UCLA vs. Michigan - Game Preview

By Bruin Basketball Report

No. 4 ranked UCLA (2-0) travels to Madison Square Garden to face the Michigan Wolverines (2-0) in a semifinals match-up of the 2K Sports Classic.

After easily dispatching of Prairie View A&M in the first round the Bruins barely survived its contest against Miami (OH) to advance from the tournament’s West region. UCLA point-guard Darren Collison was voted MVP of the region after averaging 17.5 points over the two games.

The Wolverines recorded easy victories in its region to advance to the semifinals. After beating up Michigan Tech, 77-55, on Monday they went on to defeat Northeastern, 76-56. Junior forward DeShawn Sims registered close to a double-double, 14.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in the games, while sophomore-phenom guard Manny Harris averaged 28.0 and 8.5 rebounds to earn regional MVP honors.

UCLA beat Michigan last year but not after being down by eight points in the second-half. Darren Collison helped the Bruins outscore the Wolveriens by 23 points in the final 14 minutes to lead his team to a 15 point victory.

Its not surprising Michigan, a non-NCAA tournament team last season, gave UCLA fits last year. Michigan Head Coach John Beilein seems to always give UCLA Coach Ben Howland problems. Besides battling Howland’s Pittsburgh teams in the Big East, Beilein’s West Virginia teams also beat Howland twice after he moved to UCLA

Beilein has installed the same 1-3-1 zone defense at Michigan that he used at West Virginia. Its a zone that has been problematic for Howland to solve. Its not the type of defense that a UCLA team sees often and the lack of experience against it has shown up with usually Bruin players either getting trapped on the sidelines or attempting long soft lobs over the zone that allows the defense to easily recover and defend.

At times Howland has tried stationing a guard at the high-post to attack the 1-3-1 but it hasn’t been very fruitful. The most effective Bruin offense against this zone has been by attacking the zone at the seams by dribble penetration, exactly what Darren Collison did successfully last season against Michigan. The Wolverines didn’t have the quickness in the backcourt to stop Collison. But this year may be different as the Wolverines have added quality and speed to its line-up as well as the return of its two best players from last season.

Michigan’s top player is Manny Harris (6’5, 185, So). Harris is a special player who can score off the dribble and spot up from outside. He is averaging 28.0 points on 66.7% field goal shooting and is hitting on 57.1% from beyond the arc. He also knows how to get into the paint, having gone to the free-throw line 23 times in his first two games this season.

Freshman Jrue Holiday will get the initial assignment against Harris. Last season UCLA’s Russell Westbrook frustrated Harris into a very poor shooting game, however, Holiday has not yet shown over the first two games that he can be the lock-down defender the team desperately needs on the perimeter. Holiday certainly has the size, quickness, and desire to be a great defender but just hasn’t put it all together in games yet.

Coming off the bench in the first two games is returning letterman DeShawn Sims (6'8, 235, Jr). A tough man to stop, he's strong player inside with a good midrange shot, he is averaging 14.5 points on 52% shooting. He’s also the team’s best rebounder averaging 9.5 per game.

On offense, Beilein’s teams like to spread the court and utilize a combination of crisp backdoor cuts and kick-out precision three-point shooting, a combination that usually gives Howland’s help-defense type teams problems.

Last year the Wolverines struggled to learn the offense, and its too early to tell whether they have the right talent to make this offensive system effective in Michigan this season.

In the first two games, Michigan has attempted 38 three-point shots per contest making them at a 34.2% clip, however, if you remove Harris’s shooting then the rest of the team has shot just a mere 29% from beyond the arc.

Nonetheless, the Michigan starting line-up is littered with players who can and will make the three-point shot a weapon.

Zack Gibson (6'10, 220, Jr) has decent post moves but he is also a long range bomber. He is averaging 7.5 points. UCLA junior James Keefe will be matched up initially with Gibson.

David Merritt (5'10, 170, Sr) is a big-time three-point shooter and a player that Darren Collison or Jerime Anderson will need to keep a close eye on.

Anthony Wright (6'6, 235, So) will look for the long range shot but will also crash the boards and find the loose balls. Wright averages 4.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. Alfred Aboya will likely begin the evening on Wright or at least until DeShawn Sims checks in.

Stu Douglass (6'3, 175, Fr) started the €first two games and rotates at the off -guard spot and helps with the ball-handling, He is averaging 3.0 points and 3.5 assists. Josh Shipp will get the initial check on Douglass.

In order for UCLA to win they will have to solve the Wolverine’s zone defense. They still have Collison to breakdown the zone via dribble penetration but leave no doubt Beilein will be ready this time around.

On the other end of the court UCLA will need to stay patient and focused on defense and bump cutters - especially the backdoor cuts, in addition, they'll have to close out quickly on the Michigan long range shooters.

The winner of this semifinal contest will square off with the victor of the No.8 Duke and Southern Illinois semifinal game for the tournament championship.

Game Information
UCLA vs. Michigan
2K Sports Classic
Place: Madison Square Garden
Time: 6:30PM PT
TV: ESPN-2
Radio: AM 1150

UCLA vs. Prairie View A&M - Game Preview

By Bruin Basketball Report

UCLA opens the 2008-09 season on Wednesday night against the Prairie View A&M (PVAM) Panthers in a first round game of the 2K Sports Classic: Coaches Against Cancer.

The winner of this game faces the winner of Weber State/Miami Ohio in a second round match-up on Thursday night. The winner of the second round contest advances to Madison Square Garden for a chance to play for the championship. Teams in other parts of the tournament bracket include Michigan, Southern Illinois, and Duke. See complete tournament bracket: HERE

PVAM, located near Houston Texas, plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The team finished the conference in 8th place last season finishing a disappointing 6-12 in conference action and 8-22 overall.

This is also the Panther's first game of the regular season. The Panthers have never faced the Bruins in basketball.

PVAM averaged 65.9 points while allowing 76.2 points to opponents last season. Not a threat from outside, the Panthers shots just 30.9% from beyond the three-point arc.

The Panthers lost their top two scorers to graduation over the summer but they return three starters from last year's squad.

Senior guard Derek Johnson (6'1, 190) is the leader on the squad. He was the team's third leading scorer, averaging 11.0 points and led the team in assists with 3.8.

Forward Dorian McDaniel (6'6, 210, Jr) averaged 5.5 points and 3.0 rebounds.

Seven-footer Blake Thompson (7'0, 240, Sr) takes up vertical space but does not contribute much more than that, finishing last season with just 5.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 14.3 minutes of action per game.

The Panthers will likely give the Bruins as much trouble as their two prior NAIA exhibition opponents, Cal Baptist and Biola, were able to muster.

This game will only be as challenging and close as UCLA allows it. It all depends on how much effort and intensity the Bruin players come out with to start the game.

Junior forward Nikola Dragovic was back at practice with the team this week. He posted bail after being arrested for misdemeanor battery against his ex-girl friend. UCLA Coach Ben Howland said at his weekly pressor that the situation with Dragovic would be handled internally. Its unknown at this time whether Dragovic will play against PVAM on Wednesday night.

Game Information
UCLA vs. Prairie View A&M
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 12
Time: 7:05 PM
Place: Pauley Pavilion
TV: ESPN-U
Radio: AM 1150

UCLA vs. Biola - Exhibition Game Preview

By Bruin Basketball Report

UCLA looks to further refine its game when it hosts Biola University on Friday night at Pauley Pavilion in the team's second and last exhibition of the season.

The Bruins easily beat Cal Baptist on Monday, 86-58. senior Josh Shipp scored a game-high 20 points on 7 of 8 shooting and junior Nikola Dragovic chipped in 13. Freshman sensation Jrue Holiday played a solid all-around game recording 12 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals.

Against Cal Baptist, the Bruins did most of their damage from the perimeter and did not show much offensive production nor dominate in the low post. Alfred Aboya, James Keefe, J'mison Morgan, and Drew Gordon combined for just 7 of 18 shooting and 16 points, and all of this against a small outmatched Cal Baptist team. One bright spot was J'mison Morgan who did flex his muscles down low grabbing a game-high 9 rebounds.

The Biola Eagles finished 17-14 last season in the Golden State Athletic Conference of NAIA Division I, the same conference as Cal Baptist. Biola is located just down south in La Mirada, California.

The Eagles return three solid senior starters from last year's team.

Forward Rocky Hampton (Sr, 6'9) is the top returning scorer and rebounder. He averaged 12.4 points and 8.2 rebounds. Guards Marlon King (Sr, 5'9) and Danny Campbell (Sr, 6'4) form a formidable duo in the back court.

It will be the first game of the season for Biola.

UCLA opens regular season action next week in the 2K Sports Classic on Wednesday when it faces Praire View A&M in the first round followed by a second round game on Thursday. If the Bruins win both games and a semifinal game the following week then it may set up a potential epic championship game match-up in Madison Square Garden against Duke.

Look for Bruin Basketball Report's (BBR) Annual Season Preview next Monday.

Game Information
UCLA vs. Biola
Date: Friday, Nov. 7, 2008
Time: 7:30PM PT
Place: Pauley Pavilion
TV: None
Internet: CSTV
Radio: None

UCLA vs. Stanford - Pac-10 Tourney Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

Top seed UCLA (30-3) ends the Pac-10 season the way it started when it faces No.2 seed Stanford (26-6) in the Pac-10 Tournament championship game.  The Bruins played the Cardinal in the first game of the Pac-10 conference season back on January 3.

Stanford earned its chance to play in the championship game by beating Washington State Friday night, 75-68.  Sophomore Brook Lopez scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Lawrence Hill added 14 off the bench.  The game was close throughout but Stanford made its free throws down the stretch and the Lopez twin brother were just too much to overcome.  Robin Lopez finished with 9 points and 8 rebounds.

UCLA swept Stanford during conference play including a controversial overtime decision at Pauley Pavilion last Thursday.   With time running out in regulation and the Bruins down by two, Darren Collison drove to the basket and was fouled by Stanford's Lawrence Hill. 

Many criticized the call, feeling there was no foul committed on the play.  Collison went on to make both free throws to send the game into overtime where UCLA dominated outscoring Stanford 14-4 to win the game, 77-67.

The Bruins will be playing without forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute who suffered a severe sprained ankle in the first half of the USC contest.  X-rays taken were negative. With the NCAA tournament starting in a week, the Bruins hope to have him back by the first game.

Mbah a Moute will be sorely missed against Stanford's big front line.  He recorded a double-double, 10 points and 11 rebounds last Thursday against them.  His defense, especially off the double in the low post will be missed.  Alfred Aboya will likely get the start at power forward spot with James Keefe backing him up.  Keefe played a spirited game against USC and was a big contributor in the win - the Bruins will need the same effort.  Lorenzo Mata-Real should also see major minutes on the floor.

Stanford dominated for most of the game at Pauley last Thursday.  The Lopez twins controlled the paint, changing a number of shot attempts by the Bruins who ventured in.  UCLA stepped up its defensive pressure in the second half to rally and set up Collison's late game free throws.

UCLA will need to bring the same defensive pressure, especially on the perimeter, to prevent Stanford from setting up offensively and to make it hard for the guards to make a pass into the post.  While Stanford is big inside, the Bruins have a decided advantage at the guard spots with both Collison and Westbrook.

Freshman Kevin Love held his own against the Lopez twins in the last game, recording 17 points and 10 rebounds, but he will need either Aboya, Keefe, or Mata-Real to step up big without Mbah a Moute next to him on the baseline.

After having one of their best shooting games against California on Wednesday, the Bruins returned on Thursday against USC with one of their worst.  UCLA shot just 39.2% from the field and a miserable 16.7% on three-pointers.  The Bruins can ill afford to shoot as bad against Stanford.

Its unlikely the outcome of the championship game will have any impact UCLA's seeding with the NCAA tournament selection committee.  At this point, the Bruins will likely receive the No.1 seed in the West from the committee.

Stanford Roster and Statistics

PLAYER	POS	PTS	REB	AST
*Brook Lopez	F	18.9	8.5	1.4
*Anthony Goods	G	10.5	2.0	1.7
*Robin Lopez	C	10.0	5.5	0.6
*Lawrence Hill	F	8.8	5.0	1.1
*Mitch Johnson	G	6.8	4.3	4.7
Taj Finger	F	5.9	4.3	0.5
Fred Washington	F	4.6	4.0	2.3
Landry Fields	G	3.9	2.1	1.0
Kenny Brown	G	3.8	1.3	0.6
Drew Shiller	G	3.5	0.9	0.7
Peter Prowitt	C	1.5	1.0	0.4
Josh Owens	F	1.4	1.6	0.3

Game Information
Pac-10 Tournament Championship Game
No.1 seed UCLA vs No.2 seed Stanford
Time: 3:00PM PT
Place: Staples Center
TV: CBS
Radio: AM 570

(photo credit: Stanford Athletics)

UCLA vs. California - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

Pac-10 conference champion UCLA (27-3, 15-2) plays its last regular season game on Saturday when it hosts the California Golden Bears (15-13, 6-11) at Pauley Pavilion.

The Bruins clinched the conference regular season championship on Thursday with a 77-67 comeback win over Stanford. Darren Collison scored 24 points including two free throws at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime. In the extra five-minute period, the Bruins outscored the Cardinal 14-4.

While some suggest the Bruins should use this game to rest up for the tournament, more likely, UCLA will be looking to solidify their chances of gaining a No.1 or No.2 seed in the West region with a victory over the Bears in this last regular season match-up.

Cal has won at least one game against UCLA each of the last nine seasons. Last year, the Bears dropped both regular-season games but then upset the Bruins, 76-69, in overtime in the Pac-10 Tournament quarterfinals.

UCLA beat Cal in the team's first meeting in early January at Haas Pavilion. Freshman Kevin Love dominated scoring 19 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the Bruins' 70-58 win.

On Thursday night USC beat beat California 93-89 at the Galen Center. Patrick Christopher led Cal with 24 points before fouling out with 17.8 seconds remaining. Ryan Anderson had 22 points and 12 rebounds.

The Bears have played better on the road than at home. They finished conference play 2-7 at Haas but are 4-4 in road league games, picking up victories over Washington State, Washington, Oregon State and Arizona State.

With key returning starters and All-American candidate Ryan Anderson leading the team, Cal was expected to challenge for the Pac-10 title this season, instead it has been disappointing season for the players, coaches and its fans in Berkeley.

The Bears are in ninth place in the conference with a 6-11 record with only winless Oregon State behind them. There are new rumblings that perhaps Head Coach Ben Braun's job is in jeopardy after the season ends.

Now averaging 77.4 points per game, Cal leads the conference in scoring, a rate that also ranks 34th-best in the country. However the problems for the team have been on the defensive end where the Bears are allowing a conference-worst 78.1 points per game Opponents are shooting over 46% against the porous Bears defense.

Cal primarily plays a man-to-man defense and mixes it at times with a zone. Against UCLA, it wouldn't be surprising to find the Bears playing more zone than usual considering the Bruins' recent problems with their perimeter shooting.

Earlier in the season, Cal did a good job of slowing up the UCLA transition game by regularly sending back three defenders to clog up the running lanes. With big DeVon Hardin and Pac-10 standout Ryan Anderson hitting the offensive boards hard, we'll likely see the same strategy employed.

First team All-Pac 10 forward Ryan Anderson (6'10,240,So) is averaging 21.5 points, second in the Pac-10, and 10.0 rebounds per game. He scored a career-high 36 points against Nevada earlier in the season.

Anderson can score by posting up inside utilizing his size and solid footwork and can also score from outside. Anderson is shooting 49.3% from the field while hitting on a deadly 41.8% on three-pointers.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will get the initial look at Anderson. Mbah a Moute needs to use his speed and physicality against Anderson who is perhaps one of the toughest defensive assignments in the conference.

DeVon Hardin (6'11,250,Sr) is the Bears' man in the middle. He considered declaring for the NBA after last season but after missing most of the past two years to injuries, he decided to improve his stock value by playing one more season in Berkeley. 

However Hardin has been inconsistent at best this year.  His numbers have diminished as the season has progressed.  Hardin is averaging 9.6 points on 56.4% shooting, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game.

Love dominated Hardin in the first match-up recording a double-double against him.  Hardin still tends to be foul-prone and especially bites easily on pump-fakes, something Love does very well against bigger opponents.

Starting at a forward spot is Jamal Boykin (6'8,235,So). He's averaging 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game but he is capable of bigger numbers. Against Long Beach State earlier in the season, Boykin had 18 points and 10 rebounds.

At a guard spot is Patrick Christopher (6'5, 215, So), the team's second leading scorer at 15.8 points per game on 46.2% shooting.  He's a solid shooter out to the three-point point and also an effective slasher to the basket.  Christopher is shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc.

At point-guard, the Bears have lightening quick 5'10 sophomore Jerome Randle. He is averaging 13.7 points and 3.9 assists, however, he also has problems taking care of the ball.  Earlier in the season versus Missouri, he turned the ball over 10 times in 36 minutes. Coach Braun feels part of the problem is that Randle tries to make a big play each time he has the ball.

Nikola Knezevic (6'2,185,So) had been starting at a guard spot but now comes off the bench along with Eric Vierneisel (6'7,210,Sr). Freshman Harper Kamp (6'8,245), a post man off the bench, is averaging 4.7 points and 2.6 rebounds. He's providing the Bears solid minutes, 13.4, in his first season at the collegiate level. The Bruin coaching staff briefly recruited him last year.

UCLA is a double-digit favorite to win this game and has all the momentum going into Saturday afternoon's contest as well as the home court.  However, Cal has dangerous weapons in Anderson and multiple players who can get hot from outside.  The Bruins are witnesses, and victims (last year's Pac-10 tourney) , to what can happen when the Bears put it all together in a game. 

Tomorrow if the Bruins are still feeling the postgame euphoria from the conference title clinching win against Stanford and don't put forth their best effort, the result may be a closer game than some might expect.

Game Date: Mar. 8
Time: 12:30 PM PT
Place: Pauley Pavilion
TV: ABC
Radio: AM 570

(photo credit Cal Athletics)

UCLA vs. Stanford - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

No.2/3 UCLA takes on No.7 Stanford Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion in a battle for first-place in the Pac-10 conference race.

Stanford (24-4, 13-3) sits one full game behind the Bruins (26-3, 14-2) in the standings. A win by the Cardinal would put them in a virtual tie for first place.

After head-to-head competition, the next tiebreaker is each team's record against the team occupying the next highest position in the final regular-season standings. If Stanford beats UCLA then the two teams will have split their series. Since both teams swept Washington State, the second place team, then the next tie breaker would likely be their series against USC which is expected to finish third. The Bruins are 1-1 against the Trojans while Stanford currently holds a 1-0 record against USC with a game on Saturday still to be played.

UCLA swept through the desert last week beating both Arizona State and Arizona to remain atop the conference, while Stanford defeated both Washington schools in Maples Pavilion to keep the pressure on UCLA.

The Bruins own a 128-89 edge in the all-time series, which dates back to 1924-25. Since posting a six-game winning streak that spanned from 2002-2005, Stanford has dropped four of the last five meetings. It includes a 76-67 loss at Maples Pavilion back on January 3 in the Pac-10 opener that featured five three-pointers and 21 points from UCLA's Josh Shipp.

Stanford averages 71.0 points per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 36.5% on three-pointers. Its a team built around twin 7-footers, Brook and Robin Lopez, who dominate inside play on both ends of the court.

Not surprisingly, the Cardinal has outrebound teams by almost a ten rebound margin and have blocked more than twice as many shots (5.2 per game) than its opponent.

In the first contest, the Bruins did a good job limiting both Lopez brothers on the offensive end. UCLA doubled down on Brook Lopez whenever he touched the ball within 15 feet of the basket. Brook, who was just returning from a academic suspension, scored just 13 points.

In addition, UCLA did a good job pressuring on the perimeter and making it difficult for Stanford's guards to pass the ball inside unfettered to their big men. Expect UCLA to apply the same defensive pressure in the post and on the perimeter to keep Stanford from establishing any offensive rhythm.

Brook Lopez (7'0, 260, So) seriously considered leaving for the NBA after his freshman year but decided to spend another year to refine his game in Palo Alto. However in a bizarre start to this season, he was ruled ineligible due to academic reasons, but Lopez has returned to form and is big trouble for any defense to handle.

Lopez leads Stanford in both scoring and rebounding with 19.3 points and 11.2 caroms per game. A very active and solid post player, he also possesses a good midrange jumper. Lopez will alternate between the low and high post on offense with his twin brother, Robin, throughout the game.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will get the initial assignment against Brook Lopez but he will get plenty of help from the five spot on the double in the post.

Don't be surprised if UCLA utilizes its own twin towers at times during this game. Coach Howland has indicated he's inclined to use both his centers, Kevin Love and Lorenzo Mata-Real at the same time on the floor against bigger front lines.

Brook's brother, Robin Lopez (7'0, 255, So), plays the game more with his back to the basket. He's averaging 9.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as well as 2.2 blocks.

Both Lopez brothers are prone to foul trouble and perhaps Love can use his guile and sound low-post skills to cause problems for them underneath. Brook and Robin fouled out of the game down the stretch in the first meeting.

At small forward Stanford starts Lawrence Hill (6'8,215,Jr). Hill has had problems duplicating his All-Pac-10 player performance of last season. He's averaging 9.1 points a game and 5.2 rebounds. Hill has struggled getting into the flow of the offense this season, he's shooting just 42.5% from the field.

Hill has been a good three-pointer in the past but he's struggled with consistency this past season, although he's shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc.

In the backcourt are Anthony Goods (6'3,205,Jr) and Mitch Johnson (6'1,190,Jr).

Goods is the team's best perimeter offensive player. He shoots well from outside and can take the ball effectively to the basket off the bounce.

The junior guard is averaging 11.2 points on just 37.6% field goal shooting, however, Goods also hits 35.8%% on three-pointers.

Mitch Johnson is a much improved point guard and is perhaps one of the keys to Stanford's successful season thus far. Johnson is averaging 6.7 points and 4.5 assists per game and takes good care of the ball.

UCLA will count on both Russell Westbrook and Darren Collison to apply intense pressure on the perimeter in order to make it difficult for Stanford to initiate their halfcourt offense inside.

Fred Washington (6'5,215,Sr), Taj Fingers (6'8,200,Sr), and Landry Fields (6'7,200,So) have given Stanford solid support off the bench. Both Fingers and Washington give the team energy and defensive presence in reserve and Fields can light it up from outside if he get's it going.

Stanford is a much improved team from the one UCLA defeated up at Palo Alto to start the season. Brook Lopez had just returned from his suspension and was still getting assimilated on the floor. Lopez is now playing his best ball of the season and has been mentioned prominently as a candidate for player of the year.

On the other hand, UCLA's Darren Collison was still adjusting after returning from his knee injury, and was playing without his knee brace for the first time when these two teams met in January.

Aside from defending aggressively on the perimeter and in the low post against Stanford, UCLA will need to do a better job hitting their open outside jumpers. In the first match-up, UCLA hit on 56.3% on their three-pointer, led by Josh Shipp's five treys. Shipp has been struggling with his outside shot of late and will look to shoot himself out of the slump.

If the Bruins are unable to spread Stanford's defense with their outside shooting, then they'll risk the defense collapsing around Kevin Love in the paint.

In addition to the Pac-10 conference race, this game will have major ramifications on the NCAA tournament seedings with the winner perhaps becoming the favorite for gaining either a No.1 or No.2 seed in the coveted West region.

(photo credit: Stanford Athletics)

UCLA vs. Arizona - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

No.4 ranked UCLA looks for a series sweep against Arizona when it takes on the Wildcats in a Sunday afternoon contest at McKale Center in Tucson.

The Bruins (25-3, 13-2) sit atop the Pac-10 conference one game ahead of Stanford. They have won four straight, including a rout of Arizona State on Thursday night, 70-49. UCLA shot 50% on three-pointers against the Sun Devils. Junior Shipp snapped out of an 0 for 20 shooting slump from long distance, hitting 4 of 8 from beyond the arc in the win.

Fighting for a No.1 or No.2 seed in the West, UCLA needs to continue its winning ways down the stretch and beyond into the Pac-10 tournament.

In the last game between the two teams in early February, UCLA handed Arizona its worst loss of the season, 82-60. The Bruins dominated inside, scoring 52 of their points in the paint. UCLA out-rebounded Arizona by 14 rebounds.

A perennial winner over the past two decades under Coach Lute Olson, Arizona (17-11, 7-8) has struggled this season. Coach Olson decided to take a leave of absence prior to the start of the season and assistant Kevin O'Neill was named interim coach in his place.

The Wildcats are fighting for a berth in the NCAA postseason tournament and needs to do well in the final two weeks of the regular season and Pac-10 tournament to ensure an invitation to the big dance. Arizona was dealt a major setback when it lost to USC on Thursday night at McKale Center, 70-58

One problem this year for Arizona has been its lack of depth on the roster. The Wildcats lack depth at every position on the floor, including at point-guard with Nic Wise out six weeks with a knee injury.

Four Wildcat players average 30 minutes of playing time per game with three of them averaging over 35 minutes.

Arizona likes to open up the floor on offense and score in transition. In the halfcourt set they are best when they penetrate and kick out to the open shooter. The Wildcats are an excellent three-point shooting team, leading the Pac-10 in three-point shooting percentage at almost 40%.

The Wildcats average 71.8 points per game on 48.1% shooting while allowing opponents 67.1 points on 44.7% field goal shooting.

On defense, Coach Kevin O'Neil has tried to transition his team to a tougher brand of man-to-man defense, but often times this season the Wildcats have reverted back to a zone defense as they did against UCLA in the first meeting.

Freshman sensation Jarryd Bayless (6'3, 199, Fr) leads the team in scoring with 20.6 points per game. Bayless has the ability to take his defender off the dribble with his quickness or hit from long distance. He's shooting 42.6% on three-pointers.

In a key match-up UCLA's Russell Westbrook will take on Bayless. He did a good job checking Bayless in the first meeting, denying him the ball and holding him to just 13 points.

Sophomore forward Chase Budinger (6'7, 203, So) is averaging 17.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. More of a catch-and-shoot offensive player, he has had difficulty when defenders force him to put the ball on the floor daring him to beat them off the dribble.

Budinger will be shadowed most of the game by Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. Mbah a Moute has the speed and size to bother a player like Budinger. Budinger was just 4 of 12 for 9 points against UCLA in the previous game.

At center for the Wildcats is Jordan Hill (6'10, 226, So) who has been one of the most improved players in the conference this season. A tough and solid player down low on both ends of the court, Hill is averaging 12.8 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds a game.

Hill has developed an array of short range shots, shooting almost 60% from the field. In the last meeting, Hill did not guard Kevin Love for most of the game, instead he served as a weakside-help defender to take advantage of his shot-blocking abilities. The Wildcats opted to guard Love with 6'6, 235 lb forward Fendi Onobun.

At the other guard spot is Jawann McClellan (6'4, 204, Sr). The senior guard is averaging 9.0 points and 40.0% from beyond the arc.

McClellan is a very physical backcourt player who can also take the ball to the hoop. This will be a good match-up for UCLA's Josh Shipp who has the speed and physicality to guard McClellan.

Freshman Jamelle Horne and senior Daniel Dillon combine to primarily play the final wing spot on the floor.

It hasn't been a stellar season for the "other freshman" on the team - Jamelle Horne. He's averaging just 3.1 points on 42.9% shooting. Dillon is more of a defensive specialist than a scorer, he's averaging 2.4 points on an anemic 37% shooting.

UCLA broke out of its mini-shooting slump against Arizona State on Thursday night and look to continue the positive trend into the tournament.

In what used to be a marquee match-up between UCLA and Arizona, the game between these two teams has lost some of its luster, mainly due to UCLA's domination over the Wildcats the past three seasons.

The Bruins are building momentum as they head into March and beyond while the Wildcats are still looking for some consistency.

UCLA looks like overwhelming favorites to win the game in Tucson, but the Wildcats will be playing in front of a large home crowd, and one just needs to look to the Washington contest in Seattle to realize how far home court advantage can take a team.

UCLA vs Arizona
Date: Sunday, March 2
Time: 1:00 PM PT
Place: Tucson, AZ
TV: CBS
Radio: AM 1150

(photo credit: UA Athletics)

UCLA vs. Arizona State - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

No.4 ranked UCLA travels to Tempe on Thursday night to face the Arizona State Sun Devils to start its last road trip of the regular season.

Going into this week the Bruins (24-3, 12-2) lead the Pac-10 by a full game over the Stanford Cardinal. UCLA swept both Oregon schools at Pauley Pavilion last week.

The Sun Devils (17-9, 7-7) are tied for fifth with Arizona in the conference race and are vying for an invitation to the NCAA postseason tournament. No doubt Coach Herb Sendek and his team realize a signature win over a top-ranked team like UCLA would go far in the selection committee's decision.

In the two team's first meeting at Pauley Pavilion in January, UCLA routed the Sun Devils, 84-51. The Bruins picked apart Arizona State's zone, making the extra pass to an open teammate for easy scores. The Sun Devils were slow in their rotations and the Bruins made them pay, shooting a deadly 8 of 12 for 67% on three-pointers.

Arizona State lost on the road to Washington State, 59-47, last Thursday but then rebounded to beat Washington, 77-63, on Saturday in Seattle.

Since the arrival of Coach Sendek, Arizona State has blossomed into a solid defensive squad. They utilize an aggressive 3-2 match-up zone and play the passing lanes aggressively.

The Sun Devils allow just over 61 points a game on a stingy 40.9% shooting. They force teams to shoot over their zone or make them take tough low percentage shots against their aggressive interior defense.

Arizona State fields a young squad with three freshmen in the starting line-up.

James Harden (6'5, 210, Fr) is leading the team in scoring with 18.0 points per game. A crafty player with a quick first step, Harden can take an opponent off the dribble or beat him from outside, he is shooting 52.6% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc.

The left-handed freshman guard leads the team with 50 steals and is second on the team in assists and rebounds.

In the first match-up against UCLA, Russell Westbrook held Harden to just 9 points on 2 of 6 shooting, and he'll try to keep the wraps on Harden again in Tempe.

Freshman Ty Abbott (6'4, 195, Fr) starts at one wing. He struggled a bit midseason, perhaps hitting the proverbial freshman wall, but he's come on strong lately. Against California two weeks ago, Abbott scored a career-high 30 points including 8 of 13 on three-pointers.

If the Sun Devils expect to have any chance against the Bruins on Thursday, Abbott will need to have a similar performance. He is averaging 10.4 points a game on 41% field goal shooting and over 37% on three-pointers.

Abbott will be matched up against UCLA's Josh Shipp who needs to do a good job closing out on the young Sun Devil sharpshooter.

At another wing is native Latvian, Rihards Kuksiks (6'6, 205, Fr). Kuksiks stepped into the the starting line-up in place of Jerren Shipp (6'3, 214, So) a few games ago. He has an excellent feel for the game and gives the Sun Devils another solid three-point threat and a little more size on the floor.

Kuksiks is shooting almost 40% from the three-point line. Over the last four games, he is averaging 11.0 points including ten three-point field goals made.

Junior center Jeff Pendergraph (6'10, 230, Jr) is second on the team in scoring with 12.7 per game and is the leading rebounder at 6.7. Pendergraph is a good low post scorer at possesses a solid midrange jumper.

Pendergraph has the ability to be an impact player on both ends of the court, but at times, as a result of his unselfishness, he can disappear on the court.

In the loss against UCLA, Pendergraph only recorded 6 points and 1 rebound matched-up against Kevin Love, while Love went for 20 and 10 against Arizona State.

At point guard for the Sun Devils is steady Derek Glasser (6'1, 180, So) who is averaging 6.3 points and 4.1 assists a game. Freshman Jamelle McMillan (6'2, 180) had started most of the season at point but has struggled of late and now is the back-up.

The Sun Devils have a solid bench. In addition to McMillan and Shipp, they also have transfer Eric Boateng (6'10, 245, So) and Antwi Atuahene (6'3, 205, Sr) in reserve.

While Arizona State is fighting hard for a spot in the tournament, the Bruins are looking for more consistency in preparation for the postseason. Josh Shipp is looking to end his slump from the three-point area where he has missed his last 20 attempts.

Sophomore reserve forward Nikola Dragovic is questionable for the game, he strained his groin muscle in practice earlier this week.

(photo credit: ASU Athletics)

UCLA vs. Oregon - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

No.6 ranked UCLA (23-3, 11-2) plays host to the Oregon Ducks in a Saturday afternoon contest at Pauley Pavilion. 

Oregon with an overall record of 15-11 and 6-8 in conference play are tied for eighth with Washington in the Pac-10 race.

With three starting seniors in the line-up, much was expected of the Ducks this season, instead the team has been a disappointment, suffering from inconsistent play and lack of direction.  Its doubtful at this point the team will receive an NCAA bid to the tournament.  It is rumored Oregon Coach Ernie Kent's job may be in jeopardy after this season's performance.

On Thursday night, after leading the Trojans by double-digits for most of the game, the Ducks squandered away their lead and eventually the contest, bowing to USC 81-75.

This season Oregon has five players averaging double-digits in scoring.  The team averages 77.7 points per game, second-best in the Pac-10, on 48.2% field goal shooting and 38.8% on three-pointers.

Forward Malik Hairston (6'6, 220, Sr) is scoring a team-best 16.4 points on 52.2% shooting.  Hairston arrived in Eugene four years ago heralded as one of the top prep players in the nation, however, his career hasn't turned out the way he, or others, had expected. 

Not quick enough on the perimeter nor big enough to dominate inside, Hairston was never able to find his niche in Oregon.   

Josh Shipp will be matched-up with Hairston in the game.  Shipp is struggling with his outside shooting, missing his last 19 three-point shots.  He'll look to end his drought on Saturday.

Senior forward/center Maarty Leunen (6'9, 220, Sr) is leading the team again in rebounds at 9.3 per game while averaging 15.0 points on 55.8% shooting.  He is a danger out to the three-point line, shooting 48.4% on three-pointers. 

An undersized center, Leunen has had to anchor the middle for most of his career in Oregon by himself without much help from other big bodies.

Leunen had a tough time matching up against Kevin Love in the first match-up between the two teams.  Love scored 26 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in UCLA's 80-75 win in Eugene earlier in January.

Athletic Bryce Taylor (6'4, 210, Sr) is averaging 13.7 points on 48.3 shooting.  The Ducks' best defender, Taylor usually takes on the opponent's best offensive wing.  Taylor has also been prolific from beyond the arc, hitting 40.5% of his shots.

Taylor can carry the team when he has it going, but can disappear for stretches of the game as well. Russell Westbrook and Taylor will likely lock horns all afternoon long.

Joevan Catron (6'6, 205, So), a wide-body forward, played minimal minutes against UCLA in the last contest after returning from a foot injury.  Catron is averaging 10.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.  He may spell Leunen at times to guard Love in the post.

UCLA's Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will likely see most of his time against Catron in this game.  Mbah a Moute missed the first contest between the two teams in Eugene due to a concussion he had suffered earlier in the week.

Point-guard Tajuan Porter (5'6, 150, So) averages 13.5 points and 2.5 assists.  A three-point specialist who can shoot his team in or out of games depending on whether his shooting is on.  For the most part this season, Porter has been inconsistent with his main weapon, averaging just 34.1% on three-pointers despite taking the most attempts on the team.

Although not committing as many turnovers as he did at the start of the season, Porter still has a tendency to make bad decisions - not a good trait for a team's starting point guard.  Oregon definitely misses former Duck Aaron Brook's leadership and performance at the point.

The Oregon Ducks have the talent to play and win against any Pac-10 team on the road.  If the Bruins take this game too lightly or begin with low intensity and energy, Oregon could surprise them and make this a closer game than expected. 

There is a lot of pride on the line for this game, especially since a number of Oregon players, including Bryce Taylor, played high school ball in the Los Angeles area.

UCLA vs Oregon
Time: 12:30 PM PT
Place: Pauley Pavilion
TV: ABC
Radio: AM 570

(photo credit: OU Athletics)

UCLA vs. Oregon State - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

No.6 ranked UCLA hosts the Oregon State Beavers in a Pac-10 conference contest on Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion.

Last Sunday, the Bruins (22-3, 10-2) avenged an early season loss to the USC Trojans, defeating them at the Galen Center, 56-46. Kevin Love had 13 points and 11 rebounds while Luc Richard Mbah a Moute added a double-double himself with 10 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

The reeling Beavers (6-19, 0-13) arrive in Westwood winless in Pac-10 conference play. In January, Oregon State dismissed their coach Jay Johns and replaced him with interim coach Kevin Mouton.

The Beavers fall to UCLA in the first meeting between the two squads as the Bruins won 85-62 in Corvallis earlier this year. Darren Collison led the UCLA attack with 33 points and Love added a career-high 21 rebounds.

Oregon State is in the midst of a 15-game losing streak and things don't look to get any better this week on their trip to Southern California. Last week, the Beavers dropped a pair of home contests to Washington and Washington State.

Coach Mouton's Beavers are averaging 60.9 points a game while giving up 68.2 points to opponents. For the season, Oregon State is shooting an anemic 38.1% from the field and 29.7% on three-pointers.

One aspect the Beavers have improved upon this season is turnovers, the team is averaging just 12.6 per game - third best in the Pac-10.

The OSU basketball program is in deep transition. The current Beaver roster is completely different from last season's team due to early departures and player transfers, and the struggling program is looking for stars to emerge.

One player who has shined since the start of Pac-10 play is freshman Omari Johnson (6'7, 205, Fr). He's averaging 8.3 points and 4.9 rebounds. Two weeks ago against Arizona, the freshman scored a career-high 18 points.

Shooting guard Seth Tarver (6'5, 205, so) continues to lead the Beavers in scoring on the season with 11.1 per game. He's also second on the team in rebounds with 5.0 a contest. The athletic Tarver has bounced back from an injury plagued year and has shown glimpses of a potential star in the making.

Marcel Jones (6'8, 220, Sr) was expected to be a mainstay of the team this season, instead its been a very disappointing senior year for the former Mater Dei star. Jones is averaging 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds - well below his numbers as a junior. With the team looking to a new direction, Jones has seen his minutes diminish.

Moreover, Jones may be benched for the UCLA game due to a one game suspension he may be serving for taunting during a game last week against Washington.

Sophomore Josh Tarver (6'3, 185, So) has struggled at point-guard all season, in particular with his shooting where he is hitting on just 32.6% of his shots and 22.4% on three-pointers.

UCLA has won six straight in the series with the Beavers and they own an impressive 45-7 mark against Oregon State in games played in Los Angeles. Winning No.46 should not be a problem for the Bruins Thursday night.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the game on Thursday for UCLA is to remain injury-free. Forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute played 33 minutes against USC in his return from a sprained ankle. In reports from practice, he said his ankle felt better and experienced no lingering effects from the injury after the USC game.

Junior Josh Shipp hopes to break out of a recent shooting slump. After hitting 5 of 8 on three-pointers against Arizona State in a game at the end of January, Shipp has gone 0 of 15 from beyond the arc in February as teams have begun focusing their defenses on stopping him.

UCLA vs Oregon St.
Time: 7:30 PM PT
Place: Pauley Pavilion
TV: FSN West
Radio: AM 570

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(photo credit: OSU Athetics)

UCLA vs. USC - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

The UCLA Bruins return to action when they travel across town to face rival USC at the Galen Center on Sunday.

The No.6 ranked Bruins (21-3, 9-2) sit atop the Pac-10 conference a half-game ahead of Stanford. The Cardinal lost in overtime to Arizona State in Tempe on Thursday, 72-68.

Last Sunday UCLA suffered a disheartening loss to Washington in Seattle, 71-61. The Bruins were out-rebounded and out-hustled by the ninth-place Huskies. Junior guard Darren Collison was held to only 3 points on 1 of 8 shooting.

The Bruins come into the game against the Trojans looking to avenge an earlier season loss at Pauley Pavilion. USC's Davon Jefferson scored a game-high 25 points in the upset win.

USC's defense baffled the Bruins all game long, utilizing a triangle and two zone defense to shut down Kevin Love down low, and the Bruins never made the necessary adjustments shooting an anemic 33.3% from the field.

The Trojans (15-8, 6-5) have won six of its last eight games and are currently tied for third place in the Pac-10.

After having problems getting into Pullman last Saturday, the Trojans were embarrassed by the Cougars, 74-50. It matched the biggest loss margin in the Tim Floyd era at USC.

USC received bad news earlier this week when it was revealed guard Daniel Hackett was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back. Although the injury will not require surgery, Hackett may not return to the team this season.

Hackett was averaging 9.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and was leading the Trojans with 79 assists. His loss is a big blow to the team, Hackett played a major role in the upset win against UCLA, scoring key baskets down the stretch to help stave off a Bruin rally.

Entering this week's action, USC ranked 18th in the country and second in the Pac-10 in defensive field goal percentage at 38.8%. Meanwhile, UCLA is allowing opponents to shoot 45.1% against them.

Not a strong rebounding unit, the Trojans are being outrebounded on the glass by a margin of -6.4 per game. In January they were beaten on the boards by the Bruins, 39-30, but still managed to pull out the win.

On offense the Trojans are shooting 48.4% and averaging 68.8 points per game. They are led in scoring by guard O.J Mayo.

Mayo (6'5, 200, Fr) is averaging 20.2 points per game on 44.3% field goal shooting. He scored 16 points in the last meeting in Westwood. Mayo took just 12 field goal attempts, his unselfishness on the offensive end and allowing the game come to him was a key in his team's victory.

Russell Westbrook did a good job on Mayo defensively but it may have affected his offensive game. Westbrook shot just 2 of 11 from the field for 4 points. Part of the Trojan game plan was to take Love and guard Darren Collison out of the game offensively and make the other Bruins beat them - unfortunately Westbrook's offensive effort was not up to the task.

Forward Davon Jefferson (6'8, 215, Fr) is a long, athletic forward who gave the Bruin defense problems. He scored 25 points mostly on back cuts behind the Bruin's help defense.

Jefferson is averaging 13.1 points on 58.6% shooting and 6.2 rebounds. UCLA could have done a better job guarding Jefferson but Luc Richard Mbah a Moute missed most of the second half due to a concussion he suffered earlier in the game.

At this point, Mbah a Moute is listed as probable for Sunday's game. He sprained his ankle in the Arizona game a week ago. Mbah a Moute is doing stationary exercises and was out of his walking boot earlier this week. He missed both games in Washington due to the ankle injury. Without Mbah a Moute, the Bruins will have to counter with Alfred Aboya and James Keefe.

Center Taj Gibson (6'9, 225, So) had 9 points and 8 rebounds against UCLA's Kevin Love in the first meeting. He is averaging 10.0 points on 58% field goal shooting and a team-high 7.8 rebounds.

Kevin Love, who was doubled and tripled team by the Trojan zone, needs to come out much more active in this game. Rather than try to bang away inside, Love needs to step away outside the paint to set screens for teammates or to get free for midrange shots from the free throw line or short corner. Against the Huskies last Sunday, Love only managed 8 shot attempts in the game.

At another guard spot for the Trojans is Dwight Lewis (6'5, 215, So) who is averaging 10.7 points a game. A steadying force due to his consistent play, the Trojans seem to play better whenever he's on the court. He'll work hard on the defensive end to check UCLA's Josh Shipp who led the Bruins in scoring in the last match-up with 21 points.

Replacing Daniel Hackett at starting point-guard will be Angelo Johnson (5'11, 180, Fr). He is averaging 4.4 points and 2.0 assists a game.

USC did a good job spreading the floor against the Bruin defense in the January game, negating the help defense Coach Ben Howland relies on to help put pressure on the ball.

The loss of Daniel Hackett is a big blow for the Trojans, since he was part of the guard rotation that effectively took the Bruins off the dribble for easy scores at the basket.

Coach Howland thought his team came out too high, too amped up, in the first game. No doubt, he will have his team's emotions checked before coming onto the floor for this big rematch.

UCLA vs USC
Date: Sunday, February 17
Time: 7:00 PM PT
Place: Galen Center
TV: FSN/FSN Prime
Radio: AM 570

(photo credit USC Athletics)

UCLA vs. Washington - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

UCLA takes its five game winning streak into Seattle to face the Washington Huskies in a Sunday afternoon affair at Bank of America Arena.

The Bruins beat Washington State on Thursday night in the first leg of their road trip, 67-59. Darren Collison scored 18 points and Kevin Love added 16 points and 9 rebounds as the Bruins swept the season series with the Cougars.

UCLA (21-2, 9-1) sits atop the Pac-10 conference one-half game ahead of the Stanford Cardinal.

Washington (12-11, 3-7 Pac-10) are reeling having lost three straight games during its latest home stand. They are in ninth place in the Pac-10 and will likely miss the NCAA tournament for a second consecutive season.

On Thursday the Huskies were trounced by USC, 73-59. Junior forward Jon Brockman led the team with 13 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.

In the last meeting between UCLA and Washington in January, Russell Westbrook made 6 of 7 from the field for a game-high 18 points to UCLA to a 69-55 win at Pauley Pavilion. In the game, the Bruins led by as much as 22 points before cruising to the final victory. Darren Collison suffered a hip bruise and had to leave the game early.

Washington, as evidenced by their record and inconsistent play, has not found its rhythm this season. Head Coach Lorenzo Romar has implemented six different starting lineups this season. Jon Brockman is the only Husky player to start every game.

The Huskies are shooting 45% from the field while allowing opponents 46.2% field goal shooting. With the lack of vertical size in the interior, teams have been able to go inside on the Huskies. As a result, Coach Romar has used a lot zone defense to protect the paint this season while mixing it up at times with a man-to-man.

Led by Jon Brockman's 11.3 rebounds per game, the Huskies are outrebounding opponents by a +6.7 margin.

Brockman (6'7, 255, Jr) accounts for more than 25% of the team's total scoring output with 18.4 per game. The wide-bodied big man is shooting 54% from the field. He scored 16 points and had 8 rebounds against UCLA in the first game and generally outplayed freshman Kevin Love who scored just 11 points on 3 of 6 shooting.

But Kevin Love today is a much different player from the one who played in early January. Since the game against Washington, Love is averaging 21.3 points a contest. This epic match-up between two of the Pac-10's best and most physical low post players is worth the price of admission alone.

The other big man along the Husky front line is Artem Wallace (6'8, 250, Jr) who starts but shuffles in and out with forward Quincy Pondexter (6'6, 210, So).

Wallace is a physical player with limited skill on the offensive end. He is averaging just 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12.1 minutes a contest.

Pondexter has had a disappointing sophomore campaign. Once looked upon as a cornerstone for the future of the team, he has struggled in all facets of his game this season, averaging 9.0 points on 42.9% shooting. He has looked lost at times on both ends of the floor.

The Huskies have used primarily a three-guard set all season with a rotation of Ryan Appley, Tim Morris, Justin Dentmon, and Venoy Overton.

Appleby (6'3, 170, Sr) in his final collegiate campaign is the team's second-leading scorer with a 10.5 scoring average. He is shooting almost 40% on three-pointers. At Pauley Pavilion earlier this season, Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook combined to hold Appleby scoreless on a frustrating 0 for 2 shooting.

Tim Morris (6'4, 210, Sr) is a physical player who gives this team some much needed toughness on the floor. The Huskies tend to play better whenever he's on the floor due to his heady play. Morris is averaging 8.4 points on 49.1% shooting.

Justin Dentmon (5'11, 185, Jr) has been very inconsistent with his play this season. He started the season strong but his role on the team seems to change with every game. Dentmon has only started 8 games this season. He is averaging 9.0 points and just 2.5 assists in 24.5 minutes.

Freshman Venoy Overton (5'11, 180) has given the Huskies quality minutes in his first year of the program. He's averaging 4.7 points and a team-high 3.3 assists per game. Overton will need to improve his shooting, just 32.6% this season, to be a factor in the future on this team.

Although the Huskies have had respectable recruiting classes the past few seasons, many of the key players have not developed to expectations or have transferred to other schools. The loss of Husky center Spencer Hawes to the NBA draft was big setback for the team this last summer. The transfer to other schools by freshmen Phil Nelson last season and Adrian Oliver this year have hurt the team's depth. Underclassmen such as Dentmon and Pondexter have been disappointments thus far, and if the Huskies are to rise again in the Pac-10, these two sophomores will need to step up their game.

UCLA will need to guard against some complacency coming into this game in Seattle. The Bruins have been cruising along during their latest win streak. Teammates are sharing the ball with each other and having fun while doing it.

Forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is expected to miss his second consecutive game due to a sprained ankle he suffered against Arizona last week.

(photo credit: UW Athletics)

UCLA vs. Washington State - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

Kicking off the second-half of the Pac-10 conference season, No.4/5 UCLA travels up to Pullman to take on the No.17 Washington State Cougars in a Thursday night match-up.

Washington State (17-4, 5-4), ranked as high as No.2 this season, has dropped three of its last four games, including two at home last week.  They are tied for third-place in the conference with USC and Arizona.

The Cougars lost 69-64 to California on Thursday and then bowed out to Stanford 67-65 in a tough overtime defeat over the weekend. In both games, the Cougars were cold from three-point distance, shooting a combined 8 of 32 for a frigid 25% from beyond the arc.

Against Stanford the Cougars shot just 34% from the field overall and were outrebounded 42 to 16 by the Cardinal, yet Washington State still had a chance to put the game into a second overtime but guard Taylor Rochestie's end-to-end driving lay-up rolled off the rim as time expired.

Washington State hopes to regain their shooting touch and try to rebound against the Bruins on Thursday night.

In the their first meeting at Pauley Pavilion, UCLA (20-2, 8-1) beat the Cougars, 81-74.  The Bruins started the game quickly overwhelming the Cougars on the perimeter with aggressive ball pressure while building a lead as large as 18 points. 

But then with under two minutes remaining in the game, the Cougars made a remarkable seven consecutive three-point shots to pull within three-points before the Bruins finally pulled away for the final winning margin.  Freshman Kevin Love had a dominating performance scoring 27 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the win.

Despite their recent shooting woes, the senior-laden Cougar team remains tough to beat especially at home in Pullman - mainly a result of their outstanding defense.

Coach Tony Bennett's team plays a tough brand of man-to-man defense that applies pressure on the ball while aggressively playing the passing lanes.

Washington State enters this week leading the conference and ranked third in the nation in points allowed per game at 55.2 while holding opponents to 41.1% field goal shooting.

The Cougars boast three double-digit scorers on the offensive end.  Derrick Low (6'2, 196, Sr) leads the offense with 13.9 points per game. Kyle Weaver (6'6, 201, Sr) and Aron Baynes (6'10, 270, Jr) are adding 11.9 and 11.4 points per game, respectively.

Low is a tough competitor whom the Cougars look to for the big shots.  He has developed a quick shot release over his career and is tough to guard as he uses screens effectively to ward off defenders.  He's shooting almost 40% from beyond the arc.

Russell Westbrook will get the assignment against Low. Westbrook did a good job of shutting down high-scoring freshmen James Harden and Jerryd Bayless in last week's Bruin wins over both Arizona schools.

Kyle Weaver is a good ballhandler and a solid distributor but the spider-like Weaver is known for his defense.  He will be matched-up against UCLA's best perimeter scorer, Josh Shipp.

UCLA's Kevin Love had his way with the Cougars in the Bruin win earlier this year with 27 points and 14 rebounds.  He dominated Aron Baynes on both ends of the floor holding him to just 8 points.  If Love duplicates his effort again on Thursday against Baynes the Bruins will be tough to beat.

Point guard Taylor Rochestie is chipping in 9.2 points an outing while leading the league in assists with 5.2 dishes a game.  He is hitting 45.8% from three-point distance.  Darren Collison did a good job at Pauley Pavilion pressuring Rochestie and preventing him from getting into any rhythm during the game.

Starting at the power forward spot is rail-thin Robbie Cowgill (6'11, 211, Sr) is a tough competitor who is a good help defender and shot blocker.  Daven Harmeling (6'7, 216, Jr)  is the first Cougar off the bench and is averaging 7.0 pointer per game.

UCLA will be without Luc Richard Mbah a Moute for both games this week in Washington. Mbah a Moute suffered a sprain ankle in the second half of the Arizona game on Saturday.  Without Mbah a Moute, the Bruins are missing one of their best perimeter defenders and also rebounders. 

Sophomore Nikola Dragovic should see extended action on the wing this week, in addition, freshman Chace Stanback will also see time on the floor.

The Cougars are still licking their wounds from their two home losses last week to Cal and Stanford.  Washington State's defense will help keep them in most games even when their offense is struggling.  If the Cougars regain their outside shooting touch on Thursday, this will be the marquee game most expected to see at the start of conference play when both teams were ranked in the top-five.

Game Preview from 1/11/08
Game Summary from 1/12/08

Date: Feb. 7
UCLA vs Washington St.
Time: 7:30 PM PT
Place: Pullman, WA
TV: FSN/FSN West
Radio: AM 570

(photo credit: WSU Athletics)

UCLA vs. Arizona - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

One of college basketball's fiercest rivalries arrives at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday when No.5 ranked UCLA takes on Arizona in a nationally televised event on ESPN.

It is the 75th meeting between the two schools with UCLA holding a 43-31 series advantage. Arizona has won 11 of the last 19 meetings in the series, but UCLA has won the last five, including the last contest, an 81-66 rout in Tucson last February.

The rivalry matches the two best Pac-10 basketball programs of the past decade, but it will be missing a familiar face along the visitor's sideline.

Prior to the season, Arizona Head Coach Lute Olson said he would be taking a leave of absence due to a personal matter, and then later in December it was announced Olson, the "Silver Fox", would not return at all this season.

Assistant coach Kevin O’Neill was given the head coaching responsibilities for the season, and O'Neill has been tabbed by the school as Olson’s successor when he decides to ultimately retire.

The Wildcats bring a four-game win streak into Saturday night's game.

Thursday night at the Galen Center, Chase Budinger had 29 points and eight rebounds to lead Arizona to an 80-69 victory over USC. He made 11 of 20 field goals, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc for the Wildcats (15-6, 5-3). Senior Jawann McClellan added 23 points.

During Arizona’s current four-game win streak the club has connected on 53.6% (104-of-194) of its field goal attempts. Individually, five Wildcats are shooting 50% or better during the same span: Jawann McClellan 58.6%, Jerryd Bayless 55.6%, Nic Wise 54.5%, Chase Budinger 52.5%, and Jordan Hill 50%.

On the season, Arizona is 7-2 when outrebounding the opposition and carries a +1.3 rebound margin. Hill leads the team in rebounding with a 8.2 average.

The Wildcats are holding opponents to 66.6 points and a 34.7% shooting average. They play both man-to-man and zone defense. Coach O'Neill said he'd like the team to play more man-to-man this season, but lack of player depth has forced him to play more zone than he'd planned.

After briefly flirting with the idea of leaving for the NBA last season, forward Chase Budinger made the right decision and returned to Tucson for his sophomore campaign. He is averaging 18.2 points a game and shooting 45.3% while hitting from three at a 40.2% clip.

Budinger (6'7, 205, So), a San Diego native, is a pure shooter from the outside and can finish at the basket, however he has a tendency to disappear on the floor when faced against a more physical opponent.

UCLA's Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, one of the team's best defenders, will have the primary assignment of guarding Budinger. Mbah a Moute played only 17 minutes against Arizona State because of early foul trouble - perhaps it was too much excitement of returning to the lineup after missing two games due to a concussion.

Mbah a Moute needs to stay on the floor and avoid those silly fouls that plagued him in the last game. His length and physicality will pose a problem for Budinger. The scouting report on Budinger is not to give him room to shoot from the perimeter and instead force him to put the ball on the floor where his suspect handles can get him in trouble.

Much attention has been given to UCLA's Kevin Love as top freshman in the conference but Arizona's Jerryd Bayless is deserving of notice as well.

Bayless (6'3, 193, Fr) ranks third in the Pac-10 in scoring with a 19.3 point average. He's shooting a sizzling 44% from beyond the arc. A tough player to guard off the dribble, Bayless has the ability to penetrate into the paint to create offense for himself or dish to a teammate.

One of the keys to Arizona's offense is dribble penetration and kicking to the open man. The last few seasons, Arizona has lacked a guard who could penetrate and create, but they have such a player in Bayless.

Stopping Bayless from getting into the paint off the dribble is one of the keys to the game.

Fortunately for UCLA their best perimeter defender is 6'3 guard Russell Westbrook who will take on Bayless. Westbrook locked down Arizona State's James Harden on Thursday limiting the freshman to just 9 points.

Arizona lacks big bodies in the low post but Jordan Hill's stellar play this season has helped make up the difference. Hill is averaging 13.1 points on 61.9% field goal shooting. He has really improved his low post presence on both ends of the court. Hill is averaging almost two blocks a game.

Hill (6'9, 211, So) still has a tendency to be foul prone at times and he will have a tough time handling UCLA's big man Kevin Love down low. With reserve Kirk Walter (6'11, 254, Sr) providing very little support off the bench, if Hill gets into any foul trouble the Wildcats don't have the bodies inside to keep up with the Bruins.

At another wing is senior Jawann McCllelan (6'4, 211). After battling injuries most of his collegiate career, he is averaging over 35 minutes a game this season. A powerfully built player, he is still a threat from outside if he gets it going. This will be a good match-up for UCLA's Josh Shipp.

Point-guard Nic Wise has had a solid season after a suspect freshman year. Wise (5'9, 173, So) is averaging 8.1 points and 4.1 assists. While Bayless can run the point, he is really more of a shooting guard. Although he is shooting 46% from the field and 48% on three-pointers, Wise does take ill-advised shots at times. A good ball handler with a 2.12 Assist-to turnover ratio.

Playing minutes on the wing is freshman Jamelle Horne (6'6, 204, Fr), his play has been inconsistent this season. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his game still needs much refining.

This is not a deep Wildcats team. Three starters play over 35 minutes a game and two over 28 minutes. Reserves Daniel Dillion (6'3, 205, Sr), Bret Brielmaier (6'6, 237, Sr), and Fendi Onobum (6'6, 239, Jr) give the Wildcats some minutes off the bench - but they've sparse of late. Against the Trojans, O'Neill played his top five players over 33 minutes each.

UCLA will no doubt see a lot of zone from the Wildcats who will try to preserve their top players and to keep them in the game.

The Bruins are coming off one of their best performances of the year against Arizona State, and will need to make sure they come in with the same intensity they showed on Thursday night.

As the game wears on, the Bruin's depth and physical play should ultimately be the deciding factor in the game.

Date: Feb. 2
UCLA vs Arizona
Time: 6:00 PM PT
Place: Pauley Pavilion
TV: ESPN
Radio: AM 570

BBR Notes: Lorenzo Mata-Real's x-rays on his wrist were negative, however, the wrist is till very sore. He is listed as questionable for Saturday's game.

(photo credit: UA Athletics)

UCLA vs. Arizona State - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

No. 5 ranked UCLA returns home to Pauley Pavilion to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils in a Thursday night match-up.

The Bruins (18-2, 8-1) are coming off a successful road trip in Oregon sweeping aside the Ducks and Beavers on their home floors. Current Pac-10 Player of the Week Kevin Love compiled a massive total of 42 points and 37 rebounds over the two contests.

Forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and center Lorenzo Mata-Real are expected to play on Thursday.  Both players are recovering from concussions they suffered in the USC game.  Mbah a Moute missed both games in Oregon last week.

Arizona State is 14-5 and 4-3 in the Pac-10 under second-year coach Herb Sendek. After breaking into the top 25 rankings with a ten game winning streak and starting 4-0 in conference play, Arizona State has lost three straight games, including disheartening losses last week at home to both Washington schools.

Washington State defeated the Sun Devils, 56-55, on Saturday. Trailing by eight with less than three minutes left, the Sun Devils scored seven straight points to cut the deficit to one. But their comeback bid fell short when freshman guard James Harden missed a runner with two seconds left and time ran out.

Arizona State’s success is predicated on its stifling defense. They play primarily an aggressive 3-2 match-up zone and will mix it up at times with a man-to-man or 1-3-1 zone.

Their defense forces teams to shoot over the zone and they also aggressively play the passing lanes. And they've had success, the Sun Devils rank 21st in the nation in scoring defense allowing a meager 59.7 points on 39.7% shooting. In addition they lead the Pac-10 in steals with 7.05 a game.

Coach Sendek utilizes a Princeton-type offense complete with motion, screens, and back-door cuts. One aspect of the offense is it creates open three-point shooting opportunities, but as a team the Sun Devils have struggled with their three-point shooting since the start of conference play - hitting less than 30% from beyond the arc.  Against the Cougars, they were just 2-14 on three-pointers.

With 6’9 center Jeff Pendergraph as the only starter taller than 6’4, Arizona has had difficulty controlling the boards.  In Pac-10 play they are being outrebounded -2.4 per game. Washington’s Jon Brockman grabbed 16 rebounds including 5 off the offensive glass against them last week.

The Sun Devils field one of the youngest lineups in the nation, starting three true freshmen, one sophomore, and one junior.

Freshman James Harden (6’4, 218), a former Artesia HS standout, leads the team with a 18.8 point scoring average while shooting 54.6% from the field and 42% on three-pointers.

The left-handed guard has become the team’s first option on offense. His outside shooting forces defenders to respect him on the perimeter and his quick first-step and veteran-like moves (he just turned 18 in August) around the basket has made him a consistent scorer inside. His caginess in the paint has allowed him to get to the free throw stripe 216 times and he’s already had ten 20-point game performances.

Harden, a McDonald All-American last year, was recently named to the Wooden Award Top 30 Midseason watchlist. In addition to his offensive prowess, he leads the conference in steals with 1.89 and pulls down 5.3 rebounds per game  (2nd on the team).

In the key match-up of the game, UCLA’s Russell Westbrook will have the primary assignment of guarding Harden. Westbrook has admittedly not been as focused on defense the past few games – allowing players to get by him too easily, but he will need to regain his early season form if he is to stop the high-scoring Harden.  He needs to prevent Harden from getting into the paint where he can break down the Bruin defense, and try to deny Harden from getting the ball or at least force him into tough shots.

In recent games the Sun Devils have got into the habit of getting the ball to Harden and then watch him try to score, something Sendek warned his team to guard against doing against UCLA.

One thing to keep an eye one, Harden has been slowed recently by a nagging groin muscle pull which bothered him in both Washington games.

Returning starting center Jeff Pendergraph (6’9, 230, Jr) is second in the conference in field goal shooting 62.2% and averages 13.4 points per game. He is averaging 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

A streaky-type player, Pendergraph has the physical ability to dominate the game on both ends of the court. He has a solid turnaround jumper and midrange game and finishes strong around the basket.

On defense, when he has it going, Pendergraph can own the paint utilizing his length and leaping ability. But there are times during the game when Pendergraph can disappear on the floor. 

He also has a tendency to be foul prone. Last season against UCLA, Pendergraph was on the bench for long stretches in games due to early foul trouble. Pendergraph will be matched up against Kevin Love.

Love seemingly has improved with each and every game. His low-post offensive moves can be troublesome for Pendergraph to defend against or to stay out of foul trouble.  Last season against UCLA, Pendergraph spent much of his time on the bench due to early foul trouble.

On Tuesday, Pendergraph said of Kevin Love, “He is not out there just setting screens like the typical UCLA big man. He is a focal point of their offense."

Freshman Ty Abbott (6’2, 200) starts at one wing. A prolific outside shooter who gives the Sun Devils a key third scoring threat, He is averaging 11.2 points a game.

Abbott’s shooting has tailed off recently and some postulate he has hit the proverbial freshman wall. Last week Abbott was just 3-15 on three-pointers, up until that game, he had been shooting over 40% from beyond the arc.

Josh Shipp will try to extend Abbott’s shooting woes but he’ll need to do a good job of closing out quickly on Abbott on the perimeter.

Josh’s little brother, Jerren (6’3, 214, So), starts at another guard spot. Jerren Shipp is averaging 7.1 points and 4.2 rebounds a game. He is struggling from the field this season, shooting just 38.9%. A solid player who does not make a lot of mistakes (0.8 turnover), his hustle on both ends of the court helps to make the team better.

At point guard is freshman Jamelle McMillan (6’1, 165), his improved play moved him into the starting line-up.  He splits time with last year’s starter Derek Glasser (6'1, 180, So). McMillan is averaging just 2.4 points and 2.8 assists a game while Glasser is averaging 5.2 points and 4.2 assists.

McMillan gives the Sun Devils more speed on the perimeter than Glasser, although Glasser is capable of holding his own, especially in Sendek’s style of offense.

Eric Boateng (6'10, 245, So), a transfer from Duke, gives the Sun Devils some size off the bench.  He is averaging 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds a game.  He's had problems handling the ball inside at times resulting in turnovers.

Other players off the bench are two who started for the Sun Devils last season, Christian Polk (6'3, 175, So) and Antwi Atuahene (6'3, 205, Sr).  Both players give the team solid play in reserve and can step into the lineup when needed.

The Bruins struggled scoring against the Sun Devil's aggressive match-up zone last season, averaging just 63.5 points in the two games.  UCLA has played better against zones recently but none of the zone defenses they've faced are on par with the Sun Devils.

Arizona State has the ability to put up more points than teams of recent years. Their freshmen have injected the roster with more offensive weapons and options - and James Harden is for real.

Still, Kevin Love and company may be too much of a load inside for the undersized Sun Devil team.  With players, such as Abbott and Shipp, struggling with their outside shooting, if the Bruins (Westbrook) can check Harden, UCLA, at home in Pauley Pavilion, may be just too much to overcome for such a young Arizona State squad.    

(photo credit: ASU Athletics)

UCLA vs. Oregon State - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

Sitting atop the Pac-10 conference in first-place, UCLA finishes their swing through the state of Oregon when they face the Beavers in Corvallis on Saturday.

The Bruins (17-2, 5-1) have won five straight against Oregon State, including a 71-56 win the last time the teams faced each other at Gill Coliseum.

Oregon State's basketball program, which once sported stars such as Gary Payton and A.C. Green and guided by Hall of Fame coach Ralph Miller, has fallen into complete disarray.

After a 0-6 start in conference play, Coach Jay John was fired last week after years of mediocrity and low expectations. His departure was quickly followed by the dismissal of transfer center C.J. Giles from the team. Yet, things began to unravel much earlier for John and the team, when at the end of last season starters Sasa Cuic and Jack McGillis opted to leave the program for better opportunities elsewhere.

The Beavers named assistant coach Kevin Mouton as interim coach last week and he immediately decided to shake things up on Thursday against USC by benching the team's second leading scorer and only senior Marcel Jones. Jones did come off the bench but he scored just 5 points on 1-11 shooting.

Oregon State was sacked by the Trojans in the game, 68-44. The Beaver's leading scorer was reserve, Lathen Wallace who had been averaging just 8 minutes a contest. For the game, the team shot 27.7% from the field.

With the Pac-10 conference sporting a multitude of teams capable of making the NCAA tournament this year, only the Beavers (6-13, 0-7) are out of any contention, and their abysmal season is only expected to get worse.

The Beavers are averaging 60.5 points a game on 38.3% shooting from the field and an embarrassing 27.9% on three-pointers.

The lone bright spot on the team has been the play of sophomore wing Seth Tarver (6'5, 205). After a rough freshman season when he battled injuries, he leads the team in scoring with 12.0 a game and is averaging 5.4 rebounds.

Tarver's brother, Josh, however has struggled from the point this season. All his numbers are down from his frosh year, he's averaging 7.5 points on just 33.6% shooting.

Seth and Josh's older brother, Shon, played at UCLA for four years (1991-1994). He led the Bruins in scoring in 1993.

For UCLA, both Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Lorenzo Mata-Real are questionable for tomorrow's game. It wouldn't be surprising if either players were held out to give them more time to get over their concussions. It would give their replacements, James Keefe and Nikola Dragovic, some minutes on the floor to help hone their games.

Although Keefe fouled out on Thursday with just 3 points and no rebounds,, his scrappy play on the floor and willingness to set screens is invaluable in Howland's offense.

After hitting a key three-pointer down the stretch against Oregon, its hoped Dragovic is out of his early season shooting slump. Going into the game, Dragovic was shooting just 19% (6-31) from beyond the arc.

Date: Jan. 26
UCLA vs Oregon State
Time: 8:00 PM PT
Place: Corvallis, OR
TV: FSN Prime
Radio: AM 570

(photo credit: OSU Athletics)

UCLA vs. Oregon - Game Preview

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

UCLA will try to rebound from a disappointing loss last week to USC when they travel up north on Thursday to face the Oregon Ducks at McArthur Court in Eugene.

Bruin freshman star Kevin Love returns home to Oregon where he played high school basketball at Lake Oswego.  He is expected to receive a special welcome from the home crowd and student section.

“They’re just trying to help their team win," Kevin Love said. "I’m just going to look at it as something fun for me. We’re going to come out with our game plan and will be ready. The Pit is just trying to help the U of O team as best as they can.”

Oregon (12-6, 3-3) returns home to McArthur Court where it is undefeated in 2007-08 (8-0).

The Ducks were swept last week on the road by both Washington schools. On Saturday, they fell short against the Cougars, 69-60. Oregon center Maarty Leunen scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the losing cause. Malik Hairston added 14 points on 6 of 10 shooting.

As indicated by their home record, Oregon will be tough to beat at McArthur Court. An explosive offensive team, which can put points up on the scoreboard quickly, the Ducks lead the Pac-10 in scoring, averaging 80.4 points a contest while shooting 49% from the field. In addition, they lead the conference in three-pointers made per game with 8.2, making 37.9% of their long-distance attempts.

Oregon has struggled taking care of the ball season at times, giving up 15.4 turnovers a game, which has resulted in less field goal attempts per game versus opponents – almost 3.6 less attempts.

Last season the Ducks gave the Bruins difficulties when they spread the floor on offense to allow their perimeter players to take UCLA defenders off the dribble. Although, speedy point guard Aaron Brooks is no longer here, they have still have skilled and quick guards and wings who can cause problems for the Bruins.

UCLA may even have more trouble due to the potential loss of Luc Richard Mbah a Moute for this game due to a concussion. With Michael Roll already sidelined by a foot injury, if Mbah a Moute is unavailable then expect both Chace Stanback and Nikola Dragovic to see minutes. James Keefe will also see increased time if Mbah a Moute is out but also since senior center Lorenzo Mata-Real may miss the game.  Mata-Real also suffered a concussion during the USC game.

Duck's reserve forward Joevan Catron, who has missed the entire Pacific-10 Conference season with plantar fascitis, is expected to play Thursday night.  Kamyron Brown, the back-up freshman point guard who had to fly back to Los Angeles to visit his ill grandmother on Monday, is also expected to be on the court to face the Bruins.

Defensively, Oregon has allowed opponents 73.1 points a game on just 31.8% shooting. In six conference games, the Ducks have been outrebounded by bigger Pac-10 teams 33.3 to 32.2 rebounds a game.

Coach Ernie Kent’s Oregon team lacks size inside, although Catron's return helps. The Ducks usually play four guards on the floor lined up alongside forward Maarty Leunen. As a result of being overmatched in the interior against the Bruins, the Ducks will likely play primarily zone defense especially since UCLA has struggled at times attacking zones.

The Ducks are led by a triumvirate of talented seniors who are looking to make a big mark in their last collegiate season: Maarty Leunen, Malik Hairston, and Bryce Taylor.

Leunen (6’8, 220) gives the Ducks their only regular presence inside the paint although he is just as comfortable stepping out and hitting a three-point shot. He is averaging 15.9 points on 58.8% field goal shooting and leads the team in rebounding with 9.9 a game.

The former Redmond HS star is also leading the team in three-point shooting percentage, averaging 49.2% from beyond the arc. Although not a shot-blocker, Leunen plays solid position defense in the post, but he will be challenged by UCLA’s big freshman center Kevin Love (6’9, 265). No doubt, the Duck’s defensive zone will collapse on to Love to deny post pass entries into him as well as to protect Leunen from any potential foul trouble.

Looking to show he was worth all the hype he received as a top incoming freshman four years ago, Malik Hairston (6'6, 220) has started this season as a force to be reckon with on the floor. The senior forward leads the team in scoring with 18.0 a game while shooting 55% from the field and 47.9% from beyond the arc.

Although not the quickest player on the court, his hot perimeter shooting has allowed him to take opponents off the dribble and get into the paint where he is a good scorer.  He has also been very effective on the offensive boards utilizing his length and size.

Hairston will be an extremely tough match-up for the Bruins if Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is unavailable to suit up. James Keefe and perhaps Chace Stanback would get the call against Hairston if Mbah a Moute is unable to go.

Bryce Taylor (6'4, 210) is an athletic wing who usually saves his best games for the Bruins.  He's averaging 13.5 points and 4.4 rebounds a game . He's also shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc.

A solid defender and dynamic scorer who can get to the basket as well as shoot from the three, Taylor will be initially matched up against Josh Shipp although we'll likely see Russell Westbrook immediately shifting onto Taylor once he enters the game. 

At point guard is Tajuan Porter (5'6, 150, So) who is going through a sophomore jinx.  With Aaron Brooks gone, Porter has been asked to replace the All-Pac 10 conference first team point guard, however he has struggled mightily from the field.  While Porter is averaging  a respectable 13.0 points a game, he is shooting an abysmal 37.9% from the field and 30.5% on three-pointers.

Although he's improved his decision-making of late, Porter still has struggled with turnovers, many times trying to force the action on the floor.  Freshman Kamyron Brown (6'2, 170) has played surprisingly well for the Ducks and has given Coach Kent another option at the point.  Brown started against Washington State.

With injuries mounting on the Bruin bench, and with still more than half the Pac-10 season to go, UCLA has some upcoming challenges against talent-laden teams, especially in a venue like McArthur Court.

Without Mbah a Moute, the Bruins not only lose a valuable rebounder and system player, they more importantly lose an excellent perimeter and lock-down defender.  And against a perimeter-dominated team like Oregon, the Bruins may have trouble keeping up with the Ducks in Eugene.

Defensively, UCLA needs to get back in transition and stop the Ducks from running, and prevent them from getting into the paint off the dribble.

The Bruins will need to work hard to execute on offense and get the ball to Kevin Love and leverage their huge size advantage in the middle.  Whether it be inside or at the high post or short corner, the offense needs to run through Love.

(photo credit: Oregon Athletics) 

UCLA vs. USC - Game Preview

Arron Afflalo Hits Game Winner Over USC

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dgXcnmfb2U&rel=1]

By KS Wong
Bruin Basketball Report

No.4 ranked UCLA, winners of nine-straight games, hosts crosstown rival USC at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday afternoon.

The Bruins (16-1, 4-0) are tied for first-place in the Pac-10 with Arizona State. UCLA swept both Washington schools at Pauley last week. Freshman Kevin Love was voted Pac-10 Player of the Week for his contributions in both games.

USC (10-6, 1-3) defeated Washington, 66-51, on Saturday for its first conference win of the season. Sophomore guard Dwight Lewis led all scorers with 17 points.

The 2007-08 season has been one of transition for the Trojans. They lost their top three scorers and veteran leaders from last season, Nick Young (Wizards), Gabe Pruitt (Celtics), and Loderick Stewart.

Trojan head coach Tim Floyd has reloaded with a talented group of freshmen led by one of the top players in the nation, O.J. Mayo. USC is still struggling with consistency and team chemistry, however, the Trojans should improve as the conference season progresses.

Since Floyd's arrival to USC, he has emphasized defense and this season has been no different. Entering this week, the Trojans rank 21st in the nation and lead the Pac-10 in defensive field goal percentage with 38.2%.

They held Washington to just 33.3% shooting in their victory. On the season the Trojans are holding opponents to 61.0 points a game.

The Trojans play both man and zone defenses, however, they are expected to play a lot of zone against the Bruins on Saturday, in particular a 1-3-1 zone. USC used this effectively against UCLA last season, in addition, its certain that Floyd observed how Michigan's 1-3-1 zone bothered the Bruins earlier in the season.

UCLA has executed more effectively against zones at times since the start of conference play, attacking the seams more aggressively and finding players in the high post. It will be interesting how they fare against the Trojans who have long and very athletic players especially on the wings.

Last season, the Trojans had supreme three-point shooters in Young, Pruitt, and Stewart , however, this year's Trojan team has struggled from beyond the arc. While they are shooting 36.6% on three-pointers on the season, the Trojans have struggled in Pac-10 conference play, shooting an anemic 23.6% in four games. Sophomore guard Daniel Hackett, who made 48.1% of his three-pointers in nonconference games, has missed all eight of his attempts in Pac-10 games.

The Trojans are shooting 47% from the field and averaging 68.1 points a game.

On the boards, Washington outrebounded USC by a huge margin, 42-28, on Saturday The Huskies grabbed 22 offensive rebounds in the game. In four conference games, the Trojans are being outrebounded by -9.2 a game, at the same time, the Bruins are a +7.5.

One of the highlights of this rivalry game is the match-up between the top freshmen in the country; UCLA's Kevin Love and USC's O.J. Mayo.

Although the two will not actually guard each other, it will definitely be the only chance to see these two compete in the same game in Trojan and Bruin uniforms since one, and likely both, will be headed to the NBA next season.

Love is averaging a double-double, 16.8 points and 10.2 rebounds, and with each week has shown improvement in almost every facet of his game, including the defensive end.

While Mayo (6'5, 200, Fr) is leading the Trojans in scoring with 19.9 a game - second best in the country. However, perhaps the most telling statistic for Mayo is the fact he accounts for more than 30% of his team's shot attempts, moreover, he has almost twice as many shot attempts (264) than the next player on the team.

Mayo has scored more than 30 points in two games this season, but the Trojans lost both games, moreover, in games which Mayo has more than 20 shot attempts the Trojan's record is 2-4.

He is an extremely talented player who can hit from outside and drive to the basket effortlessly in traffic. At the same time, he is prone to taking ill-advised shots or going one-on-one while his teammates stand and watch him try to create his own shot.

In perhaps the best match-up to watch on the floor on Saturday, UCLA's Russell Westbrook will get the call against Mayo. Although Westbrook will come off the bench, expect him to get his usual 32-35 minutes of playing time. Westbrook knows Mayo will get his shot attempts but he will try to make them as tough as possible while not letting Mayo take him off the dribble.

At the other guard spot, the Trojans will either start Daniel Hackett (6'5, 205, So) or Angelo Johnson (5'11, 180, Fr). Floyd started Johnson against Washington due to the match-up against speedy Venoy Overton and it wouldn't be a surprise if Johnson got the nod against UCLA's Darren Collison for defensive purposes.

Hackett has struggled with his outside shooting of late although he's still averaging 10.7 points a game and leads the team in assists at 3.7. Johnson is a quick guard who is averaging 4.4 points on 41.4% shooting and 35.7% on three-pointers.

Davon Jefferson (6'8, 215, Fr) is a very athletic player but has been inconsistent in his play all season. He's averaging 11.8 points on 53.8% field goal shooting and 5.5 rebounds a game. Jefferson has also dealt with team disciplinary issues, having missed four games for various reasons this season.

A tough match-up when he's focused, Jefferson can attack the basket, in addition, his size and length can cause problems on defense. Alfred Aboya will get the initial start against Jefferson but Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will likely get the most minutes against him, especially if he has healed from a groin pull injury he suffered at practice on Monday. If Mbah a Moute is unable to contribute significant minutes, then sophomore James Keefe will log major minutes.

At the wing spot is Dwight Lewis (6'5, 215, So), a returning starter from last season, he has been solid this season, averaging 11.1 points on 49.6% shooting and 34.2% from three point distance. Lewis is constantly moving and cutting, usually finding himself around the ball. He is good defender and perhaps the most consistent player on the team, providing stability on a young club. Lewis and Josh Shipp will likely lock horns for most of the contest.

While center Taj Gibson (6'9, 225, So) has been effective, all his numbers are down from his standout freshman season. Gibson's point production is down from 12.2 to 9.4 points and his rebounds down from 8.7 to 8.0. He was a key low post presence on the team last season, and if the Trojans are to improve they'll need to do a better job to involve him in the offense.

Gibson is a good shot-blocker (2.1) with quick jumping ability, however at 225 lb, he may have difficulty handling Love in the low post, especially the way Love has been operating in the low post of late. In addition, Gibson is very foul-prone, having already fouled out of four games this season.

The Trojans do have size off the bench, and it wouldn't be surprising if Floyd uses a rotation of Keith Wilkinson (6'10, 225, Jr), Rouseau Cromwell 6'11, 225, Jr), and Mamadou Diarra (7'0, 230, Fr) to expend all their fouls on Love during the course of the game to wear out the freshman.

UCLA has been playing their best ball of the season since the start of Pac-10 conference play, in particular freshman Kevin Love has stepped it up a notch over the last four games.

While the Trojans have already lost three conference games, their defense, athleticism and potential explosiveness on offense makes them a dangerous club on any given night.

This same USC team, which lost their season opener to lowly Mercer, also had the ability take No.2 ranked Memphis and No.3 ranked Kansas down to the wire, losing by just four points to both team.

Date: Jan. 19
Time: 12:30 PM PT
Place: Pauley Pavilion
TV: CBS
Radio: AM 570

(photo credit: USC athletics)