Sorry - when one team shoots 35% (and getting good shots) it's not a great performance, whatever else. Villaova shot 77% - 90% in the second half! - in 1985 and still only won by 2.

That was the best defensive title game I've ever seen.

If the half court shot goes in - greatest title game of all time. As it stands, put it in the top 5.

I'm a Duke fan. I just moved up to NC from Texas (go Horns, too!) a few years ago. I'm not a student, certainly not rich. But I have come to respect and appreciate Duke University and the integrity of its basketball program. I just see the way their kids conduct themselves - Scheyer, Singler, Smith and the rest. I see only class and integrity on and off the court. No hot dogs, no 'one and done's, no prima donnas. Just a humble, nice group of young men who play great teamwork, and do it better than any team in the country, with the possible exception of Butler.

I've only recently started hearing about / learning of the apparent widespread 'hatred' of Duke. I don't understand it, and in fact I've started reading online articles to try to get a better understanding, and still haven't figured it out, because what I read is all over the map.

As a sports fan in general, I'd be interested to hear from anyone ('Duke hater' or otherwise) a good, rational explanation.

Fabulous game, but sorry, for those with long memories it's no more than 1 of about a dozen that one might consider among the top tier (about half the finals in the 80's, including UNC-Georgetown, NC St-Houston, Indiana-Syracuse, Michigan-Seton Hall come to mind, but the list goes on and on). Now if the last shot had gone in, one might have a more arguable case for 'best ever'.

Incredible game. As a Duke grad and fan, I would have been very disappointed for Duke had Hayward's shot gone in, but I wouldn't have felt too bad. Butler is a great school, coach and team - class from the top down. (I would argue this Duke team is the same). While I thoroughly believe Duke earned the win, I would have said the same of Butler had the last shot hit the mark. The defense for both teams was unbelievable. I actually think Butler played better D, but Duke just had a few more players that could make their own shots - and hit them. Coaching was also superb on both sides, from Stevens game plan and excellent use of time outs to Coach K's packing in the D to get more offensive rebounds and his gutsy call of having Zoubek miss the last free throw (not a call I would have made!). Just a great game to watch.

It was just a great game and either team could have won. It just went Dukes way @ the end. Butler has nothing to be ashamed of. Butler should hold their heads high.

I've got to admit I was pulling for Butler, but this was just a great game regardless. Both teams did the NCAA proud and definitely lived up to the billing of great basketball. LOVED IT!!!!!!!

I would like to seen both teams tied at the end of regulation & the referee,s would

have called it a tied game-----no more basketball for you two teams this season-tha

n both teams could celebrate as victorious-----WHAT A GAME

1987 NCAA Championship game - Indiana University / Syracuse - Keith Smart - THE SHOT !!!

Butler will be back... so the Dookies had better start recruiting all of the McDonald H.S. all Americans they can get their hands-on ! ;-)

Wouldn't know. Don't watch title games featuring Duke or any Duke games for that matter. They're thugs with preferential regional seeding, officiating, and media coverage. Thank God they're a cash cow because even their claim to academic elitism fades in the light of day like a dsylexic in a spelling bee.

Just a GREAT game!! History will tell how great. If you like passion, defence, and TEAM basketball you would have to rate this game #1. I loved the way Butler played, (The BUTLER way) emphasizes team over self importance. It features the student athelete. Im from Indiana,but I dont share the hatred of Duke. Around here coach K and Duke are synonamous with TEAM basketball.