Vitale was Vitale. Same schtick. No improvement. No decline. It was almost comforting to partake of his tired hyperbole.
Unfortunately, Patrick was also Patrick. Every layup a monumental moment in college basketball history. Each timeout, a brilliantly employed strategic triumph over clock and time. Each rebound directly to a player, an exhausting effort of unbridled enthusiasm and tremendous hustle. All made shots other than free throws, miracle "runners."
ESPN apparently knows I won't turn away and is taunting me by encouraging Patrick to be even more melodramatic than even the game before. And he's ever so informative. Did you know that turnovers were "exactly what Duke was looking for" and that uncontested layups are "just what North Carolina wants out of their offense"? Apparently, it's true.