No one wanted to see the Cougars go out like this, but as Kyle Weaver told me, "All good things must come to an end." As far as I'm concerned, it wasn't good...it was great. This was arguably the biggest game in school history (expect for the national title game in 1941 which no one really remembered until they dug through the archives last year). I know it's a team and experience I'll never forget (especially hearing Dick Bennett yell at the officials behind me).

To put it simply...the Cougs couldn't hit any of their shots (you watched the game...you don't need me to tell you that). Derrick Low said it seemed like there was a "lid over the bucket" and that "he would have bet money that his first five shots would fall," but obviously they didn't (not even ti (pronounced tea) leaves brought by his family from Hawaii could bring him good luck...they were waving them all night). All year long someone would step up when everyone else was cold...tonight that didn't happen.

The only guy who played well all game is a guy I've picked on in the past. Aron Baynes worked his tail off on the offensive and defensive end. He helped hold Tyler Hansbrough to two first half points (he finished with a team high 18...Baynes fouled out with five minutes to go) and scored a team high 14 points (he made six of his eight shots when the team shot only 31% from the floor...12% from three point range).

As much as we don't want it to end...the seniors finally have to say goodbye. Robbie Cowgill was in tears in the locker room (especially when I asked him what Washington State means to him...the dude loves WSU). Derrick Low said he started thinking about it as the game was going on, but it especially hit him when he was walking off the floor. While, Kyle Weaver said it probably won't hit him until they get back to Pullman and don't have practice.

You've heard this out of me before...without these guys (and Chris Henry and Daven Harmeling who are part of the same recruiting class) Washington State wouldn't be something to brag about...it would be something to be ashamed of (as the game was ending I looked around at the crowd. People were there to root on North Carolina, others were there for Tennessee, some from Louisville, and there were the Cougars...the fact that you can mention WSU with those other schools is an impressive feat).

The road was fun. Thank you for sharing in my experiences with me. Please keep the comments coming. I'll continue updating my blog, so much sure you keep coming back to see what's going on with WSU.

Say it loud and say it proud...GO COUGS!!!!

P.S. I picked UCLA to win my bracket. I've changed my mind...North Carolina is going to win it all. As Taylor Rochestie told me, "If you're going to lose to someone you might as well lose to the national champions."

6 Comments

Brian Melhart said:

Well said Tim.

There is no way that I can thank this group of players and coaches enough for their hard work, dedication, and drive. They have brought an immense amount of pride to Cougar Nation. Thank you for being a class act from top to bottom!

One quesiton: Do you know when the team flies home or when they are scheduled to arrive back in Pullman? Me and some friends would like to greet them with the congratulations and thanks that they deserve!

March 27, 2008 9:45 PM

IKE said:

What a great run! I am proud to be a COUG. It was refreshing to have the whole state concentrate on the COUGS with the other two WA teams at home! Grab a cold CL, cheers to WAZZU.

March 27, 2008 10:30 PM

Jonathan Myers said:

Tim,

Thanks for all the info...what a run! As coug fans this was awesome....to be blessed by such a hard working, humble group, truly made it awesome to watch....thanks Kyle, Derrick, Robbie, Chris, and Jeremey....I am sure we will look back on this winter, and season with great memories, thanks to these guys!

March 27, 2008 11:15 PM

Ryan Camp said:

Just want to express my gratitude to the team for the most exciting season of cougar basketball ever. Thanks to all the seniors especially. Thank you to all the coaches as well. Right now it seems like the end of the world for those players who will never put on the crimson and gray again. They should be proud of themselves for working so hard to bring the winning attitude back to the hardwood. Tim, fantastic coverage via your blog as well as on the telly. Long live the Cougs!!! Choo Choo!

March 28, 2008 8:45 AM

Tim Lewis said:

Brian,

I'm sorry I didn't get to your question earlier.

We wrapped up our live shots in Charlotte at 2:30 (ET) in the morning (at the hotel by 3:15) and needed to be at the airport by 5:30...I just got back to Spokane (always fun to operate on one hour of sleep).

Hopefully you got the information you were looking for elsewhere. The Cougs flew into Lewiston around noon today (pretty useless info now).

Again...sorry I wasn't quicker on the response.

P.S. To everyone who commented: I'm really glad you share the same Cougar pride and you're willing to express it. May the Bennett Train roll on and on...Choo Choo!

March 28, 2008 2:12 PM

megan said:

omg. I watched that game and i was so sad. No matter if the cougs won or lost I'm always proud of them. To get to the Sweet 16 is an huge accomplishment and we're proud they made it that far. They had a hell of a season! Go Cougs!
[by the way my brother had this NC hat and when I got home from watching the game and threw it in the garbage can lol. It was my way of revenge]

April 4, 2008 5:29 PM

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