Final Four consolation game?

Imagine the great matchup if UCLA and North Carolina played for third place in college basketball. It's a lot more satisfying to determine things on the court than in the polls (or listed as a tie in the NCAA books). It also would make a lot of sense for the teams and their fans after sinking so much money into travel expenses.

Consolation games used to be common, but they weren't popular with coaches and players. They eventually got the ax. The Final Four had a third-place game up until 1981. Regionals used to have them too — until 1975.

Today, the NCAA is a lot more savvy about how they generate revenue. There are even new consolation tournaments. So how about another big game on national TV between two of America's best teams? Some people love the idea, but others understand the reasons why not.

The question of adding the extra game to the NCAA Tournament came up on the BRO message boards, with mixed opinion as to whether people would watch. So we ask ...

Posted by: Adam Rose