Florida (33-5) vs. UCLA (30-5)
I’m not going to spend a lot of time on the rematch from last year’s National Championship game. Really, I’m just sick of Florida.
They’ve reached legitimate “great” status with their outstanding shooting, lottery-pick frontcourt and future Hall of Fame coach. Much like Michigan, Billy Packer or poisonous snakes, I respect them, but hate them at the same time.
It all comes down to this: If the Gators’ relatively lackluster play (relative to their ability to play, that is) continues for just 10 minutes against UCLA, expect the defending champs to lose a slug-it-out battle, 64-60.
If the Gators impose their will and can find a way to stymie the hard-nosed Bruin defense, expect a 75-64 Gator triumph.
If I were a betting man (I only have $200 on this one – doesn’t qualify) I’d take the Bruins to pull the upset. Florida will play well, but UCLA is inspired and is packing the best D in the nation.
The Buckeyes and Bruins will meet Monday night for the national title, and Florida will fall just shy of college basketball immortality. I won’t waste your time with a pick in that one. This is the frickin’ Lantern, people.
