GO BUTLER!!! BEAT DUKE!!!

Live-tweeting below. You can join in by clicking “Make a comment” at the top of the window, or by tweeting something @brendanloy, or by emailing 14115@scribblelive.com.

[Live window removed; full transcript after the jump.]

Folks, this isn’t just a basketball game. It isn’t just a title game. It isn’t just the first game in my entire life that I’ve had money riding on (I win my office pool if the Bulldogs win).

It’s David vs. Goliath, good vs. evil, young vs. old, above vs. below, the Sports Bubble vs. the Bubblefighters, the home team vs. the team America loves to hate, #toobigyo vs. #dukesucks, the Upset That Launched A Thousand Words Of Hackish Journalistic Prose vs. the most depressing and anticlimactic ending imaginable to what has been, up to this point, arguably the Greatest. Tournament. Ever.

Oh yeah, and it’s also “nothing less than the National Flippin’ Championship, and one of our own is playing for it.”

It’s Butler vs. Duke, and IT’S ON.

I will again be confining my tweets, and any comments thereon, to the ScribbleLive window at the top of this post. In addition, tweets by Kyle Whelliston, Andy Glockner, Pat Forde, Seth Davis, Andy Katz, Mark Schlabach and Matt Zemek, and Butler student Sarah Black, will also appear automatically in the window.

Let’s do this thing. GO DAWGS!!!

UPDATE: Full live-tweeting transcript after the jump.

brendanloy: 3:19 PM I shut off this liveblog Saturday night… now starting it up again for the title game. GO BUTLER! DAWGS IS HAWT!

sarah_black: 3:26 PM A friendly reminder in my kitchen: twitpic.com

sarah_black: 3:26 PM

brendanloy: 3:27 PM LOL #fate RT @midmajority The Indy streets are filled with thousands of tiny, popping bubbles. Omen. twitvid.com

brendanloy: 3:44 PM @sarah_black I usually frown on profanity on my blog homepage, but I fully endorse the photo that now appears on my live-tweet…

brendanloy: 3:44 PM @sarah_black …courtesy of you: bit.ly (My live-tweet window is automatically posting several folks’ tweets, including yours)

midmajority: 3:50 PM [POST by Kyle] There`s A Basketball Game Tonight at 9:21 PM ET | is.gd

midmajority: 3:53 PM RT @the_race_gIRL: We’ve got a tornado watch in the Indy area. NCAA fans: Welcome to Indianapolis. Enjoy the game. And the life-threatening weather conditions.

sarah_black: 3:57 PM @brendanloy This could get embarrassing for you

brendanloy: 3:58 PM RT @slmandel: Is a retractable roof dome a relatively safe place to be during a tornado? #indytornadowatchtilmidnight

brendanloy: 4:01 PM RT @PeteThamelNYT: Local News 8 says there’s a tornado watch in downtown Indianapolis. The Gods protesting end of 65-team tournament?

faxpaladin: 4:03 PM @brendanloy Severe storm warning right now, too

espn4d: 4:06 PM Second straight Final Four in Indy with a tornado warning. Butler & George Mason crashing the party can create severe weather repercussions.

sarah_black: 4:08 PM You think it’s raining NOW? Wait till 9:21 PM.

brendanloy: 4:09 PM twitpic.com – Some definite heavy weather heading Indy’s way. bit.ly bit.ly

brendanloy: 4:09 PM

BrianNeudorff: 4:10 PM @brendanloy Indianapolis is under a Tornado Watch this evening.

midmajority: 4:11 PM RT @WM_VA_Josh: Thanks, Kyle…just put on some Tribe green and gold. @midmajority POST by Kyle] There`s A Basketball Game Tonight at 9: …

midmajority: 4:12 PM RT @jllanclos: Putting on Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns red. Do it for all of us, Bulldogs @midmajority

midmajority: 4:12 PM RT @ia_bronco53: @midmajority i put on a drake bulldogs sweatshirt right before i read your newest tmm post. is that fate?

midmajority: 4:12 PM RT @aaronosaurusrex: @midmajority …Gotta go throw my “Seawolves Basketball” t-shirt in the wash then.

midmajority: 4:13 PM Hoops Nation: please consider the following course of action tonight: cheer for Butler, but wear your own team colors. is.gd

sarah_black: 4:13 PM Heading to a frat before a basketball game. Senior year is coming full circle.

midmajority: 4:13 PM Hoops Nation, please consider the following course of action tonight: cheer for Butler, but wear your own team colors. is.gd

brendanloy: 4:14 PM @jonathanbunton Haha. Well I’m not making any specific predictions, nor suggesting that anyone GET THE HELL OUT. 🙂 But yeah, it be stormin’

espn4d: 4:14 PM I’ll stand by it. Duke doesn’t want me on its bandwagon now anyway. RT @JStringATL @espn4d You predicted Butler to win. prediction or hope?

brendanloy: 4:17 PM @midmajority What’s a non-HN TMM bandwagoner from USC & ND to do? Gonzaga shirt? But they’re not HN either. & my ’07 Butler shirt’s worked!

espn4d: 4:18 PM Toured Butler’s campus one more time this afternoon (was up here Tuesday, too). Tons of visitors making pilgrimage to see Hinkle.

brendanloy: 4:18 PM @midmajority Missouri Valley Conf. shirt perhaps? The one I bought at Arch Madness, was wearing at Hinkle when we met at BracketBusters?

midmajority: 4:19 PM RT @michaelkruse: @midmajority Pretty sure I got some #Davidson gear to sport tonight.

midmajority: 4:20 PM RT @tfelice: @midmajority I already had on my Fordham jersey.

midmajority: 4:20 PM RT @thrashsoundly: @midmajority Been in Aggie gear all day. It’s nice that Aggie blue and Butler blue are a terrific match.

midmajority: 4:20 PM RT @AllanjLewis: Rocking the SIUe red. Let’s go Dawgs! #toobigyo @midmajority

midmajority: 4:20 PM RT @_johnlee_: @midmajority Western Michigan Broncos Brown and Gold. Go Butler!

brendanloy: 4:20 PM @midmajority U probably don’t care what those w/o true HN ties/”investments” wear, but now if Butler loses I’ll blame myself for wrong shirt

espn4d: 4:21 PM The coolest. RT @Amanda4mu @espn4d always wanted to go there after seeing hoosiers. Pretty cool?

brendanloy: 4:27 PM LOL, I gotta try this with my 2-year-old tonight. RT @jllanclos Ethan: BUT-LER’S BET-TER! #2yearoldsknowbest

midmajority: 4:29 PM RT @maxey2005: @midmajority Rocking the UT Martin Skyhawks orange and blue all day long! Go Butler….

midmajority: 4:29 PM RT @DownWithPants: @midmajority Throwing on my Bowling Green t-shirt when I get home and singing a little Ay Ziggy Zoomba for the Bulldogs.

midmajority: 4:29 PM RT @Owlified: @midmajority Wearing Temple’s’ Cherry and White. Go Butler!

midmajority: 4:29 PM RT @charles_star: @midmajority Cornell Red. #godawgs #toobigyo My boy is wearing a bulldog in support. is.gd

midmajority: 4:30 PM #doublesecrettoobigyo RT @gotnothinbutlov supporting Iupui’s red and gold. can i get a #toobigyo for probation?

midmajority: 4:30 PM RT @simmonsclass: @midmajority Columbia Lions-Roar Lion Roar and go Bulldogs too

brendanloy: 4:31 PM Everyone whose apparel choice @midmajority retweets is getting added to my “Butler and mid-majors” Twitter list: bit.ly

midmajority: 4:31 PM RT @Michael_Peplow: @midmajority White and Red for the Bradley Braves, along with Butler Bulldog Blue. We all believe in destiny and hap …

midmajority: 4:32 PM Quick site advisory… “Epilogue, The Sixth” goes up at 9:00 am EDT tomorrow. Warning: it is 7,000+ words and there is a movie.

midmajority: 4:33 PM RT @countdown2march: @midmajority LIU-Brooklyn black and silver, now go Dawgs!

brendanloy: 4:35 PM “Duke almighty, trying to stop the runaway train that is Butler. Who ever thought you’d hear that sentence?” – @espn4d bit.ly

sarah_black: 4:43 PM Shotgunning beers in a shower: “I mean, this can’t be for anything but the National Championship.” (I’m too old for this.)

brendanloy: 4:50 PM I am SO reading “Bally’s Dream” to my daughter at bedtime (just before tipoff) tonight. @ballybasketball @midmajority #midswin #dukesucks

brendanloy: 4:52 PM RT @ButlerBlue2 …that severe weather in and around Lucas Oil Stadium? Fire up AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” & enjoy it. It’s on! Go Dawgs!

sarah_black: 4:54 PM I AM WATCHING TWO LITTLE KIDS RAP ALONG WITH TOO BIG YO

SethDavisHoops: 4:58 PM The view inside Lucas Oil from the CBS set circa 7 pm. It’s go time. yfrog.com

SethDavisHoops: 4:58 PM

SethDavisHoops: 5:00 PM Best way to get ready for game is to watch me, Gumbel and @GregAnthony50 on hour long pregame show on CBS College Sports beginning at 8 pm.

sarah_black: 5:01 PM “I’m very stereotypical…um…superstitious.”

SethDavisHoops: 5:01 PM Hope everybody is safe getting to the stadium tonight. I know the weather is nasty out there.

midmajority: 5:03 PM RT @mjpettinato: @midmajority I’ll be wearing my Montana Grizzlies gear tonight. #godawgs #toobigyo

midmajority: 5:04 PM RT @bubbaprog: @midmajority put my Ohio Bobcats shirt on as soon as I woke up, will be watching from Tampa.

midmajority: 5:04 PM RT @thejccw: @midmajority Birmingham-Southern’s black-and-gold (R.I. D-III P.) Go Butler! Beat Duke! #TOOBIGYO

midmajority: 5:05 PM RT @noslowallgo: @midmajority South Dakota State blue and gold, with a side of Butler blue and Bally orange. #toobadlandsyo

midmajority: 5:11 PM RT @PTNetherton: @midmajority Okay. I’m putting on my North Carolina shirt…kidding kidding! Gotta grab some Northwestern St Demon gear

midmajority: 5:11 PM RT @NUHF: @midmajority Sporting my Wright State Basketball T-Shirt (Go Horizon!), my Northeastern shorts, and my kids are in their NDSU …

midmajority: 5:11 PM RT @stuckinstasis: @midmajority Got a lounge full of guys wearing black and gold for the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. We are all Bulldogs t …

midmajority: 5:12 PM I’ll be straight reppin UCI in section 109 @BigWestMD #BigWest jacket on… Cornell banner still hanging in the office.

midmajority: 5:12 PM RT @Bizzork: @midmajority Wearing the Milwaukee Panther gold and black #RaiseTooBigYoSights

midmajority: 5:13 PM RT @kevinheaslip: @midmajority Aggie Blue and Fighting White tonight. Just like in SLC.

midmajority: 5:13 PM RT @tahobgoo: @midmajority Bally and I are changing out of Braves red from MLB opening day, and into UNCW teal. Go Butler! #toobigyo

espn4d: 5:15 PM Participants in 80s upsets give Butler a chance: tinyurl.com

midmajority: 5:16 PM There is a real end of the world vibe here outside SBS. Tornado warning, skies are green, purple squiggly lightning everywhere.

brendanloy: 5:16 PM @midmajority Now you need to encourage people to tweet photos of themselves in their Hoops Nation outfits…

brendanloy: 5:17 PM @midmajority P.S. I think this is an awesome idea, even tho I can’t really participate in it. Love the reader response. TMM community rocks.

brendanloy: 5:18 PM RT @midmajority: There is a real end of the world vibe here outside SBS. Tornado warning, skies are green, purple squiggly lightning eve …

midmajority: 5:18 PM RT @adamamin: @midmajority rocking my #Valpo basketball t-shirt given to me by Bryce Drew. ready for a Horizon League win tonight.

midmajority: 5:18 PM RT @rosslancaster: @midmajority I am sporting North Texas Mean Green in support of Butler. Go Dawgs!

midmajority: 5:18 PM RT @Cornell_BB_Blog: @midmajority Big Red t-shirt for the Big Red.

brendanloy: 5:19 PM Per NWS – bit.ly – I think @midmajority means Tornado Watch, not Warning. Unless it just changed. Severe T-storm Warning, tho.

sarah_black: 5:20 PM I hate everyone on ESPN right now.

midmajority: 5:24 PM RT @metsox1: @Midmajority alum Drexel T-Shirt bein rocked. Boston U hat? Think so! Ballsy enouf to wear the purple JMU shorts from Walma …

midmajority: 5:24 PM RT @dhm: @midmajority Taking off my Phillies shirt and looking for a Penn one.

midmajority: 5:24 PM RT @HannaCenter: @midmajority Samford Bulldogs Blue and Red will be represented, as will support for our fellow Bulldogs!

midmajority: 5:25 PM RT @jeffborzello: @midmajority Gonna rock my Delaware blue and yellow swag. Or my Loyola green and white. Blue Hens for life, though.

midmajority: 5:25 PM RT @TyPerrino: @midmajority Wearing my green Ohio University O Zone shirt. Go Bulldogs!

midmajority: 5:27 PM The sky over SBS changes color every 5 minutes, and none of them are in a Crayola box. Currently: pink-yellow.

midmajority: 5:31 PM RT @Euphoria5L: @midmajority GO BUTLER! Wearing my NAU blue and gold for the Dawgs! #toobigyo

midmajority: 5:31 PM RT @boneillhawk: @midmajority Saint Joseph’s Hawks Crimson and Gray t-shirt. The Hawk Will Never Die. Sub-Red Line Pride!

midmajority: 5:33 PM RT @dtearl: @midmajority I’m wearing my George Washington U. Buff and Blue for the Colonials who lost in the ’93 Sweet 16 to a tarnished …

midmajority: 5:36 PM RT @polarscribe: @midmajority Reppin’ Idaho with a boss gold “I” hat and my Vandal Game Day shirt — it’s #toobigyo, just like Butler!

midmajority: 5:36 PM RT @gidalkaiser: @midmajority Found my cousin’s old Loyola (IL) warm-up top. Go Horizon League.

midmajority: 5:37 PM RT @miamihawktalk: @midmajority i’ve got the Miami Red and White on for tonight’s game!

midmajority: 5:37 PM RT @aaronosaurusrex: @midmajority Rocking my scarlet and gray Stony Brook b-ball t-shirt. It’s G-TIME! Go to hell, Duke!

midmajority: 5:39 PM Welcome back #S7 RT @rwmonty Orange and Blue for the #UTEP team Butler beat in the first round this year. The mids stick together!

midmajority: 5:40 PM RT @thirstykilla: @midmajority Green and Gold for the Saints. But we’re all bulldogs.

sarah_black: 5:41 PM “He doesn’t want to go because he wants to burn shit.”

midmajority: 5:44 PM RT @zepfl0yd: @midmajority pretty sure all of dayton is pulling for butler. we took george mason under our wing for their run, bulldogs …

midmajority: 5:46 PM Tks,but it’ll take you all summer to read Ep6 RT @peteraxtman No matter how tonight turns out, it’s been a joy reading @midmajority this yr.

midmajority: 5:48 PM RT @footeam: @midmajority I’m rockin’ my Drake Bulldogs t-shirt and my Indiana State hat. Go Dawgs!

midmajority: 5:48 PM RT @batogato: @midmajority w&m’s green and gold. someday we’ll dance too.

midmajority: 5:48 PM RT @sonic710: @midmajority Got a Maroon shirt on and my Iona College Gaels shorts. Go Butler!

midmajority: 5:48 PM RT @chrispalm: @midmajority Got home in time to don the green and gold of UVM in support of Butler tonight!

midmajority: 5:49 PM RT @occ11: @midmajority wearing my Olney Central JC shirt under my Butler long sleeve with my purple Northwestern St shorts..for my budd …

midmajority: 5:54 PM RT @VCUPav: @midmajority Full Rowdy Ram black and gold. GO BUTLER!!!!

midmajority: 5:54 PM RT @HTOKellenberger: For @midmajority Rocked the Appalachian State “We win, you lose, you go home” T-shirt today.

midmajority: 5:54 PM RT @AdamJSalmon: @midmajority my sister’s a Western KY alum, I’ll be wearing the hoodie she got me. Go Dawgs!

midmajority: 5:56 PM If there is a drug that can keep me from experiencing “tuffman-style leaky ducts” for the next 4 hours, I would like to can haz plz.

sarah_black: 5:59 PM Bloc Party just told me, “Something glorious is about to happen.”

midmajority: 6:00 PM RT @Annie_Liz: @midmajority wearing Albany purple and gold – shirt AND socks! Go Butler!

midmajority: 6:07 PM RT @zepfl0yd: @midmajority thats it…i’m busting out a UD t-shirt. GO BUTLER! #toobigyo! #midmajorpride!

midmajority: 6:07 PM So big, that you can stand against any outside wall during a rainstorm and still get wet. twitpic.com

midmajority: 6:07 PM

midmajority: 6:09 PM Duke fans eat babies. (I witnessed this happening.) #smac

midmajority: 6:12 PM If you sent this pic back to Nov 1 with your time-traveling Robot, nobody would believe you or your Robot. twitpic.com

midmajority: 6:12 PM

brendanloy: 6:16 PM RT @quarantedeux: “Let’s win this one for all the small schools who never had the chance to get here.” GO BUTLER!

brendanloy: 6:18 PM Is #dukesucks trending yet? #dukesucks

brendanloy: 6:19 PM RT @rushthecourt: Our tour around the Butler campus and inside Hinkle on championship game day: bit.ly

midmajority: 6:23 PM RT @davepurcell: @midmajority Kent State Golden Flashes representing. I only have a sweatshirt and it’s 75 here, so I’m suffering for th …

midmajority: 6:23 PM RT @sevenandsevens: @midmajority The real and original U.S.F (Dons) is all about Butler tonight. Go Butler Bulldogs!! Bring it home for …

midmajority: 6:25 PM RT @stfhoops: @midmajority (MA) Wearing my Temple “Beat St. Joe’s” shirt in support of Butler…because even during MM Unity – I still h …

midmajority: 6:25 PM RT @mags779: @midmajority Rocking the Northern Iowa Sweet 16 tshirt in support of Butler. Finish it, Bulldogs!

midmajority: 6:26 PM RT @ChrisForman12: @midmajority Wearing the “Anchors Aweigh” Navy Midshipmen shirt…. Go Butler!

brendanloy: 6:26 PM RT @sportsguy33: I’m betting on Duke, I have a Duke avatar… How else can I jinx them? Any suggestions? I should have written a pro-Duk …

brendanloy: 6:27 PM RT @ButlerBasketbal: This is it kids. We’re playing for all the marbles. Get ready!

midmajority: 6:35 PM Random mope-rock videos spliced with #omgdunx SUCK. Lifehouse is proof of widespread payola.

sarah_black: 6:36 PM I am getting entirely too mean for how early it is.

espn4d: 6:40 PM RT @johnclayiv Officials for championship game are John Cahill, Tom Eades and Ted Valentine.

espn4d: 6:46 PM Found the only thing the media likes more than free food and early tip-offs. Blue II, the Butler bulldog. Reporters fawning over him again.

midmajority: 6:46 PM RT @renowiggum: Following advice of @midmajority and wearing Nevada Blue and Silver in honor of Butler tonight. Go Dawgs!

espn4d: 6:46 PM Might be the most photographed dog since Lassie.

midmajority: 6:55 PM RT @DownWithPants: Bowling Green State Falcons for the Butler Bulldogs! Mid-major love all around! @midmajority #fb twitpic.com …

aglock: 6:56 PM Now let’s see how effective he is… and smallball? RT @goodmanonfox: Butler’s Matt Howard is listed among the starters for the Bulldogs.

aglock: 6:57 PM Doubtful. For every volley of tweets, someone unfollows me. It’s technological quicksand. RT @goodmanonfox: @aglock Did you beat me yet?

espn4d: 6:59 PM Expected UK exodus picks up steam. RT @EricBledsoe24 Entering the draft. big blue has been good thanks guys.

sarah_black: 7:01 PM Oops everyone loves Butler and hates Duke.

midmajority: 7:03 PM WiFi pretty weak, and 3G + EDGE is completely saturated. AT&T, use some of yr marketing budget and fix your damn network.

midmajority: 7:03 PM RT @tony_lombardo: @midmajority I’ve got a Penn Jersey on, as well as an old pair of Siena shorts. Go Butler!

midmajority: 7:03 PM RT @WXBQMarcus: @midmajority Got the ETSU Blue and Gold “Buc Wild” shirt on! GO BUTLER!!!

Randletr: 7:04 PM @brendanloy does saying it twice help? #goduke

aglock: 7:05 PM Link to SI.com’s live blog: bit.ly Chime in with Qs and I can work them into the flow.

aglock: 7:10 PM Yeah, I know that. I thought UConn was like 34-3 or so, tho. RT @JohnGasaway Undefeated in ACC that year, entered NC game 37-1.

brendanloy: 7:12 PM Bedtime. About to read “Bally’s Dream.” Will miss tipoff. Hope Butler’s up when I come downstairs. GO DAWGS

brendanloy: 7:13 PM #believe @midmajority ‘Nuff said. twitpic.com

brendanloy: 7:13 PM

espn4d: 7:13 PM Crisis averted on press row. Power was out. It has now been restored.

aglock: 7:13 PM Yes, sick play by Cincy. RT @chrislittmann By weird buzzer beater do you mean the best last-second play EVAR!?

sarah_black: 7:13 PM Obviously Duke’s athletic budget doesn’t go toward their pep band.

espn4d: 7:14 PM Oh yeah, it’s a Butler crowd. Bulldogs just came out to thunder.

sarah_black: 7:15 PM I love the overwhelming hatred for Duke.

George lopez: 7:16 PM Duke is a beast

aglock: 7:17 PM Nods, I meant a quick-hitter. Great play. RT @jeffshelman: @aglock Not a fastbreak. I was there. 3/4 court pass Ryan Fletcher to Kenyon …

midmajority: 7:17 PM RT @mcareyTU: @midmajority Attired in Temple gear for the night of the mid-major. It’s our time.

George lopez: 7:18 PM Go Duke butler sucks!!!!!!!! Scheyer is to much to handle foe duke

midmajority: 7:18 PM RT @This_SIDs_Life: @midmajority too much mid-major gear to wear tonight! #uwgb #uwm #gonzaga #kentstate #citadel #santaclara #ysu #tole …

midmajority: 7:18 PM RT @HCBally: @midmajority Donning the Royal Purple baseball cap and sweatshirt of the Holy Cross Crusaders, but we are all Bulldogs! Go …

espn4d: 7:19 PM I think it’s louder pro-Butler in here than pro-Michigan State last year in Detroit.

aglock: 7:21 PM For the “what I miss” tweet-thread: “Alternating intros for the players, so each matchup could slap five at midcourt or do something silly”

espn4d: 7:21 PM Bledsoe account looks like a fake, FYI. Regret the re-tweet.

sarah_black: 7:22 PM Here’s my obligatory “Fuck Zoubek.”

lr3031: 7:22 PM @brendanloy #believe @midmajority ‘Nuff said. twitpic.com

lr3031: 7:22 PM

espn4d: 7:22 PM Would love to be inside Brad Stevens’ head as he’s walking to shake Mike Krzyzewski’s hand just then. Gotta be a pinch-me moment for him.

aglock: 7:23 PM Brad Stevens, smirking: “Heh, that really IS Krzyzewski …”

aglock: 7:24 PM “I’m transferring to Creighton.” RT @BrendanPrunty: I’m pretty sure Fred Hill groaned loudly when he heard …

aglock: 7:25 PM Nicely run first play there and an immediate foul on Thomas. Very nice.

midmajority: 7:25 PM RT @anaglieri: @midmajority Rocking the Binghamton (no wisecracks necessary) Green & White. Here we go Bulldogs!

aglock: 7:26 PM Interesting that they start with Nored on Scheyer… we’ll see how long that stays

aglock: 7:28 PM Duke is so freaking huge across the board.

aglock: 7:28 PM Ohh, second foul on Thomas?

sarah_black: 7:28 PM #omgdunx

aglock: 7:28 PM Yup, agreed. RT @goodmanonfox: May have to switch and have Nored check Nolan Smith. Mack can’t handle him.

espn4d: 7:30 PM Matt Howard can’t finish against big Duke front line. Duke up 6-4.

sarah_black: 7:31 PM Stop. Clapping. Off. The. Beat.

aglock: 7:32 PM Anyone else just waiting for them to put Nored on Nolan Smith?

brendanloy: 7:34 PM Just finished putting Loyette to bed, arrived downstairs during first TV timeout. Duke up 6-4. Now donning Butler t-shirt. #believe

midmajority: 7:35 PM RT @ErikNell: @midmajority Hell Yes I’m a Bulldog tonite! Hayward reppin the ‘burg!

midmajority: 7:35 PM RT @thatguyswebsite: @midmajority Reppin the Weber State purple and black. We are all Bulldogs.

midmajority: 7:35 PM It’s on! twitpic.com

midmajority: 7:35 PM

aglock: 7:35 PM Howard’s elusiveness is superior to Zoubek’s size at the moment, but all it’s amounted to, effectively, is three TOs and 1 for 4 FTs.

midmajority: 7:36 PM Return of the Mack? NEVA LEFT PLAYA

aglock: 7:37 PM What was the money line on Howard picking up a charging foul against Zoubek? Like -2100??

brendanloy: 7:37 PM Becky: “Both teams are playing a really clean game, and that’s fun to watch.” Says Duke’s D looks tough, not sure Butler can hang. #believe

brendanloy: 7:37 PM 10-7 Duke, 13:41 1H.

midmajority: 7:38 PM RT @bobmcdonald: @midmajority Got the Cleveland State gear on. Got to give some support to an HL rival, Butler.

brendanloy: 7:38 PM Butler 0-for-7 on 2-point field goals. #nerves #believe … Make that 1-for-9!

brendanloy: 7:40 PM BUTLER LEADS 12-11. #believe

midmajority: 7:40 PM #toooooobigyo

sarah_black: 7:40 PM THAT WAS NOT EVEN REAL

brendanloy: 7:40 PM “This is a basketball game.” -Becky

espn4d: 7:41 PM Duke 16-14. Already a better game longer than last year. Butler hasn’t gotten Hayward involved offensively yet.

brendanloy: 7:41 PM Butler appears to have shaken off the early nerves, not fallen into the MSU vs. UNC trap, and we have a ballgame. 16-14 Duke at 2nd TV TO.

brendanloy: 7:42 PM RT @jonathanbunton: This is NOT a neutral site. Love it.

brendanloy: 7:42 PM RT @MattZemek_CFN: Notice Butler getting scoring from multiple players. VERY encouraging start even with that Singler rainbow three.

brendanloy: 7:43 PM Nice shot of press row RT @CKightlinger It’s a Dog fight: yfrog.com

brendanloy: 7:43 PM

midmajority: 7:45 PM Pretty much all I can think to tweet is OMG WOW HOLY MF k#(^/< AHHHHHHH Sorry

aglock: 7:46 PM That’s nice offense from Duke, with Singler’s little turnaround.

espn4d: 7:48 PM This place would have blown up if Hayward made that 3.

brendanloy: 7:48 PM From Butler potentially taking a 23-18 lead, to Matt Howard’s second foul, in like 2 seconds. Huge momentum swing. #gulp #believe

brendanloy: 7:49 PM 20-18 Butler at third TV timeout. Dawgs ball.

aglock: 7:49 PM Yup, looks that way. RT @ACCSports: Right now Butler’s outworking Duke. Rare

espn4d: 7:49 PM Key stat so far: Butler 14 rebounds, Duke 13. Doing great job on defensive glass.

brendanloy: 7:53 PM “A lot of contact there going uncalled.”

aglock: 7:53 PM How many times did Singler travel on that one play?

ndlauren: 7:54 PM @brendanloy Only because Stevens doesn’t whine like Coach K 🙂

brendanloy: 7:56 PM Even if the refs “let em play” at both ends, it helps Duke and hurts Butler. A loosely called game killed Butler vs. FL in ’07. #iwasthere

aglock: 7:56 PM Anyone else very nervous for Butler? They have done a ton right so far and they’re down four.

brendanloy: 7:56 PM Duke 24, Butler 20. Duke’s run is only 6-0 but this feels like a dangerous moment. Butler needs a hoop. #believe

sarah_black: 7:56 PM Oh I forgot tackling was allowed. My bad.

brendanloy: 7:57 PM Coach Stevens apparently agrees with me. Calls timeout after Duke takes 26-20 lead with 5:08 left 1H.

espn4d: 7:57 PM Butler timeout, down 6 pretty suddenly. 8-0 Duke run.

sarah_black: 7:58 PM Oh, and traveling. Maybe I’m at the wrong game? Am I accidentally watching rugby?

brendanloy: 7:58 PM RT @PeteThamelNYT: Brad Stevens getting a little feisty with official John Cahill. He’s got some venom behind baby-faced demeanor. Duke …

brendanloy: 7:58 PM RT @stfhoops: (MA) Singler has walked on his last three possessions.

brendanloy: 7:58 PM RT @stfhoops: No, those are them. RT @HPbasketball: Whoa, apparently Duke gets to just shove people. I’m apparently still confused on NC …

brendanloy: 7:58 PM RT @CKightlinger: Butler cheerleaders on the floor: yfrog.com

brendanloy: 7:58 PM

aglock: 7:59 PM Yes, BU can’t win a loose-whistle game. RT @tsnmike: Question: would BU fans rather the officials call the fouls that are being ignored?

ridethepine: 8:00 PM @brendanloy You a Duke hater too? c’mon

aglock: 8:00 PM They’re rebounding way above expectation, getting open shots, winning TO battle. RT @CHJournal: @aglock Ton of stuff right? No way.

brendanloy: 8:00 PM @aglock Exactly. A loose-whistle game killed Butler vs. Florida in ’07 Sweet 16.

espn4d: 8:01 PM Jukes flukes!

aglock: 8:01 PM Awesome response by Butler out of the timeout.

brendanloy: 8:02 PM YES!!! Butler 7-0 run off timeout. Up 27-26. Tip-out rebound after missed 3 on first post-TO possession may have literally saved this game.

brendanloy: 8:02 PM Duke stops run, up 28-27, K takes timeout with 2:40 left

aglock: 8:02 PM RT @AndyHutchins: “Watch this shot,” Nantz says, offending Helen Keller AND people who are watching the game at once.

brendanloy: 8:02 PM RT @chucktodd: Gotta be impressed with Butler’s ability to answer every mini-Duke run

brendanloy: 8:03 PM RT @chucktodd: Who in the control room thinks the aerial view is a good one?

aglock: 8:03 PM Butler with nine off rebs is insane.

brendanloy: 8:03 PM I confess I was starting to PANIC!!!!! But: #believe RT @tsnmike
7-0 run for BU. See, no reason to panic.

brendanloy: 8:03 PM Butler 19 rebounds, Duke 16

brendanloy: 8:05 PM @ridethepine More a mid-major homer. But yeah also a Duke hater 🙂

espn4d: 8:05 PM Jump ball? John Cahill, please explain.

brendanloy: 8:05 PM RT @stfhoops: (MA) JUMP BALL?!? Are you serious? Sorry, that’s just….awful

aglock: 8:05 PM Butler at 39% off reb right now. That’s insane for them against anyone, let alone this Duke team. Only translated into 8 sec-chance pts, tho

brendanloy: 8:06 PM A game that’s too loosely called hurts Butler even if “fair” RT @Andy_Staples Butler fans, quit complaining; non-calls egregious both ways

brendanloy: 8:07 PM RT @edsbs: It’s amazing! RT @Adam_Jacobi: Pretty awesome that Duke is so good at basketball, they never commit fouls.

ridethepine: 8:07 PM @brendanloy Haha I gotcha. I’m rooting for Butler a bit, but I’m not a “Duke gets all the calls” conspiracy theorist.

brendanloy: 8:08 PM #omgmisseddunx but scored anyway. 30-29 Duke

aglock: 8:08 PM I know, but Butler doesn’t hit OGlass at all. RT @crashthedance Duke only 147th on D glass. Great on the offensive boards; D not so much.

aglock: 8:08 PM Duke is so lethal from 3 in transition.

brendanloy: 8:09 PM HUGE

aglock: 8:09 PM This has been a fun first half.

espn4d: 8:09 PM Jukes flukes, the sequel!

brendanloy: 8:09 PM Duke up 1, at foul line with 3.0 seconds left. Is Butler thinking about how to get a decent shot off a make?

brendanloy: 8:10 PM Missed front end, missed putback, Butler only down 1 at halftime. #BELIEVE

espn4d: 8:10 PM 33-32 at half, Duke. Anyone who goes to bed or turns off TV now should be deported.

brendanloy: 8:11 PM @ridethepine Neither am I, by any stretch. At the same time, there have been some bad calls in this game. But my bigger concern is that…

sarah_black: 8:11 PM If you had told me at the beginning of the season that we’d be within one point of Duke at halftime of any game…well…you know.

brendanloy: 8:11 PM @ridethepine …if refs take the “let em play” philosophy to extremes, it helps the bigger, more physical team (Duke) even if applied evenly

brendanloy: 8:12 PM @ridethepine I saw this firsthand in Butler-Florida Sweet 16 game in ’07. Bulldogs very well could’ve won if refs had called any damn fouls

brendanloy: 8:12 PM RT @ESPNAndyKatz: Great half. Living up to the hype.

brendanloy: 8:13 PM RT @jonathanbunton: VERY suprised how well the Bulldogs have been able to defensively rebound. Keeping them in the game.

brendanloy: 8:13 PM #believe RT @slmandel I did not imagine we’d have such an entertaining half. 33-32 Duke.

espn4d: 8:14 PM Jukes Flukes Doom Duke? RT @BenJReiling @espn4d the start of a headline tomorrow…Jukes flukes Duke’s Title Hopes

aglock: 8:14 PM I had Duke by 12 in the preview. We’ll see what happens. RT @timfbrown: So, Glock…. Who u got? RT @aglock: This has been a fun first half.

brendanloy: 8:15 PM RT @mwmiller20: @midmajority I’m so high up in Sports Bubble Stadium, Bally 73 won’t come out of my pocket. Too scared of heights.

brendanloy: 8:15 PM RT @JohnGasaway: 33-possession largely Nored-less 1st half. Duke w/ just 3 offensive boards.

brendanloy: 8:16 PM Brad Stevens Second-Half Magic! RT @mwmiller20 Down by 1 at half, this is where Brad Stevens works the magic.

aglock: 8:17 PM Did Seth just say that Duke is lucky to be down one (actually up 1) b/c of Butler’s +12 margin on the glass (actually +7)?

aglock: 8:19 PM Factors in the Buffalo Wild Wings ref switch. RT @ACCSports: Huh? RT @vegaswatch: Halftime: Duke 72% to win.

midmajority: 8:21 PM RT @stfhoops: @midmajority 20 more minutes until the completion of the Beautiful Season. #toobigyo

sarah_black: 8:21 PM Does anyone know where I can find some Hawt Dawgs?

aglock: 8:21 PM Odds @sportsguy33 actually bet on Butler?

brendanloy: 8:21 PM RT @indystarvisuals: #Butler vs #Duke turning into a classic. Game photos: tinyurl.com | Fans: tinyurl.com

aglock: 8:22 PM RT @sevenandsevens: @aglock Seth Davis may think Duke is lucky, how about looking other way. No Howard, Mack, Hayward for much of 20 min …

midmajority: 8:22 PM I have to go outside to tweet. AT&T sucks and so does Duke. YES DUKE HAS ONLY 5 FOULS KOOL AID IS YUMMY

sarah_black: 8:22 PM MORE KICKLINES

aglock: 8:22 PM There definitely are a lot of “things could change” factors in play for both teams. Stars w/ low impact, Butler’s reb’ing, shot missing, etc

brando_minich: 8:22 PM @brendanloy So THAT’S who stole Pete Carrol’s magic!

midmajority: 8:22 PM Affirmative. Details tomorrow. @midmajority didn’t I read something about a book coming out? /via @NCAA_Hoops

midmajority: 8:23 PM If you couldn’t tell, Teddy Valentine PWNZ this game.

midmajority: 8:23 PM Little kid next to me is singing “I hate Duuuuke, I hate Duuuuuuuuuuke”

sarah_black: 8:23 PM Did the dance team think we wouldn’t make it this far? Oops.

aglock: 8:23 PM Butler has grabbed 12 of a potential 26 off rebs in the first half (46% OffReb rate).

brendanloy: 8:24 PM RT @greggdoyelcbs: the leading scorer in the first half is avery jukes. only some autistic kid from chicago had that in the pool

brendanloy: 8:24 PM RT @aglock: There definitely are a lot of “things could change” factors in play for both teams. Stars w/ low impact, Butler’s reb’ing, s …

brendanloy: 8:24 PM @midmajority Did they change the Wi-Fi password on you? #conspiracy

aglock: 8:24 PM For those suggesting that Duke’s Big Three haven’t played great, they’ve combined for 26 of the 33 pts on 10-19 FGs.

midmajority: 8:25 PM STAcHE feVa twitpic.com

midmajority: 8:25 PM

midmajority: 8:25 PM twitpic.com

midmajority: 8:25 PM

espn4d: 8:27 PM Butler with a stunning 7-rebound edge, including 12 offensive rebounds and a 10-3 advantage in second-chance points.

joefuckingbiden: 8:28 PM @brendanloy. I like the loose calling of the game.. Has made it a lot faster pace and exciting.

aglock: 8:29 PM Can Butler actually win a national title while shooting around 33% for the Final Four? They’re 20 minutes away from doing so.

espn4d: 8:29 PM RT @dgoneil1 Nored played 7 minutes, Howard 9 and Hayward has four points. And Butler is down one.

midmajority: 8:29 PM Little Butler fan kid next to me hugs his mom on every made basket… Teh adorabl

aglock: 8:31 PM For the record, Butler, playing 20 games in the Horizon League this season, had a 30.6% off reb rate for the season. It’s 46% tonight.

aglock: 8:33 PM Did Scheyer get fouled on that second 3?

brendanloy: 8:35 PM Butler getting quality shots but only hitting 33% of them. Will the law of averages kick in and help them at some point? #believe

brendanloy: 8:35 PM Tie game, 36-36 with 17:35 left

aglock: 8:36 PM Sweet offense there by Butler. Great entry

brendanloy: 8:36 PM 3rd foul on Matt Howard with 17:21 left #ugh

brendanloy: 8:37 PM #omglayup

ScottLoomer: 8:37 PM You Go Norad

brendanloy: 8:38 PM BUTLER 40 DUKE 38 15:56 left #believe #nowgetastop

ESPNAndyKatz: 8:39 PM Both teams giving immense effort. Extremely physical. Great drives by Nolan Smith and Shelvin Mack.

espn4d: 8:39 PM Tied at 40 under 16, feel like we’re building toward an epic conclusion.

aglock: 8:40 PM I wondered about a small-ball Howard-less dribble-drive plan, and it’s killing Duke at the moment.

sarah_black: 8:40 PM Duke should bring sleeping bags next time they wanna camp out in the lane.

espn4d: 8:40 PM Truth. RT @FrankieBur Duke hasn’t face a half-court defense this good in a title game since 1990

brendanloy: 8:40 PM RT @quarantedeux: I wish CBS would stop using those quasi-overhead shots

brando_minich: 8:42 PM @brendanloy Its the NFL camera they installed at all the NFL stadiums. I think they feel obligated to use it.

brendanloy: 8:43 PM And you gotta believe #fate favors Butler if it’s epic. RT @espn4d Tied at 40 under 16, feel like we’re building toward an epic conclusion.

james: 8:43 PM It’s the headlights

brendanloy: 8:43 PM Speaking of epic, awesome play by Duke on the shot-clock-at-1 inbounds. #dukesucks

aglock: 8:44 PM Howard is really … spazzy?

brendanloy: 8:44 PM Did they seriously just call Howard for his 4th foul for that bullshit after all the stuff they’ve been letting go on both sides all night?

brendanloy: 8:44 PM #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF #WTF

espn4d: 8:44 PM Matt Howard fourth foul. Jukes now in the spotlight again.

aglock: 8:44 PM Well, now we’ll see whether the smaller attack is the path to victory…

brendanloy: 8:45 PM RT @Andy_Staples: Stevens reminding officials they missed the goaltend there.

brendanloy: 8:45 PM Norad with the 3, Butler by 1 w00t w00t #believe

dmataconis: 8:45 PM @brendanloy Upset ?

brendanloy: 8:46 PM Another dangerous moment here. 4th foul on Jukes, and Duke hits a 3 to go up 2. Timeout K. #gulp #believe

brendanloy: 8:46 PM Er, 3rd on Jukes

espn4d: 8:46 PM Great play by Singler there to get himself open for 3. Big shot. Singler has been huge for Duke.

brendanloy: 8:47 PM RT @JohnVilanova: @simandel Great freaking turn of events there. Egregious basket interference and then the Howard 4th. AND now a chea …

aglock: 8:47 PM Howard with four and Jukes with three this early is not good at all…. Duke starting to get to the offensive glass more.

ESPNAndyKatz: 8:47 PM Kyle Singer’s patience and poise on his shot has been impressive in Indy.

brendanloy: 8:48 PM I am not a Duke-gets-all-the-calls conspiracy theorist, but the last several possessions have been very disheartening.

brendanloy: 8:49 PM If this is the point from which Duke starts to pull away, the turning point will have been a series of bad/iffy calls. Hope not. #believe

brendanloy: 8:50 PM Now Duke’s Zubek gets called for his 3rd foul… yay

aglock: 8:50 PM Wow, big play there. Instead of four on Jukes, that’s three on Zoubek.

aglock: 8:50 PM Butler with 38 FGAs in the first half, and seven in 7:23 in the second half.

brendanloy: 8:50 PM RT @aglock: Wow, big play there. Instead of four on Jukes, that’s three on Zoubek.

brendanloy: 8:51 PM And Butler misses both FTs. Argh.

sarah_black: 8:51 PM God who saw that coming? Besides everyone…

midmajority: 8:52 PM No it’s too weak, media tables are across floor from me @midmajority Did they change the Wi-Fi password on you? #conspiracy /via @brendanloy

midmajority: 8:52 PM Jim Nantz longevity tribute from NCAA at MTO… Golf claps from most, BOOOOOOOOO from me

aglock: 8:52 PM Tough bang-bang call there. Maybe a blocking foul?

ScottLoomer: 8:52 PM go ahead. Brendan…..let the conspiracy theory flow

brendanloy: 8:52 PM Another terrible call in Duke’s favor. Again, not a conspiracy, but this game’s in danger of slipping away and it’s largely due to bad calls

ScottLoomer: 8:52 PM Really have nothing invested in who wins here. . . . but Duke’s getting all the questionable calls

aglock: 8:52 PM Now Zoubek gets his fourth

brendanloy: 8:53 PM But, YAY! Zubek’s fourth! Make-up call? I’ll take it. w00t w00t

brendanloy: 8:53 PM #believe

espn4d: 8:53 PM Four on Zoubek. For those of us courtside w/o replay benefit, how was the charge call on Hayward? Very iffy in real time.

brendanloy: 8:53 PM RT @sportspickle: Maybe Scheyer can draw a charge next possession by climbing inside the net.

brendanloy: 8:54 PM RT @slmandel: Now THAT was a bad call (Hayward charge)

brendanloy: 8:54 PM Dissent of the day RT @MattZemek_CFN That was an excellent charge call against Hayward. Scheyer was there well ahead of time.

ESPNAndyKatz: 8:54 PM Much bigger deal to have Zoubek with four than Howard. But Butler has to score here to avoid Duke run out.

brendanloy: 8:55 PM RT @JohnGasaway: Huge. Getting Zoubek off the floor with 4 fouls takes away much of Duke’s offense.

brendanloy: 8:56 PM Now Butler needs to take advantage of the time when Zoubek is out with 4 fouls. Failed to do that when MSU was in foul trouble.

Wobbly H: 8:56 PM Is Gordon Heyward your doppelganger?

jskarp: 8:56 PM Gordon Hayward has a twin tennis-playing sister? I must date her. #twinsisteryo @midmajority @brendanloy

aglock: 8:57 PM The Plumlees have done nothing tonight, and now one of them may have to.

brendanloy: 8:57 PM Butler was down 4 when Zoubek went out. Would like to see them up 4 by the time he comes back in.

brendanloy: 8:58 PM That was the longest delayed jump ball call ever

sarah_black: 8:58 PM I’ll say it again: “Fuck. Zoubek.”

brendanloy: 8:59 PM OK Butler needs to work on its inbounds defense

sarah_black: 9:00 PM PS I hope your kids don’t follow me on Twitter.

brendanloy: 9:00 PM 7 ties, 15 lead changes #instantclassic

brendanloy: 9:01 PM STOP WITH THE STUPID CAMERA ANGLE. STOP!!!!

aglock: 9:01 PM Man, that was nice offense. Need Veasley to stick that.

brendanloy: 9:01 PM Wait, I thought Zoubek was out. I am clearly paying too much attention to Twitter and not enough to the game.

sarah_black: 9:02 PM I’m confused.

brendanloy: 9:03 PM RT @stfhoops: RT @THE_REAL_SHAQ: I’m sayin it now butler wins by five

brendanloy: 9:03 PM *sigh* I miss Gus Johnson RT @edsbs “This place is electric.” Nantz says that like a bus driver calling out stops.

espn4d: 9:03 PM Feel like Butler’s on the ropes here. Super-small lineup hasn’t worked. Expect Hayward back after this timeout. BU needs a basket badly.

brendanloy: 9:04 PM RT @countdown2march: Veasley has killed Butler by missing open threes all night.

brendanloy: 9:04 PM RT @jscottfitzwater: Hayward, Mack, and Howard on the bench. Could get sticky for BU.

brendanloy: 9:04 PM RT @quarantedeux: This game is heart attack fodder.

jim: 9:04 PM teddy valintine sucks

aglock: 9:05 PM Yes. Smallball good, but Hayward at the 5. RT @espn4d: Feel like Butler’s on ropes. Super-small lineup hasn’t worked. Expect Hayward back.

brendanloy: 9:05 PM Howard coming back in with 4 fouls at 7:58 mark. Over/under on when he fouls out?

brendanloy: 9:06 PM Duke up 5

jim: 9:06 PM john s stud

aglock: 9:06 PM Man, foul trouble inside on both teams. Can we get some OT and just have 10 guards on the floor gunning it?

ndlauren: 9:07 PM @brendanloy At his rate – well before the 5 minute mark.

jim: 9:07 PM go duke

aglock: 9:08 PM Scheyer’s had to work really hard, but he’s played a very crafty and effective game.

aglock: 9:08 PM I mean, besides that … 🙂 RT @ACCSports: . @aglock No cause Duke has only 3 guards on its roster.

brendanloy: 9:09 PM Another dangerous moment here. Duke by 5 with the ball

sarah_black: 9:10 PM Make a GD layup.

brendanloy: 9:10 PM 6 minutes left, Duke by 5, and the ball #danger #believe

aglock: 9:10 PM Duke has really reversed the rebounding issue, and Butler is having trouble finishing over Duke’s size inside.

espn4d: 9:11 PM Butler good timeout. Need a bucket here. See what Stevens draws up. Duke has won the “specials”: out-of-bounds plays.

aglock: 9:13 PM Wow, ouch

aglock: 9:13 PM Nothing flagrant about that? Huh.

jim: 9:13 PM good

ESPNAndyKatz: 9:14 PM Crowd got back in the game with that steal and now foul.

sarah_black: 9:14 PM Stop that! Hayward’s only a child!

espn4d: 9:14 PM OH MY. Hard takedown by Thomas, refs to monitor to check for intentional.

jim: 9:14 PM are you kidding

ScottLoomer: 9:14 PM Can we say “All Star Wrestling”?

aglock: 9:15 PM All four “principal” bigs with four fouls now?

espn4d: 9:15 PM Duke up one, 5:02 left. Everyone on their feet and roaring. This is it, folks. Down to it now.

ESPNAndyKatz: 9:15 PM We’ve got it going now. Crowd jacked here at Lucas Oil Stadium. 56-55 5:02 to go.

jim: 9:15 PM teddy valintine sucks

ESPNAndyKatz: 9:16 PM Single has been sensational coming off screens.

aglock: 9:16 PM Man, Singler’s been big. That’s an interesting timeout.

aglock: 9:18 PM When’s the last time an opponent made more free throws than Duke attempted? #bizarroworld

aglock: 9:25 PM Duke now with a higher Off Reb rate in the game, and that trend is unlikely to reverse again as Butler wears down.

ESPNAndyKatz: 9:25 PM Great Duke defensive possession.

aglock: 9:25 PM Treebeard Rollins. RT @TheBigLead: Zoubek’s NBA ceiling … Tree Rollins?

aglock: 9:26 PM What an enormous miss from Smith

aglock: 9:27 PM and it leads to that after the 3-pt miss

ESPNAndyKatz: 9:28 PM We can’t complain one bit. This is perfect. One point. 49.4 seconds left. Both teams giving everything they have left to give.

sarah_black: 9:28 PM …

espn4d: 9:28 PM This is too much. Just too great.

brendanloy: 9:28 PM HOLY BALLS!!! Duke 60, Butler 59 with 49 seconds left. #BELIEVE

aglock: 9:28 PM What an incredible turn of events, with Smith somehow missing the layup to put Duke up 5. Now Butler one stop away from poss for the title.

brendanloy: 9:29 PM I’m watching instead of tweeting. But: #BELIEVE #midswin #fate

aglock: 9:29 PM Tremendous game. Can the Bulldogs find two more plays for the incredible win?

aglock: 9:29 PM And there’s the stop

aglock: 9:30 PM and the team def reb.

brendanloy: 9:30 PM #heartattack

ScottLoomer: 9:31 PM breath………brendan….breath

espn4d: 9:31 PM And now … the moment we’ve all been waiting for.

midmajority: 9:31 PM wow

aglock: 9:31 PM 23 years later, will there be another Keith Smart from the state of Indiana?

ndlauren: 9:31 PM @brendanloy ND fans should be conditioned for this after last season’s games 🙂

ESPNAndyKatz: 9:32 PM No one is sitting.

espn4d: 9:32 PM In real life, Bobby Plump scored wiht 3 seconds left…

aglock: 9:32 PM Run the picket fence?

aglock: 9:34 PM Zoubek guarding inbounds… big move

aglock: 9:34 PM can’t move, eother

brendanloy: 9:34 PM RT @midmajority: wow

aglock: 9:35 PM This is a very difficult inbounds play with Zoubek guarding it. Not surprised they needed a timeout there. Even on catch, trap looming?

brendanloy: 9:35 PM RT @quarantedeux: RT @teresadf: OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG #NCAA // PRETTY MUCH THIS.

brendanloy: 9:35 PM NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

aglock: 9:35 PM Wow, tough shot, but right guy took it.

aglock: 9:37 PM OMG

brendanloy: 9:37 PM HOLY SHIT Butler almost won it on the half-court heave…… instead…… #heartbreak . NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

ScottLoomer: 9:37 PM got our “money’s” worth

aglock: 9:37 PM Great call by Duke to miss the free throw and man, almost a shot for the ages. Sick game.

brendanloy: 9:37 PM RT @slmandel: I thought it was going in. right in front of me

brendanloy: 9:37 PM RT @polarscribe: It always ends with a loss. It always does. Thanks for a beautiful season.

sarah_black: 9:38 PM I can’t watch right now.

brendanloy: 9:38 PM RT @TheFix: Congrats to Duke. A great coaching job by Coach K.

espn4d: 9:38 PM Epic.

brendanloy: 9:38 PM Obvious point, but: If that had gone in, it would’ve been the greatest moment in NCAA Tournament history.

brendanloy: 9:38 PM RT @aglock: OMG

aglock: 9:39 PM The very thin silver lining: Butler will never be forgotten after that game and that ending.

midmajority: 9:39 PM It almost didn’t end in a loss this time.

ESPNAndyKatz: 9:39 PM Tremendous. Gordon Hayward was right on line. Brian Zoubek with the rebound and the free throw.

sarah_black: 9:39 PM My heart is breaking.

sarah_black: 9:40 PM And it’s broken.

brendanloy: 9:40 PM RT @defiantlydutch: Good Christ, that would have been the greatest finish to anything ever.

brendanloy: 9:40 PM RT @BeyndArcMMiller: Bad Hollywood ending. Fire the screentwriters

brendanloy: 9:40 PM RT @jllanclos: It always ends in a loss @midmajority. Actual physical pain and nausea. Wow

brendanloy: 9:40 PM RT @tahobgoo: What a game, what a season. Butler has nothing to be ashamed of. We were an inch from OT. Instant classic.

brendanloy: 9:40 PM RT @AlecDon: Damn. So close. Free throws make the difference once again. We should’ve made more. You can always say that tho. Butler had …

brendanloy: 9:40 PM RT @adamamin: can’t believe #Butler was INCHES away (TWICE) from being the National Champion. Never thought I’d say that. OUTSTANDING GA …

aglock: 9:40 PM Did they show a shot of Hinkle for that final shot?

brendanloy: 9:40 PM RT @butleru: We are still proud to be bulldogs!

brendanloy: 9:41 PM RT @midmajority: It almost didn’t end in a loss this time.

aglock: 9:42 PM Was that Singler who get crushed by the Howard screen? Would have been more interesting had Howard tried to draw a charge?

brendanloy: 9:42 PM CNN Breaking News — Duke defeats Butler in NCAA basketball championship, 61-59

brendanloy: 9:44 PM RT @OaklandZoo: That was a crazy half-court attempt. Could’ve been arguably the greatest shot ever, had it gone.

brendanloy: 9:44 PM RT @thejonlee: The one upshot of that shot not falling: not having to hear a terrible call by Jim Nantz ruining the greatest moment in N …

brendanloy: 9:44 PM RT @joereedy: RT @Jeff_Darlington: If Gus Johnson were calling that game, the final shot goes down. I’m convinced.

aglock: 9:45 PM The less-fortunate foreign children who end up with the Butler 2010 National Champion t-shirts should wear them proudly.

brendanloy: 9:45 PM If that shot had gone in, both of our daughters would be wide awake right now from all the yelling and screaming downstairs by Mom & Dad

brendanloy: 9:45 PM RT @axodys: Duke wins game, Butler wins nation’s heart. Next year dawgs!

brendanloy: 9:46 PM RT @BSUBronco: Ever wonder what it would feel like if Jimmy Chitwood missed?

brendanloy: 9:46 PM RT @CBSSportsGang: If that wasn’t enough for you-stay tuned! Jennifer’s Hudson new version of One Shining Moment is coming up!! Who shou …

aglock: 9:46 PM Does Dan Guerrero get a Duke playoff share?

brendanloy: 9:49 PM Coach K says this was the best title game he’s been in, everybody on both sides played their hearts out

aglock: 9:49 PM I liked this one better, imo. RT @AndyHutchins: This really isn’t the best championship game ever. Memphis/Kansas was better.

brendanloy: 9:50 PM RT @indystarvisuals: IndyStar.com is bringing it. Headline says it all. #Butler #Duke #ncaa twitpic.com

brendanloy: 9:50 PM

sarah_black: 9:51 PM Too soon for “Whatever, it was a good game.” Sorry.

aglock: 9:55 PM Yup. RT @PurduePete04: @aglock This has to beat a team gagging a game away at the line with all due respect to the Chalmers shot

aglock: 9:59 PM Every time they show that Hayward shot, I think it’s going in.

sarah_black: 10:01 PM I have a slight feeling that no one jumped on the Duke bandwagon this year.

aglock: 10:02 PM BTW, anyone else notice Singler’s hand lodged under Hayward’s armpit on his entire drive on Butler’s penultimate possession?

brendanloy: 10:03 PM I was tweeting a bunch, or thought I was, about that HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE version of “One Shining Moment,” but apparently Twitter decided I was “over the limit” and stopped processing my tweets. argh

aglock: 10:03 PM Kidding aside, though, kudos to Duke. A fine team that played its best basketball when it mattered most.

aglock: 10:05 PM I wonder if CBS (or someone) had a camera on the Butler bench when the shot rimmed out. In the background, it looked like a sniper went nuts

aglock: 10:07 PM Hey, my No. 1 Kentucky fan is back! RT @ToddTack: @aglock Nice comparison dipshit.

brendanloy: 10:08 PM All right, I’m signing off and going to bed. Tomorrow morning: “Epilogue, The Sixth” at www.midmajority.com … it goes up at 7am Mountain Time. Kyle wrote earlier, “Warning: it is 7,000+ words and there is a movie.”