So I did fill out NCAA Brackets @ ESPN.com. ESPN allows for 10 brackets. On one, I had the 7 SE Region Spartans winning the national championship. 7 of the remaining 9, Spartans losing to UCLA. And the remaining 2, Spartans losing in the round of 32.
Only 1 bracket of them reaching the sweet 16, and that bracket I had them winning the national championship (hey, one never knows...but not this time lol).
So to me, Spartans losing in the opening round, not too big a surprise. Still disappointed, but not let down, like a Louisville, or Penn St. Made a couple hard pushes, but time wasn't on the side of my Spartans this year, this game.
My Game Analysis: The Spartans came out flat. Seems UCLA's plan for the whole game, don't let Kalin Lucas get off!!! He was played tighter than I've seen him be defended all season. Still managed to get 11 pts, off from his average of 22 something for the late season. The half time score was 42-24, 18 pts... Kalin Lucas 0 pts.
Another thing I knew the Spartans would have difficulty with, was the inside game. UCLA had paint scoring, and those trees were impossible to drive on (esp. for Lucas). Though the Spartans were able to get a couple buckets inside, it was an impossible battle.
Spartans cut the lead to 9, only to see it fall back to 17, then brought it back to 7. Couple of 3s and fouls later, Spartans are down by 1. That's as close as they would get... final score 76-78. Box score of...
MSU 24-52, UCLA 42-36. Not too bad.
Good things I would take from this season: Appling, made a couple of key 3-pointers in pressure situations. I have hope for this freshman. I have a feeling he will stay too. As for Kalin, he really did what he could this game, and this season for that matter. I think he will get drafted late 2nd round, and if he doesn't, he might play some d-league, but I think he is capable of playing in the NBA.
Ah bah dee, dah buh dee, hah buh dee That's all folks. This is rooney tunes!!
