<p>I really felt like I had to write something after the Bruins' amazing run. Win or lose, it was something to remember.</p>
<p>"UNBELIEVABLE" </p>
<p>My good friend asked me if I was sad after UCLA lost in the National Championship game tonight against Florida. I told him no. I meant it.</p>
<p>What the Bruins accomplished this season transcends any one loss. They weren't picked to win the pac-10. They did. With a team mostly full of freshmen and sophomores, a lot of the so-called experts had UCLA bowing out in the 2nd round. They didn't. </p>
<p>UCLA's second round victory over Alabama sent them on a collision course with another west coast foe in Gonzaga. Gonzaga came out to a roaring start, and led by stache-faced Adam Morrison they had us on the ropes. </p>
<p>As me and my good friend Manny sat in the stands, shell-shocked, I told him not to worry. This UCLA team hadn't quit once this season; I knew they weren't about to quit against Gonzaga despite the large halftime deficit. I meant what I said. I knew we might not win the game. But what I did know was that win or lose, UCLA would give that punk Morrison and the rest of the Zags a run for their money in the second half. </p>
<p>The rest is history. UCLA pulled off the unthinkable, finished off by the impeccable timing of The Prince, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. I slept at Oakland International Airport that night, and despite sleeping in a contorted, horrible position, it was sweet, sweet sleep.</p>
<p>Manny and I went back for the Memphis game--once again the pundits had it in for us. Memphis had too many athletes. They would run us down like a track team. WRONG. Despite only scoring 4 field goals in the second half, we shut down Memphis. People said it was the ugliest game they had ever seen. With the Bruins reaching the Final Four for the first time in 11 years, it was the most beautiful game I had ever seen. I got down to the floor with my camera as we cut down the nets. Euphoria is the only word to describe what I experienced as myself and the rest of the Bruin faithful celebrated with the team for what was probably a half an hour after the final buzzer.</p>
<p>The critics had it in for us again though. Big Baby and Tyrus Thomas were hyped up the whole week. Titles like "the best frontcourt ever in college basketball" and other superlatives were used to describe the talented duo, while the Bruins were harangued for their ugly and sometimes even "lucky" victories. The critics were wrong, AGAIN. The Big Baby went home crying. The Bruins, led by a strong bench, punched the Tigers in the mouth and went for the juggular. As many analysts described it, the game was over in the first five minutes. </p>
<p>Now, to the final game against a talented, athletic and balanced Florida squad. There's not much more to say. Florida came out and played a hell of a game, executing nearly flawlessly. Taurean Green was a steady hand at PG, Lee Humphrey was his usual self in knocking down threes, and Horford and Noah dominated inside with thier strength and athleticism. It just wasn't the Bruins night; there's no other way to put it.</p>
<p>I'd like to say that I was devastated, in tears and distraught after the Bruins' crushing loss to the mighty Gators. But I can't. As the Bruins walked off the court, many of them in tears, I felt an inner peace inside. It was a peace coming from the fact that the Bruins had given their all: to the university, to the fans, to their coach and to themselves. They laid it all on the line on numerous occasions and won what I believe was easily the greatest game of this year's NCAA Tournament, and probably the best sporting event/moment I have ever experienced live. They fought this whole season. When Josh Shipp, probably our best pure scorer was sidelined for the year, the team didn't blink. I can't emphasize how much I admire these Bruins for their heart, courage and toughness. They took us all on a ride that I know I'll never forget.</p>
<p>Thank you for everything, Bruins. It was a season to remember.</p>