UCLA is in the Sweet Sixteen, get over it. Ever since UCLA’s name was called one week ago in the NCAA Tournament selection show, fans, critics, pundits, experts and naysayers across the nation have insisted that UCLA does not belong in the this year’s Big Dance. Even though the Bruins (barely) beat #6 SMU on Thursday and completely dismantled #14 UAB yesterday by 17, there are those out their that STILL think UCLA does not belong.
Mar 19, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Ryan Manuel (1) lies on the court as the UCLA Bruins celebrate their 60-59 win in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Well, those we say, UCLA BELONGS!
UCLA BELONGS!!!
Here is the bottom line: they were deemed worthy by the committee and have twice proved that they can beat teams that apparently do belong. I have not heard much from those same critics saying SMU and UAB did not belong. And now look at those teams, already heading home after an early exit to a team that is making their 33rd Sweet Sixteen appearance and the twice in two years under head coach Steve Alford.
But there are still those out there that think UCLA does not belong.
Despite Sweet 16 run, UCLA still doesn't 'belong' in the NCAA tournament - USA TODAY http://t.co/d7IV0Xca4u
— Sports fans clubs (@Sportsfansclubs) March 21, 2015
@JakeOtkin I still stand by that too. UCLA could win the whole damn thing and I will still say don't belong.
— Bill Van Hoecke (@BillVanHoecke) March 22, 2015
I know they're in the Sweet 16, but I still stand by the statement that UCLA doesn't belong in this tournament.
— Zach Carlyle (@ZCarlyle) March 22, 2015
Editor @jacobrude explains that a Sweet 16 berth does not validate UCLA's inclusion in the tournament http://t.co/Vt3vzRmwJf
— Busting Brackets (@BustingBrackets) March 22, 2015
Fuck that
— Alma de Cobre (@Copper_Soul) March 21, 2015
UCLA DOESN'T BELONG.
hahah @RealMikeWilbon I like ya Mike but sorry.....tweet by Mister UCLA does NOT belong...
— It's Barry (@NewShoesHere) March 22, 2015
Weird, right.
UCLA Bruins
I did not know you can cram that much salt into social media. Either way, the truth is, UCLA is in and there is nothing anybody can do about it. The Bruins are one of the top 16 schools in this tournament and will take on either Iowa or Gonzaga next week in Houston for the Regional semifinals.
Granted, the Bruins will have a harder time against their next opponent and just might lose that game. And just imagine if that does happen, oh the out cry! Let me summarize it for you, “HA! UCLA lost, they do not belong!”
But what happened if the Bruins actually wins and gets into the Elite Eight? What then? More senseless chatter about them not belonging? Most likely, but right now, UCLA is celebrating their Round of 32 win over UAB, a team that beat a very good #3 Iowa State state team in their first match-up.
So say what you like about UCLA. They are still dancing… is your team still dancing?