Then There Were Four
The Final Four is set. Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, and UConn will tipoff Saturday in Indianapolis in the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four, with the champion to be crowned Monday evening. Illinois and UConn will play the first semifinal, followed by Arizona and Michigan. UConn was the only team to win their quarterfinal game by less than double digits, as they overcame a 19-point deficit and beat Duke on a 35-foot shot with less than a second to play in the game.
In the women’s Final Four, it is a repeat of last year, with South Carolina, Texas, UCLA, and UConn advancing for games Friday and Sunday in Phoenix.
Analysis and eternal perspective: This is a fun one for me as a lifelong Illini fan. It is the first time in 21 years Illinois has made the Final Four, and I am anything but an unbiased observer to this story. Back in 2005, I spray-painted my face and hair orange and blue as my Illini ultimately fell to North Carolina in the championship game. I’ll be hoping for a better outcome this weekend.
Whether your team—if you have one—is playing this weekend or not, the NCAA tournament provides a good illustration of the value of keeping a level head in a pressure situation. In the grand scheme of things, the outcome of a basketball game is inconsequential. Even so, time and again, it is the poised under pressure who prevail.
You serve a God who has promised a peace that passes all understanding (Philip. 4:7). Don’t let it be lost on you that this promise immediately proceeds our foundational reminder in Philippians 4:8 to set our minds on all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy!
How can you have a sound mind when the pressure builds and there is reason to fear? By leaning on the spirit God has promised (2 Tim. 1:7)! In doing so, you will not only trade fear for a sound mind, but you will get power and love thrown into the deal!
So fear not! And go Illini!