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Great basketball minds think alike.
Lexi Gussert and Kari (Flunker) Hoffman both stated via Twitter that they "loved" Coach Geno Auriemma's classy reaction to his UConn Huskies ending their 111-game winning streak with an overtime loss in the NCAA semifinals to Mississippi State.
"Geno is an unbelievable coach who loves to see greatness even against him for the women's game," said Gussert, a former Forest Park star who just finished her junior season at Michigan State.
Hoffman, a former Florence ace, wrapped up her first season with a 19-11 mark as head coach at Cedarville (Ohio) University.
"What a game and I bet the refs are relieved," said Hoffman, referring to a controversial flagrant foul against Mississippi State.
Auriemma saluted Mississippi State and Morgan William for hitting the game-winner.
"They were just better," Auriemma said. "Look, nobody's won more than we've won. I understand losing, believe it or not. We haven't lost in a while, but I understand it. I know how to appreciate when other people win."
I wouldn't shed too many tears for Geno, a nine-time selection as national coach of the year. He graduates just one starter while the team reloads with a couple Division 1 transfers plus a high school recruit regarded as the best in the nation …
As for Kari Hoffman, her Lady Jackets bowed out in the semifinals of the G-MAC Women's Basketball Tournament.
"From where we started to where we ended, I am so incredibly proud of our growth and maturity," Hoffman said. 'We made huge strides and really grew together on and off the floor.
"I have no doubt in my mind these young ladies laid it all out on the floor, not only in this game, but this entire season. This team has been through so much together and I am blessed to have been a part of it this year." …
Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, on the FBI tracking down Tom Brady's stolen Super Bowl jersey: "Brady's jersey is an important American artifact, but it ain't exactly the Shroud of Turin." …
With Michigan's high school girls basketball state finals leaving Michigan State's Breslin Center, the MHSAA will have to find a new site.
Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal mentioned one idea, beginning and ending the boys and girls state tourneys at the same time, with only the championship games at the Breslin Center.
"This one might be the best solution for next season, if only temporary," Couch wrote.
This grizzled scribe votes no. Girls and boys basketball finals should not conflict …