NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME / UCLA 89, ARKANSAS 78 : SPOTLIGHT : HAIL TO THE CHAMPIONS
President Clinton swallowed defeat and heartily congratulated UCLA after the Bruins knocked off his Razorbacks.
From a Mexican restaurant in Little Rock, Clinton phoned Harrick and invited him and his Bruins to the White House for the traditional victory reception.
“You earned it tonight,” Clinton said. “I’ve never seen a team play better. They’re fabulous.
“I really admire the way you handled the whole thing. You earned it. You deserved it. Give the team my best.”
Clinton also telephoned Arkansas Coach Nolan Richardson to try to console him.
“You had a great game and a great season. Everyone in Arkansas gave you a standing ovation when the game was over. We’re all real proud of you and the players.”
Replied Richardson: “Every once in a while it’s just not your night.”
Go beyond the scoreboard
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