With all the talk about at least one Conference USA team that got a ticket to the big dance; interest in the NCAA Basketball Finals was intense. So we went out to catch some of the action at our area bars or lounges.

And as it turned out we had quite a bit of company. While the newest Upper Valley bar was kind of slow but picking up steam, the R & R Sports Bar would have to be a future destination.

Instead, we headed up to Billy Crews and in the luxurious settings of their elegant yet comfortable setting, we found many basketball fans ready for a great game. One couple ready to cheer the Memphis Tigers on... as a gesture toward the Conference USA team... Bruce and Jackie Gulbas still had some "Hook 'em Horns" to display. Bruce attended the University of Texas and still honors the memories of burnt orange and white, Bevo and the Longhorns. But, not enough to cheer on Kansas which is in the Big 12 Conference... with Texas.

Also arriving to root for Memphis was Mike and Sylvia Verlander. Unfortunately for these fans... one overtime period was too much.

Joining the party was Natalie and Win down from Old Mesilla via Sunland Park Mall and a quick stop at Brews before deciding to come to Billy Crews to watch the game instead.

By the time the game got into the second half the bar was full and everyone had finished their dinners... whether they were able to digest it was another thing as for the first time in a long while the game was close and indeed... a classic. How classic we would not know until later.

What was great about Billy Crews' lounge was that everyone there was really into the game and everyone had a great and comfortable seat. Also, most of the fans that came in later were rooting for Kansas and as it turned out so was Lady Luck. Can you believe Chalmers last second 3-pt. rainbow to send the game into overtime? Many Memphis fans could not.

Memphis fans made a quick exit as the game made a huge turn for Kansas but the Jayhawk fans stayed on to celebrate.

Who would have thought... Billy Crews turned out to be the best "Sports Bar" on the Westide that night.

Prepared by UVB staff.

(Photos: Brax - Valley Publishing Company)

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