Russ-diculous or Trey-mendous. Call it what you like. Monday night’s NCAA final between Louisville and Michigan was incon-Siva-bly magnificent. Okay, puns aside, it was an electrifying game that wasn’t only decided by the stars. At the conclusion of the tournament, it was unsung hero “Cool Hand” Luke Hancock earning Most Outstanding Player honors. For the first time since Gordon Hayward heaved a halfcourt prayer to nearly propel Butler past Duke in 2010, the championship was worth watching. This one was captivating from start to finish, filled with one thrilling highlight after another. It kept fans jumping to their feet, eager for more, even in the far-reaching sections of the arena from where I watched. The game was an instant classic, with teams trading blows early. But even when Michigan jumped ahead by 12, there was little doubt Louisville would surge back, again making for an intense finish. After all, the Cardinals had overcome equally daunting deficits against Wichita State and fought back against Syracuse in the Big East Tournament final thanks to spectacular second halves. Very few of either team’s possessions lacked luster, resulting in either a deep three-pointer, rim-shaking dunk or block. The momentum swung like a pendulum, as fans exchanged chants of “Go Blue” and “C-A-R-D-S, Cards!” With midnight closing in and Tuesday nearing, the Georgia Dome was still wide awake with energy. A celebration that couldn’t have been better scripted by Hollywood’s finest ensued. Louisville senior Peyton Siva sang along with noticeable passion as the Queen hit “We Are The Champions” blared from the sound system. Coach Rick Pitino announced that he would follow through with his vow to get a tattoo if his team won. And, as many had probably anticipated, Kevin Ware had the final word. A man the country had never heard of 10 days earlier captured our hearts one last time, giving a humbling account of the brotherhood that exists among the Cardinals. It was the kind of stuff only found in fairy tales. No Comparison I’ve always faced a select group of people who like to make the argument that watching a game at home from the comfort of their recliner somehow parallels or even tops being at the arena in person. I’ve never bought into that notion. In fact, I struggle to watch a game on television after having witnessed so many live. Monday night’s game was a testament of how the scenarios truly do not compare. The experience was already spell binding before the ball was even tipped, with an exceptional pregame ceremony featuring Travis Tritt singing the National Anthem and a series of riveting highlight teasers about each team. Five minutes into the game fans were exchanging high fives with strangers, celebrating in awe of each electrifying play. If you were neutral, you cheered without ceasing, watching in amazement. By the time Hancock had drained his fourth consecutive trey, everyone stood in anticipation, seemingly believing that he couldn’t miss. Over the two games in Atlanta, he was nearly invincible. Hancock hit 8 of 10 three-point shots, becoming the first bench player in history to be named MOP. Picking a hero on Monday wasn’t simple, yet it was obvious. Siva was more than worthy with his 18 points and five assists, but was anyone surprised? Trey Burke was spectacular, but didn’t we also expect that? Who could have imagined the most unlikely of characters would unleash 14 straight points, rescuing his team from the danger of letting the most important game of his career get out of hand? Luke Hancock and Kevin Ware spent the entire regular season as unknowns beyond the borders of their campus. They took the opposite paths to stardom, but their names will be the two remembered most when reminiscing about the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Each left their own endearing impact on this year’s “One Shining Moment” video.

Monday night's NCAA championship game at the Georgia Dome was full of thrilling plays, capped by Louisville's title victory.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.