Bianchi: Gators’ season comes to an end, but the journey was amazing
TAMPA — It ended Sunday night, not with a net being cut down, but with a locker room that was way too somber, a season that was over way too soon, and a group of Florida Gators who walked off the floor in tears. The run is over. And what a run it was.
The No. 1-seeded Florida Gators won’t repeat as national champions. Iowa made sure of that by never backing down and never being intimidated by Florida’s superior size, stature and fan support in Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena.
When Florida guard Xavien Lee drove the length of the court with 4. 5 seconds left, most in the arena just assumed the Gators would somehow, someway find a way to win, just like they did last year when they rallied four times in the tournament during their magical march to the national championship. But when Lee’s ill-fated attempt to pass the ball to Thomas Haugh under the basket was deflected away, it was suddenly over.
Iowa 73, Florida 72. Haugh buried his head in the hardwood and sobbed. Center Alex Condon lifted his jersey up over his face to cover his tears.
Coach Todd Golden just stared downward and shook his head. Sometimes, March Madness turns into March Sadness. Sometimes, March isn’t about playing your best game.
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