To the Zags: It was a good ride

I must admit there is no joy in Zagville this morning-----for just one reason. They lost. It was a heartbreaker. It was also a tearjerker. There's no need to analyze. The ride has ended. My watery eyes refused to behave this morning while scanning the Spokesman's poignant photos and post-game commentary about the shocking game where UCLA led for all of 8 seconds.

Those were the most important 8 seconds. They move on to the Elite Eight. The Zags come back to Spokane. Eight seconds is usually a rodeo benchmark. We don't often think of it in basketball, but the Bruins held on for eight seconds at game's end and changed their destiny for at least the next two days.

Yes, there is no joy in Zagville. There is mud, cuz it's raining again. But, there IS also deep appreciation. Most of us Zagnuts may spend a little time thinking about those eight seconds and what might have been, but we'll probably focus more on the great ride Adam, J.P. Erroll, Sean, Derek, et. al. gave to the thousands of us, watching every second of captivating play from our TVs or from devoted cheering sections around the Northwest.

We'll think about the minutes, the hours and the days of exhilaration where Mark Few's team of unique, gifted, and electrifying players provided for so many adoring fans across this region during the long winter months.

All I have to say this morning to the Zags is "Thanks for the Memories." They were sweet. Sweet memories, derived from so many times spent on the edge of our seats watching great athletes taking us along for the ride as they achieve one unbelievable feat after another, keep us going through this life.

We loved the ride, and we're looking forward to next year's madness.

Go Zags!