The Whole Delivery

Photo from AP's Michael Conroy Until 2021-2022 : The 33-year-old coach, who came within a buzzer-beating shot of winning the NCAA men's basketball championship, signed a 12-year deal Thursday that extends through the 2021-22 season. Team spokesman Jim McGrath declined to say how much the deal was worth, though Stevens had a total compensation package of $750,000 last season. Athletic director Barry Collier acknowledged Tuesday that Stevens was in line for a pay raise. The Bulldogs got the man they wanted to stay. "Brad has demonstrated that he's the right fit for Butler University," Collier said in a statement. "Our program has grown under his leadership, and we're excited about our future under his direction." Smart by Butler to solve this situation right there and there.

A classic that had to end the way most of America didn't want . But it still was a classic. And big credit to Brian Zoubek and his progression, because it really elevated Duke to that championship level. Oh, and Jennifer Hudson's One Shining Moment was just awful. AWFUL

Here are the simple keys.... Matt Howard vs Brian Zoubek : This is the key to the game in my mind. Can Matt Howard play his best game of the season and limit Brian Zoubek on the boards. Butler's zone has been outstanding this entire tournament, and they were more physical than Michigan State of all physical teams on Saturday. But Howard didn't play that much two nights ago, with only 15 minutes because of foul trouble. Howard has to be the inside presence and #3 scorer tonight for Butler to win their first title. Even more so, he must limit Zoubek's ability to get offensive rebound after offensive rebound to his gunning teammates putting their three point attempts in the basket. Shelvin Mack and Gordon Hayward have to play like all Americans : Simple as that. These terrific performers have to play up to their level for the upset to take place. And Hayward, who is the best pro prospects on the court and the entire weekend, will definitely need to do so with Kyle Sin...

180 degrees difference of two comparative points means that they are total opposites of each other. They are directly reside at each other's maximum alternative position, representing an ideal contrast. It can't be stated enough that this year's installment of the Final Two Title Game in men's basketball represents 180 degrees. But in regards to the play on the court, and the hopes of an entire state (along with a nation of temporary bandwagoning supporters), 180 degrees does not seperate the two participants. And there could be no separation at all after night's end. That is the hopes of coach Brad Stevens and his Butler Bulldog team, as they look to make history and win their first national title tonight in as many appearances against one of the most recognized teams (and definitely the most polarized) in the sport, Duke. Mike Krzyzewski has stood in benevolent awe of how Stevens has become the hottest coach in the nation, guaranteed to get a massive payda...

Photo from ESPN Sheed will be his way with the full preview in a second of Michigan State-Butler, but here are my simple predictions: I just don't think that Michigan State, even with their possible rebounding advantage over the Bulldogs, will be able to overcome the lost of Kalin Lucas for another game. Shelvin Mack I think will have a field day against Corey Lucious. My thoughts on the second game will come when that game starts up. ( And again, Sheed's full preview will be up soon .)

Photo from Getty Images For some, Butler being placed in the preseason Top 10's raised eyebrows. Now those eyebrows shouldn't be raised by seeing what transpired just now. The Horizon League champions will be headed home, but unlike almost everyone else when they are lumped in with that phrase, they will return with a chance for a national championship. Led by the terrific coaching of rising star Brad Stevens coupled with the standout duo that is Shelvin Mack and Gordon Hayward, the Bulldogs have defeated Kansas State 63-56 in the thrilling conclusion of an exciting West Region for this year. Fatigued from their epic against Xavier two nights ago seemed to have plagued the Wildcats, but Butler showed terrific composure like they did against Syracuse, handling K-State's comeback and being the strongest at the finish. And just for that, they aren't finished. Full box score here .