San Diego State's Lamont Butler Joins Mario Chalmers, Keith Smart As NCAA Final Four Last-Second Heroes
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When San Diego State guard Lamont Butler hit the winning pull-up jumpshot against Florida Atlantic in the Final Four Saturday, it immediately brought up memories of buzzer-beaters from the past.
The names Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga), Kris Jenkins (Villanova) and Michael Jordan (North Carolina) came to mind. Also on the short list of late-game heroes are Mario Chalmers (Kansas) and Keith Smart (Indiana), who both have Miami Heat ties.
Chalmers, who won championships with the Heat in 2012 and 2013, holds folklore status in Kansas after his 3-point shot forced overtime in the 2007 title game against the Derrick Rose-led Memphis Tigers. That Jayhawks won in the extra session.
Smart, a former Heat assistant coach, has similar status in Indiana for his winning baseline shot that led the Hoosiers past Syracuse in the 1987 title game. That Syracuse team featured Sherman Douglas and Rony Seikaly, a pair of Heat draft picks.
One thing is certain about the NCAA Tournament: it never disappoints ... unless you're an FAU fan. The Owls had a remarkable season, making their first Final Four appearance.
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