GATOR MEAT

Once again, the Florida Gator big men did in the UCLA Bruins in their second consecutive bid for a national championship. Let's face it fellow Bruins, we do not match up with them at all. And I mean at all. At point guard, both teams have excellent defensive players who take each other out of the game.

Throw in some truly stupid fouls (especially the first reach in foul by Afflalo), some to be expected fouls, and a curious decision by Ben Howland to allow Afflalo the opportunity to grab his third foul by the half, and the writing was on the wall. Josh Shipp tried to take over, but he was a one man team by then. Collison saw no good looks, Rolle saw zero good looks (but threw some up there anyway), and our three big men could do nothing offensively, especially Moya (no offensive star anyway), who was also saddled with three fouls. M Bah Moute, although certainly a plus for our team this year, failed to recapture the high hopes we had for him following our run two years ago.

On the positive side, we emptied out the bench somewhat and saw some imprending talent for next year. We will see what high school phenom center Mr. Love can add to our team next year as well. The nucleus will still be there, sans Mr. Afflalo, who should squeeze in as a first round NBA pick.

Should be a very interesting year next year, with all positions except possibly point guard up for grabs. And Westbrook may make that interesting. All in all, another exceptional year, another enjoyable, pride filled year. But, the Pac 10 has many, many returning players, especially for USC, and in the states of Oregon and Washington, not to mention Arizona, who may have the best recruiting year of anyone. I cannot wait for next year. Go bruins!!