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The '64 Phillies and the '78 Red Sox might have retired the Trophy.
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In the Alamodome on Monday night, one of the greatest games in tournament history was unraveling.
Throughout the season, John Calipari bitterly defended his team's lack of free-throw shooting prowess.
He said, "Mentally tough players make important free throws at important times." He dismissed the fact that the Tigers were among the worst free-throw shooting teams in the NCAA field of 65. Until the final game, though, Memphis had been shooting 70 percent, and had crushed Michigan State, Texas and UCLA to reach the national title game.
And in the final, what Calipari said was almost coming true. His players were hitting free throws until the fire got too hot. Douglas-Roberts sank a pair to make it 60-51, a seemingly insurmountable lead with 2:12 to go, then CDR added a second pair to make it, 62-56, with 1:39 left.
But Kansas had mentally tough players of its own, and Memphis couldn't close the deal.
After the game, the Tigers were in tears. Rose was even consoled by Rev. Jesse Jackson. Everyone was at a loss for words.
"I can't explain why I missed them," Douglas-Roberts said. "I guess it did boil down to our Achilles heel."
Many Tigers made mistakes -- Antonio Anderson's ill-advised pass, Dorsey's mindless fifth foul, not fouling Sherron Collins or Chalmers on the final play of regulation.
"We're hurting right now," said Calipari after the game. "We're numb."
It is to Calipari's credit that he wanted his team to have fun, to stay near the Riverwalk and soak up the experience. But it might be to his everlasting regret that he didn't feel the same way about fundamentals.
