VOA常速英语2008年-Kansas Beats Memphis to Take Men's College Bask

By David Byrd
San Antonio
08 April 2008

The University of Kansas has defeated Memphis, 75-68, to take the American men's big-college basketball title. As VOA's David Byrd reports from San Antonio, the game came down to some crucial shots in the waning¹ minutes.

The game was evenly-matched and fast paced for most of Monday night. The lead changed hands nine times and the contest was tied eight times. The biggest lead was Memphis by nine in the second half, but Kansas was able to cut the lead to just two points with less than a minute to play.

Memphis freshman² Derrick Rose made one of two free throws, to give the Tigers a 63-60 lead. But Kansas guard Mario Chalmers was able to hit a three-point shot with less than two seconds left, to send the game into overtime³.

In the extra period, Kansas was able to pull away and Memphis could not make up the gap. Kansas Coach Bill Self says it was overwhelming to win such a hard-fought contest.

"You know it was a fabulous⁴ game. Both defenses were great and neither team got rhythm offensively and, God, we competed hard on every possession," he said. "You know it is one thing to win it is another thing to win the way we won. There is just no quit in these guys."

Memphis Coach John Calipari, whose Tigers lost just two games all year, said that Kansas deserved the national title because it never gave up.

"You've got to give them credit because for them not to stop playing and just keep fighting and making plays," he said. "My hat's off to them. I just got to tell you."

Monday's win is the first national title for Kansas in men's basketball since 1988.

1 waning   

adj.（月亮）渐亏的，逐渐减弱或变小的n.月亏v.衰落( wane的现在分词 )；（月）亏；变小；变暗淡

参考例句：

• Her enthusiasm for the whole idea was waning rapidly. 她对整个想法的热情迅速冷淡了下来。
• The day is waning and the road is ending. 日暮途穷。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

2 freshman   

n.大学一年级学生(可兼指男女)

参考例句：

• Jack decided to live in during his freshman year at college.杰克决定大一时住校。
• He is a freshman in the show business.他在演艺界是一名新手。

3 overtime   

adj.超时的，加班的；adv.加班地

参考例句：

• They are working overtime to finish the work.为了完成任务他们正在加班加点地工作。
• He was paid for the overtime he worked.他领到了加班费。

4 fabulous   

adj.极好的；极为巨大的；寓言中的，传说中的

参考例句：

• We had a fabulous time at the party.我们在晚会上玩得很痛快。
• This is a fabulous sum of money.这是一笔巨款。