As bad as the loss was, things could always be worse. My Utes have had several horrible years that culminated into the worst season in school history.

A run so bad that somewhere along the way, without even really noticing when exactly it happened, the pain of tough losses slowly transformed into apathy.

Right now I miss the pain of a late tournament knockout.

It was 1998 when Utah had a double digit 2nd half lead in the national championship game against Kentucky. Eventually UK's tempo wore down my Utes, and I saw that lead evaporate along with the chances for a 2nd national title.

Man, that hurt.

But I would kill for that hurt right now.

I know you probably don't want to hear it, but just take a second to realize where Florida "the football school" is in the basketball world.

Since 2000, Florida has two national titles, three final fours, and five elite eights.

Think about that. You are in rarefied air. Duke has as many titles, but not as many elite eights. UK has the elite eights but zero titles. Only a title run this year brings Kansas into the conversation. Indiana and UCLA are not even in the vicinity when talking about Florida's success.

You think about all the traditional basketball powers, and only North Carolina is on similar run since 2000.

And this has all been done in an era where the parity in college basketball is greater than it has ever been.

Seriously amazing stuff.

I understand the pain of the team you love losing a heartbreaking game after a deep run in the tourney hurts bad. Real bad.

But damn, as a Utah fan, I sure do miss that pain.