Butler couldn't buy a bucket last night in what was probably the worst performance in Final Four history. UCONN's team defense was phenomenal, but Butler missed at least 5 easy shots and 12 good shots. While UCONN outrebounded Butler by 51 to 40, Butler actually grabbed more offensive rebounds than the Huskies and just couldn't convert. Other than just having a bad night, I think there is one player who affected Butler's shooting more than any other...Alex Oriachi. He's my MVP of the game.
Oriachi's 4 blocks came on sure lay-ups or chip shots. His presence altered many others - there is no doubt that Butler's big men were rushing shots because Oriachi and Roscoe Smith had them intimidated. On the glass, Oriachi grabbed 11 boards and chipped in 11 points on 5 for 6 shooting. He only played 25 minutes, and he made them all count. Walker was deserving of the Final Four MOP and Lamb deserved consideration as MVP last night, but I am giving Oriachi the nod because this was a defensive game and he played the best defense. Shelvin Mack did not have a point inside the 3 point line. Howard got nothing in the paint either. The put backs that he usually gets weren't there; the room and confidence to operate in the post weren't there.
Finally, this wasn't discussed by the press, but Butler's bench was actually worse than their starters. They were 0 for 6 from the floor and had only 6 rebounds. UCONN's bench had 12 points and 17 rebounds. As I predicted yesterday, UCONN's rebounding combined with the fact that the refs did not call this game tight led to their victory. If Butler had gotten a few calls inside, allowing them to get to the line a few more times, they may have had a chance. When the refs let them play, it always favor the bigger team.
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