There was a full, blood-wolf moon, plus a lunar eclipse, so it was not going to be an ordinary weekend of sports. It started with an Indiana University Alumni Association game-watch at a local tavern featuring one of the most intense rivalries in college basketball. This was the 208th battle between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue had won a dominant 118 of these in-state basketball wars, including 51 of the first 62 games, but Indiana boasts 5 National Championships in 39 NCAA Tournament appearances. Make that 119 victories for the Boilers!

There was little doubt from the tip-off that Purdue was the better team. Indiana has been notorious for their slow starts this year, and this game was no exception. One beer was not going to be enough. It was also obvious that fellow alumni held little hope for the Hoosiers since only a few showed up to watch. Those in attendance had fond memories of a last second shot to beat Butler a month ago when the team appeared to come together, moved into the Top 25 nationally, and won their first three BIG Ten contests. However, injuries and poor shooting have prevailed, as we sadly watched their fourth straight conference loss in front of an exuberant Boilermaker fan base. Admittedly, I didn’t have a good feeling about the game and considered not even wearing any Indiana gear in case Purdue fans were also in the bar.

Even a crimson moon could not prevent the Hoosiers from shooting a pathetic 7-18 from the free throw line and 4-20 from behind the arc. While that could be blamed on “gravitational pull,” a Purdue “friend” pointed out that this was actually an improvement over last week’s loss to Nebraska when they shot a pitiful 2-14 at home! Indeed, the rare home loss was even more humiliating, especially to a football school. I just hope we get it together before the Boilers come calling next month in Bloomington. Indiana has already lost 4 straight battles with Purdue, meaning that last year’s team couldn’t hold home court advantage. There will be no Alumni game watch for no one to attend because it’s scheduled for a Tuesday night.

I was in atypical agreement with my Purdue friends on football this weekend, with the Superbowl on the line. Ex-Purdue quarterback Drew Brees and his New Orleans Saints were an easy choice for us to make, while rooting against Tom Brady and his New England Patriots was a given. We were wrong on both counts! Brady was once again brilliant, and the Saints got screwed, as admitted by everyone involved. Both games went to overtime, but the Rams and Patriots prevailed. Most all of America will be rooting for the Rams in two weeks!

Yes, I was a Lunar Loser, going 0-3 this weekend with my favorites. However, I really only truly cared about one of these games. The round ball is my passion and I.U. is my team. I was hoping that the round, red moon would be a good omen. Instead, the Hoosier Nation was totally “eclipsed” by Boilermaker Black once again.