Butler’s wonderful ride ends 1 win short
Duke holds off Butler, 61-59, for NCAA basketball title
By NANCY ARMOUR
AP National Writer
INDIANAPOLIS — Life is never going to be quite the same for the little guys.
Butler may have lost to Duke 61-59 in the national title game Monday night. By hanging with Duke and making the Blue Devils work for every last bit of their fourth national title, though, the Bulldogs reminded everyone that heart, not size or status, is what matters most.
It wasn't quite "Hoosiers." But Butler's run will be one for the ages.
As Gordon Hayward's desperation 3 bounced off the rim at the buzzer, Matt Howard collapsed at halfcourt, covering his face with his hands. Howard played despite being knocked loopy by a concussion in Saturday night's semifinal win over Michigan State.