Well that was disappointing. To watch your favorite team lose a game at
the free throw line is as frustrating in person as it is on television.
Our seats directly behind the basket gave us a unique view of the horror show —
for every Tech free throw that clanked badly off the rim, there were two NC
State free throws that swished cleanly through the net.

Late in the game,
the State players were struggling to walk up and down the court, but sometimes
being that tired helps the concentration. That certainly seemed to be
the case today because State’s free throw shooting was clean and
pure. State easily beat the Hokies the first two times they played
this year, but Tech had their chances today. They just couldn’t get
over the hump. Well, on to Selection Sunday and the NCAA Tournament…..

More observations from Tampa:

• UNC fans continue to multiply. It was a home-like atmosphere for the
  Tar Heels against BC, even with many of the neutral fans pulling hard for
  the Eagles.
• The attendance was a little better today, but once again, it was not
  completely full today. Probably hit a bit over 80% for the UNC/BC
  game, but the upper levels at each end still had a number of empties.
  Some of the UNC fans left after their game, but most stayed around to watch
  the State/VT game.
• Surprisingly (at least to me), almost all of the UNC fans around us were
  rooting for State. Even though State is a huge rival, the UNC fans
  were more interested in state pride today (and ACC old-guard pride).
  It was noted all season how the Big Four was no longer dominant in ACC hoops
  — well, with UNC/State in the championship game, they are making a strong
  statement that they aren’t dead quite yet.
• Funniest moment of the day occurred when the Hokie pep band and
  cheerleaders broke out a rendition of the Hokie Pokie. (Editor’s note:
  It’s actually spelled “Hokey Pokey,” but we’ll let it slide.)
  Some UNC fans in our section joined in and had a good time with it, but
  about half way through, some fans from the opposing schools (led by UVa
  fans) began to boo throughout the arena. There was one viewpoint
  that the booing was actually directed at a couple of State fans that were
  mocking the whole thing. Either way, it seems that the Hokie Pokie
  gets under the skin of some of our ACC brethren.
• More fans were vocal today about the fact that alcohol was not sold inside
  the arena. This is a professional sports venue where alcohol is
  usually available, but the ACC had control of this event. We did
  notice a few fans were able to successfully smuggle in bottles and flasks —
  it was funny watching them trying to hide their stash from the ushers.

That’s all I’ve got after a disappointing semifinal Saturday. I will
attend the championship game tomorrow, fully expecting UNC to completely
dominate an exhausted NC State team. However, I will be pulling hard for
State to somehow pull off the miracle (my son is an NC State
alumnus). So, if you are in Tampa, look for the guy wearing the VT
hat and the NC State t-shirt. More than likely, that will be me.

...