Here was the vibe in the arena...my opinion

[ChicosBailBonds]

First half most UCLA fans were on their hands, not caring too much.  When the T's were called, they got on the Stanford bandwagon big time.  They were all over the refs.

I felt the second half the refs were trying to make up for it, some very chincey calls in the post.

McNeal was incredible, Fitz played well offensively, I thought DJ had a decent game as did Matthews.

I was stunned we weren't run out of the building as the Lopez boys are that good.  I really thought we might lose this game by 15 to 20 but when we came back it felt great. 

Stanford has their top 4 players coming back next year, they will contend for the national title....heck, they might contend this year if they can get better guard play.

When we left, we went through the team entrance and one of the guards stopped me quickly.  He said "Great game, your team is all class.  We worked with them for the last 4 days and your team was nothing but gentlemen and classy young men".   

What a game...I'm drained.  After the game the crowd gave both Stanford and MU a standing ovation...what a game.

[AlumKCof93]

Thank for the post Chicos, its great to hear how well received the team was.  I think they are a classy bunch, and I really feel bad for them.

In listening to Homer and Mac on the radio for the first 10 mins of the 2nd half, they were convinced the refs were trying to make up for tossing the Stanford coach.  Of the first 8 fouls called, 7 of them were on Marquette.

In regard to Stanford returning their top 4 players, that must include the Lopez twins. I would think Brooke is leaving - should be a high pick and was academically ineligible in the first half of the season so I doubt he's serious about getting his degree.  On the other hand, MU should be strong next year, particularly if DJ comes back.  Can't wait.

[Pardner]

Thanks Chicos for all your reporting and sharing.  I know it is a hassle when you are trying to enjoy the games with your friends and family, but it was much appreciated for those of us who couldn't make the trip.  Win or lose, this is what the Big Dance is all about--the emotional rollercoasters.  The team and fans showed MU well.

btw, Enberg and Bilas were totally into the game--as MU fans.  Enberg called us Warriors about five times, and Bilas kept harping on the refs on bad calls against MU.  Fun game to watch as well (as it was draining...I scared my dog at one point).

[ChicosBailBonds]

I'm proud as hell for this team.  Watching Fitzgerald's family going crazy in the stands when Dan was lighting it up....watching Wes' mom going nuts, the Mu faithful.

This was just such a bad matchup for just about any team in the country...not one 7 footer but 2 and we were right there.

Wow.

I know some are disappointed in the season, but it met my expectations.  I think if we had played any other 3 seed we are in the Sweet 16 but that's the way it goes.  What an incredible game.

I've been a lifelong UCLA fan as well, and I had to leave....couldn't stay for that game afterward.  Just drained.

My UCLA buddies were calling me on the phone saying how great our team was and ripping on the Lopez players for their trash talking.  I don't know, it's hard for me to get on them....they were just playing with emotion.

What a game....I think I'll take a break now for a few days.

[Warrior Forever]

Thanks, Chicos.

As for the game, it was fantastic.  Our guys played their tails off. Unfortunately, the Lopez twins made a few more plays down the stretch.

Our last two possessions before the winning basket resulted in two McNeal short jumpers.  I'll take those any time.  Unfortunately, neither one fell.

As for the winning shot, Lopez was behind the backboard.  He's lucky to make that shot 20% of the time.  But give him credit,  he hit the shot just like his brother hit the tying free throw at the end of regulation.

As for regrets, only two.

The end of regulation was not handled well.  1) McNeal shot with way too much time on the clock. 2) He has to drive and try to draw the foul.  If covered, kick out for a jumper.  But he cannot settle for a 22 footer.

Lastly, the refs were horrible.  28 FTs to 12 for the Warriors.   Don't forget that includes the technicals.  In the last 25 minutes of the game, the Cardinal were only called for eight fouls. Please.

But I will not let the bad taste ruin a solid season.  Although I think most thought we might finish is the top four this season, we still showed well.  If we can learn to defend our home court better and bring the key players back, I think next season shows very well.

Congrats to a classy bunch of guys and a coach who exemplifies class.

Go Warriors.

[LastWarrior]

Stanford has their top 4 players coming back next year, they will contend for the national title....heck, they might contend this year if they can get better guard play.

Appreciate the live report... good to hear our boys represent MU well.  I'm very proud of our effort today.

That said, i'm not sure that I agree that Stanford will contend for a national title next year.  Without Brook, I don't think this team is very good and I think they get blown out by MU today.  If DJ is back next year, I think we're the national contender next year.

[Chicago_inferiority_complexes]

If DJ is back next year, I think we're the national contender next year.

Weren't we saying this last Spring?

[drewm88]

If DJ is back next year, I think we're the national contender next year.

Weren't we saying this last Spring?

Maybe I'm a koolaid drinker, but I think we were. We beat a top 10 team in the Badgers. We hung right with 3 others (GT, Duke, Stanford). I feel we would have had a chance against any team in the country on any given night in this tournament. For all his shortcomings, Barro was still our best big. Next year's chances will rely heavily on who can step into that role.

[LastWarrior]

If DJ is back next year, I think we're the national contender next year.

Weren't we saying this last Spring?
[/quote]

Your point? 

If a year ago we knew that Mbakwe would get injured and add absolutely zero to this team, we wouldn't have said that.  I expect with a full year of Mbakwe and the additions of O'Tule, Fulce, Taylor, and Williams, we'll be a much better team in one year from now.

[Chicago_inferiority_complexes]

If DJ is back next year, I think we're the national contender next year.

Weren't we saying this last Spring?

Your point? 

If a year ago we knew that Mbakwe would get injured and add absolutely zero to this team, we wouldn't have said that.  I expect with a full year of Mbakwe and the additions of O'Tule, Fulce, Taylor, and Williams, we'll be a much better team in one year from now.
[/quote]

My point would be that we were saying this last Spring.

It seems to be in the sports fan's human nature to make predictions for each upcoming season on the basis of 0 injuries, increased performance, etc. While we should always hope for the best I think we should temper predictions (different from hopes) based on realistic expectations.

[MarquetteVol]

The difference is that Dwight Burke is a legitimate option at the 5. How good has Dwight been the last couple of weeks, especially on the defensive end? I love his moxie. He had a great night tonight. Did everything he could to shut down BL, but the circus shot won in the end.

I'm so sad that we're done until next October. It's going to take forever. I really love this team. I know people post about their grievances, but seriously, don't you all like these guys? Wes is such a great young man and a terrific athlete. What a play to intercept that inbounds play today. Jerel? Wow, wow, wow. He's a gamer. Loves the bright lights. Lit them up. Man, he was awesome. He's the epitome of an MU ball player. Really, stepped it up. DJ controlled the tempo and was smart tonight. I sure hope he's back. The best underappreciated player in the history of MU.

Man, I'm sad. This sucks. I probably feel worse than the guys do.

[77ncaachamps]

No way are the Lopez twins coming back. They're going to cash in and make it to the NBA just like the other Stanford twins: Jason and Jarron Collins. But the Lopez kids are better. They can make their free throws and play the center pretty well.

Stanford is going to suck it up next year: With the Lopez brothers out, Fred Washington gone as well as Taj Finger, they have an inexperienced frontcourt with their slow guards still there. I'd love for a rematch because the three amigos will drink their milkshakes.

[Daniel]

The difference is that Dwight Burke is a legitimate option at the 5. How good has Dwight been the last couple of weeks, especially on the defensive end? I love his moxie. He had a great night tonight. Did everything he could to shut down BL, but the circus shot won in the end.

I'm so sad that we're done until next October. It's going to take forever. I really love this team. I know people post about their grievances, but seriously, don't you all like these guys? Wes is such a great young man and a terrific athlete. What a play to intercept that inbounds play today. Jerel? Wow, wow, wow. He's a gamer. Loves the bright lights. Lit them up. Man, he was awesome. He's the epitome of an MU ball player. Really, stepped it up. DJ controlled the tempo and was smart tonight. I sure hope he's back. The best underappreciated player in the history of MU.

Man, I'm sad. This sucks. I probably feel worse than the guys do.

I feel the same  way - sad it's over and I felt bad too taht Ooze had to watch the end of his last game from the bench.  This ahs been one of our most together teams in recent history - I mean they seemed to get along well on adn off the court, worked hard and inspired each other - very nice team.  I hope all the starters are back, except Ooze graduating, adn that our new guys are tougher than nails day one.  But - we will ahve to grow a bit next year - but we should be pretty good.  Can't wait....