All week UCLA players had girded themselves for the noise, the passion, the feared aura of Arizona's home court.
In the final moments Thursday night there was only audible unease, pierced by a half-hearted "U of A!" chant. The lowered intensity was a reflection of a fast-emptying arena.
Fans started leaving the McKale Center after Bruins forward Kris Wilkes made a three-pointer to give his team a 12-point lead with about 2½ minutes left. More departed after Arizona's Brandon Randolph missed a jumper. The aisles finally became jammed when UCLA's GG Goloman drained a three-pointer, wiggling his fingers for fun on his way back down the court.