BEARS STEP UP

Now this is a Ben Braun Team. When the going gets tough, when it is back to the wall time, when every game counts like the end of your life, this is where the Bears Shine. This is how they show the world we belong. Ben Braun certainly is a big game coach. The Bears out-hustled, out-toughed and out-classed the Washington State cougars in an epic 49 to 70 loss.

Yes, these are the same Bears that, last year, in a do or die for postseason NIT play managed to lose to the 7-22 Arizona State Wildcats 41 to 42 - on the same second to last Thursday game. Coach really knows how to get these guys up for it.

Let me be the 30,231 to say that this was the final nail in this year's coffin. I know that once again Ben Braun's will most likely have a 19 or 20 game win season. They will make the NIT and could do very well. But who cares. Really. Besides the poor kids who rely on this guy to coach them, to lead them. Besides the poor students who think that there may be something to this team - they are still young and idealistic. Besides the throngs of snack vendors and ATO student workers and the others in the Athletic department depending on a decent product being put out there each year. The Fans are growing tired. And that is a death knell for a coach.

I do not want to be a Braun basher. I know Washington State is a good team. But really - that was pathetic. This is finally the team that Braun wanted - a team like himself - full of good intentions, hard working at practice, good students I am sure. But there is no heart on this team and it shows. And it needs to come from the top. I do not blame the players one bit. This debacle falls squarely on BBs shoulders.