What is great about basketball fandom can also be annoying: Fans can stand virtually next to the court, screaming at officials such phrases as "Call it both ways!'' and think they enhance the experience for all around them. So sitting courtside in Anaheim, Calif., as Texas Tech beat Gonzaga to advance to the Final Four was a shockingly pleasant experience. A section of Texas Tech fans sat nearby and managed to be loud and enthusiastic without relying on trite phrases. What you sensed was a lack of entitlement. Duke and Kentucky fans believe they deserve favorable calls. Texas Tech fans seemed happy to enjoy the drama instead of pretending they're part of it.

Jim Souhan