Women’s Final Four, wish I was there

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Well, first of all, how much fun was it watching Louisville upset Oklahoma in the first game of the women’s Final Four on Sunday? It was way fun. Another newcomer to the party, an indication that the game doesn’t only belong to Connecticut or Tennessee or the Southeastern Conference.

But as much fun as it was to see the underdogs celebrate, wow, give the Sooners some credit. Oklahoma’s Nyeshia Stevenson went for the win at the end, trying the three-point shot instead of maybe looking for an easier shot and the tie. And give credit to Oklahoma star Courtney Paris, who promised to pay back Oklahoma $64,000 for her athletic scholarship if she didn’t lead the Sooners to a national title. After Louisville beat Oklahoma, Paris reiterated that she would keep her promise, just not immediately. She didn’t have $64,000 on her.

And then there was the second game. Yes, Connecticut killed Stanford. But it’s interesting covering any Final Four where UConn Coach Geno Auriemma speaks freely. Before the game, Auriemma basically said Stanford was underestimated because of its numerous white players -- causing it to be considered ‘soft.’ I mean, who gets away with that except Geno? After watching the Huskies win 83-63, it’s harder to argue with Geno.

So many good stories to write. Certainly this will be a theme going into Tuesday’s championship game. This will be only the second time two men -- Auriemma and Louisville’s Jeff Walz -- have coached the women’s national championship game (the first was in 1988 when Louisiana Tech’s Leon Barmore and Auburn’s Joe Ciampi went head to head). Does this even matter any more? Is it good or bad? Will Pat Summitt’s head explode?

And of course there is the question of whether Connecticut will go undefeated again. Hard to imagine it won’t. If Louisville were to win, would it be an upset on the scale of Villanova beating Georgetown in the 1985 men’s tournament? No, it would be way bigger.

Hope to be able to listen in to Auriemma’s off-day press conference today on some ESPN channel. And thanks ESPN for showing us the women’s tournament. Good stuff Sunday,

-- Diane Pucin