By Steve Springer
(Volvo #S60 Man)
Like a scene from the movie Hoosiers, Darnell Archey and the Butler Bulldogs pulled off a huge upset on Louisville in the 2003 NCAA Tournament. One of the best three-point shooting displays in tournament history, propelling the twelfth-seeded Bulldogs into college basketball’s Sweet 16.
Archey (a name etched in Cardinal fans’ memories forever) drained eight of nine trey balls, six of six in the second half, to power the Bulldogs with 26 points. He has long since graduated, of course, and currently serves as coordinator of basketball operations at Butler. So he will be at the game.
Reece Gaines was the star for UofL that day, helping the team out to a 15-point lead and scoring 26 points. As usual, he carried the team on his back while coming up a bit short in the end.
Finally, the Cards get a chance to settle the score. Yes, Butler played for the National Championship last season, so it is a formidable opponent. But one has to wonder if they will have ever played in an environment that they will face in downtown Louisville.
Remember, the crowd at the Final Four last year, and just about every other NCAA Tournament venue, was pulling for the underdog. There were more fans cheering for Butler than for the Dukies. Tonight, 22,000 fans will be breathing down their necks rooting the Cards to their first official victory in the sparkling new KFC Yum! Center.
Side note for Archey Haters — At the end of the 2003 season, he took place in one of those collegiate three-point contests, winning the male contest. He had to face the winner of the women’s side for the overall championship of the event and went down in flames. Bad.
In case you’ve forgotten:
Great game
I was at that game, amazing display. I’m spoiled by HD TV!