Yes, we are!
Thurman's three-pointer captures NCAA Championship for Hogs, 76-72
Tony Copeland
Issue date: 3/2/09 Section: Sports
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - And then there was one.
Like two heavyweight champions standing toe-to-toe slugging it out in the center of the ring, Arkansas and Duke took turns dishing out blow after blow.
Scotty Thurman drilled a three-pointer over the outstretched arms of Antonio Lang with 51 seconds remaining that enabled the Razorbacks to pull off a 76-72 thriller in front of 23,674 fans that got more than they bargained for.
Big players make big plays, and the 1994 NCAA Champion Arkansas Razorbacks are full of both.
"I don't care what people think about us now or what they say about us, as long as they add NCAA champions in front of our names," Thurman said.
This is an Arkansas team that has no heroes, but it is a team full of unselfish talent and an inspirational leader in Corey Beck. Beck came through with one of his best games as a Razorback.
He finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal.
"Beck is the heart of our team, and he led us today," Thurman said.
When the Razorbacks led 38-35 only 55 seconds into the second half, Duke, on three-pointers by Chris Collins and freshman Jeff Capel, streaked out to a 13-0 run for a 48-38 lead with 17:03 remaining. Arkansas head coach Nolan Richardson called timeout.
After the timeout, Thurman hit a 14-footer and Corliss Williamson took a pass from Beck and laid it in. Seconds later, Thurman drilled a 22-footer to pull the Razorbacks within five at 50-45. It was the beginning of the end for Duke.
With 8:09 remaining, the Hogs had scrapped to a 59-54 lead.
With the Razorbacks up 64-63, Williamson, tourney most valuable player, scored six consecutive points.
"It was tough to stay inside when the shots weren't falling," Williamson said. "But the coaches helped me stay focused and concentrate on what I needed to do inside."
But Duke would not quit. After Lang's two free throws and a three-pointer by Grant Hill, the score was deadlocked again at 70.
Arkansas pushed the lead back to 75-70, but Cherokee Parks followed a missed shot to pull Duke within 75-72. Clint McDaniel's free throw with nine seconds left gave the Hogs a 76-72 lead and the team began to celebrate on the sidelines.
"We worked so hard this year and felt we haven't gotten the respect we deserve," Williamson said. "But what can I say? We have gotten what we have deserved."
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Annette Clark
posted 5/22/09 @ 11:08 PM CST
Omg This sports writer is amazing! How do I meet him I want to marry him!!!!
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