Uh... Ouch?

While I am tempted to play down the severity of the drubbing UCLA took at the hands of the (much better) Florida squad (they were never really a good match, Afflalo had a HORRIBLE night, they got demoralized early on, etc), I think I'll resist it and simply concede the inevitable: UCLA simply can't cut it when it comes down to the big games.

Now don't get me wrong, I've been overall pleased with UCLA's performance in the NCAA tourney so far, having won some challenging games against Pitt and Kansas, but it always seems as though the Bruins have a knack for choking/misfiring when the tire meets the rubber. Granted, as I mentioned in my previous post, the Florida squad was fortunate to have its top 5 starters from last year's championship winning team return in full form (Joachim Noah and Corey Brewster were outstanding again), but it was never really a fair match-up. We were outscored, outplayed, outrebounded... basically outmanned in every sense of the word.

I was so disgusted at one point with UCLA's performance that I was on the verge of simply turning off the TV but decided I should at least watch the rest of the game, however painful (and boy was it ever), as a loyal Bruin. Though the outcome was never really in question, I kept hoping that Howland's men would mount a last ditch surge and somehow even the score, perhaps even eking out a narrow, miraculous victory. Fat chance, I know.

Well, all I can say is that Florida better beat Ohio State in the championship game this Monday. At least then I'll have the satisfaction of knowing that we lost to the best damn team in the country. For the second time in a row.