W

henever a great moment happens in the world of sports, particularly in championship games, we fans often jump to hyperbole to describe it.

Phrases such as “that was the greatest [insert sport here] game in the history of” are bellowed by even the most levelheaded sportos.

It’s sometimes easy to get caught up in emotional swirl that emanates from these memorable moments. The excitement level and adrenaline that follow those big plays can linger. Which is, after all, what those moments are supposed to do.

That’s what makes those plays so memorable.

But sometimes we are too quick to give the label of “greatest of all time” to a play or moment.

Hence I somewhat hesitantly give Monday’s thrilling finish to the NCAA men’s basketball title game between North Carolina and Villanova the label of “greatest NCAA championship game finish of all time.”

Now, that’s not to say that it doesn’t rank right up there with some of the more exciting moments.

After a few rather boring NCAA title games, it was refreshing to take in a contest that had as many twists, turns and loops as the 2016 version.

The cherry on top? Kris Jenkins’ last second shot that secured Villanova’s first hoops title since 1985 and you had the makings of a classic.

While the game was nothing short of dramatic, it doesn’t really hold weight to some of the more iconic moments in NCAA championship game history.

For instance, the game isn’t as significant as the landmark 1966 contest between Texas Western College and Kentucky, which I believe is the greatest title game ever played.

The game, which featured two future hall-of-fame coaches – Don Haskins and Adolph Rupp, doesn’t have the excitement level Monday’s game had. The Miners defeated Kentucky 72-65.

But it’s well known for TWC’s all-black starting lineup. It was the first instance of an all-black starting lineup in championship game history, which paved the way for future generations.

Nor does it hold serve with the epic finish to the 1983 championship, where North Carolina State’s Lorenzo Charles’ last second dunk beat Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and Houston’s famed Phi Slamma Jamma.

The image of the late Jim Valvano running around on the court, searching for someone to hug in celebration of that win, still resonates.

Moments such as Keith Smart’s game winning shot also comes to mind, when he lifted Indiana and Bobby Knight to a national title in 1987.

You can also throw in the immortal struggle between Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores and Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans in 1979.

All of these instances were well before my time. All of them were landmark and groundbreaking enough to be remembered for their greatness. 

Which is where Monday’s tremendous finish to the title game comes in.

Monday’s game was rife with lead changes and back and forth game play.

Villanova’s Jay Wright and North Carolina’s Roy Williams should be commended for leading their teams to a game that kept me on the edge of my seat all evening long.

In terms of  “the greatest of all time,” however, Monday’s game doesn’t quite reach that mark.

But it gets awfully darn close.

Enough to where we’ll be seeing Jenkins’ jump shot in future renditions of “One Shining Moment.”