Well, that was quite an emotional scene, both on the court and off.
I’m back in my hotel room, feeling a little sick and exceedingly tired. But the Huskies are finally back in the Final Four, at the expense of rival Rutgers. Standing in the locker room this year was, of course, more cheerful than the dank, quiet locker room in Fresno. But it was also much more reserved than I expected. No champagne - not that most of the players are over 21 - no outward partying, just a lot of joy.
And relief. Can’t forget relief. It’s amazing how relieved everyone, from senior Mel Thomas to first-timer Lorin Dixon, looked.
Now the Huskies have a date with destiny and the Stanford Cardinal Sunday night in Tampa.
Wait … did I say destiny? Nah, just a great basketball team living up to their potential. That’s all you can ask, really, as an observer. Anything from here on out is gravy. The Huskies can finally, for the first time since 2004, say they’re better than sweet, better than elite.
Phew. I’m exhausted. Not as exhausted as I will be when our flight takes off at 6 a.m. (and lands in Windsor Locks at 10 a.m.). But exhausted enough.
It’s time to close up shop on the blog for a couple days, barring any important developments. We’ll be back late Friday night in Tampa, Fla. - God willing - to bring you so much coverage, you won’t even believe how much coverage we’re going to have.
Oh, and before I go - and after the jump: courtesy of DC photographer Ryan Sayers (whose other photos can be viewed at www.quietflightsphotography.com), a few assorted photos of the celebration, including an emotional shot of Mel Thomas embracing Geno Auriemma.
Enjoy this one, Husky fans. Good night from Greensboro.
Mel and Geno, Final Four-bound.
Greensboro Regional champions.
Renee Montgomery, Tahirah Williams celebrate.
Ketia Swanier, carrying the net down in an unorthodox fashion.
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