The Perfect Four

Two weeks ago today, the questions and the criticism were coming from all angles (including this one).

Virginia Tech, Alabama and Colorado out? UAB and VCU in?

The First Four?

Clemson has to wrap up a "first round game" just before midnight on Tuesday in Ohio, then fly to Florida before playing a "second round game" at noon on Thursday?

The questions, the criticism -- the outrage, even -- were justifiable. But two weeks later, we're sitting here reflecting on what has all the appearances of the most riveting, compelling, shocking NCAA Tournament ever. And despite the addition of weird new quirks and wrinkles that left some of us unsettled, it's hard to argue that this tournament isn't the best thing going in college sports.

The first two rounds of the tournament are typically the province of all the upsets and madness, but the Round of 16 is where the big boys almost always separate. This year the craziness extends all the way to a Final Four that's as close to a Perfect Four as you can get.

No No. 1 seed.

No No. 2 seed.

That's never happened before.

Who's the favorite? Who knows? You could say Kentucky or UConn, but you could also say VCU or Butler.

Shaka Smart's Rams have won five NCAA Tournament games over supposedly major-conference teams by an average of 12 points, so why not the Rams?

The best part about the presence of UConn and Kentucky is that both teams looked quite ordinary during the regular season. The Huskies played 18 Big East games and lost half of them. The Wildcats lost four of seven at one point in the regular season and couldn't win on the road.

All four of these teams made remarkable runs to Houston. There's something to like about all of them.

Two weeks ago, nothing made sense in a bad way. Today, nothing makes sense in a good way.

-- The 3-point shot has been around a while, but it created possibly its biggest impact ever during this year's tournament.

VCU's astounding run is built on numerous factors -- a great point guard, withering defense -- but long-range success has to rank atop the list. Three times in the tournament -- against Georgetown, Florida State and Kansas -- the Rams have made 12 3-pointers. VCU's 53 3-pointers are the most for any tournament team since Florida totaled the same number in 2007. And the Gators' total came over six games.

Arkansas holds the record for most NCAA Tournament 3-pointers with 60 in 1995.

And in Newark, the story of Kentucky's triumph over North Carolina was told beyond the arc: The Wildcats were 12 of 22, the Tar Heels 3 of 16. Game, set, match.

-- Speaking of those old Arkansas teams, is UConn's Jeremy Lamb the second coming of Todd Day?

Sorry to go all old school, but Lamb is one heck of a supporting act to the spectacular Kemba Walker. Lamb's clutch plays were what won the games against Arizona and San Diego State.

-- Since VCU had to win five games to reach the Final Four while going through the absurd "First Four" format, here's an idea: Spot the Rams four points in Saturday's game against Butler.

-- CBS can do better than Clark Kellogg as the lead analyst alongside Jim Nantz.

Yesterday, he whined that the refs stopped play for a shot-clock violation after a North Carolina airball was already in possession of a Kentucky player. A replay showed that the buzzer sounded well before the Kentucky player grabbed the ball.

He also said Brandon Knight got "a lot of ball" while attempting to block a fast-break dunk attempt by Dexter Strickland. Actually, Knight got all arm and no ball.

And later, he used the term "mercurial" to describe Strickland's speed on the break.

Billy Packer can be a jerk, no doubt. But in his sleep, he's a better analyst than Kellogg.

What's he up to these days, anyway?



LW