over the past two days.”That's 15 guys who were'nt afforded the chance to even watch the silliness of putting a ball into a hoop for the 100's of millions of dollars industry/machine.
8 April 2008
at 7:32 a.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
Oh Boo-hoo Pogo - take your comments to another article. I didn't know the library opened this early.
8 April 2008
at 7:45 a.m.
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CindiCat (Anonymous) says…
Rise & Shine…..it is truly a beautiful day in the State of Kansas!!!
Congrats to all the Coaches and Players for a wild fun nail biting ride.
Rock Chalk Jayhawks!!!
Pogo….never mind. You are even worth it.
8 April 2008
at 7:52 a.m.
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N8iveSooner (Anonymous) says…
Now, I'm not a jayhawks fan, but I must say, they played a great game. So lucky Douglas-Roberts couldn't handle the pressure!
8 April 2008
at 7:57 a.m.
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samsnewplace (Anonymous) says…
What a nail biting game, it was awesome to watch! Congrats team and Coach, you are the best!
8 April 2008
at 7:58 a.m.
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antney (Anonymous) says…
I love the audio clip stories of Mario and his dad practicing the final shot in their living room every final four since he was a kid. If he goes pro, that has got to be a commerical.
8 April 2008
at 8:02 a.m.
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SearchingForTruth (Anonymous) says…
This team has so much balance. Will any one of them ever have their jersey hung in Allen Fieldhouse? How strange would that be?
8 April 2008
at 8:06 a.m.
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TheYetiSpeaks (Anonymous) says…
Oh, pogo….It's moments like these that give us a respite from the constant death and disappointment of our world. Take one day to stop that bitterness train on it's tracks. I promise you'll feel better tomorrow.
8 April 2008
at 8:08 a.m.
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TheYetiSpeaks (Anonymous) says…
“Will any one of them ever have their jersey hung in Allen Fieldhouse?”
I believe that being named Final Four MOP automatically qualifies you for that honor. So Mr. Chalmers number will be hanging in the rafters.
8 April 2008
at 8:42 a.m.
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acg (Anonymous) says…
Wow, I just can't believe that shot. Mario, you're my freaking hero. What a team. What a game. It's hard to even put into words.
8 April 2008
at 8:43 a.m.
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lovinlife (Anonymous) says…
Yes Please Pogo, turn a blind eye for but a moment to enjoy a fantastic triumph for our hometown and entire state, even KU fans nationwide wept a tear of joy last night ! By the way, does anyone have an ETA for our boys ?? And any news of a big parade yet, I remember attending one 20 years ago :)
8 April 2008
at 8:56 a.m.
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dstavin (Anonymous) says…
RE: Pogo's comment:IMHO I think being alive gives us all a chance to savor incredible joys along with doing the hard work required to make the world better. I watched last night's game with a roomful of friends who are as passionate about political issues as they are about our Jayhawks. We write letters to elected officials, donate our time or money to numerous civic organizations, vote in every election, buy American-made products, eat in locally-owned restaurants, drive gas-efficient cars, pay our taxes, and feel absolutely no guilt celebrating the Jayhawks' well-deserved NCAA championship.
8 April 2008
at 9:04 a.m.
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mommaeffortx2 (Anonymous) says…
well put dstavin.
8 April 2008
at 9:05 a.m.
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johnalberts53 (Anonymous) says…
A month before my father passed, December 2003, he was able to meet Kirk Hinrich prior to a Bulls game. My father, Jerry Alberts, who missed the final shot vs Indiana in 1953, and Kirk (who missed the final shot in 2003 vs Syracuse) briefly spoke about their not so shining moments. Dear Mario, on behalf of my Dad, Kirk, and the rest of Jayhawk Nation, thanks for not missing the last shot!
8 April 2008
at 9:13 a.m.
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LMH (Anonymous) says…
Bill and the boys rock! Congrats to every single member of the Jayhawk team! WOOHOO!!!
8 April 2008
at 9:21 a.m.
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ksfbcoach (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
8 April 2008
at 9:44 a.m.
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monkeywrench1969 (Anonymous) says…
ksfbcoachWell said. Both my Grandfathers were in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII and were sports nuts to the end. After being in the middle of the heat, they always savored the time with friends and family watching the games. They could seperate the two and enjoy living.
8 April 2008
at 9:53 a.m.
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Pogo (Anonymous) says…
ksfbcoach……incorrect.http://www.anloc.org/media/5_6_strike_bounty_bobbin_flt_1.mp3http://www.anloc.org/media/haynes_Loc_Ninh_tape_Apr_6.mp3
8 April 2008
at 9:53 a.m.
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4chewnut (Anonymous) says…
Great game. Just wish the refs would have called a few technicals on the Memphis players: spiking the ball after a basket, spiking the ball after getting a foul. Bad example for kids. But the Hawks: classy! Thanks guys!
8 April 2008
at 10:01 a.m.
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nickhawk (Anonymous) says…
National Champs!! Unbelievable game. Hey Pogo, it must be lonely on top of that mountain. As you finish your 17th year in KU philosophy classes, hurry up and bus the next table.
8 April 2008
at 10:41 a.m.
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bpitts65 (Anonymous) says…
Somebody always has to try to ruin the moment! Pogo must be a Mizzou fan. They didn't even make the NIT. He's just jealous.GO KU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8 April 2008
at 11:08 a.m.
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Retired_Caveman (Anonymous) says…
Can you all say “roy williams” “north carolina” “Bill Self” “Oklahoma State”Know we can watch some real Basketball next year since the awks got there chumpship.
8 April 2008
at 11:16 a.m.
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bpitts65 (Anonymous) says…
What a great year!!!!!!!!! First the Orange Bowl then a National Championship. Thank you Lew Perkins, Mark Mangino, Bill Self and all the players. Sorry Mizzou and K State fans.Ooops not really.
8 April 2008
at 12:53 p.m.
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sammie914 (Anonymous) says…
Well, the sun is a bit brighter here in the great NW today!! My greeting on the phone this morning is “How 'bout those Jayhawks?” Proud to be a Lawrence native and a life long KU fan. Bill Self, the entire coaching staff, and all of the players on the team have reason to be proud of their accomplishments. Thank you guys for a great season!!!!!
8 April 2008
at 12:56 p.m.
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autie (Anonymous) says…
Michael Lee was the one that missed the last shot in '03 against Syracuse.
8 April 2008
at 2:33 p.m.
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HodgePodge (Erin Parmelee) says…
I love people like “caveman” up there! Makes the victory that much sweeter to listen to certain people whine about it! LOL!!!
8 April 2008
at 3:33 p.m.
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jocknavals (Anonymous) says…
Hinrich looked at the basket, then passed to Michael Lee, who missed the last shot in 03. JoJo White made a last shot launched 'too late' in i think '69. La Frentz missed a last shot against Arizona. There are lots of missed last shots. Then there is the occassional MADE last shot. Man, are they sweet.Someday Pogo will get off his whiney butt, wasting time reading the sports news and making assinine comments and go do something more productive…hey, pogo, why don't you volunteer for meals on wheels, or hospice…
8 April 2008
at 3:52 p.m.
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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
No way Self will leave to go to a new team (OK) that will play against his old team (KU) on a regular basis. He may, eventually, “go home” to OK, but to coach for the NBA team that is moving there. That I can see! Plus, he's too smart to buy into a program that is so troubled right now that one of his heroes (Eddie Sutton) is talking about asking to have his name taken off the stadium! Great game is putting it mildly. Well played by both teams. I almost gave up hope - but that shot by Mario will go down as one of the best moments of sports, ever. We have a new truck bought yesterday we will now name “Mario”! What a team and night to remember. Pogo - get over yourself. Your attempt to lecture people comes off as conceited and pompous, to put it mildly. People do care about a lot of things. Just because they can still find some joy in life, now and then, does not mean that they are in any way inferior to those people who are consumed and obessesed with being upset all of the time. Balance is a good thing. With balance and kindness, not arrogantly lecturing others about how dumb they are when compared to you, you may find a lot more problems get solved. Dollars to donuts, if the fallen soldiers can see the game from where they are, they were enjoying it too! Anyone who can't enjoy the joy of others may want to consider getting some good anti-depressant medicine! For a brief shining moment, a whole town of people (or most of it) were happy and loved everyone - especially each other! That's cause to celebrate! No matter what else may be wrong.
8 April 2008
at 4:18 p.m.
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johnalberts53 (Anonymous) says…
I believe Lee's shot was blocked out of bounds by Warrick of Syracuse. Leaving time for an inbound pass and a desperation launch by Hinrich. Nevertheless, it is nice to be on the good side of cruel fate (Reece Davis? term last night) this time.
8 April 2008
at 6:14 p.m.
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hummingburg (Anonymous) says…
Congratulations from Port Saint Lucie, FL!Chalmers was on the front page of the PSL News this a.m.awesome! was the team in those 2 games. We are excited to be a part of the Class of 2008. Our daughter will be graduating with some SUPER stars.
8 April 2008
at 9:54 p.m.
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riverdrifter (Anonymous) says…
“JoJo White made a last shot launched 'too late' in i think '69.”They said he stepped out of bounds on a shot which he made and he did not step out. You can look it up. KU got a royal screwing against Texas Western. Forget 'Glory Road'. Nice movie, but KU was the real winner. Right, Jo Jo?