CLEVELAND — The competition came down to the wire. Going into the final rotation, Alabama led the UCLA gymnastics team by a mere 0.025.
The Crimson Tide came through with a strong rotation to defeat the Bruins, 197.650-197.375.
Alabama was on floor exercise and UCLA was on its nemesis: the balance beam. The beam has given UCLA trouble all season, and during yesterday’s semifinal the Bruins were forced to count a fall that cost them first place.
But against Alabama, the Bruins had to be perfect.
UCLA just could not keep up with ‘Bama, tallying a 49.200 on beam but not committing any falls. The Bruins hit 24 for 24 routines for a team total of 197.375.
The Crimson Tide scored a 49.450 on floor exercise for a team total of 197.650. The last two Alabama gymnasts to compete scored 9.90 and 9.950 respectively. This victory gives Alabama its fifth national title in gymnastics and first since 2002.
Oklahoma came in third place with a 197.250, followed by Nebraska with a 196.725, Utah with a 196.500, and Michigan with a 196.425.