FINAL FOUR - WE HAVE ARRIVED! (part one)

AND NOW, FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR, THE FINAL FOUR APPROACHES:

UCLA 76
Xavier 57, AND IT WASN'T EVEN THAT CLOSE!

There were concerns after Western Kentucky and Texas A&M, what with the lapses, the turnovers, the lack of focus at times and the close called referee bailouts, but for our Bruins, this Elite 8 contest wasn't so much a win as it was a STATEMENT...
It was a COMPLETE 40-minurte performance! We made those Musketeers look like Mousekateers, led by Kevin Love and Darren Collison with 19 points apiece, Love getting 10 rebounds in the process. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute showed some good recovery from that sprained ankle, scoring 13 points ang grabbing 13 boards, 7 of them offensive. We led 33-24 at the half and never let up, size dominating and prevailing!
This being our 3rd straight Final 4, the first for this program since the John Woodendays, and our 18th Final 4 appearance (an all-time record), much credit should go to someone I've regrettably overlooked - Coach Ben Howland...
Simply put, he has rebuilt UCLA basketball. His emphasis on defense, perparation, and hard work has gotte these Bruins top an elite status not enjoyed since Wooden's days as that "Wizard Of Westwood". He's certainly heeded the Master'sd (as i would like to call Coach Wooden) commandment" Failing to prepare is preparing to fail". Not to mention the top-notch recruits he's gotten over his five year tenure...After the mediocrity of Steve Lavin, Howland can safely be considered am Godsend. These last 3 years, our Bruins have gone 97-16, after having losing seasons two out of the previous 3 years. Not too bad, eh?
I'll be back with part two a little later on, when I'll talk about our next opponent and our unfinished business...

FINAL FOUR - WE HAVE ARRIVED! (part one)

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