[chimera]

There is also the issue of the compressed schedule.  Other seasons there was more time between the E8 game and the semi.  Play a tough E8 game on Tues, have two days of rest and play the semi on Friday is not ideal for healing minor dings, scouting, or just getting fully rested.  Add in the pressure of the moment, which can wear people out (it did even for just us fans!!!).  UA and UConn's half of the bracket had an extra day, and with the tight schedule, that had to help a little.  The F4 games seemed like what we sometimes got with the P-10 or P-12 tournament with the play on several days in a row.  I don't think the way they set things up made for optimum basketball.  

On another note I wonder if the shortened season was overall beneficial to the team.  Was it just coincidence there were no long term injuries (aside from Brown who started the season injured)?  Perhaps, or maybe if the season had the usual 8 or 9 games more we see more wear and tear and more injuries late.

[chimera]

There is also the issue of the compressed schedule.  Other seasons there was more time between the E8 game and the semi.  Play a tough E8 game on Tues, have two days of rest and play the semi on Friday is not ideal for healing minor dings, scouting, or just getting fully rested.  Add in the pressure of the moment, which can wear people out (it did even for just us fans!!!).  UA and UConn's half of the bracket had an extra day, and with the tight schedule, that had to help a little.  The F4 games seemed like what we sometimes got with the P-10 or P-12 tournament with the play on several days in a row.  I don't think the way they set things up made for optimum basketball.  

On another note I wonder if the shortened season was overall beneficial to the team.  Was it just coincidence there were no long term injuries (aside from Brown who started the season injured)?  Perhaps, or maybe if the season had the usual 8 or 9 games more we see more wear and tear and more injuries late.